Emirates and Airlink have announced the expansion of their existing partnership into a unilateral codeshare agreement, giving travellers to and from South Africa convenient access to more than 40 domestic and regional destinations across 12 African countries. The extended codeshare provides connectivity to Emirates customers not offered by any other carrier in Africa, and augments the long-standing partnership that Emirates has with South African Airways. The move comes as Emirates resumes its flights to South Africa and ramps up its operations to provide customers with enhanced connectivity via its gateways Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban. The connectivity provided by the new codeshare between Emirates and Airlink will offer competitive fares, combined ticketing, and seamless baggage transfers when connecting between both airlines. Customers travelling to South Africa can now transfer from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban to domestic points like Bloemfontein, George, Upington, Nelspruit, Hoedspruit, Kimberley, Skukuza, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay, Sishen, Mthatha and Port Elizabeth, as well as points across Southern Africa like Gaborone, Kasane, Vilanculos, Lubumbashi, Dar es Salaam, Entebbe, Maseru, Antananarivo, Pemba, Tete, Maun, Victoria Falls, Walvis Bay, Maputo, Windhoek, Harare, Lusaka, Ndola, Bulawayo and Livingstone amongst many other cities. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “The expansion of the Emirates – Airlink partnership marks an important step forward in our relationship. Our new codeshare agreement enhances our service offering and flexibility for customers traveling beyond our gateways in South and Southern Africa and provides them unparalleled options for leisure destinations. We are committed to growing our operations in South Africa, and with the strong connection opportunities being provided collectively with Airlink we hope to help jumpstart the recovery of the local travel and tourism industry.” He …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Millat Properties for Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton. The planned opening of the property will mark the introduction of Hyatt’s select service and extended stay brand, Hyatt House, to the continent and the third Hyatt-branded hotel in South Africa. The Hyatt House brand offers a flexible, elevated approach to extended stay and helps guests enjoy the comforts of home when they are away from theirs. Built on guest insights, Hyatt House hotels drive satisfaction and loyalty by allowing guests to maintain familiar routines, with spacious suites and studios featuring full kitchens, comfortable living rooms, large bedrooms and stylish bathrooms. Slated to open in October 2021, the hotel will be situated in the well-established Sandton area, where business and leisure tourism blends together in Africa’s economical hub. Hyatt House Johannesburg Sandton will boast 43 studio guestrooms and 19 apartment-style suites, all with fully equipped kitchens and separate living areas reminding guests of the conveniences of home. Additional amenities will include a unique concept for an alternative dining experience in the Treehouse, H Market offering grab-and-go snacks and drinks, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and an outdoor swimming pool in which guests can unwind and enjoy themselves. “We’re delighted to announce plans to introduce the Hyatt House brand to Africa, which will be Hyatt’s second hotel in collaboration with an affiliate of Millat Properties,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, regional vice president of development for the Middle East and Africa, Hyatt. “We are proud to hold such strong relationships with exceptional owners who share our ambition and values. They are essential to powering Hyatt’s brand growth.” “We are very pleased …

Efendi Hotel, a 12-room luxury boutique property that is the living testament to the ancient city of Akko’s 5,300-year history, today announces it will officially reopen to receive guests on August 24, 2021. Efendi Hotel will offer bookings of its enchanted rooms and suites, all of which are furnished and equipped to the highest standards and have a unique character and style. Several of the rooms’ ceilings feature restored motifs and frescos, while others are made from preserved wood. Most of the windows offer Mediterranean sea views, while others look out over the ancient city of Akko and the scenic mountains of the Western Galilee. Guests will also be permitted use of the hotel’s rooftop, with sweeping views of the sea and Old City of Akko, and will receive in-room breakfast and wine and cheese upon request. Nestled in the picturesque narrow lanes of the Old City of Akko, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former capital of the Crusader Kingdom, Efendi Hotel holds the highest level of architectural preservation and restoration out of any private building in Israel. The property officially opened in February 2012 following a meticulous eight-year restoration process of the original buildings overseen by tourism innovator, chef and entrepreneur Uri Jeremias along with archaeologists and antiquities experts who were hired to restore the Byzantine and Crusader-era cellar. Jeremias oversaw the restoration of the two original Ottoman buildings and hand-painted motifs and frescos along the walls and ceilings, including a fresco of an ancient Istanbul. The unique structure of Efendi Hotel begins in the property’s wine cellar, which in itself is based upon bricks from the Byzantine era of Akko, more than 1,500 years ago. Ascending …

