Emirates has announced it will resume three weekly services to Malta via Larnaca, Cyprus, from 14 July 2021, further expanding its European network to 34 destinations, and offering customers worldwide more travel choices and enhanced connectivity via Dubai.  With a successful vaccination programme and an overall decrease in daily COVID-19 cases in the country, Malta has officially welcomed UAE tourists back to the Maltese Islands on 1st June. Known for its beautiful beaches and diverse archaeological sites, customers travelling from the UAE can now enjoy quarantine-free travel to one of the most exciting Mediterranean destinations. Flights to/from Malta will operate three times weekly through the airline’s existing Larnaca service on its two-class Boeing 777-300ER, offering 42 lie-flat seats in Business and 386 ergonomically designed seats in Economy class. Emirates flight EK 109 will depart Dubai (DXB) every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 0800hrs, arriving in Larnaca(LCA) at 1110hrs. The flight will leave Larnaca at 1220hrs, arriving in Malta (MLA) at 1405hrs. The return flight, EK 110 leaves Malta at 1535hrs, arriving in Larnaca at 1900hrs. The flight will leave Larnaca at 2010hrs, arriving 0105hrs arriving in Dubai the next day. Emirates customers also have seamless access to European cities via the airline’s codeshare agreement with Air Malta. As more international destinations begin easing their entry restrictions, Emirates will expand its services to provide more choice and convenience for customers who can now plan travel to more than 30 cities in 20 countries across the Emirates network that have opened their doors for tourism and business, quarantine free. Emirates will now operate over 280 weekly flights in July from Dubai to cities in Europe, the US, Middle East, Africa, and other …

Emirates will be accepting eligible travellers to the UK on flights to London; Heathrow from 8 June, and to Birmingham starting from 15 June 2021. However, travel restrictions remain in place, and customers are advised to check the latest UK entry requirements.

Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Vienna by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel has launched a range of deals for the Dubai property, from long-stay deals to residents’ special offers. The property, which launched in late 2019, and located just a short walk from Ibn Battuta mall with its range of shopping, dining and entertainment, is offering 30% off room rates for UAE residents looking for a city staycation. Guests will also be able to avail a 25% discount on F&B, 20% on laundry, and receive a complimentary room upgrade and late checkout. With glittering city views from its rooftop pool, the property is the perfect urban getaway for a short stay with per night prices starting at just AED 129 per room exclusive of taxes. Within easy reach of the metro, the hotel is also conveniently located to hop around the city, connecting to locations such as Dubai Marina and Downtown Dubai. For those looking for a change of scene or relaxed accommodation with none of the commitments, guests can take advantage of the great value long-stay rates. One month with daily breakfast is just AED 6000 while guests can avail room only for just AED 5000 per month by booking 30 nights or more. Long-stay guests will be able to enjoy 20% discount on food and beverage at Missippi’s Pool Bar & Social Hub. For all in-house guests looking for a beach day, Avani Ibn Battuta is also offering exclusive access to Palm Jumeirah’s Riva Beach Club for only AED 30 per person with complimentary transfers. Yann Decaix, the property’s newly appointed general manager, said: “The way people travel has changed immensely since the pandemic and as such, our offers reflect a changing market. Dubai is …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced an exciting list of new destinations in time for the summer. Amongst the new destinations include the idyllic Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete. Flights to Mykonos will start on 07 July, Crete on 09 July and Rhodes on 12 July. The route to Mykonos will be operated twice per week on Wednesdays and Sundays. Rhodes will operate on Mondays and Fridays, which is also the same for Crete. Tickets will go on sale for Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete on 7 June 2021 on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app (also available in Arabic), with fares starting as low as AED 179 for all flights*. The new Greek destinations offer travellers a myriad of experiences, white sandy and secluded beaches, crystal clear waters, buzzing nightlife, and a wealth of historical sites and ancient treasures to discover. The announcement comes as the UAE has established a travel corridor for Greece and brings Wizz Air Abu Dhabi’s flight network to a total of 29 destinations. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said, “As the summer holidays are fast approaching, we’re thrilled to announce our latest destinations to the stunning Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Crete. These new routes follow the recent announcements of the UAE establishing a travel corridor with Greece which is a great step for the travel industry and tourists, as travellers seek a safe travel experience and new adventure this summer. We anticipate the new routes to be a welcome addition to our flight roster as they offer an ideal summer getaway.”

Egypt has fully vaccinated all staff working at both Red Sea and South Sinai governorates, two of the country’s tourism hotspots as hotels and resorts gear up for the safe return of holidaymakers this summer. Staff working in establishments including hotels, resorts, cafes, restaurants, bazaars, and tourism transportation in the Red Sea and South Sinai governorates have received the COVID-19 vaccine. Egypt’s Ministers of Tourism and Antiquities, Health and Population and Civil Aviation and Red Sea Governor made the announcement today in a press conference held during their visit to the Red Sea city of Hurghada to inspect the implementation of hygiene safety measures in airport, hotels and its temporary medical units installed specially to spruce up the vaccination process for the tourism sector employees. “Vaccinating our staff is just one measure we are taking to ensure tourists can return to Egypt’s crowning jewels safely, quickly, and confidently,” said Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Dr. Khaled El-Enany. “COVID-19 cases in the Red Sea and Sinai areas are negligible. Everyone involved in Egypt’s tourism sector has worked incredibly hard to get to this point and be able to offer a safe travel experience. Nearly a year since the resumption of tourism in Egypt, we are happy to note that the tourist numbers are steadily rising and have almost doubled since January and February 2021. The number of tourists who arrived in Egypt in January was 300,000 and increased to reach 525,000 tourists in April. Now, we are opening our doors and extending a warm invitation to people from around the world who are fed up with staying at home and are desperate to travel for their summer vacation.” “The vaccination drive will …

