Dubai Harbour, an extraordinary seafront district, welcomed the arrival of its first cruise passengers comprising approximately 1,200 passengers and 600 crew members aboard the 252-metre-long Cruise Ship AIDAbella. Operated by AIDA Cruises, the maiden call of the AIDAbella at the Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal marks the start of the cruise season at Dubai Harbour and the official debut of the region’s most modern and largest, standalone dedicated twin cruise terminal centre in the Eastern hemisphere, capable of the simultaneous handling of two of the largest cruise ships currently operating globally. As the owning-company and curator of Dubai Harbour, the diversified investment firm Shamal Holding is the driving force behind making Dubai Harbour an exceptional seafront district. Dubai’s 2021-2022 season, which commenced in October, is expected to welcome 126 ship calls and over 500,000 cruise visitors, contributing further to the momentum of Dubai’s tourism recovery. More than 150,000 passengers are forecast to visit Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal in its first season. Located at the centre of modern Dubai, Dubai Harbour is within easy reach from the city’s key landmarks – including the Burj Al Arab, Ain Dubai, Bluewaters Island, and Palm Jumeirah, giving cruise passengers easy access to some of the world’s most iconic experiences. The cruise terminals, which are part of the incredible Dubai Harbour development, showcase the spectacular and beautiful Dubai harbour skyline to our guests and offer a wide array of amenities and services for passengers and crew – from ample seating areas to washrooms, currency exchange outlets, ATMs, cafes, retail outlets, Duty-Free, dedicated parking, taxi stands and much more. All facilities are wheelchair accessible and complimentary WIFI is enabled for passengers and crew to stay connected. Abdulla …

Tourism Ireland invited key travel trade CEO’s, Golf Society Captains and influential Expats who take golf holidays, to participate in our Tourism Ireland Golf tournament on the 22nd November in Dubai Creek Golf Club following the DP World Tour Championship. Eight island of Ireland industry participated along with golf representatives from TNI and FI who were in market for Tourism Ireland’s Golf Ireland stand at the DP World Tour Championship . The aim is to highlight the Island of Ireland as a world-class golf destination to people in the region. Siobhan McManamy was in attendance.

Accor is expanding its footprint in Egypt with the opening of Movenpick Living and Residences in Cairo. Once open the property will feature 150 serviced apartments and 40 branded residences. The Group is partnering with Al Bourouj Misr Development, which operations started in 2012, with a visionary approach towards strategically responding to the diverse and evolving real estate market in Egypt, by offering a sustainable and diverse mix within a real estate portfolio comprised of construction and real estate developments of mixed-use contemporary, residential and commercial developments through its subsidiaries. “It is with great pride that we announce the inking of a partnership with Movenpick for one of the foremost iconic real estate projects by our company” mentioned Mohamed Assy, Vice Chairman of Al Bourouj Misr Development. “Our collaboration with Accor is a continuation to the company’s commitment of working hand in hand with reputed international brands to redefine the lifestyle of the new capital. We are confident that Sixty iconic tower with its modern and outstanding architectural design will be the first choice for those seeking uniqueness and tranquility in a next generation focal point of the business and financial district that is set to be Egypt’s most sought business and lifestyle destination.” The new Movenpick Living & Residences will be located in the New Capital City (NCC), Egypt, which features hospitality, residential, entertainment, commercial, retail components and government entities, including the presidential palace, parliament, cabinet, Supreme Court, all ministries of Egypt and various foreign embassies.   “This is a very exciting project for Accor in Egypt”, says Mark Willis CEO of Accor India, Turkey, Middle East, and Africa. “This new addition will be introducing a unique offering to …

