Sun Group, Vietnam National Petroleum Group (Petrolimex) and National Commercial Bank (NCB) have signed strategic cooperation agreements in Phu Quoc. The deal expands linkages across energy, finance, aviation and tourism ahead of the APEC 2027 summit. The alliance includes sustainable aviation fuel research, electric vehicle charging rollout and dedicated banking solutions, strengthening operational capacity and green transformation initiatives across the region.
Global hospitality group Minor Hotels has named Judd Rabbidge as General Manager of Avani Singapore Hotel, its debut property in the country, opening in Q2 2027. Rabbidge moves from Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort, where he has been General Manager since July 2024. He brings over 20 years of international hospitality experience to oversee the hotel’s launch, commercial strategy, and team development.
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.
International tourist arrivals grew by 0.4% in the first half of 2026, reaching 690 million, according to UN Tourism's latest World Tourism Barometer. Initial strong performance in the first quarter gave way to declines caused by Easter calendar shifts, Middle East geopolitical conflict, severe weather and high travel costs. Consequently, full-year growth projections have been lowered to between 1% and 2%.
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.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has expanded its alliance with developer Urban Property Group by signing two new projects in New South Wales. The deal introduces Crowne Plaza Newcastle and Hotel Indigo Gosford, increasing their shared pipeline to three sites across the state. Joining the previously agreed Crowne Plaza Parramatta, the developments form key elements of major mixed-use schemes designed to support economic and regional tourism growth.
![[IRHM] logo](https://irhmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IRHM-AWARDS-2025-1024x683.jpg)
