Mashhour Bashan the Executive Director for Travel Experiences, on (designing tours and experiences for cruise passengers) explained that “the cruise sector is a new industry for the Kingdom, it provides specific services, and our role in Cruise Saudi is to develop and enable the private sector. This workshop is one of several workshops on developing the sector to attract 1.3 million passengers by 2035”. Participating in the recent Saudi Tourism Forum 2023, held in Riyadh 100% Public Investment Fund-owned business,  Cruise Saudi shared the latest work hand in hand with ministries and regulatory authorities to build the offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem with the aim of positioning Saudi as a premier global cruise destination. Throughout the Forum, Cruise Saudi met with a number of public and private sector companies – an opportunity to update key industry contacts with the news and developments since Cruise Saudi launched in 2021. From the expansion of Saudi Arabia’s cruise infrastructure to the two successful completed seasons, Cruise Saudi’s rapid expansion in this vital sector has worked alongside the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 as an engine to drive the development of tourism, and to transform the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with its various regions and natural, historic and heritage treasures into a unique and distinctive destination on the global cruise map. Engineer Fawaz Farouqi praised the Forum and the fruitful cooperation of all public and private parties involved in the Tourism System in providing an exceptional experience for tourists visiting the Kingdom, thus reflecting their contribution to achieve Vision 2030 goals and broaden the horizons of the Saudi cruise sector. Cruise Saudi also organised an awareness workshop, delivered by Mashhour Bashan, the Executive Director for Travel …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) and the FTI GROUP  struck a new agreement that paves the way for the launch of twice-weekly flights from Munich to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport in the fourth quarter of this year. The agreement, which was signed by Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority and Ralph Schiller, CEO of the FTI GROUP ranked among the headline announcements on day one of the Arab Aviation Summit, which is currently being staged at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Ras Al Khaimah. It will significantly expand air connectivity between Ras Al Khaimah and Germany, one of the emirate’s top five visitor source markets for many years. Germany ranks among the global tourism industry’s most important outbound source markets and is projected to account for almost 118 million travellers annually by 2024, according to a recent report published by GlobalData. “This agreement with the FTI GROUP marks a major milestone in Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy, as we look to drive inbound traffic from Germany, which counts among our fastest-growing visitor source markets,” commented Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “In 2022, we’ve experienced 81% growth in German visitors to Ras Al Khaimah compared to the previous year, and the addition of twice-weekly direct flights from Munich, one of the country’s most important aviation hubs, should see this number grow substantially. In fact, our robust relationships with all leading trade partners in Germany will all play a key role in reaching our target of 3 million visitors annually by 2030, while boosting tourism’s GDP contribution from 5% today to almost a third …

Al Hamra recently rebranded the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah in line with its vision of bolstering Ras Al Khaimah’s exclusive tourism and leisure offerings for both tourists and residents.Al Hamra announced the deployment of four new buoys at strategic anchorage locations around Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island, to further elevate the marine and yachting experience for boat owners in the UAE. The new buoys installed around Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island offer an easy-to-use and accessible anchorage location in one of the most sought-after marine destinations in the UAE. With a short journey to the Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah, boat owners can enjoy benefits from the full service marina, including F&B, leisure offerings and maritime services. As part of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy for strengthening maritime activity, the anchorages will be free to use throughout the year for vessels up to 30 meters in length and up to 150GT. With an unspoiled coastline spanning 64 kilometres, the calm, turquoise waters of the Arabian Gulf will enable boat owners and holidaymakers to connect with the Emirate’s rich maritime heritage while benefiting from ease of access to the high-end, unrivalled offerings at the Royal Yacht Club’s state-of-the-art marina. These include access to outstanding leisure, food, and beverage facilities in the area’s leading hotels and leisure destinations. Christopher Hewett, Senior Vice President of Hospitality at Al Hamra, said: “In support of Ras Al Khaimah’s strategy to increase tourism and leisure activities in the Emirate, we are pleased to launch these new anchorages in Al Hamra and Al Marjan Island. The free to use anchorages for recreational boaters are strategically located to ensure safe mooring as …

