RAK becomes first ERCA body outside Europe
RAK Leisure Academy (RAKLA) has officially become the first ERCA-accredited Training Body outside of Europe. Recognised by the European Ropes Course Association (ERCA), RAKLA is now authorised to design and deliver certified training courses that meet the highest international standards for safety, training, and operations. This accreditation will enable RAK to become a hub for internationally recognised certification in the Middle East, eliminating the need for outsourced European trainers, creating new revenue streams, and reinforcing global safety standards.
ERCA is widely regarded as the most respected ropes course authority in Europe and across the globe, known for its rigorous benchmarks in professional instruction, inspection, and course management. This achievement reinforces RAKLA’s commitment to excellence in adventure-based learning and enhances the credibility of training offered in the UAE and the wider Middle East.
Beijing to host ITB China MICE 2025
Beijing has been announced as the Official Host City for the MICE Meeting Point 2025, a curated two-day ConfEx event taking place on September 11–12. Organised by the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism in partnership with ITB China, the event will gather global MICE decision-makers—including corporate buyers, conference planners, and tech providers—for high-level dialogue, product showcases, and business exchange.
A dedicated Beijing Enterprise Exhibition Group will highlight the city’s strengths in venues, integrated services, and digital innovation. International buyers and media will also join a familiarisation trip to explore Beijing’s iconic sites and MICE capabilities. This strategic partnership aims to deepen global collaboration, expand inbound tourism, and promote China’s growing role in the international MICE industry, reinforcing Beijing’s position as a world-class hub for business events and cultural exchange.
PATA: Asia Pacific to hit 800M visitors by 2027
The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) has released its Mid-Year Update to the Asia Pacific Visitor Forecasts 2025–2027, offering fresh insights on tourism recovery across 39 destinations. Developed with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the report outlines three scenarios and projects 801 million international visitor arrivals by 2027 under the medium case. China, Türkiye, and Mongolia lead in recovery, while India and the UK emerge as key source markets.
The update highlights rising wellness travel demand, digital influence on younger travellers, and how currency shifts and policy changes reshape regional tourism. This data-driven guide helps industry stakeholders anticipate disruptions and capture emerging opportunities. An exclusive webinar on June 26 explored key findings, while detailed Destination Forecasts Reports were released on July 1 with Visa as the exclusive sponsor.
Jordan unveils epic cultural lineup
Jordan is rolling out an extraordinary cultural calendar in 2025, inviting the world to experience its vibrant soul through music, art, food, and film. Highlights include the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (July 23–Aug 2), the Amman International Film Festival (July 2–10), and the Jordan International Food Festival (Aug 6–11). Music legends like Sami Yusuf, Amr Diab, Kadim Al Sahir, Wael Kfoury, and Ahmed Saad will perform across iconic venues from Amman to the Dead Sea.
Family-friendly shows such as Pluma Circus and Abla Fahita add to the diverse lineup. With performances, film, culinary celebrations, and marathons like the Amman Marathon (Oct 17), Jordan Tourism aims to offer immersive experiences that reflect the kingdom’s rich heritage, modern creativity, and warm hospitality — welcoming travellers for an unforgettable year.