World Tourism Day 2026 examined how artificial intelligence can redesign travel. But as algorithms increasingly dictate where travellers go, a critical question emerges: who gets put on the map? From digital overtourism to background master planning, this feature explores how generative discovery engines and structured data determine which independent hotels, small businesses, and emerging cultural destinations get seen and which are left behind.
Vietnamese conglomerate Sun Group has secured strategic agreements with US firms Visa, Marriott International and Boeing during an official state visit to New York. The partnerships span digital payment integration, hotel expansion and aerospace development. The moves follow Vietnam’s Politburo Resolution No. 26-NQ/TW, which aims to position tourism as a primary economic driver and grow the sector to contribute 12 to 14 per cent of national GDP.
Sun Group and Marriott International have signed a strategic partnership agreement in New York to expand Vietnam’s luxury hospitality and MICE tourism sectors ahead of APEC 2027. The agreement includes a major multi-brand hotel complex at the Ruby Beach Mixed-Use Urban Area in Phu Quoc, which will initially introduce over 7,000 rooms. The development is supported by regional infrastructure upgrades, including airport expansions and transit projects.
dnata Travel Group wrapped up Arabian Travel Market 2026 by securing 12 international partnerships across hospitality, cruise, destination management, and travel technology sectors. Highlights include distribution deals with Rotana, Kerzner International, and four major cruise lines. Additionally, the group announced the merger of Travelbag into Imagine Cruising, alongside an AED 8 million expansion of its Arabian Adventures desert site in Dubai.
Bahrain will host the International Tourism Investment Forum (ITIF) from 10 to 12 January 2027 in partnership with UN Tourism. Held under the patronage of HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the event brings together government ministers, investors and financial institutions. The hosting agreement was signed at Arabian Travel Market 2026 to highlight Bahrain's tourism investment opportunities to a global audience.
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund has established the Gulf Coast Development Company to build a major coastal scheme in Al-Khafji. Spanning 20 square kilometres with a 10-kilometre waterfront, the site will feature 16,000 homes, 1,400 hotel rooms and dedicated marinas. The initial phase will deliver three neighbourhoods by 2030 in partnership with private sector investors.
![[IRHM] logo](https://irhmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IRHM-AWARDS-2025-1024x683.jpg)
