IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a Management Agreement with Al Rabea Hotels and Trading Co. for Holiday Inn Najran – a conversion property in Najran city in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The hotel is returning to the IHG family having operated as a Holiday Inn hotel from 1995 to 2015. With this signing, IHG is continues to diversify its portfolio in the country to cater to a new segment of travellers, while aligning with the government’s growth plan for secondary cities across the Kingdom. The new hotel is expected to be fully rebranded by end of 2023, with completion across two phases. Located in the heart of Najran city, Holiday Inn Najran boasts of a stunning setting, surrounded by a lush landscape of trees and overlooking the mountains. Located 20 kms from the city centre and 18 kms from the airport, the hotel will be easily accessible by the visitors. Following the renovation and rebranding, the hotel with 87-keys will offer 82 well-appointed rooms and five villas for business and leisure travelers, complemented by recreational facilities including an outdoor pool, a gym, a sauna and a steam and jacuzzi. In addition, the hotel will offer various dining options including an all-day dining, a coffee shop, a lobby lounge and a poolside lounge. Business guests will also have access to four spacious meeting rooms equipped for casual meetings to formal presentations. Speaking on the announcement, Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said: “It is our great pleasure to welcome back Al Rabea Hotels and Trading Co to the IHG family, and once again establish our presence in the city of Najran. As IHG …

During 2021, the Sharjah Airport Authority intensified efforts to strengthen its ambitious goals at various levels — launching numerous services and operations, attracting new airlines, initiating major programs, and strengthening partnerships, as part of Sharjah Airport’s ambitions to cement its position on the global travel map and achieve greater success. Last year, the Sharjah Airport served over 7 million passengers with more than 57 thousand aircraft movements, with an approximate number of 1.2 million passengers recorded in December, which is consistent with the pre-pandemic levels. The numbers are indicative of recovery efforts and a promising travel season ahead amidst the highest precautionary measures and increased passenger confidence in the market. The volume of cargo handled during 2021 reached over 140,717 tons, while the volume of sea-air cargo reached 18,696 tons, representing a 22.27% increase from 2019. HE Ali Salim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Airport Authority, said: “Despite various challenges, Sharjah Airport achieved numerous achievements in 2021, reinforcing its position in the global aviation industry. These achievements can be attributed to the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of the Executive Council, that have shaped it to become one of the best regional airports.” “The airport has a high degree of flexibility with regard to applying new travel requirements to enhance safety of passengers and staff, while continuing to expand and develop a proactive strategy based on innovative solutions, sophisticated infrastructure, and young talents,” His Excellency added. For his part, His Excellency Sheikh Faisal …

VisitOman.om, the Sultanate of Oman’s online travel booking gateway for trade partners, has officially launched its booking engine commercially. As the global travel and tourism sector prepares to return to full strength in 2022, VisitOman.om aims to connect the world with Oman’s beauty by offering a full Omani travel experience through sustainable partnerships. VisitOman.om is the country’s first authorized integrated digital platform designed specifically to serve the international travel industry. The advanced digital platform   offers Business to Business (B2B) partners an innovative solution for inbound travel trade, making it easier to plan, book, and build packages to showcase the full potential of Oman to the world. Shabib Al Maamari, Visit Oman Managing Director, said, “Our goal is to set uniform standards for regulated routes, trip package inclusions, pricing, clear terms and conditions, and well-defined customer service agreements. The platform offers stimulating business opportunities for our network of partners, while delivering on our aim to drive tourism to Oman and support Oman’s position among global travel and tourism markets in line with the National Tourism Strategy 2040.” A win-win proposition for travel trade partners Featuring advanced digital technology, the platform brings all tourism suppliers together for trade partners in key markets around the world to guarantee instant confirmations for all bookings and create a seamless travel experience, building a complete itinerary from the moment guests board the plane to Oman to the moment they leave. Creating a bespoke trip of a lifetime The VisitOman.om team visits operators and suppliers across the country to be able to recommend unique experiences to clients. Whether it is a traditional cooking lesson on a remote mountain, a custom tour or an exclusive experience, the platform …

The highly anticipated JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh will make its debut in Riyadh’s new commercial and business district early Q2 of 2022, giving guests a new paradigm of five-star experiences to enjoy. Occupying the most coveted address in the capital, and a stone’s throw away from King Abdullah Financial District, the new property will stand tall amongst the skyscrapers of the city. Spanning 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites, unrivaled world-class dining outlets- both for the meat lovers, the environmentally conscious and the night owls- as well as exceptional facilities, including business, and wellness, the flagship hotel will exude the brand philosophy of warmth, presence, and unity through every corner and detail, from design to service. Opening just in time for the summer, JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh is totted to be home to a lap of luxury, style, and comfort where guests can look forward to a transformative and elevated stay.

