Wyndham Hotels & Resorts and Pegasus Airlines launched a reward programme partnership where Wyndham Rewards members can now convert their points into Pegasus BolPoints. Once converted, points can be exchanged for Pegasus flights, seat selection, extra baggage, or even transferred to other BolBol members. Point transfer options start as low as 6,000 Wyndham Rewards points for 1,200 Pegasus BolPoints, with no limit on the number of transfers. “At Wyndham, our mission is to make hotel travel possible for all. Travel isn’t just about where you stay, it’s about how you get there, too. That’s why we’ve teamed up with Pegasus Airlines to bring even more value to Wyndham Rewards members. Whether you’re flying across Türkiye, Europe or the Middle East, Wyndham Rewards members now have access to benefits including discounted flights, upgraded seating, extra baggage and in-flight meals across 151 travel routes, making every part of the journey rewarding.” Dimitris Manikis, President, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts EMEA “We are making travel even more rewarding for our passengers. Our first loyalty partnership with a hotel group and first points conversion programme is with Wyndham, the largest international hotel brand in Türkiye. With this collaboration, we’re giving our passengers more ways to benefit from their journeys, by connecting them with trusted places to stay and making the most of their travel experience beyond the flight.” Güliz Öztürk, CEO, Pegasus Airlines. To celebrate the launch, members of Wyndham Rewards and BolBol will soon have the chance to earn triple Wyndham Rewards points from eligible stays at Wyndham hotels across EMEA from July to September 2025. This exclusive offer enables members to earn more, travel further and get rewarded. To take advantage Wyndham Rewards members …
Read More »Etihad starts four flights daily to Karachi from October 2025
Etihad has further increased its flight frequencies to Karachi, Pakistan, with tickets now on sale. This expansion is part of the airline’s ongoing commitment to provide guests with more travel options and enhanced connectivity. From 01 October, 2025, Etihad will start flying four times a day on the Abu Dhabi – Karachi route, providing a total of 28 weekly nonstop services to Pakistan’s economic hub. The enhanced flight frequencies and optimized departure and arrival times are carefully designed to provide guests with maximum convenience and seamless connectivity across Etihad’s expanding global network, including the UAE, the Middle East and Africa, Europe, and North America. This expansion increases the total number of weekly flights to Pakistan to 60, reinforcing Etihad’s commitment to the region. It follows closely on the announcement of new flights to Peshawar, set to commence on 29 September, further strengthening air links between Pakistan and Abu Dhabi.
Read More »Emirates launches complimentary coach service for Economy Class passengers to and from Clark International Airport
In a move to further enhance the travel experience for its Filipino passengers, Emirates will be introducing a new coach service exclusively for Economy Class customers flying to and from Clark International Airport (CRK). The complimentary service will connect Trinoma in Quezon City with Clark International Airport in Pampanga, offering a convenient and seamless transit option. The coach service will be available to Emirates passengers holding a valid flight ticket and traveling between Clark and Trinoma, with pickup and drop-off points located at the New Genesis P2P Trinoma Bus Terminal (code: TRP) and at Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga. The service will be offered exclusively to Economy Class passengers booked on an Emirates flight. To be eligible for the coach service, passengers must hold an Emirates-issued ticket with the ticket number beginning with 176. Travelers must also have a confirmed coach booking at least 48 hours in advance, as those without prior reservation or a valid Emirates ticket will not be allowed to board. When buying flight tickets on emirates.com, customers must specify Trinoma (TRP) as the departure or arrival city to ensure that their booking on the bus is included on their flight ticket. For flight tickets purchased through an Emirates office or travel agent, customers should request the agent to include the Trinoma (TRP) bus on the ticket before issuing the ticket. Other terms and conditions apply. This initiative is part of Emirates’ ongoing commitment to improving accessibility while elevating the travel experience for its Filipino customers, particularly those based in Metro Manila and nearby areas. Through this offering, Emirates aims to make flying from the airport more convenient and stress-free. To learn more about Emirates, or to …
Read More »DET shares 7% YoY increase in visitors during first quarter of 2025
