Kenya Airways (KQ) has made its maiden non-stop flight to Dubai International Airport from Mombasa, Kenya.  The flight from Moi International Airport marked the second hub, other than its Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, that the carrier connects passengers directly to the UAE. Operated by a Boeing 737-800 with registration number KQ306 aircraft, the flight carrying 145 passengers was flagged off by His Excellency Rigathi Gachagua, the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya in the presence of Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works, Hon. Penina Malonza – Cabinet Secretary for Tourism Wildlife and Heritage, H.E. Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir – Governor of Mombasa County, Mr Alex Gitari – Managing Director – Kenya Airports Authority (KAA), John Chirchir – Ag. CEO, Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) among other key stakeholders. “Kenya’s air transport has what it takes to drive the economy. From exports of cargo to our renown agricultural produce, to our magnificent touristic attractions. The launch of this flight marks yet another dynamic that will go a long way to sustain millions of jobs from the tourism sector in the Coast region. By connecting the Kenyan Coast to Middle East directly, the travel time is effectively reduced thereby making Kenya the most attractive destination for the Middle East holiday seekers,” said the Deputy President as he lauded Kenya Airways and flagged off the flight to Dubai. Speaking at the same event, Hon. Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport and Public Works said, “We acknowledge the important role that the aviation industry plays in the growth of our economy and the tourism sector. As a Ministry, we are keen to rally all stakeholders towards unlocking …

Wego and CzechTourism partner together in a move to provide travelers with the best travel experiences this winter. The Czech Republic is a beautiful and diverse country with many things to see and do. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just having a good time, there is something for everyone in the Czech Republic. CzechTourism will benefit from Wego’s large user base in the MENA region, and the data and insights it provides on the users’ behavior as well as the personalized travel experience it offers. Both parties will work on a series of campaigns and marketing activities to promote this marvelous winter destination. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to start our partnership with CzechTourism to promote travel to the country. We are committed to provide our users with more choices and bring the best destinations to explore. This time of the year in the Czech Republic can be magical, with the country’s stunning landscape transformed by snow and ice. It is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a range of winter activities and we expect to see an increased demand from the region to the country in the coming weeks.” The country is a great destination for winter holidays. Travelers can hit the slopes, explore an array of winter activities in store for every type of traveler, or relax at a spa. Marek Kroutil, international marketing manager for Middle East, CzechTourism said: “Czech Republic and especially Prague is a well-known destination amongst the GCC travelers and thanks to many regular or seasonal flights they can get from the main source markets to our …

Germany recorded a 180 per cent increase in overnight stays from Gulf nationals in the first three quarters of this year compared to the same period of 2021, according to new data from the German National Tourist Board (GNTB). During the first nine months of 2022, GCC nationals accounted for more than 872,000 overnight stays, making the Gulf region Germany’s top Asian source market. In 2021, the number of GCC nationals visiting the country was 311,000, demonstrating strong growth. Yet when compared to pre-pandemic figures from 2019, it still represents a decrease of 34.5 per cent, showing not only substantial space for future growth, but also the logic behind the tourism board expecting the gap to close further next year. “We continue to see strong traction from the GCC region, with visitors looking to fulfil cultural experiences,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office, the regional office of GNTB. “Our goal at the moment is to continue to attract visitors from the region and aim to reach the numbers we welcomed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We have seen a striking performance this year when compared to 2021, demonstrating that our diverse campaigns and offerings are attractive, and effectively reaching the audience.” The aggregate of Asian source markets recorded more than 2.9 million overnight stays between Jan-Sep 2022, indicating a 283 per cent increase on the same period in 2021. This upsurge indicates travellers are determined to travel even more than usual. To further drive visitors – particularly those from within the GCC – the GNTB introduced three diverse campaigns this year that offer a wholistic tourism offering throughout the country. Aligning with …

