flynas has signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) to launch five new international destinations. The destinations include the capitals of Iraq, Nigeria, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the second largest city in Kyrgyzstan. This collaboration aims to facilitate the arrival of visitors to the Kingdom. Under the agreement, flynas will operate direct flights to Abuja, the Nigerian capital, from Jeddah, and direct flights between Baghdad, the Iraqi capital, and King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah, as well as Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah. Three other destinations in Central Asia will be launched, including direct flights from Jeddah to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, and Osh, the second largest city in the country. The fifth new direct flight will operate between Jeddah and Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. During the signing ceremony, Bander Almohanna, flynas CEO and Managing Director, stated: “The new agreement strengthens the partnership between flynas and the Air Connectivity Program, and supports the company’s growth and expansion strategy launched under the slogan ‘Connecting the World to the Kingdom’, which aims to reach 165 destinations.” Almohanna emphasized that connecting direct flights with these five new cities distributed between Africa, the Middle East and Central Asia, will enhance flynas’ ability to serve pilgrims and Umrah performers, and will open new horizons for tourism, trade exchange, and economic opportunities. It will also contribute to achieving the objectives of the Air Connectivity Program by establishing new routes. “The partnership between flynas and the Air Connectivity Program marks a significant milestone in the ecosystem’s efforts to facilitate travel to the Kingdom,” said Ali Rajab, CEO of ACP. ‘’By enabling direct air connectivity to these five new …

Qatar Airways has opened the new Al Mourjan Business Lounge at Hamad International Airport (HIA) named ‘The Garden’. The lounge overlooks ‘The ORCHARD’, surrounded by renowned retailers and restaurants, while offering uniquely designed relaxation spaces and areas to socialise and indulge in a scenic masterpiece. An exclusive sanctuary available for Qatar Airways Premium Passengers, The Garden stretches over an area of 7,390 square metres, and can accommodate up to 707 passengers. It features 24 quiet spaces, each designed to offer optimum relaxation available free of charge for the first six hours, and also features seven spa treatment rooms. Accessible for passengers travelling in Premium cabin, the new lounge offers a range of premium facilities that fulfil the needs of business, leisure and family travellers with numerous dining options, relaxation rooms, a fitness studio, pedicure & manicure stations, spa facilities, dedicated private spaces, recreational areas and a nursery. The lounge has been influenced by modern aesthetics incorporating natural light in its distinct design, providing passengers with an immersive experience reflecting The ORCHARD below. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, stated: “At Qatar Airways, excellence is embedded in the core of our brand, and as we continue to evolve our offerings, we choose to provide our passengers with the very best experiences in aviation and hospitality. Passengers can now enhance their journey to a new level at our newly opened Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden at Hamad International Airport. This world-class lounge showcases a sophisticated way of travel, centred in comfort, wellness and nature. I welcome our premium passengers to experience this spectacular addition to our signature lounge portfolio.” Located in the Northern expansion of …

According to the survey conducted by Mabrian, tourist destinations in the Middle East and Asia are gaining in importance, especially Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Thailand. As for closer proximity tourism, Georgia, Armenia, and Kazakhstan have now become part of the top 20 preferred destinations for Russians in 2022. The study is based on an analysis of the hotel demand of the Russian travelers and the average hotel room price in the more than 700 destinations worldwide during 2022, comparing with 2019 trends. To do it, the Mabrian’s team has used its Travel Intelligence platform to analyse the more than 2 million reviews posted by Russians and the published hotel prices in the main OTA’s (Booking, Expedia and TripAdvisor) for these two years. According to Carlos Cendra, Director of Marketing & Sales at Mabrian: “As one of the largest source markets for international tourism over the last 20 years, the Russian market plays a crucial role in the global travel industry, and in recent times it has become essential for destinations and companies to understand their evolving trends and preferences. Our study shows that the Russian travel market has been deeply impacted with current situation. Much less travelers and a changing profile with tourists exploring new destinations in the Middle East, Asia, and neighboring countries all of which seem very keen to capture market share by welcoming Russian travelers.” Meanwhile, the classic European tourist destinations, including Italy, Germany, France, Spain, and Greece, have had the most significant negative impact based on the current situation, showing a drastic decrease in the presence of Russian tourists who used to frequent these destinations in 2019. Of all the countries impacted, Italy has …

