Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline. Expected to welcome its first guests in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline and a new buzzing, urban escape in the cosmopolitan city. “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.” His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector”. Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw …

Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Lex Delles, Minister for Tourism, Dr Sebastian Reddeker, CEO of Luxembourg for Tourism and Mr. François Lafont, CEO of Luxembourg Convention Bureau and Glenn Johnston – Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs Aviareps, a special workshop was held for the travel trade focusing on MICE and events titled, “Inspiring Travel and Meeting Experiences in Luxembourg. There were 10 partners from various areas who showcased their offerings over the B2B meetings whereas the Luxembourg tourism and the Convention bureau presented their many offerings especially dedicated to the MICE sector. This was one of the events carried out during the special week dedicated for tourism. In the context of the World Expo 2020, HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Minister for Tourism and Minister for the Middle Classes, Lex Delles, led a tourism promotion mission to Dubai and participating from 6 to 8 November 2021 in the “Luxembourg Tourism Days” as well as the “Made in Luxembourg” week closing ceremony. A delegation with various tourism actors, as well as the national tourism promotion agency, Luxembourg for Tourism, and the Luxembourg Convention Bureau, the official representative of the Grand Duchy for the promotion of professional events, will accompany HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Lex Delles to Dubai. Luxembourg’s presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai represents a unique opportunity to promote the tourism assets and know-how of Luxembourg companies. In this context, the Directorate General for Tourism will organise the “Luxembourg Tourism Days” from 8 to 10 November within the Luxembourg pavilion in Dubai, which will include the setting up of a village of stands with various exhibitors from the tourism sector to …

flynas announced its latest flights expansion including the first ever direct international flights into AlUla International Airport. Starting from 19th November 2021, the first international routes into AlUla will take off from Dubai and Kuwait. Domestic routes added as part of the expansion include Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. The announcement marks the first time that international travellers will enjoy direct access to one of the most significant archeological and historical sites in the world. The first flight to AlUla will be inaugurated on 19th November 2021, from Dubai International Airport during a special ceremony that will celebrate the history and heritage of AlUla and promote flynas’ award-winning air travel services. Commenting on this milestone, CEO at flynas Mr. Bander Almohanna said, “We are excited to make AlUla more accessible to all travellers in the region, a destination that is truly unique and never fails to impress even the most experienced travellers.” He then added, “We are confident that our partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla will be one of many contributing factors to achieving the ambitious targets of Saudi Vision 2030 advancing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global tourism destination.” Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer for Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) commented, “For millennia, AlUla has been a crossroads of civilisations. Our ancient oasis has welcomed travellers and settlers to share commodities, ideas and build communities. Today is a huge milestone for AlUla as we will once again be on the international travellers route. Visitors can directly access AlUla with flynas direct flights from Dubai and Kuwait we look to introducing more visitors to the monumentality of the destination.” The first flight on …

Emirates and Garuda Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a codeshare partnership between both airlines. The new partnership allows customers of the world’s largest international airline, based in Dubai, and the flag carrier of Indonesia to enjoy seamless connectivity on new routes across the Americas, Middle East, Africa and Europe. In addition to expanding the breadth of each airline’s networks, with travel made possible on a single ticket, Emirates and Garuda Indonesia will also explore opportunities to cooperate on their respective frequent flyer programmes, to enable customers of both airlines to earn and redeem loyalty points for reward tickets, upgrades and other exclusive benefits. Subject to required regulatory approvals, the codeshare agreement is expected to come into effect from January 2022, with customer benefits to include seamless booking, ticketing, one baggage policy and check-through to the final destination in addition to travel benefits across 18 routes on both airlines’ networks. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said: “We are pleased to forge a codeshare partnership with Garuda Indonesia to provide our customers with access to additional destinations in Indonesia and which also allows them to enjoy seamless and convenient connectivity to eight domestic destinations to and from Dubai and to our global network through Jakarta, and three destinations through Denpasar. Indonesia is an important market for Emirates and our partnership with Garuda Indonesia is testament to Emirates’ commitment to continuously strengthen our network, and complement our offering. Through the expanded, combined network of both airlines, we are able to offer our customers a more seamless experience through check-in, bag check and boarding on every leg of their journey, all with a single ticket. We look forward …

