dnata Travel has reported a 21% increase in the average booking value for in-store services in 2024 compared to the previous year. Walk-in services at its 13 retail outlets across the UAE remain the most popular way for residents to book travel, driven by a rise in demand for more complex itineraries. This summer, multi-location trips across Europe were particularly popular, combining train and self-drive travel. France, Italy and Switzerland were frequently included in these itineraries, which featured multiple stops across one or several countries. Tailor-made itineraries in Asia also gained traction throughout the year, with bookings typically including multiple stops within a single country. Hotspots across Thailand and Sri Lanka are especially sought after, with a notable spike in demand for Vietnam compared to previous years. Cruise itineraries, offering multiple stops across different countries, are also seeing steady growth, with dnata Travel anticipating even higher demand as the GCC cruise season approaches this winter. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “Multi-destination itineraries are trending, as travellers look to experience the best of a region or country in one extended trip. “Many of our customers prefer to book these complex journeys in-store, where our travel experts can provide personalised advice on destinations, hotels and the latest offers. We offer a one-stop solution, where travellers can book everything from flights and hotels to car rentals, tours and insurance. “One of the highest value in-store bookings in 2024 was a summer trip across France, taking in Paris and Cannes, then on to Monaco. Our travel experts arranged the flights, accommodation, private transport and guided tours, all with a fashion theme, in one sitting. This luxurious itinerary featured …

Air Samarkand has launched a new once-weekly service between the Uzbek capital of Tashkent and Al Ain. The aircraft offers 12 spacious business class seats and 182 comfortable economy class seats to ensure a pleasant travel experience. Al Ain is the fourth-largest city in the United Arab Emirates and the largest inland city in the UAE. It is a significant cultural center, playing an important role in the country’s history. “We are excited to add another destination and a new country to our flight map, which we are confident will become popular among both tourists and business travelers,” said Zafar Butaev, CEO of Air Samarkand. This latest development follows the expansion of services to Istanbul earlier in September, to three return flights a week, and marks the continued and steady expansion of Air Samarkand’s route network. In late July the carrier began flying to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to support religious pilgrims, increasing the frequency to five per week by September – with two services departing from Samarkand and one each week from the Uzbek cities of Termez, Fergana and Namangan. Air Samarkand also serves Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Nha Trang in Vietnam, using Airbus A321neo and A330-300 aircraft. Flights to Al Ain are operated in partnership with the tour operator EasyBooking, which is providing quick and convenient transfers from Al Ain Airport to selected hotels in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. At the initial stage, flights will operate once a week on Sundays: • Departure from Tashkent: 10:40, arrival in Al Ain: 13:20 (local time). • Departure from Al Ain: 15:00, arrival in Tashkent: 19:40 (local time). Known as the ‘Garden City’ because of its lush greenery, with city oases, …

Travelport announced it has signed a multi-year renewal agreement with Delta Air Lines, including NDC content. The top U.S. airline is collaborating with Travelport on the integration of its NDC solution into Travelport+ to support Delta’s selling and servicing transformation. “We value our long-term partnership with Travelport and are pleased to extend our full content agreement, as well as make Delta’s NDC technology solution available to all of Travelport’s agency customers,” said Jeff Lobl, Managing Director, Distribution Strategy and Agency Sales Programs at Delta Air Lines. “Together, we aim to create value by ensuring customers are presented with the best options to fit their needs for a better, more personalized shopping experience.” To help agencies solve challenges with comparing NDC offers alongside traditional content, Travelport recently debuted its Content Curation Layer (CCL). Travelport’s CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to sift through aggregated, multi-source content and return the right range of accurate, highly intuitive search results that are normalized and easier for agents and travelers to understand. CCL is the latest enhancement to the Travelport+ platform, simplifying the delivery of retail-ready content from partners like Delta and presenting tailored options to agency customers and the end-traveler. “Our renewed agreement with Delta underscores our shared commitment to modernizing travel retail for agents and travelers with a seamless, personalized shopping and servicing experience,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “As we prepare for the future delivery of Delta’s NDC content, our ability to deliver multi-source content in a retail-ready way ensures that agents and travelers will be able to easily shop and compare all of Delta’s product offerings in one place.”

