Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA partners with Ecolab to deliver the highest level of hygiene and cleanliness to its guests across all its properties in the region. With strict measures and world-class health & safety standards already in place, Millennium Hotels & Resorts goes beyond conventional cleanliness and precautionary measures by providing comprehensive training programs and having every staff member certified as a COVID-19 Champion. Through this collaboration, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA is maintaining high levels of cleanliness and hygiene. To further enhance health and safety protocols, Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA has introduced the following 10 Key Hallmarks, which will be implemented in the jurisdictions in which Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA operates to the extent applicable based on local health authority guidelines. Kevork Deldelian, Chief Executive Officer at Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA, stated, “Our commitment towards a comfortable and safe experience for our guests is an ongoing process and not a one-time measure. We will continue to seek partnerships with innovative solutions providers to elevate our services and be proactive in adapting modern, smart, science-backed and effective solutions. For that end, we capitalise on the stewardship and expertise of our employees supported by the tools and expertise of Ecolab.” “Through this partnership, Ecolab will play a vital role in driving the latest hygiene expertise, programs, training and support to help ensure clean and safe environments, across all the proprieties in the region to ensure a positive guest experience,” stated Hulya Ibrahim, Vice President and General Manager of Institutional for Ecolab in MEA.

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) has launched extensive inspection campaign across the emirate’s tourist establishments to ensure compliance with safety guidelines, in line with the strengthening of precautionary measures taken by the UAE and in response to the recommendations of the World Health Organization. The inspection campaign includes daily and continuous visits to the tourist establishments in the Emirate to assure their commitment to following ATDD precautionary guidelines that were recently launched to combat the spread of coronavirus by applying a series of preventive measures related to maintaining the highest hygiene levels, periodic sterilisation, training staff to handle suspected coronavirus cases. The measures also included food serving requirements and salons bookings guidelines. Sultan Al Nuaimi, Director of Licensing & Tourism Standards Department at Ajman Tourism said, “This campaign comes as part of ATDD efforts to adopt the best preventive and precautionary measures. We are delighted to see a strong commitment among Ajman hotels to strictly follow the safety and preventive guidelines and we look forward to taking all the necessary measures to ensure the continuity of services and maintain the safety and health of the emirate’s guests and visitors.”

The Spanish government via Turespaña (National Tourism Board), the Ministry of Health and the Spanish High Council for Sport (CSD), LaLiga and the Confederation of Employers and Industries of Spain (CEOE) have come together in a bid to boost and promote Spain as a safe destination for tourism and sport in a campaign that will be given considerable visibility domestically and internationally over the remaining 11 rounds of fixtures in LaLiga Santander and LaLiga SmartBank. “Spain is ready to safely welcome international tourists from July 1. We have thoroughly prepared to ensure we guarantee the highest safety standards across our whole tourism industry by rolling out over 20 uniform protocols for the entire country. We want tourists to feel confident and we are sending out a very clear message that will be amplified by this campaign: Spain is waiting for you,” said Oliver, Secretary of State for Tourism. Lozano, President, SD said that she is aware of the effort that LaLiga has put in to ensure the competition can return safely and added that “It is time to savour the restart. A safe return has been outlined in accordance with a protocol that will allow the competition to start up again successfully. Everyone should know about the effort that we have put in. We know that there’s no such thing as a zero risk but all of us, with our footballers leading the way, are giving our absolute best and acting responsibly and sensibly to ensure everything goes well.” Tebas, President, LaLiga admitted that he feels immensely proud that professional football can keep helping boost Spain’s visibility beyond our borders and help the country’s economy. Football and LaLiga play a …

