Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has signed a partnership agreement with Bondai, a one-stop travel app that empowers friends and groups alike to plan unique experiences and adventures around the Kingdom. The travel app provides a trustworthy and safe digital ecosystem to help users to plan their next trip including access to flights, transportation, accommodation, and activities. From mountain hikes and camping around a campfire, to snorkelling in marine-life rich waters, Bondai enables travellers to explore popular spots and hidden gems all around the country. As part of the MoU, which was signed by Mrs. Manal Alshehri, VP Passenger Sales at SAUDIA and Mrs. Saria Elderhali, CEO of Bondai during the 2023 Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, SAUDIA will collaborate with the technology travel company to provide best-in-class tours and experiences. The partnership forms an important part of SAUDIA’s commitment to supporting inbound tourism within the Kingdom as the ‘wings of Vision 2030’. Mrs. Manal Alshehri, said: “At SAUDIA we are deeply committed to collaborating with innovative partners that share our mission to transform Saudi Arabia into a world-class tourism hub. As part of Vision 2030 there are plans to raise the contribution of the tourism sector to more than ten percent of GDP in addition to providing one million job opportunities within the Kingdom. We are dedicated to further bolstering this promising sector by contributing to unique experiences and trips that bring the very best of Saudi Arabia to travellers everywhere.” From Bondai, Founder & CEO Ms. Saria Alderhali commented “I am thrilled to be partnering with Saudia Holidays. This partnership marks a major milestone for Bondai, as it allows us to expand our reach and provide even more travelers with …

In the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, two significant agreements have been signed. The first agreement was a partnership focused on the integrated link between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Dubai Aviation City Corporation, and the latter was signed for the same purpose between the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority. These agreements aim to foster enhanced cooperation and integrated link using ‘Web Service’ technology for issuing commercial activity permits in the aviation sector, thereby enabling immediate approvals from DCAA for commercial licensing transactions in the Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai Airport Freezone. It also strengthens institutional information and data management cooperation, facilitating systematic integration. On this remarkable milestone, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “This MoU is a strategic milestone in reshaping Dubai’s aviation industry and consolidates the emirate’s position as a global leader in digital transformation in the aviation industry. Integrating cutting-edge technology and digital solutions into Dubai’s aviation operations is not just a business strategy but a fundamental dedication to customers, partners, and the city’s future. By creating an environment that encourages the synergy of technology and human ingenuity, Dubai strives to achieve unprecedented efficiency and customer satisfaction.” The signing of the MoU outlined crucial objectives, including implementing Dubai’s paperless strategy through advanced technologies, establishing an integrated system for paperless governmental operations, and securing data exchange between entities. The MoU also seeks to automate the DACC’s verification of commercial licenses, providing customers with a seamless and streamlined experience via a single integrated link portal. The partnership agreement …

IDS Next has entered a collaboration with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to provide a new loyalty enrolment interface to its branded hotels in the Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa & South East Asia and Pacific regions. Powered by IDS Next’s certified cloud solutions, the new technology will help hotels to improve the enrolment of new members into its loyalty programme Wyndham Rewards, either post-reservation or during their stay in a more convenient, flexible and efficient way. IDS Next will also offer cloud, mobile, and on-premises enterprise hotel full-stack solutions. “This is a significant milestone for both parties, and we are proud to be the first property management solution provider to implement the loyalty enrolment-certified interface across all Wyndham Hotels & Resorts properties in this region,” says Binu Mathews, the CEO of IDS Next. Nikhil Sharma, Market Managing Director Eurasia of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts adds, “IDS Next is one of most recognised software solutions providers in Asia and adding its advanced interface to our suite of property management tools is testament to our commitment to bring the most innovative technology to our hotels and ultimately providing guests with the best possible experience.” “IDS next is a holistic ERP solution both on premise and cloud that has full two-way integration into Wyndham Central Reservations Systems and Wyndham Rewards. Their impeccable support has been a key driver of our future IT roadmap,” adds Atul Gupta, Sr. Director Hotel Technology Strategy & Services, Global Hotel Systems Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. IDS NEXT also has certified interfaces for TWI (Travel Web Integrator), EDW (Enterprise Data Warehouse), STR (Smith Travel Research) and OTA (Online Travel Agency) insights. This certified and integrated solution will empower Wyndham …

