The Michelin Guide, known for its restaurant rankings, will start rating hotels with the Michelin Key system from 2024. The new guide will evaluate hotels based on five criteria, including local experience contribution, architectural and interior design excellence, service quality, uniqueness, and value consistency. Initially, 5,300 hotels in 120 countries will be assessed. The Michelin Key hotels will be bookable via Michelin's platform, generating commission for the company. This expansion follows Michelin's acquisition of Tablet Hotels nearly five years ago.

Oman's first low-cost airline, SalamAir, will permanently operate flights from Muscat to Beirut every Saturday starting 30 September 2023, with additional flights during the New Year holiday period. The decision comes in response to high demand and successful bookings for holiday and summer season flights. The service aims to cater to Lebanese expats, tourists, and business opportunities, enhancing connectivity and economic benefits for both countries. SalamAir's network includes 41 destinations since commencing operations in 2017.

Phil Dickinson, Vice President of International Markets at Visit Qatar, discusses Qatar's tourism strategy post-FIFA World Cup 2022. The country has seen a strong start to 2023 with events like Shop Qatar and the Qatar International Food Festival driving record arrivals, particularly from GCC markets. The new half-a-billion-dollar Grand Terminal has boosted the cruise sector, with major lines like MSC, Costa, Aida, and Tui servicing Qatar. MICE and Indian weddings have also been significant tourism drivers. Upcoming events include the Formula 1 Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix and the MotoGP Qatar Airways Grand Prix 2023. Qatar Airways, the world's best airline, and Hamad International Airport, the world's best airport, support the tourism infrastructure. Qatar is actively promoting in priority markets through representative offices, PR, media, trade shows, and familiarization trips.

Beautiful Destinations, a major online travel influencer and marketing agency, has partnered with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority to create a short-form video campaign aimed at promoting the emirate. The campaign, which will be featured on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, includes 30 pieces of content designed to inspire travelers through cinematic-style videos. Raki Phillips, CEO of RAKTDA, highlighted the record-breaking visitor numbers in the first half of 2023 and the effectiveness of short-form video in marketing. Ras Al Khaimah was featured in Time magazine's World's Greatest Places of 2022 and CNN Travel's Best Destinations to Visit in 2023, and it has seen significant growth in tourism and hotel infrastructure.

Banyan Tree Group is set to make its Dubai debut with a new hotel on Bluewaters Island, taking over the site of Caesar’s Palace Dubai. The hotel, to be rebranded as Banyan Tree Dubai, will open in late 2023 and will feature 179 rooms, 30 suites, a four-bedroom villa, and 96 private residences. The resort will offer a luxury wellness oasis with Asian-inspired hospitality. The project is a result of a partnership with ACCOR and Ennismore, and is part of a strategic agreement signed in 2016. Dubai Holding's CEO Amit Kaushal highlighted the importance of the collaboration in enhancing Dubai's hospitality landscape.

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has expanded its presence in Turkey, surpassing 100 hotels with recent openings including the Days Hotel by Wyndham Istanbul Esenyurt and others. As the largest international hotel company in Turkey, Wyndham's portfolio is the fifth largest globally. The expansion aligns with Turkey's growing tourism, particularly from the Gulf and Middle Eastern countries. Panos Loupasis and Dimitris Manikis of Wyndham expressed commitment to the market and the significance of the milestone coinciding with the Republic of Turkey's 100th anniversary.

Anantara Kihavah Maldives in Baa Atoll has completed a multi-million-dollar refurbishment of its Over Water Pool Villas, aiming to position them among the most luxurious in the Maldives. The renovation, led by Atelier Pod, features a wooden cabin aesthetic with smart technology and local materials. The villas now have lighter color schemes, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, and glass-bottomed soaking bathtubs. The extended decks include new seating, larger hammocks, outdoor rain showers, and updated infinity pools. A new villa category for families has also been introduced. General Manager Sjefke Jansen highlighted the enhancements and the introduction of the One Bedroom Family Over Water Pool Villa.

