SAUDIA and Virgin Atlantic have signed a codeshare agreement effective June 2024 to provide a range of benefits to SAUDIA’s guests and Virgin Atlantic’s passengers, enriching their travel experience and expanding route networks for both airlines to serve the tourism and business sectors. The codeshare agreement offers a range of benefits for travelers on both airlines. Guests will enjoy a smooth and hassle-free travel experience with the ability to book connecting flights on both SAUDIA and Virgin Atlantic under a single ticket. This simplifies the booking process and ensures seamless baggage handling to their destination. Additionally, frequent flyers can leverage their existing membership benefits and accrue mileage towards status upgrades on both airlines. Notably, SAUDIA’s AlFursan members can specifically earn and redeem miles on Virgin Atlantic flights. Under this new codeshare agreement, SAUDIA guests will be able to seamlessly travel from Jeddah and Riyadh to ten destinations across the United States and the Caribbean Islands via Heathrow and Manchester airports in the United Kingdom utilizing Virgin Atlantic’s extensive flight network. Furthermore, the Virgin Atlantic passengers traveling from the United States will be able to conveniently book flights via London Heathrow and Manchester airports, connecting them to SAUDIA’s services in Jeddah and Riyadh.

Emirates and Condor have signed a reciprocal codeshare partnership that will start from October 2024, subject to government approvals. The new agreement will offer seamless connections and expanded choices for Emirates customers connecting on Condor-operated flights via Germany to popular destinations in Majorca and the Canary Islands as well as international points in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. The expanded partnership will see Condor place their marketing code “DE” on Emirates-operated flights beyond Dubai to some of the most attractive global tourism hotspots, offering new travel options for Condor customers to many unique destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The codeshare activation coincides with Condor’s Berlin-Dubai route launch this October. The agreement was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, and Peter Gerber, CEO of Condor, at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Dubai. The signing ceremony was also attended by members of each airline’s executive management teams. Adnan Kazim commented: “We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Condor, one of the most popular leisure airlines in Germany, to offer their customers greater access and strong connection opportunities to unique destinations in our network, complemented by Emirates’ signature in-flight service and hospitality throughout their journey from Dubai. Emirates currently has commercial cooperation agreements in place with 161 interline, codeshare and intermodal partners expanding its network reach to over 1650 cities.” Peter Gerber, said: “To partner up with Emirates, one of the world’s leading airlines, is an important strategic milestone for Condor and our customers. We are happy to offer seamless and even better connectivity by intensifying our existing interline partnership to a codeshare. Our guests will …

The Board of Directors of NEOM  revealed the development of Magna, its luxury lifestyle coastal destination. Part of NEOM’s regional sustainable tourism portfolio, Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline and comprises the recently announced premier destinations of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elanan, Gidori, Treyam and Jaumur. The twelve destinations will span 120 kilometers and are poised to set a new global standard in luxury sustainable tourism. As the physical embodiment of the ambitious and future-focused Saudi Vision 2030, Magna will be developed with a core focus on cutting-edge technology, world-class architecture, and ultra-modern amenities that effortlessly merge with nature. Each destination is individually unique, with its own distinct offering for residents and guests, yet seamlessly blends to form a unified destination. They will be woven together by the conservation, preservation, and rejuvenation of native flora, fauna, and the breathtaking natural landscape. The development will comprise 15 luxury hotels, 1,600 hotel rooms, suites and apartments, and over 2,500 premium residences across its destinations. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM, said: “NEOM’s premier coastal region of Magna is a treasure of tomorrow, steeped in natural beauty and advanced technology. Aligned with our three pillars of redefining business, conservation, and livability, Magna will play a key role in building a strong tourism ecosystem within NEOM. Importantly, Magna will contribute positively to the national economic diversification efforts and to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goals, helping to position the Kingdom as a global leader in luxury tourism.” In line with the transformative Saudi Vision 2030, Magna and its destinations will stimulate the Kingdom’s economy by creating 15,000 jobs across the tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors. The …