Oman Air has launched a suite of new services for passengers arriving and departing Muscat International Airport. Available for purchase, the add-ons are part of the airline’s commitment to offer more choice of services and convenience to Oman Air passengers while at the airport, regardless of ticket class. “As a premium airline with a long list of award-winning products and services, easing the airport journey was the natural next step in providing more flexibility and convenience for our guests,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi. “Enhanced add-ons are a great way for our guests to sample different services and discover those that best suit their travel needs—whether an expedited check-in, premium lounge experience, or dedicated fast track lane through passport control and security.” The new services are operated by TAV OS and are currently available for purchase online at omanair.com Primeclass Meet & Greet Arrival When arriving to Muscat International Airport, Meet & Greet Arrivals provides a quick, easy and expedient airport check-out. Passengers are greeted at their arrival gate and escorted through fast track passport control and customs to the main arrivals area. Service also includes buggy transfer to the Primeclass Lounge for light refreshments, dedicated porter at baggage carousels, and personal escort to ground transportation or pick-up point.   Primeclass Meet & Greet Departure When departing Muscat International Airport, Meet & Greet Departures offers expedited check-in at Departures Gate A (First and Business Class Gate) followed by fast track escort through immigration and security and through the airport to flight boarding gate. Service also includes dedicated curbside assistance, complimentary 3-hour access to the Primeclass Lounge, buggy transfer, and personal porter to assist with bags. …

The flight to Moscow will operate daily services, four times a week on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday (in December 2021 and January2022), ramping up to seven days a week in February. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and WIZZ mobile app with fares starting as low as 49.99 EUR *. The UAE has long been a popular travel destination for those in Russia, and vice versa. The Moscow route brings Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to a total of 33 announced flight destinations, since it launched operations in January 2021. The airline has been going from strength to strength after travel restrictions in and out of the UAE’s capital were eased in September 2021. This latest route addition connects Abu Dhabi International Airport to Moscow and provides affordable travel opportunities for both business and leisure travellers between the UAE and Russia. This new service allows travellers to experience each of the capitals’ rich cultures and history with a convenient WIZZ flight schedule Speaking at the Wings of the Future conference in Moscow today, József Váradi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Wizz Air said: “Today’s announcement underlines our commitment to bringing a growing number of low-fare opportunities for Russian travellers, and importantly, Wizz Air’s long-term strategic interest in the Russian market. With this new route, we are looking forward to opening up a Middle Eastern gem to Russian travellers, while allowing them to experience our high-quality on the young and sustainable fleet of our newest national airline, Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. It is with excitement and great pleasure that I welcome passengers on board this new route.” Dmitry Saprykin, Director General of Vnukovo International Airport JSC, said “On behalf of Vnukovo …

Hyatt announced that a Hyatt affiliate has entered into a management agreement with The Red Sea Development Company for a 430-room Grand Hyatt hotel on Shaura Island, the hub of the ambitious Red Sea Project on Saudi Arabia’s west coast. The luxury resort hotel will represent the largest of 11 hotels set to open on the island and will occupy a prime position within this innovative tourist development. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be the second Grand Hyatt hotel in the Kingdom and the seventh Grand Hyatt hotel in the Middle East, marking an important milestone in Hyatt’s growth strategy in the region. Slated to open as part of phase one of the Red Sea Project, the property will be designed to reflect the bold and vibrant luxury synonymous with the Grand Hyatt brand, featuring sophisticated design, materials and decor inspired by the iconic elements present in the destination. Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will feature a striking architectural “coral bloom” design, a unique concept that resembles a bloom of coral in the sea from above, that will offer a sense of luxury that blends seamlessly with the natural environment. A tasteful mix of suites and large standard rooms will provide guests with a comfortable and upscale place from which to explore the area’s diverse ecosystem and endless attractions. World-class food and beverage venues and the wider amenities of the hub island, which will include a marina and an 18-hole championship golf course, will complete the luxury hotel experience within a breathtaking setting. Located in close proximity to the soon to be developed Red Sea International Airport, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea will be easily accessible from both international …

