NEWS INDIA

  ●      The next-gen SmartSpeaker comes with 4G connectivity, fast charging capability, and longer battery life PhonePe, today, announced the launch of its next-gen SmartSpeaker, an upgraded version, designed to meet the evolving business needs of merchants. Built on the foundation of the original SmartSpeaker, the next-gen version is Made in India. The latest upgrade retains the popular features of its predecessor while introducing significant enhancements. Speaking on the launch, Yuvraj Singh Shekhawat, Chief Business Officer of Merchant Business at PhonePe, stated, "We are excited to introduce our next-generation SmartSpeakers, which are Made in India. Manufacturing these devices locally allows greater flexibility in adapting products to the specific needs and preferences of our merchants. With these SmartSpeakers, we are not only driving financial inclusion for merchants nationwide, especially in underserved areas, but also fostering domestic innovation...

  ·           Growth has been achieved across all show verticals, including regional year-on-year upticks for the Middle East (19%), Asia (20%), Europe (17%) and Africa (21%) ·          The hotels segment has grown 12% year-on-year, with all international global hotel chains present at ATM 2025 ·          ATM Travel Tech has grown by over 26% this year, with more than 100 travel technology companies showcasing their latest innovations   Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 May 2025: Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading global event for the travel and tourism sector, has welcomed more than 55,000 industry professionals from 166 countries, representing a 16% increase on last year’s edition. The event has showcased over 2,800 exhibiting companies, with 19% from the Middle East and 81% from the rest of the world.   Organised by RX Global, ATM 2...

    In partnership with Intelak, the ATM Start-Up Pitch Battle brought together the region’s leading travel innovators and disruptors ·          The live competition took place today on ATM’s Future Stage, where Club Escapade outlined its exclusive membership model and weekly drop system which creates demand-driven bookings, offering private, time-limited rates on unoccupied rooms   Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 1 May 2025: Club Escapade has won the 2025 edition of the ATM Start-up Pitch Battle, which was held in association with Intelak, overcoming stiff competition from some of the region's leading travel innovators and disruptors.   This year's competition received entries from 40 travel start-ups, including finalists ChatDMC, Penguinpass, SparkleHaze (Woohoo), TravStack, and WROXAI.   During the Pitch Battle, Soufiane Alimi, Founder and CEO, outlined how Club Escapade helps hoteliers optimise occupancy du...

Taiba Investments will launch the new identity of its home-grown hospitality brand, Makarem, at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025, during its participation in the forum taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from April 28 to May 1.   Taiba Investments, the leading Saudi company in the hospitality sector, aims to showcase the evolution of Makarem Hotels, one of the Kingdom’s most prominent hospitality brands. The brand's renewed vision blends heritage and innovation. Sultan bin Badr Al Otaibi, CEO of Taiba Investment, said: "The new identity goes beyond the visual aspect to encompass a comprehensive operational philosophy that includes developing the culture of hospitality, innovative services, and raising quality standards, in addition to utilising the latest hospitality technologies such as AI to uplift our guests’ experience". Launching the new identity marks a new phase in Makarem's journey, centred around the message of "Journey to the Origins", whi...

DUBAI, 30 April 2025 – The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, through its agency Tourism Malaysia is once again participating in Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to target more tourists from West Asia. Tourism Malaysia also launched VM2026 latest video which highlights surreal experiences in Malaysia. The travel exhibition runs from 28th April to 1st May.   The Malaysian delegation is led by The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia, who is accompanied by Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Director General of Tourism Malaysia. The delegation consists of 82 different organizations, which include five (5) state tourism boards, 34 tour operators, 35 hotels and resorts, five Tourism Products, two tourism associations alongside one airline.   The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, said: "Our multipronged VM2026 strategy provides a comprehensive fram...

  Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 29 April 2025: The Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, in collaboration with Dhofar Municipality, officially announced the much-anticipated Dhofar Khareef 2025 season during a press conference held on the sidelines of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai.   The announcement was led by His Excellency Dr Ahmed bin Mohsen Al Ghassani , Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and His Excellency Azzan bin Qasim Al Busaidi , Undersecretary for Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, highlighting Oman’s commitment to promoting one of the Arabian Peninsula’s most unique tourism seasons to the world.   Held annually from 21 June to 20 September, the Dhofar Khareef season transforms the southern region of Oman into a lush, verdant paradise, offering visitors moderate temperatures, misty landscapes, and rich cultural experiences. In 2024, the Khareef season recorded a 9% year-on-year increase in tourist arrivals, reaching approximately 1...

Representatives from Dubai Economy and Tourism, the Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority discussed the impact of events, festivals and conferences on the UAE’s growth ·  Speaking during IBTM@ATM, the discussion launched four days of insightful sessions which will explore the thriving business events industry   Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 28 April 2025:  On the opening day of Arabian Travel Market  (ATM) today, tourism leaders from the UAE were joined by representatives from the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) on the Business Events Stage, to examine how major events and festivals are driving socio-economic growth in the UAE.   Moderated by Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA, the panel featured  Ahmed Al-Khaja, CEO, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, Dubai Economy and Tourism; Mubarak Al Shamsi, Direct...