Rotana is promising guests peace of mind from check-in to check-out with the launch of its new ‘Rotana Safe Space’ health and safety programme. Understanding that consumer expectations have drastically changed since the global COVID-19 outbreak, the initiative focuses on what guests now value most – a contactless hospitality experience throughout their stay using tools such as the Rotana app or their own devices and significantly enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices certified by leading water, hygiene and energy technologies and services provider, Ecolab. The hospitality firm, which operates 69 properties across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe and Turkey, has also partnered with SGS, the world’s leading inspection, testing, verification and certification company, to monitor and verify cleanliness and hygiene procedures at every property. Bolstered room-cleaning procedures that come with an ‘Unlock your Safe Space’ assurance for guests are a focal point of the Rotana Safe Space programme and range from full disinfection processes using intense aerosol methods to strict chemical and thermal treatments for bed and bath linens. “We have embraced the latest technology, boosted our employee training and strengthened our already stringent health and safety procedures to launch a new programme that gives guests peace of mind throughout their stay. Rotana Stay Safe focuses on what is most important to guests right now – contactless experiences and services and robust cleaning and disinfection practices verified by global experts, providing them with reassurance that when they stay with us, they are safe in our care,” said Guy Hutchinson, President and CEO of Rotana.

Wego partners with the German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) to invite travellers to discover the destination of Germany and virtually explore its amazing attractions and hidden gems. Until it is safe to travel again, Wego brings the world to you in the comfort of your home. With the message ‘dream now – visit later’, this joint partnership with ‘Wego’ introduces the global campaign ‘#DiscoverGermanyFromHome’ to tomorrow’s travellers in the GCC by providing them with inspiring and informative content, virtual experiences in its 16 federal states, Spotify playlists, an interactive map, quizzes, recipes and much more to keep their interest in the destination alive until travel is resumed. Speaking of the partnership, Yamina Sofo, Director Sales & Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries (GNTO) commented, “The Gulf region is among the Top 20 of the most important source markets to Germany and the third largest source market outside Europe. Our partnership with Wego is a great opportunity to highlight that Germany ticks all boxes of the GCC travellers aiming for wellness and recreation, nature and sightseeing or simply for entertainment and shopping, while enjoying high quality services, great value for money, luxury accommodation and facilities.” Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said, “We are bringing the world to our users until it is safe to travel again and we’re thrilled to partner with GNTO to promote one of the most beautiful European countries. Germany entices tourists with its rich and vibrant nature and culture; it’s a must-see destination for everyone.”

General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued the traveller’s guide during the resumption of domestic flights within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The roadmap represents a guiding framework for travellers that includes a set of precautionary measures that the traveller will have to go through during his flights. This in addition to the obligations that passengers must follow to ensure a safe travel journey that starts from home until reaching the intended destination. According to the traveller’s guide, passengers must be committed to several responsibilities during the domestic flights resumption phase within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This was meant to ensure a safe travel flight and to avoid a travel ban for passengers violating the preventive measures established by GACA and the Ministry of Health and the rules followed within the airports. These responsibilities begin once completing of the purchase of airline tickets by electronic means only. Also arriving at the airport two hours before departure and going through the thermal check area at the airport. Furthermore, passengers must sterilise their hands when entering the terminal and wear a cloth mask, or any similar masks when entering the airport. Wearing masks and gloves during the entirety of the flight and during the disembarkation process, and committing to medical disclosure during the reservation and notification stage in the event of any symptoms of COVID. Each passenger is allowed one piece of carry-on luggage inside the plane’s cabin, encourage the use of electronic payment methods and reduce the use of banknotes. This in addition to avoiding close line-up in the boarding stages and inside shuttle buses and passenger bridges, and maintaining a safe distance between travellers at all stages of travel …

The second 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 programme was divided into four sessions; first was conducted by Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi with a general update about the country, connectivity, weather 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. The second session was conducted by Juan Manuel Ortiz Pascual, Promotion and Communications Director of Andalusia Tourism. This was a comprehensive presentation about Andalusia with several videos where visitors could take a closer look at the destination and its offerings. He shared about the many activities that can be done, the historical, cultural and entertainment options for families and leisure travelling individuals, honeymooners, youth, adventure and M!CE visitors etc. He stated that there are four main assets for the Islamic community which are Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada and Malaga. The destination has seen Romans, Thracians, Phoenicians etc during their times. Malaga is a city that was hitherto unknown until the biggest airport was constructed. It receives 24,000,000 passengers a year with Ave high speed train, the Malaga cruise port brings across 511,000 passengers in 2019, the destination has 103 charming places. Rosado shared two other important destinations one is quite famous “Valencia” and other is Extremadura. Valencia is the third largest city in Spain with landmark buildings, family friendly destination with various activities for the whole family. Extremadura located in the western part of Spain is a new destination …

