The Ajman Department of Tourism Development – ADTD signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ajman Department of Economic Development (Ajman DED) which aims to establish a partnership between the two parties to increase cooperation, unite efforts and exchange knowledge and experiences at all levels. The memorandum of understanding was signed by His Excellency Mahmoud Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, and His Excellency Abdullah Ahmed Al Hamrani, Director General of the Ajman Department of Economic Development. As part of the agreement, a coordinating committee will be formed that aims to increase the economic and tourism growth rates in the emirate by uniting efforts and exchanging experience and knowledge to support tourism projects and events in line with the emirate’s vision 2030. The agreement aims to enhance the emirate’s position at the regional and global levels by improving its position in international competitiveness reports. The two parties also seek to enhance the economic and tourism competitiveness of the emirate through integration in planning, partnerships and joint projects. The memorandum also aims to support decision-makers by measuring strategic performance and raising customer satisfaction rates. The scope of collaboration between these two parties encompasses a range of activities, including synchronized efforts in economic and tourism marketing and promotion, the exchange of vital economic and tourism-related data and insights, and the undertaking of collaborative studies and research endeavors. This collaboration further encompasses the formulation and execution of joint policies and initiatives, as well as the continuous monitoring of international competitiveness benchmarks. A pivotal objective is also to enrich the experiences of investors and tourists alike by involving international corporations and orchestrating joint occasions and festivals. In this regard, …

Qatar Airways is now the Official Airline Partner of BWT Alpine F1 Team as part of a multi-year agreement and will be working together to promote the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023. The partnership comes after the announcement of Qatar Airways’ Official Airline and Global Partner with Formula 1®(F1®) earlier this year. The partnership will include specialised branding on the driver helmets and caps for the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023, along with various events held during the race weekend featuring the BWT Alpine F1 Team and Qatar Airways executives, cabin crew and the public. The airline partnership with BWT Alpine F1 Team showcases the airline’s continued commitment to promoting and expanding motorsport, both within Qatar and globally. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to be partnering with the BWT Alpine F1 Team on a multi-year partnership to help us promote the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 and to deliver the best quality experiences for our passengers, customers, and fans who will be attending the Formula 1® race. Both of our organisations are committed to precision engineering and excellence to make the greatest technological advancements in our fields and to drive the most environmentally sustainable outcomes for our respective industries. We look forward to hosting the Formula 1® community at the Qatar Airways Qatar Grand Prix 2023 and wish the BWT Alpine F1 Team all the best for the remainder of the season.” David Gendry, Vice President, Alpine Sponsoring, Partnerships and Communications, said: “We are proud to team up with Qatar Airways, an incredible global airline that has such high standards. Both Alpine and Qatar Airways share the …

Amadeus’ Demand360® subscribers using the BEONx Revenue Management System (RMS) can now gain access to the in-depth, forward-looking market insights provided by Amadeus’ business intelligence solution in their RMS. Fluctuating demand and economic conditions brought on by the pandemic have highlighted the importance of revenue management systems and business intelligence within the hospitality industry. Having access to both historical and forward-looking data has become critical in enabling hoteliers to develop smarter, more informed business strategies. Going beyond the existing integration with iHotelier®, Amadeus, a global provider of hospitality technology solutions, and BEONx, a leading hospitality revenue management service provider, announce an extension of their partnership to bring comprehensive business intelligence to BEONx customers that subscribe to Demand360®. The integration will allow hoteliers using BEONx to gain access to Amadeus’ Demand360® business intelligence insights within their RMS. This will significantly improve a hotelier’s ability to understand market demand, historical and forward-looking business performance, and track results against their competitive set to best optimize revenue. BEONx hotels will also able to join Amadeus’ Demand360 network, strengthening the data available in that solution. “Expanding our partnership with Amadeus will better serve the interests of common clients,” said Rubén Sánchez, CEO and Founder at BEONx. “The two-way data exchange will enhance the revenue insights and competitiveness of hotels connected to BEONx and Amadeus by giving them improved visibility into market trends. It will also improve the BEONx algorithms that provide forecasting and inventory control systems capabilities to their participating hotels.” “With fiercer competition and leaner teams, revenue managers are often managing multiple properties now, rather than a single hotel,” said Michael Yeomans, Senior Vice President, Business Intelligence & Data Solutions, Hospitality, Amadeus. “This kind …

