Oman Air Holidays has signed a strategic partnership with Saudi International Travel Company (SITC), with the aim to promote domestic tourism offerings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman. The partnership reflects both organizations’ commitment to provide an extensive range of bespoke tours and packages that combine the very best hospitality, leisure, and tourism experiences in the Middle East. The agreement paves the way for Saudi International Travel Company (SITC) to offer its travel and tourism services to passengers traveling to Saudi Arabia on Oman Air for business, leisure or investment purposes. The strategic partnership will focus on offering wide-ranging recreational options and turnkey travel and tourism services for visitors arriving to the Kingdom from Oman and strengthening cooperation between both countries. Mundher Al Shaikhani​, Senior Manager at Oman Air Holidays, said, “The partnership between Oman Air Holidays and Saudi International Travel Company (SITC) will strengthen the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the delivery of innovative holiday products and services, and will contribute to the tremendous growth potential of both countries’ tourism ecosystems. This aligns closely with the objectives of Oman’s Vision 2040 and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.” Mr. Sultan Suleiman, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi International Travel Company, said, “The partnership enhances strategic cooperation based on the innovative approach followed by private companies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to expand investment opportunities across markets with the aim of developing and providing a series of distinctive, high-efficiency tourism services in both the Saudi and Omani markets.” Since June 2021, Saudi International Travel Company has been providing Institutional Quarantine accommodation for Oman Air Holidays’ guests who arrive in …

As Dubai continues to drive global travel recovery and growth, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) – Dubai in cooperation with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has launched a Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa for employees of multinational companies, to further accelerate momentum across tourism and all other business sectors. HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai said: “The new Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by Dubai to create new opportunities for professionals and talented individuals across the world to grow and thrive. The city has been steadily rising in status among the world’s biggest metropolises as a hub for travel, business, investment and talent, offering visitors an experience that is not only productive for work and business, but also enriching in terms of lifestyle and culture. Dubai seeks to dynamically adapt to evolving global conditions, embrace change and develop innovative initiatives to deliver future growth and offer new avenues for development and transformation, while remaining one of the world’s safest and most secure cities.” In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the best city in the world to live, work and visit, the Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa has been introduced to further simplify visa application procedures, provide ease-of-access to the city and extend the duration of stay of international visitors. The Five-Year Multi-Entry Visa is especially beneficial to employees of foreign-owned firms as it enables them to participate in events, conferences, training courses, exhibitions and …

Travellers in the UAE are favouring the same holiday destinations year after year for home comforts and familiarity, with the pandemic leading most to being less adventurous than usual according to new research from Marriott Bonvoy, the travel loyalty programme that encompasses hotels, resorts, home rentals and experiences across 30 brands in 138 countries. UAE travellers seek the familiar post-lockdown The figures show that just a quarter (27%) of those going abroad plan to visit somewhere new for their post-lockdown holiday. The Maldives and Turkey are jointly the number one destinations for those from the UAE for their next getaway. Nineteen per cent of those planning a holiday abroad intend to visit The Maldives, and the figure is the same for Turkey. However, seven in ten of those going to Turkey (73%) say they have gone on holiday there previously and 48% have been multiple times. Meanwhile, 68% of those going to the Maldives have been there before. Egypt is the third most popular destination for post-pandemic breaks amongst those from the UAE travelling abroad (17%), followed by the UK (13%) and Italy (13%). In total, 88% say they will be going on holiday in the next 12 months. Seven per cent plan not to, whilst 6% remain unsure. It appears that lockdown has had an impact on where those from the UAE are choosing to go for their post-lockdown holidays. Over half (51%) say the pandemic has led to them being less confident in visiting new places. Amongst those who do not plan to go away 52% say that this is specifically due to a lack of confidence in travel post-Covid. The aim of the research is to look into how …

