Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has extended the deadline for implementation of the 19 Sustainability Requirements and Carbon Calculator submissions by 12 months. The requirements have been laid out to support the emirate’s hotel establishments in their compliance with Dubai Tourism’s hotel classification system, and the long-term objective of advancing sustainability performance across the sector.In light of the current situation surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic, hotels will benefit from an additional 12 month implementation period to finalise their sustainability compliance, a decision that has has been announced by Dubai Tourism to strengthen the foundations for recovery of the hospitality sector. All requirements will now be mandated from 1 July 2021 with the extension also including the postponing of the Carbon Calculator monthly submissions until the same deadline. The 19 Sustainability Requirements include sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy, food and water management plans, guest education, employee training initiatives, the presence of sustainability committees within hotel establishments and corporate social responsibility programmes for local communities. Through improving internal sustainability operations, hotel establishments in turn will enhance the competitiveness of Dubai’s tourism-linked economy. Since its inception in January 2017, the Carbon Calculator – part of the Tourism Dirham Platform, is a tool that has been measuring the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. On a monthly basis hotels submit their consumption of 11 carbon emission sources, including; electricity, district cooling, water, waste, fuel for transportation, fuel for generators, fire extinguishers, and liquefied petroleum gas for analysis. This information is aggregated and analysed to provide valuable industry insights on the sector’s collective carbon footprint. In addition, by formulating a baseline along with consistent tracking, this information enables hotels to …

Nadège Noblet, the former Arabian Travel Market exhibition manager, has launched NANOU Destination & Hotel Marketing. The UAE-based company will connect and partner with international DMC’s, destinations, and hotels to raise their brand awareness to the Middle Eastern outbound tourism market. The company will promote some of the world’s most inspiring and emerging destinations, unique hideaways, boutique hotels, and lodges. NANOU will provide a range of tailor-made sales, marketing, and PR strategies to raise awareness and attract the GCC and Middle Eastern outbound tourism markets. In terms of timing, despite the tourism industry facing its most challenging period of a generation, Noblet sees the current situation affording opportunity. “There are several advantages,” said Noblet. “Firstly, more than ever, destinations and hotels will need cost-effective, focused sales and marketing support from experienced specialists. “In today’s tourism industry, it is not only a question of supply and demand. Demand now needs to be recreated and then reassured, both in terms of health and safety and value. Destinations, resorts, and hotels will need to redefine their offerings; thus, effective brand positioning and messaging will be vital.” “Secondly,” she added, “NANOU, was developed before 2020, so we were already committed to launching this year. However, this was expedited as a result of the demands of the tourism industry and the benefits created from a host of government initiatives to support SME’s in the region. With our team’s extensive industry knowledge and understanding, we are very much in a position to support the industry.” “Travel, tourism, and hospitality is a people’s business and thrives on personal contacts. I was fortunate to meet so many talented people throughout my extensive career. As a result, I have …

Emirates A380 will begin serving travellers on flights to Toronto starting August 16, 2020. The airline has so far resumed A380 operations to Amsterdam, Cairo, Paris, London Heathrow and Guangzhou (August 8) – taking its A380 network to six cities. The Emirates A380 experience remains a favourite amongst travellers for its spacious and comfortable cabins and the airline will continue to gradually expand its deployment in line with market demand and operational approvals.Customers can fly the Emirates A380 from Dubai to Toronto five times a week. Emirates flight EK 241 will depart Dubai at 9:10 and arrive in Toronto at 15:05 local time. The return flight, EK 242 will depart Toronto at 21:45 and arrive in Dubai at 18:30 local time, the following day. With safety as a priority, Emirates is gradually expanding its passenger services to 70 cities in August, returning to over 50% of its pre-pandemic destination network. Passengers travelling between the Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, and Asia Pacific can enjoy safe and convenient connections via Dubai. Customers from Emirates’ network can stop over or travel to Dubai as the city has re-opened for international business and leisure visitors. COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Customers can now travel with confidence, as Emirates has committed to cover COVID-19 related medical expenses, free of cost, should they be diagnosed with COVID-19 during their travel while they are away from home. This cover is immediately effective for customers flying on Emirates until 31 October 2020 (first flight to be completed on or before 31 …

