Kicking off the year ensuring the agents keep Switzerland at the top of their mind, as they recorded a surplus of tourists from the region last year, Switzerland Tourism Board in the GCC conducted its Race to Switzerland where 80 of the leading travel trade agents learn and specialise about the latest offerings and new destinations in Switzerland for a period of 24 hours. The event kicked off this year in Abu Dhabi’s Yas island, Matthias Albrecht Director Switzerland Tourism GCC shared the importance of the event to learn about the many new areas, attractions, hotels and the Swisstainable approach that they have been promoting with their efficient Swiss travel system. Last year Switzerland recorded a surplus of visitors from the GCC and this is yet another important initiative to ensure that the GCC will continue to explore the many new offerings in the destination. Speaking with TravelTV Matthias Albrecht Director Switzerland Tourism GCC reiterated, “It’s a fantastic event and we are very happy to be back as it’s the Race to Switzerland. It’s where the best travel agents from the UAE compete with each other in groups and they are somehow in a virtual trip through Switzerland and this year on the grand train tour of Switzerland where they visit different destinations, and then they participate in games and quizzes and get some points and at the end of their journey through Switzerland they have the chance to win a trip to Switzerland. We have 19 partners from Switzerland and Swiss International Airlines, they all have different break out sessions and they brought together some wonderful games, it’s a corporation between not just the Swiss partners but also the …

Dubai received 14.36 million international overnight visitors in 2022, growing 97 per cent YoY from the 7.28 million tourist arrivals in 2021, according to the latest data published by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). The growth, which enabled the emirate to surpass global and regional tourism recovery levels, contributes to the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities for travel and business. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “Dubai’s ability to rapidly accelerate tourism growth, which has marked it out as a clear frontrunner in the international industry,  demonstrates the far-reaching vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to transform the emirate into an important global player in shaping the future of vital sectors. The remarkable rise in international visitation in 2022 supports the ambitious goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033. The tourism and travel sector contributes significantly to the leadership’s aim of making the emirate a model for excellence in the global economy. “The exceptional growth in the inflow of visitors reflects Dubai’s continued rise as one of the world’s most connected cities and its determination to lead the world in hospitality infrastructure and service levels. The high growth shows the world that we never rest on our achievements and constantly work to raise our benchmarks. I am confident that Dubai will …

Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA), a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group, has signed an MoU with the Colleges of Excellence Company in order to establish a general framework aimed at exchanging experiences, information, and launching numerous initiatives in the field of training and development. The agreement outlines the best ways to share information and experiences in the training and education sectors, in addition to organizing many workshops and joint training courses to help achieve common goals. His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim Al-Omar said: “This partnership highlights one of our main objectives, which is enhancing our employee experiences by providing them with training and qualifications which also extends to various government and private sector employees in order to contribute to the localization of jobs. The trainings will be available to industries and services related to aviation or by providing qualitative training programs for other parties to serve their development and localization plans.” His Excellency Dr. Ahmed bin Fahad Al-Fahaid said: “The Technical and Vocational Training Corporation is committed to foster the partnerships between public and private sectors due to their positive impact in providing qualified national cadres armed with the highest levels of advanced training. These partnerships also contribute to supporting the Kingdom’s localization plan by providing training solutions to Saudis. We appreciate The Colleges of Excellence Company’s efforts in qualifying national competencies and its role in providing job opportunities for graduates across all fields.” Prince Sultan Aviation Academy is one of the leading entities specialized in technical and administrative training within the aviation industry. PSAA is equipped with all the qualities required for success including training facilities, equipment, and qualified employees which allows the academy to hold a variety of intensive training …

Kuwait Airways announced the launch of its destinations that will be operated for the 2023 season, following the success that was achieved by introducing various new destinations in the previous year, to meet the requirements of its valued customers with greater travel options to various countries of the world. The launch of the new destinations is also based on the directives of the Board of Directors to expand KAC’s network of routes to destinations witnessing a high demand from customers. The Director of Distribution and Network Planning at Kuwait Airways, Mrs Shorouk Al-Awadhi stated, “Kuwait Airways is steadily progressing towards diversifying its network of routes around the world and launching new destinations that meet the preferences of customers. The company is preparing accurate studies on the feasibility of these markets and destinations, as well as the extent of customer demand for them. At the same time, various destinations in the past year have received widespread popularity from customers and were successful, among them Madrid, Casablanca, Tbilisi and so on.” Al-Awadhi added, “The year 2023 will witness the launch of 20 destinations around the world, as Kuwait Airways will operate its flights, starting in June to Budapest in Hungary with two flights per week on Tuesdays and Saturdays, to Malaga in Spain with three flights per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, to Sarajevo in Bosnia with two flights per week on Thursdays and Sundays, and to Mykonos in Greece with two flights per week on Sundays and Wednesdays. This is in addition to its flights to Athens in Greece with one flight per week on Fridays, to Vienna in Austria with three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays …

Shiji ReviewPro Guest Communications connects with Amadeus’ iHotelier® and HotSOS solutions to increase web conversions and improve hotel staff efficiency. Clients of both Shiji ReviewPro Guest Communications solution and Amadeus’ iHotelier® Booking Engine or HotSOS Service Optimization solution will benefit from a newly integrated AI-driven chatbot to better serve their guests. Travelers who interact with the Shiji ReviewPro chatbot while researching their next stay are seamlessly routed into the booking flow. Once the guest has filled in their details and is ready to book, they are redirected to the iHotelier Booking Engine page to finish their transaction. Thanks to the integration, all results shown on the Amadeus booking page are filtered by guest details previously collected in the chat. Booking is now only a matter of pick-and-pay, making the experience easy and frictionless for the guest. While messaging automation helps travelers find the information they need, the booking engine integration bridges the gap between information and reservation. “This new partnership with Shiji reinforces our strategic objective to provide seamless solutions that meet the growing demand for technology-driven guest personalization. By incorporating guest messaging into the booking process, guests can easily and efficiently receive more personalized offers and shopping experiences, while hoteliers can add additional value to their direct booking channel,” stated Peter Waters, Executive Vice President of Hotel IT Solutions, Hospitality, Amadeus. Shiji ReviewPro also integrates with Amadeus’ industry leading Service Optimization solution, HotSOS. The two-way connection offers common clients full visibility of guest feedback management updated in real-time on both platforms. Tasks coming in from reviews, surveys, messaging conversations or other updates appear directly in the HotSOS solution as well as the Shiji ReviewPro platform, enabling prompt resolution for …

Dubai Harbour, the city’s extraordinary seafront district, has welcomed the iconic Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, on its Centenary World Voyage . Observing the maiden call of this spectacular vessel, Captain Hashmi met with Dubai Harbour officials in an exclusive plaque exchange ceremony, which is a customary maritime tradition. The call is one of a plethora of international cruise liners that have called at Dubai Harbour during the 2022/23 cruise season, with over 300,000 passengers expected before June, exemplifying its position as the region’s most modern cruise infrastructure acting as a perfect gateway attracting tourists and cruise lines from across the globe. Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton and remains the largest ocean liner ever built. Queen Mary 2 seamlessly combines classic British heritage with Cunard’s hallmarks of nostalgia, opulence, and style, evident in sweeping staircases, a grand ballroom, and a wraparound promenade deck. She is one of the most spacious ships at sea, with 14 decks of lounges and bars, shops, and sports and even a seagoing planetarium! The ship boasts three pools, Mareel Wellness and Beauty, no fewer than 10 dining options, and one of the largest dance floors at sea .As a manifestation of Dubai’s wider planning, coastline development and tourism strategies, as well as its status as the region’s leading cruise hub, Dubai Harbour continues to play a major role in rekindling the city’s connection to the sea. Designed to process over 3,250 passengers per hour, the highly efficient and modern terminals at Dubai Harbour have recorded exponential growth over the past two years. Angus Struthers, Acting Senior Vice President, …

The first to operate balloon flights in the northern Emirates, ActionFlight, the only permanently based aerobatics operator in the UAE, has launched a brand-new hot air balloon experience in Ras Al Khaimah. The flight will take visitors soaring over the rolling terracotta dunes for awe-inspiring sunrise views of the Emirate’s breath-taking natural landscapes. Operating seven days a week during the ballooning season, the picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60-minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and if they’re lucky, spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife. Commenting on the launch of ActionFlight, Wayne Jack, Chief Operations Officer said: “We are excited to launch a brand-new offering in Ras Al Khaimah, taking residents and visitors to new heights for the very first time. Known as the nature-based Emirate and adventure hub of the region, the destination is the perfect location for hot air balloon flights. Passengers will have a truly unforgettable experience with a bird’s eye view of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning landscapes and majestic wildlife.” The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. The family-friendly flight has the capacity to carry up to 20 passengers and for those looking for a more intimate experience, private compartment and flight bookings are available on request. Following the breath-taking flight, visitors will be transported to the Majlis for a delicious Bubbly Breakfast as is customary. As the story states, dating back to when …

Barceló Mussanah Resort unveils the launch of its eco-friendly guest programme, VIP of The Day; in partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation. Aligning with its The Future is Green initiative, Barceló Mussanah Resort will plant over 500 trees by the end of 2023 in the Sultanate of Oman, as part of its innovative programme. Mussanah’s flagship beach resort invites one VIP guest of the day to create a positive impact on their environment. The lucky guest will receive a welcome gift upon their arrival at the stellar beach property; planting an agroforestry tree on their behalf from One Tree Planted. The eco-friendly guest will also receive an e-certificate for their efforts and contribution towards preserving the environment. As part of The Future is Green initiative, the programme enhances the property’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. The VIP of Day programme will support Barceló Mussanah Resort’s commitment to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil and water conservation, reserve carbon, and moderate climate change by providing shade. Furthermore, the planted trees will also offer a natural habitat to increase wildlife and refine the land’s capacity to weather climate change. Dermot Birchall, General Manager of Barceló Mussanah Resort, says, “Partnering with One Tree Planted and launching our VIP of The Day programme takes us one step further on our combined journey to help preserve the planet. This represents a significant step forward in our promise to reduce our impact on the environment and engage with our community in such an impactful endeavour. By gifting a tree to our guests, we welcome them to be a part of our commitment, raising awareness and inspiring …

Rooted in its mission of providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling, Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s® portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands – has reimagined its Gear Lending program, featuring the latest in high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment. Rolling out at the brand’s over 230 properties globally beginning this month, the next generation WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending program will encompass a library of kits allowing guests to borrow the equipment they need – whenever they want – to optimize their stay and feel their best. The program is available to guests at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and will be rolled out at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in February. Over the past decade, through both operational and consumer feedback, Westin has evolved and enhanced its Gear Lending program to meet consumers where they are today. The acclaimed, on-demand program focuses on helping guests maintain their workout routines, wherever they go, without the added bulk of packing fitness gear. Westin tapped fitness powerhouses for the first two kits of its re-energized Gear Lending program, providing guests with high-quality fitness essentials in-room, on-demand. Global high-performance wellness brand Hyperice features its game changing massage and compression recovery products that are ideal for post-workout recovery, as well as soothing stiffness and tension from long travel. Additionally, direct-to-consumer fitness accessories brand Bala features its beautifully designed and highly versatile total body fitness pieces, providing opportunities for guests to move well both in their guest room and outside, wherever the day takes them. Whether an avid runner that …

Faced with increased disruptions, baggage mountains, and staff shortages, airports and airlines are ramping up their investment in technology to digitalize their operations and speed up the passenger journey by offering more self-service options. SITA’s 2022 Air Transport IT Insights report, published reveals that with the post-pandemic recovery CIOs want to ensure operations are as agile and resilient as they are efficient, with IT solutions seen as central to their success. This has spurred an acceleration of digitalization, with airlines and airports looking to key technology solutions to fortify their operations against disruption while automating the passenger experience. The industry’s IT spend is projected to continue its steady year-on-year growth trend since 2020 to support this push for digitalization, with a full 96% of airlines and 93% of airports expecting their IT spend to stay the same or increase in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year airline and airport IT spend rose to an estimated 37 billion USD and 6.8 billion USD respectively. David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “Air travel has recovered faster from the pandemic than anyone in the industry had initially expected, particularly in Europe and the US. While the recovery is welcome, airports and airlines have found themselves on the back foot with staff and resource shortages. This has put strain on operations, resulting in an increased risk of congestion, delays, cancellations and mishandled baggage. Digitalization is seen as key to addressing these challenges, providing more scalability and flexibility.” Airlines are placing great emphasis on IT tools to manage irregular operations and provide the best passenger experience possible even amid staff shortages. Over the next three years, 90% or more of airlines are investing in IT service …