Welcome To The World (welcometotheworld.com) has launched in Dubai, this video content platform aims to showcase the most popular and recommended hotels, restaurants, attractions and experiences of 175 global tourism hotspots, is set to disrupt travel and leisure booking norms by giving buyers the opportunity to book directly and support local businesses. “This is an initiative borne out of the need to spur global travel and tourism resilience in the wake of the near critical industry slow-down caused by the Covid-19 pandemic,” explained Stefanie Schachtschabel, Founder & Managing Partner of Globally, who has pioneered Welcometotheworld.com. “Welcometotheworld.com provides travel and tourism buyers with a purchasing alternative that enables and empowers them to support local businesses via the platform’s book direct functionality. The platform will create more value for tourism sector stakeholders by eliminating over-reliance on commission-heavy online travel agencies and accommodation aggregators.” “Merchants can opt to pay a fee as part of an integrated Marketing as a Service package, which we believe will be a huge net saving on commission charges incurred on other booking aggregator sites. We are ready to work with operators of all sizes to curate and create video content that populates their profiles and drives revenue,” explained Schachtschabel. “Dubai has a strong reputation of tourism invention and reinvention in close public-private sector collaboration which ideally fits with the ethos of Welcometotheworld.com,” said Schachtschabel. “Travel and tourism, as the world’s biggest employer, deserves the support of all who rely on it for a living and all who benefit from its ability to deliver huge wellbeing benefits.” “We were quick to seize the opportunity of supporting the Welcometotheworld.com initiative, which will serve as a new benchmark in global tourism …

Etihad Airways officially inaugurated the latest aircraft in its journey towards sustainability, with the pioneering 2020 ecoDemonstrator entering commercial service following a series of industry-leading test flights across the United States. The aircraft, a brand-new Boeing 787-10 registered A6-BMI, is the latest arrival to Etihad’s 39-strong fleet of 787 Dreamliners, making the UAE national airline one of the world’s largest operators of the technologically advanced aircraft type. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “As the first 787-10 to take part in the ecoDemonstrator programme, this very special aircraft stands testament to the innovation and drive for sustainable aviation that forms a core element of Etihad’s values and long-term vision. This is in line with the tremendous strides being made by Abu Dhabi, and the UAE, in the research and development of viable solutions to combat climate change. “Etihad’s partnership with Boeing, and participation in the programme with NASA and Safran, is one the UAE’s national airline is incredibly proud of. This exciting and progressive programme will have a real-world impact on our industry as part of Etihad’s GreenlinerProgramme and demonstrates Etihad’s ambitious sustainability strategy. As a prime example of industry collaboration, this aircraft is a unique example of how the aviation industry can come together for a more sustainable future.” “Boeing’s partnership with Etihad Airways on this year’s ecoDemonstrator program elevated the strategic sustainability alliance we formed last year to a whole new level,” said Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO. “Collaborations like these are invaluable to accelerate innovation that further enhances the safety and sustainability of flying. The testing we conducted, in partnership with NASA and Safran Landing Systems, will benefit aviation and …

