Global Village concluded Season 26 on May 7, 2022, welcoming a record-breaking 7.8 million guests to the heart of wonder since its opening on October 26, 2021. Global Village has evolved into a top destination for exceptional multicultural and entertainment offerings that raise the bar for regional and global guest experiences. As the UAE became one of the most sought-after destinations with millions of tourists arriving to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, Global Village’s action-packed season brought together an exciting line-up of shows, festivals, events and live concerts. Due to popular demand, the park extended Season 26, allowing guests to enjoy Eid Al Fitr festivities for the first time in its history. The longest season ever, Global Village was open for 194 days, four days more than its previous record. Bader Anwahi, Chief Executive Officer at Global Village, said: “Global Village has been a unique cultural destination for guests from across the globe for more than two decades; we are proud to contribute to cementing Dubai as a global hub for entertainment and tourism. Anwahi added: “We also strive to contribute to the economy by supporting local entrepreneurs and attracting international businesses to Dubai. This year, 60% of our partners were new to Global Village, which keeps our offering fresh and our guests coming back season after season. The improvements we made and our focus on guest experience led to over 90% of guests declaring their intent to revisit this season. We also continue to make progress with our digital transformation plans using advanced data analytics, behind-the-scenes IoT and AI technologies to better understand our guests, strengthen our infrastructure and improve efficiencies.” Digital Transformations Aligning with the Global Village’s commitment to …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has captured the imaginations of both market leaders and emerging players in the region’s inbound and outbound travel industry, as it announced two new mega projects in the luxury hospitality sector at the 29th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre until May 12. Alongside these global announcements, three of Shurooq’s latest projects in luxury hospitality that are making eco-tourism in the region more appealing than ever, also made their ATM debut. Raising Sharjah’s profile as a leading destination in the region for heritage-inspired travel, the first Shurooq project which made a global debut on the ATM 2022 stage is: The Serai Wing, Bait Khalid bin Ibrahim – a pearl merchant’s 19th century family home in the Heart of Sharjah district, which Shurooq is converting into a modern 12-key boutique wing of The Chedi Al Bait. Launched by Shurooq in 2017 and managed by GHM Hotels, The Chedi Al Bait, Sharjah, is a 53-key hotel offering luxurious Emirati hospitality and bespoke experiences. Scheduled for completion in Q4 of 2022, the property will provide unique insights into traditional Emirati life, taking guests on a journey through the home of a family living in Sharjah, as it was, over 100 years ago. Alongside world-class accommodation and hospitality, additional guest attractions include access to the facilities of the Chedi Al Bait Hotel and access to Heart of Sharjah’s souqs and heritage areas. The second project Shurooq unveiled is the Najd Al Meqsar Village. Nestled in the mountainous terrains of the picturesque coastal city of Khorfakkan, the destination is being developed to bring travellers and residents a brand-new opportunity to experience …

High profile travel trade professionals including leading tour operators, travel agents, aviation partners, industry stakeholders as well as members of the media visited the stand to meet with members of the Jamaica delegation to discuss new and expanded partnerships, opportunities for collaboration and platforms for elevating the reputation of Jamaica as a destination of distinction for Middle East travellers. The Jamaica delegation was led by Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica and accompanied by Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board along with a variety of industry representatives from Jamaica. During the first two days of the event, the delegation connected with key industry stakeholders and met with new and potential partners to discuss ways to further promote Jamaica to Middle East-based travellers. Jamaica Tourist Board also hosted a ‘Taste of Jamaica’ on stand activity for media and industry delegates from across the GCC and wider MENA region, enabling visitors to sample authentic cuisine and exquisite Blue Mountain Coffee during the networking event. Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica commented: “We’ve seen some great interest from the MENA region and made strong headway with leading industry professionals from the region. We look forward to undertaking further meetings to discuss potential collaboration during the next two days of the show which will further raise the profile of the destination.” Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board commented: “We have been delighted with the warm welcome we received during the first two days of Arabian Travel Market  and were pleased to welcome new and existing partners from across the MENA region to the stand for an authentic ‘Taste of Jamaica’. The positive meetings and interactions we …

