A major new Saudi-Swiss partnership has been launched in Riyadh to revolutionise hospitality and tourism education in the Kingdom. It is led by Tanmeya Capital, which manages the SAR600 million Tanmeya Hospitality & Tourism Fund. Tanmeya Capital is partnering with Sommet Education, the parent company of Les Roches, École Ducasse, and Glion Institute of Higher Education. The goal is to train Saudi and international talent to the highest global standards, meeting the growing demands of the national tourism sector.
Saudi Arabia is aggressively pursuing its Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global tourism leader. This ambition is supported by an US$800 billion investment in giga-projects. To propel this growth, the inaugural WTM Spotlight Riyadh will gather international travel industry professionals in the capital from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Organisers expect over 450 exhibitors and 6,500 visitors. The goal is to stimulate new partnerships and investment.
Sino Jet, Asia-Pacific's leading business aviation company, has announced a strategic partnership with Aranya's lifestyle hotel collective, “ATITHYA – The Art of Hospitality.” The alliance, unveiled in Hong Kong, is designed to create a seamless luxury travel continuum from air to ground for sophisticated travellers. This new integrated model sees Sino Jet become the exclusive charter aviation partner for the hotel collective. The collaboration merges Sino Jet’s global network with ATITHYA’s destination-focused properties.
The United Nations Specialised Agency for tourism has confirmed Ms. Al Nowais as its next Secretary-General following the 26th General Assembly in Riyadh. Her appointment, confirmed by the 160 Member States, is a historic moment as she becomes the first woman to lead the organisation in its 50-year history. Ms. Al Nowais will commence her five-year term at the start of 2026. She brings considerable private sector experience to the role, including her recent position as Corporate Vice President at Rotana Hotels. She also chairs the Abu Dhabi Chamber’s Tourism Working Group. She outlined five core priorities for her mandate. These include responsible tourism, capacity building, technology for good, innovative financing, and smart governance.
Modern hospitality is moving beyond luxury to embrace culture, authenticity and a true sense of place. Travellers now seek experiences rooted in local identity, from architecture inspired by regional craft to culinary immersion such as olive harvests or sake brewing. Staff act as cultural ambassadors, while partnerships with artisans preserve heritage and support local communities. As wellness and travel intersect with tradition and craft, hospitality is shifting towards meaningful connection and belonging.
IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a management agreement with Lumbini Heritage Limited to develop Crowne Plaza Lumbini, scheduled to open in 2026. The 147-key hotel will strengthen IHG’s premium presence in Nepal, catering to spiritual and MICE travellers. Located near Lumbini’s pilgrimage site and Gautam Buddha Airport, the hotel aims to set a benchmark for world-class hospitality.
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