Thailand tourism will host its first virtual event on Wednesday 9th September 2020 from 10am to 6pm (UAE standard time). This event will be the annual B2B event that the tourism board promote before ATM but due to Covid – 19, it will be held virtually so that it is more convenient for the participants. Pichaya Saisaengchan, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Dubai & The Middle East Office shared, “We aim to promote Thailand for leisure in GCC Market since more than 75% of total middle east visitors came from this region. 60 Thai sellers with GCC buyers will do one-on-one meetings via VDO call. The first session will comprise GCC Buyers Group A, while the second session will have participants from GCC Buyers Group B. For both groups, 10 minutes will be allotted per appointment.60 Thai sellers will be registered via TAT Website (ThaiTravelMart.com) and for those 180 GCC Buyers will be registered via our travel trade partner – TravTalk Middle East at www.halathailandvirtualmart.com” Thai sellers & GCC Buyers will get to know each other during 10min session of each meeting slot (total 48 slots x 8 hours meeting), in order to create special holiday packages with the NEW NORMAL to Thailand for GCC travellers.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) has partnered with Microsoft to further streamline data-driven services offered to stakeholders, enhance the e-learning platform for Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) and adopt an innovative approach towards showcasing the city as a must-visit destination. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, commented, “As we plan for future scenarios, cloud based solutions have emerged as a crucial element of Dubai Tourism’s digital transformation strategy because of the secure, sustainable and scalable nature of the technology. The diversity of our partnership with Microsoft will add to our efforts to embed world class technology solutions to our business systems and further enhance the scope of cutting-edge digital services that we provide our stakeholders in real-time, to help ensure Dubai stays ahead of the curve and also maintain its position at the forefront of the world’s leading travel destinations.” “Microsoft Azure has been at the heart of the company’s efforts to form several strategic partnerships across UAE’s public and private businesses and accelerate their digital transformation agendas by migrating to the cloud,” said Sayed Hashish, General Manager, Microsoft UAE. “Our partnership with Dubai Tourism enables their platform to seek better customer engagement, empower its workforce, optimise operations and reinvent products and services. This is made possible by our two cloud regions in the UAE serving customers across the region to innovate and grow.” Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager, Dubai College of Tourism, said, “Dubai College of Tourism established a strong online learning platform even before the pandemic and today the advantages of using such a system have become more important than ever. Indeed, in this challenging environment, we are able …

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) announced a partnership agreement with Accor as part of its strategy to develop AlUla as a tourism destination for nature, culture and heritage. The agreement will see Accor operate an expanded Ashar Resort under the Banyan Tree brand. There will be 47 new units added, which will bring the resort’s total number up to 82 high-end villas, along with a luxury spa and several gourmet restaurants. This will be guided by a sensitive design that allows each villa to blend discreetly into the striking natural scenery of the Ashar valley, located 15km from the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra. Commenting on the agreements, the CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla, Amr Al Madani, said, “We’re working with the world’s best developers and hotel operators to deliver projects that complement our cultural oasis, as well as benefitting our local community. The partnership agreement with Accor is part of a major series of capital projects and multiple investments made by RCU into fifteen plans in AlUla, many of which will be announced in the coming months.” Sebastien Bazin, Chairman and CEO of Accor said, “In line with our commitment to grow Accor’s unique portfolio in Saudi Arabia, and as one of the first global hospitality groups to set foot in the Kingdom, we are extremely proud to take part in the development of the historic county of AlUla, thus celebrating the Kingdom’s vast heritage and culture.” Commenting on the agreement, Bander M. Alharbi, Head of Hotels and Resorts at the Royal Commission for AlUla, said, “The Ashar Resort forms part of our strategy to create an immersive boutique destination that offers transformative experiences …

Presentation was started off by the Marketing Manager of Thailand Tourism Office in Dubai Hatsanai Chaisri. Some of the most important facts were shared by Hatsanai. He stated that Thailand is known as the hub of travel in Southeast Asia. It is a destination in the rich center of Asia, Bangkok has received the fourth most visited destination of the year for the second consecutive year by mastercard. He reiterated that this virtual show is a recap of the new products on offer in Amazing Thailand. Chawarot Chankiatthitikul (TAT Dubai and Middle East Marketing Executive) started off with Shopping paradise in amazing Thailand.Dining options from interesting seafood options to some of the top notch dining destinations were stated by Chan Rujikietkumjorn (TAT Dubai and Middle East Marketing Executive). From the north of the country in Bangkok China Town to the other areas were covered with all the variety of food and dining options much loved by visitors from the Middle East. Artitaya Intaratoot (TAT Dubai and Middle East Marketing Executive) shared some of the most interesting instagramable areas of Thailand as she explained about the various destinations for sightseeing. She started with Flower farms in Chiang Mai where you can actually visit a flower garden with various accessories and it is an exclusive area which needs to be booked prior as they only allow 200 people at a time. Next up was Atiwan Saengla – Senior Sales Manager – Leisure, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit shared some of the most important facts about the flagship hotel Sofitel Bangkok managed by Accor. Next to the hotel are malls and shopping centers that would give you a really great retail experience. Followed NapatWatthanasan – …

