ITVAR GSA Travel LLC walked away with the title ‘Fastest growing GSA’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning this award is an incredible milestone for us as a team. It reaffirms our dedication to excellence and motivates our team to continue innovating. This recognition highlights the trust our clients and partners place in us, strengthening our position in the industry. The award has elevated our credibility, opened new opportunities, and inspired others in the industry to aim higher and keep improving travel and trade industry to make sure we provide excellent service to our clients.”-Pier Angeli Astano, Head of Representations, Non Air, ITVAR GSA LLC

Minor Hotels announces it is bringing its NH Collection brand to Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah. Slated to launch in early 2028, the announcement about the 156-key NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments was made during a ceremony at THINC Middle East. The new hotel will be located on Al Marjan Island in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, one of the premier and rapidly growing travel destinations in the UAE. Just one hour from Dubai International Airport and a 30-minute drive from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, the property will feature 120 beach-facing guest rooms and suites, in addition to 36 branded serviced apartments. Facilities will include four restaurants and bars, a gym and an outdoor swimming pool, a kids club and games room, a retail shop and a co-working space. The property is owned by RRS International Development FZ-LLC, a premier real estate developer with over two decades of experience in the UAE’s high-end real estate market. RRS has a dedicated focus on Ras Al Khaimah’s fast-growing real estate sector and with Minor Hotels plans to develop this new NH Collection property on Al Marjan Island, one of the hottest destinations in the region, with major upcoming developments including the UAE’s first integrated resort. As one of the pioneering forces behind the branded residences concept, this latest announcement by Minor Hotels demonstrates the company’s continued commitment to growing through mixed use properties with a residential component. It also showcases Minor Hotels continued commitment to growth in the region, including in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, where it already operates the Anantara in Mina Al Arab and the upcoming Anantara Residences. …

The Legian Seminyak and The Club by The Legian Seminyak, two of Bali’s most coveted luxury boutique hotels, are proudly managed by LHM (Legian Hotels Management). Both properties epitomize refined elegance, offering guests an unparalleled experience that blends the island’s rich cultural heritage with a contemporary twist. The Legian Seminyak, Bali, a distinguished icon of luxury hospitality in Indonesia, is proud to announce its expansion into the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region by appointing Gulf Reps as its sales and marketing representatives. This strategic partnership underscores the resort’s commitment to delivering its exceptional experiences to discerning GCC travellers. Situated on one of Bali’s most pristine beaches, The Legian Seminyak, Bali has been a hallmark of luxury since its opening in 1996. Designed by the legendary Indonesian designer Jaya Ibrahim, whose accolades include the design of the prestigious Aman Summer Palace in Beijing – The Legian Seminyak, Bali stand as true icons of luxury and architectural beauty. Jaya Ibrahim’s vision for both hotels incorporates Bali’s distinct sense of place, masterfully combining traditional Balinese aesthetics with modern design elements, creating an inviting sanctuary in the heart of vibrant Seminyak. the property seamlessly blends timeless Indonesian aesthetics with contemporary elegance. With 66 sea-facing suites and the exclusive three-bedroom Beach House—the only private villa with direct beach access in Seminyak—the resort offers an unmatched sanctuary for travellers seeking tranquility and sophistication. A Tailored Experience for GCC Travellers Recognizing the unique preferences of its GCC clientele, The Legian Seminyak, Bali offers an array of amenities and services designed to cater to their needs: • Strategic Location: A mere 35–45 minutes from Bali’s international airport, the resort is nestled in the vibrant heart of Seminyak, renowned …

Tourism Ministers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries met in Kuwait within the framework of joint efforts to enhance tourism cooperation among the GCC countries, as it represents an important preparatory step aimed at coordinating tourism policies and enhancing integration among member states, which will positively reflect on the development of the Gulf tourism sector. The meeting was a platform for dialogue and exchange of experiences, which contributes to the development of joint tourism strategies that support tourism diversity and enhance cooperation in organizing events and activities that highlight the tourism potential of the GCC countries. The meeting discussed ways to develop joint tourism events among the GCC countries, enhance efforts to stimulate inter-tourism and raise the rates of demand for Gulf destinations. This meeting comes as part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the integration of Gulf tourism, by launching strategic initiatives that contribute to the development of the sector and enhance the position of the GCC countries as integrated tourism destinations that attract visitors from around the world.

Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach bagged ‘Best Urban Lifestyle Hotel’ at the seventh edition of Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “Winning the Best Urban Lifestyle Hotel UAE, 2024 at the Arabian Travel Awards is a huge honour for us. It reflects our commitment to offering best-in-class experiences to our guests. This achievement is a direct result of the hard work and dedication of our incredible team. We will continue to innovate and build on this success by further enhancing our guest experiences, while maintaining our best-in-class standards. This win fuels our drive to set even higher expectations for the future.”-Michael Goetz, General Manager, Mövenpick Hotel Jumeirah Beach

Continuing to evolve to meet the needs of today’s travellers, Oman Air has launched a new series of all-Economy Class aircraft. The new aircraft will primarily operate to the Indian Subcontinent, Middle East, and Africa, complementing the airline’s existing network, while offering greater accessibility to travellers. Designed to offer more affordable travel options while maintaining the airline’s renowned comfort and service, Oman Air Connect will consist of five Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, the first of which arrived earlier this month. Alongside several recent service and product enhancements, Oman Air is also preparing to introduce upgraded in-flight entertainment, ensuring a more modern and engaging onboard experience. Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air said, “The way people travel has evolved, with greater accessibility and choice; at the same time, passengers still want to enjoy a comfortable journey. With this all-Economy fleet, we are adapting to these changing needs, providing our guests with more flexibility and choice without compromising on quality.” Oman Air, which embarked on a three-year financial transformation in 2023, has implemented several initiatives to strengthen its position in the market and ensure long-term sustainability. The airline continues to serve over 40 destinations with a mix of wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, offering three cabin classes and a diverse range of fare options. Through these efforts, the award-winning airline remains committed to delivering exceptional travel experiences tailored to the modern traveller.

