May 2025
Greetings Partners! Welcome to the Dakkak Newsletter, a curated resource crafted exclusively for our valued partners to explore updates, gain insights, and embark on extraordinary journeys through our exceptional destinations.
News & Events:
– Dakkak DMC achieves Travelife Partner level
– Jordan’s Tourism Sector Achieves Strong Q1 Growth
– Jordan to Host Inaugural MENA Travel Market Forum
– Jordan Celebrates Independence Day on May 25
Dakkak DMC achieves Travelife Partner level
The Travelife Partner level award was received by Dakkak DMC (Jordan). The award recognizes the long-term efforts of Dakkak DMC regarding sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility.
Dakkak DMC complies with more than 100 criteria, related to an operator’s office management, product range, international business partners and customer information. The Travelife Partner level standard is covering the ISO 26000 Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including environment, biodiversity, human rights and labour relation.
Mr. Naut Kusters, manager of Travelife for Tour Operators, “I am delighted to see that sustainability in the tour operator sector is obtaining momentum. The Partner award of Dakkak DMC will inspire other companies in Jordan to follow the same path’.
Travelife is the leading international sustainability certification for the travel sector. More than 35 national travel associations are promoting the scheme to their members including ABTA (UK), ANVR (NL), PATA (Asia), FTT (South Africa), SMAL (Finland), UHPA (Croatia), JARTA (Japan), APAVT (Portugal) and more.
About Travelife (www.travelife.org)
Travelife is a certification system, dedicated to achieving sustainable practices within the tourism industry. It provides companies with realistic sustainability goals, tools and solutions to implement positive change within their businesses and supply chains. Travelife is managed by ABTA – The Travel Association in the UK – and by ECEAT Projects – a not-for-profit organisation based in The Netherlands.
Travelife has two key focuses:
Travelife for Tour operators and Travel agents: the scheme provides online training and practical tools for sustainability management and certification. The training and online tools are suitable for tour operators and travel agencies of any size and cover all management aspects of the travel company business including office operations, the supply chain, destinations and consumers. Upon submitting a report in compliance with the Travelife standard (based on an independent onsite audit), the company can obtain the “Travelife Certified” status.
The Travelife standard for Tour operators and Travel agencies is based upon the full Corporate Social Responsibility themes, including labour conditions, human rights, environment, biodiversity and fair business practices. The management requirements are compatible with EMAS and ISO 14001. The system is supported by more than 35 national travel associations to further its implementation among members.
Jordan’s Tourism Sector Achieves Strong Q1 Growth
Jordan’s tourism industry kicked off 2025 with strong momentum, reporting record-breaking visitor numbers and revenue in the first quarter. The country’s diverse offerings and growing international connectivity continue to attract travelers from across the globe.
Key Highlights:
Over 1.5 million international visitors recorded in Q1 2025
Tourism revenue reached $1.02 billion, a 17% increase compared to Q1 2024
Growth driven by new flight routes, increased marketing, and enhanced infrastructure
Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea remain the top visited sites
Strong interest from European, Asian, and GCC markets
Jordan to Host Inaugural MENA Travel Market Forum
Jordan is set to become a hub for tourism innovation by hosting the first-ever MENA Travel Market Forum this May. In collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, this forum has already attracted significant interest from regional and international industry leaders.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Aim: To position Jordan as a center for innovation and collaboration in the tourism sector within the Middle East and North Africa region and beyond.
- Key Focus Areas: The forum will delve into critical topics shaping the future of travel, including:
- Sustainable Aviation: Exploring the potential of electric air travel.
- Online Payment Solutions: Addressing the need for secure digital transactions.
- Cybersecurity in Tourism: Ensuring traveler safety in the digital realm.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Tourism: Examining AI’s role in personalized experiences and operational efficiency.
- Expert Insights: Industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers will lead discussions, offering valuable perspectives on emerging trends and technologies.
- Public-Private Collaboration: The forum emphasizes the importance of partnerships between government and private entities in advancing the tourism industry.
- Official Carrier: Royal Jordanian, as the official carrier, highlights the shared commitment to boosting Jordan’s tourism standing.
- Strong Industry Interest: The event has already garnered significant attention from airlines, hotels, travel agencies, and tech providers, underscoring its potential to drive growth and innovation.
This forum promises to be a pivotal moment for the region’s tourism industry, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking, learning, and shaping the future of travel.
Jordan Celebrates Independence Day on May 25
Each year on May 25, Jordanians unite to celebrate the country’s Independence Day with nationwide festivities. This historic day marks the establishment of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in 1946.
