Dubai College of Tourism (DCT) has announced a strategic partnership with leading international hospitality company, Jumeirah Group, to facilitate graduates in pursuing successful careers in the tourism and hospitality sectors, and forms an integral part of the industry nationalisation initiative, Medyaf. This initiative firmly supports Dubai Tourism’s growth strategy and highlights the pivotal role that local talent will play in the future of Dubai’s tourism sector and its status as an exceptional world-class destination. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of Dubai College of Tourism, commented, “The agreement with hospitality leader Jumeirah Group will provide a major impetus to the Medyaf programme of Dubai College of Tourism, to attract and train talented Emiratis for gainful employment in the tourism sector.  It is also a reflection of the strong spirit of collaboration that exists between government and private sector establishments in Dubai and will further enhance the role of the hospitality sector in the implementation of Dubai’s tourism strategy designed to make the city the world’s No.1 most visited, revisited, and preferred destination. With the world going through challenging times, it is imperative to expand the pool of local talent and we are confident that by working with industry partners of Jumeirah Group’s calibre, we will be able to achieve the goals of our industry nationalisation drive, a critical element in strengthening Dubai’s tourism workforce.” Commenting on the agreement, Ellen Dubois du Bellay, Chief Human Resources Officer, Jumeirah Group said, ”The development of young local talent is a key focus for Jumeirah Group. The next generation will be crucial to the future of our company and that of the hospitality sector in the UAE, and we fully support the nation’s mission to …

Aleph Hospitality has signed the management contracts for three hotels in Kenya. The hotels, Boma Nairobi, Boma Inn Nairobi, and Boma Inn Eldoret, are owned by Red Court Hotel, a subsidiary of Kenya Red Cross Society. Managed under Red Court Hotel’s homegrown Boma brand until now, Dubai-based Aleph Hospitality has been appointed to manage the properties and turn them into profitable assets once again. As part of the agreement, Aleph Hospitality has pledged financial support to the Kenya Red Cross, by donating a percentage of fees it earns from the hotels to local charitable initiatives. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to take over the management of the three Boma hotels in a deal that further strengthens our presence in Kenya. We are committed to working with the owners to turn around the fortunes of these wonderful hotels and proud to support local humanitarian projects being run by the owner through the Kenya Red Cross”. Dr. Abbas Gullet, Founder and Chairman of Red Court Hotel and former Secretary General of Kenya Red Cross, added: “We are thrilled to be working with a professional hotel management company that understands both the global hotel business and our local hospitality market. All profits from Boma Nairobi, Boma Inn Nairobi and Boma Inn Eldoret fund the Kenya Red Cross Society and we are confident that together we can re-establish successful hotel businesses that will help support this great cause”. Haddad added, “We understand the Kenyan hospitality market exceptionally well and have seen an increase in demand for our management services during the Coronavirus pandemic, as owners in Kenya seek international expertise to help them manage costs, boost …

Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas has taken over Hurghada as the brand-new property opens its doors today on the Red Sea Coast. The 5-star property offers a spacious landscape of over 255,000 square meters, flashing an architectural masterpiece at the heart of the bustling town. The iconic sights are accompanied by the signature Rixos services, alongside first-class suites and villa facilities, meeting halls, vast food and beverage options, world-class leisure, sports, entertainment facilities, and a spa. “We are ecstatic to announce the significant expansion of our presence in Egypt. The recent opening of Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas is for our valued guests to experience a distinct all exclusive – all-inclusive, luxury and world-class quality of hospitality services as we strive to exceed the successes we have achieved with other properties in the country,” said Erkan Yildirim, Managing Director of Rixos Hotels Egypt.

After Morocco’s recent addition to the ‘green list’, Etihad Airways is encouraging residents to enjoy quarantine-free travel on arrival back into Abu Dhabi with the launch of its Casablanca Sale.  Valid for only 24 hours at etihad.com, fly from Abu Dhabi to Casablanca in Economy for just AED 999 return. This fare is limited to 500 seats on a first-come-first-served basis. The sale starts at 11am on Monday, 15 March 2021 and ends at 11am on Tuesday, 16 March 2021, UAE time. Guests who book between 16 and 28 March 2021 will enjoy return fares starting from AED 1,995 in Economy, and Business fares from AED 9,995. Travellers can jet off anytime between 24 March – 30 June 2021. The service will operate with an initial twice-weekly flight using a three-class Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Lumi, the car rental business of Seera Group, is expanding its retail service network in Saudi Arabia, having won the bid to open counters at Jeddah King Abdulaziz International Airport, Ta’if Regional Airport, and Al-Baha Domestic Airport in Saudi Arabia. These join the current network of 8 airport counters and the total network of 26 branches in the region. Azfar Shakeel, Vice President of Lumi, said, “Winning the bid to open airport counters at three major airports in the Kingdom is an important step in the expansion of our network, and reinforces us as the preferred car rental partner. The airport counters will serve international visitors as well as domestic customers seeking convenience, value, and service. Our goal is to sustain our market leadership through innovative services that meet the requirements of our growing base of government clients, corporates, families, and individuals.”

