Dubai Tourism has recorded a strong start to 2025, welcoming 5.31 million international visitors from January to March, reflecting a 3% increase from Q1 2024. The city continues to showcase consistent momentum following consecutive years of record-breaking tourism performance.

The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is further reinforcing its global travel trade ties at the 32nd edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), being held from 28 April to 1 May at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With more than 125 key stakeholders represented on the Dubai stand, including top hotels, DMCs, and government bodies, DET is focusing on strengthening its position across over 80 source markets.

Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), highlighted the broader impact of tourism. “The sustained growth of the tourism sector continues to be vital not only through its direct economic impact, but as a pathway to investment, talent, and businesses into the city,” he said.

Key strategic partnerships announced in Q1 2025 include collaborations with Amadeus, Premier Inn Middle East, and Hyatt Hotels, as well as the Dubai College of Tourism’s alliance with Marriott International aimed at increasing Emirati participation in the tourism workforce. These moves align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the city's economy by 2033.

Tourism growth also reflects positively in the hospitality sector, with the average daily rate (ADR) rising by 2% year-on-year to AED 647, and high room occupancy levels being maintained.

In terms of regional data, Western Europe accounted for 22% of international arrivals, followed by CIS and Eastern Europe (17%), and the GCC (15%). South Asia and MENA markets also delivered strong visitor numbers.

Looking back at H1 2024, Dubai welcomed 9.31 million overnight international visitors, a 9% year-on-year rise. South Asia alone contributed 1.62 million visitors, highlighting the effectiveness of Dubai’s targeted marketing efforts.

Dubai’s accommodation and food services sector grew by 3.7% during the first nine months of 2024, reinforcing its importance to the city's GDP. Moreover, Dubai secured its position as the top global destination for Greenfield FDI projects in tourism and F&B sectors for the fourth year in a row.

The city also made major strides in sustainable tourism, with 153 hotels receiving the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp in 2025—a 118% increase from the previous year. Global campaigns such as the latest "Find Your Story" featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi have helped elevate Dubai’s profile internationally.

As Dubai builds on this momentum, it remains focused on innovation, inclusive growth, and curating diverse experiences, further solidifying its goal to become the best city in the world to visit, live, and work.

Raffles Hotel Le Royal in Phnom Penh has unveiled an elegant revival of its famed Writers Bar, introducing thoughtfully curated new menus and a refined setting that honours the spirit of great writers and storytellers from around the world.

Nestled beside the grand lobby of this 96-year-old heritage hotel, the Writers Bar pays tribute to the literary icons who found inspiration in Southeast Asia’s rich culture and timeless beauty. Following a graceful refurbishment, both the lobby and the bar now reflect an elevated blend of nostalgia and modern sophistication.

“Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel Le Royal is more than just a cocktail bar. It is an ode to the art of storytelling, the romance of travel, and the spirit of those who have shaped history with their words,” shared Dagmar Lyons, General Manager of Raffles Hotel Le Royal.

The bar’s new menu offerings are steeped in creativity and elegance. The ‘Signature Cocktails from the Pages of History’ menu brings to life iconic books, films, and literary figures through thoughtfully crafted drinks. Coffee lovers can explore the ‘Espresso Martini Collection’, a series of regional variations honouring the bond between writers and their favourite fuel, coffee. For wine enthusiasts, the ‘Wine Library’ presents a handpicked collection of premium international vintages tied to literary heritage. The menu also introduces ‘Signature Champagne Cocktails’, each blend designed to reflect the charm and indulgence of the literary world.

Guests can also enjoy ‘Champagne O’Clock’ from 5pm to 7pm daily, featuring a special offer of ‘buy one, get one’ on Champagne by the glass.

The newly designed space transports guests to the golden age of writing, with vintage typewriters, classic books, and a setting that welcomes book launches, poetry readings, author meetups, and storytelling evenings.

Opened in 1929 and meticulously restored in 2019, Raffles Hotel Le Royal combines French colonial, Khmer, and Art Deco influences across its 175 rooms and suites. Recognised by Travel + Leisure as the best city hotel in Cambodia and listed among the world’s best by Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, the hotel continues to be a symbol of elegance and culture in the heart of Phnom Penh.

Meliá Pattaya Hotel has unveiled its show-stopping rooftop dining venue, Yitong Chinese Restaurant & Sky Bar, now open on the 12th floor and offering guests dramatic coastal views paired with health-conscious cuisine rooted in Chinese culinary traditions.

Located in the heart of Pattaya on Second Road, the newly launched venue greets diners with a striking ribbon-like ceiling sculpture, inspired by the flowing strokes of Chinese calligraphy. Accents of gold, black, and crimson run through the interiors, creating a rich and elegant space illuminated by floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Gulf of Thailand.

Yitong’s main dining area is designed with soft lighting and earthy textures inspired by Chonburi’s natural landscapes, while its rooftop bar space features lush greenery and tranquil "wellness alcoves" for quiet, intimate moments. Named “Yitong”, which translates to “together”, the restaurant celebrates shared meals, with family-style dining that pays homage to Chonburi’s Chinese communities.

The menu blends Cantonese and Sichuan influences with a strong focus on wellness and sustainability. Fresh seafood from Chonburi’s fishermen and organic vegetables from the Royal Project farms in Northern Thailand support both local livelihoods and clean eating. Signature dishes include steamed Chonburi fish with ginger and lime, double-boiled herbal soup with ginseng and goji berries, and five-spice tofu stir-fried with Royal Project vegetables. Other highlights include Mala chicken salad with peppercorn dressing and the "Longevity" noodles with prawns and local greens.

“Wellness is at the heart of every meal at Yitong,” said Javier Gimeno, General Manager of Meliá Pattaya Hotel. “We focus on providing nourishing experiences while preserving the integrity of ingredients through methods like steaming and stir-frying that support health.”

Yitong also brings innovation to its beverage offerings. Signature cocktails such as "Kuaile De" (gin, goji berry, lemon, cava) and "Tian De" (Campari, ginseng, Chinese liquor) showcase traditional ingredients with a creative twist. For non-alcoholic options, mocktails like "Year of the Snake" with kiwi, ginger, and pear juice, and "Chinese NY Rita" with yuzu and goji berry syrup offer refreshing wellness-focused alternatives.

With its fusion of mindful dining, visual elegance, and panoramic views, Yitong is set to become a new culinary highlight in Pattaya’s vibrant hospitality scene.