Qatar Airways announced that it will launch scheduled passenger services to Almaty, Kazakhstan starting from 19 November 2021. The new service will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft, featuring 12 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Economy Class. This service will enable passengers flying to and from Almaty to enjoy seamless connectivity to over 140 destinations, via the World’s Best Airport, Hamad International Airport in Doha, the State of Qatar. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are proud to bring our award-winning services to Kazakhstan, adding this unique destination to our growing network. This new service reinforces the warm relations between the State of Qatar and the Republic of Kazakhstan, and reaffirms our commitment to further developing trade and tourism between our two great countries.” Kazakhstan is the economic powerhouse of the Central Asia region. It is an adventurer’s paradise, with landscapes varying from snow-capped mountains to expansive deserts, rocky canyons, coniferous forests, and untouched river deltas. Visitors can also admire historical landmarks including the bright-yellow towers of the famous Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to rebuild its network, which currently stands at over 140 destinations. Qatar Airways also features flexible booking policies that offer unlimited changes in travel dates and destinations, and fee-free refunds for all tickets issued for travel completed by 31 May 2022. A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways was named ‘World’s Best Airline’ in the latest World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation Skytrax. The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (HIA), was recently recognised as the ‘Best Airport in the World 2021’, by the Skytrax World Airport Awards …

flydubai announced that it has resumed its operations to Prague and Zagreb. The carrier will operate up to five weekly flights from Dubai International (DXB) to Prague International Airport (PRG) and twice weekly flights to Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG). flydubai will increase the frequency of its operations to Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (ZAG) to four weekly flights from December this year. Emirates will codeshare on these routes offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub. Commenting on the resumption of flights to Prague and Zagreb, Hamad Obaidalla, Chief Commercial Officer at flydubai, said: “we are excited to resume operations to Croatia and the Czech Republic which are two popular destinations on the flydubai network. We are confident that passengers will enjoy flydubai’s convenient and reliable service and the comfortable cabin of our Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, which offers a flatbed in Business Class, and is scheduled to operate on these routes.” With international travel restrictions gradually easing, flydubai has grown its network to over 95 destinations 50 countries across Africa, Central Asia, the Caucasus, Central and South-East Europe, the GCC and the Middle East, and the Indian Subcontinent. The restart of flydubai’s operations to the Czech and Croatian markets will enable more people to travel to Dubai as Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors to visitors from beginning of October. Complimentary 1-Day Ticket to visit Expo 2020 Passengers booking a flydubai flight to Dubai will enjoy a complimentary 1-Day Ticket to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, taking place from 01 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. The initiative is valid for all bookings made from 01 September for travel during the event dates. Passenger experience Passengers travelling on a Boeing …

The third edition of the most coveted awards of the region, Arabian travel awards will kick off on 21st November 2021 amidst a gathering recognizing the heroes of the industries of travel, tourism and hospitality. The pandemic set back the industry with challenges that were harder than ever before yet the industry emerged victorious and this is the celebration for the year. Every year the awards are focused on the people behind the scenes that put in all the effort and the work and most often goes unnoticed and unrewarded. Arabian Travel Awards established itself as the first in the region to recognize these heroes and this year it is of a totally new level of recognition as it is about weathering the storm. Arabian Travel Awards will once again host the industry in a brand new venue at the Le Meridien Hotel and conference center in Garhoud. San Jeet Director Arabian Travel Awards shares, “Our awards this year is very special as it not only recognizes the untiring efforts of the industry experts but also celebrates as heroes of the industry after all the challenges, obstacles that engulfed the whole industry. 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. Borders slowly open in certain parts of the world and the pandemic is now something we will have to live with for the next few years or so, yet the resilience over the period and the way in which the industry fought back and still keep at it shows the passion and commitment to move forward. As partners …

VOX Cinemas is launching an exclusive No Time to Die experience at the Kempinski Hotel to celebrate the release of the latest installment in the James Bond franchise.  From 30 September until 14 October, guests can book the Private Cinema at Kempinski Hotel and watch No Time to Die in true 007-style. Guests who will be served a welcome drink (shaken not stirred!) by staff donning tuxedos while listening to a soundtrack of James Bond theme tunes before watching the most hotly anticipated movie on the big screen. Movie-goers can expect a truly Bond-worthy cinematic experience complete with plush seating and a personal butler in the luxurious auditorium. The Private Cinema at Kempinski Hotel is fully licensed and has an extensive gourmet menu, providing guests with the option of dining in the exclusive lounge or having their F&B delivered directly to their seats. The premium package costs AED2,000 for up to eight guests and AED3,000 for nine to 12 guests and includes admission to the screening, a welcome drink, five postcards with iconic images from the movie, popcorn and a beverage in 007-themed gold and black packaging and the maximum capacity of the Private Cinema is 12 people in line with government guidelines.  The Private Cinema at Kempinski Hotel will host four screenings per day of No Time to Die (10am, 2pm, 6pm or 10pm) from 30 September until 14 October No Time to Die is also showing across VOX Cinemas regionally from 30 September Each booking is for a duration of four hours. Bookings can be made on the VOX Cinemas iOS and Android App or by calling + 971 55 1673908.