Kuwait Airways opened the Arab Air Carrier’s Organization (AACO) meeting on digital transformation in the aviation sector, which was organized in the State of Kuwait, in the presence of various experts and specialists in the air transport sector during the period from 5- 6 September 2023. The meeting discussed the latest mechanisms for digital transformation and artificial intelligence and focused on the methods to develop and improve this aspect in the air transport sector, as well as to follow the most important methods in the Middle East region. Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi, welcomed the attendees and stated, “We are pleased to host this important meeting, which is being held in the State of Kuwait. This conference highlights the most important aspects of digital transformation and artificial intelligence solutions, and the methods to use them in accordance with the latest standards for the air transport sector around the world. This will contribute significantly to the development of the aviation sector in general, which will ultimately benefit the travel traffic and valued passengers.” Razouqi continued by saying, “Kuwait Airways is keen to follow the latest technology and methods used in developing and improving the company’s system, be it in terms of finding smarter digital solutions that facilitate procedures for valued customers, or electronic services that the company has recently launched. Kuwait Airways always strives towards achieving the strategic objectives that it has drawn up until 2030, to keep pace with the best technology in the aviation sector.” Razouqi said, “With regard to sustainability, Kuwait Airways recognizes the significance of this aspect, and has released its annual sustainability report, highlighting the company’s commitment to the principles of sustainability, transparency, …

Second edition of NEOM Beach Games will host over 800 athletes and staff members from around the world for five international sports events, commencing on October 21, 2023. NEOM Beach Games will host Super League Triathlon NEOM, NEOM Beach Soccer Cup, NEOM FIBA 3×3 Challenger 2023, NEOM Titan Desert Saudi Arabia, and NEOM IFSC Masters. The Games will commence with the Grand Finale of short course Super League Triathlon NEOM on October 21, closely followed by a NEOM Beach Soccer Cup competition. Following that, will be a three-day international NEOM FIBA 3×3 Challenger basketball competition. The renowned NEOM Titan Desert Saudi Arabia desert mountain bike race will return to the region for the second time on November 14, featuring 230 male and female riders for a four-stage event, covering 80-120 kilometers per stage. The Games will culminate with the introduction of an international sport climbing event, NEOM IFSC Masters, featuring world champions and Olympians from November 22-24. Jan Paterson, Managing Director of Sport at NEOM, added: “We are excited once again to be hosting the NEOM Beach Games, and it is a privilege to work with national federations and international rights-holders as we aspire to be a natural home for global sports events. The inclusion of the International Federation of Sport Climbing in this year’s games is exciting, aligning with our goals to build a high-performance culture and inspire the next generations of athletes across the Kingdom.” This year’s event will see the introduction of the NEOM Beach Games Volunteers Program, with 50 volunteers from the NEOM community helping to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event for all spectators and athletes. The program is open to those aged 18 years …

The First Group announced the successful completion of another remarkable project – The First Collection Waterfront Dubai. Located on the Canal Boardwalk in Business Bay, the new property will be the third in the collection and is scheduled to open its doors in Q4 2023. The First Collection Waterfront will feature 327 rooms and suites. Its rooftop pool will offer panoramic vistas of Dubai’s renowned landmarks, including the iconic Burj Khalifa and the picturesque Dubai Canal. This achievement marks a significant milestone in expanding The First Group Hotels portfolio and underscores the continuous growth of its homegrown hotel brand, The First Collection. Within The First Collection brand, there are already two established hotels – The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle and The First Collection Business Bay. Together, these hotels welcome approximately 850,000 guests annually, hailing from diverse countries including KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, UK, Russia, France, USA, and Italy. In 2022, The First Collection hotels achieved a remarkable feat by being the only Dubai establishment to be recognized among the world’s finest hotels by Trip Advisor. Furthermore, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle has secured an impressive position within the coveted ‘Top 10 Hotels in Dubai’ on Trip Advisor’s esteemed list, specifically claiming the noteworthy #5 spot. “We are thrilled to introduce The First Collection Waterfront, a remarkable addition to our portfolio. This milestone not only signifies our unwavering dedication in providing unparalleled hospitality experiences, but also mirrors our determination to elevate the reach of our brand. At The First Group, our mission is to optimize the performance of each property under our care, seamlessly adapting to changing market trends, and creating exceptional experiences for our guests,” …