Aloft Hotels opened in Muscat marking the brand’s debut in the Sultanate of Oman. Anchored in design, culture, and music, the 193-guestroom hotel brings the brand’s bold modern style to the capital and its vibrant social scene with buzzing open spaces to connect. Each of the urban inspired, loft-style guestrooms feature high ceilings, plush platform beds and 50-inch LED TVs. The modern bathrooms feature walk-in rainfall showers and custom Aloft bath amenities. “Oman is a thriving leisure destination for travellers who seek original experiences and warm hospitality,” said Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President – Premium and Select Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “Driven by bold design Aloft Muscat is a place for creative self-expressers to meet and mingle.” “With this first venture into the hotel market, we were eager to apply the knowledge and expertise we have gained from 35 years in real-estate development to create an exciting, fresh new destination,” said Mr. Aadil Thomas Alexander, Owner and Executive Director. “Aloft Muscat represents a space where style is necessary, connectivity keeps up with you, social scenes are vibrant, and the only direction is forward. As well as being a hot spot in its own right, the hotel will act as a wonderful base to explore the dynamic city of Muscat and the intriguing expanses of the rest of Oman.” The hotel’s signature public spaces are designed as innovative, comfortable places to socialize and relax. At the sleek Re:mixSM lounge, guests can enjoy a game of pool, with day-to-night lighting and music to switch up the vibe. Dining destinations include the brand’s signature bar W XYZ®, an outdoor space to enjoy a meal at Arcade, which offers global craft …

Qatar Airways is participating in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 (Hall 1, ME1210), taking place from 1 to 4 May, in Dubai. At the exhibition, the national carrier of the State of Qatar will showcase QVerse, a virtual reality experience to tour the Premium Check-in area at Hamad International Airport (HIA) and to explore the award-winning Business Class Qsuite. Along with multiple other announcements, Qatar Airways and Qatar Tourism will share plans for the upcoming year featuring expected developments on products and services. The award-winning airline looks forward to meeting with trade partners, as well as travel and tourism professionals. Qatar Airways is strongly positioned to continue to lead the global recovery of the aviation industry – the “World’s Best Airline” has introduced new routes earlier this year as part of a robust growing network, stronger agreements and leading partnerships. The Global Partner and Official Airline of F1®, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, announced lately the launch of its exclusive travel packages for the upcoming F1® races this season. The travel packages allow fans to be up-close to high-octane action, and exclusively enjoy unique experiences including pit lane walks, guided track tours, and special events with select F1® drivers. Recently, Qatar has upgraded the Hayya platform previously used to manage tourists entering the country for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2023TM. Now, the Hayya platform has become the only portal in which tourists and business travellers should use to apply for visas to Qatar. The Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism, named Doha as Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, a recognition of Qatar’s development in the travel and tourism industry. As Qatar Airways’ sponsorship portfolio continues to grow, it …

SAUDIA released its operational performance report for the first quarter of 2023, which revealed a 35% increase in the number of guests carried across its flight network compared to the same period last year. The airline transported 7 million guests, including 3.2 million domestic guests and 3.8 million international guests, which represents a significant 94% increase, and reaffirms SAUDIA’s objective to connect the world with Saudi Arabia. During Q1 2023, SAUDIA’s aircraft flew over 42,000 flights across four continents, representing a 5% increase, which accumulated to over 127,500 flight hours, and a 26% increase. Internationally, the airline operated over 18,300 flights with an increase of 40% and recorded 87,300 flight hours with an increase of 55.2%. Additionally, 23,600 domestic flights were operated by SAUDIA across a total of 40,100 flying hours. Captain Ibrahim Koshy, the CEO of SAUDIA, said: “The growth achieved during Q1 of 2023 comes in line with SAUDIA’s operational plan to increase its flights and seating capacity, considering the operational efficiency and maintaining on-time performance. This was evident in the services provided that enhanced the travel experience and earned the loyalty of more guests from all over the world. The most prominent of which was the “Your Ticket Your Visa” service, providing guests with easier access to the Kingdom through a digital integration system that links transit visas with flight tickets. “SAUDIA’s flight network and quality services have been contributing to the Kingdom’s comprehensive development in all fields, including transporting visitors, tourists, and organizers to attend various events, exhibitions, and conferences held in the Kingdom. SAUDIA has designed an ambitious plan to transport more pilgrims as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program and connect the world with …

Industry experts will gather in the UAE to discuss sustainable decision-making and financing during the International Tourism & Investment Conference (ITIC) Middle East Tourism Investment Session at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Monday 1 to Thursday 4 May. Saudi Arabia is leading the GCC’s tourism development activities with a pipeline of 100,071 hotel rooms, according to data released by STR. Dubai is the region’s second most active market with 27,095 rooms under contract, followed by Qatar (17,145), Oman (10,292), Bahrain (3,452) and Kuwait (1,369). In total, there are 159,424 pipeline rooms under contract in the Gulf at present. Related opportunities and challenges will be placed under the microscope throughout ATM 2023, thanks to a range of panel discussions and events related to industry financing. In addition to the ITIC panels, this year’s show will feature sessions highlighting industry-critical issues such as travel tech investment, the contemporary geopolitical landscape, urban regeneration, future markets, space tourism and more. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “With nearly 160,000 hotel rooms under development across the GCC, this region is undoubtedly a global hotspot for industry investment right now. Thanks to the participation of ITIC and a host of other finance-related sessions, ATM 2023 represents the ideal forum for travel, tourism and hospitality professionals from around the world to explore the latest investment opportunities and novel financing models with some of the biggest names in our sector.” Taking place on day three of ATM 2023, the ‘ITIC Tourism Investment Session: Making Sustainable Decisions’ will feature insights from an array of industry experts. The sessions will begin with a tourism economic outlook …