Deutsche Hospitality continues to establish its growing portfolio in the Middle East with the opening of the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront on 25 November 2021. On the occasion of this opening, the hotel group joined forces with the hotel management company Valor Hospitality Partners. The IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront thus becomes Deutsche Hospitality’s first franchised hotel in the Middle East. It will offer benefits such as a buzzing, centralised location and award-winning service to both leisure visitors and business travellers. “The Middle East has always been an exciting and ever-growing market,” says Marcus Bernhardt, CEO Deutsche Hospitality. “We are already operating 19 properties in the Middle East and will continue to expand the presence of our brands in the future. Establishing our first franchised property with such an accomplished partner as Valor Hospitality Partners opens up further opportunities for us in this regard as well.” Situated on Al Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, the hotel features a total of 138 Superior and Premium rooms. The roof terrace will feature a pool complex complete with an AquaLounge and a dedicated children’s pool area. Further facilities include gyms, contemporary style restaurants and a Bistro Lounge. The property’s striking interior design concept bears the signature features of Italian architect Matteo Thun, as can be seen at all latest generation IntercityHotel properties across the world. The uniquely placed hotel also allows guests to choose their own means of travel with easy and efficient access to the Dubai Metro, main roads, or boat rides across the Creek. Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality, comments: “We are tremendously excited to introduce the IntercityHotel Dubai Jaddaf Waterfront. Located at the heart of Dubai, nestled between the historical …

Emirates and airBaltic are starting codeshare cooperation that will open new, seamless travel opportunities. airBaltic customers will benefit from convenient access to Emirates’ worldwide network via its hub in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. At the same time, Emirates passengers will have more possibilities to travel to the Baltic sea region. Martin Gauss, President and CEO of airBaltic: “Emirates is a truly global connectivity provider, and we are excited to start a new partnership alongside direct flights between Riga and Dubai which we commenced in September. The new partnership will enable our passengers to  reach new exciting destinations in Asia, Australia and beyond.” Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We’re very pleased to announce a new partnership with airBaltic, the leading airline in the Baltics, which enables us to offer Emirates customers even more travel choices and connectivity in the Baltic region. It will also open up Emirates’ exciting network of global destinations to more travellers from the Baltics. We look forward to the start of a successful partnership.” airBaltic performs all of its flights with the most modern and environmentally friendly Airbus A220-300 jets, offering affordable and flexible Economy class tickets as well as a full Business class service. A complete schedule of airBaltic flights can be found on the company’s homepage at www.airbaltic.com. Health and safety: The safety and health of our passengers is airBaltic’s top priority. airBaltic has introduced strong health measures and the flight operations follow the recommendations issued by authorities. To read more about the airBaltic health measures, please visit airBaltic website: https://www.airbaltic.com/en/health-measures. airBaltic asks its passengers to strictly follow all of the rules and regulations issued by the relevant authorities. Passengers are strongly suggested …

On the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) request, on November 19, 2021, the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) “has approved in principle the entry of fully vaccinated tourists from Green List countries/territories/jurisdictions,” according to guidelines that may be finalised and approved by the IATF-EID. The IATF has tasked the Special Technical Working Group on Travel with promptly developing such standards for final approval. The proposal to enable leisure travel from ‘green countries’, or those identified as low-risk countries by the Department of Health (DOH) (https://mirror.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2021/11nov/20211111-IATF-Resolution-148A.pdf), will be subject to strict limitations, according to Berna Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT). Only fully vaccinated individuals with vaccines recognised by the country’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under an Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) or those authorised by the World Health Organisation would be allowed entry. Puyat also notes that this is a welcome development as other countries have already reopened their borders to international leisure travellers. Separately, the DOT will collaborate with the Small Technical Working Group on Travel on a proposal called ‘Vaccinated Travel Lanes or Bubbles’, which would be a special programme for vaccinated tourists from yellow-list countries who would be allowed to enter the country under certain restrictions and conditions. “Allowing tourists from green countries or territories that have the majority of its population vaccinated and with low infection rate will greatly help in our recovery efforts, increasing tourist arrivals and receipts among others. This move will likewise aid in bolstering consumer confidence, which is a large contributor to our gross domestic product or GDP growth. Our ASEAN neighbours, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia also did the same. We believe …

Following the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) decision to reduce the quarantine period for travellers from both green and yellow list countries, or those with low and medium infections, the tourism chief made the announcement. The Department of Tourism (DOT) has been working to shorten the quarantine period for inbound tourists, particularly those who are fully vaccinated, since May 2021. Vaccinated travellers can leave quarantine facilities as early as five days after their arrival, while unvaccinated tourists can depart seven days after their arrival, according to the IATF resolution. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers must have negative RT-PCR Covid-19 test results taken on the fifth and seventh days following arrival, respectively. Travellers can then finish the rest of their quarantine at home. However, the DOT underlined that general inbound tourism remains prohibited. Returning Filipinos and balikbayans, their families, and foreigners with valid visas are the only inbound passengers who are eligible. Arrivals from all countries and territories on the government’s green and yellow lists, as well as locations with low or medium infection levels, are exempt from the new limitations. Bermuda is the sole country on the government’s red list of high-risk countries, which prohibits inbound travel. “The reduction of the mandatory quarantine period for inbound travellers is an encouraging development for the country’s tourism industry. The easing of travel restrictions, particularly quarantine protocols, is a promising development as we inch closer to our goal of making the prospect of travel more appealing to our potential visitors. The faster we are able to adjust to this situation, the faster we can bounce back better and regain our position in the global tourism market. This …

