Swiss Tourism launched a new e-learning platform for the travel trade partners to help them with updated information on the Swiss public transport system and support them to sell the system better. This Swiss Travel System Excellence Program, an e-learning programme imparts up-to-date knowledge and thereby enables agents to support their clients in a confident and competent manner. Heidi and Peter take trade specialists on a virtual learning journey through Swiss public transport. In the process, agents can broaden their knowledge in an entertaining way and ac- quire essential public transport know-how to support their clients professionally and competently. Everything is quick and easy: the fascinating world of train, bus and boat is always at your fingertips. As multipliers central to the Swiss Travel System AG (STS AG), the worldwide network of trade specialists plays an important role. Trade experts are in direct contact with clients and sell the Swiss Travel System around the globe. The new Swiss Travel System Excellence Program imparts up-to-date knowledge and thereby enables agents to support their clients in a confident and competent manner. Maurus Lauber, CEO of STS AG, affirms, “We are convinced that this attractive platform will help trade specialists to sell even more travels by train bus and boat in Switzerland.” The Swiss Travel System Excellence Program is the only e-learning program worldwide to cover the entire public transport system of a country. In the individual courses, participants learn everything about the characteristics of the Swiss Travel System – from tickets and pass to premium panoramic trains to luggage transport. Thanks to the modular structure, learners choose for themselves which content they would like to explore in more detail. And it can …

Ramada hotels and suites by Wyndham JBR are offering a specialized daycation package to entice the residents and visitors in the UAE.  The hotel’s daycation packages start at AED 249/, inclusive of a day-stay in a deluxe room, pool access with a view of Ain Dubai, and 30% discount on spa treatments at Rayya Wellness. For the price of AED 299/, guests will receive hotel credits worth AED 250/ on top of a day-stay in a deluxe room, plus a gym and pool access. AED 100/ can be used at any of the dining outlets, while the remaining AED 150/ credit can be redeemed at Rayya Wellness. For AED359/, guests can avail the above benefits plus four tickets to Laguna Waterpark OR The Green Planet.

In its ongoing commitment to provide guests with optimal flexibility, Oman Air has introduced a revised Excess Baggage Policy. By replacing its existing “extra bag” fee with a new weight-based fee, the airline now effectively offers ‘More Bags for Less’ to passengers who require more baggage allowance.  Previously, economy class passengers (excluding Super Saver) were allowed 2 bags and a total of 30 kilograms, and passengers exceeding the 30 kilograms were required to pay a fixed excess bag fee. While the revised policy maintains the 30-kilogram free baggage allowance, it differs in the fact that passengers are no longer limited to 2 bags and excess fees are calculated based on 5-kilogram weight increments. Free baggage allowances have also been revised for Business and First and aim to provide all Oman Air guests with more convenience at a time when travel behaviours are constantly changing to adapt to COVID-19 health and safety measures. Oman Air reminds passengers that the Standard Bag Specifications are total linear dimensions of up to 159 CM and a maximum weight of 32 KG. A Single Baggage exceeding 159 CM in dimensions but within 32 KG of weight is subject to the Oversized Baggage Charge over and above any Excess Weight Baggage charges. Excess baggage is available for advance purchase on omanair.com, as well as through the Oman Air call center, sales offices, and various travel agencies.    

Emirates has announced it will increase services to popular holiday destinations, Maldives and Seychelles, ahead of the Easter break. Starting March 28, the airline will offer customers 28 weekly flights to Male, and seven weekly flights to Mahe. The added services will meet market demand and offer customers greater flexibility, choice and connectivity while planning their travels this Easter holiday. Emirates currently offers customers 24 weekly flights to the Maldives, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Starting from 28 March until 18 April, the airline will ramp up services to 28 flights a week – offering customers enhanced connectivity to the popular Indian Ocean destination, via Dubai. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, or via travel agents. Experience world-class spa resorts, pristine beaches and explore stunning marine life in one of the world’s best diving destinations. All travellers to the Maldives, excluding Maldives citizens, must present a negative COVID‑19 PCR test result, conducted within 96 hours prior to departure. Travellers are also requested to complete the online Immigration and Health self‑declaration form within 24 hours prior to arrival. Starting from 28 March until 30 October 2021, Emirates’ flights from Dubai to Mahe will increase from five-times-a-week to seven-times-a-week, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. The announcement comes as the island-nation is set to re-open its borders for international travellers with no vaccination or quarantine requirements, starting 25 March. All travellers will still be required to present a negative PCR test taken 72 hours prior to departure. Visitors to Seychelles will enjoy the island-nation’s lush, tropical forests, picturesque beaches and diverse marine life. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, Emirates sales offices, or via travel agents.