Global travel management company FCM is inviting corporate travel managers to experience a preview of its new proprietary platform. Developed in response to a rapidly evolving business travel landscape, this latest initiative reflects the company’s accelerated investment in next-generation technology to address the future requirements of a multi-national customer base that stretches over 100 countries. Following a successful and productive testing phase, demos are now being offered to prospective clients. “As the world has changed, so have the challenges our clients face too. With geographically dispersed operations and a remote workforce the new norm, our travel management solution has been purposely designed for the digitally savvy workforce, offering a powerful suite of digital tools and dashboards that puts travel managers, arrangers, and travellers firmly in control,” said Marcus Eklund, FCM’s Managing Director. “We are excited to offer the global business travel community a first-look of our proprietary platform while introducing a few of its many innovative features.” Over the past 24 months, FCM worked with a representative cross-section of clients from different sectors and varying sizes and budgets, garnering feedback to help shape the new travel platform. This has resulted in a slick user experience delivering global consistency where needed, while offering a superior level of choice and flexibility that is built around their individual needs. “While it was important that we identified and addressed current pain points, it was even more critical that we future-proofed our offerings by anticipating and delivering the most adaptable business travel technology in the market. It has truly been a collaborative effort,” added Eklund.  FCM is keeping specific details around the full capabilities of the new omni-channel platform under wraps; however, those signing up …

The fourth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards will take place on 21st November 2021 at Le Meridien Hotel and conference center in Garhoud. This year is special as they prepare to applaud the heroes of the industry of travel, tourism and hospitality. It will be a night of celebration for all those who strived under the pandemic to not just keep their heads above water but to make a difference in the new normal. Recovery of the industry is foremost in the Middle East region, hence the pent up demand and the traveler sentiments have changed vastly over the past almost two years. This years’ awards are special as it has been a rollercoaster journey which had some of the most daring and extreme risk circumstances. Mentally to keep people motivated to stay in environments where it may not be all that conducive due to various factors which gave a new face to the industry. The whole industry had to unlearn certain factors and relearn, rethink and restrategise the way forward. San Jeet Director Arabian Travel Awards shares, “Arabian Travel Awards this year will hold a special place for each individual and company that will carry one home with them as it is a momentum of their hardships and challenges which led them to overcome to the best of their ability. Applications are still open to vote for those in the industry and who has been in the forefront promoting and proactively working during the pandemic and beyond as of today. Currently, borders  are slowly and steadily opening and there is a demand from travelers, those who did not travel before covid are now willing to travel, those who …

Emirates announced that it will reintroduce flights to Algiers, Algeria from 9 November. Flights from Dubai to Algiers will operate twice a week. The resumption of flights to Algiers boosts Emirates’ African network to 21 destinations, and represents a full restoration of the airline’s operations into North Africa. With the easing of travel restrictions, and the acceleration of passenger demand, the airline is advancing its plans to expand its presence across Africa, and will operate 116 weekly flights into the continent with the addition of Algiers. Customers flying to and from Algiers can safely fly to Dubai and enjoy convenient onwards connections to Europe, the Middle East, the Americas and West Asia. Emirates will operate to Algiers with two weekly flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays and the return flight to Dubai will be linked with Tunis. EK 757 will depart Dubai at 0930hrs, arriving in Algiers at 1400hrs. EK 758 will depart Algiers at 1700hrs, stopping in Tunis at 1820hrs. The flight will continue to Dubai, taking off at 1920hrs from Tunis, arriving in Dubai at 0355hrs the next day. Tickets can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, Emirates sales offices, via travel agents as well as online travel agents. Flexibility and Assurance: Emirates continues to lead the industry with innovative products and services and recently took its customer care initiatives further with even more generous and flexible booking policies, which have been extended to 31 May 2022. It has also extended its multi-risk insurance cover, and is helping loyal customers retain their miles and tier status. Dubai and Expo 2020: Since it safely resumed tourism activity in July, Dubai remains one of the world’s most popular holiday destinations, …