AHIC will return live and in-person from September 20-22, 2021 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, facilitating much-needed conversation, networking and market insight to help hotel investors, owners and operators steer the post-pandemic hospitality landscape in the Middle East and Africa. Reimagined for 2021 under the theme Rise Together, the new-look Arabian & African Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC) will bring together the four close-knit investment communities of the Arabian Hospitality Investment Conference (AHIC), Saudi Arabia Hospitality Investment Conference (SHIC), Africa Hotel Investment Forum (AHIF) and the Global Restaurant Investment Forum (GRIF). Key representatives from each of these communities gathered in Dubai earlier this month at the AHIC 2021 Advisory Board, a meeting of 40 leading hoteliers and investors invited to influence the content of AHIC, now in its 17th edition and organised by Bench in partnership with MEED. In addition, 20 of the region’s leaders in F&B gathered at a separate meeting to ensure the needs of the restaurant community are integrated into AHIC. Jonathan Worsley, chairman of Bench and founder of AHIC, said, “By the time AHIC opens in September, our delegates will have navigated 18 months of virtual meetings and business conducted behind screens. The Advisory Board, held at The Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management, provided a mirror into the unmatched value of face-to-face networking, with hotel owners and operators beginning the AHIC conversation; sharing their problems, suggesting solutions, and ultimately coming together to develop a roadmap for the future.” Jennifer Pettinger-Haines, managing director Middle East for Bench, added: “Together with our Advisory Board, we are shaping an AHIC that will bridge our investment communities in the Middle East and Africa, across hotels and F&B. There will be macro-economic …

Qatar Airways’ resumption of four-weekly Atlanta flights on 1 June marks the full return of the airline’s pre-pandemic U.S. network increasing its gateways to 12, two more than it operated before COVID-19. The airline will also be increasing frequencies to Boston, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle offering more flexible travel options for its passengers with more than 85 weekly flights across the United States. These increased services will provide enhanced connectivity to several of the airline’s global leisure destinations including Cape Town, Maldives, Seychelles and Zanzibar, along with other key traffic flows in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said, “Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Qatar Airways has remained committed to its passengers and trade partners in the United States, maintaining continuous services while rebuilding its U.S. network and launching two new destinations – San Francisco and Seattle. We have also strengthened our presence in the U.S. through strategic partnerships with Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue that have enabled us to connect to more points in the United States than any other airline, providing U.S. travellers the most convenient way to travel internationally this summer.   “As more of our passengers return to the skies, they can take comfort knowing that they are travelling with the only airline in the world that has, together with our state-of-the-art global hub Hamad International Airport, achieved four 5-Star Skytrax ratings – including the prestigious 5-Star Airline Rating, 5-Star Airport Rating, 5-Star COVID-19 Airline Safety Rating and 5-Star COVID-19 Airport Safety Rating. We are proud to have lead the industry during this difficult period, setting the benchmark for …

21st edition of the Hotel Show kicked off at the World Trade Center with 250 exhibitors, the three day event will conclude on 2nd June 2021. The Hotel Show Dubai is the largest event of its kind in the region connecting industry leaders from over 20 countries for the first time in more than a year, making up for time missed during the pandemic. Visitors can look forward to three days of engaging networking and rich inspiration, enhanced with a world-class line-up of conferences and seminars, supplemented with a host of live competitions and demonstrations. Andy White, Senior Vice President at dmg events says, “Our aim at The Hotel Show 2021 is to educate, inspire and entertain. We’re delighted to be back after 15 months, and, as a result have focused on developing outstanding content for this year’s edition. We are pleased to have doubled the number of seminars and have three times as many speakers as previous editions. We are delighted with how day one has done with an array of things to experience under one roof and can’t wait for days two and three.” International participants at this year’s show are predicting the 21st edition to unveil a wealth of trade and tourism insights, as well as solidify restored confidence in the region’s growing hospitality market. Experts predict that the UAE will be one of the fastest tourism markets in the world to recover from the pandemic, due to its strong governance and regulatory framework, and rapid vaccination roll-out. Muhammed Khomeini, Director of Indonesian Trade Promotion Center and organiser of the official Indonesian pavilion comments; “Nine Indonesian manufacturers are participating at the Hotel Show Dubai. Dubai has been rated the safest city in the world for business and leisure travellers. The city’s rapid economic …

