Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO, Al Naboodah Travel stated, “Inbound and outbound travel will start soon. As announced by the UAE government Dubai will be open for foreign tourists from July 7 which is a very positive sign. Over the past few months the government of UAE has been working very hard to ensure safety of all those who live there and it was carried out very effectively. We hope that by October, November or December we will have a good number of visitors to the UAE. Staycations or domestic tourism has now become popular especially during the summer. Outbound will start by August to short haul destinations and travellers will look for health and safety when flights start operating and airports and borders open.”

The second session of the TravTalk ME virtual conclave had three speakers in 3 different areas in the hospitality industry. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer Shurooq; Alexander Suski, Associate Vice President Sales & Marketing Millennium Hotels & Resorts Middle East, Africa; and Turkeyand Philip Wooller – Area Director-Middle East & Africa, STR. In his opening remarks Al Qaseer stated that Sharjah Collection hotels saw an increase of customers once the ban was eased and they were enjoying a very good occupancy level. Suski and Philip stated that they have seen an increase in terms of numbers of residents making use of their staycation opportunities that provided them with good deals. The speakers stated that they have been closely working with the tourism boards Dubai and Sharjah and compliant with all their requests so that they can ensure the guests of their confidence. Al Qaseer opined that since Sharjah collection has more boutique properties that ensure social distancing and more outdoor spaces, this helped them to gain the trust of the visitors. Suski stated that MICE and weddings will be the ones that may take a little longer to start. Philip stated that UK is an important source market for the UAE and likewise UK travellers enjoy the summer in the UAE and this year too once restrictions are lifted they will see a growth of these travellers. The speakers concluded the session stating that hotels should start selling now or even yesterday the ones that stayed operational even during the time of the pandemic, it will be easier for them to get on track. It was their opinion that price wise there will not much as to changes …

The final in the tri-series webinar by the Spain tourism board was concluded successfully with participants from all over the United Arab Emirates and GCC. The session was conducted by Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi where he provided a general update about the country, connectivity, weather, tourist arrivals to the destinations etc. The many things that you do need to know and must do if you travel to the destination. He also mentioned that they are getting ready to open for foreign tourists in July. Rosado stated, “First of all about the location Spain is located in the south western part of Europe, surrounded by France in the northeast and Portugal in the west. East by the Mediterranean sea and Atlantic ocean in the south. Many different climates throughout the country throughout the year and an ideal all year round travel destination. Summer is very popular as the weather is very mild, Canary island has good beach weather all year long. So there are many reasons to visit the Spanish landscape especially the climate and good weather, we have over 5000 kilometres of coastline, green Spain is the amazing north of Spain which we will talk about today.” He further added, “We have more than 300 heritage sites, with lively street ambience, world class cities and historical towns, indoors and outdoors as part of the culture and many vibrant festivals that you can enjoy typical Spanish culture. Lasting places for tourists shopping with a choice of international brands and Spanish designers, VAT refund from Europe and long opening hours. For fun there are theme parks, sports, night life and adventure and others …

The first TravTalk ME digital conclave themed ‘Reselling Tourism’ concluded yesterday with a record number of viewers from the Middle East and Asia. The first session included three personalities in the travel trade Nasir Jamal Khan, CEO, Al Naboodah Travel; Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel; and Tarique Khatri, EVP Center of Excellence, Seera Group. They mentioned the importance of the industry to stay positive during these trying and challenging times as there will be a light at the end of the tunnel. The middle seat in the flight was one area that the viewers were interested in and Jamal Abdulnazar stated that now they have found a special ultraviolet beam that can destroy all viruses and all airports will have relevant methods to ensure a safe journey for the passengers. Tarique Khatri stated that they have seen a growth in domestic tourism in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia after they started the domestic flights and they have seen travellers requesting for lesser known cities which they have now included in their plans. Nasir Jamal khan added that the travel agents were kept busy when the travellers needed cancellations and refunds. They further stated that the travel agents were here to stay but the role will have to be more defined. They further reiterated that Travel insurance will now play a bigger role as destinations will make it mandatory to have one with certain clauses. The industry needs to stay positive during this pandemic times and when the travel will start flowing in as there will be a lot more in business. All three speakers requested the industry professionals to start selling now to see the industry grow.

Air France and KLM resume services to Dubai, with ten weekly flights starting today. KLM will offer daily flights to and from Dubai. Flights will be operated with a Boeing 777-200. Air France will offer three weekly flights from Paris on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday with a return from Dubai on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; flights will be operated with an Airbus A350-900. “Our passengers comfort, well-being and health remain our highest priority. All of our flights are operated with additional sanitary measures to ensure our passengers safety. We profoundly thank our customers for their patience and the authorities involved in the UAE; in France and in the Netherlands for their continuous support”, said Yeshwant Pawar, General Manager, Air France KLM, Gulf, Iran and Pakistan. Prior to travelling, the Air France KLM group encourages customers to ensure that they have met all requirements to enter the country of destination including the requirements for any transit point as these requirements are subject to change as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic.

