Mastercard is partnering with Bankiom, a UAE-based lifestyle banking app, to introduce digital payment cards across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman. This partnership marks a significant stride in Mastercard’s ongoing commitment to advancing digitalization in the payments landscape throughout the region. “As we move into a more digital world, building productive synergies…
Ancient Roman temple complex, with ruins of building where Caesar was stabbed, opens to tourists
ROME (AP) — Four temples from ancient Rome, dating back as far as the 3rd century B.C. stand smack in the middle of one of the modern city’s busiest crossroads. But until Monday, practically the only ones getting a close-up view of the temples were the cats that prowl the so-called “Sacred Area,” on the…
Qatar Airways expands network in Turkey with new route to Trabzon
Qatar Airways has landed its inaugural flight to the Turkish city of Trabzon. The non-stop service is operating with the Airbus A320 aircraft three times weekly on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The new route expands Qatar Airways’ footprint in Türkiye and strengthens its global network of more than 160 destinations. Onboard QR319, the flight was…
Asia’s biggest golf tournament brings massive financial boost for Hua Hin
Over 480 Competitors participated in Asia’s Biggest Golf Tournament in Thailand’s Hua Hin from 11- 17 June 2023. While the golf media are currently focused on the PGA and PIF, one major golf tournament went ahead last week without any political issues. The Centara World Masters Golf Championship attracted over 480 amateurs to Hua Hin…
Travel back in time to Ouchijuku, Aizu’s traditional post town
Most trips to Japan come with a must-see list: a Torii shrine gate, a Tokyo skyscraper, cherry blossoms in full bloom. Traditional streetscapes are up there too and one of the best-preserved examples can be found in Ouchijuku, a timeslip town just a couple of hours from Tokyo that’s making a name for itself as a leading…
7 Reasons Why This Lesser-Known Mexican Caribbean City Is Growing In Popularity
When we think of the Mexico border, perhaps Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, or even Matamoros come to mind. However, this Mexican border city tucked away hours south of Cancun in the state of Quintana Roo is thriving with tourists. The difference is this border town is Belize’s neighbor rather than the U.S. and is still relatively…
Ritz-Carlton Reserve debuts in Jiuzhaigou, China with 87 villas
Rissai Valley, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, the latest resort in the prestigious Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio, was unveiled in Jiuzhaigou, a valley on the edges of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in China’s Southwestern Sichuan province. The region is an area of exceptional natural beauty with spectacular alpine mountains soaring above a fairyland of forests, lakes, and waterfalls, and has…
Kenya Airways resumes daily New York flights
Kenya Airways (KQ) has resumed direct daily flights to New York as it seeks to cash in on the summer season expected to push up demand for air travel. The national carrier has been operating five daily flights on the US route since January when the demand for passengers was low as America entered into the winter…
Mastercard Economics Institute releases Travel Industry Trends 2023
New insights from the Mastercard Economics Institute reveal that consumers, including those from Middle East and Africa (MENA), are taking advantage of a more traditional travel ecosystem in 2023, prioritizing leisure travel and pioneering new corridors around the world. The Travel Industry Trends 2023 report delivers key insights about the global state of travel, punctuated by shifting economic landscapes,…
These 4 Underrated European Destinations Will Make You Want To Skip The Mediterranean This Year
Mediterranean Europe seems to be on everyone’s radar this year. Whether it’s the golden sands of Cyprus, Italy’s pastel-colored Ligurian towns, or Cote d’Azur’s cinematic vibes that they’re after, the whole region will be jam-packed with visitors looking to live out their Southern European fantasy. If you’re like us, and you’re not only wary of…