Ithra Dubai announced the launch of “One Deira” at the Deira Enrichment Project (DEP). Completed on schedule, District 4 follows each of Sherina, Osha, Afra, Maryam and Hind Plazas handed over between September 2020 and March 2021. One Deira consists of an office building and a 131 rooms hotel building and 2 levels retail podium, it features two of the master plan’s highlights; a state-of-the-art integrated transportation hub and the first mall in Dubai constructed atop a metro station, in a central and convenient location. The One Deira will serve the thriving residential and commercial communities of the surrounding phase one Districts consisting of 2,200 residential units, 700+ retail units, 700,000+FT² GFA office area, F&B outlets and 8 international brand hotels, including Adagio, Wyndham, Super 8, and Days Hotel with a total of 1,450 keys. Marking the occasion, Issam Galadari, Director and CEO of Ithra Dubai, said, “The Deira Enrichment Project is on track to becoming a leading destination, adding unique offerings to the trade, retail and tourism landscape in Dubai with every new milestone. Upgrading and complementing Dubai’s oldest urban area, the landmark development encapsulates the city’s vision of sustainability, innovation and mobility with an eye on legacy.” Presenting exceptional propositions for the business community on offer at DEP, One Deira introduces 55 brand new retail units on the podium level and 73,000+FT² NLA office area, as well as the Days Hotel with 131 keys. The launch of One Deira will further introduce the first integrated central transport station in the UAE, minimizing dependency on private cars, enhancing mobility and easing the flow of goods and people in and around the area. With easy access to all of Roads …

Travel professionals from around the globe are able to register for WTM London 2021, which will be held for the first time in an innovative hybrid format. The physical event will take place at ExCeL London on Monday, November 1-Wednesday, November 3, 2021, and will be followed by WTM Virtual – November 8-9, 2021. WTM London will be one of the first key opportunities for those working in the world’s travel and tourism to reunite in person as the industry embarks on the road to recovery. The new hybrid format means buyers and exhibitors will be able to conduct business face-to-face – then the virtual element enables companies and organisations to increase their brand awareness and join networking opportunities – even if they are not able to physically attend the show.  An important advantage is the fact that all exhibitors who exhibit at the physical event will automatically be included in WTM Virtual as part of their package. The physical event will feature all the elements for which WTM London has become well-known, including the WTM Ministers’ Summit, Responsible Tourism Day & Responsible Tourism Awards, headline speakers, seminars, speed networking, research & trends, Travel Forward – the co-located travel technology show and more. There will also be exclusive networking opportunities for senior buyers to do business. Simon Press, WTM London’s Senior Director, said “WTM London is always a crucial time for the industry to gather together, in order to plan, network and generate ideas. This year it is vital for us to meet face-to-face, to renew business relationships and forge new partnerships as we look to recover. As well as 40+ years of experience organising physical events, the WTM team …

Marjan in Ras Al Khaimah has welcomed the world’s largest Hampton by Hilton to Al Marjan Island, its flagship mega-development and one of the region’s preferred tourism and investment destinations. Marking its debut in Ras Al Khaimah, Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island has opened doors to guests offering spectacular sea and island views across its 515 rooms. The fourth global hotel brand to open in Al Marjan Island, Hampton by Hilton has a development value of AED 450 million which will further increase the hospitality offering of the island and support Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism development strategy. Named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 by the Gulf Cooperation Council, Ras Al Khaimah is recognised as the world’s first ‘safe’ city, certified by Bureau Veritas, and the first Emirate to receive the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) ‘Safe Travels’ stamp. Eng. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said: “With the new Hampton by Hilton Marjan Island opening doors to guests, visitors to Ras Al Khaimah have an added hospitality destination to choose, assuring them world-class service and a relaxed beach lifestyle. This will further add to the appeal of Al Marjan Island to visitors, both from within the UAE and abroad, for staycations and longer holidays.” Eng. Mohamed Hanafy, Owner Representative at MR Properties, the owner of the hotel, said: “We are delighted to open doors to a spectacular new hospitality experience in Al Marjan Island with the new Hampton by Hilton, the world’s largest under the brand. We chose Al Marjan Island for its location given the potential the development has and being inspired by its strong performance in welcoming tourists from across the world.” Hampton by Hilton Marjan …

The Dubai Airshow 2021, set to take place from 14-18 November 2021, serves as a key indicator of Dubai’s success in overcoming the challenges that the pandemic has posed, and moving in the right direction towards achieving a full recovery of the aviation industry. Commenting on the progress that Dubai’s aviation sector has made following the pandemic, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group said: “We have crossed many significant milestones this year despite the difficult period. Dubai has been a symbol of resilience and agility in responding to the challenges that the pandemic brought, and we are confident that the collaborative work done by the sector’s key players to restore consumer confidence and boost travel operations will pave the way for a thriving aviation industry. Dubai Airshow 2021 will serve as the ultimate testament to the industry’s steady recovery and growth and firmly establish Dubai as the leading global aerospace hub.” Major Gen. Staff Pilot Ishaq Saleh Al Baloushi, Military Advisor to State Minister of Defence and Executive Director for Military Committee for Dubai Airshow: “For many years we have been collaborating and working closely with different defence delegations from across the world for the Dubai Airshow. This engagement has continued virtually throughout the pandemic, and we are now planning on having in-person meetings and sessions at the Airshow itself. With the positive sentiment within the industry and the appetite for business continuity, we believe the Airshow will provide the ideal event for strategic development and the creation of new partnerships. Taking centre stage will be the different technologies …