WeRide and Uber Technologies, Inc. announced a strategic partnership to bring WeRide’s autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership is expected to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year. A dedicated number of WeRide vehicles will be made available to consumers using the Uber app. After launch, when a rider requests a qualifying ride on the Uber app, they may be presented with the option to have their trip fulfilled by a WeRide autonomous vehicle. The partnership does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China. The partnership agreement was signed by Andrew Macdonald, Senior Vice President of Mobility & Business operations of Uber, and Hua Zhong, Senior Vice President of WeRide. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and WeRide Founder and CEO Tony Han witnessed the signing ceremony of the agreement. WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. In addition, in July 2023, WeRide was granted the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, enabling it to test and operate its autonomous vehicles on public roads across the entire country. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide said: “We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience.” Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said: “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released updated Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps, containing expanded and deepened analyses, bringing into focus four key conclusions: • The air transport industry’s energy transition is feasible on the 2050 horizon. • The amounts of investments needed to make that possible are comparable to those engaged in previous creations of new renewable energy markets. • Success in the transition depends critically upon policymakers’ unity of purpose. • The time left for joining forces in air transportation’s energy transition is shrinking by the minute. Every action delayed is an opportunity missed. “The updated IATA Policy and Finance Net Zero Roadmaps make it clear that decarbonization by 2050 is possible. They also sound a warning bell that, to achieve this, all stakeholders, particularly policymakers, must collaborate more broadly and act with greater urgency. To be successful, we need clear policy and financial frameworks that will support air transportation’s needs in a way that is realistic and coherent with the massive changes that must take place simultaneously in all economic sectors,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. The Policy Roadmap emphasizes the importance of strategic policy sequencing and addresses the need for global collaboration, including beyond the aviation sector. The recommendations recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and policies must ensure that all countries can participate in the future global Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) market. Highlights include: • Immediate Action is needed to unlock the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) Eligible Emissions Units (EEUs) and prioritizing SAF in the product mix at refineries. • Strategic Policy Sequencing combining technology-push and demand-pull measures will be critical. Moreover, governments must foster global, liquid, …

Sabre Corporation and Virgin Australia announced a strategic partnership to modernize the airline’s retailing capabilities through the phased implementation of SabreMosaic, the revolutionary AI-driven platform built to transform airline retailing. This establishes Virgin Australia as the flagship customer and will enable the airline over time to adopt the broad suite of solutions within SabreMosaic, marking a significant milestone in the airline’s journey towards modern retailing and the general market availability of the SabreMosaic solutions. The collaboration underscores the companies’ commitment to innovation and industry leadership, as well as the airline’s aim to be an early mover in the industry transition to offer-and-order based modern retailing. “Building on our decades-long partnership, Sabre is proud to collaborate with Virgin Australia as our launch partner for SabreMosaic, which is our revolutionary platform designed to transform airline retailing,” said Roshan Mendis, Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions. “We aim to empower Virgin Australia to deliver a personalized, dynamic travel experience that will set a new standard in the industry. This collaboration marks the beginning of a new era, as SabreMosaic is now available to airlines worldwide.” Virgin Australia’s path to modern retailing “We are excited to partner with Sabre to lead the industry in modern airline retailing,” said David Hogarth, Chief Information Officer of Virgin Australia. “This partnership supports our mission of being Australia’s most loved airline by offering our customers choice and a wonderful guest experience. The SabreMosaic platform will over time enable us to optimize our offers, enhance guest interactions, and build a competitive advantage in the market.” Sabre designed the SabreMosaic platform and related solutions with a modular approach, giving Virgin Australia the ability to easily operate in a hybrid environment …

Kuwait Minister of Information and Culture and Kuwait Airways Chairman discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between Kuwait Airways and the Ministry through the exchange of services related to the tourism sector, in addition to reviewing the most important future projects between the two sides. The Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Mr. Abdulrahman Badah Al-Mutairi held discussions with Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, who was accompanied by the Chief Executive Officer, Captain Ahmad M. Alkreebani and a delegation from Kuwait Airways. The discussions focused on the significant efforts extended by the company and the services it provides in supporting the tourism sector in the State of Kuwait. During the meeting, the Minister also discussed ways to enhance joint cooperation between Kuwait Airways and the Ministry through the exchange of services related to the tourism sector, in addition to reviewing the most important future projects between the two sides. Following the meeting, Al-Fagaan highlighted in a press statement that Kuwait Airways continuously enjoys the full support and consideration from the Ministry of Information in all its activities and events, especially within and outside the State of Kuwait, making it an indispensable partner in Kuwait Airways’ accomplishments and contributing significantly to the achievement of its desired objectives. Al-Fagaan stated, “Various aspects of joint cooperation between Kuwait Airways and the Ministry of Information and Culture were discussed in several important areas, most notable among them, the participation in the Gulf Cup Football Championship (Gulf 26) hosted by the State of Kuwait in December. This is in addition to the State of Kuwait’s participation in the Expo 2025 Osaka, Japan and to promote the working of …

