The Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS), the United Arab Emirates capital boating, leisure marine and fishing exhibition, concluded at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Marina and Canal Hall, where industry professionals, decision makers and local and international companies arrived in Abu Dhabi to showcase their latest offerings and trends in luxury yachts, leisure marine, fishing equipment industries and water sports. Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, ADIBS 2023 opened its doors at 3PM on November 9, with a diverse group of international and local visitors touring the exhibition grounds before experiencing a ceremonial flyover, signifying the launch of ADIBS 2023 of the four-day maritime exhibition. This year, the 65,000 square meter Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Marina and Canal Hall venue welcomed thousands of attendees, who were able to explore the 137 exhibits from 711 leading regional and international brands. Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and CEO of ADNEC Group, said: “We are proud to launch the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2023, a pivotal event that not only showcases the latest in luxury yachting, marine technology, and fishing equipment but also reinforces Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in maritime innovation and sustainability. This year’s exhibition, marked by significant launches, engaging discussions on marine sustainability, and the unveiling of world records, has set a new standard in the industry.” There were several regional launches that occurred on day one of ADIBS 2023, with brands such as Fast Marine Boats launching the Brabus Marine, Class Marine Boats launching the Nimbus, and Waldorf Astoria launching the Private Island Ithaafushi (Waldorf Astoria). The Dubai based yacht …

The Department of Tourism Development in Ajman (DTC) concluded its prominent participation in the World Travel Market (WTM) in London, which took place from 6 to 8 November 2023. Ajman’s participation witnessed a great turnout by visitors and participants, as the emirate presented a special presentation about its tourist attractions and investment opportunities in the tourism sector. Ajman starred at the exhibition by presenting a variety of tourism experiences, underscoring its commitment to promoting sustainable tourism and improving the emirate’s well-being. H.E. Mahmoud Khalil Al Hashimy, Director General of DTD, said: “It was a great opportunity for us to connect with many partners and investors in the tourism industry. We strive to enhance Ajman’s image as an exceptional tourism destination and will continue to work to strengthen international cooperation and attract more investment to support the growth of the emirate’s tourism sector.” In terms of partnerships, the Department of Tourism Development in Ajman has signed strategic memorandums of understanding with several international entities, enhancing cooperation in the fields of hospitality and the development of tourism projects. Among the notable partnerships, the Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Charisma Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hotel and resort management. It also announced strategic partnerships with Hotel Beads and EM&RS Holding, with the aim of boosting tourism trade and improving services to visitors. “These MoUs are an expression of Ajman’s commitment to diversity and innovation in the tourism industry, and open new horizons for the development of pioneering investment projects that enhance Ajman’s position on the global stage,” Al Hashemi added. Al Hashemi stressed the importance of cooperation with international companies, noting that these partnerships will contribute to strengthening …

BEONx announced that it has become the first Revenue Management System (RMS) to incorporate a dedicated module for tour operation. The BEONx Tour Operation Module innovatively enables resort accommodations to optimize tour operation distribution. Vacation hotels play a vital role in the travel industry and rely primarily on tour operators to drive bookings. However, effectively managing is difficult due to the diverse budgetary and strategic requirements of each tour operator contract requirement and other segments pricing strategies. For this reason, hoteliers struggle with the lack of a comprehensive revenue management tool, resulting in the loss of inventory control, the possibility of human error from manual processes, significant time consumption due to manual reports, and profit erosion as a result of a limited focus on Total Revenue and reliance on legacy systems. These obstacles hinder the industry’s effectiveness and profitability. Cayetana Fernández, VP of Product at BEONx, said: “We are thrilled to introduce the BEONx Tour Operation Module, a revolutionary solution designed to resolve the unique challenges vacation hotels face in optimizing due to their heavy reliance on tour operators. Resorts face challenges in optimising distribution and outperforming tour operation competitors. With our new BEONx Tour Operation Module, hotels will effectively manage its inventory by leveraging advanced systems and AI algorithms, empowering resorts to attract direct reservations, increasing efficiency, and achieving long-term profitability in the dynamic hospitality industry.” BEONx’s TourOperation Module is poised to revolutionise the way vacation hotels manage their tour operations. This innovative solution addresses the intricate challenges faced by vacation hotels in managing tour operators (TOs) efficiently and profitably.   Simplicity in complex revenue management: Intuitive tools to optimize room pricing across different outlets and points of sale, …

