Sabre Corporation has successfully integrated IATA New Distribution Capability (NDC) content from Qatar Airways (QR) to its global distribution system (GDS). After a pilot phase with agency customers in Australia and Sweden, the offers of Qatar’s flag carrier will now be rolled out successively to travel agencies across the globe starting on July 7, 2022. Travel agencies will be able to shop, book, and manage NDC offers from Qatar Airways. Access to Qatar’s content will be available through Sabre Red 360, Sabre’s agency point-of-sale tool, as well as its NDC-enabled Offer and Order Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). “We’ve been actively engaged in Sabre’s Beyond NDC program for several years and we’re proud to be the first carrier based in EMEA to make our products and offers available to the global travel agency community through Sabre’s marketplace,” said Matt Raos, Senior Vice President Global Sales at Qatar Airways. “With NDC as a part of our strategy to evolve our offering and enhance ancillary sales, we believe effective distribution in the indirect channel will become more important in the future.” With Qatar Airways’ extensive network of destinations, access to the carrier’s unique NDC content is expected to be relevant to travel buyers across the globe in the post-COVID-19 recovery period and beyond. “As the corporate travel sector continues to recover, customers are looking for enhanced shopping experiences and improved content in their marketplace,” said John Bukowski, Vice President of Distribution, Content and Sourcing at American Express Global Business Travel. “Our objective is to ensure that our customers and travelers have access to the broadest content and an unrivaled travel experience. We are excited about collaborating with Qatar Airways and Sabre to continue …

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) announced it is acquiring Oakwood Worldwide (Oakwood) from Mapletree Investments Pte Ltd. The acquisition increases Ascott’s global portfolio by 81 properties and about 15,000 units. Oakwood’s approximately 8,500 operational units are expected to immediately contribute to Ascott’s recurring fee income streams upon completion of the transaction slated in 3Q 2022. Ascott’s acquisition of Oakwood will leapfrog Ascott’s global presence to more than 150,000 units in about 900 properties across over 200 cities in 39 countries. It will add new markets which include Cheongju in South Korea; Zhangjiakou and Qingdao in China; Dhaka in Bangladesh as well as Washington D.C. in the United States of America (USA). Recently named the ‘Best Serviced Residence Brand’ in DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2022, Oakwood’s award-winning portfolio includes flagship properties Oakwood Premier Tokyo and Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul which were ranked top 10 properties in their respective countries in the DestinAsian awards. New properties such as Oakwood Premier Melbourne and Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, will also add to the group’s destination highlights. Kevin Goh, CLI’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging, said: “This acquisition of Oakwood is part of Ascott’s roadmap to playing a bigger role in the lodging market. There are significant synergies between Ascott and Oakwood, given our complementary footprint and product offerings. We intend to build on the strong reputation and heritage of the Oakwood brand, especially in markets across Southeast Asia, North Asia and North America. Oakwood will continue to grow alongside Ascott’s current portfolio of global brands as we continue to build growth momentum for our lodging business. We will be able to leverage Ascott’s extensive expertise as a global lodging player to deliver greater value …

Cozmo Travel has continued expanding their reach on a global level with its strong and consistent presence in various markets despite the hardships faced by the travel industry due to the spread of Covid-19 and its resulting restrictions. On the 5th of July, Cozmo Travel celebrated the inauguration of its latest addition to their outlet chains with a branch in Naif, Dubai. The ceremony was led by Mr Jamal Abdulnazar – CEO at Cozmo Travel and as Chief Guest, Ms Huda Dawood – Country Manager UAE ,Caucasus, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan at Qatar Airways. The newly opened outlet in Naif is the 5th Outlet in Dubai and the 20th in the UAE network. “Opening an outlet in Naif is in-line with our vision of accessibility & is a crucial step in targeting and delivering travel services to customers in an impressive trading and cultural hub” – Said Mr Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel. Cozmo Travel branches are strategically located across the 7 emirates in order to be accessible to all customers. visit us in one of our 5 branches in Sharjah, 5 in Dubai, 3 in Ajman, 1 in Fujairah, 1 in RAK, 2 in Abu Dhabi, 2 in Al Ain & 1 in UAQ.