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) at its first City Briefing of 2025 shared that Dubai welcomed 7.15 million international overnight visitors between January and April 2025, a 7% YoY increase. This builds on the 18.72 million people who visited in 2024, the second consecutive year of record-setting growth for the city. Dubai’s hotel sector offered 153,534 rooms at the end of April, with all key performance indicators demonstrating strong YoY growth. Beyond the data, the forum reaffirmed DET’s commitment to creating a resilient and future-ready tourism ecosystem. DET also highlighted the critical role that partners across the public and private sectors are playing in Dubai’s continued tourism performance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is reflected in the continued success of our tourism sector. Building on yet another record-breaking performance in 2024, the exceptional results achieved by the industry so far in 2025 is a testament to the resilience and steadfast support of our stakeholders and partners. From hospitality and aviation to retail and gastronomy, every sector has played a critical role in solidifying Dubai’s position as a global tourism leader. It is by coming together as a community that we have been able to navigate challenges, create compelling narratives about the city, and drive global trends. “In advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, our focus remains on strengthening the spirit of partnerships, embracing innovation, and creating future-ready experiences that enhance Dubai’s position as the world’s best city to visit, live …
Read More »ITB Asia 2025 to focus on ME and GenZ travellers
TTME in an exclusive interview with Darren Seah – Executive Director – ITB Asia shared that this year their focus shifts in the industry—particularly the growing influence of the Middle East market and the rising power of Generation Z travellers. The Middle East continues to play a pivotal role in shaping Asia-Pacific’s travel dynamics. With a reputation for luxury, experiential travel, and high-value outbound tourism, the region’s significance is only increasing. Seah shared, “Oman is joining us this year, and we’re in active discussions with other Middle Eastern destinations including the UAE.” He further added, “We were recently in the UAE, engaging with key stakeholders to strengthen regional collaboration.” This growing engagement aligns with the broader tourism strategies of countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar—each investing heavily in hospitality infrastructure, cultural offerings, and mega-events, as part of long-term national visions such as Saudi Vision 2030. For ITB Asia, this means not just showcasing the region as a destination, but also as a vital source of outbound travellers seeking immersive, high-quality travel experiences across Asia-Pacific.
Read More »China extends visa-free entry to four GCC countries
China has launched a trial policy granting unilateral visa-free entry to citizens of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, and Bahrain, expanding its visa-free access list to 47 countries, as per the recent report. Effective until June 8, 2026, the policy allows ordinary passport holders from these four Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, cultural exchange, and transit. The policy has been warmly received across the Gulf region and is expected to enhance bilateral exchanges, strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, and drive broader cooperation between China and the GCC. Currently, around 20 direct flights operate weekly between key Chinese cities—including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen—and Saudi cities like Riyadh and Jeddah. The UAE is connected to 13 cities across mainland China through direct flights. This expansion marks a significant step in building economic and cultural relations between China and the Gulf states.
Read More »Moscow sees surge in UAE tourists, plans to launch initiatives tailored for Gulf region
Moscow has witnessed a sharp increase in visitors from the UAE, rising from 18,000 in 2019 to 62,100 in 2024, according to Evgeny Kozlov, Chairman of the Moscow City Tourism Committee. He emphasised Moscow’s growing appeal to Gulf tourists, with expanded halal dining options and Arabic-language services across the city. New tourist information centres—staffed with English and Arabic speakers—have opened at key locations, including Dream Island amusement park and river stations. A recently launched Muslim-Friendly Guide offers curated recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and activities. E-visas have also simplified entry procedures, boosting accessibility for international travellers. This summer, Moscow is hosting vibrant cultural festivals and events to entice Middle Eastern travellers to the city for a seamless holiday experience.
