The last two years has seen a resurgence in air travel and while this growth trend provides a welcome boost for the aviation industry, the increase in air traffic places a greater burden on the environment. To explore solutions that go beyond carbon offsetting, Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO, SimpliFlying gathered a panel of experts on the Global Stage at ATM 2023 to discuss the actions required to futureproof the air travel industry. The engaging panel included Brian Moran, Vice President Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships, Boeing; Yvonne Moynihan, Chief Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air and Dave Rowse CEO of CarbonClick, with each sharing their take on the strategies and challenges of flying net zero. The speakers unanimously agreed that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a key role, helping the industry to meet its long-term sustainability goals. Moynihan said: “From 2025, all airlines will be required to use SAF fuel. In an effort to get ahead, Wizz Air has invested £5 million (AED 22,923,120) in a UK-based SAF producer called Firefly to support the development and certification of SAF produced from sewage sludge. This agreement gives us the potential to save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-eq. It is essential that airlines get behind SAF production because there is such limited supply currently.” The experts agree that the cost of SAF is one of the major barriers in the immediate term. Rowse commented: “Several airlines are working to tackle the prohibitive cost of SAF, including Etihad airlines which subsidises the cost for those passengers choosing to offset their journeys with SAF. It’s going to take five to 10 years before reasonable volumes are produced. While there …

Astra Tech (Astra), a leading consumer technology holding group based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a partnership with Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, that will enable customers to book flights through BOTIM, the MENA region’s leading VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, which was recently relaunched as an Ultra app. The partnership was signed today at the Arabian Travel Market, between Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves and Astra Tech’s Founder, Abdallah Abu Sheikh. With this partnership, Astra Tech and Etihad are providing customers with a fresh and hassle-free approach to booking flights. Through the BOTIM GPT module developed by Astra Tech, flights and other travel-related services are integrated into the Botim app, offering a convenient and innovative way for customers to book Etihad flights. The partnership aims to enhance the travel experience for customers by focusing on promotions and financing solutions, underscoring the companies’ steadfast commitment to delivering innovative and customer-focused solutions that meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers. Working together, Etihad and Astra Tech will provide customers with a comprehensive and integrated travel experience that simplifies the process of booking flights and accessing other travel-related services. The integration of flights into the Botim app enables customers to enjoy a more convenient and all-inclusive travel experience, making it easier than ever before to plan their travels. Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad is excited about this new partnership with Astra Tech, as it provides a unique opportunity to launch flight bookings on Botim, a communications platform that families and friends use to stay connected. By integrating flight bookings into the application, Etihad becomes a part of the conversation, making it convenient for guests …

Sabre Corporation  and Air India announced a new multi-year deal that enables travel agents and corporations around the world to access Air India fares and seats through Sabre’s extensive global travel marketplace. Having recently placed the biggest aircraft order in aviation history for 470 aircraft, Air India is forging ahead with ambitious expansion plans. In addition to the distribution services, Air India is utilizing Sabre’s consultancy expertise to help determine optimal routes for its existing and new fleet. “The Indian travel market is back, and it’s coming back strong,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India. “So, we’re delighted to have re-established, and enhanced, our relationship with Sabre at this transformative time for Air India, and the wider Indian travel marketplace. This long-term global distribution partnership will support our ambitious growth plans while paving the ground for our transition towards a more dynamic, merchandising-focused model, designed to unlock the value of Air India’s products and services.” “As well as coming together once more under a new GDS agreement, we’re excited to be working hand-in-hand with Sabre’s incredibly knowledgeable consultancy team on the development of a clean-sheet, long-term network plan,” added Mr Aggarwal. “We are confident this will strengthen Air India’s position in our domestic and international routes, and help us to become more competitive on the global aviation stage. We are delighted to further strengthen our relationship with Sabre, and look forward to closer collaboration in the coming years.” Now under the ownership of the Tata Group, Air India, as part of its five-year transformation plan, titled Vihaan.AI because it means ‘the dawn of a new era’ in Sanskrit, is substantially expanding its fleet and network, revamping …