Amankila, located in East Bali, offers a serene and luxurious resort experience with hillside villas, sea views, and a private black sand beach. The resort features a three-tier infinity pool, complimentary water sports, and cookery classes. Accommodations include traditional Balinese teak suites with modern amenities such as Japanese Toto toilets. The Restaurant and The Terrace offer international and Italian dining options, while The Bar and The Beach Club provide drinks and light bites. Activities include spa treatments, water sports, and excursions to snorkelling sites and cultural landmarks. The resort emphasizes relaxation and rejuvenation, with limited entertainment options to encourage a peaceful stay.

Gede Suteja, the general manager of COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, discusses the unique selling points of the wellness retreat, including its environment, wellness programs, and cuisine. The retreat competes with other global wellness retreats and luxury hotels in Ubud. Suteja outlines the support offered to the travel trade, including industry rates and global sales offices. Key source markets are identified, with a focus on expanding in the Middle East, India, and China. The hotel's sustainability practices and strategies for increasing occupancy and revenue are highlighted, along with staff retention methods. New developments, such as a tennis court and enhanced wellness programs, are in the pipeline.

Kimberly Rose Kneier, Director of Wellness at COMO Shambhala Estate in Bali, discusses the emerging wellness trends in 2023, including the importance of social connections, nature, and authentic cultural experiences in wellness travel. She highlights the integration of technology in fitness and nutrition, such as the COMO Shambhala Anywhere app, and the focus on food quality in their cuisine. Kneier also mentions upcoming wellness programme enhancements at the estate, like the introduction of ice baths and a hyperbaric oxygen machine, and the increasing public interest in comprehensive wellbeing.

Ashok Kumar, founder and managing director of Cruise Master, discusses the growth and opportunities in the Middle East cruise industry, highlighting river cruising and new home ports in the GCC as emerging segments. The UN World Tourism Organisation notes the cruise sector's significant economic contribution, with a forecast of 4 million new travelers by 2025. Kumar addresses the industry's goals, including environmental sustainability and technological advancements, while acknowledging challenges such as geopolitical issues, extreme weather, and the need for adequate port infrastructure. He also mentions the negative impact of the pandemic on cruise-dependent destinations and the role of new technologies in improving the onboard experience.

Rotana, under the leadership of President and CEO Guy Hutchinson, is experiencing growth with plans to expand into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the UK, including the launch of luxury hotels and the new brand Edge by Rotana. At the Future Hospitality Summit in Saudi Arabia, Hutchinson highlighted the hospitality industry's boom and Rotana's focus on sustainable travel and cultural understanding in investment. Saudi Arabia is noted for its investment potential, with Rotana planning to triple its room count in the Kingdom. Trends in luxury tourism and 'bleisure' travel were identified, and Rotana's pipeline includes new luxury resorts and digitally enabled hotels in the UK.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) participated in Cruise Travel Mart 2023 in the UAE, targeting the Middle East cruise market. NCL showcased its latest products, including the new ship Norwegian Viva, which will sail the Mediterranean. The event was an opportunity for NCL to engage with travel agents and discuss industry trends. NCL's The Haven by Norwegian, a luxury ship-within-a-ship concept, was highlighted for appealing to younger affluent clients and larger families traveling with domestic staff. Kevin Bubolz, NCL's vice president, emphasized the UAE's importance as a market and destination, and the interest in The Haven's exclusive services. A nine-day sailing through Italy, Greece, and Croatia on Norwegian Viva was recommended for the summer.

