Pondering whether or not Dubai can be the proper match for an upcoming assembly or occasion? The vacation spot’s Expo Metropolis has simply secured two main pre-certifications it is advisable hear about. Or possibly Australia? One more main airline has introduced plans for brand spanking new direct flights to your attendees. Maybe Jordan is asking? The nation’s tourism board has teamed up with a number one journey app to unfold the phrase on why it is best to preserve its hat within the ring.
As all the time, Good Journey is right here to convey you the newest must-read information within the journey and tourism trade.
Scandinavian Airways’ “Vacation spot Unknown” Flight Service Sells Out in 4 Minutes
The second iteration of Scandinavian Airways’ “Vacation spot Unknown” flights offered out in 4 minutes, echoing the success of the corporate’s debut of this system. The idea was dropped at actuality in 2024, when the airline took members of EuroBonus, the corporate’s frequent flyer and loyalty program, on a shock journey to Athens. The vacation spot remained a thriller till the flight departed, and 96% of members reported they’d return for a second journey.
The overwhelming attraction is probably going behind the doubling of value for every traveler from 30,000 EuroBonus factors in 2024 to 60,000 factors this 12 months. It’s price noting, nevertheless, that this covers roundtrip flights and onboard meals solely—lodging should be booked upon arrival, although Scandinavian Airways does present resort companion choices.
The megahit service has some assembly profs contemplating implementing the idea of their incentives and group constructing planning—whereas nonetheless dangerous, the heaping reward Scandinavian Airways is basking in highlights the potential upside. Aron Backström, the corporate’s vice chairman, product and loyalty, pointed to the non-public connections this system fosters, saying, “One of the vital exceptional issues in regards to the first ‘Vacation spot Unknown’ journey was seeing how shortly full strangers fashioned connections. If you take away all expectations and share an journey like this, it creates a particular bond amongst vacationers. The thrill, the curiosity and the sense of being a part of one thing distinctive made it an unforgettable expertise for everybody on board.”
Expo Metropolis Dubai Lands Two Main Pre-Certifications
Expo Metropolis Dubai has secured two prestigious pre-certifications for its grasp plan, marking a big milestone for rising social and environmental sustainability within the Center East and North Africa (MENA) area. Town has achieved Platinum pre-certification within the globally acknowledged LEED Cities and Communities normal and is the primary within the area to realize WELL Neighborhood pre-certification, underscoring its aim of making a vibrant city growth.
The LEED Platinum pre-certification highlights Expo Metropolis’s holistic method to financial growth, environmental preservation and inclusivity. Notably, Expo Metropolis Dubai is already house to 123 LEED-certified buildings, and future developments goal for no less than LEED Gold certification.
Learn Extra: Case Research: How One Occasion Achieved Famend Sustainability Accreditation
The WELL Neighborhood pre-certification, developed by the Worldwide WELL Constructing Institute (IWBI), focuses on well being and wellbeing. The usual assesses ten essential areas, together with air and water high quality, nourishment, mild, motion, sound, supplies, psychological well being and neighborhood connectivity.
For assembly profs planning MENA occasions, Expo Metropolis Dubai’s Dubai Exhibition Centre and Expo Village present a compelling venue that guarantees world-class services inside a sustainable neighborhood. Its proximity to Al Maktoum Worldwide Airport, Jebel Ali Port and public transport choices improve accessibility for worldwide attendees.
Located in Dubai’s dynamic South space, town’s environment friendly grid system and expansive areas create a tempting backdrop for company occasions; with a imaginative and prescient to host 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals, Expo Metropolis is positioned as a central hub inside the Dubai Financial Agenda (D33), majorly contributing to town’s 2040 City Grasp Plan, which focuses on components corresponding to land use optimization, a rise in inexperienced areas, boosted tourism capability and power effectivity.
Qatar Airways’ Virgin Australia Funding Authorized
One other important development in Australian air connectivity was gained this week after the nation’s Overseas Funding Evaluation Board (FIRB) authorized Qatar Airways’ pursuit of a 25% minority stake in Virgin Australia. The choice is a serious step towards absolutely authorizing the airways’ built-in alliance, with ultimate approval from the Worldwide Air Companies Fee (IASC) anticipated in March/April 2025. Collectively, they assist open the door to the airline’s return to long-haul worldwide flights.