As travellers plan ahead and locals explore destinations closer to home, Four Seasons provides peace of mind with the highest standards of health and safety, personalised experiences and uncompromising luxury. “Exciting new hotel openings, renovations and enhancements are progressing across the portfolio, all with a focus on creating the most exceptional luxury experiences while welcoming guests safely,” says Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Regardless of the destination, Four Seasons guests can take comfort in knowing that their health and safety is our highest priority.” In May 2020, the company introduced Lead With Care, an enhanced global health and safety program for employees, guests and residents that responds to the evolving nature of the pandemic in concert with local health authorities. Given the fluid and unique situation in each local market, Four Seasons also created Welcome Back, a centralised place to find the latest information about property reopenings and current facility availability, including any temporary changes to the on-property experience.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, is introducing a new rail-only itinerary and more Cruise & Rail itineraries for 2022. As private and convenient travel styles increase in demand, Uniworld will be offering its guests more ways to see bucket-list worthy destinations. “Uniworld is excited to be expanding into a new style of travel while continuing to offer the same unforgettable experiences that are exclusive to Uniworld,” says Ellen Bettridge, President & CEO of Uniworld. “We’re looking ahead to 2022 and the unique ways we can provide our guests with the best travel opportunities to fully immerse themselves in remarkable experiences.” Uniworld will be offering guests a new way to travel through a Trans-Siberian rail-only journey on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express from Moscow to Vladivostok. Guests will ride across Russia from east to west through the magnificent Urals mountain range and along the shore of the largest freshwater lake in the world—Lake Baikal. On this itinerary, travellers will explore the streets of Moscow, dine in Café Pushkin and sip Russian Champagne at Moscow Kazansky Station. In Kazan, guests will visit the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site and travel to Novosibirsk where they will visit the iconic Opera House in Lenin Square. A Uniworld representative will be present throughout the trip, as well as an exclusive Uniworld dining car serving up some of Bea Tollman’s most beloved dishes. Departure dates are July 27, August 6, and August 21, and include a one-night hotel stay at both the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow and the five-star Lotte Hotel Vladivostok. Uniworld will arrange additional pre and post-trip hotel accommodations upon request.

Seychelles strengthens its relationships with Middle Eastern travel trade partners through the Seychelles Tourism Board’s (STB) participation in the first virtual Gulf Travel Show on November 23 and 24th, 2020. The two-day virtual event united around 2,500 participants joining in from 59 countries across the globe, with the Middle East Seychelles Tourism Board Office representing the island destination in networking and paving a path towards the recovery of the tourism industry. The first virtual edition of the GTS used an impressive and user-friendly platform which displayed the convention centre, a virtual hall, auditorium, and exhibition hall, creating an immersive virtual experience. Amongst the 40 exhibitors was the STB Team, who kept visitors updated about the destination, the latest safety measures and products. Whilst visiting these virtual booths, visitors also met with the representatives and had access to essential documents and videos. The virtual show’s gamified system fostered a dynamic atmosphere with the leader board encouraging visitors to participate in the different talks and to connect with the exhibitors. Insightful and engaging panel discussions, including an explanation of trends defined by technology companies, led by local and international industry leaders drew in visitors. Representing STB at the event was Ahmed Fathallah, member of the STB Dubai Team, who said “This show brought together industry experts, world-class speakers and attendees from across the region all under one virtual roof. STOME will continue to take part in these regional activities to continue to spearhead the gradual restart of the tourism industry. We will always be here for our trade partners and continue to offer and extend the assistance that we can give.” Hosted by TravTalk Middle East, the Gulf Travel Show provided a …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced its continued expansion in Dubai with the opening of the 290-room upscale Wyndham Dubai Deira, and the 94-key Super 8 by Wyndham Dubai Deira – its first property in the UAE under the stylish economy brand. Located in the historic area of Deira, the newly opened hotels are the first in the highly anticipated Deira Enrichment Project and part of a strategic effort by Wyndham to meet travellers’ growing demand for accommodations at varying price points across the region. The Deira Enrichment Project- a development by Ithra Dubai, fully owned by Investment Corporation of Dubai is a mixed-use development situated along the Dubai creek in the southern part of Deira. With the goal of expanding the urban fabric of the existing Deira community towards the waterfront, the project is expected to become one of the largest waterfronts and man-made developments in the world. Michel Augier, Regional Director, Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said, “The Deira Waterfront has great potential to attract visitors from around the world, many of whom bring varying accommodation needs, making it the ideal location to further expand our presence. With distinct offerings from economy to upscale, this marks yet another step in our continued commitment to making hotel travel possible for all.”