Read More »Clédor officially launches the first-ever Arthouse Branded Residences Outside the U.S., opening on Al Marjan Island in Q1 2028
Clédor has officially launched Arthouse Residences Al Marjan Island, a distinctive branded residential project in collaboration with Arthouse Hotel NYC and Prospect. Valued at AED 400 million, this exclusive development is the first-ever Arthouse-branded residential project outside of the U.S. and is set to redefine cultural luxury living in the UAE. The launch was held to a full-house of investors, brokers and VIPs, following the successful signing ceremony held in Dubai in April. This marks a bold new chapter in Clédor’s mission to deliver design driven, globally inspired, branded living experiences to the UAE. “Following our landmark signing, we are proud to officially showcase the Arthouse Residences Al Marjan Island – an iconic project that celebrates creativity, individuality, and timeless design,” said Omar Gull, Founder of Clédor. “This is not just a real estate development; it’s a lifestyle statement shaped by iconic architecture and design. With a stunning rooftop infinity pool and a private beach club integrated into the masterplan, the development embodies the essence of artistic luxury. Our goal is to offer something unique: a culturally rich, aesthetically elevated living experience that speaks to both local sensibilities and international aspirations.” Strategically located on the iconic Al Marjan Island, the development offers a seamless blend of modern design and lifestyle-focused amenities curated for residents who value sophistication and cultural depth. With a handover scheduled for Q1 2028 and prices starting under a million dirhams, the project is poised to attract both end-users and global investors seeking a refined and differentiated address in Ras Al Khaimah’s growing luxury landscape. Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan, added: “The exquisite mix of fascinating nature and well-preserved history of Ras Al Khaimah has …
Read More »Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines start strategic codeshare partnership
Etihad and Ethiopian Airlines activated their codeshare agreement, strengthening connectivity between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. This bilateral partnership enhances global travel opportunities for guests, with seats available to book now. Ethiopian will start services from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) to Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi (AUH) on 15 July, and Etihad Airways introducing daily flights to Addis Ababa starting 8 October. This is the first step ahead of implementation of the groundbreaking Joint Venture agreed between Etihad and Ethiopian in March 2025 unlocking greater travel opportunities for passengers across both networks. The codeshare lets guests simplify their journeys by making a single booking with one check-in process at the start and the added convenience of having their baggage transferred to their final destination. Arik De, Etihad’s Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer said: “By leveraging our combined networks, we are unlocking seamless travel opportunities between Africa and Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. Easy connections via Abu Dhabi and Addis Ababa, will enhance flexibility, boosting trade and tourism, and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to guests of both airlines.” Under this partnership, Etihad passengers will gain access to Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive African network, with connections via Addis Ababa to 55 destinations across 33 countries, including Entebbe, Kinshasa, Kigali, Lusaka, Harare and Victoria Falls expanding their travel options across the continent. At the same time, Ethiopian Airlines passengers can book itineraries connecting to Etihad-operated flights through Abu Dhabi, with onward service to 20 key destinations across Asia, Australia, and the Middle East including Sydney, Krabi, Colombo and Phnom Penh. As part of its commitment to Africa’s growing demand for air travel, Etihad is significantly expanding its network in …
Read More »Farnek achieves new business growth worth over AED 10 million in UAE hospitality sector
Farnek has witnessed significant new business acquisitions from the UAE’s hospitality sector, valued at over AED 10 million so far during 2025. To service these contracts, 330 additional members of staff have been mobilised to sites across the UAE, bringing their total headcount now to over 10,000. This new business growth follows an outstanding year in 2024 when Farnek secured new and retained hospitality contracts valued at AED 72 million mobilising 450 staff. Farnek is a familiar service provider to most hospitality professionals in the UAE. Besides operational support, it is the preferred partner for Green Globe Certification, a premier worldwide sustainability certification developed especially for the travel and tourism industry. Farnek audits and assesses properties which have to comply with or exceed more than 380 rigorous sustainability indicators. Farnek has certified over 100 hotels and leisure facilities in 38 cities across the MENA region, enabling members to save in excess of 180 million kWh of energy, worth over $20 million and more than two million cubic metres of water valued at approximately $5 million.The services to be provided include housekeeping staff, room attendants, public area attendants, technical staff, and stewards, who are all fully qualified and have been highly trained at Farnek’s dedicated in-house training facility prior to deployment. According to Tamer Bishay, Director of Business Development at Farnek, the volume of contract wins underscores Farnek’s strategic approach to business development, which is renowned for its innovative smart solutions, sustainability and value-driven FM market proposition. “This is an exceptional performance, given we are not even halfway through the year. We have focused our efforts on the UAE’s hospitality sector, given its rapid expansion and the integral role it plays in …
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