Etihad Airways announce the launch of flights to Sochi, the gateway to the north-east coast of the Black Sea. The route debuts this summer, providing guests with nonstop access to the Krasnodar Krai region, home to stunning summer beaches and lush mountains, as well as winter skiing and snowboarding in the nearby Caucasus Mountains, made famous by the 2014 Winter Olympics. Etihad will fly three-times a week* between Zayed International Airport, Abu Dhabi (AUH) and Sochi International Airport (AER), timed to optimise a leisure break in summer or winter. The Russian Riviera resort offers a mix of natural beauty and cultural history and will become a popular choice for guests seeking relaxation and adventure. This new route further underlines Etihad’s commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and expanding access to exciting new markets. The flights are on sale now and will operate three-times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays using one of the airline’s modern A320 family aircraft, with eight seats in Business and 150 in Economy, and all guests enjoying Etihad’s award-winning service onboard. The announcement is the latest new route unveiled by Etihad and is the fourteenth new destination the airline will add to its thriving network this year. Etihad will also commence flights to metropolises including Atlanta, Hanoi, Hong Kong and Taipei, as well as to the European capitals of Prague and Warsaw. Expanding its network across north Africa, Etihad will begin flying to Algiers, Tunis and Al Alamein. Additionally, Etihad will bolster its network across Southeast Asia, with new connections directly to stunning holiday locations including Chiang Mai and Krabi in Thailand, Medan on the island of Sumatra and the cultural city of Phnom Penh. …

Accor introduces the Mercure brand to Riyadh with the opening of Mercure Riyadh Al Anood. This marks the only Mercure hotel in the capital, offering a distinctive blend of comfort and authentic local experiences. Situated in the vibrant Al Murabba district, Mercure Riyadh Al Anood provides easy access to the city’s commercial and cultural landmarks. It is located near Faisaliah Tower and the Diplomatic Quarter, with King Khaled International Airport just 20 kilometers away, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travelers. Paul Stevens, Chief Operating Officer of the Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Türkiye at Accor, emphasized the significance of this launch. “Opening Mercure Riyadh Al Anood is a major step in expanding the Mercure brand across the Kingdom. With this new property, we continue to offer experiences rooted in the local culture, enhancing our guests’ connection to the city through our ‘Discover Local’ program.” The hotel offers 135 elegantly designed rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Privilege Rooms, and Junior Suites, all equipped with modern amenities. Each room provides guests with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, minibars, digital safes, and in-room dining options, ensuring a comfortable stay tailored to meet the needs of every traveler. Dining at Mercure Riyadh Al Anood promises a memorable experience. Guests can savor a variety of international and Arabic dishes at Les Bernaches Restaurant, which features live cooking stations. La Vie Café Lounge offers light meals and specialty coffees from morning until late evening, with extended hours on weekends. For a more relaxed ambiance, La Maison Pool Lounge on the terrace serves refreshing drinks, exotic cocktails, and snacks, allowing guests to unwind while enjoying views of the …

Korea Tourism Organisation won ‘Most engaging travel events organised by an NTO in the Middle East’ at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2024. “It was fantastic, great entertainment, excellent line of awards, and we are overwhelmed because we won in three different categories. We would just make sure that we come back again and we won even more awards. Arabian Travel Awards are highly credible, and I call them the Oscar of our travel industry in the Middle East, so fantastic.”-Glenn Johnston, Representative, Korea Tourism Organization

Cheval Collection’s latest property in the Middle East, Cheval Maison Expo City Dubai, is set to open in March 2025 with 151 luxurious, serviced apartments – which can be booked for any length of stay – and a host of top-flight business and leisure amenities. One of the award-winning, UK-based hospitality brand’s largest properties, Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai is a reimagining of the showpiece Leadership Pavilion that hosted world leaders during EXPO 2020 and COP28. The prestigious building, which has been extensively refurbished, is located alongside the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, five minutes’ walk from the Expo City Metro station. Its opening marks a key milestone in Cheval Collection’s Middle East expansion, which includes more properties in the UAE and a move into KSA. The company’s first Dubai property, Cheval Maison – The Palm Dubai, opened in April 2023, and won the ‘Best Debut Hotel Apartments’ accolade at the 2024 Arabian Travel Awards. Cheval Maison – Expo City Dubai offers a range of stunning accommodation, all with high-end finishes, beautiful furnishings and a fully-equipped private kitchen. Available for short-term and long stays, the apartments include Metro Rooms, studios, one to three-bedroom units and Royal Suites. Most have at least one balcony, with some directly overlooking Al Wasl Plaza. The pet friendly property also boasts a range of dining outlets, including TEN-11 all day restaurant, 7seven7 coffee shop and bakery, and PDL café. There is also a rooftop pool with stunning views across Expo City and nearby areas of Dubai, a state-of-the-art gym with yoga studio, and extensive, landscaped grounds. The stunning property also offers three Majlis, including the 450 square metre Royal Majlis as well as private meeting rooms. All …