Abu Dhabi Airports has welcomed Lebanese travellers arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) with special gifts upon their disembarkation from Middle East Airlines (MEA) flight ME418. The arriving travellers were greeted by AUH’s Wellness Ambassadors, in celebration of the arrival of the first MEA flight since March 2020. In line with the gradual resumption of commercial flights at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Middle East Airlines has resumed its flights between Beirut, Lebanon and the UAE capital. Abu Dhabi International Airport has implemented a range of health and safety measures including a team of specially trained Wellness Ambassadors to support passengers by answering common questions relating to keeping healthy during travel, encouraging social distancing, monitoring the regular sanitisation of surfaces, communicating testing and isolation procedures, and providing hand sanitiser and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves to passengers. Abu Dhabi International Airport has also introduced touch-less elevator technology as well as Sterix Gatesterilisation booths designed to safely disinfect a person within as little as three seconds. Other new technologies and precautionary measures deployed at the airport include thermal scanning cameras that incorporate the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology and cameras with facial recognition capabilities and heat motion sensors.

In the new normal selling luxury is now equal to selling happiness. Register to learn more about the comeback strategy on repositioning luxury when they meet on Wednesday August 26, 2020 at 11am on a digital platform with TravTalk Middle East. For more information about the digital conclave contact Crisna de Guzman – 0554704200 or email crisna@ddppl.com. Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism; Gerald Lawless, Ambassador WTTC and Former CEO Jumeirah Group; and Mamoum Hmedan, Managing Director MENA and India for Wego as they discuss the way forward in the post COVID era to reposition the strategies and sell tourism once again. Register FREE today. The first session of Travtalk Middle East’s third virtual conclave will take place on Wednesday 26th August 2020 from 11am to 12noon under the theme “Regaining Trust & Confidence.” Register today for Session 1: 11am to 12pm *Regaining Trust & Confidence* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/166/ml1yztk4

Nirvana Travel & Tourism announces providing a coronavirus screening service to its customers at home or at selected clinics around the emirates. Commenting on this, Alaa Al-Ali, CEO of Nirvana Travel and Tourism said, “Due to the precautionary measures served by the local government in combating the pandemic, travelling requires presenting negative COVID-19 examination results. With this service, we are pleased to be able to facilitate access to this service for all our customers and travellers.” Al-Ali mentioned that, “We have always been keen to provide the best services to ensure that our customers finish arranging travel procedures, efficiently. During this challenging time, we aim to give assurance to our customers in obtaining examination results, accurately and conveniently.” “The cooperation with different clinics around the UAE is vital to achieve the framework of community contribution set by Nirvana Travel & Tourism, in line with the services it provides to all the community members of the Emirates,” Al-Ali concluded.

Etihad Guest has launched exciting new offers for members to enjoy, from points transfers to discounted redemptions and more.Members who convert a minimum of 5,000 Etihad Guest Miles from other loyalty programmes between now and August 31, 2020 will receive one Tier Mile for every mile transferred, encouraging guests to help maintain or even upgrade their Tier status which will enable them to enjoy additional benefits. Points can be transferred from other loyalty programmes including, Air Miles, Citibank, Emirates NBD, Etisalat and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Robin Kamark, Chief Commercial Officer, Etihad Aviation Group said, “In addition to the many deals that Etihad Guest is unveiling, we are currently offering a massive sale on miles redemption with a 30% discount on Guest Seats, hotel stays and car rentals when booking with Travel Rewards, valid for travel until 31 May 2021. Selected items on the Reward Shop are also discounted by 30%. We hope our members will enjoy taking part in these summer prizes”. UAE members who have the Etihad Guest mobile app will also save 30% when they redeem their miles through the app at Aldar malls across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain (WTC, Yas Mall, Al Jimi Mall) until 27 August 2020.In partnership with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, members can take advantage of unbeatable brand discounts of up to 80% until 31 August 2020 across 21 malls participating in the summer-long Unbox Amazing promotion in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. Additionally, 1,000,000 Etihad Guest Miles, among other prizes are up for grabs as part of a series of Shop & Win prize draws. Members who spend more than AED 200 at any …

Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) hosted a live parrot show at Al Zorah Natural Reserve in collaboration with the UAE Parrots Group to raise awareness for this hobby which is gaining an increasing interest among Emirati youth and contributes to attracting more visitors to Ajman. The number of participants in the 45 minutes live show reached 11 amateurs from the UAE Parrots Group with 18 Macaw parrots. Parrot breeding is an interesting hobby that brings together many young people who meet to share experience and have a good time. Ibrahim Al-Marai established the group with a team of Emirati youth who have aspirations to raise awareness for this hobby by conducting various activities, events and performances that showcase the capabilities of the trained parrots at several tourist destinations in the UAE. The group includes now many new members in addition to the ladies team that supports achieving the group objectives. Ibrahim explained that he has started this hobby since he was a child and mentioned that he has a group of parrots from different breeds. He created a safe environment to facilitate the parrots’ reproduction and in the process of arranging for new exhibitions, activities and public shows across the country. HE Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, ATDD Director General, said, “Ajman Tourism Development Department is keen to support the Emirati youth and host various activities that contribute to attracting more visitors to the emirate and consolidating Ajman position as a favourable destination for the UAE residents and visitors.”