In a few hours it is time to once again experience Germany, the most popular shopping destination for the GCC travellers when they host a webinar on Breuninger, one of Germany’s most prestigious department stores today 11am UAE time. With the recent announcement that the limitations on GCC travellers have been relaxed, it is once again time to discover some of the destination’s new and renovated experiences. The German National Tourist Office will host a special webinar to highlight the various offerings, with a particular emphasis on Germany as a shopping destination. “I’m looking forward to refreshing our industry partners on destination Germany and informing them of the latest travel guidelines to Germany while also highlighting one of the most prestigious department stores Breuninger,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales and Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf Countries. We’d like to invite you to pre-register for the event and come prepared with all of your questions.” For a moment, everything was put on hold due to the pandemic, but now it’s time to revisit and rediscover the many shopping spots throughout Germany. Travellers and shoppers can find anything they want, from discounts to fine couture, from second hand knickknacks to futuristic treasures, from worldwide to traditionally German brands, always prompt, easy to find, and, at an unbelievable low cost. The unique selling characteristics of one such retail destination, Breuninger, will be highlighted in this webinar. It will be a chance for the travel industry to rediscover the destination after the Covid era. “For 140 years, the fashion and lifestyle company Breuninger has been setting high standards in the areas of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, “ said Lena Schulz, Manager Tourism Marketing-Breuninger …

Mohamed Khater, Regional General Manager and Managing Partner, Flash Horizon has dedicated his career to the tourism industry. Having worked for more than seven years for the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, he has become one of the greatest advocates for tourism development in the Middle East. Mohamed’s unrivalled passion for tourism has led to him becoming an expert in his field and is well-known throughout the industry for his professionalism and cordial demeanor. During the years spent working with government administrations and international organizations to promote tourism to the Middle East, Mohamed has honed his skills in destination promotion & marketing, negotiation, budgeting and leisure sales. He is part of the team that opened and promoted the longest zipline in the world.

Kathryn Wallington, Travelport’s Head of Middle East and Africa has been chosen as a gamechanger in the industry for her foresight and passion towards developing the sector. She has been identifying new growth opportunities and building the brand profile across eight countries. Together with her team, she is responsible for delivering best-in-class technology that meets the evolving needs of customers in the region. Kathryn increased the brand’s market share, while also growing customer satisfaction and implementing a successful tele-account management model to manage over 600 smaller accounts.

One of the top awardees at the Arabian Travel Awards is a tourism icon, who has grown the industry with his vision and hard work. Gerald Lawless has been chosen as the first tourism ambassador in the region by the Arabian Travel Awards. His dedication to the sector has been unparalleled. He is also the former Chairman, World Travel and Tourism Council and now ambassador for WTTC, the Non-executive Director Dubai Expo2020 Advisory Board, Non-executive Director, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority advisory board, Non-executive Director Temes Hotels and Resorts, Greece, Non-executive Director, Adnec, Abu Dhabi, Former President and CEO Jumeirah Group and Director, International Tourism Investment Corporation.

Nasir Jamal Khan has achieved an elite level of expertise in the travel business, perfecting his knowledge for more than 35 years, and playing an influential role in promoting the tourism landscapes, across the GCC. Khan joined Al Naboodah Travel in 2004, successfully repositioning the company’s growth strategy, securing new strategic airline partnerships, diversifying its product offering and championing the company’s service outlet expansion across the UAE and the KSA.

A night of glitter and glamour, as the fourth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards recognized the travel and hospitality industry stars. This year’s awards were extremely special as it was a salutation for all those overcoming the unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. His Excellency, Mohammad Tarid bin Sufian, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE, Her Excellency Hjayceelyn M. Quintana, Ambassador, The Republic of the Philippines, UAE and Dr. Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai graced the occasion with their presence.

The travel, tourism and hospitality leaders in the Middle East will witness a star studded & glamorous evening as the Arabian Travel Awards return with their fourth edition. Recognizing industry heroes and unsung warriors, the pandemic challenged all leadership and changed the landscape of the sector. Achieving success and striving against all odds is something to celebrate and further motivate brands and the players behind it. Resilience has been a key factor in the Middle East, which over the years, has shown great strength and agility to adapt and refocus on situations when the going gets tough.