Accor is expanding its luxury portfolio in the UAE with the introduction of the Sofitel brand into the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. Set to open in 2023, the property will become a landmark resort for the group in the region. The group is collaborating with Al Hamra, the leading real estate development and investment company in Ras Al Khaimah, with plans to expand its hospitality portfolio. The group is focused on developing premier lifestyle destinations, including luxury hospitality and leisure developments. Benoy Kurien, Group CEO of Al Hamra, said: “We are committed to supporting Ras Al Khaimah’s transformational growth to make it the topmost liveable destination through its urban developments of the future. As the first destination to be certified safe and to record significant growth in tourism and hospitality following the pandemic, the Emirate is focused on strengthening its tourism infrastructure and we will contribute to this by bringing exceptional hospitality experiences. Through our partnership with Accor to bring the Sofitel brand to the Emirate, we strengthen our portfolio of hospitality and leisure assets, in addition to revolutionizing the hospitality landscape in Ras Al Khaimah Nestled between the Arabian Gulf and Hajar Mountains, the resort is set alongside a private beach, surrounded by landscaped gardens and an 18-hole golf course. Set on the pristine coastline of Ras Al Khaimah, the destination offers visitors an unparalleled experience with a unique topography. The landscapes vary from the highest mountain in the UAE, terracotta deserts to lush mangroves, white sandy beaches and the longest stretch of coastline in the UAE. The property is located less than one hour drive from Dubai International Airport. “We have been witnessing an accelerated economic growth …

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG®) and SRG Holding have opened the third Staybridge Suites hotel in the UAE in the heart of Dubai, on the picturesque Sheikh Zayed Road in the middle of all the city action. This 48-story tower sets a familiar and eye-catching feature to Dubai’s iconic skyline and is located opposite the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a few steps away from the metro station. The property is surrounded by variety of leisure, dining, shopping and entertainment destinations like City Walk, Coca Cola Arena, La Mer and Dubai Downtown, which includes the city’s most Instagram-able and popular landmarks such as The Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountains and Burj Khalifa. Staybridge Suites Dubai Financial Center is designed to meet the needs of extended-stay travelers looking for a break from the travel norm. When travelling for days, weeks or months at a time, guests want something more than the standard hotel experience and Staybridge Suites offers additional space, home-like comforts and public areas that facilitate a real sense of community. Each of the 360 studios, 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom suites comes equipped with a fully fitted kitchen and living space including top-of-the-line Siemens and Smeg appliances, smart TVs and your very own washer/dryer. Guests will even find all the cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery you’ll need to make them feel right at home. The generously sized suites create a sense of an all-day freedom that you’ll simply never get in a typical hotel room. Many of the 360 apartments feature their own balcony from which to enjoy spectacular views of the city or the sea. Several interconnecting units offer greater flexibility for families or small groups traveling together. Guests can also expect …

Chief Executive Officer of the Touristic Enterprises Company, Mr. Abdulwahab Ahmed Al-Marzouq and members of the leadership team revealed the company’s new strategy to become a world-class provider of leisure and entertainment experiences in Kuwait. Speaking at the press conference at Kuwait Towers, Mr. Al-Marzouq outlined the company’s path forward to revive the golden era of tourism in Kuwait and become one of the leading developers and operators of family entertainment experiences in the region. This is the most ambitious transformation in the company’s 40+ year history, which laid out concrete plans for the redevelopment of 11 anchor projects. Addressing the media, Mr. Al-Marzouq said: ‘Today, we are setting the course for a new era for the recreational and leisure sector in Kuwait. As part of the new strategy, we will pursue calculated growth and expansion, modernize, redevelop and reposition existing facilities and diversify our assets to offer new world-class experiences to everyone in Kuwait.’ He further elaborated: ‘The new strategy is both ambitious and achievable, backed by concrete plans and an approved capital increase of 250 Million KWD by the Kuwait Investment Authority. Through the provision of immersive experiences, fit for the new age, TEC aims to play a leading role in enabling the tourism ecosystem in Kuwait and serve as a role model for the country’s public sector transformation. This is also in line with the 2035 vision with a focus on human capital development and economic diversification.’ The new strategy is centered around a new approach to people and customer-centricity as the company seeks to strengthen collaboration and stakeholder engagement to foster win-win partnerships, change perceptions and rebuild trust. Guided by a performance-driven culture, TEC unveiled its new values …