Marriott International welcomed Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa to its unique ensemble of iconic hotels, marking the debut of the portfolio in the UAE capital. Just a 30-minute drive from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa is located deep within the expansive landscape of Abu Dhabi. With a design reminiscent of a historic desert village, it is an intimate retreat suffused with natural beauty, unique tranquillity, and rare experiences. “We are delighted to welcome Al Wathba, Desert Resort & Spa to our ensemble of hotels that define the destination and offer our global explorers an authentic desert experience alongside warm Arabian hospitality,” said Guido De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “Abu Dhabi’s legacy as an international cultural destination with a rich history and heritage, together with the diversity of its dramatic landscapes, offers a unique opportunity for us to guide our guests on transformative journeys that touch their spirits and enrich their lives.” Al Wathba Desert Resort & Spa offers cultural immersion opportunities to discover the rich heritage and history of the region. Guests can discover Fossil Dunes or tour the surrounding desert on horseback for an understanding of the Emirati passion for all things equine. The Al Wathba camel race track educates guests about the UAE’s 7th century tradition, and skilled falconers offer private shows of the UAE’s national bird. Al Wathba is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including 4,000 greater flamingos that call the Al Wathba Wetlands home. Guests can take a guided tour of the sabkhas, or sand flats, and dunes, for an insight into their inhabitants and bird migration patterns as well as discover the …

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure and entertainment hub, has been awarded the coveted WTTC ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, marking the first destination in Abu Dhabi to receive the international honour. Launched recently by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) who represent the global Travel & Tourism private sector, the global safety and hygiene stamp has been awarded to major holiday destinations around the world to enable travellers to identify destinations and businesses that have adopted its health and hygiene global standardised protocols. These protocols include providing consistency and guidance to travel providers and travellers about the new approach to health, hygiene, deep cleansing and physical distancing in the ‘new normal’ of COVID-19 world. So far the stamp has been awarded to key tourist destinations such as Turkey, Mauritius, Portugal, Vienna, and Saudi Arabia, and is seen as a key catalyst in the speedy recovery of the Travel & Tourism sector. Yas Island has received the recognition for the implementation of its comprehensive wellness program, which, in addition to enhanced hygiene and social distancing measures, has included the launch of the #TogetheratYas technology platform and the appointment of Yas Wellness Ambassadors. #TogetheratYas is an online platform offering clear comprehensive guidance on safety measures and a one-stop shop for all the fun experience on Yas Island. This includes a number of ‘Stay and Play’ holiday packages such as access to the island’s record-breaking theme parks and attractions Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, YasWaterworld, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi and CLYMB Abu Dhabi combined with hotel stays. The platform also provides access to the Wellness Ambassadors, a team of specially trained individuals available to answer guests’ questions on the health and safety measures …

His Excellency Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), revealed that the Authority will be undertaking four new large-scale tourism and hospitality projects in Khorfakkan, Kalba, Al Dhaid and Mleiha The strategic undertaking follows Shurooq’s vision of transforming Sharjah as a leading hub of nature-inspired experiences, and brings the emirate’s central and eastern regions within the folds of its ambitious plans. Al Sarkal has noted that the new developments follow the wise directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to materialise key infrastructural projects which would further boost Sharjah’s appeal as a go-to destination for as well overseas travellers as well as UAE citizens and residents by allowing them access to the unique heritage and diverse natural landscapes that make up the many cities and regions of the culturally rich emirate. He noted, “We are all set to begin the construction of two five-star hotels at scenic locations in Sharjah’s eastern region – the first 66-key property will be located along the Khorfakkan Beach and be home to the city’s first waterpark. The second one will stand adjacent to Kalba Waterfront, the major retail project being developed in phases by Shurooq and Eagle Hills.” He explained, “The two hotels are being developed to promote both Sharjah’s tourism and investment appeal, in the eastern region in particular. Shurooq has been at the forefront of advocating for responsible investments to promote sustainable, diversified and cross-sectoral growth, and we believe these new projects will offer investors in retail, tourism, hospitality and real-estate lucrative and high-yielding opportunities.”