Qatar Airways will be increasing passenger capacity on its flights to and from Perth. Previously operated by the Boeing B777-300ER, passengers will now have a chance to journey on board the A380, featuring a three-class configuration of seating over two decks with a dedicated onboard premium lounge. The aircraft will accommodate an additional 163 passengers daily adding up to 517 seats spread across the three cabins: eight First Class seats, 48 Business Class seats and 461 Economy Class seats. This update is part of the recent strategic partnership between Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia. This expanded codeshare significantly expands the networks, lounges and loyalty programs of both airlines, bringing substantial benefits and new destinations to travellers. Launched in September 2022, the partnership opens seamless travel to over 150 destinations across the extensive Qatar Airways and Virgin Australia networks, creating a new gateway of seamless travel between Australia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa, including popular destinations such as London, Paris, Rome and Athens. Perth is one of Australia’s most cultural cities, with its origins woven into many of its landmarks. The increased capacity extends Qatar Airways’ commitment to the Australian community by providing greater opportunities for connections to many destinations in its global network. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We want to demonstrate our commitment to Australia by continuing the work we did during the pandemic to keep Australians connected. It is imperative for Australian travellers to feel welcome in our city whether they are transiting or visiting Doha. During the much anticipated FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, all flights to and from Perth will be scheduled taking into consideration football match timings …

Launching in October, Steigenberger Residence Doha will include 278 uniquely furnished apartments offering the comforts of a home and a stylish space that allows guests to relax and recharge. Guest facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, gym, yoga room, the GOCO Spa and the culinary offer of five restaurants and bars. “The Qatar hotel segments have a lot of potential as it is accessible for all key tourism source markets, and with the country preparing to host one of the world’s largest sporting events in November, we believe the opening of Steigenberger Residence Doha will be a pivotal step in our expansion journey,” Nierhaus concludes. Deutsche Hospitality continues to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East to meet the ever-growing demand for hotel rooms in the mid to upscale segment in 2022 and coming year.  The group’s regional portfolio currently comprises 23 properties in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Egypt. Its worldwide footprint extends to more than 160 hotels across three continents.    

Tourism Ireland will showcase their luxury offerings at TFest, the luxury B2B event to be held from 2nd to 6th October 2022 at the Atlantis the Palm. Olivia Frawley – Executive Pan Market Luxury, Tourism Ireland shared, “Tourism Ireland is excited to elevate our presence at TFest 2022 and partake as a Preferred Partner in the Global Village. As an organization we see the immense value in this unique tradeshow format which allows for relationships to be cultivated and enhanced through shared experiences and meetings.  After a difficult few years, the industry and Tourism Ireland realizes the importance of meeting in person and deepening existing relationships and growing the awareness of Ireland as a Luxury destination.” Frawley reiterated that they will be joined by 14 iconic luxury Island of Ireland industry partners. “These partners include: Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Cashel Palace Hotel, Galgorm, Culloden Estate, Hayfield Manor, K Club, The Merrion Hotel, The Shelbourne Hotel, MHL Collection, Trump Hotel & Golf Resort Doonbeg, Irelands Blue Book, By Appointment DMC and Luxurious Ireland. As part of our afternoon Experiences on the Tourism Ireland stand in the Global Village we are excited to bring our concept to life as we are showcasing Ireland through unique experiences this year  – ‘Awakening your senses in Ireland’ and will be bringing friends from Ireland with us to bring this to life:” She mentioned some of the curated experiences available onsite at the event, not to be missed by the trade partners throughout the event. On Monday and Tuesday will be immersive taste and tour experiences, which would open the culinary sense of the word. She explains, “Have you ever wondered why you gravitate towards a …

The fifth edition of Gulf Travel Show (GTS) will kick off on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. One of the most important factors post covid is sustainability in every single way. Participation in GTS assures you of the great responsibility held by the travel and tourism fraternity about their intent to reduce its carbon footprint. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions, yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Sustainability has many layers to be addressed, it is no longer a word to be utilized and passed on as a mere CSR activity, hence it is a commitment to ensure that everyone has a part to play on mother earth. Starting off with airlines and their biofuel capabilities, hotels and their sustainable strategies, tourism boards which provide and maintain sustainable goals to ensure that the country or destination promoted will not be perturbed, undisturbed, instead leave in its natural state. When UNWTO announced its commitment on declaration of sustainability in the industry, …

Promoting its innovative and state of the art travel system, Swiss Travel System’s Excellence programme is aimed at equipping travel agents, tour operators and media to understand, obtain knowledge, explore and learn about the different aspects of the Swiss travel system, which would finally be rewarded. Andreas Nef, Market Manager GCC, Swiss Travel System shared with tourism breaking news that they would like to invite every person engaged in the travel industry to join the programme; one can be a travel agent, media, tour operator etc. Nef reiterated, “participants will get a profound knowledge of the Swiss Travel System and Switzerland as a tourism destination. There are lucky draws on a regular basis for participants who have successfully completed the program with great prizes to win, such as Swiss watches. The whole programme consists of several modules covering various topics. For completing a module, 5 to 20 minutes are required. Participants will be tested to check on the progress of each of them.” He further added, “each participant can earn points in making progress in the program, especially by completing the test very well.  Additional points can be earned for participating in extra modules, e.g. the Excellence Talk etc. Our aim is to welcome every person interested to join in the programme.” Speaking on benefits of attending or completing the programme Nef shared, “once a participant has concluded the whole programme and passed all the tests, a certificate will be issued with the title of “Swiss Travel Pass Excellence Expert”. This certificate is states that the person in possession of it is an expert of Swiss Travel System. Finishing the programme does not mean you are done with everything. Regular …

Emirates and United announced a historic commercial agreement today that will enhance each airline’s network and give their customers easier access to hundreds of new destinations* within the United States and around the world. From November, Emirates customers flying into Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston – three of the biggest business hubs in the U.S – will be able to easily connect onto United flights to and from nearly 200 cities across the Americas on a single ticket. At the eight other U.S. airports served by Emirates – Boston, Dallas, LA, Miami, JFK, Orlando, Seattle and Washington DC – both airlines will have an interline arrangement in place. United will launch a new direct flight between Newark and Dubai starting in March 2023 – from there, customers will be able to travel on Emirates or its sister airline flydubai to more than 100 cities. Tickets for United’s new Dubai flight are now on sale. Emirates and United announced their agreement today at a ceremonial event at Dulles International Airport, hosted by United CEO Scott Kirby and Emirates President Sir Tim Clark, featuring United and Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft and flight crews from each carrier. Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: “Two of the biggest, and best-known airlines in the world are joining hands to fly people better to more places, at a time when travel demand is rebounding with a vengeance. It’s a significant partnership that will unlock tremendous consumer benefit and bring the United Arab Emirates and the United States even closer. We welcome United’s return to Dubai next year, where our hub Dubai essentially becomes a gateway for United to reach Asia, Africa and the Middle East …

Arabian Travel Market (ATM), the leading travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals throughout the Middle East, has signed an agreement with IHG Hotels & Resorts, to become its Official Hotel Partner for ATM 2023, which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 1-4 May.  Leading international hospitality group IHG, will officially accommodate almost 200 leading international media and key industry buyers from the UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Israel, Turkey, India, the GCC, US, Egypt and South Africa. The agreement will enable IHG to showcase their InterContinental branded properties in Dubai, as well as voco Hotels, Crowne Plaza Hotels and Resorts and Hotel Indigo to top industry professionals representing luxury, leisure, MICE and business travel. In addition, IHG will also host the coveted Official ATM Party. The theme of next year’s ATM showcase is “Working Towards Net Zero” and RX (Reed Exhibitions) the organiser of ATM, will celebrate its 30th annual event by unveiling a dedicated sustainability pledge, not only to make the ATM 2023 event more sustainable, but to announce 30 long term goals, as ATM works towards Net Zero in line with the RX Global pledge. Commenting on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, IHG’s MD for IMEA said: “We are pleased to extend our long-term relationship with RX as their hotel partner for Arabian Travel Market 2023. We are especially keen on the show’s theme “Working towards Net Zero” as it is well aligned with IHG’s ‘Journey to Tomorrow’ – our ten-year responsible business agenda focused on our people, planet and communities. “The partnership presents a great opportunity for IHG to showcase the work that we are doing on a series of far-reaching …

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Grand Hyatt Kuwait – the first Grand Hyatt hotel in the country. The 302-room luxury hotel is situated at 360 Mall – one of the nation’s most immersive luxury, leisure and lifestyle complexes. Grand Hyatt Kuwait is the second Hyatt branded hotel in Kuwait, the sixth hotel under the Grand Hyatt brand in the Middle East, and the twenty-ninth Hyatt branded hotel in the region, all of which participate in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. Infusing regionally inspired art with modern interior design, the iconic hotel is the ideal destination for guests to discover the country’s cultural, entertainment, and artistic offerings. “Grand Hyatt Kuwait offers global travelers superior hospitality services against a backdrop of majestic architectural design coupled with world-class culinary, leisure and entertainment experiences under one roof; a truly distinctive proposition,” said Federico Mantoani, general manager at Grand Hyatt Kuwait. “We are thrilled to open the first Grand Hyatt hotel in Kuwait, and we look forward to welcoming guests seeking a memorable experience from this magnificent destination.” Grand Hyatt Kuwait represents a new era of progression and innovation in luxury tied to the government’s Vision 2035, which aims to boost tourism through innovative and sustained investment in hospitality infrastructure. Offering business travelers, leisure guests and locals a superlative selection of world-class culinary and leisure experiences the hotel features four unique restaurants, a fitness center, a premium spa and a variety of elegant event spaces. In addition to being centrally situated in the heart of the 360 Mall extension, the hotel also conveniently connects to one of the country’s premier event venues, The Arena Kuwait, which features 38,750 square feet (3,600 square …

Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding opens today for its much-awaited Season 5 with captivating stay propositions, exciting new adventure attractions, and an expanded calendar of activities. Poised to drive record levels of local, regional, and international visitors to the scenic Hajar mountains, where temperatures are regularly several degrees cooler than the city, the eco-tourism hub’s diverse mix of accommodation, activities and dining options is now open to welcome visitors throughout the season. After attracting more than 1.25 million visitors in 2021, including more than 200,000 visitors from 125 countries who stayed overnight at Hatta Resorts, the exhilarating region is launching an all-new, multipurpose adventure ropes course catering to thrill-seeking children and adults. This season, yoga enthusiasts can also enjoy sunrise and sunset yoga sessions at the destination. In addition to the new rope course and yoga experiences, this year’s all-action attraction roster of activities includes ziplining, mountain biking, four-wheel electric off-roading ‘Rovers’, horse and camel riding, rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, kayaking, pedal boating, football zorbing, archery, axe throwing, and water slides ‘Hatta Drop-in’, just to name a few.   “As a major jewel in the crown of the emirate’s holistic tourism, Hatta’s position as a multi-faceted sustainable tourism destination perfectly complements the urban appeal of Dubai,” said Roudi Soubra, Executive Director – Asset Management, Dubai Holding. “Ahead of Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub Season 5 activities, the secret is well and truly out, and our year-on-year growth in overnight guests highlights the area’s undeniable appeal to adventure and relaxation seekers. We look forward to another record-breaking visitor season further cementing the destination’s unique potential,” Soubra added. Go-getting experiential travellers searching for unique overnight stays can now enjoy inclusive breakfast …

Marriott International announced that its unique hospitality training program, Tahseen, celebrated its first graduating class in Egypt. Developed in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation, the company created the unique programme for Egypt in 2018 to support its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country. The inaugural graduating class featured 80 students who completed the first of its kind Bachelors of Hotel Operations Management Degree. The celebration took place at The St. Regis Cairo with all 80 students accompanied by their families. The milestone event was hosted by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Marriott International and was attended by Professor Dr. Hosam Refai, Acting President, Helwan University and Mohammed Farouk Hafeez, Chairman, Professional Development Foundation, along with other senior officials from the organizations. Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said, “We are excited to celebrate the first group of graduates as part of our Tahseen programme in Egypt.  Tahseen is focused on providing young people with the skills and experience to grow and thrive in the hospitality business and to be part of the success of Egypt’s travel and tourism sector. As a company, we remain committed to enhancing tourism education in Egypt and developing the next wave of exciting and impactful local hospitality leaders in the country.” Tahseen was launched in 2018 in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation to focus on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with firsthand experience of the industry and a springboard to launch successful careers in hospitality. In 2019, the programme received the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval in Egypt and earned bachelor’s degree accreditation. Today, …