For the first time after the pandemic, Uganda tourism board along with their partners organized a roadshow in Dubai in collaboration with Aviareps as its Middle East representative with over 70 agents from Dubai attending the event with onsite business to business meetings. It is one of the untapped destinations in Africa and the agents present at the event were quite interested to know more about the destination, the current protocols etc. Known as the pearl of Africa, it is one of the most secure and safe countries in the Great Lakes region. It is a destination which you can travel at any time of the year due to the good weather and visas are open to most nationalities.  Lily Ajarova – Chief Executive Officer – Uganda Tourism Board shared, “We are here as Uganda, the pearl of Africa. Uganda is known as the pearl of Africa because of the diversity that we have in this one small country in Africa which is well linked with the rest of Africa is right at the heart of Africa. The distance from Uganda to Cape Town is the same as Uganda to the northern points of Africa and every iconic attractions, features that you would get in any part of Africa, you will be able to experience it in Uganda. The culture, diversity of culture that almost represent the whole of Africa as well so its about having Africa in this one little country that is what we are showcasing in Dubai, in UAE and the whole region is a very important market for us. This region has been an emerging market for us in the last few years and we are …

Wego is boosting tourism by attracting all Middle East travelers to visit this picturesque beach destination. Thailand has now opened up its borders for international tourists by easing some travel restrictions. On July 1st, 2021 the island of Phuket was reopened to all vaccinated foreign visitors without quarantine requirements. The unvaccinated travelers and those entering Thailand via Bangkok are still required to undergo 14-day mandatory quarantine at designated ASQ (Alternative State Quarantine). Through this partnership, Wego and Tourism Authority of Thailand will entice travelers to visit this country once again after the pandemic through targeted marketing campaigns and content featuring the finest things to do and the escapes that travelers have been longing for. “The Land of Smiles” has officially launched a nationwide vaccine program. Almost 46 million doses have been administered, and its aim is to vaccinate 70% of the population by the end of the year. Chaiwat Tamthai, Director of Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Middle East office, said: “We more than welcome vaccinated travelers especially from the Middle East Region. All travelers are requested to take adequate precautions while traveling to Thailand. This includes a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. Those who wish to visit Thailand need to register and handover the Certificate of Entry (COE) at least 5 to 15 days before their scheduled departure as advised by the Royal Thai Embassy/Consulate-General application. Additionally, the hotels which to be booked should be certified by SHA+ (Amazing Thailand Safety & Health Administration) which is a certificate that represents tourism industry entrepreneurs’ readiness in improving their products, services and sanitation measures which is the crucial factor in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by complying with …

In a move aimed at projecting Jordan to the world as an attractive tourist destination, Royal Jordanian, the Kingdom’s national carrier, has placed Petra-inspired livery on one of its wide-bodied 787 aircraft, an event that brought together HRH Dana Firas the President of Petra National Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Cultural Heritage, RJ Chairman of the Board Said Darwazeh, RJ Vice Chairman/CEO Samer Majali, Jordan Tourism Board members, all concerned authorities operating at QAIA, a number of social media influencers and RJ officials. Majali said: “Since its establishment, 58 years ago, RJ has assumed the responsibility of promoting Jordan’s tourism at home and abroad. RJ feels it is its duty, as a national carrier, to act as a bridge that connects Jordan to the world, and thus it has become the roving ambassador of Jordan.” The project was implemented in cooperation with Jordan Tourism Board to promote the red-rose city of Petra, which is a unique landmark in Jordan and became an attractive destination for tourists of different nationalities and cultures. Majali also urged the public and private sectors to exert more effort to help this fundamental sector thrive, mitigate the losses it sustained as a result of the COVID pandemic and help it recover. On the occasion, Royal Jordanian also presented to the invitees the improvements on meals added to its economy class menu. These include international, Oriental, Mexican and Italian food presented to economy class passengers. The meals change every two weeks and according to the destination. Majali said that the improved menu came in response to passengers’ demands and recommendations sent to Royal Jordanian through different channels. The airline, in cooperation with Dnata catering services, was …

As Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates is enhancing the benefits that SMEs stand to gain from visiting the largest themed event taking place in Dubai. Small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) planning a visit to Dubai during Expo 2020 Dubai will be reaping even more rewards during the six-month mega event with the launch of the latest Emirates Business Rewards incentive. As part of the offer, designed especially for SMEs, the airline is providing bonus Emirates Business Rewards Points to members of its corporate loyalty programme, applicable on flights to Dubai for the duration of the event. For flights booked to Dubai by 15 November 2021, for travel until 31 March 2022, Emirates Business Rewards members will see their rewards balance grow faster by earning 25% additional Business Rewards Points on their trip. The offer will enable businesses to earn 1.25 Points for every US Dollar spent on inbound flights to Expo’s host city. Business Rewards Points can be redeemed to book flights and upgrades for eligible individuals from the registered organisation, including business owners, their employees, in addition to guests. T&C’s apply. Over 20,000 SMEs are currently enrolled in the Emirates Business Rewards programme and potentially lucrative opportunities lie ahead for its member base, consisting of professional services and consulting firms, technology providers, traders as well as businesses across various sectors including real estate, construction, IT and healthcare, among others. Expo 2020 Dubai is now open and entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe can take advantage of the opportunities made possible through the largest and most diverse World Expo to be ever held, with the rich line-up of events and match-making opportunities to …

Mark you date for the fourth Arabian Travel Awards on 21st November 2021 at Le Meridien Hotel and conference center in Garhoud 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. 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 were price conscious before are now willing to spend it on a vacation and safety has become the foremost ingredient in every way. The great resilience in the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates in particular which opened doors to everyone and combatted the hard days with its great leadership is something that we are all thankful for, the proactive efforts to protect the communities that live here and to also uphold to protect the travelers and provide them with the best of care and the vaccination drive which opened to everyone in the UAE are commendable efforts which has brought us …

Oman Air has revamped its Sindbad Loyalty Program, replacing distance-based miles accrual with spend-based miles accrual. Delivering on its customer promise to offer a superior loyalty program, the overhaul simplifies the way members earn Sindbad miles and attain Sindbad tiers, and offers a more transparent and generous accrual experience. The new reward system applies to all eligible flights operated by Oman Air, provided flight tickets are issued by Oman Air.   Officially rolled out on 8 September 2021, the shift from distance-based accrual to spend-based accrual lets Sindbad members earn four, five and six Sindbad miles per USD spent, for their current tier level—Blue, Silver, and Gold.  Members can earn additional miles on prepaid baggage, seat assignment, lounge access, and a suite of Primeclass add-ons such as arrival/departure meet and greet services, customs and security fast track services, and more.   Oman Air CEO Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi said, “Our revamped Sindbad loyalty program answers current traveller requirements with a more generous accrual model and can scale to meet future needs and evolving loyalty technologies. Oman Air has always prioritized innovative products and services for our members and we are proud to be the first national airline in the region to offer a spend-based loyalty program.”   A shift in tier qualifications has also simplified the way members attain their Sindbad tiers, making it easier to reach Sindbad Silver and Sindbad Gold which offer greater benefits and privileges. Instead of Tier miles or Tier sectors, members will now earn Tier points based on class of travel and four flight zones, with destinations in each zone having fixed Tier points. Members can qualify for Sindbad Silver tier with 500 Tier points …

