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Enhanced Air Connectivity with China a Key Opportunity for Saudi Arabia’s Tourism Industry

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The Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has facilitated the rapid expansion of air routes to Saudi Arabia, including a new direct route connecting the Kingdom to the Chinese mainland.

As part of an ongoing effort to deepen ties between China and Arab partners, Riyadh and Beijing are stepping up efforts to improve air connectivity between these fast-developing economies. At the recently held Arab-China Business Conference in Riyadh, attendees from China and the Arab world explored new avenues for collaboration to unlock the potential of shared business between these exciting markets, particularly also in air connectivity.

Celebrating its 10th year, the conference brought together leading government officials, CEOs, entrepreneurs, and investors. Establishing stronger air links to foster tourism growth and unlock new opportunities was a hot-button topic at the event, with ACP’s booth forming part of the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts to draw attraction to the high-potential travel and tourism industries in the Kingdom.

“In line with Vision 2030 and the ambitions of the National Tourism Strategy, ACP is bridging the stakeholder ecosystem to establish Saudi Arabia as a leading global tourism destination. Chinese visitors will, indeed, play a key role in achieving this ambition,” said Ali Rajab CEO of ACP.

He added, “By ensuring that our customer service and operational readiness meet the high standards that Chinese visitors expect, ACP is creating a seamless travel experience between China and the Kingdom. For these travelers, like all others to Saudi Arabia, we prioritize cultural understanding and the highest levels of quality assurance.”

Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism leaders, including stakeholders such as ACP, are actively working to turn the Kingdom into a sought-after air connectivity destination. In the past year, the Kingdom saw 23 new routes connected to Saudi Arabia from three continents, resulting in an expansion of seat capacity by 700,000. Likewise, several partnerships have been established with government bodies within the Kingdom, as well as international collaborations with both national and foreign airlines to boost air connectivity in Saudi Arabia. As part of these efforts, in 2023, a further 17 new routes will be added, and seat capacity will be expanded to 730,000 for priority markets.

Saudi Arabia’s central geographic location and diversifying economy are expected to attract continued interest from Chinese businesses after the Arab-China Business Conference. The prospect of enhanced air connectivity between the Kingdom and China will be an added advantage for future relations between the two countries.

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Radisson Hotel Group and Accenture Redefine Travel Discovery on ChatGPT

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Radisson Hotel Group has collaborated with Accenture (NYSE: ACN) in launching an AI-powered hotel discovery app in ChatGPT, helping travelers move from trip intent to search, comparison and planning through natural conversation.

Available as @RadissonHotels in ChatGPT, the app enables travelers to search for Radisson Hotels properties across over 100 countries, and more than 1,000 hotels through natural conversation. Through starting a new ChatGPT conversation with @RadissonHotels at the start of the prompt, travelers can ask for advice to plan a family-friendly weekend stay in Amsterdam, or a hotel in Paris with a gym and spa near the Eiffel Tower. The app will respond with relevant Radisson Hotels properties with live inventory and rates, location context, amenities, hotel details, and interactive map-based results. When ready, travelers are directed to complete the reservation through the Radisson Hotels website.

The launch marks an important step in Radisson Hotel Group’s move toward agentic commerce: a shift from traditional, channel-based booking journeys to AI-led experiences where discovery, comparison, and decision-making happen through conversation. As travelers increasingly turn to AI to ask questions, narrow down options, and plan trips, hospitality brands need to be visible, accurate, and actionable at the moment of intent.

This shift is already underway. According to Accenture’s Consumer Pulse Research, 87% of travelers are open to collaborating with an AI-powered travel agent to find the best option, and 71% of travelers say that at least half of their spend for hotels or airlines will be influenced by AI over the next 12 months. Radisson Hotel Group is seeing the change firsthand, noting that organic and direct web traffic channels that have historically driven online bookings are giving way to new touchpoints like ChatGPT.

“AI is radically transforming how people search for and book hotel stays, and we are committed to being at the forefront of this shift,” said Gianni Di Fede, chief commercial officer, Radisson Hotel Group. “With Accenture, we are reimagining hotel discovery for the next generation of travelers—meeting guests in the planning moment with a branded experience that makes it easier to find, compare, and book Radisson Hotels properties.”

The collaboration began with Radisson Hotel Group using an MCP accelerator that is part of Accenture’s AI Merchant Center, an agentic readiness and intelligence platform. This helped structure, validate, and optimize how Radisson Hotels’ content, inventory, rate, and booking signals could be monitored for AI-led discovery. Accenture then worked with Radisson Hotel Group to design the app experience, shaping how travelers interact with it and how it works across devices. The app connects directly to Radisson Hotel Group’s existing systems, delivering real-time hotel information that helps travelers move from a broad idea to a relevant shortlist more quickly. Over time, the companies plan to expand this experience to include deeper personalization, loyalty recognition, in-chat booking, reservation management, trip modification, and AI concierge capabilities.

“Agentic commerce is fundamentally changing how people discover and choose brands. As journeys become more conversational and intent-driven, companies have to rethink how they show up — not just to be found, but to be chosen, and to deliver value in that moment,” said Ndidi Oteh, CEO of Accenture Song. “Radisson Hotel Group is taking a step in that direction, creating a more direct and meaningful way to connect with travelers when decisions are being made.”

The app is part of Radisson Hotel Group’s broader digital transformation and direct booking strategy. Accenture has supported the Group in modernizing its digital and data foundation, uniting its brands on a single global platform and enabling more personalized marketing across more than 1,000 hotels. With the Radisson Hotels app in ChatGPT extending that foundation into a new AI-native discovery channel, the Group will remain visible, relevant, and bookable as traveler behavior continues to evolve.