TIME Hotels Management has officially taken over the management of the Onyx Hotel Apartments in Al Qusais, Dubai, its fifth property in Dubai and its seventh in the UAE. TIME Hotels took over day-to-day operations of the rebranded TIME Onyx Hotel Apartments Al Qusais on Saturday (December 12) following an official handover ceremony, which was attended by Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels and Ali Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami Al Suwaidi, Managing Director, Jams HR Solutions. Commenting, Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels, said, “This latest management acquisition, further reinforces our steady and focused growth strategy to expand our footprint in the UAE responsibly. The UAE hospitality sector has grown steadily in confidence, since the initial COVID-19 lockdown in April and now that vaccines are ready to be rolled out, I am very optimistic that our industry will rebound in 2021, especially during the build up to Expo 2020.” “TIME Onyx Hotel Apartment has been classified as a Deluxe Hotel Apartment and due to our location and our facilities, we are ideally suited for both corporate and leisure guests, whether it’s a short family weekend break, or an executive looking for a base, while making lengthy business trips, or working on local projects,” said Karim Ellecy, General Manager.

Oman Air is now offering ‘My Space’, an option which gives Economy Class guests the opportunity to ensure that the seat next to them is vacant. The airline’s program makes it simple to travel with even more comfort and convenience. When guests check in online 48 hours before their departure, they can select their seats via an interactive seat map and choose the option to ensure at least one seat next to them is vacant. If the option is not available for guests’ chosen seats, they can select another seat that does have adjacent vacancies. Guests can choose ‘My Space’ until 3 hours before their flight’s departure time. Abdul Aziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air said, “We are committed to providing a safe environment for our guests while offering options that will increase their comfort”. While the airline offers this choice, which is convenient and safe, it also continues to maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey, to ensure that guests fly confidently. Umesh Chhiber, Senior Vice President – Revenue Management, Pricing & Distribution, Oman Air said, “Our guests appreciate flexibility and choices while they are travelling. In cooperation with our trusted partner, Plusgrade, we are giving them the opportunity to fly with more space around them”.

After nine months of experiencing Thailand virtually, the country has reopened its borders to travellers from the Middle East and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is highlighting the best elements of the destination for visitors to experience. With lush nature and beautiful scenery, Chiang Mai meaning ‘New City’, is the ideal destination to embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure that is cultural and sustainable. Known for its religious sites and mountainous landscape, Chiang Mai also has a variety of local markets, hill tribe traditional weaving experiences and luxury resorts. For an off-the-beaten-path retail experience, Jing Jai Market (also known as Chiang Mai’s JJ Market) is an open-air local market north of Chiang Mai’s old city that operates over the weekend where visitors can find organic produce and handmade handicrafts, or unwind at one of the cafes and restaurants in a pleasant atmosphere. In the same vicinity of the market is Chiang Mai’s largest plant and garden market that sells a variety of native plants. Nestled in the shade of Suthep Mountain, Studio Naenna is an ethical fashion and eco textiles community of women weavers comprised of ‘Weavers For the Environment’ (WFE). The studio and store hosts a variety of textiles workshop including indigo harvesting and dying, as well as traditional Karen backstrap loom weaving workshops. A popular upscale tourist hotspot, Koh Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand and surrounded by over 40 other islands in the calm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. Island hopping is one of the most popular tourist activities, allowing travellers to spend time on different islands with ample opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive.

Seera Group has signed a global agreement with Hilton. The direct connectivity distribution agreement with Hilton will provide Seera Group customers access to the hotel chain’s current global portfolio of more than 6,300 properties in 118 countries and territories at affordable rates. The agreement also enables Seera to promote destinations where these hotels are located to visitors from Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Bahrain, Kuwait, and beyond. Abdullah Al-Dawood, Group CEO of Seera Group, said, “As the leading travel and tourism company in the Middle East region, we have consistently focused on redefining the hospitality experience and setting new industry benchmarks. Through our partnership with Hilton, we are expanding our hotel portfolio that will accelerate our business growth and enable our customers to enjoy exceptional hospitality experiences across a wide destination network.” Commenting on the signing, Stijn Bastiaens, Vice President and Commercial Director, Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Hilton, said, “We are delighted to have signed the direct connectivity distribution agreement which allows us access to Seera’s overseas offices, as well as additional channels such as Almosafer. Hilton and Seera Group have worked together for more than 15 years and this agreement brings even further value to our partnership. We look forward to offering Seera’s guests exceptional experiences at our properties, all backed by our global Hilton CleanStayprogramme which provides travellers with enhanced standards of cleanliness during all aspects of their stay with us.”