All eyes were on the vibrant, multi-faceted lifestyle destination Bluewaters Island today as Madame Tussauds Dubai opened to the public for the first time. Excitement levels have been building for months now and reached a fitting crescendo pioneering Emirati athlete, and Olympic weightlifter Amna Al Haddad, as well as radio host and serial entrepreneur Kris Fade were given the honour of cutting the official ceremony ribbon and declaring the attraction open, in an atmosphere that can only be described as electric. Established in London in 1835, Madame Tussauds is nothing short of a global institution and this hugely anticipated launch represents a truly special moment for the region. The Dubai edition is not only the 25th version of the celebrated wax figure attraction internationally, but the very first of its kind in the GCC and introduces something entirely new and unique to the regional entertainment landscape. Bringing together handcrafted, like-for-like figures from the worlds of movies and television, sport and science, music, history, art, pop culture, politics and more, Madame Tussauds Dubai is quite simply a one-of-a-kind destination. With seven themed zones to explore and over 60 amazingly lifelike wax figures to discover (including 16 all-new figures from the Middle East such as Maya Diab), the attraction will intrigue and delight all ages and is the perfect destination for a family day out (ideal for the upcoming half-term holidays), exciting date night or fun place for a group of friends to gather and take selfies galore. Ambitious in scale and cutting edge in its offering, Madame Tussauds Dubai is intended to impress and amaze, and guests are encouraged to get immersed in each and every area at their own pace. The …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announced that the Mysk Moon Retreat has begun welcoming guests and bookings to experience the emirate’s first-of-its-kind luxury glamping destination, and unveiled four new luxury hospitality projects in Sharjah’s Central and Eastern regions which are: Al Jabal  Resort in the city of Khorfakkan, a luxurious hotel in the city of Kalba, a hotel in the city of Khorfakkan which will feature UAE’s first waterpark in the east coast; and Al Bridi Resort at the Sharjah Safari project in the city of Al Dhaid. Exciting range of desert adventures The family-friendly Mysk Moon Retreat comprises 10 single-bed domes with private pools, 4 family tents with private pools, and 2 single-bed tents. Each unit is self-sufficient and fitted with all essential amenities that guests would require, including a private barbeque area, in addition to a lobby, and a common area. The Mysk Moon Retreat is part of Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection brand, managed by Mysk by Shaza, which includes the Mysk Kingfisher Retreat in Kalba, Mysk Al Faya Retreat in Mleiha, and Mysk Al Badayer Retreat in the heart of the Al Badayer desert. HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq said: “With Mysk Moon Retreat now welcoming guests and bookings, this marks an exciting expansion of Shurooq’s portfolio of boutique hospitality offerings in the central region of Sharjah. It is the latest destination in a series of projects developed here, namely, the Mysk Al Faya Retreat, Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism, and the Mleiha Archaeological Centre.”   Al Sarkal pointed out that the eco-luxury retreat provides visitors with the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities like trekking, dune bashing, and …

The third edition of the Gulf Travel Show, the most important virtual event in the region concluded successfully closing with 2500+  one on one business meetings connecting the trade in the Middle East with some of the most important tourism boards, hotels, resorts, destinations, attractions etc from across the globe. Seema Pande, Co-Founder Elev8 shared, “The Gulf Travel Show, as always, did not disappoint. From the set-up, to the demo calls and having a personalized contact during the show all go towards making this a success. Pre-set appointments are always sent to the exhibitors and while being an on-line show, you can end up missing a few, your personal contact will ensure they find their way back to the booth. It was a great platform to re-connect with old contacts and make some new ones. We attended the show with two of our partner hotels, Le Duc de Praslin, Seychelles and the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort and given our experience, I would highly recommend GTS to my industry colleagues.” In the auditorium the sessions conducted by various experts in the fields of travel, hospitality and technology in the region were viewed and shared by the visitors. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was the key topic everyone was looking at as they recently opened its borders and resumed visa on arrival for leisure travelers of the 49 countries that were announced earlier. Saudi Arabia’s vision 2030 has provided a whole new outlook for the tourism industry Sanjeet Director DDP in conversation with Muzzammil Ahussain EVP Seera Group finds out more information with regard to the latest tourism projects in the kingdom. Another important factor currently promoted in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia is …

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Al Rostamani Travels announced a partnership that will allow the Al Rostamani Travel to market NCL’s cruises across the Group’s multiple businesses and distribution channels. The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term partnership to grow NCL’s market share in the Middle East while enriching Al Rostamani Travels portfolio with the line’s renowned cruises that sail to more than 300 destinations worldwide, including Great Stirrup Cay, NCL’s private island in the Bahamas and its resort destination Harvest Caye in Belize. Commenting on the agreement, NCL’s Regional Vice President Business Development Middle East & Africa, Nick Wilkinson, said: “We are delighted to partner with a dynamic and distinguished group such as Al Rostamani, who share our vision of innovation and putting customer experience first. We are seeing great demand for our cruises from the U.A.E and GCC markets and are striving to further strengthen our position in this high-potential region through strategic partnerships.” “We are excited to announce our partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and add sea-cruising to our diverse and growing products portfolio. NCL is a popular brand in our market, offering a wide range of cabins in different categories, so there is always something to suit every customer’s budget who wish to choose cruising as their holiday option. We have the NCL product offering ready for our B2C, B2B & B2E customers and this partnership will help our team to serve the passionate as well as new cruisers effectively and bring value for every dollar they spend. To book NCL cruises, travellers can contact us on email art-holidays@alrostamanigroup.ae or by phone 800-ART”, said Bimal Jain, General Manager of Al Rostamani Travels