Singapore Airlines announced that they will return with First Class and Premium Economy Class experience on flights between Singapore and Dubai from 30 March 2025, operating 7 times weekly, the flights will be operated by the Boeing 777-300ER, which features a four-class cabin configuration – First, Business, Premium Economy, and Economy Class – ensuring an unparalleled travel experience for all their customers. Unwind in Premium Economy Class’ spacious cabin – Their Premium Economy Class offers customers a contemporary and stylish travel experience, designed to provide heightened comfort throughout their journey. Each Premium Economy seat boasts a width ranging from 18.5 to 19.5 inches, an 8-inch recline, and a seat pitch of 38 inches. Customers can look forward to an enhanced in-flight entertainment experience with active noise-cancelling headphones and a sleek 13.3-inch full HD touchscreen monitor. Enjoy priority treatment throughout the journey Premium Economy Class customers enjoy priority check-in at dedicated counters, as well as priority boarding. Checked baggage have priority tags, ensuring smooth and efficient travel. Elevate dining experience with Book the Cook Customers can enjoy a dining experience with an improved and expanded selection of food and beverage options. Customers have the option to pre-select and reserve their main course from the Premium Economy Class Book the Cook2 menu up to 24 hours before flight departure. Exclusive in-flight amenities In collaboration with Out of the Woods, a US-based manufacturer of eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle products, SIA offers amenity kit3 for Premium Economy Class customers. The kit includes eyeshades and slippers made from recycled PET material, as well as a lip balm packaged in biodegradable material. Access to unlimited complimentary Wi-Fi KrisFlyer members travelling in Premium Economy Class have the …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is partnering with ITAKA, Poland’s largest tour operator, to host its Top Sellers Conference 2025. Announced at ITB Berlin, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, the partnership will foster deeper connections with travel trade professionals and increase awareness of the emirate of Abu Dhabi in the Polish market.Bringing together over 200 travel trade professionals from Poland, the conference will be hosted in Al Ain, the emirate’s “living oasis”, home to the UAE’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and a growing culture, wellness and adventure destination, recently selected as the Gulf Capital of Tourism for 2025. The programme will highlight Abu Dhabi’s range of itineraries and travel packages for both summer and winter, and attendees will also be able to participate in expert-led training sessions. Following the two-day event, the trade professionals will then embark on curated site visits and tours in Abu Dhabi City from 13 to 17 April, experiencing its leading cultural institutions and heritage sites, world-class hospitality infrastructure, and unique attractions firsthand. H.E. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Welcoming ITAKA’s Top Sellers Conference to Abu Dhabi underscores our commitment to fostering strong ties with Poland’s travel trade community. Poland offers tremendous potential and this partnership highlights the unique blend of world-class experiences, cultural heritage, and warm Emirati hospitality that define Abu Dhabi as a destination. By offering leading travel professionals firsthand experience of Abu Dhabi, we strengthen their connection with the destination, inspiring more Polish travellers to explore diverse attractions and rich experiences.” Mariusz Janczuk, President of ITAKA, said: “It is extremely satisfying that ITAKA is working so …

Qatar Airways is enhancing global connectivity with additional flights to key destinations around the world. The expanded services will offer passengers greater flexibility and seamless connections, further strengthening the airline’s network of more than 170 destinations. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Qatar Airways’ vast network of global destinations is complemented with robust flight frequencies for the benefit of our passengers. The new additions further reflect our commitment to fostering worldwide connectivity and elevating passengers’ travel experience with our award-winning hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) – voted World’s Best Airport and World’s Best Airport Shopping by Skytrax in 2024. At Qatar Airways, we take pride in offering unparalleled services, and with the peak summer season approaching, we are pleased to fulfil the ever-increasing demand for air travel with accessible and convenient flight schedules.” From bustling metropolises to scenic landscapes, Qatar Airways is enabling greater connectivity in the following destinations: Amsterdam – increased from seven weekly flights to 11 Damascus – increased from three weekly flights to 14 Dar Es Salaam-Kilimanjaro – increased from three weekly flights to seven Entebbe – increased from seven weekly flights to 11 Larnaca – increased from seven weekly flights to 10 London Heathrow – increased from 49 weekly flights to 56 Madrid – increased from 14 weekly flights to 17 (bringing the jointly operated flights between Qatar Airways and Iberia from 21 weekly flights to 24) Maputo-Durban – increased from five weekly flights to seven Sharjah – increased from 21 weekly flights to 35 Tokyo Narita – increased from 11 weekly flights to 14 Tunis – increased from 10 weekly flights to 12 Qatar Airways, a benchmark for excellence in the industry, remains a …

Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel and Convention Center Dubai won ‘Best Wedding and MICE Hotel’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. “Winning the Arabian Travel Awards’ ‘Best Wedding & MICE Hotel’ title has elevated our confidence and credibility, showcasing the strength of our team and the excellence of our offerings. This recognition not only reinforces our position within the hospitality sector but also enhances our visibility and demand in the market.”-Arijit Paul, Director of Sales & Marketing, Mövenpick Grand Al Bustan Hotel & Convention Centre, Dubai

In a landmark move set to boost the hospitality landscape of Madinah, Saudi Arabia, Radisson Hotel Group announced its strategic partnership with Knowledge Economic City (KEC)  to introduce two new Park Inn by Radisson hotels in the heart of Madinah. The two Park Inn by Radisson properties at Islamic World District (IWD), Knowledge Economic City, will include 733 keys in total: 587 hotel rooms and 146 serviced apartments. This initiative is a testament to Radisson Hotel Group and Knowledge Economic City’s commitment to realize the ambitious objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for the tourism sector. Specifically, it underscores both companies’ dedication to expanding and enhancing the hospitality infrastructure in Madinah, a city of unparalleled spiritual and cultural significance. The introduction of two Park Inn by Radisson properties at IWD, KEC, not only aligns with the Kingdom’s strategic goals to diversify the economy and attract international tourists but also reinforces Madinah’s status as a leading destination for visitors from around the globe. By partnering with Knowledge Economic City, Radisson Hotel Group is aligning with one of the Kingdom’s leading Master Developers and contributing to the realization of KEC’s vision to deliver approximately 10,000 hotel rooms across the Kingdom. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in strengthening Madinah’s position within the travel and tourism industry and increasing its appeal as a key destination within Saudi Arabia and beyond. The Park Inn by Radisson properties at IWD, KEC, will offer a contemporary, comfortable, and vibrant hospitality experience catering to the needs of modern travelers. Designed with both leisure and business guests in mind, the hotel and adjacent serviced apartments will feature state-of-the-art amenities, including stylish accommodations, international dining options, and flexible meeting …

Aleph Hospitality announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah. Comprising 112 well-appointed rooms and suites with plush Four Comfort Beds, the hotel promises the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style. Guests can savour a wide range of international and local flavours at the all-day dining restaurant, or enjoy a cosy ambience at the lobby café, offering freshly brewed coffees, teas, light snacks, and pastries.. Meetings and events can be hosted in one of the hotel’s five versatile meeting rooms which can be tailored to fit to any occasion.  Conveniently located on King Fahd Road, in the Rabwah District, the hotel offers easy access to Jeddah’s downtown, financial districts and top attractions. Just 15 minutes from King Abdul Aziz International Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah is poised to become a central hub for both business and leisure travellers. For corporate events and meetings, the hotel features five versatile meeting rooms that can be tailored to fit any occasion. Leisure amenities include a fully equipped rooftop fitness centre with a gym, spa, jacuzzi, sauna, and an outdoor swimming pool with panoramic views over the city. Reflecting Four Points by Sheraton’s brand promise of ‘travel reinvented’, the hotel provides everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road, timeless style, and genuine service. Commenting on the opening, Sultan Bin Abdulmohsen, General Manager of Four Points by Sheraton Jeddah, said: “We are very excited to welcome our first guests and to extend the warm hospitality from the team that has worked incredibly hard over the past months to prepare for the opening. We look forward to giving our guests an unforgettable stay in Jeddah and many memorable …

Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai wins ‘Best Hotel to practice sustainable initiatives’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning this award is a recognition of the impactful sustainable practices pioneered by Swissotel Al Ghurair this year. It reflects the team’s dedication and hard work for initiatives such as eliminating single-use plastics, installing a water filteration system, and inventing a recycling tank for wastewater, for irrigating our vegetable garden. This recognition highlights the importance of sustainable innovation, which is crucial for the future of hospitality and tourism. ”- Amal El Ansari, General Manager, Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai.

Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malta Tourism Authority to bolster inbound tourism through collaborative marketing efforts. The MoU was signed by Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (West) Europe and Americas and Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer, Malta Tourism Authority, during ITB Berlin, Germany’s premier travel trade exhibition. The signing ceremony was also attended by senior executives from both organizations. Under this strategic alliance, Emirates will leverage its expansive global network to promote Malta as a premier leisure destination. Key initiatives will include organizing media familiarisation trips from key target markets to showcase Malta’s unique appeal as a Mediterranean gateway. The two entities will further explore joint advertising campaigns and collaborations with tour operators and travel agents to develop compelling promotional packages. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Malta has been a key destination in our European network for over two decades, and we’ve witnessed its growing popularity as a sought-after leisure gateway over the years. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to supporting Malta’s tourism industry by leveraging our global reach to further boost inbound travel. Our daily service, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER—the largest scheduled passenger aircraft serving the destination—ensures that travellers enjoy our award-winning products and services, while local businesses benefit from the significant cargo capacity we offer on the route.” Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Hon. Ian Borg said: “This agreement will continue strengthening the long-standing collaboration between Malta and Emirates, while helping us reach out to more travellers, as we spread the word about the Maltese Islands’ unique attractions and experiences. By joining forces with international airlines and other key industry …

SPARK in partnership with EYouth and with support from Google.org, has launched the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub in Egypt – a pioneering platform designed to equip 25,000 individuals across the MENA region with essential skills for the tourism industry. The launch event, held at the Triumph Plaza Hotel in Cairo, welcomed over 100 stakeholders, including representatives from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism, industry leaders, and digital learning experts. The initiative aligns with Egypt’s national priorities to enhance workforce competitiveness and drive tourism sector growth. With the tourism sector rapidly evolving, Maharat for Tourism offers free, high-quality training tailored for both aspiring and experienced professionals. The platform provides interactive courses on digital skills, business management, and customer service, ensuring users stay competitive in a dynamic job market. By bridging the skills gap and building a digitally empowered workforce, this initiative directly contributes to Egypt’s economic resilience and job creation in one of its most vital industries. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism is an active supporter of the platform, recognising its role in modernising workforce training and driving long-term industry sustainability. “We are proud to launch the Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub, which will provide thousands of individuals with the opportunity to develop essential skills for success in the tourism sector,” said Dina Almasaeid, SPARK’s Regional Programme Director “The support from Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism further emphasises the industry-wide commitment to fostering talent and innovation.” Join the Movement The Maharat for Tourism E-Learning Hub is now live and available in both English and Arabic, offering tourism professionals and job seekers the opportunity to advance their careers in the industry. To learn more and enroll in courses, visit: https://maharat.spark.ngo/.

Emirates announced that it is expanding its long-standing partnership with Trip.com to focus on exploring growth avenues to capture emerging opportunities in new markets and customer segments. In the next phase of its expansion, the partnership will Emirates and Trip.com will collaborate on expanding Trip.com’s global presence through strategic partnerships and activations, leveraging Emirates’ extensive international network, and coordinating promotional efforts in Asian and European markets, which remain a strategic focus for both Trip.com and Emirates. The agreement was formalised at ITB Berlin by Nabil Sultan, Executive Vice President, Passenger Sales & Country Management for Emirates and CT Ooi, VP of Flights Business, Trip.com Group. Nabil Sultan commented on the newly expanded partnership: “We very much look forward to extending the breadth and depth of our cooperation with Trip.com. The next phase not only strengthens our position to provide more of our products to Trip.com’s customer base, but also unlocks traveller demand for air and hotel packages, enables us to integrate offers across both of our loyalty programmes and tap into a variety of consumer segments with specialised promotions. We look forward to empowering Trip.com customers with options to customise their travel with ease on Emirates.” CT Ooi added: “At Trip.com, we are excited to take our partnership to new heights, integrating a wide range of flight offerings with an expanded portfolio of hotels and travel services. By combining Emirates’ world-class network with Trip.com’s innovative travel ecosystem, we are creating more opportunities for travellers to access exclusive flight and hotel packages, tailored promotions, and enhanced loyalty rewards.” Product integration and exclusive promotions: Emirates and Trip.com will work closely on boosting customer conversion by integrating a variety of Emirates flight offerings …