Emirates, the world’s largest passenger airline, has completed its latest IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) with zero findings – the equivalent of a perfect score, and a rare occurrence in the industry given the complexity of airline operations. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Safety is one of Emirates’ core values, and since day one, we’ve continually invested to ensure that our operations meet the most rigorous safety standards. To complete the IOSA audit with zero findings is a notable achievement especially in the context of our rapid operational upscaling post-pandemic, and the global nature of Emirates’ network. It’s a credit to our internal teams and external partners who contribute to Emirates’ safe transport of thousands of people and tonnes of goods around the globe each day. We’ll continue to work hard and contribute to ensuring a safe and sustainable aviation industry.” Over 1,000 standards and recommended practices were assessed by an International Air Transport Association (IATA) accredited audit organisation over five days, to determine how well the Emirates operational management system complies with the IOSA Standard and Recommended Practices (ISARP). With this strong audit report, Emirates has demonstrated the rigor of its systems and processes to ensure safe operational practices and the airworthiness of its modern fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. Emirates promotes a strong safety culture across the organisation at all levels. The airline’s operational safety policies are consistently reviewed and amended to the highest standards whenever regulations are revised or new aircraft are introduced. The Emirates Compliance Monitoring team continuously audits the airline’s systems and practices throughout its network against IOSA standards to identify and manage non-conformities. Emirates’ senior executives are also briefed in …

Oman Air, the national airline of the Sultanate of Oman, has inked an agreement with Omantel, a leading telecom operator, to provide passengers flying to Oman with Tourist SIM Cards on board their flight. The one-year partnership aims to offer guests a hassle-free and efficient digital solution that enriches their travel experience, as well as attracting more tourists to come to Oman. Abdul Rahman Nasser, Chief Commercial Officer at Oman Air, said, “We are delighted to once again join hands with Omantel, and we will all benefit from the spillover effect of this great buzz happening around the region. I am confident that our year-long partnership will be a success, and it will bring convenience to our passengers and save them time and effort upon arrival.” Eng. Aladdin Baitfadhil, Chief Commercial Officer at Omantel, said, “We are thrilled about our partnership with Omar Air, and we are all set to provide passengers flying to the Sultanate of Oman with seamless and hassle-free connectivity even before landing, while we increase our customer base.” The two companies also have another partnership involving their respective loyalty programmes, enabling Omantel’s customers to convert their Makasib points to Sindbad Miles. With a growing number of partners, Oman Air continues to find new and innovative ways to elevate its guest experience and build on its reputation as an award-winning airline, while promoting Oman as a must-visit destination.

Umm Qais, a village in northern Jordan, has been named among the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2022’ by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), as a recognition of its commitment to innovation and sustainability. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Fayez, said that putting the village of Umm Qais on the list is a push factor for tourism in Jordan, and will contribute to empowering local communities, and increasing job opportunities. “This achievement comes within the ministry’s vision, and in compliance with its tourism development plan through the Jordan National Tourism Strategy 2021-2025, which places the tourism sector at the heart of Jordan’s economy and society,” he added. To celebrate the achievement, festivals, art exhibitions, forums, and showcases of industries and handicrafts, will be held in the village. Umm Qais and 135 villages were put forward for consideration by UNWTO Member States based on a set of criteria covering cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development, governance and prioritization of tourism, infrastructure and connectivity, and health, safety, and security. The Best Tourism Villages initiative is the flagship project of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Program. It aims to ensure tourism contributes to reducing regional inequalities in income and development, fighting depopulation, progressing gender equality and women’s and youth empowerment, and advancing innovation and digitalization. It also focuses on improving connectivity, infrastructure, access to finance and investment, innovating in product development and value chain integration, promoting sustainable practices for more efficient use of resources and a reduction of emissions and waste, and enhancing education and skills. The village of Umm Qais lays in the north western corner of Jordan, on the …

A new interactive #DubaiDestinations guide issued  by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), invites residents and travellers to explore the city’s beautiful outdoors with its extensive Picnic and Camping Guide. The Ultimate Picnic and Camping Guide lists a range of Dubai’s outdoor destinations and sites, offering tips for barbecuing, camping, and making the most of the beautiful winter weather. It includes a checklist of the essential items and equipment to carry when camping on your own. The guide lists online platforms for buying or renting camp gear and picnic kits and a list of Dubai’s best homegrown businesses offering ready-to-use picnic and camping F&B kits. The camping destinations in the guide include Hatta, Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, and deserts across the city, such as Al Qudra, Al Awir, Al Ruwayaah, and the Half Desert Road. The guide’s picnic spots include beach and pond parks, lakes, natural escapes, scenic rest areas, mountaintop picnic spots and beach and desert locations. The public and private destinations listed in the guide represent Dubai’s vast diversity of outdoor offerings that define its unique destination experience and make it the best city for living. The areas featured in the guide include Dubai Creek Park, Al Barari Nature Escape, Wadi Hatta Park, Al Marmoom Lakes, Safa Park, Leem Rest Area, Jumeirah Beach, Al Khazzan Park and many more. The guide also lists companies organising picnics. In addition, it lists businesses that help set up camping tents, camper vans, and even outdoor cinemas for groups of all sizes and budgets. Fatma Al Mulla, City Branding Executive at Brand Dubai, said: “Our interactive winter guide, ‘Dubai: The Ultimate Picnic and Camping Guide’, …