UFI, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry Middle East and Africa Conference 2021 successfully concluded with over 150 participants from across the globe and 30 expert speakers. ‘UFI MEA Conference’ brought together leading players from the region and beyond to network, exchange ideas and forge new partnerships, with participants travelling from as far as the United States. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, and Kai Hattendorf, Managing Director and CEO of UFI, delivered welcome addresses. Leaders from the regional and international exhibition sector gathered in Dubai – thanks to the city’s well-established measures to safeguard the well-being of all visitors – to have the opportunity to see how it has led the way globally in restarting business events in the wake of the pandemic. With a mix of speakers from inside and outside the industry, participants enjoyed a world-class programme of content, including economic outlooks, case studies, lessons learnt from the pandemic and plans for the future. There were also multiple networking opportunities to catch up with friends and colleagues, meet new people and enjoy the company of colleagues. Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, says: “Driven by the city’s strong, decisive leadership and prudent handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai has led the way internationally in safely restarting exhibitions, trade shows and other business events, which play a vital role in economic and knowledge development locally. Just as we’ve worked with local and international stakeholders to ensure the city has been well-placed to resume events, we are committed to working with the wider industry to share knowledge and learning. Hosting the UFI Middle …

BOLLYWOOD PARKS Dubai, Dubai Parks and Resorts has monumental plans for the rest of 2021 with its array of exciting launches. These include two world-first rides and record setting thrills inspired by the Now You See Me and John Wick movies at MOTIONGATE Dubai, the region’s first and a world record breaking wooden coaster at BOLLYWOOD PARK Dubai, and the launch of the Middle East’s first LEGOLAND Hotel at LEGOLAND Dubai. Rami Mashini, Vice President Sales, Marketing, and Strategic Partnerships at DXB Entertainments said, “Being one of Dubai’s leading tourist destinations, we are dedicated to continually think about ways to innovate and expand our incredible theme parks. We promise amazing experiences to our guests and this year will see Dubai Parks and Resorts launch record-breaking concepts that will set the standard for theme parks in the region, and will raise the thrills at the park to new heights. It is an exciting time for everyone as people are able to move around Dubai more freely, and international travellers can start to plan their trips to Dubai. We couldn’t be happier to be launching these world-first rides, and an incredibly unique hotel destination for families this year, so we can look to the future together and have something exciting to look forward to.” This year, the region’s largest Hollywood-inspired theme park, MOTIONGATE™ Dubai will substantially add to its offering as the park will become home to the first ever theme park coaster that has been inspired by the global hit action franchise, John Wick, as well as introducing the world’s fastest single-car spinning coaster that has been based on the popular heist thriller franchise, Now You See Me. Reaffirming the already …

The key holiday destination of Málaga returns to Qatar Airways’ route network as Spain begins to ease travel restrictions for tourists. Málaga is a firm favourite with holidaymakers around the world, and fully vaccinated travellers will soon be able to visit once again whilst also enjoying Qatar Airways’ award-winning hospitality and service. His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways said, “As the world begins to open up again, we at Qatar Airways stand ready to take the lead in supporting the global economic and social recovery as demonstrated by our support for tourism in Spain. Spain has always been a strategically important country for our airline, as reflected by our deep partnership with Iberia and steady rebuild of our Spain network. “Our global network continues to rebuild and expand even in these challenging times.  Passengers booking with Qatar Airways can do so with complete confidence that they can make changes to their booking should factor outside their control disrupt their travel plans.” Málaga is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city nestled along Spain´s Costa del Sol in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia. The city offers a wide variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, such as exploring the historic Roman fort, basking on one of Málaga’s wonderful Mediterranean beaches, or visiting one of its many museums. Many travellers also combine a trip to Malaga with a visit to the Southern Spain hotspots of Marbella and Puerto Banus. Málaga became the third Spanish destination for Qatar Airways network in June 2018 and will be served by flights on Friday and Sunday from Doha, utilising one of the airline’s modern, sustainable and young Airbus A350-900 aircraft with seating for …

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, remarked, “Sustainability in travel and tourism is vitally important for the future of our industry, with growing concerns about the industry’s impact on the environment. This is the issue of the hour. Hotels and destinations will have to balance short term financial recovery coming out of the pandemic, with a mid to longer term eco-friendly business strategy.” During a virtual conversation with top industry sustainability professionals, moderator Harold Goodwin, who is Responsible Tourism Advisor to the World Travel Market, presented a session entitled Responsible Hospitality in a Perfect Storm. During his opening comments, Goodwin sought opinion from the panel about the environmental challenges facing hotels over the next decade, especially when the pandemic, has hit hotels hard financially, with many still focused on survival. In response, Eric Ricaurte, Founder and Chief Executive of hospitality consultancy Greenview, said, “By 2030 at the latest, hotels will be expected by their stakeholders to be net zero (emissions), 100% renewable energy. So, the problem at the moment is really coping with the pace of change to get there.” According to Singapore-based Ricaurte, the key to keeping pace with say retrofits or renovations, will, in part be dictated not only by consumer demand but by potential new green regulations, “Hotels will need to plan ahead for new regulations, allocating enough reserves through their CAPEX budgets.” On the issue of measuring their sustainability performance and being transparent about the results, Inge Huijbrechts, Global Senior Vice President Sustainability, Security and Corporate Communications at Radisson Hotel Group commented, “All major hospitality companies have been tracking their (sustainable) performance and we’ve all been setting reduction targets. “But you need to recognise …