Oman Air unveiled its brand discovery pop-up store in the recently opened Mall of Oman. Located on the third floor, the combined pop-up store and visitor centre offers the public an opportunity to ‘Get to Know Oman Air’ with a sampling of on-board products including amenity kits, kids’ soft toys, Wings of Oman in-flight magazine, among others, and features a dedicated Oman Air Holidays counter with the option to book a getaway package in store. Weekly activities are also planned to introduce the public to Oman Air pilots and cabin crew, showcase new add-on products, and highlight the variety of in-flight dining options available on board. The official unveiling was led by Oman Air Chief Operating Officer Captain Nasser Al Salmi accompanied by several key members from the airline’s senior management. In an official ribbon cutting ceremony, Captain Al Salmi commented on the importance of creating a venue where visitors can learn more about the airline: “Our purpose in opening this store is to provide a space where locals and tourists alike can learn more about our multi-award-winning products and services and discover some of the authentic Omani hospitality we’re so proud to fly around the world. We’ve also created a dedicated space to book customized getaway packages through Oman Air Holidays. I invite everyone in Oman to visit this exciting, interactive store to learn more about what makes Oman Air such a premium flying experience.” Fully customizable Fly & Stay packages are a leading focus of the airline’s growing products, and the store offers residents in Oman an opportunity to create personalized holiday itineraries on the spot. The walk-in location complements Oman Air Holidays’ recently revamped travel platform with …

The Department of Tourism in Philippines has hosted a series of three virtual dinners this year. The first Middle East CEOs Virtual Dinner was held on June 23, 2021 for trade partners from the Gulf while the second Middle East Virtual Dinner took place on Aug 18, 2021. This virtual dinner was for trade partners from UAE & Oman.  The third Middle East Virtual Dinner held on Aug 25, 2021 had leading travel agents from Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain attending the event. It was discussed how GCC is way ahead of most of the world in terms of the vaccination drive. SanJeet, Director, Durga Das Publications – a market representative for the Middle East, opened the session by sharing the current realities in the Middle East market. The small get together was organised to provide a from the ground update on what is happening in the Philippines and its different islands and to stay in touch with trade partners. Daks Gonzales, Head – Product and Market Development, Philippine Department of Tourism – Middle East, said, “The good news is that we are definitely on our way with the goal of full vaccination of the citizens. As of now, 15 million people eligible for vaccination have been vaccinated with the two doses and another 15 million of the population have been vaccinated with a single dose. Our current supply is enough to provide all those who have had their first vaccination. They will receive their second vaccination in the next month or within this month. An additional 60 million vaccines are going to be arriving from September 1, 2021 which means that an additional 60 million or …

Boracay Island and Palawan Island are two of the Philippines’ many beautiful beaches. In 2020, Conde Nast Traveler ranked Palawan Island as one of the 30 Best Beaches in the World. Meanwhile, Boracay has been named Best Island in the World by the international tourist magazine, Travel + Leisure in 2012, as well as Best Island in the World by Conde Nast Traveler in 2014, Top 10 destinations to watch in 2016, and World’s Best Island Beaches in the 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. The seven beaches include Bantayan Island, Cebu; Kalanggaman Island, Leyte; Secret Beach, El Nido, Palawan; Sugar Beach, Sipalay, Negros Occidental; Mantigue Island, Camiguin Province; Guyam, Daku, and Naked Island, Surigao del Norte; and Calaguas Island, Camarines Norte. New sites, such as these remote beaches that give the perfect escape from the sensation of confinement with wide open spaces and welcoming smiles from the locals, are included in the list of undiscovered gems. More fun awaits guests for their next beach getaway to these pristine and tranquil little pieces of paradise, with over 7,000 islands in a gorgeous archipelago. The Tourism Department, which has been awarded a SafeTravels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) for adopting ‘health and hygiene global standardised protocols’, conducts thorough inspections and assessments to ensure that only those who have been accredited are allowed to open and receive guests. The Department is improving its health and hygiene protocols to guarantee that travel to these beaches is safe, with tourist workers receiving ongoing training and tourism establishments implementing standardised protections in their premises to protect their guests and employees. The Philippine government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases …