Emirates and Royal Air Maroc launched a codeshare partnership, providing more travel options and connection choices for customers of both airlines between Dubai and Casablanca, and beyond.  Effective later this month, both airlines will place their marketing codes on each other’s flights between Casablanca and Dubai to a total of 209 combined destinations. The new partnership will offer customers from both airlines more ways to book and connect their travel between the two airlines’ networks. The codeshare agreement will also provide customers with more competitive single-ticket, multi-journey fares and baggage transfers to their final destination. The new codeshare flights are available for sale through royalairmaroc.com, emirates.com, travel agents, OTAs and through retail sales offices. Emirates customers will be able to access 17 destinations in Morocco beyond Casablanca, as well as to 63 international destinations, including an extensive North, West and Central African network spanning 25 points. Royal Air Maroc customers can access Emirates’ extensive network beyond Dubai of over 130 destinations, including 60 cities across the Middle East, United States, West Asia and the Far East. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer Emirates Airline said: “We are delighted to enhance our partnership with Royal Air Maroc to a codeshare and offer our customers an unparalleled selection of destinations across Morocco, and a huge choice of onwards points in Africa. This partnership will further help strengthen our network connectivity, providing leisure and business travellers with more choice and convenience when connecting between both of our airlines. We look forward to developing our relationship together to provide greater benefits for our customers.” “We are very pleased to conclude this important partnership with Emirates which will contribute to the reinforcement of our traffic, and …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) and American Express Saudi Arabia, have further strengthened their partnership by introducing the possibility for all American Express Saudi Arabia Cardmembers to transfer two Membership Rewards® points for one AlFursan mile. The announcement comes as an extension of the ongoing successful partnership between the two parties through the existing AlFursan American Express cobranded credit card that allows American Express Saudi Arabia Cardmembers to earn miles directly using the card. Present to mark the occasion during a signing ceremony at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, were SAUDIA’s Vice President of Marketing and Product Management, Mr. Essam Akhonbay and American Express Saudi Arabia Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Khalid Mohammad Kayal. Commenting on the expanded partnership, Mr. Akhonbay said: “SAUDIA is proud to be building on the successful, long-standing partnership with American Express Saudi Arabia,” “Jointly, we are committed to providing members with additional convenience to maximize earned benefits and build travel journeys with flexibility in mind.” Mr. Kayal added: “Consolidating our strategic partnership with SAUDIA for the benefit of our Cardmembers is an important priority. The relationship with SAUDIA started with the successful AlFursan American Express cobrand credit card and through signing our new agreement all American Express Saudi Arabia Cardmembers will be able to access the benefit of our strategic partnership and redeem their Memberships Rewards® points toward AlFursan miles.” SAUDIA’s vast network of flights connects to more than 95 destinations across four continents. The airline recently announced the addition of 10 new international routes: Bangkok, Thailand; Barcelona and Malaga, Spain; Marrakech, Morocco; Mykonos, Greece; Moscow, Russia; Beijing, China; Seoul, South Korea; Entebbe, Uganda; Amsterdam, the Netherlands; and Chicago, Illinois in the United States of America. …

JW Marriott announced the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea. Surrounded by the tranquil Sea of Marmara, the new luxury hotel offers guests a transformative and elevated stay to nourish the mind, body and spirit within Istanbul’s serene Atakoy district. “JW Marriott combines a legacy of extraordinary hospitality with a refreshing commitment to mindfulness and wellbeing that resonates so deeply with today’s global traveller,” said Bruce Rohr, Global Brand Leader, JW Marriott. “JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea embodies this holistic approach to the guest experience from its JW Garden where organic herbs are harvested for use by the culinary team, to its robust fitness and wellness classes and introspective, intentional design. We know these principles will be the perfect complement to this breathtaking location.” Styled by London-based firm KCA International, the hotel’s aesthetic draws inspiration from Turkey’s vibrant textures and marries them with the JW Marriott brand’s serene sensibility. The lobby has a unique flying carpet art installation that pays homage to traditional Turkish crafts with a contemporary twist. Signature bespoke lighting by the artist Khuan Chew found throughout the hotel showcases a modern interpretation of Turkish culture. From tranquillity pools in the lobby to tucked-away garden spaces, opportunity awaits around every corner for guests to escape in a moment of calm reflection. “With breathtaking views and exhilarating activities for travel enthusiasts, JW Marriott Hotel Istanbul Marmara Sea is ideal for guests seeking to enjoy meaningful moments as they explore this historic destination,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “As with all JW Marriott hotels, mindfulness and connection to place are thoughtfully woven into the hotel’s nature-focused design, …

Ajman Free Zone signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with Fairmont Hotel Ajman, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Zoya Health & Wellbeing Resort Ajman, and Altayar Travel & Tourism during its participation in the 2022 edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Under the terms of the MoUs, AFZ’s business partners will have access to special rates when they avail themselves of the services of the four establishments. The partnerships are designed to achieve customer happiness, benefit its business community, and support the wellbeing of its business partners. The MoUs reflect AFZ’s commitment to its business partners to continuously expand the value-added services it offers to various industries, including tourism. They were signed in line with the free zone’s 2021-2025 strategy, which outlines initiatives designed to help boost the local sectors, including tourism, and the Ajman economy. H.E. Eng. Ali AlSuwaidi, Director General of AFZ, said: “At AFZ, we support various endeavors to accelerate the economic growth of Ajman and the UAE. Signing the four MoUs is a testament to our organization’s relentless efforts to ensure a business-friendly environment where our business partners can thrive. Our participation in the Arabian Travel Market enabled us to promote various business tourism and leisure activities in the emirate.” “Tourism and business are two industries that go together, and AFZ is proud to facilitate this step towards mutual growth and excellence. We are confident that our advanced infrastructure and value-added services will allow companies to enjoy smooth operations in the emirate. This further reaffirms our efforts to facilitate businesses that add to Ajman’s tourism industry and, by extension, the UAE’s economy,” AlSuwaidi added. AFZ took part in the ATM in cooperation with various government entities. …

Global Village concluded Season 26 on May 7, 2022, welcoming a record-breaking 7.8 million guests to the heart of wonder since its opening on October 26, 2021. Global Village has evolved into a top destination for exceptional multicultural and entertainment offerings that raise the bar for regional and global guest experiences. As the UAE became one of the most sought-after destinations with millions of tourists arriving to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, Global Village’s action-packed season brought together an exciting line-up of shows, festivals, events and live concerts. Due to popular demand, the park extended Season 26, allowing guests to enjoy Eid Al Fitr festivities for the first time in its history. The longest season ever, Global Village was open for 194 days, four days more than its previous record. Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer at Global Village, said: “Global Village has been a unique cultural destination for guests from across the globe for more than two decades; we are proud to contribute to cementing Dubai as a global hub for entertainment and tourism. Anwahi added: “We also strive to contribute to the economy by supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting international businesses to Dubai. This year, 60% of our partners were new to Global Village, which keeps our offering fresh and our guests coming back season after season. The improvements we made and our focus on guest experience led to over 90% of guests declaring their intent to revisit this season. We also continue to make progress with our digital transformation plans using advanced data analytics, behind-the-scenes IoT and AI technologies to better understand our guests, strengthen our infrastructure and improve efficiencies.” Digital Transformations Aligning with the Global Village’s commitment to …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has captured the imaginations of both market leaders and emerging players in the region’s inbound and outbound travel industry, as it announced two new mega projects in the luxury hospitality sector at the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until May 12. Alongside these global announcements, three of Shurooq’s latest projects in luxury hospitality that are making eco-tourism in the region more appealing than ever, also made their ATM debut. Raising Sharjah’s profile as a leading destination in the region for heritage-inspired travel, the first Shurooq project which made a global debut on the ATM 2022 stage is: The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim – a pearl merchant’s 19th century family home in the Heart of Sharjah district, which Shurooq is converting into a modern 12-key boutique wing of The Chedi Al Bait. Launched by Shurooq in 2017 and managed by GHM Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, is a 53-key hotel offering luxurious Emirati hospitality and bespoke experiences. Scheduled for completion in Q4 of 2022, the property will provide unique insights into traditional Emirati life, taking guests on a journey through the home of a family living in Sharjah, as it was, over 100 years ago. Alongside world-class accommodation and hospitality, additional guest attractions include access to the facilities of the Chedi Al Bait Hotel and access to Heart of Sharjah’s souqs and heritage areas. The second project Shurooq unveiled is the Najd Al Meqsar Village. Nestled in the mountainous terrains of the picturesque coastal city of Khorfakkan, the destination is being developed to bring travellers and residents a brand-new opportunity to experience …

High profile travel trade professionals including leading tour operators, travel agents, aviation partners, industry stakeholders as well as members of the media visited the stand to meet with members of the Jamaica delegation to discuss new and expanded partnerships, opportunities for collaboration and platforms for elevating the reputation of Jamaica as a destination of distinction for Middle East travellers. The Jamaica delegation was led by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and accompanied by Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board along with a variety of industry representatives from Jamaica. During the first two days of the event, the delegation connected with key industry stakeholders and met with new and potential partners to discuss ways to further promote Jamaica to Middle East-based travellers. Jamaica Tourist Board also hosted a ‘Taste of Jamaica’ on stand activity for media and industry delegates from across the GCC and wider MENA region, enabling visitors to sample authentic cuisine and exquisite Blue Mountain Coffee during the networking event. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica commented: “We’ve seen some great interest from the MENA region and made strong headway with leading industry professionals from the region. We look forward to undertaking further meetings to discuss potential collaboration during the next two days of the show which will further raise the profile of the destination.” Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board commented: “We have been delighted with the warm welcome we received during the first two days of Arabian Travel Market  and were pleased to welcome new and existing partners from across the MENA region to the stand for an authentic ‘Taste of Jamaica’. The positive meetings and interactions we …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of the first phase a of an extensive, three-phase transformation that will see two of the three towers currently occupied by Sheraton Kuwait Hotel reimagined under the iconic St. Regis brand. The first phase of the transformation introduces The St. Regis Kuwait to the city with its collection of newly debuted refurbished guestrooms and suites. The third tower will remain home to the historic Sheraton Kuwait Hotel. Both brands are part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The 102 exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites at The St. Regis Kuwait feature timeless design and modern technology. All guestrooms and suites enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing around-the-clock anticipatory service that ensures every guest’s stay is carefully considered. The next two phases of the comprehensive transformation will include the property’s public spaces, culinary offerings and recreational facilities. Plans also include an extensive makeover of the hotel’s function spaces.  The St. Regis Kuwait will remain operational during this period. St. Regis continues to expand its renowned global portfolio by adding the sought-after address of Kuwait City. Following the full completion of its transformation in 2023, The St. Regis Kuwait will usher in an elevated era of luxury as the capital city’s newest best address, marked by the brand’s celebrated traditions, bespoke service, rich heritage and glamorous design. The St. Regis Kuwait is steps away from the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center and the bustling business district, and a short drive away from the Al Shaheed Park, the largest urban park in Kuwait. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from Kuwait International Airport and the Avenues Mall …

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the introduction of its City Check-in services in Abu Dhabi. The City Check-in service aims to provide passengers with added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop off their baggage and collect their boarding pass at a location near them before traveling with Air Arabia. The service allows passengers to select seats and receive their boarding passes and baggage claim tags. They can then immediately proceed to the flight upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Located at the Air Arabia Sales Shop in Abu Dhabi, the centres will accept baggage from 24 up to eight hours before departure, which is then transported directly to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The sales shop is located next to Jumbo Electronics on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi and is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. For more information on the new City Check-in service in Abu Dhabi customers can visit Air Arabia’s website or by calling the call centre.

Amadeus with its recent strategic tie-up with Microsoft will be looking at more flexibility and committing itself to adaptability in track with changing market dynamics. Ernesto Sanchez, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf shares with TravTalk Middle East, their plans and focus for this year at the 29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Renew Travel enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. What is the focus of Amadeus this year? This year Amadeus’s focus is on Renew Travel following last year’s Rebuild Travel initiative.  Renew Travel is a platform that provides Amadeus with the flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics. It enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. As global travel returns in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, it is clear that uncertainty remains. However by focusing on ways to support the industry to become more resilient, agile, and traveller-centric, Amadeus is committed to driving the industry renewal. We collaborated with the key industry player Microsoft to enhance the traveler experience and help facilitate the travel in a new dimension through breakthrough technologies. Source:  https://amadeus.com/en/topic/safe-travel-ecosystem   Could you share about the technologies currently developed by Amadeus and Microsoft? Amadeus’ tie-up with Microsoft last year has unlocked a plethora of opportunities that translate into value for the travel industry. The partnership includes joint innovation and product development to envision, design, and deliver cutting-edge travel solutions. We call this new dimension …