“With travel, planning is becoming easier for consumers, but more competitive for brands,” said Emily Weiss, senior managing director and global Travel lead, Accenture. “Travelers want to compare options quickly, narrow down choices and book with confidence, often in a single journey. That puts pressure on brands to show up with accurate, up-to-date, and easy-to-navigate information at every step. With Radisson Hotel Group, the focus was on making hotel content more accessible, so travelers can find what they need, explore options, and move to booking more seamlessly.”

This work builds on Accenture and ChatGPT’s parent company OpenAI’s broader partnership to help organizations use AI in more practical, decision-driven ways, unlocking new opportunities for growth, stronger customer connections, and more efficient operations. Accenture is an OpenAI Elite Partner and was recently named OpenAI’s AI Transformation Partner of the Year

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JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI INTRODUCES A SUMMER OF WELLNESS AT SARAY SPA AND BODYBASE

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This August, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai has three very different ways for guests to relax in Business Bay. The new City Wellness Retreat pairs a stay with breakfast and a spa treatment, and Saray Spa is offering its hammam ritual with special offers, while on the same floor, BodyBase keeps things energetic with reformer classes and offers designed to draw in newcomers. Add a dip in the Aqua Pool with Burj Khalifa in view, and August gives guests plenty of reason to stay a while longer.

City Wellness Retreat

For guests who want to properly switch off, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is introducing the City Wellness Retreat this August. Designed for guests seeking a restorative urban wellness escape, the package pairs a night at the hotel with a full breakfast and a 30-minute massage at Saray Spa, so a stay in Business Bay comes with breakfast at Business Bay by Kitchen6, energy one morning and a proper spa break the next, without having to leave the property.

Details:

  • When: Throughout August 2026
  • Where: JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
  • Offer: Room stay with breakfast and a 30-minute massage at Saray Spa
  • Booking: Via WhatsApp on +971 4 414 6757

30% off Hammam Treatments at Saray Spa

Saray Spa’s Hammam Treatment is a rejuvenating ritual combining soothing steam, invigorating exfoliation and a traditional wash-down, all enhanced by the calming scents of orange and frankincense. Designed to refresh both body and mind, this has proven to be a guest favourite. Throughout August, enjoy 30% off this signature hammam experience and indulge in a moment of well-deserved self-care.

Details:

  • When: Daily until 31st August 2026
  • Where: Saray Spa at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
  • Offer: 30% off Hammam Treatments
  • Booking: Via WhatsApp on +971 4 414 6757

BodyBase Trio Trial

BodyBase is giving beginners an easy way into its reformer classes, no experience needed. The Trio Trial gives newcomers three classes for AED 250, with a pair of BodyBase grip socks included, a good way to try both styles before committing to a membership.

Details:

  • When: Daily until 31st August 2026
  • Where: BodyBase at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
  • Offer: Three classes for AED 250, exclusive to newcomers and inclusive of complimentary BodyBase grip socks
  • Booking: Via WhatsApp on +971 4 414 6757

BodyBase Reformer Class and Pool Access

New for summer, BodyBase is pairing its dynamic reformer fitness classes with access to the Aqua Pool for the ultimate wellness morning. After an invigorating session that challenges the entire body and leaves guests feeling energised, the experience continues with a relaxing poolside retreat. Guests can take a refreshing dip, lounge in the sun and admire sweeping Burj Khalifa views, turning a simple workout into a morning of fitness, recovery and indulgence. Open to members old and new, the combination costs AED 100 for the full morning.

Details:

  • WhenDaily until 31st August 2026
  • Where: BodyBase at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai
  • Offer: Reformer class with access to the Aqua Pool
  • Price: AED 100
  • Booking: Via WhatsApp on +971 4 414 6757
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Common Grounds and Cymbiotika introduce Inner Bloom

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Common Grounds has partnered with Cymbiotika to introduce Inner Bloom, a limited-edition smoothie designed for those looking to nourish their bodies, without compromising on flavour. Launching on 7 August and available until 30 September, the wellness-focused drink will be served at Dubai Hills Mall, Kite Beach, DIFC, JBR, and Mall of the Emirates for AED 45.

At the heart of the collaboration is the Inner Boom, a smoothie that’s as beautiful as it is beneficial. Blending sun-ripened mango, strawberry purée, Greek yoghurt, blue spirulina, and agave with Cymbiotika’s Liquid Colostrum. The Liquid Colostrum helps support gut health, immune function, healthy skin, hair and nails, making it an ideal choice for everyone seeking a more mindful approach to their daily nutrition.

Created as part of a shared mission to make everyday wellness more approachable, the collaboration brings together two brands that believe feeling good should fit seamlessly into daily life. Whether enjoyed after a workout, between meetings, or as a morning pick-me-up, this smoothie offers a simple way to add a functional boost to the day.

The partnership reflects the natural synergy between Common Grounds and Cymbiotika. Known for creating spaces where great food, specialty coffee and community come together, Common Grounds continues to evolve its wellness offering through thoughtful partnerships and guest experiences. Cymbiotika, meanwhile, has built a global following through its science-backed supplements, transparent sourcing, and commitment to empowering healthier lifestyles.

More than just a smoothie, Inner Bloom reflects a shared belief that small, intentional choices can have a positive impact on how we feel every day.

Inner Bloom | Available: 7 August – 30 September 2026
Price: AED 45 | Locations: Common Grounds Dubai Hills Mall, Kite Beach, DIFC, JBR and Mall of the Emirates

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