The partnership would mark the return of Virgin Australia’s long-haul flights, set to start in June of this 12 months with routes from Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha. Melbourne is scheduled to be added to the checklist in December 2025. Projections predict a serious increase to the Australian customer economic system, together with the tourism sector, with an estimated $3 billion in financial worth over the following 5 years.
Learn Extra: From the Specialists: Key Takeaways from Australia’s AIME 2025
Qatar Airways joins Delta Air Strains, Juneyao Airways, and Qantas Airways in launching new direct routes to Australia. Delta will join Los Angeles and Melbourne, and Qantas will add flights between Sydney and London, New York and Las Vegas.
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways’ group chief govt officer, advised the press, “We’re assured in our potential to ship an alliance between our two airways that may present immense profit to clients, Australian companies, Australian jobs and the broader economic system.”
Jordan Tourism Board Groups Up with Wego to Draw World Vacationers
The most well-liked journey app within the MENA area, Wego, has introduced a brand new partnership with the Jordan Tourism Board to focus on the nation’s distinctive draw as a global vacation spot with wealthy historical past, lovely landscapes and a top-tier hospitality sector. Focused campaigns and initiatives will embrace a powerful concentrate on sustainable tourism and spotlight each world-renowned areas like Petra, one of many New Seven Wonders of the World, alongside lesser-known gems throughout Jordan.
Mamoun Hmidan, chief enterprise officer at Wego, stated of the partnership, “We’re extremely excited to companion with the Jordan Tourism Board to convey the magic of Jordan nearer to our world viewers. Jordan is a vacation spot like no different…Via this collaboration, we goal to encourage vacationers to discover Jordan’s iconic landmarks and uncover its hidden treasures, creating reminiscences that may final a lifetime.”
Jordan additionally presents assembly profs venue choices corresponding to King Hussein Bin Talal Conference Heart on the Useless Sea and Amman Worldwide Honest and Exhibition Heart, with main occasions and conventions together with the Worldwide Convention on Sociology of Schooling and Society (ICSES) and the Worldwide Convention on Engineering and Pure Science (ICENASCI) scheduled for this 12 months.
Hyatt Accommodations Broadcasts New Higher-Midscale Model Hyatt Choose
Hyatt Accommodations Company has unveiled Hyatt Choose, a brand new upper-midscale model designed for transient vacationers that guarantees a streamlined, environment friendly visitor expertise. Beneath the umbrella of Hyatt’s Necessities portfolio, Hyatt Choose will complement Hyatt Studios, the corporate’s extended-stay model that not too long ago opened its first property in Cell, Alabama. The brand new model goals to fulfill the wants of vacationers searching for shorter stays for enterprise or leisure, notably in secondary and tertiary markets the place Hyatt has had a restricted footprint.
Hyatt Choose will initially concentrate on the Americas earlier than increasing globally and can goal to strengthen the corporate’s presence within the upper-midscale section. Hyatt Studios, the extended-stay counterpart to Hyatt Choose, has seen speedy development with over 50 executed offers since its launch in 2023, reflecting sturdy market demand for versatile lodging. The twin method of catering to each transient and extended-stay markets permits Hyatt to increase its model presence and attraction to each homeowners and vacationers in new markets. A concentrate on affordability balanced with consolation in rising markets may supply assembly profs an attractive possibility for internet hosting smaller assembly and occasion stays related to regional occasions and conferences.
“Seeing Hyatt Studios come to life with the opening of the model’s first property is an thrilling milestone—not only for Hyatt, however for our homeowners and builders who’ve been integral within the creation of this model,” stated Dan Hansen, head of Americas growth, Hyatt. “From the start, Hyatt Studios was designed with homeowners in thoughts, and the sturdy momentum we’ve seen is a testomony to the demand for a versatile, extended-stay product backed by Hyatt’s world-class assist.”