The Global Airport Leaders’ Forum (GALF) is set to celebrate its milestone 10th edition as a co-located event at the 22nd Airport Show, the world’s leading annual B2B platform for the airport industry. From May 9-11, key players from the aviation sector – including airports, airlines, and ANSPs – will converge in Dubai to collaborate and outline a roadmap towards sustainability. This year’s edition will feature a strong emphasis on critical topics such as Air Traffic Control (ATC), Airport Security, Ground Handling, and Sustainability. With daily global flights predicted to reach nearly 200,000 by the mid-2030s, it is imperative for industry leaders to address these challenges. Achieving this projected growth could contribute US$1.5 trillion to the world’s GDP by 2030, according to ICAO forecasts. Furthermore, investments in airport infrastructure development between now and 2030 are estimated at US$1.2 to US$1.5 trillion. At GALF, over 40 aviation and airport leaders will participate in panel discussions featuring an impressive range of topics, including Air Traffic Management, Airport Security, Ground Handling, and Sustainability. Among the attendees are CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, COOs, and various Specialists and Strategists involved in Airport Security, Aviation Security, Passenger Security, and Airport Operations. This platform offers valuable insights into Disruptive Technologies, Cyber Security, Data Compliance, Risk Management, Airport Management, and Security Planning and Policy. Top experts will work together to outline a roadmap for achieving sustainability and improving operational efficiency. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “The global airport industry is undergoing rapid transformation through the adoption of new technology, innovation and a renewed focus on …

Jazeera Airways added Larnaca in Cyprus to its network of new European destinations for the 2023 summer season. Larnaca is Cyprus’s oldest city, balancing a mix of the old and the new. Centrally positioned in Cyprus, the city provides easy access to other parts of the island for both leisure and business travel. With a Mediterranean climate, Cyprus is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sea and fresh air. Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said: “We are pleased to add Larnaca to our growing list of European destinations for the upcoming summer season. This provides travelers from Kuwait another holiday destination that is a short, affordable flight away. With the addition of Larnaca, we now proudly serve 63 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Central & South Asia and Africa.” Jazeera Airways is currently running a special offer on fares for 50,000 seats starting from KD 21 only. This offer is open until midnight (Kuwait time) on 20 April 2023 and valid for travel between 1 May and 15 June 2023. You can book your flights to Larnaca, Belgrade, Tirana, Sarajevo and Prague on the airlines website (www.jazeeraairways.com), or on the Jazeera App. The airline also connects from these European cities to other destinations across its network, providing convenient transits through Kuwait. Flights to Larnaca will operate twice weekly from 29 April – 27 May 2023, and three times a week from 29 May – 28 October 2023. Planned Flight Schedule Flight Number Frequency From To Departure (Local Time) Arrival (Local Time) J9 0345 Wednesday, Saturday (from 29 April 2023) Kuwait Larnaca 10:00 13:15 J9 0346 Wednesday, Saturday (from 29 April 2023) Larnaca Kuwait 14:00 17:10 J9 …

The Philippines is a tropical paradise with so much to offer tourists. It is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, each with its unique charm and attractions. From world-renowned beaches to bustling cities, there’s something for everyone. Its stunning beaches are world-renowned and are among the most beautiful in the world, making it a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sand, and sea. The white sand beaches of Boracay, Palawan, and Siargao are just a few of the many picturesque destinations that the Philippines has to offer. The event is in continuation of the talks initiated by DOT since September 2022 with the concerned agencies to take up visa concerns for key tourism markets in the hope of finding solutions affecting the flow of entry of international tourists. Beaches: The Philippines is famous for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand. Palawan’s El Nido, Boracay, and Siargao are just a few of the many beach destinations that will leave you in awe. Enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, scuba diving, and island hopping. Cultural Experiences: The Philippines has a rich cultural heritage, and there are many ways to immerse yourself in it. Visit the Spanish colonial-era architecture in Vigan, see the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Rice Terraces in Banaue, or attend one of the colorful festivals such as the Ati-Atihan in Aklan. Food: Filipino cuisine is a fusion of Malay, Spanish, and Chinese influences, resulting in unique and flavorful dishes. Try adobo, sinigang, and lechon, among others. Sample street food such as balut, isaw, and fishballs, which can be found throughout the country. City Life: The Philippines has a thriving urban scene with cities like Manila, Cebu, and …