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced the completion of the first phase a of an extensive, three-phase transformation that will see two of the three towers currently occupied by Sheraton Kuwait Hotel reimagined under the iconic St. Regis brand. The first phase of the transformation introduces The St. Regis Kuwait to the city with its collection of newly debuted refurbished guestrooms and suites. The third tower will remain home to the historic Sheraton Kuwait Hotel. Both brands are part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands. The 102 exquisitely appointed guestrooms and suites at The St. Regis Kuwait feature timeless design and modern technology. All guestrooms and suites enjoy the signature St. Regis Butler Service, providing around-the-clock anticipatory service that ensures every guest’s stay is carefully considered. The next two phases of the comprehensive transformation will include the property’s public spaces, culinary offerings and recreational facilities. Plans also include an extensive makeover of the hotel’s function spaces.  The St. Regis Kuwait will remain operational during this period. St. Regis continues to expand its renowned global portfolio by adding the sought-after address of Kuwait City. Following the full completion of its transformation in 2023, The St. Regis Kuwait will usher in an elevated era of luxury as the capital city’s newest best address, marked by the brand’s celebrated traditions, bespoke service, rich heritage and glamorous design. The St. Regis Kuwait is steps away from the Sheikh Jaber Al Ahmad Cultural Center and the bustling business district, and a short drive away from the Al Shaheed Park, the largest urban park in Kuwait. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes away from Kuwait International Airport and the Avenues Mall …

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi announced the introduction of its City Check-in services in Abu Dhabi. The City Check-in service aims to provide passengers with added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop off their baggage and collect their boarding pass at a location near them before traveling with Air Arabia. The service allows passengers to select seats and receive their boarding passes and baggage claim tags. They can then immediately proceed to the flight upon arrival at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Located at the Air Arabia Sales Shop in Abu Dhabi, the centres will accept baggage from 24 up to eight hours before departure, which is then transported directly to Abu Dhabi International Airport. The sales shop is located next to Jumbo Electronics on Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi and is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. For more information on the new City Check-in service in Abu Dhabi customers can visit Air Arabia’s website or by calling the call centre.

Amadeus with its recent strategic tie-up with Microsoft will be looking at more flexibility and committing itself to adaptability in track with changing market dynamics. Ernesto Sanchez, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf shares with TravTalk Middle East, their plans and focus for this year at the 29th edition of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). Renew Travel enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. What is the focus of Amadeus this year? This year Amadeus’s focus is on Renew Travel following last year’s Rebuild Travel initiative.  Renew Travel is a platform that provides Amadeus with the flexibility to adapt to changing market dynamics. It enables us to communicate to a coherent story that is adaptable to shifting market environment, and reflects the challenges that everyone who works in travel has experienced over the last few years. As global travel returns in the wake of the ongoing pandemic, it is clear that uncertainty remains. However by focusing on ways to support the industry to become more resilient, agile, and traveller-centric, Amadeus is committed to driving the industry renewal. We collaborated with the key industry player Microsoft to enhance the traveler experience and help facilitate the travel in a new dimension through breakthrough technologies. Source:  https://amadeus.com/en/topic/safe-travel-ecosystem   Could you share about the technologies currently developed by Amadeus and Microsoft? Amadeus’ tie-up with Microsoft last year has unlocked a plethora of opportunities that translate into value for the travel industry. The partnership includes joint innovation and product development to envision, design, and deliver cutting-edge travel solutions. We call this new dimension …

Spain Tourism Office in UAE signed an agreement with Wego, at the Arabian Travel Market. Through this collaboration, Spain Tourism & Wego to promote the ‘You deserve Spain’ campaign providing reassurance for travelers to visit the country again in the new norm. Spain is one of the top searched destinations for MENA travelers. The country is a year-round destination, packed with unique experiences, passionate people, and rich cultural traditions, not to mention its excellent dining scene, wine-making traditions and chic cities and multiple shopping avenues  across the country that is perfect for all types of travelers. Daniel Rosado, Spain Tourism, said: “We are very optimistic and with Wego as our partner, we are aiming to have a great summer and are eagerly waiting to welcome all travelers from GCC.” Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are thrilled to offer another stunning destination for our users to visit. Spain is on the MENA’s top travelers’ list with over 316,000 searches in Q1 2022. This partnership is in line with our efforts to provide more choice to our users and boost tourism recovery.” Travelers are invited to experience the heritage and arts and culture of the city, the stunning beaches, the coasts, and authentic food, among many sports adventures that await all the types of travelers.    