IHG® Hotels & Resorts signed a Master Development Agreement (MDA) with Tashyid for Hotel Operations, which will see the development of 12 hotels and 2,500 keys under the Holiday Inn Express brand across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With Ministry of Tourism encouraging such investments in the Kingdom, the signing took place in the presence Mr. Mahmoud Abdulhadi, Deputy Minister for Destination Enablement. The agreement will allow IHG to expand and diversify its mainstream offering across Saudi Arabia, in line with the demand being created by initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030. As a world-renowned brand, Holiday Inn Express champions simple, smart travel by providing a launch pad for guests to make their connection and is highly suitable and well-positioned for new-age smart travellers visiting Saudi Arabia across business, leisure, and meetings segments, including Saudi’s biggest and growing demographic of millennials and Generation Z travellers. As part of the agreement, IHG has also signed the first Holiday Inn Express hotel with Tashyid for Hotels Operations Limited which will debut the brand in Jeddah by June 2025. Marking a key milestone for the brand in the Kingdom, the 300-room hotel will be located on Al Madinah Road, one of the busiest areas in the city. Providing a best-in-class experience, guest rooms at Holiday Inn Express Jeddah will feature amenities such as high-speed WiFi, smart TVs, premium bedding, and pillow options to ensure guests have a restful stay. The hotel will also offer signature complimentary ‘Express Start Breakfast’, speedy check-in, and power showers to ensure guests are recharged for the day. Known for its success in the upper-midscale segment and understanding of the ‘Next Gen Smart traveller’, Holiday Inn Express hotels in Saudi …

Cozmo Travel signed a co-op agreement with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).  The partnership aims to promote Jordan as a top summer destination for GCC tourists through a targeted marketing campaign. The Co-op Agreement signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both Cozmo Travel and the JTB, and marks a significant milestone in the two entities’ collaboration. As part of the agreement, Cozmo Travel will spearhead a summer marketing campaign across the GCC to promote Jordan’s rich history, culture, and scenic beauty to potential tourists in the region. The campaign will utilize a range of marketing channels, including social media, influencer partnerships, and targeted advertising, to showcase the best of Jordan’s tourism offerings to audiences across the GCC. It is expected to attract a significant number of tourists to Jordan during the summer season and contribute to the growth of the country’s tourism industry. Speaking on the occasion, Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO of Cozmo Travel, said, “We are delighted to sign this Co-op Agreement with the Jordan Tourism Board, which will allow us to showcase the beauty and diversity of Jordan to a wider audience across the GCC. We believe that this partnership will open new avenues of growth and opportunity for both our companies and contribute to the continued development of the tourism industry in Jordan.” On his part, Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Cozmo Travel on this summer marketing campaign, which will enable us to reach out to more potential tourists in the GCC and encourage them to explore the unique experiences that Jordan has to offer. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and Kuwait Airways announced a codeshare agreement, which provides enhanced connections and convenience to guests of both airlines, in a signing ceremony that took place in SAUDIA’s headquarter in Jeddah. As part of its codeshare cooperation, each airline will place the other airline’s marketing code on its flights operated between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait and other routes with the alliance; the agreement will come into effect after obtaining all approvals. Both airlines agreed to expand all kinds of Interline Cooperation and the implementation is expected during the Summer Season 2023. The codeshare will further promote bilateral and strategic partnership for the benefit of both airlines, enabling them to offer more competitive and cost-effective services that will allow their guests to enjoy a better travelling experience. The new Codeshare partnership will strengthen and take to new heights the cordial commercial long-standing relationship existing between SAUDIA and Kuwait Airways. SAUDIA has been carrying guests between Saudi Arabia and Kuwait by operating four daily flights. Similarly, Kuwait Airways has been serving passengers on this route and operating six daily flights between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Guests may expect to gain all the benefits of codeshare flights including seamless connectivity, baggage transfer and the convenience of having their entire journey managed by one airline from the purchasing of tickets to the arrival at their final destination. Furthermore, guests of both airlines will enjoy increased alternative flight options across each other’s network. SAUDIA CEO, Captain Ibrahim Koshy said: “We are delighted to partner with Kuwait Airways and give their guests the opportunity to experience SAUDIA’s world-renowned hospitality onboard. We look forward to further growing our relationship with this important partner and …

According to the latest data from UNWTO, the Middle East saw the strongest performance as the only region exceeding 2019 arrivals (+15%) and the first to recover pre-pandemic numbers in a full quarter. International tourism is well on its way to returning to pre-pandemic levels, with twice as many people travelling during the first quarter of 2023 than in the same period of 2022. Overall, international arrivals reached 80% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2023. An estimated 235 million tourists travelled internationally in the first three months, more than double the same period of 2022. Tourism has continued to show its resilience. Revised data for 2022 shows over 960 million tourists travelling internationally last year, meaning two-thirds (66%) of pre-pandemic numbers were recovered. Europe reached 90% of pre-pandemic levels, driven by strong intra-regional demand. Africa reached 88% and the Americas about 85% of 2019 levels whilst Asia and the Pacific accelerated its recovery with  54% of pre-pandemic levels, but this upward trend is set to accelerate now that most destinations, particularly China, have re-opened. UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili says: “The start of the year has shown again tourism’s unique ability to bounce back. In many places, we are close to or even above pre-pandemic levels of arrivals. However, we must remain alert to challenges ranging from geopolitical insecurity, staffing shortages, and the potential impact of the cost-of-living crisis on tourism, and we must ensure tourism’s return delivers on its responsibilities as a solution to the climate emergency and as a driver of inclusive development.” International tourism receipts grew back to hit the USD1 trillion mark in 2022, growing 50% in real terms compared to 2021, driven by …