Vessev, a global leader in sustainable marine technology revealed the VS-9 which will unlock entirely new opportunities for premium passenger transport on the water. By partnering with Fullers360, New Zealand’s largest ferry operator, the VS-9 will become the first fully electric passenger vessel to operate in Auckland and the first hydrofoiling tourism vessel to operate in the world. NetZero Maritime, Fullers360’s specialist maritime green technology and innovation team, has played a pivotal role in the adoption of this new type of vessel. Designed and built by Vessev (formerly Seachange) the VS-9 delivers smooth and quiet travel on the water like never before. The state-of-the-art vessel is currently undergoing sea trials out of Auckland, New Zealand, and the first VS-9 will be certified this year, entering commercial operation with Fullers360 thereafter. The nine-meter VS-9 will transport up to 10 passengers at a service speed of 25 knots providing an experience that is more like flying than sailing The VS-9 has a range of 50 nautical miles (57 miles/92.6km) thanks to state-of-the-art efficient hydrofoiling technology. Eric Laakmann, Vessev CEO, said: “We are in the earliest stage of a global transition to sustainable energy use. Our partnership with NetZero Maritime is one of the most powerful in the world in accelerating the adoption of new technologies. There are 33 million vessels in the world today with sustainable vessels representing the smallest fraction. Through significant enhancements in efficiency, hydrofoiling will play a key role in this once-in-a-generation shift. Vessev’s expert team of marine engineers and boat builders, combined with Fullers360’s NetZero Maritime decarbonization team, has ensured the VS-9 is designed and built to align seamlessly with commercial and tourism transport requirements. “Our partnership integrates New …

Oman Air and SalamAir leadership met recently to mark the launch of the airlines’ latest codeshare partnership, which offers passengers an expanded range of travel options within the Sultanate of Oman and beyond. During the meeting, the airlines discussed their future prospects as national carriers and their common commitment to supporting the country’s tourism goals as part of Oman’s 2040 Vison. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said, “We are excited about this expanded codeshare partnership between Oman Air and SalamAir and the strengthening of our collaboration. This latest development enables us to jointly offer even more choice and schedule options, which both benefits our customers and serves the broader tourism ambitions of the country.” “We are thrilled to further strengthen our partnership with Oman Air,” said Adrian Hamilton-Manns, Chief Executive Officer of SalamAir. “This extended codeshare agreement reflects our shared commitment to providing passengers with unparalleled travel options and superior service. Together, we eagerly anticipate aligning ourselves with the Ministry of Transport, Communication and Information Technology’s sentiments and the overarching vision of Oman 2040; thus, reinforcing our commitment to driving excellence in the aviation sector and promoting Oman as a premier travel destination.” During the first phase, effective 4 July 2024, passengers can book their travel on a selection of SalamAir’s routes connecting to Oman Air’s network, with more destinations to be added post successful implementation.

Emirates will launch flights to Madagascar from 3 September 2024, offering more choice and connectivity for travellers, and driving inbound leisure and business travel to the country. The four-weekly flights between Dubai (DXB) and Antananarivo (TNR), will operate via a linked service with the Seychelles. Boosting international travel to and from Madagascar, the flight times have been scheduled to optimise connections to and from key points in Europe, the Far East, West Asia and the Middle East/GCC. EK707 will depart from Dubai to the Seychelles at 0855hrs, arriving in Mahe at 1335hrs*, and will continue on to Antananarivo to land at 1650hrs. The return flight EK708 departs Antananarivo at 1835hrs, landing in Mahe at 2220hrs. The flight then takes off from Mahe at 2350hrs to Dubai, landing at 0420hrs the next day. Flights will operate on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. Travellers wanting to combine two holidays in one also have the option to conveniently fly between the Seychelles and Madagascar in style and comfort. Tourism is a key pillar in Madagascar’s economy, contributing to the creation of thousands of employment opportunities that support the country’s goal to serve one million tourists by 2028. Emirates’ new route will provide connectivity from over 140 points in its global network, supporting the Ministry of Tourism’s strategy to diversify target markets and introduce international travellers to the island’s many natural attractions. Emirates is also in discussion with Air Madagascar to offer further global connectivity to promote tourism and trade. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said, “Madagascar has historically been underserved, despite growing appetite from travellers for authentic ecotourism experiences. Emirates understands the importance of offering customers efficient connectivity and premium …