SAUDIA hosted the 94th Executive Committee meeting of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) in Jeddah. The meeting was chaired by His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group and Chairman of AACO’s Executive Committee, in the presence of Mr. Abdul Wahab Teffaha, AACO Secretary General, along with Chairpersons and CEOs from the Committee member Arab airlines. The Executive Committee oversees AACO’s overall work, with a focus on collaborative projects among its members. The Committee’s meeting sets the path for the 56th Annual General Meeting, which will be hosted in Riyadh between October 30 and November 1, 2023. The meeting discussed the current state of the industry, including the recovery of the aviation sector and the increasing travel demand following the COVID-19 crisis. It also highlighted the world’s latest geopolitical challenges and their impacts, while delving into significant issues related to the environment and aviation. The meeting focused on the importance of digital transformation and developing innovative solutions that enable the airlines to improve their services and offer better experiences to their customers. Additionally, the Committee reviewed the latest developments of the current joint projects between AACO members, and some administrative and financial affairs for the organization. His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group and Chairman of AACO’s Executive Committee said: “AACO is diligently working to empower Arab airline companies, advocate for their common interests, and facilitate their collaboration to improve their operational efficiency and service quality. AACO also ensures ongoing coordination with related regulatory authorities to support its member airlines and preserve their interests, along with launching joint projects to improve efficiencies and reduce costs for its members, in line with applicable laws. “I …

As part of the airline’s strategic plans to expand its global network and welcome new visitors to Jordan, Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) has announced plans to introduce a new, direct route between Amman, Jordan and Stockholm, Sweden, beginning of May 29. The twice-weekly flights will connect passengers traveling between the two cities in just around four to five hours. The new Stockholm expansion is part of RJ’s new strategy to focus on driving tourism into Jordan and becoming the airline of choice for the Levant region. Passengers throughout Northern Europe will have direct route to the Jordanian capital from the capital of Sweden. Royal Jordanian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer, Karim Makhlouf, said, “It is my great pleasure to announce our new route to Stockholm, Sweden, which will make it easier than ever for tourists from Northern Europe and especially from Sweden to discover Jordan’s incredible wonders. Helping to promote and drive tourism to the Kingdom is a key focus of our new strategy—as is our emphasis on further developing Amman as the primary gateway to the Levant, by offering improved connectivity to our broader network. This newest route is yet another step in line with RJ’s ambitious five-year growth plan, which includes increasing our current fleet of 24 aircraft to more than 40 aircraft in the coming three to five years.” We want to welcome Royal Jordanian Airlines to Sweden and Swedavia Airports with the new route to Amman. The route will be an addition to the existing offer of routes available at Arlanda and it is evident that there is demand from travelers who wish to visit their friends and family in the Middle East, as well as from …

The distinctive livery of the world’s largest international airline, Emirates, has undergone a refresh. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Aircraft livery is the most instantly recognisable brand real estate for any airline. It’s a visual representation of our unique identity, something we wear proudly, and display in all the cities we fly to around the world. We’re refreshing our livery to keep it modern, without losing the key elements of our identity such as the UAE flag on our tailfin and the Arabic calligraphy.” Eagle-eyed plane spotters and fans will immediately notice changes to the tailfin and wingtips.  In this latest design, the UAE flag on the Emirates tailfin is much more dynamic and flowing with a 3D effect artwork, and the wingtips have been painted red with the Emirates logo in Arabic calligraphy “popping” out in reverse white. Passengers onboard with a window view will see the UAE flag colours painted on the wingtips facing the fuselage. The signature gold “Emirates” lettering across the main body in English and Arabic is also bolder, and 32.5% larger. On the aircraft belly, Emirates has retained its iconic red branding which it introduced in 2005.  The website URL “Emirates.com” has been dropped from the design. This is the 3rd iteration of Emirates’ official aircraft brand colours. The original livery unveiled with the airline’s launch in 1985 had its first refresh 14 years later, with the delivery of Emirates’ first Boeing 777-300 at the 1999 Dubai Airshow. The first aircraft to sport Emirates’ newest livery is A6-EOE, an Airbus A380, which has rolled out of Emirates Engineering this week after its makeover. Its first deployment will be to Munich on 17 …

UAE-based smart and green facilities management company Farnek has launched a new state-of-the-art online remote digital platform called PowerTek, which was developed by in-house experts, at Farnek’s innovative digital solutions, sister company HITEK. The comprehensive and data-driven energy performance monitoring tool supports hotels and the wider business community, through efficient measuring, tracking, monitoring and benchmarking of energy and water consumption as well as waste management. “This analysis helps to reduce carbon emissions, which are key to fulfilling any roadmap towards net zero,” said Nadia Ibrahim, Director – Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek. PowerTek analyses consumption and waste, with respect to multiple variables that can influence a hotel’s environmental metrics such as occupancy, guest nights, number of guest rooms, F&B covers, guest profiles, staff hours, air-conditioned areas as well as general weather conditions. This helps hotels to maintain higher operational efficiency, lower costs and the associated carbon emissions. “Following the science, to prevent irreversible climate change, we must restrict the global increase in temperature to 1.5°C. To achieve this, the net emissions of greenhouse gases (CO2e) will need to be reduced by up to 50% by 2030 and reach net zero levels by around 2050. “Putting that into perspective, according to an international study by Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, the hospitality industry needs to reduce its carbon emissions by 66% per room by 2030, and by 90% per room by 2050. Currently the hospitality industry is responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. “These statistics clearly underscore the urgency of combatting climate change. Hotels have just seven years to reduce their emissions by nearly two thirds,” added Ibrahim. According to Farnek’s analysis, which uses data from its own hotel clients as well as …

Offering abundant opportunities for knowledge-sharing and networking, the summit has converged a distinguished gathering of the global aviation community to address opportunities and challenges in the industry and discuss and collaborate on ways to further propel the ongoing momentum driving the Arab aviation and tourism industry. The opening day features discussions and debates on sustainability, the economic outlook, and how disruptive technologies will shape the next generation of aviation and travel. Local leaders and global industry stalwarts  fostered healthy dialogue on the way travel impacts the environment and deliberate the way forward by exploring decarbonising pathways and sustainable business models to boost the continuous growth of the sector. Mikail Houari, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, said: “Sustainability is at the core of our purpose as we continue to pioneer disruptive technologies and clean fuel alternatives. Collective efforts from all industry stakeholders are required to ensure we continue to drive greater sustainability. We look forward to the summit, exchanging ideas with other industry experts on how we can work together to make air travel more sustainable for future generations.” Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “As we continue to place sustainability at the heart of our development, we are seeing industry players across tourism and aviation prioritise environmentally conscious and purpose-driven operations. As the Arab Aviation Summit brings together leading regional and global players, we look forward to exploring innovative collaborations, solutions, and best practices to collectively unlock the full potential of a decarbonised future.” Cementing its status as the “voice of the industry”, the 10th Arab Aviation Summit will showcase industry insights and outline scalable solutions that can make a tangible difference to the …

Red Sea Global (RSG), Amaala and The Red Sea, announced a partnership with wellness resort operator, Jayasom, to deliver an integrative multigenerational health offering. With a planned total of 153 keys and 24 Branded Residences, Jayasom Wellness Resort, Amaala is situated in Triple Bay and will comprise of a family wellness product alongside an adults-only zone, as well as residences for sale to private owners. The resort experience and all facilities are designed to immerse guests in a journey of personal transformation, with approximately 7,000 square meters dedicated to covering Holistic Health, Fitness, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Aesthetic Beauty, and Spa. This will be complemented by an extensive conscious cuisine offering across multiple outlets. “Jayasom will offer our guests a holistic sanctuary where they will be surrounded by the stunning natural landscape of the Red Sea coastline. We want visitors to truly appreciate the beauty of this unique destination while focusing on their transformative journey through the world-class wellness facilities on offer. This partnership is yet another exciting step in growing our luxury brand portfolio at Amaala and welcoming our first guests next year,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. An all-encompassing approach to health and wellness will pay careful attention to the needs of each guest, curating stays that draw together Western evidence-based practice, holistic remedies, and local wisdom. Guest journeys will be delivered as retreat experiences by an expert team of highly trained therapists and staff, including medically certified specialists. From tailor-made movement-based programs to build strength and flexibility to minimally invasive beauty procedures using the latest US FDA-approved technology, all programs are supported by nutrition and education on mindful consumption. Innovation will also play a central …

Starting from 1 November 2023, Qatar Airways will operate daily flights to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, signifying a major boost to Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s (RAKTDA) strategy to enhance global connectivity to the Emirate. Announced as the industry prepares to come together at the Arab Aviation Summit (AAS), taking place at Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre, the move will strengthen direct international travel to Ras Al Khaimah. The daily flights will offer greater choice, flexibility and opportunities for travellers looking to explore the nature Emirate, leveraging Qatar Airways’ expansive global network of over 150 destinations spanning Europe, the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Asia Pacific, North America, and South America. His Excellency Engr. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of The Department of Civil Aviation, Ras Al Khaimah & Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is continuing to establish itself as a major aviation hub, driven by the success of an inspiring tourism strategy that is growing from strength to strength. Our latest partnership with Qatar Airways is primed to deliver significant progress against this roadmap, while strengthening our operational footprint. We are excited to explore a long and fruitful relationship together.”   “Our partnership with Qatar Airways and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is an important step in driving Ras Al Khaimah’s continued growth as a destination of the future,” commented Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority. “Unlocking joint capabilities with one of the world’s leading airlines will raise the overall competitiveness of our tourism ecosystem and meet the growing demand for travel to the Emirate. We look forward to working together to drive …