Key Highlights:
Jordan celebrates 79 years of independence
Parades, fireworks, and official ceremonies take place across the Kingdom
A peak time for cultural engagement and local pride
Ideal for travelers to witness traditional music, dance, and celebrations
Dakkak UAE
News & Events:
– Summary of the ATM 2025 (Arabian Travel Market)
– UAE Remains a Top Destination Through 2030
– Abu Dhabi: Technological Innovation for Guest Experience
– Dubai: Expansion and New Hotel Openings
Summary of the ATM 2025 (Arabian Travel Market)
ATM 2025, themed “Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity,” showcased significant trends, innovations, and collaborations shaping the future of the travel and tourism industry.
Top News & Trends:
- Focus on Enhanced Connectivity: The central theme emphasized the critical role of seamless connections – both physical (transportation) and digital (technology) – in driving future tourism growth.
- Sustainability and Community Engagement: Experts stressed the importance of integrating sustainability practices and involving local communities in tourism development for long-term success and cultural preservation.
- Rise of the Conscious Traveler: Discussions highlighted the increasing demand for authentic, responsible, and culturally immersive travel experiences among modern travelers.
- Technological Advancements: Cutting-edge technologies, including AI, big data, and digital payment solutions, were showcased as crucial tools for enhancing traveler experiences and operational efficiency.
- Growth of Niche Tourism: Segments like adventure tourism, wellness tourism, and culinary tourism were identified as key growth areas with significant potential in the MENA region.
- Importance of Talent Development: Addressing the skills gap and investing in human capital within the tourism sector was recognized as vital for sustainable growth.
- Future of Aviation: Electric air travel and sustainable aviation practices were key topics, exploring their potential impact on the tourism industry.
Key Innovations Showcased:
- AI-Powered Travel Solutions: Numerous exhibitors presented AI-driven tools for personalized travel planning, customer service chatbots, and smart destination management.
- Advanced Digital Payment Systems: Innovations in secure and seamless online payment solutions for the travel industry were a prominent feature.
- Cybersecurity Measures: With increasing digitalization, advanced cybersecurity solutions aimed at protecting traveler data and ensuring secure transactions were highlighted.
- Smart Destination Technologies: Exhibitors showcased technologies for optimizing destination management, enhancing visitor experiences, and improving resource allocation.
- Virtual and Augmented Reality (VR/AR) in Tourism: Immersive VR and AR experiences for destination previews and enhanced visitor engagement were presented.
Notable Partnerships and Collaborations:
- Emirates MOUs: Emirates signed multiple Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with tourism boards from various countries (Sharjah, Philippines, Maldives, Visit Britain, Thailand, Japan, Uganda, Hungary) to collaboratively boost inbound tourism to those destinations.
- Royal Jordanian as Official Carrier: Royal Jordanian’s role as the official carrier for the forum underscored the airline’s commitment to advancing Jordan’s tourism sector and enhancing regional connectivity.
- Public-Private Sector Collaborations: The forum itself served as a platform for fostering new partnerships between government entities and private sector players in the tourism industry across the MENA region.
- Technology Provider Partnerships: Many collaborations between travel companies and technology providers were evident, aimed at integrating innovative solutions into existing services.
- Focus on Regional Connectivity: Several discussions and partnerships centered around enhancing air, land, and sea connectivity within the Middle East to facilitate easier travel.
In summary, ATM 2025 provided a comprehensive overview of the current state and future direction of the travel and tourism industry, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and strategic partnerships as key drivers for growth in the MENA region and beyond.
UAE Remains a Top Destination Through 2030
Data unveiled at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) indicates the UAE will remain a dominant force in Middle East tourism spending over the next decade.
Key Projections:
- Top Spending Destinations: The UAE, alongside Saudi Arabia, is projected to exceed $50 billion in total travel expenditure by 2030.
- Sustained Growth Across Segments: Both the UAE and Saudi Arabia are expected to see consistent growth in leisure, business, and inbound tourism.
- Strong Annual Growth for UAE: The UAE is forecasted to achieve annual growth rates of 9% in business travel spending and 5% in both leisure and inbound travel through 2030.
- Doubling of Regional Tourism Volume: The Middle East’s overall tourism volume is expected to more than double from 2019 levels by 2030.
- International Visitors Driving Growth: Over 85% of the region’s tourism growth in the next five years will be driven by international visitors.
- Booming Outbound Travel from GCC: Travelers from the GCC region have a high propensity for international travel, with long average trip durations (7.6 nights) and higher daily spending.
- Rise of Younger, Wealthier Travelers: This demographic with a taste for luxury and authentic experiences is a significant growth driver, and they are more likely to use advanced travel technology like AI.
- Impact of Events and MICE: Cultural and entertainment events, along with the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, are attracting more tourists to the region.
- Technology and Connectivity as Enablers: Significant aircraft orders by Gulf carriers and the potential for less restrictive visa policies are key factors supporting tourism growth.
- Growing Cruise Sector: Middle East ports are expected to see over 300,000 cruise visits in 2025, enhancing regional connectivity.
- Dubai and Abu Dhabi Lead: These Emirates currently hold the highest share of regional passenger days in the Middle East.