The Grand Ball of Monte-Carlo will be hosted in Dubai for the first time on March 17, 2023, at the Burj Al Arab's Al Falak Ballroom. The event, with a 'princes and princesses' theme, will feature performances by international artists and is directed by opera singer and UNICEF Ambassador Delia Grace Noble. Attendees will include high-net-worth individuals, members of royal families, designers, and film stars. The ball originated in Venice, supported by Monaco's Mayor Georges Marsan and the Italian Ambassador to Monaco, and is held under the High Patronage of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. If successful, the event may become an annual fixture on Dubai's social calendar.

Sarah Hedley Hymers reviews the Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, detailing the luxurious opening gala, the resort's amenities, dining options, and accommodations. The resort is praised for its thoughtful touches, such as goodie bags with high-end products, a variety of dining experiences, and comfortable suites with eco-friendly practices. The location on West Beach is highlighted as ideal for both local residents and international tourists seeking a beach holiday.

Destination Mina Seyahi, encompassing W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, and Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark, has partnered with BE WTR to install the 'BiG 1500', an automated bottling facility providing local filtered water in reusable bottles. This initiative will replace 1.5 million single-use plastic bottles annually, supporting the Dubai Can and Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiatives. The water is purified using an innovative filtration system, and the project will extend to employee areas by Q4 2023. Mike Hecker of BE WTR and Tolga Lacin of Marriott International praised the environmental benefits and alignment with sustainable tourism.

Asir, a Saudi region, is celebrated for its unique environment and mountains, including Al Soudah, the country's highest peak, ideal for hiking. Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to climb Everest, often returns to explore Asir's rugged trails. The region is also known for its culinary specialties, cultural atmosphere, and family-friendly destinations like the Abha dam. Asir's landscapes feature canyons and waterfalls, and the Al Dhabbab walk offers stunning views of Abha. The Fatima Museum showcases the traditional Al Qatt-Al-Asiri mural decoration, recognized by UNESCO. Rijal Almaa, 60 km west of Abha, is known for its charming gingerbread-like appearance and the summer tradition of men wearing floral crowns.

Saudi Arabia's Asir region offers hiking trails and trendy cafes, with Al-Soudah mountain as a starting point for visitors. Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to climb Everest, praises the exclusive nature of the area. Local guide Zaki Al Arifi provides tours revealing the authentic Asir. Abha, the capital, features modern shopping centers, street art, and traditional markets. The Joy Venue cafe and Art Street are highlighted as cultural spots, while the Fatima museum preserves local women's art. Rijal Almaa, known as the 'gingerbread village', is famous for its red brick facades and flower-crowned men who celebrate with festivals in the summer.

Atlantis The Royal in Dubai, an ultra-luxury hotel, celebrated its grand opening with a star-studded event featuring performances by Beyoncé and appearances by celebrities like Kendall Jenner and Jay-Z. The hotel boasts extravagant amenities, including Sky Pool Villas, deep plush bathmats, and a variety of dining options such as Heston Blumenthal's Dinner and José Andrés' Jaleo. With 17 F&B outlets, designer boutiques, and a comprehensive wellness center, Atlantis The Royal aims to attract a diverse luxury clientele.

Dubai Harbour, a new seafront district in Dubai, has welcomed the Queen Mary 2 on its Centenary World Voyage. The vessel, known for its British heritage and as the only ocean liner offering regular transatlantic crossings, is the largest ever built. Dubai Harbour expects to welcome over 300,000 passengers during the 2022/23 cruise season. Officials from Dubai Harbour and Cunard exchanged plaques to commemorate the maiden call. Angus Struthers from Cunard and Abdulla Binhabtoor from Shamal Holding expressed positive sentiments about the partnership and the facilities at Dubai Harbour.

Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways were ranked third and fourth respectively on AirlineRatings' list of the 20 safest airlines for 2023, with Emirates in seventh place. Qantas was ranked the safest airline. The rankings were based on various factors including fleet age, pilot training, profitability, safety initiatives, audits, Covid-19 procedures, crashes, and serious incidents. The top 20 airlines have very small safety margins between them, and the way flight crews handle incidents is a key differentiator of airline safety.