The China i2i Group announced the launch of  CVS Saudi Arabia, to be hosted in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with The Saudi Tourism Authority and Taiba Investments Company. The CVS Saudi Arabia will attract 120+ Chinese travel buyers, including travel agencies, tour operators, wholesalers, luxury travel agents, corporate travel planners, business travel agencies, MICE agents, online travel agencies, as well as specialty firms for adventure, culinary, historical tours, and more. Additionally, a contingent of Chinese media representatives will be in attendance. The CVS Saudi Arabia will span two days, offering travel suppliers from across Saudi Arabia the opportunity for face-to-face meetings with these Chinese buyers and media. Saudi Arabian travel suppliers will have the flexibility to select the buyers they wish to meet with, customizing their meeting experience to align with their product and profit goals. In addition to the one-on-one meetings, the CVS Saudi Arabia will provide ample networking opportunities during group breakfasts, refreshment breaks, lunches, afternoon teas, and dinner receptions. During the event, Chinese buyers will be invited to participate in various city and regional tours, hotel and attraction site inspections, meetings with MICE venues and partnerships, as well as engagements with local Saudi Arabian government and tourism dignitaries and officials. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i and producer of the CVS, commented, “The extension and expansion of the CVS to Saudi Arabia present an exciting opportunity for everyone. As Saudi Arabia emerges as one of the most intriguing and dynamic travel destinations globally, Chinese travelers will be eager to explore, learn, and embark on great adventures throughout the country.” Underlining the significance of the Chinese market, Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets, Saudi Tourism Authority, emphasized, “China, …

BWH Hotels (BWH) announces plans for significant growth of its portfolio in the Middle East  in 2024 and beyond. BWH executed signings of brand-new management deals in Saudi Arabia, BWH will soon bring eight new hotels and one new branded residence in the region into its portfolio of brands, with other development prospects in the works. BWH is demonstrating its commitment to growth in the Middle East with these new signings and associated management agreements. The new additions will feature its “core” brands as well as several boutique and extended stay brands.   The new hotel signings include: o Best Western® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o Best Western Plus® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o Best Western Premier® at Taysir Hotel Makkah (150 rooms) o BW Signature Collection® Jeddah (48 rooms) o Best Western Makarim Palace Rabigh (91 rooms) o Shades, Aiden® by Best Western (120 rooms) o Executive Residency by Best Western®, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah (200 rooms) o Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah (420 rooms) o Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel (560 rooms) The Executive Residency by Best Western, Al Shafa Hotel Jeddah, the Best Western Kindah Hotel Makkah, and the Best Western Plus Madinah Hotel reflect significant milestones for the brand as they will be directly managed by BWH. “As tourism continues to gain momentum in this region, our team is taking notice,” said Wytze Van den Berg, Vice President of International Operations EMEA at BWH. “It is important for us to grow all aspects of the brand across chain scales, from value-driven offerings and boutique options to WorldHotels’ upper upscale selections. These announcements are also exciting as BWH Hotels is pleased to be directly …

Riyadh Air  signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with EGYPTAIR to offer guests of both airlines a wide range of exclusive benefits when traveling between Saudi Arabia, Egypt and other key destinations, at the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on June 4, 2024, in Dubai. This strategic partnership further strengthens ties between the two nations and their respective markets, while unlocking new travel options for airline guests. Together, Riyadh Air and EGYPTAIR aim to develop a partnership that allows guests a greater choice when traveling between Riyadh and Cairo, while also offering connectivity to a range of other domestic and international destinations across the Middle East and Africa. Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air: “The signing of this Strategic Cooperation MoU with EGYPTAIR is an exciting achievement for Riyadh Air and brings many positive benefits for our guests. As a close neighboring country to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt is a market where we anticipate significant traffic both to and from Riyadh and Cairo, so it’s critically important that we work closely together to further drive demand. “The partnership will offer our guests much more choice between Riyadh and Cairo plus a wider range of destinations. There will be benefits between both airline’s loyalty programs and numerous other advantages and rewards that we look forward to sharing with our guests.” Eng. Yehia Zakaria, EGYPTAIR Group Chairman: This cooperation marks a new chapter in EGYPTAIR’s partnership as we embark on a collaboration with Riyadh Air. This exciting development signifies our commitment to expand our network and offering our passengers unique travel experiences. I am confident that this partnership with Riyadh Air will not only …

At a special press briefing with Ahmet Bolat – Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee – Turkish Airlines, shared that 4.5million passengers travelled onboard Turkish Airlines from the Middle East to Turkiye last year. He reiterated that this year they hope to increase this number by working with the travel trade in a special programme that they are planning and to showcase some of the new attractions which are culturally and historically significant. Another important fact that he mentioned was that there were more bookings on business class seats which shows the rise of luxury travellers from this region.