In a few hours, the second webinar by the Spain tourism board will kick off with two other most important destinations in the region ‘Andalusia’ and ‘Costa del Sol’. It will be conducted by 3 speakers Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director of the Spanish Tourism Office in Abu Dhabi; Juan Manuel Ortiz Pascual, Promotion and Communications Director of Andalucía Tourism; and Susana Porras- Executive Consultant Visit Costa del Sol. The session will start at 11am UAE time with a general update about the country, connectivity, weather etc. The many things that you do need to know about the destination and must do when you travel to the various cities. Andalusia is the southern region of Spain, which offers a great variety of landscapes, from the mountain range of Sierra Nevada to the coastal towns in the Mediterranean sea. Andalusia is famous for its stunning beaches, fabulous monuments such as the Cordoba Mosque or the Alhambra Palace, the flamenco, it´s gastronomy and their zest for life. Other regions such as Valencia will also be covered in this journey through the wonders of Spain. ‘Costa del Sol’ means ‘coast of the sun’ or the ‘sun coast’ and has been a holiday destination for the rich and famous stars to royalty. Situated in southern Spain, it occupies a narrow coastal strip delimited by the cordillera Penibética to the north and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. The coast shows a diversity of landscapes: beaches, cliffs, estuaries, bays and dunes. Some of the famous cities and towns in the destination such as the city of Málaga and also the towns of Torremolinos, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Estepona, Manilva, Casares, Rincón …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is inviting UAE residents to take a well-earned break and enjoy the Emirate’s exceptional beaches, outstanding hospitality, thrilling adventure attractions and authentic cultural experiences for the ultimate ‘Shortcation’. Together with its hospitality partners, the Authority has created a special summer package available until 31 August, whereby guests staying for three or more nights at any of Ras Al Khaimah’s participating 4 & 5 star hotels can take advantage of a series of value-adds for a unique and memorable stay. Guests looking to avail this special offer or simply looking for a home away from home this summer, can choose from a number of different accommodation options to suit every need. From ultra-luxurious beach resorts managed by some of the most notable names in the business, to family-friendly city and seaside resorts and properties offering stunning private villa accommodation, Ras Al Khaimah is renowned for its breadth of hotel offerings. With guest safety and wellbeing its utmost priority, the Authority is working with all hotel partners to ensure they are strictly adhering to all government and public health guidelines and complying with all social distancing advisories so guests enjoying their ‘shortcation’ can do so with peace of mind.

As restrictions continue to ease across the region, and businesses are beginning to return to maximum capacity, things are looking up for travel intent to the Middle East and Africa (MEA), as per a study by Sojern. Travel searches to key markets within the region are gradually increasing. This is particularly noticeable in Dubai where shopping malls and private businesses are now allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Just two weeks ago, flight searches to Dubai were down 85% year-over-year, but now stand at only 40% below the same time last year, showing the positive impact that the ease of restrictions is having on travellers dreaming of returning to the city and region as a whole. Staycations and daycations continue to offer hotels across the region a chance to begin their path to recovery – especially those that can offer facilities such as swimming pools or beach access. This is highlighted by the rate of recovery of luxury hotels, which are more likely to offer the facilities that domestic travellers are seeking. ‘Workations’ are another opportunity to welcome guests back to hotels, with an increasing number of hotels offering pop-up co-working spaces for those who no longer have an office or a suitable home-working area. These short-term solutions are likely assisting in the steady growth of domestic hotel bookings across MEA. UAE hotel searches over the last few weeks are displaying a more noticeable downturn. This could be related to the high number of searches that occurred prior to Eid for locals looking for somewhere to celebrate the festive period. This peak in searches may have made the more recent drop appear more exaggerated than that experienced with bookings.