Under the theme ‘Smart Tourism and Global Challenges’, the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum (SITTF) gathered entrepreneurs and experts in travel and tourism in the UAE and from around the globe, to share inspiring insights, and future plans to help recover and drive the global tourism industry in a post-COVID world. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the forum was held on November 24 at Al Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre. The event was opened by HE. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority. “The global tourism sector is preparing for a new phase of growth where countries are employing new products and allocating deep budgets for its promotion and development. A major component to drive this growth will be the development of Smart Tourism, by immersing digital and technological innovations in this sector. In a recent study, 84% travelers themselves have stated that technology will help increase their confidence in travelling,” said Guest of Honour at the event, HE. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Small and Medium Enterprises. “The UAE is already employing the latest in digital technology across sectors, and in particular to support the travel sector. We have deployed the 5G connectivity, and have so far trained 100,000 programmers to support businesses. We hope to continue this drive and reach new horizons and expand to new sectors.” He highlighted the importance of calculated and detailed development strategy in the tourism sector using digital technologies to accelerate and attract visitor experience. “We …

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) officially unveiled its vision for Diriyah Square, the commercial heart of its 190 Billion SAR [50 Billion USD] Diriyah giga-project on the edge of Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – scheduled to be open by 2024. Bringing together wonderful experiences for young and old, Diriyah Square is the gathering place  of the Diriyah masterplan hosting 450+ of the world’s finest global retail brands, complemented by an additional 100 authentic local Saudi artisan souks. The district will deliver a complete lifestyle offering; from leisure and entertainment, ultra-luxurious hotels, and places to work and live – all within an iconic destination steeped in heritage, culture, and promise.  Diriyah is the Birthplace of the Kingdom, centered around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, and is the site of the First Saudi State. Diriyah Square provides an uncompromisingly bold destination, breaking the status quo and setting it apart from the traditional retail competitors. Looking beyond the vision of Diriyah Square,  DGDA will partner with leading international brands to ensure their expectations are exceeded. Diriyah Square’s vision rests on three key values: Authenticity, Future and Place. AUTHENTICITY – The Diriyah Square project will faithfully apply timeless Najdi-inspired architecture and design principles, which no other project of this scale has ever done before. This will ensure the project is immediately recognizable and provides a distinct proposition for the region while remaining true to the Kingdom’s heritage and vision. FUTURE – Diriyah Square is a bold and ambitious project – creating an exciting future whilst being anchored by the past. Underpinned by state of the art infrastructure, above and below ground, a thriving Najd village will deliver an urban, walkable city …

Wego announced that it has partnered with EXPO 2020 and is an authorized ticket reseller for the event. The joint campaign will see Wego promoting the event across all its marketing channels. Wego will be working on compelling stories and tailored videos covering things to do and explore at the event including a detailed guide for the event to generate awareness around EXPO 2020. It will also include emails and push notifications to Wego’s vast customer base in the MENA region enticing them to visit the world’s most awaited event. The campaign will run online until the 31st of March, where Wego provides the users with a range of tickets that they can book from through its application and website under the activities section. Travellers from any part of the world can seamlessly book a 1 day ticket, multi day pass entry as well as season’s pass. Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director, MENA and India, Wego, said: “EXPO 2020 is the first global event that will draw a new path for the return of the global economy to what it was before the pandemic and boost the tourism industry. We’re proud to partner with EXPO 2020 and offer our users a chance to visit this remarkable event.” EXPO 2020 is an event that the world was awaiting, and it represents a benchmark for the most prominent events in light of the pandemic, which in turn will contribute to a significant increase in the tourism recovery in the region. Through this collaboration, Wego aims to increase the number of visitors to the event. For the month of October, Wego has rewarded its users with a free EXPO 2020 ticket when they booked a …