Qatar Airways is re-introducing a direct Doha to Auckland flight, which commences on 1 September 2023 and will operate seven times a week/departing daily at 01:50 local time. Qatar Airways will be operating an Airbus A350-1000 on the route with 46 Business Class and 281 Economy Class seats. A key feature of the service is the Qsuite, which is available to Business Class passengers.  Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “The direct Doha to Auckland service augments a number of new routes announced in recent weeks and enables passengers in key European markets including the UK and Ireland to save time with this direct connection. Business Class passengers on board our Auckland flights can also enjoy the enhanced privacy of Qsuite, which has been awarded the Best Business Class Seat in the World.” Travellers can begin booking flights from today for the resumption on 1 September 2023 and those previously booked for after 1 September travel will be re-accommodated, due to their tickets being via Adelaide to Auckland. With the largest global network in the region and the Best Airport in the Middle East offering seamless and efficient connectivity to destinations across the world, Qatar Airways continues to lead the recovery of international air travel with the airline rebuilding its network to more than 160 destinations worldwide. Daily Flight Schedule: Doha (DOH) to Auckland (AKL) QR920 departs at 01:50 and arrives at 02:45 (+1) local time. Auckland (AKL) to Doha (DOH) QR921 departs at 15:00 and arrives at 23:15 local time. From 24 September, due to daylight saving time changes in Auckland, both QR920 and QR921 will arrive and depart one hour later, respectively.

As part of work on tourism for rural development, UNWTO has concluded its first Executive Training for the Middle East Programme. Under the theme ‘Tourism for Rural Development: A Practical Approach to Strategy and Product Development’, the three-day session was held at the UNWTO Regional Office for the Middle East in Riyadh to address the underlying needs for continuous skills development for ensuring up to date learning, adaptation, and innovation. Sultan AlMusallam, Deputy Minister for International Affairs, Saudi Ministry of Tourism said: “This training programme demonstrates how determined and keen the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and UNWTO are to promote the role of the Regional Office for the Middle East, and to provide every support and assistance possible to the Member States of the Organization in the region.” Opening the programme, Zoritsa Urosevic, UNWTO Executive Director said: “In the post-pandemic world, the role of tourism in rural development is more relevant than ever. Rural tourism has a high potential to empower local communities, stimulate local economic growth and social change.” “Our Member States see rural tourism as a priority and we trust this training will support them for continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation. It aims to provide them with the adequate knowledge and capacities to plan and manage tourism in rural territories in a way that contributes to inclusive, sustainable, and resilient development,” she added. The training session was aimed at managers in charge of rural tourism in National Tourism Administrations from across the region. Around 35 participants from 10 countries joined present, representing Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syrian Arab Republic, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. Sessions focused on issues such as incorporating sustainability dimensions in …

Shangri-La  launched its new “Find Your Shangri-La” global campaign, created to help guests find their personal moments of joy at the luxury hotel chain renowned for its delivery of Asian hospitality. The initial part of the campaign is centred around a whimsical brand film that celebrates Shangri-La’s commitment to providing guests with unforgettable experiences, showcased through unexpected moments of personalised and authentic service. “At Shangri-La, we understand that each guest has a unique version of what it means to “Find Your Shangri-La”, says Shangri-La Chairman Hui Kuok. “We have a rich legacy of more than 50 years in delighting customers and wanted to take this opportunity to highlight something that has always been part of us — bringing joyful moments to the people we host. “The new brand film captures the unique way in which we delight our guests with special moments and treats through our warm, authentic hospitality. We are excited to debut our campaign with this film, alongside an array of immersive experiences that elevate our brand experience.” The film was developed in partnership with GRAMMY® award-winning director Dave Meyers. To illustrate how guests can find their own Shangri-La, Meyers brought to life fanciful characters that represent different guest personas and chronicled how they found their happiness in various Shangri-La properties, showcasing the delightful, personalised hospitality experiences offered at each hotel. “Shangri-La is more than a physical place”, said Meyers. “It is a state of mind – a magical world that you can get lost in. Making this film has been a wonderful and inspiring experience for me to explore what ‘Shangri-La’ means to modern travellers”. “Find Your Shangri-La” themed experiences at a variety of hotels… To encourage guests …