Arada has unveiled the opening line-up of films to be screened at Movie Nights at Aljada, the new drive-in cinema that is launching today at the mixed-use megaproject in the heart of New Sharjah. The schedule includes a wide range of family, action and comedy classics, in both Arabic and English. All films at the 150-capacity cinema will be free to enter, on a first-come, first-served basis, with all current and future government guidelines with regard to social distancing and safety strictly adhered to. The first movie to be shown at the cinema will be superhero classic The Avengers, which will be screened at 8pm on Wednesday July 1 at Madar at Aljada, the recently opened family entertainment destination. The 2018 blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians will be screened at the same time on Thursday July 2, with Pixar family favourite Toy Story showing on Friday 3 July and Marvel smash hit Black Panther on Saturday July 4. Visitors to the cinema will also be allocated specific parking spaces, depending on the size of their car, and will be able to access the sound of the movie by tuning their car radios to 87.7 FM. All guests are encouraged to arrive at least 10 minutes before the film is scheduled to begin, switch their headlights off and remain in their cars at all times. HE Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, said, “We have been delighted with the response to the launch of Madar at Aljada, which has now welcomed well over 130,000 visitors since its public opening in February. Movie Nights at Aljada is just one of a number of exciting plans we have to improve Madar …

Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE) announces a series of exciting festival campaigns including Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), Eid Al Adha and Back to School (BTS). DSS will soon begin its 23rd edition, starting on July 9 until August 29, 2020; inviting residents and visitors to rediscover the excitement and joy of summer in Dubai through a rich programme of unforgettable events, promotions, entertainment and digitally led experiences and initiatives. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said, “This year, more than ever, we look forward to welcoming back the city’s residents and visitors to Summer in Dubai, while ensuring their health and safety remain our highest priority. Through additional safety measures put in place across malls and retail stores, Dubai will once again be the place to be this summer season, and we look forward to another successful and safe edition of DSS, alongside the other summer festivals. As the city thrives, we will bring back our popular events and promotions over the course of seven action-packed weeks, and welcome new elements that will allow shoppers everywhere to participate in the festivities. For 23 years, DSS has paved the way for shopping festivals globally and has proven that it can evolve with the changing times and trends. This summer will be no different, as the city opens up and is set to showcase the best of retail and entertainment, as well as an array of innovative virtual and physical elements, to keep everyone entertained all summer long.”

flydubai announced a partnership with its passengers as the airline prepares to return to the skies following the lifting of the flight restrictions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer of flydubai, said, “the effectiveness of the response to the pandemic led by the UAE Government has enabled the flight restrictions to be lifted. We appreciate that no effort has been spared as we see the precautionary measures eased.” Commenting on flydubai’s redesigned passenger journey, Al Ghaith said, “in these unprecedented times, we are very conscious of the role that we play as part of the global community in response to COVID-19. We have carefully reviewed the guidance and best practice published by a number of international organisations together with those of our regulator and our industry partners. We have further built on these which has resulted in a layering of measures by the authorities, the airport and flydubai. To realise the benefits of air travel is everyone’s responsibility. We recognise the importance of the role of the passenger in making these measures work. Together we have redefined a new way to travel which creates a partnership. It’s what we do together that will make this work.” Al Ghaith commented on the airline’s commitment to its passengers, “Our passengers have long enjoyed the benefits and convenience of air travel. As we move into this next phase, we recognise that it is our role to enable travel in a safe environment and the role of the passenger is to be prepared and ready to travel. Only by working together can the passenger make informed decisions to book their travel. They can be confident in knowing that …

In just a few hours the first digital conclave – ‘Reselling Tourism’ with experts from the travel trade and hospitality sector will begin, organised by TravTalk ME today from 10am to 12.15pm (UAE time). For any query please contact Crisna de Guzman at crisna.deguzman@ddppl.com or call +971505074618, +971554704200. The event will be moderated by San Jeet, Managing Director-DDP Group. This will be a perfect opportunity to learn about the middle east, the current situation, what is expected, how to recover, what will be the new trends to look out for etc. So pose all your questions and make the most of this platform to learn more about the sectors. Complimentary Registration for both sessions Tourism 2.0 the restart strategy and the new league of hotels. *Session one: 10am to 11am* *Tourism 2.0 – The new restart strategy* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/139/wy0z2blm *Session two: 11:15am to 12:15pm.* *The New league of Hotels* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/140/rymlob90 The perfect platform to engage with experts from the Middle East about the travel and hospitality industry with the new offerings post COVID era, how to cope with the pandemic and be safe whilst opening the UAE. The first session titled Tourism 2.0 restart strategy will focus on the key elements necessary to get back on track and the second will be focusing on the hospitality sector and its challenges and way forward. You can pose your questions as you enter to the expert panelists Jamal Abdulnazar CEO Cozmo Travel, Nasir Jamal Khan CEO Al Naboodah Travel, Tarique Khatri EVP Centre of Excellence, Seera Group for the first session and Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer Chief Operating Officer Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Alexander Suski Associate Vice President Sales & Marketing …

UK Visas and Immigration is beginning a phased resumption of services at Visa Application Centres in Bahrain (Manama), Kuwait (Kuwait City), Saudi Arabia (Al Khobar, Jeddah, Riyadh), and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai). As part of health precautions, only customers with a prior appointment may visit the Centre to submit their applications and enrol biometrics. Customers who were unable to attend an earlier appointment at the Centre prior to the lockdown, will now be able to log into their account to book a new appointment. Customers who had completed their application on GOV.UK before lockdown, but didn’t previously book an appointment at the Visa Application Centre, can now also book an appointment. The following services will currently not be offered: Super Priority Visa, Priority Visa (for visit visas), Priority Visa for settlement and Walk-in service. Customers are also advised that there are new rules in place for entering the UK because of the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We request you to please check the latest information before you travel. As part of VFS Global health and safety measures for the prevention of COVID-19, which are in line with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and local authorities, customers visiting our Visa Application Centres may be asked to observe physical distancing, undergo temperature checks or be required to wear facemasks. Customers exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, including fever (higher than 37.3 degrees Celsius), cough or difficulty breathing will be helped to reschedule their application submission for another day and will be advised to seek medical attention at the nearest healthcare facility of their choice. Customer can also opt for Courier Return of documents (available at a nominal fee), so …