As we reach halfway in the month of March, the countdown has already begun for the greatest show of the quarter; Gulf Travel Show scheduled to take place 31st March and 1st April 2021 from 10 am to 6 pm GST. The only virtual networking event in the Middle East that connects the globe on one single platform providing an opportunity to each proactive travel partner to re-establish their relationships and capitalize on business over two days. Tourism Malaysia will be the diamond partner at the second edition of the Gulf Travel Show. 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 which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, and international agencies encouraged the emergence of a second edition. Once again, the show promises some of the 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. A brand new digital experience awaits you with a platform that 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 in the end will be incentivized.  

Marriott announces another opening in Q3 in 2021, this time in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. JW Marriott Burj Rafal is expected in the third quarter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Situated on King Fahad Road, a peaceful oasis amidst a dynamic city and just a 5-minute drive from King Abdullah Financial District, JW Marriott Burj Rafal resides in one of the most desirable addresses in Riyadh. The landmark hotel will stand as the tallest residential building in the city, spanning 70 floors, with 349 rooms and suites.

One of the most interesting destinations much loved by the GCC travellers, Spain is on a roll once again as they host two webinars during the month of March under the webinar series “Rediscover Spain”. There will be three themes for this series again and it will entail urban and coastal cities and Islands. The first webinar to take place on Tuesday 16th March  2021 at 12noon will focus on Andalusia & Costa del sol, followed by  Spanish city breaks with Madrid and Barcelona on 23rd March and lastly the Islands on 7th April 2021. Daniel Rosado Bayon – Director –Spain Tourism GCC stated, “We are very excited to have our first series of webinars for this year for Spain. 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. The webinar series …

Verteil and dnata Travel Group have entered into an agreement for powering the dnata Travel Group’s NDC adoption via Verteil Direct Connect (VDC) platform. The dnata Travel Group of companies will now be able to access airline NDC content across multiple business lines that serve the travel requirements of a diverse market. By virtue of integrating VDC APIs into its current technology stack, a full range of air content will be available in one place for the dnata Travel Group, thus making it easier for its agents to compare offers and provide its customers with the best value proposition. Using VDC, dnata Travel Group can now directly enjoy the benefits of value-added and differentiated products and services made available by the airline on its NDC channel. “As part of the dnata Travel Group’s NDC initiative, we are excited to partner with Verteil Technologies to bring NDC capabilities to our Corporate and B2B businesses. This new capability will enable our consultants to seamlessly search, book, and issue NDC fares and offers, and also conduct all post-issuance processes in order to support our customers,” said Geoff Wood, Senior Vice President, Destination Management and Supplier Relations, dnata Travel Group. “Our NDC initiative will ensure that our customers have continued access to the best available fares and enhance their capability to access airline ancillary products. It will also support our airline partners in efficiently implementing their NDC strategies in the UAE and GCC region. We continue to invest in innovative solutions to deliver best-in-class services for our customers and airline partners.” On this partnership, Jerrin Jos, Founder and CEO of Verteil Technologies stated, “Verteil is honored to be powering the dnata Travel Group’s NDC …

The countdown has begun for the second edition of the Gulf Travel Show which will kick off on 31st March and 1st April 2021, Tourism Malaysia pledged as Diamond partner with some of their key partners in their very own pavilion. Successfully concluded  in November 2020 with 40 plus exhibitors, 6000 one-to-one meetings, and 2,500 visitors from 59 countries which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies and international agencies encouraged the emergence of a second edition. Once again, the show promises some of the 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. Travel is in the DNA of the Middle Eastern travellers, the moment the lockdowns eased and hotels started welcoming guests, it was the UAE, KSA and other countries in the region that welcomed travellers and went on to boost domestic tourism or staycations which was a partly unexplored territory. However, these staycations became a regular fore hence industry experts started building the confidence of the travellers since last summer which actually saw a bold approach in the Middle East as they opened with great care and precaution to the world. At the Gulf Travel Show experts will add their predictions and research findings to ensure to build confidence of the travellers. The past one year was a test for survival of the fittest, proactive and wide open minders and those who actually looks beyond just short term goals but prepare for a more longer term revival. As the world order kept changing from an overload of misinformation, TravTalk Middle East ensured that the right message …

Kuwait’s largest retail, entertainment, and lifestyle destination, the prestigious Waldorf Astoria Kuwait is preparing to make its grand debut later this year. The stunning property features 200 contemporary, spacious and sun-drenched deluxe rooms and suites with panoramic views of the glittering Kuwait City skyline.  Guests will enjoy a transformative journey of the senses at this ultra-luxurious property, from exquisite dining venues offering a range of mouthwatering delicacies and refreshing mocktails, to the awe-inspiring 13,560 square foot Waldorf Spa that will leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The hotel’s exclusive Club Lounge redefines luxury, combining intimacy and comfort with bespoke service. Meanwhile, beautiful meeting and event spaces – including a spectacular Grand Ballroom – provide idyllic venues for unforgettable celebrations or tailored corporate events. Directly adjacent to the popular Avenues Mall, Waldorf Astoria Kuwait provides seamless access to over 1,100 shops and 28 cinema screens, making it the perfect address for both leisure and business.