voco Dubai The Palm is set to open its doors in the fall of 2022, on the iconic lifestyle destination, the Palm Jumeirah. Continuing its expansion across the UAE, international brand voco hotels will bring the boutique-styled premium hotel to the iconic lifestyle destination, the Palm West Beach. voco Dubai The Palm will be IHG Hotels & Resorts first property on the world famous Palm Jumeirah, featuring a bold and distinctive identity with contemporary-style hotel living, spanning stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. voco Dubai The Palm combines the reassurance of a global brand with the informality and charm of an individual hotel. By making travel both personal and purposeful, voco Dubai The Palm will welcome business and leisure travellers into an environment that is comfortable and reliable, but also vibrant and of unique character. The hotel provides the ideal destination for travellers looking to stay connected, productive, and energised when travelling, with its flexible spaces to work, network, and relax. voco Dubai The Palm features 143 spacious guestrooms and suites that combine comfort and functionality. Each guestroom is thoughtfully equipped with modern amenities and intuitively designed work areas with thoughtful comforts including cozy bedding made from 100% recycled materials. Relaxing and dining with views of the skyline, guests are invited to taste the rich authentic and flavourful European cuisine at Maison Mathis, the hotel’s family restaurant. Located on the ground floor, the award-winning restaurant will serve delicious dishes including Classic Mussels, Pain Perdu, Belgian Waffles and Steak Tartare and freshly baked bread from the in-house bakery. For sundowner aficionados, Frenia, the hotel’s poolside rooftop lounge, is the perfect location to wind down while enjoying Mediterranean cuisine, entertainment and uninterrupted …

Minor Hotels announced that it has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Diriyah Gate Development Authority to develop a hotel under its luxury Anantara brand.  Diriyah is set to become the historic hub of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and will showcase 300+ years of the country’s history through an engaging and inspiring set of cultural, heritage, hospitality, education, shopping and dining experiences for residents, tourists, and frequent visitors. Located just outside the Saudi capital of Riyadh, the Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) is transforming more than 11 square kilometres of Diriyah into what will become the world’s largest cultural and lifestyle development, which will be home to 38 hotel brands, more than 100 restaurants and 400 plus luxury retail brands and souk offerings. Anantara will be bringing its experience-led indigenous luxury to DGDA with a new hotel. Currently in the final stages of planning, further details of the upcoming new property will be announced soon. Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas is well known in the Middle East region through its portfolio of striking properties, including Anantara Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort in the Liwa Desert in the UAE, Anantara Al Jabal Al Akhdar Resort in Oman and Anantara Banana Island Resort Doha in Qatar. William E. Heinecke, Chairman and Founder of Minor International, parent company of Minor Hotels, commented, “We are excited to announce our intention to be part of what will be one of the world’s most exciting and impressive collections of hotels at Diriyah Gate. This project is second to none globally in terms of scale and luxury and will bring a completely unique experience to the people of Saudi Arabia, residents and tourists alike. I …

SAUDIA operated the world’s longest net positive flight thanks to a partnership with Enviro-tech business CarbonClick and aviation consultancy SimpliFlying. On 12 May 2022, SAUDIA offset a total of 346 tonnes of carbon emissions, including radiative forcing impacts by a factor of two, for commercial passenger flight SV227, from Jeddah to Madrid, making the flight net-positive. Operating with a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the flight time was 5 hours and 55 minutes. Flight SV227 departed from King Abdulaziz International airport at 1030 hrs and arrived at Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport at 1535 local time. This flight is SAUDIA’s entry into The Sustainable Flight Challenge, an initiative by SkyTeam, one of the world’s three major airline alliances. All SkyTeam airlines are being challenged to go above and beyond by finding the most sustainable way to operate one single flight in their existing networks. The challenge seeks inspiration from the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race from London to Melbourne. As part of that, CarbonClick’s partner SimpliFlying is working with SAUDIA to enable them to operate a net-positive flight. The flight will also see the world’s first in-flight sustainability lab, where passengers contribute ideas on how air travel can become ‘greener’, led by SimpliFlying. SAUDIA’s participation in SkyTeam’s Sustainable Flight Challenge is part of a broader commitment by the airline to continually improve its environmental performance. This is an integral part of its business strategy and commitment to becoming an industry leader in sustainability. The flight comes on the heels of the Future Aviation Forum in Riyadh, where sustainability was a key theme and SAUDIA was the strategic partner and official carrier. “The Kingdom’s Vision 2030 will see 100 million visits to Saudi Arabia by …