The Ajman Tourism Development Department signed a sponsorship agreement with Etihad Water and Electricity, reaffirming its commitment to fostering collaboration within the nation’s key sectors. The agreement will establish a strategic alliance between both entities, with an aim to sponsor community and tourism events, as well as a diverse array of activities to achieve mutual development goals. Under the agreement, various sports, tourism and community events will be organised to attract both visitors and residents, positioning Ajman as the region’s leading tourist destination. The alliance also showcases the significance of maintaining coordination between both entities, while promoting knowledge exchange and leveraging collective resources to ensure success of such events. It is also poised to expand the institutional presence of Etihad Water and Electricity by showcasing its services and initiatives that benefit both residents and tourists. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director-General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, and H.E. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water and Electricity, signed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi said: “Our partnership with Etihad Water and Electricity is a strategic move to support the implementation of the department’s initiatives to elevate Ajman’s position as a leading tourist destination. It is also a part of our efforts to strengthen collaboration between government and private entities to achieve key developmental goals.” H.E. underscored that the collaboration with Etihad Water and Electricity will yield favourable outcomes for the Emirate. Moreover, he highlighted Etihad Water and Electricity’s integral role in supporting upcoming events to enhance participation of tourists and residents in these activities, while promoting their exemplary array of services. H.E. Yousif Ahmed Al Ali, CEO of Etihad Water …

Addressing G20 delegates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Tourism, His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, said: “Saudi Arabia shares and celebrates the G20’s dedication to boost tourism growth and to put sustainability at the heart of our work. ”Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to make its rapidly expanding tourism sector sustainable and a powerful force for forging closer cultural links between the world’s nations at the G20 Tourism Ministers’ Meeting in Brazil. Reflecting on the meeting’s overarching theme of “Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet”, Al-Khateeb added: “There is more than just an economic benefit from the strides we are making to improve connectivity. They also provide the chance for people from around the world to explore the rich culture of Saudi Arabia and for our people to experience the wonders of other countries and cultures.” The high-profile gathering in Belém is bringing together not only the G20 nations, of which Saudi Arabia is the only permanent member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, as well as 32 additional guest countries and international organizations. Saudi Arabia approved the creation of the G20 Tourism Working Group during its presidency in 2020 and among the Ministers’ key objectives at this meeting in Belém finalizing a report by the Working Group that details measures taken by its members to promote robust, sustainable, and balanced global tourism growth. During the event in Belém, His Excellency met with ministers and senior political figures from Brazil, India, Italy, Spain and Japan, as well as with His Excellency Zurab Pololikashvili, Secretary General of UN Tourism and Julia Simpson, President & CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). In addition to meeting with global leaders, His Excellency also joined a WTTC Public-Private Dialogue to coincide with the launch …

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Chairman of the Emirates Tourism Council shared that UAE is looking at positioning itself as a leading global tourism destination and increase the sector’s contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion by the next decade. These were expressed by H.E. Bin Touq who represented the UAE at the G20 tourism ministers’ meeting 2024, held recently in Brazil. H.E. Bin Touq elaborated on various initiatives and policies implemented by the UAE to foster domestic tourism. These endeavours have played a significant role in establishing a distinguished tourism infrastructure in the country in line with international best practices. Additionally, the UAE has prioritised the development of premier and diverse tourism destinations and offerings, while also ensuring the provision of superior services. The tourism sector contributes significantly to the UAE’s economic diversification efforts, seamlessly aligning with the objectives outlined in the ‘UAE Tourism Strategy 2031.’ The strategy aims to position the UAE as a leading global tourism destination and increase the sector’s contribution to the national GDP to AED 450 billion by the next decade. H.E. expressed his appreciation to the Republic of Brazil for organising the G20 Summit and acknowledged Brazilian presidency’s endeavours in ensuring the event’s success. H.E. expressed his gratitude to the G20 members and international tourism organisations attending the ministerial meeting for their concerted efforts in promoting the sustainability of global tourism. In addition, H.E. Bin Touq highlighted the continuous growth in tourism exchanges between the UAE and Brazil. The total number of Brazilian tourists who visited the UAE in 2023 exceeded 183,000, reflecting a remarkable rise of 46.4 per cent when compared to the 125,000 visitors …