The Singapore Food Festival (SFF), one of the most highly-anticipated events on every foodie’s calendar, returns for its 28th edition over three weekends from 27 August to 12 September 2021 with the theme ‘Savour Singapore in Every Bite’. SFF 2021 is a highlight of SingapoReimagine , a campaign that invites travellers to experience new possibilities that redefine what Singapore has to offer. In line with SingapoReimagine, SFF spotlights our diverse culinary culture and the people who keep it alive, by offering global foodies the opportunity to reignite passions and experience travel anew through our hybrid offerings. Beverly Au Yong, Area Director, Singapore Tourism Board, MiddleEast: “Singapore Food Festival 2021 continues to innovate by bringing foodies a plethora of activities which people can explore virtually this year. The three weekends are packed with activities for everyone from attending live masterclass to uncover new flavours and recipes with Singaporean chefs to exploring Singapore through virtual experiences and docu-features. We continue to engage the Middle East audience through such virtual activations and encourage them to fulfil their passion for travel and discover reimagined experiences in Singapore safely and sustainably when travel resumes.” An exciting breadth of live masterclasses, both free-to-view and paid, will bring international audiences up close and personal with some of the most well-known chefs in Singapore’s culinary scene. Foodies can also work up an appetite through curated walking tours to indulge in stories of culinary heritage and invention; peel back the layers to uncover new flavours through recipe videos and explore Singapore through virtual experiences and docu-features. The only festival in Singapore dedicated to local cuisine and F&B talent, it continues to innovate, bringing foodies more than 50 gastronomic and …

In response to exceptional Khareef season demand for Salalah in Oman’s southern Dhofar Governorate, Oman Air has gradually increased weekly flight frequencies from an average of 18 weekly flights in July to a total of 41 weekly flights at the beginning of August.  Both Muscat-to-Salalah and Salalah-to-Muscat reached a total of 41 weekly flights and 7820 weekly seats each way, for a grand total of 82 weekly flights and 15,640 weekly seats. The extra flights reflect Salalah’s popularity as a leading domestic destination during Khareef (monsoon) season, a time of year when the region is bathed in an abundance of rain, lush greenery, and cool air. Adil Al Zadjali, Oman Air Country Manager (Oman) said, “Salalah remains an extremely popular domestic destination and our commitment at Oman Air is to provide travel flexibility for our valued guests with the convenience of extra flights when needed. Khareef season—and all the visual splendor it offers—transforms Muscat to Salalah into one of our busiest routes. By progressively introducing 23 additional weekly flights in each direction, visitors to the region have been able to book their seats with full confidence. As domestic travel rebounds, our aim now is to develop a revised flight schedule that lets us maintain exceptional year-round frequencies to Salalah.” In July this year, Oman Air scheduled its Boeing 787 Dreamliner with 3-class configuration on flights between Muscat and Salalah, featuring award-winning Economy and Business Class cabins and luxuriously appointed First Class Suites. Initially planned to service the route until 31 July, the airline will continue to operate the 3-class Dreamliner on select flights to Salalah, adding to an already optimized mix of aircraft type and offering a wider choice of …

With the recent announcements of the UAE easing entry protocols for 12 countries*, and the UK adding the UAE on its ‘amber list’, Emirates is actively responding to the spike in travel demand across its network to make it easier for customers to connect to Dubai and beyond through the scaling up of its operations. In line with the easing of restrictions, the airline will be restoring capacity across 29 cities on its network on over 270 flights as well as fine-tuning its schedules to boost frequencies and capacity as demand proliferates for international leisure and business travel. By October, the airline will increase its services to 73 weekly flights to the UK, including a six times a day London Heathrow operation; double daily A380 flights to Manchester, ten weekly services to Birmingham and daily services to Glasgow. Emirates will begin serving London Heathrow with three daily flights, all operated by its flagship A380. Throughout August and September, Emirates will gradually increase its operations to London Heathrow, and by the middle of October, the airline will have restored its operations to six daily flights, of which four will be served by the A380. The multiple daily flights served by the airline’s flagship A380 will provide significant connection opportunities to one of the highest demand leisure and business markets in the world. For Emirates customers wishing to travel to the UK, the airline has optimised schedules to create the best connection options from its network, particularly across major cities in Africa like Johannesburg, Cape Town and Lusaka, and in West Asia including Karachi, Islamabad, among other cities. Emirates currently flies to 12 cities in the United States on over 70 weekly …