Hudini, and Incode Technologies announced their strategic partnership to transform hospitality guest experiences. The partnership with Incode will enable Hudini cus-tomers to deploy identity verification during the check-in and check-out processes through enhanced digital bio-metric technology. This association will automate these processes making it quick, seamless and at the conven-ience of the guest. The hospitality industry relies on its ability to connect people and the places they visit to create memora-ble experiences for its guests. In its revitalization post-pandemic, the industry is realizing the impact that technology can have on a guest’s stay, and the potential it holds to increase customer loyalty and create additional revenue. In fact, a recent study found that 76% of hotel executives are looking to introduce “a fully contactless experience” by 2025. Prince Thampi, Founder and CEO at Hudini said: “Hotel guests crave seamless experiences when they travel. Long check-in processes and complex payment procedures can ruin a guest’s stay. As a leader in biometric identity verification, Incode’s solution removes these challenges and helps to maximise the dig-ital guest experience, without compromising on security or privacy. Through our partnership with Incode, we are excited to offer fully automated identity verification to our check-in and check-out features across our partner hotels.” Both organizations have realized the potential identity verification holds across the hospitality industry and share the ambition for its widespread adoption during hotel check-in and check-out. To further that vision, the partnership will include the following experiences: Transparent guest identification: In a matter of seconds, even before arrival, the industry’s only fully automated identity verification engine validates the identity of a guest. This allows guests to identify themselves at their convenience, triggering Hudini’s systems to …

With borders open in full, GCC travellers are now ready to take the plunge and confident to explore the new post covid world especially as eid coupled with summer vacations sets in the region. Over the past few days the airline and hotel bookings have increased despite the fact that airline fares have increased a considerable amount. Our GCC line up of industry professionals share their observations. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, “The demand for travel continues to see significant growth and recovery post COVID-19. With summer approaching, travelers began planning and booking their holidays, and we are witnessing an increase in bookings and demand for flights to and from the UAE. Travelers are also looking for new experiences and exploring places they haven’t visited before to make up for lost travel in the past two years due to the pandemic. And they are ready to spend more on leisure trips than before. Flight and hotel searches from the UAE during the month of June reached about 3 million, an increase of 77% over the same period last year. Despite the increase in airfares, we continue to see an increase in demand and people are booking longer stays. The airfares for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday have spiked for most destinations. If we look at the top destinations from the UAE during the Eid break, the average airfare to Egypt is $551 with an increase of 41% in comparison to the same period last year, the airfare to India is around $379 a rise of 114%, Jordan saw an increase of 45% with an average airfare of $689, …

The summer report reveals that the current enthusiasm to travel overseas is so strong that a rise in air fares has done relatively little to dampen demand. For example, the average fare from the US to Europe climbed by more than 35% between January and May with no noticeable slowing in booking rates. The report also reveals that Europe has seen the biggest tourism recovery, recording an improvement of 16 percentage points, and is now reporting the highest overall tourist arrival volumes. The European region also illustrates the widespread trend of beach destinations recovering more quickly than their urban counterparts. The continuing revival of leisure travel around the globe during the third quarter of this year (July, August and September) sets the stage for World Travel Market London – the foremost global event for the travel industry – taking place at ExCeL on 7-9 November 2022. A second, end-of-year Travel Outlook Report will be published during World Travel Market London, giving delegates the latest trends and detailed forecasts based on bookings from airlines and travel agencies. Africa and the Middle East are the regions on course to recover most strongly, with Q3 arrivals expected to reach 83% of 2019 levels. It is followed by the Americas, where summer arrivals are expected to reach 76%, Europe (71%) and Asia Pacific (35%). The impressive rebound of summer destinations such as Antalya (Turkey; +81%), Mykonos and Rhodes (both Greece; both +29%) is partly attributable to early reopening and the proactive communication of their countries.  Greece was among the first European nations to reopen to non-essential travel and has been clear and consistent in its messaging throughout the pandemic. It is interesting to note …

Sonder Holdings Inc. is set to open a 401-unit property in Business Bay, Dubai later this year. It will become the largest property in Sonder’s global portfolio. Developed by SAAS Properties and operated by Sonder, the 35-storey building is meticulously finished throughout. Its guest amenities will include an elegant lobby with marble flooring, a swimming pool surrounded by cabanas, a F&B outlet, and a state-of-the-art fitness centre. “We’re building the future of hospitality, applying design and technology to meet the needs of modern travellers, while offering developers flexibility and freedom from daily operational responsibilities. Opening our third location in Dubai makes us one of the largest full-building serviced apartment operators in the market, and the region remains a focus for Sonder. We’re proud to partner with SAAS Properties, a highly regarded real estate developer,” said Martin Picard, Co-Founder and Global Head of Real Estate at Sonder. “Sonder combines local expertise with a global brand that appeals to the modern generation of travellers. Sonder is an experienced and well-capitalised partner and we’re pleased to have them manage and operate our Business Bay property, which will provide guests with high-end accommodation and amenities in a premium location moments from the Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai,” said Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, Chief Executive Officer at SAAS Properties. Driven Properties, a Dubai-based real estate development management consultancy, advised both parties on the deal. Sonder Business Bay occupies a prime, central location, near the Dubai Mall and iconic Burj Khalifa, ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The property features 401 thoughtfully designed serviced apartments, available for both short and extended stays. They range in size from studio to 3-bedroom, and many have skyline …