From complimentary watersports to an art gallery housing maritime-themed and purpose-made sculptures for yachts, from a high-end supercar showcase to a luxury hospitality pop-up hangout, the 28th Dubai International Boat Show – now open at Dubai Harbour – features a wide range of immersive, engaging community activities to ensure the Middle East’s largest and most-popular leisure marine event provides something for everyone. Running until 13th March, this year’s multi-faceted show is built to attract visitors from across a broad spectrum of interests. Adding to an incredible display of cutting-edge products from more than 800 nautical brands such as Al Ghanim Marine, Iguana Yachts, and Seakeeper Inc, the five-day spectacular also features various leisure-focused activities and a range of exclusive launches, including Proudly UAE – a show-wide campaign spotlighting the best homegrown marine lifestyle talent. Watersports Paradise by watersports experts SS Marine is offering complimentary kayaking, paddle boarding and other sessions. With tonnes of child-friendly activations to encourage increased learning about the leisure marine industry, the Kids Area provides entertainment and fun for younger maritime minds. Luxury resort and spa Nikki Beach is providing a space to relax and unwind throughout the show, with a mouth-watering menu of food and beverages, stunning views of Ain Dubai, and exclusive pop-up F&B options to ensure visitors can enjoy a sundowner or a few bites while basking in the blissful surroundings. Visitors keen to dive into casual dining options can also enjoy various other food and snack options. The ever-popular Black Tap offers a fresh twist on the classic NYC burger joint, while House of Pop’s 100% natural ice and Moshi’s fusion of momo and sushi is also available on site. Recognising the UAE-wide …

This winter, the eyes of the world will fall on Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the first ever to be held in an Arab country. This international football tournament is scheduled to run from 21 November to 18 December, 2022. Despite being over half a year away, we are already seeing a surge in travel intent to Qatar over that period. Here is the initial look at Sojern’s data for World Cup travel. Searches to Qatar for the World Cup in November is Growing We looked at the top travel dates for the next 12 months from our flight search event data in the last 14 days, for Qatar. Even in February, we see a higher interest to travel this November compared to last year, the period that covers the tournament. We expect this trend to continue and grow as the schedule of matches unfolds and we get closer to the World Cup.   Flight searches to Qatar in the last 14 days, by future travel date     Latin American Countries Some of the Top Origins Looking for Travel to Qatar When we look at the top origin markets interested in travel to Qatar, it is dominated by the Latin American (LATAM) region. LATAM is a region that is widely considered to be full of football fanatics. For the most part, this region never features in Qatar’s top origins. When we compare flight search trends from early January 2021 with what we saw for January 2022, you’ll see top origins are dominated by LATAM countries overtaking other regions starting at the end of 2021 into early 2022.   Travel intent to Qatar by region When we zoom …

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is announcing a partnership with UAE-based dnata Travel to unveil new experiences and tailor-made offers to Mauritius for UAE holiday makers in 2022, with travel to the island nation in demand across the emirates. Experts at dnata Travel – the UAE’s longest-standing travel provider – are revealing that travel bookings to the Indian Ocean island have doubled in 2022 so far, in comparison to booking figures in Q4 2021, when Mauritius fully-reopened for tourism post the pandemic, following a partial re-opening in the summer. As demand for travel continues to increase, representatives from the official tourism authority of the Republic of Mauritius are identifying the UAE as an important growth market for tourism, and revealing plans to attract even more travellers from the emirates this year. Arvind Bundhun, Director at Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, commented: “We have always seen strong demand for travel to Mauritius from the UAE and it remains one of the most important source markets for us globally, while our countries share strong cultural ties. In 2022, we are partnering with dnata Travel to bring our experiences closer to UAE travellers than ever before, as we work to create tailor-made itineraries focused on families, romance, and those seeking grand, All-Inclusive offerings.” Representatives from the MTPA detail the top considerations for travellers booking holidays to Mauritius in 2022 so far, from the UAE and across the world, to be a want for new and immersive experiences, a balance of relaxation and outdoor activities, and sustainable travel options, all-important elements of the country’s tourism offering. Emily Jenkins, General Manager of dnata Travel Leisure, added: “Traveller demand from the UAE to Mauritius continues to …