20th edition of the Airport Show concluded in Dubai after three days of successful run as key decision-makers from major airports in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) met reputable exhibitors at the first international event of this nature since the outbreak of COVID-19 and bid goodbye with a renewed sense of optimism and positivity about regaining the lost tempo of growth and expansion. The overwhelming response to the show simply reflected the observation of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group. Soon after opening the show, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said, “The aviation industry has a history of successfully bouncing back from crises and the COVID-19 pandemic is no different. The setback is temporary and it will again be on the tracks of transformation.  As in the past, Dubai will in the future continue to lead in the industry’s resurgence through collaborations and cooperation.” Daniyal Qureshi, Group Exhibition Director at Reed Exhibitions Middle East, which organises the trend-setting trade show, said that the exhibitors had significant meetings with representatives of various organisations from the UAE, other GCC countries as well as from the Middle East region. It was quite encouraging to note people’s zeal to return to normalcy as soon as possible and use the current period to get ready to meet the demand as the situation improves. He said, “It was challenging to organise the show at such a critical juncture when the aviation industry has just started to show signs of recovery. But several national and international companies as well as regional buyers …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced its flight schedule for summer 2022. For those wanting to plan ahead and have a summer holiday to look forward to next year, tickets are available now and can be booked on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app. Since launching in January 2021, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi now operates to 24 destinations, which will be open to book for 2022. Among the destinations are routes to Kazakhstan, Greece, Egypt, Oman, Ukraine, Israel, Serbia, Armenia, Georgia, Cyprus, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Bulgaria and Romania. The summer time in the UAE is the perfect opportunity to escape the heat and explore one of the many enriching destinations Wizz Air Abu Dhabi offers. From relaxing beach holidays to exploring cultural and historical hubs, there is something for all who are looking to unwind. Travellers can rest assured about booking in advance with Wizz Air Abu Dhabi thanks to the airline’s WIZZ Flex. With WIZZ Flex, passengers can cancel their flight up to three hours before departure without any fee and receive 100% of the fare immediately reimbursed in airline credit. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is committed to providing travellers with greater access and opportunity to travel safely to unique and exciting destinations at an ultra-low-fare. With this in mind, the airline has introduced a new era of sanitised travel across its network, with enhanced hygiene measures to ensure the health and safety of passengers and crew. This the airline’s effective HEPA ventilation systems that fully circulate the air in the cabin 20 times an hour.  Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has the youngest fleet composed of four brand new state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, offering the lowest fuel burn, emissions and …

Governing Board of the oneworld global airline alliance has appointed His Excellency Akbar Al Baker as Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, to serve as its Chairman. HH Al Baker will succeed current oneworld Governing Board Chairman Mr. Alan Joyce, Group CEO of Qantas Group. As Chairman of the oneworld Governing Board, HH Al Baker will oversee the alliance’s governance, chair oneworld’s Governing Board meetings and work closely with oneworld CEO Rob Gurney and the alliance’s management team. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “As we emerge from some of the most challenging times ever facing the global airline industry, I am honoured to be chosen by my fellow board members to lead the Governing Board for oneworld, an alliance that has continued to expand since COVID-19 emerged, with the addition of two new members in Alaska Airlines and Royal Air Maroc. “I am also proud to lead an alliance that has set the benchmark for innovation, safety and customer service throughout the pandemic with many members, including Qatar Airways, taking the lead in trialing digital health passports. Qatar Airways has also enhanced bilateral relations with fellow oneworld members in the past 18 months, further demonstrating the strength of the partnerships between member airlines.” “The pivotal role airlines and aviation play in the global economy has never been more evident than this past year, with both passenger and cargo operations in the spotlight, supporting international efforts to protect lives and livelihoods. We have collectively enabled mobilisation of aid, medical supplies and key workers and I would like to pay tribute to all the teams who have worked tirelessly across the oneworld member airlines to support …