Beond Airline in Saudi Arabia has selected Almosafer as the exclusive general sales agent (GSA) in Saudi Arabia. Almosafer will lead Beond’s sales, promotions and ground staff activities in Saudi Arabia through its dedicated service solution Almosafer Business, leveraging the large customer base across Almosafer’s businesses including the consumer segment, Discover Saudi, the destination management company,and Mawasim, the Hajj and Umrah tour operator. Under the agreement, Almosafer Business will handle the reservations, transactions and administration relating to general sales for Beond. Beond’s fleet is comprised of an all-premium cabin configuration that delivers maximum comfort, elegance and style. It plans to operate a non-stop route between Riyadh and Malé. The newly launched airline has set out to capitalise on the ever-increasing demand for travel from KSA to the archipelago in the Indian Ocean, which as a destination has seen a steady influx of visitors from the Saudi market, especially in the luxury segment. Tero Taskila, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Beond, said: “Beond is pleased to be represented by Almosafer in Saudi Arabia. They have the standards, experience and consumer trust necessary to offer Beond’s premium leisure experience to discerning customers in the Saudi market.” Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “The Maldives is a very popular destination for Saudi travellers and a very important market for our company. At a time where travellers are increasingly looking for exclusive and meaningful experiences, we are delivering on our commitment to our customers and partners by offering a wide range of products and services that cater to their needs. We look forward to working with Beond to provide our customers with premium experiences.” This year, there has been increasingly strong …

Air Astana launched a new direct air services from Almaty to Tel Aviv. The new flight is scheduled to operate twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays using Airbus A321LR aircraft. The outbound service from Almaty has a flight time of 6 hours 45 minutes, with the return flight from Tel Aviv taking 5 hours and 50 minutes. The cost of a round-trip Economy ticket starts from US$603 and Business Class ticket starts from US$1438. Israeli citizens can stay in Kazakhstan visa-free for up to 30 days. This new route is destined to strengthen business, trade, cultural and tourism links between the two countries. Almaty, nestled at the foothills of the majestic Tien Shan mountains, is the largest city in Kazakhstan and beckons international travelers with its unique blend of culture, nature, and history. Almaty’s cultural tapestry is a testament to its diverse heritage, where Eastern and Western influences converge. Visitors can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant arts scene, explore captivating museums, and indulge in the flavors of Central Asian cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will be captivated by the city’s proximity to pristine mountain landscapes, offering opportunities for hiking, skiing, and breathtaking vistas.

Air France-KLM Group and Etihad Airways signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aiming at enhancing their collaboration opportunities across passenger operations, loyalty programmes, talent development, and maintenance. Through this partnership, and subject to any necessary regulatory approvals, Air France-KLM and Etihad contemplate expanding their codeshare and interline agreements initiated in 2012. As a first step, more than 40 new routes covering destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Australia have been made available for booking as of today, for travel as early as the winter 2023 season. The signing ceremony took place at the Air France-KLM Group’s headquarters in Paris, France in the presence of Angus Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Air France-KLM, and Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad Airways. The MoU also proposes the ability for frequent flyers of both Flying Blue and Etihad Guest to earn and redeem miles with Air France, KLM, and Etihad. The airlines will also explore terminal co-location, reciprocal lounge access and ground handling, among other initiatives. Etihad currently operates daily flights to both Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam Schiphol from Abu Dhabi international airport. Air France will start operating daily flights between Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Abu Dhabi International Airport from October 29, 2023. Angus Clarke, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Air France-KLM, said: “I’m delighted to further develop our partnership with Etihad Airways. This 11-year collaboration is now expanding even further, as we aim to explore opportunities in maintenance and loyalty, in addition to enhancing our route network for the benefit of our customers from all around the world. The attractiveness of Abu Dhabi as a destination and a hub, powered by Etihad’s large footprint spanning South and …

Nestled along the pristine shores of the Red Sea, the vibrant and cosmopolitan city of Jeddah is set to welcome football enthusiasts from across the globe, as it gears up to host the iconic FIFA Club World Cup presented by Visit Saudi from 12 – 22 December 2023. The historic announcement comes ahead of the competition draw, which took place today the 5th of September – a pivotal event that will chart the potential paths to glory for participating teams, Al Ahly, Al-Ittihad, Auckland City, Manchester City, Leon, and Urawa Red Diamonds, as well as the CONMEBOL winners, which will be known on 4 November 2023. With Saudi team Al-Hilal reaching the semi-final of the FIFA Club World Cup in 2022, Saudi-based team, Al-Ittihad will be looking to repeat and build on the success of their countrymen as they welcome the 7-team tournament to Jeddah. As the most played and followed sport in the country, football holds a special place in the heart of Saudis, with levels of participation that continue to surge across all age groups. The country is also home to some of the most passionate football supporters on the planet, fuelled by the success of the men’s football team in Asia and a club fanbase infrastructure that rivals some of the largest leagues in the world. Over the past few years, Saudi has made historic strides in broadening female access and participation in football, establishing female football clubs, and promoting initiatives and incentives aimed at increasing female attendance at domestic and international football games. Additionally, Saudi Arabia has become a major global sports hub, with Jeddah at its heart, boasting a diverse cultural calendar, that includes events …