Etihad Airways has announced a new European destination this summer with the introduction of flights to the French city of Nice from 15 June. The twice-weekly service will operate on Wednesdays and Sundays between Abu Dhabi and Nice Côte d’Azur Airport on a modern Boeing 787 aircraft, one of the most fuel efficient aircraft in the world. Situated on the southeastern coast of France, Nice is renowned for its famous waterfront, with a scenic seven-kilometre walkway known as the ‘Promenade des Anglais’. The city was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. “As one of the most popular destinations on the French Riviera, Etihad Airways is delighted to add Nice to its summer network in 2022,” said Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo. “This is the first time Etihad will be operating flights to Nice and Etihad is confident it will appeal to a broad range of leisure travellers looking to satisfy their wanderlust this summer.” Nice is the fifth summer route to be announced by Etihad Airways for 2022 after Crete, Malaga, Santorini and Zanzibar, all set to to launch in mid-June.  

Emirates has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau recently at the Emirates Group Headquarters in Dubai. The agreement reaffirms the airline’s commitment to Sri Lanka and outlines mutually beneficial initiatives that will help revive the country’s trade and tourism industry. The MoU was signed by Ahmed Khoory, Emirates’ SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean, and Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. The agreement was signed in the presence of H.E. Malraj De Silva, Ambassador Sri Lanka Embassy, Hon Prasanna Ranatunga, Minister of Tourism Sri Lanka, Hon D.V. Chanaka, State Minister Sri Lanka Aviation, and Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer. Ahmed Khoory, SVP Commercial West Asia & Indian Ocean at Emirates, said: “Sri Lanka remains a very key market in Emirates’ global network and the agreement signed today underscores our unwavering commitment to the country.  We launched operations to Colombo more than 35 years ago, and our partnership continues to grow from strength to strength. We look forward to exploring mutually beneficial initiatives that will help revive the nation’s trade and tourism sectors, and provide Emirates with an opportunity to serve market demand.” Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, said: ‘Sri Lanka is a beautiful island destination and strategic partners such as Emirates is key to drive Sri Lanka’s travel and tourism industry. Therefore this partnership is vital for us to explore and capitalise opportunities that emerge and to open up     beautiful avenues to establish brand awareness and perceived quality in the global tourism market. Thus we are excited about the partnership and also grateful for all the support Emirates has extended us during the three decades of …

Majid Al Futtaim, the premier shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia has launched its first hybrid digital food hall concept at City Centre Me’aisem. Combining digital and physical dining experiences, Halla Food allows guests to order from multiple virtual restaurants with a single online transaction. The opening of this hybrid concept demonstrates how Majid Al Futtaim is at the forefront of digital transformation and is embracing technology and innovation to meet the expectations of today’s dynamic and digital-savvy consumers. Spanning less that 3,000 sq foot, Halla Food consists of a single cloud kitchen, seven homegrown F&B concepts and a 34-seater restaurant. Using cutting-edge technology and automation, the hybrid model provides guests with a seamless and contactless digital experience from end-to-end. Customers can conveniently order their food online on voxcinemas.com, through delivery apps (Deliveroo, Talabat and Zomato) or at the physical location by scanning a QR code or using the self-serve kiosks. They also have the option to have food delivered directly to their door or collect it at the self-service pick-up cubbies and dine-in. Halla Food boasts a wide variety of F&B concepts including existing brands such as VOX Cinemas’ Candy Bar, Top Bun, Kitchen 35, Pizza Al Taglio and Nutella as well as exciting new additions including Epic Byrd, a fried chicken restaurant, and Akl El Beyt, which specialises in Lebanese home cooking. Later this year, it will be adding to its offering and joining forces with third party F&B outlets so guests can enjoy an even wider variety of cuisines. Halla Food also plans to expand its presence with additional locations planned for later this year. Marc Matar, Vice President, …