flynas announced the launch of its first direct flights between AlUla, the Saudi historical city located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, and the Egyptian capital, Cairo, starting from Thursday, 6th October 2022. flynas will connect AlUla and Cairo via two weekly direct flights, scheduled on Saturdays and Thursdays, from AlUla International Airport to Cairo International Airport. Known for its historical, natural and geographical significance, and full of archaeological treasures from the Dadanite, Nabataean, Roman and old Islamic civilisations, AlUla is a destination that reveals 7000-year-old of human history. The city is an open air museum and is home to the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra – the famous Nabataean site with 110 well preserved tombs carved in the sandstone rocks and dating back to the first century B.C.E. AlUla offers tourists a variety of curated experiences in heritage, art, culture, wellness and adventure. As a vital city located along the famous old incense-trading routes running from southern Arabia, north into Egypt and beyond, AlUla’s oases dotted the area and offered a much-needed respite for caravans of weary travellers, providing a welcoming place to rest, commune and recharge. AlUla is now reviving and celebrating its history by welcoming visitors again. Combined with high quality services and first-rate accommodations nestled amongst the staggeringly beautiful desert landscapes, AlUla is being introduced to the world as a must-visit destination for every traveller looking for a unique experience. In support of the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 plans to transform AlUla into a world-preferred tourist destination, flynas recently announced the resumption of its flights from AlUla to Riyadh, Dammam, and Dubai, with two weekly flights for each destination. Flynas was the first-ever airline …

Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of an exclusive and a long-term agreement with El Ajouz Travel, the leading travel company in Lebanon to power the agency’s growth and recovery. The extended agreement reaffirms two decades of collaboration and was marked by a signing ceremony that was attended by executives and team members from both companies. Under this agreement, El Ajouz Travel will continue to access Sabre’s portfolio of innovative technology, including its industry-leading Sabre Red 360 platform. Furthermore, El Ajouz Travel will deploy Sabre’s Automation Hub- a series of automated processes to minimize human error, increase efficiency, and amplify customer satisfaction. ‘With its industry-leading shopping and merchandising technology, coupled with the expertise of its dedicated team, we are confident that Sabre is the right partner during this pivotal time,” said Hasan El Ajouz, Chairman, El Ajouz Travel. “We are working with them to deploy latest intelligent and innovative solutions to support our long-term goals, differentiate our travel offerings, improve operational efficiencies and boost revenue.” EL Ajouz Travel has showed resilience and steady growth and been recovering on higher rates than the Lebanese market. Its ambitious plans include continue providing exceptional travel services in Lebanon and expand its reach to regional markets. “We are thrilled to continue working with EL Ajouz Travel to achieve their growth goals as the industry continues to recover,” said Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, vice president, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “We are committed to partnering with them and our agency community in creative ways to deliver smart and intelligent technology that meet their customers’ needs and address the challenges of today’s environment.” Sabre’s travel marketplace plays an important role in facilitating the marketing and sale of airfares, hotel …

Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, “The demand for travel continues to see significant growth and recovery post COVID-19. With summer approaching, travelers began planning and booking their holidays, and we are witnessing an increase in bookings and demand for flights to and from the UAE. Travelers are also looking for new experiences and exploring places they haven’t visited before to make up for lost travel in the past two years due to the pandemic. And they are ready to spend more on leisure trips than before. Flight and hotel searches from the UAE during the month of June reached about 3 million, an increase of 77% over the same period last year. Despite the increase in airfares, we continue to see an increase in demand and people are booking longer stays.” He further reiterated, “The airfares for the upcoming Eid Al Adha holiday have spiked for most destinations. If we look at the top destinations from the UAE during the Eid break, the average airfare to Egypt is $551 with an increase of 41% in comparison to the same period last year, the airfare to India is around $379 a rise of 114%, Jordan saw an increase of 45% with an average airfare of $689, the flight to Turkey is $306 with an increase of %36, $788 to Morocco with a rise of 65%, $1,900 to Thailand with a spike of %191, and flights to Lebanon from UAE recorded a 36% increase with the average airfare around $575.”