Just one more day to register and learn about two of the most favoured destinations in Spain; Andalusia and Costa del Sol. There will be a time that you can ask questions from the hosts about what your clients actually require about the two destinations. Register today as it will be tomorrow 16th March 2021 at 12noon UAE time. Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director –Spain Tourism GCC stated, “It would be refreshing for the agents to connect with partners from different regions in Spain and be updated on the latest measures and developments in Spain. We are waiting for the borders to open up and welcome tourists from GCC to Spain once again. Turespaña – Spain Tourism Office GCC is looking forward to showcasing Spain’s amazing offerings to the travel trade in GCC. The idea of this webinar series is to remind and highlight Spain’s known destinations and also the Islands. Spain is an all year round and popular destination among Arab travelers and expats alike from GCC and we have seen an increasing trend in interest to travel year after year. The webinar will have key destination partners from across Spain who will update the trade about the current situation and preparations on how each destination is prepping up to receive tourists when the borders open up and the time is right to travel.

Residence Inn by Marriott has announced its debut of the longer stay brand in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the opening of Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf. Located in a prime city district and boasting spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa, Residence Inn by Marriott Al Jaddaf offers convenient access to key areas including Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Welcoming guests into a flexible, comfortable, and intuitive space, the Residence Inn experience is designed for guests to travel the way they love to live by blending comfort with style. “We are delighted to bring Residence Inn by Marriott, a global leader in the extended-stay lodging segment, to the UAE. Dubai is a key market for longer stay travel, and we know that as travelling styles have evolved, there is greater demand for accommodations which offer flexibility and home comforts for business travellers and families,” said Guido de Wilde, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. “As a thriving destination for leisure and business travellers alike, there is no better place than Dubai to debut Residence Inn by Marriott in the UAE,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President, Brand, EMEA, Marriott International. “Guests will benefit from the upscale living experience paired with hotel amenities that this pioneering longer stay brand offers, allowing them to maintain a healthy balance, maximise their time and connect with the local scene in a prime city location.” “I am proud to welcome guests to experience the first Residence Inn by Marriott in the UAE and provide the personal and flexible service that the brand is renowned for around the world,” said Hossein Garan, Multi-Property General Manager, Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, Residence Inn by Marriott …

Travel trade will re-convene in one platform, connecting with partners from across the globe on 31st March and 1st April 2021 at the Gulf Travel Show from 10am to 6pm UAE time. The one and only virtual trade show that provides the opportunity to conduct business by networking on one on one basis to proactively re-establish relationships ensuring that business will soon follow with the new rules and regulations that will be in place with news of borders to open up soon with vaccinations being a key driver to the travel industry as a catalyst. Pledging support for the second time is Tourism Malaysia as diamond partner with many new tourism boards, hotels, travel management companies, international agencies, tour operators etc. The specialized sessions will feature key travel, tourism and hospitality experts from across the Middle East share their insights on the industry through one on one sessions and panel discussions. The first edition of the Gulf Travel Show successfully concluded  in November 2020 with 40 plus exhibitors, 6000 one-to-one meetings, and 2,500 visitors from 59 countries. A brand new digital experience awaits you with a platform which depicts that of a real live event, with our state of the art technology. As you enter the event, you will be transported to the venue with a very easy to manage menu that enabled you to really enjoy the event without any hassle. The hosted buyers will have the opportunity to earn points while visiting each booth and increase chances of making connections and at the end will be incentivized.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has announced the launch of its latest routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan, starting in the middle of May 2021. With the launch of Almaty and Nur-Sultan, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi adds a further two routes to the already on sale thirteen routes. The flight to Almaty will be operated 2 times per week on Mondays and Fridays, while Nur Sultan will be operated on Thursdays and Sundays, also 2 times per week. The connection between Abu Dhabi and the cities of Almaty and Nur Sultan will open new and low-fare travel opportunities for those who would like to visit friends and relatives as well as travel for business. The new routes present an affordable opportunity for travellers to explore exciting destinations, empowering visitors to immerse themselves in the culture of the gorgeous city of Almaty and discover the world’s youngest capital, Nur Sultan. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, also available in Arabic, with fares starting as low as AED 159*. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi said: “The new routes from Abu Dhabi to Almaty and Nur Sultan will encourage increased travel between the UAE and Kazakhstan through ultra-low-fare travel options. We are confident that the new routes will inspire a desire to travel and open the doors to new cultural experiences.”

Another great opportunity to rediscover the Spanish flair in a few hours at 12noon today and learn more about two of the most interesting cities in Spain; Andalusia and Cos del Sol. Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director –Spain Tourism GCC stated, “It would be refreshing for the agents to connect with partners from different regions in Spain and be updated on the latest measures and developments in Spain. We are waiting for the borders to open up and welcome tourists from GCC to Spain once again. Turespaña – Spain Tourism Office GCC is looking forward to showcasing Spain’s amazing offerings to the travel trade in GCC. The idea of this webinar series is to remind and highlight Spain´s known destinations and also the Islands. Spain is an all year round and popular destination among Arab travelers and expats alike from GCC and we have seen an increasing trend in interest to travel year after year. The webinar will have key destination partners from across Spain who will update the trade about the current situation and preparations on how each destination is prepping up to receive tourists when the borders open up and the time is right to travel. This will help the travel trade to keep themselves updated on the COVID safety measures in Spain, be informed and educated to offer the right destinations to their clients. The key focus will be on beaches, nature, shopping, and luxury along with introducing few new destinations that would be ideal for the travelers from GCC looking to travel to different regions in Spain that are safe and secure.”