This data underscores the strong trajectory of the UAE’s tourism sector and its continued importance in the global travel landscape.
Abu Dhabi: Technological Innovation for Guest Experience
Abu Dhabi is embracing cutting-edge technology to revolutionize the hospitality experience, focusing on streamlining processes and enhancing guest safety.
Key Highlights:
- City-Wide Face Recognition System: Abu Dhabi is piloting a groundbreaking city-wide face recognition system specifically for hotels.
- Streamlined Check-In: This technology aims to expedite and simplify the hotel check-in process for guests.
- Enhanced Security: The system also intends to bolster security measures within hotels across the city.
- Smart Tourism Vision: This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of becoming a leading smart tourism destination.
- Pilot Program: The implementation is currently in a pilot phase, with potential for wider rollout based on its success.
Dubai: Expansion and New Hotel Openings
Dubai’s hospitality sector is experiencing a significant boom in 2025, with a wave of new and highly anticipated hotels set to open their doors.
Key Highlights:
- Significant Hotel Boom: Dubai is witnessing a substantial increase in its hotel offerings throughout 2025.
- Diverse Range of Properties: The new openings cater to a wide spectrum of travelers, from luxury seekers to lifestyle enthusiasts.
- Notable Openings Include:
- Ciel: Aiming to claim the title of the world’s tallest hotel.
- Mama Shelter: Known for its trendy and vibrant atmosphere.
- Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab: An expansion of the renowned Jumeirah brand.
- Delano Dubai: Bringing a touch of Miami luxury to the city.
- Mandarin Oriental Downtown: Adding another prestigious name to Dubai’s luxury hotel scene.
- Boosting Tourism Capacity: These new hotels will significantly increase Dubai’s accommodation capacity, catering to its growing number of visitors.
Dakkak Saudi Arabia
News & Events:
– Dakkak DMC Saudi hosts an exclusive private jet journey for 50 VIPs in AlUla
– Saudi Arabia’s Strong Presence at ATM 2025 with “Saudi Land”
– Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2025
– Riyadh Air Postpones Launch Due to Boeing Delivery Delays
Dakkak DMC Saudi hosts an exclusive private jet journey for 50 VIPs in AlUla
Dakkak DMC Saudi proudly concluded a remarkable private jet journey to AlUla for 50 VIP guests. As AlUla continues to shine as one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations, we’re honoured to deliver seamless, high-end experiences that redefine luxury travel.
Key takeaways:
- Showcasing AlUla’s Uniqueness: The trip highlighted AlUla’s blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, ancient heritage sites, and luxurious accommodations.
- Positive Feedback: The incentive group reportedly had an exceptional experience, praising the destination’s beauty and the seamless organization by the Dakkak DMC team.
- Growing MICE Destination: This success further positions AlUla as an attractive location for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
- Untapped Potential: AlUla offers a distinct and culturally rich alternative to traditional incentive destinations.
Contact us at saudi@dakkak.com to plan your next M.I.C.E event in Saudi Arabia!
Saudi Arabia’s Strong Presence at ATM 2025 with “Saudi Land”
“Saudi Land” Captivates Global Attention at Arabian Travel Market
Saudi Arabia made a significant impact at the recent Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2025 in Dubai, showcasing its ambitious tourism goals and diverse offerings.
Key Highlights:
- Impressive “Saudi Land” Pavilion: The dedicated pavilion drew considerable attention, highlighting the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage, burgeoning entertainment options, and diverse landscapes.
- Record-Breaking 2024: Saudi Arabia celebrated a record-breaking year in 2024, welcoming an impressive 116 million visitors.
- Vision 2030 on Display: The strong presence underscored Saudi Arabia’s commitment to its Vision 2030 goals of transforming the Kingdom into a global tourism hub.
- Partnership Opportunities: The event served as a crucial platform for forging new partnerships and collaborations within the international travel industry.
- Diverse Tourism Products: “Saudi Land” showcased everything from historical sites and adventure tourism to luxury resorts and cultural experiences.
Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2025
Riyadh to Host Future Hospitality Summit, Shaping the Industry’s Tomorrow
The Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) Saudi Arabia 2025 is set to be a key event, bringing together industry leaders to discuss the future of the Kingdom’s rapidly evolving hospitality sector.
Key Highlights:
- Date & Location: The summit will take place in Riyadh from May 11th to 13th, 2025.
- Focus on the Future: Discussions will center around the future of hospitality, investment opportunities, and sustainable development in Saudi Arabia.
- Key Themes: Expect conversations on rebranding hospitality careers for Saudi youth, rethinking hospitality education, and exploring investment prospects.
- Startup Den Competition: The summit will feature a “Startup Den,” providing a platform for hospitality entrepreneurs to gain exposure and potential funding.
- Attracting Industry Leaders: FHS Saudi Arabia is expected to draw significant participation from regional and international hospitality stakeholders.