60pc of travellers still prefer human trip planning over AI: Civitatis survey
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
A Civitatis survey of over 7,000 users shows that despite generative AI growth in travel planning, 60% of travellers still prefer human-curated recommendations and verified information for guided tours and excursions.
Middle Eastern countries show tourism's strength at ITB Berlin
Tue, 03 Mar 2026
Middle Eastern countries are out in force at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest travel trade show, showcasing their tourism offerings with renewed vigour despite the ongoing conflict in parts of the region. From ambitious destination campaigns to major hospitality and aviation expansions, national tourism boards are using the global platform to reaffirm their commitment to growth, connectivity and international partnerships.
2026 travellers favour experiences, AI, local trips: Wingie
Wed, 28 Jan 2026
Wingie, a travel marketplace in Mena, has identified the key travel trends for 2026. While classic vacations remain popular, there's a shift towards experience-driven trips, AI-powered planning, and regional travel. Wingie predicts that in 2026, traditional holidays will continue, but alternatives will gain prominence, with social media influencing destination discovery.
TIME Hotels accelerates AI-led strategy for 2026
Mon, 19 Jan 2026
TIME Hotels has announced a strategic focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital transformation as a key pillar of its growth strategy for 2026, supporting operational scalability, enhancing guest experiences, and advancing its ambitious international expansion pipeline.
Red Sea Global, Bunat VC launch fund to empower AI innovations
Tue, 06 Jan 2026
Red Sea Global, the Saudi developer behind regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has joined hands with Bunat Ventures (Bunat VC) to launch an investment fund - a first of its kind in the kingdom - dedicated exclusively to empowering startups specialised in artificial-intelligence (AI) technologies.
AI adoption reaches 91pc in Mideast hospitality: PwC
Tue, 23 Dec 2025
A new PwC Middle East report, ' AI at the heart of tourism and hospitality: powering personalisation, efficiency and growth', reveals that while 91% of regional industry leaders are already piloting or using AI technologies, only 3% have achieved full-scale implementation.
Two-thirds of UAE, Saudi travellers trust AI to book accommodation: report
Thu, 27 Nov 2025
Nearly three-quarters of travellers (72%) say they have used AI to plan or research a holiday (77% in the UAE and 68% in KSA). Over a fifth (23%) say they use it “all the time” (24% in the UAE and 22% in KSA), according to Marriott Bonvoy’s 2026 Ticket to Travel Report.
HSMAI CSC MEA explores AI's impact on hospitality
Thu, 20 Nov 2025
The hospitality industry is evolving with artificial intelligence as a transformative force. AI has shifted from a concept to a crucial tool for enhancing guest engagement, optimising operations, and driving success. This topic will be a focal point at the upcoming HSMAI CSC MEA.
IBTM World 2025 opens with advocacy, AI taking centre stage
Wed, 19 Nov 2025
IBTM Exhibition Director, Claudia Hall, officially opened the 2025 edition of IBTM World in Barcelona with a ribbon cutting alongside several event partners to mark the long history of hosting the event in the city.
TOURISE explore AI’s impact on luxury hospitality
Thu, 13 Nov 2025
Launched at the inaugural TOURISE Summit, the ‘New Codes of Luxury: Elevating the Hospitality Guest Experience with AI’ white paper, produced by The Future Laboratory in partnership with Together Group, reveals how AI will redefine service, personalisation, and the very meaning of luxury for a new generation of global travellers.
UN Tourism sets AI agenda as Assembly concludes in Riyadh
Tue, 11 Nov 2025
UN Tourism has concluded the biggest General Assembly in its 50-year history, confirming new leadership, and announcing a shared vision for innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
TUI enters strategic partnership with AI-powered travel platform
Sun, 09 Nov 2025
TUI has entered into a strategic partnership with AI-powered travel platform Mindtrip. At the core of the partnership is the integration of TUI’s booking capabilities into Mindtrip’s consumer experience.
WTM London’s tech audience agree that AI is good for travel
Thu, 06 Nov 2025
Artificial intelligence is a net positive for travel, according to a show-of-hands after a lively debate which rounded off the Technology Summit at this year’s WTM London.
RateGain acquires Sojern to enhance AI in travel
Thu, 06 Nov 2025
RateGain Travel Technologies has completed its acquisition of Sojern, enhancing its AI-powered SaaS solutions for the hospitality and travel industry.
Tech leaders highlight AI and automation in hospitality innovation: FHS World
Tue, 21 Oct 2025
Future Hospitality Summit - FHS World, taking place in Dubai later this month, asked eight tech leaders what's next for the industry. Their answers paint a picture of an industry on the cusp of transformation, where AI, data, automation, and personalization converge, while the human touch remains essential.
Kuwait Airways launches its first AI training courses
Tue, 21 Oct 2025
Kuwait Airways organised its first training course on artificial intelligence. The course focused on fields related to public relations, marketing, and social media.
AI, flexible payments reshape travel: musafir.com
Mon, 06 Oct 2025
Two major trends are transforming travel: the rise of Artificial Intelligence and the increased adoption of flexible payment options. Musafir.com asserts that these elements will define the future of travel, emphasising the importance of integrating technology with personal interaction.