Etihad Airways will launch seasonal flights to Greece’s most popular islands, Mykonos and Santorini, and the famous southern Spanish city of Malaga in Andalusia. Mykonos will operate between 8 July and 11 September 2021 and Santorini between 9 July and 12 September 2021. Both destinations will benefit from a twice weekly direct service on an Airbus A320. With a safe travel corridor established between the UAE and Greece, fully vaccinated individuals now have more opportunities to enjoy quarantine free travel. Travellers can enjoy Mykonos’ Mediterranean cuisine or admire Santorini’s unique architecture. Just over four hours from Abu Dhabi, Etihad’s new flights to the Greek islands complement the airline’s existing service to Athens. As Spain prepares to reopen to international vaccinated travellers from 7 June 2021, Etihad will launch new flights to Malaga, twice a week, between 9 July and 15 September 2021. Flights to Malaga will operate using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering Economy Space and Neighbour-free seating options. The new service will provide greater choice and convenience for leisure travellers between the UAE and Spain, with Etihad now serving three destinations between the two countries – Barcelona, Madrid and Malaga. For Etihad Guest Members wanting to redeem their well-earned miles, Mykonos, Santorini and Malaga are ideal destinations. Members have access to best value seats with their miles, plus countless hotel and car partners to suit their travel needs. As border restrictions ease and safe travel corridors are implemented, Etihad continues to broaden its network by adding services and frequencies across key markets. Today’s announcement on the Greek Islands and Malaga follows the recent resumption of services to Athens, Casablanca, Nairobi, Phuket, Rabat and Seychelles. To simplify the travel experience …

ITL World has renewed signed a new multi-year agreement with Sabre Corporation, the leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry. The expanded, long-term agreement will see ITL World work with Sabre to deploy the latest technology and best solutions to drive growth, boost revenue and transform its business during the anticipated recovery period and beyond. ITL World will continue to use Sabre’s next-generation travel agency desktop, Sabre Red 360, to deliver an intelligent and consultative service to travellers, create compelling shopping experiences for customers and provide an enhanced level of expertise to help people travel again. “Travellers have developed new expectations throughout this crisis and are seeking assurances, flexibility and real-time communications from travel providers. I therefore believe that the road towards recovery relies heavily on technology,” said Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing Director, ITL World.  “Sabre has the technology and development to support our strategy and enable us to cater to the new expectations of today’s traveller. We are looking at intelligent solutions such AI and NDC that will help us meet the demands of the new-age, technology savvy traveller by providing a seamless, interactive and personalized experience.” “We are delighted to be working with a technology- driven customer like ITL World, whichthat recogniszes the role that advanced technology can play in its success,” said Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, vice president, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “By offering customers a highly intelligent and tailored shopping experience, ITL World will be able to tap into recovery growth and win back the trust of travellers. I therefore believe that Sabre’s increased innovation and investment into advanced technological development will position agencies like ITL World for long-term success well …

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has confirmed that travelers who have been vaccinated against Covid-19 from low-risk countries will be allowed to fly direct to the popular holiday destination without having to quarantine from July 1. Visitors will only need to stay in the area they landed for seven days before they can visit other destinations in the country. Air Arabia is offering its customers a competitive fare to Phuket, starting from AED 1799 return per value fare booking. Located in the south of Thailand, Phuket is the largest and one of the most fun of all islands. Phuket has it all: diverse entertainment options, top-class shopping venues and some of the most gorgeous beaches. Customers can now book their direct flights between Sharjah and Phuket by visiting Air Arabia’s website, by calling the call centre or through travel agencies. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

The most popular European destination for the Middle East travellers France announces its opening from 9th June 2021. As summer approaches the fashionistas from the Middle East are ready to travel once again to their most loved second home in France. Vaccinated travellers with vaccines approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) – Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson – while other travellers will have to justify one of the compelling reasons established by the French authorities. Both types of travellers will have to undergo PCR tests. Most countries of the Middle East are classified as orange, except Lebanon (as green) and Bahrein (as red). Foreign citizens who plan to travel to France from the region will need to follow these instructions: For fully vaccinated travellers: Submit vaccination proof – only Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson are currently approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or a negative antigen test of less than 48 hours on boarding. *Proof of vaccination is only valid if it can attest to a complete vaccination schedule, which is: 2 weeks after the 2nd injection for dual-injection vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca); 4 weeks after the injection for vaccines with a single injection (Johnson & Johnson); 2 weeks after injection of vaccines for people with a previous history of contracting Covid-19 (only 1 injection required). For travellers who have not been vaccinated, they will need a compelling reason: Present a negative PCR test of less than 72 hours or negative antigen test of less than 48 hours on boarding, Random antigenic test upon arrival in France; Complete a 7-day of self-isolation upon arrival in …