Honourable Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia said during the launch, “In line with the Visit Malaysia in 2025, Tourism Malaysia will strive to attract more tourists from the Middle East to Malaysia. We are confident that we will be able to achieve our target to put Malaysia as the top destination for Muslim travelers,”. Tourism Malaysia’s efforts to publicize its comprehensive promotional activities continues to the Middle Eastern region. The Malaysian delegation is led by the The Honourable Khairul Firdaus Akbar Khan, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, to participate once again in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai from 1st to 4th May 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). The four-day ATM offers Malaysia as an excellent platform to market and promote the latest attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoon, luxury holidays, as well as safe travel destination. ATM 2023 also marks the 29th anniversary of Malaysia’s participation in this prestigious event, which is a strong testimony to the country’s support to the event and its commitment in attracting more Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia. As in previous years, this prestigious annual event sees the participation of a strong Malaysian delegation from 76 organizations comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism products owners, representatives from various state governments, including Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Penang Global Tourism, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Melaka, Tourism Pahang, and Tourism Johor. The mission aims to reinstate and enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations, and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region. Throughout the event, the Malaysian delegation …

Rather than cost, the Middle East’s luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives. That was the assessment of experts speaking on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday 4 May today. ‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ included a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East. Moderated by Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-Large at Destinations of the World News, panellists included Nadia Ibrahim, Member of the Board of Directors of the UN Global Compact; Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and William Harley-Fleming, Vice President of Operations for JA The Resort and Indian Ocean. Commenting on growing demand for sustainable offerings among consumers, the UN Global Compact’s Ibrahim said: “Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that wants high-end experiences that do not compromise sustainability. This is why airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourist destinations are thinking about how sustainability can be integrated into their existing services, and how it can be used to attract more customers.” Referencing the approach Minor Hotels’ Anantara brand has taken to sustainable luxury, Golbarg said: “Globalisation opened the doors to the world, but I think localisation is now equally important. We took the decision to go indigenous as a lot of the costs associated with sustainability relate to the importation of goods. It’s all about how you are benefitting the communities in …

Al Rais Travel, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023’s Official Destination Management Company (DMC) Partner, is using the 30th edition of the exhibition to promote the UAE as a sustainable tourism destination. Mohamed Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director of Al Rais Travel, said he and his team would leverage his company’s 42 years of industry experience to increase awareness of responsible tourism offerings in Dubai and across the wider Emirates. The company is also using ATM 2023, which will continue to run at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) until Thursday, 4 May, to showcase three of its digital platforms, which are designed to cater to business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C) and corporate booking requirements. Speaking on the sidelines of the show, Al Rais said: “We are trying to increase awareness of sustainable tourism, with a focus on sustainable travel, accommodation and other related segments within the market. “Our group is also demonstrating three digital platforms, which are B2B, B2C and our corporate booking tool,” he continued. “We are always trying to enhance our technology to keep pace with the market. As you know, technology is growing so fast – especially with [the advent of] AI. “We are now working to see how we can integrate AI into our platforms,” Al Rais added, explaining that sustained investment in advanced technology would enable his organisation to maintain its competitive edge in the market. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We are immensely grateful to Al Rais Travel for supporting the 30th edition of ATM as Official DMC Partner. The organisation’s focus on the UAE as a responsible tourism destination perfectly matches ATM 2023’s theme of ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, so I …

Accor signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi startup company redefining Arabian hospitality in both local and international markets, to develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. The agreement will see Amsa Hospitality, the Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality, develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living, and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets. Speaking at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market, Mohammad Alathel, Amsa Hospitality’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally. “As such, we are attached to the Kingdom’s ambitious plan for the development of the country’s second-tier cities. Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards. “Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment. “This long-term partnership between Amsa Hospitality and Accor will bring first-rate modern hospitality – a know-how Accor is renowned for – together with Amsa Hospitality’s commitment to bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to today’s world, true to our ‘Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality’ motto.” As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, …