A unique pop-up event organised as part of the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is inviting people to experience a nostalgic recreation of Dubai in the 80s. A new addition to the DSF, organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the 10-day event, held at the Last Exit Al Khawaneej, transports visitors into a visual representation of Dubai in the 80’s and early 90s. The event is one of a series of attractions and experiences featured in the #DubaiDestinations winter campaign. The Dubai 80s event aims to capture the moment in time when Dubai was on the cusp of pivotal change. Apart from being a defining era globally, the 80s were a decade that raised Dubai and the UAE’s profile on the international map. It was a time when the country embarked on a transformative journey that made it a leading global city. Dubai 80s will explore the defining era of the city’s past, with vintage photo galleries showing pictures of Dubai before its transformation into a global metropolis, photo booths, shows, anime and live performances, old-school gaming arcades, and classic cars, all offering a blast from the past. “The event is an attempt to create a heartwarming experience of life in the decade that was a turning point in Dubai’s history. Dubai 80s invites visitors to look back and reflect on a decade in which the seeds of our current prosperity and growth were sown. Looking back, especially at the 80s and early 90s, is fascinating as this was such a transformational era for Dubai,” said Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. “Dubai developed rapidly within the span of just a few years. The …

Musafir.com predicts that the “International Travel” segment will enjoy a faster growth path in 2023 versus the previous year. “Travel sector constitutes nearly 10%1 of global GDP and authorities across countries have been collaborating synergistically to put in place the levels of safety, hygiene, and comfort required for the sector to regain its lost ground. Consequently, FY’ 2022 witnessed a steady recovery for leisure as well as business travel, on the back of a significant reduction in pandemic-related risk, eased travel regulations worldwide, enhanced travelers’ confidence and the desire at corporate levels to resume productive in-person engagements. The trend would only strengthen in 2023”, said Sachin Gadoya, Co-founder & CEO of Musafir.com & Musafir Business. The data and trends, gathered through queries and bookings on Musafir Business platform, forecast business travelers to continue choosing First & Business class, despite a rise of ~10-15% in airfare. Premium Economy mode of travel augments further the choice repertoire of such travelers. All put together, the average corporate travel budget in 2023 would rise by 15-20%, bringing it to a level comparable to pre-pandemic days. Explaining further on the same, Mr. Gadoya added, “Insights obtained from Musafir Business platform establish very clearly that the organizations in the UAE prefer face-to-face interaction for building trust & longevity in their business relationship. With considerably eased travel regulations these days, the average annual business travel spend of SMEs in the UAE is expected to grow by 15-20% in 2023 – from AED 185K (2022) to AED 220K(2023), which is indeed very close to the pre-pandemic figure of 2019 i.e. AED 250K.” The GCC, India, UK, EU countries, and USA will continue to remain the key inbound and outbound …

VisitBritain is set to launch a new GREAT Britain marketing campaign across Europe, the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries and the USA in early 2023 to drive bookings, inspiring visitors to ‘See Things Differently,’ promoting messages of warm welcome and highlighting Britain as a dynamic, adventurous and inclusive destination. The campaign will also capture major events in 2023 including the Coronation of King Charles III in May, with an additional Bank Holiday announced, and Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, on behalf of Ukraine, also in May, timely and valuable opportunities to promote Britain’s welcome and creativity and ability to host events of the highest calibre. VisitBritain has published its inbound tourism forecast for 2023 with continued strong recovery predicted in overseas visitor spending. It shows spending by inbound visitors is predicted to grow faster than visitor volume, with higher spending also per trip. Its overall forecast is for spending by international visitors in the UK of £29.5 billion in 2023, up 4% on the all-time spending high of £28.4 billion in 2019. Looking at the number of visits to the UK, 35.1 million visits are forecast, 86% of the 40.9 million in 2019. UK Tourism Minister Stuart Andrew said: “It is fantastic to see that tourism is continuing to bounce back strongly after the sector received substantial government support during the pandemic. “This predicted rise in visitor spending will give a further boost to the industry, helping to create new jobs and drive economic growth across the country.” VisitBritain CEO Patricia Yates reiterated, “Our priority has been to rebuild international visitor value so it is very encouraging to see the continued strong recovery forecast in spend, supporting jobs, small …