Travtalk Middle East’s third virtual conclave will take place on Wednesday August 26, 2020 from 11am until 1.15pm. The main theme ‘Repositioning Luxury-The Comeback Strategy’ will discussthe new definition of luxury travel in two sessions. For more information about the digital conclave contact Crisna de Guzman – 0554704200 or email crisna@ddppl.com. The first session begins at 11am with Kimarli Fernando – Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism, Gerald Lawless Ambassador WTTC and Former CEO Jumeirah Group and Mamoun Hmedan Managing Director MENA and India for Wego discuss ‘Regaining Trust & Confidence’. The second session will consist hoteliers discussing ‘Increasing Customer Spend’ with Tim Cordon – Area Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa – Radisson Hotel Group, Suresh Dissanayake Assistant Vice President Sales and Marketing Heritance Aarah and Adaaran Maldives and Nuria Pizarro – Global Brand and Marketing Director –Palladium Hotel Group. You can register individually for each session and learn from the experts the new reality. Date Wednesday 26th August 11am to 1.15pm – Spend two hours and learn from the experts the news in the industry. Session 1: 11am to 12pm *Regaining Trust & Confidence* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/166/ml1yztk4 Session 2: 12:15pm to 1:15pm *Increasing Customer Spend* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/168/xyo1rbpo

We are just a few days away from the first Amazing Thailand virtual road show to take place on September 9, 2020 from 10am to 6pm UAE time. The Amazing Thailand Virtual Roadshow 2020 will host 48 tourism stakeholders from Thailand, including hotels & resorts, health & wellness, shopping establishments & attractions and tour operators & DMCs. Thai sellers with GCC buyers will do one-on-one meetings via VDO call. The first session will comprise GCC Buyers Group A, while the second session will have participants from GCC Buyers Group B. For both groups, 10 minutes will be allotted per appointment. The tourism stakeholders from Thailand will represent a variety of regions and major city across the Kingdom including Bangkok, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui, Phuket and more. We will highlight our new products & services in all major cities in Thailand including nearby cities such as Bangkok & Beyond, Phuket & Beyond, Chiang Mai & Beyond, Pattaya& Beyond, etc… as well as to highlight our SHA Certificate that has been given to all qualified Thai private sectors

The Helicopter Company (THC) announced that it has signed a purchase agreement with Airbus Helicopters to purchase 10 H125 helicopters. The deal comes as part of THC’s commitment to further expand its fleet and introduce new services that fulfill market demand and support the development of the Kingdom’s wider aviation sector. Considered a multi-task aircraft, the Airbus H125 can carry up to six passengers and be easily reconfigured to suit varying requirements. THC will utilise the new additions to its fleet to roll out new services related to scenic tourism and aerial work such as filming, banner towing, and surveying. Commenting on the purchase agreement, Capt. Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC said, “We are proud to be contributing to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s tourism and aviation industries through our innovative air transport services that guarantee passengers a one-of-a-kind experience to relish the beauty of the Kingdom from above. I would like to thank our partners at Airbus Helicopters who have ensured we have reached an agreement that matches our requirements, and we look forward to furthering our collaboration in the near future. I would also like to extend our thanks to PIF for their enduring support since our founding as we work together to advance Saudi Arabia’s aviation industry.” “The H125 is the perfect helicopter for developing commercial operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as it is a powerful and truly versatile aircraft, particularly suited to hot and high environments,” said Ben Bridge, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has started construction of a new community-focused, eco-friendly resort in the desert canyons of Ashar Valley AlUla following the signing of a new partnership with Habitas. RCU is expanding AlUla’s economic opportunities through light-touch tourism and sustainable development, while Habitas is redefining modern luxury by focusing on bringing likeminded but diverse travellers together, who prioritise human connection and experiences over the traditional luxury experience of five-star hotels. Commenting on this collaboration, Amr AlMadani, CEO of the Royal Commission for AlUla said, “This agreement reflects our commitment to making AlUla a global destination that offers visitors unique, authentic experiences as we protect, share and celebrate our natural and cultural heritage. Construction is underway, a fact that signals that we are actively opening up new opportunities for regional and international investors in the hospitality sector while empowering and enabling our community.” Oliver Ripley, CEO of Habitas added, “From our very first trip to AlUla we were really inspired by the people we met and by its natural beauty and heritage. Travel is an incredible gift to create greater compassion and understanding in the world between different people and cultures. We are grateful to RCU for the opportunity to create our home here and invite our community to discover the unique history of AlUla, to share unforgettable experiences and adventures, and make new friends that stay with us long after we leave.” Ripley continued “RCU’s approach to sustainable development aligns very closely to our values and DNA and in our mission to support local communities. The world, now more than ever, needs to create places for people to reconnect with one another and with nature.”

Millennium Hotels and Resorts MEA is delivering on its growth plans for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with debuting its first Grand Millennium Hotel in Tabuk Province. “Grand Millennium Tabuk represents the first Grand Millennium in Saudi Arabia and unfolds a story of the bygone era. The hotel is reminiscent of the vintage Hejaz Railway and the intricate design speaks volumes of stories reminding of the nostalgic Hejaz Railway,” said Kevork Deldelian, Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Hotels and Resorts Middle East and Africa. Hejaz Railway holds great importance in the history of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, departing from Damascus and making its way through Tabuk and Hejaz region to Al Madina Al Munawara. The hotel is conveniently located on the Duba Road close to Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz Airport. Guests can sink into the nostalgic era by choosing from a sprawling list of 218 luxury rooms, suites and a Royal Suite spread across six lavish floors of the hotel, with the fascinating view of Tabuk City. Every room is designed keeping in mind the heritage of the Hejaz Railway station exploding from every inch especially the photographs and wall-art that reflect the trains of the bygone era. The hotel outlets include Al Maksoura (The cabin) All-day dining restaurant, Juzurna Arabesque restaurant, Al Multaqa (The gathering place) Lobby Café and Al Manzar Pool Lounge in addition to a grand ballroom for weddings and events with a total space of 1082 sqm with a total capacity up to 800 people, five meeting rooms with a total meeting space of 283 sqm equipped with state-of-the-art modern technology and a pre-function/welcome area with a total space of 536 sqm. The hotel …