GCC-based travel conglomerate Kanoo Travel and premium destination management company Desert Adventures Tourism have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture in Saudi Arabia at Arabian Travel Market 2023. The collaboration brings together two of the largest and most reputable travel trade organisations in the Middle East, aiming to create the most comprehensive destination services company in the region. The joint venture marks a significant milestone in both companies’ history as they combine their expertise, resources, and capabilities to provide travellers with unparalleled travel experiences in Saudi Arabia. Desert Adventures Tourism, managed by Thomas Cook India Group and wholly owned by Fairfax Financial Holdings Canada, has been a leading company and partner of choice for many worldwide tour operators with 25 years of experience in destination management in the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Oman. The company has developed a reputation for providing stability, consistency, and quality of service that its partners have come to trust. Kanoo Travel, an esteemed travel company with a legacy spanning over eight decades, offers the most comprehensive and reliable travel solutions. With a focus on corporate travel, Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE), leisure and holiday travel, airline representation, and marine travel, Kanoo Travel has established itself as a leader in the travel industry. The company’s commitment to delivering exceptional solutions and services has been consistently acknowledged, resulting in numerous regional industry awards. Peter Payet, CEO of Desert Adventures, expressed excitement about the new venture, saying, “We are delighted to partner with Kanoo Travel to provide the most comprehensive destination services in Saudi Arabia. With their extensive local knowledge and resources and our international expertise, we are confident that this …

In her first media briefing ahead of the start of Arabian Travel Market, the new CEO of Jumeirah Group, Katerina Giannouka, shared plans for an evolution of the Jumeirah brand and a commitment to growth in key cities and resort destinations worldwide. With capital assigned to grow its portfolio, as well as refine its existing properties, Jumeirah Group – a member of Dubai Holding – is strategically targeting assets that will align with its new brand expression of luxury hospitality. Europe, Asia and the United States are an important focus, with plans to build a brand presence in major European cities and key gateway destinations, the most recent acquisition being the luxury hospitality company’s first property in Switzerland – Le Richemond in Geneva.  The hotel, which is being fully renovated to open in 2025, will add to Jumeirah’s growing footprint in Europe which includes properties in London, UK; Capri, Italy; and Mallorca, Spain. The emphasis on further expansion comes after a successful year in 2022 and a robust start for the Group in 2023. That, coupled with the brand’s expanding community of loyal guests provides a strong rationale for growth. Jumeirah’s strength in Dubai, now one the world’s leading tourism destinations, also gives the brand a strong base from which to accelerate the diversification of its portfolio, both in the region and globally. Katerina Giannouka, CEO of Jumeirah Group said: “We are entering a new era for the Jumeirah brand, with a focus on brand evolution and expansion. With a proven track record building and operating successful resort destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, we believe the time is right to extend our portfolio into new key city …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) presented a campaign update for their vision of ‘Making Tourism More Sustainable’ to GCC travel professionals at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023. Under the slogan, ‘Germany, simply inspiring’, GNTB is focusing on the sustainable related aspects across a number of tourism segments, which include: Embrace German Nature, highlighting natural landscapes and activity holidays; Historic Modern Germany, promoting cultural heritage and 51 UNESCO World Heritage sites, with a spotlight on traditions and customs of rural regions. And thirdly, their Feel Good – Sustainable Travel in Germany campaign, emphasising how to enjoy an environmentally friendly holiday in Germany. “We aim to make a meaningful contribution towards climate change mitigation, supporting Germany’s commitment to net zero, as well as driving increasing numbers of environmentally aware, inbound GCC tourists,” said Yamina Sofo, Director at the German National Tourist GCC Office (GNTO GCC), an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). “We want to present Germany as an all-year-round destination, that is not only sustainable, but diverse, accessible, inclusive, resilient and viable for the future,” she added. The GCC region is now Germany’s top performing inbound source market in Asia and Australasia, with 404,707 GCC guests generating almost 1.13 overnight stays during 2022, representing an increase of 117.6%, compared with the same period in 2021. “These figures confirm that Germany continues to be a preferred tourism destination for GCC visitors and unspoilt nature and careful use of resources are clearly becoming increasingly important to them. We also want to encourage longer stays in order to reduce the carbon footprint per travel day,” said Sofo. Germany boasts more than 350 spa and health resorts and the GNTB is focusing …