Riyadh Air and Microsoft signed a Memorandum of Understanding to drive innovation and sustainability across Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector. As part of the agreement, Riyadh Air has selected Microsoft’s trusted Azure cloud platform as its preferred platform for accelerating digital transformation and will leverage the highly secure, scalable, and reliable platform to improve operational efficiency and customer service. The announcement will see both organizations collaborating to leverage the potential of cutting-edge technologies such as Big Data, Artificial Intelligence, copilot experiences, the Metaverse, and Virtual Reality to enhance Riyadh Air’s offerings, services, and operational models. Adam Boukadida, Chief Finance Officer, Riyadh Air, said: “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Microsoft as we embark on an accelerated digital enablement journey to fuel the growth and innovation within the aviation industry. Leveraging the robust Microsoft Azure platform is just the beginning; we are poised to tap into the vast network of Microsoft partnerships and harness the remarkable AI capabilities offered through Microsoft’s comprehensive suite of services & solutions, empowering Riyadh Air to grow & thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. By embracing Microsoft’s platform and solution capabilities, we aim to build a unique customer and employee experience and expedite our progress in achieving our sustainability targets.” Riyadh Air and Microsoft will also jointly establish a Centre of Excellence that will provide a structured framework for driving innovation and delivering substantial business benefits for both organizations. The partnership also sees both parties forming a dedicated board that will actively drive efforts in line with the Kingdom’s national sustainability agenda. Turki Badhris, Acting General Manager at Microsoft Arabia, said that the partnership is a perfect demonstration of Riyadh Air’s forward-thinking vision which leverages …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AM & RS Holdings. The primary objective of this partnership is to bolster tourism and cultural promotion in the Emirate of Ajman, thereby attracting more visitors to this unique destination. The momentous agreement was officially inked during WTM. This collaborative effort aims to elevate Ajman’s tourism and cultural appeal in the United Kingdom by exchanging knowledge and modern technologies. Both parties are committed to providing advisory services and mutual support to ensure the successful realization of the MoU’s objectives. A key facet of this agreement entails the establishment of a visually striking office in St. Anne’s Square, a prominent location in the city of Manchester, known for its high footfall. This strategic move will help orient visitors towards Ajman. Under the terms of the agreement, the Ajman Department of Tourism Development will engage in discussions with hotels and relevant stakeholders in Ajman in partnership with AM & RS Holdings to offer exclusive rates to visitors, enhancing their overall tourism experience. Close collaboration between the two entities will extend to mutual media and advertising promotions of upcoming activities and events, to showcase the beauty of Ajman and introduce the UK public to the rich culture and history of the emirate. His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, expressed his interest in this collaboration, emphasizing its significant positive impact on Ajman’s tourism efforts. He stated, “The signing of this memorandum underscores our commitment to bolstering Ajman’s reputation as a distinctive tourist destination. This partnership will play a pivotal role in achieving our goal by leveraging AM & RS Holding Company’s experience …

Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel was awarded “Best Destination Wedding Hotel” at the Arabian Travel Awards for 2023.  This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hotel’s commitment to offering exceptional wedding experiences, luxurious accommodations, and world-class service. The prestigious travel awards is renowned for recognizing luminaries in the travel, tourism, and hospitality sectors, marking a significant milestone for these industries. The Arabian Travel Awards 2023 show was held at Sofitel Downtown Dubai, and was graced by H.E. Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE who also presented the awards to the stars of the evening. Area General Manager, Mr. Iftikhar Hamdani, expressed his delight about this achievement: “Receiving the title of ‘Best Destination Wedding Hotel’ is a great honour. It reflects the unwavering commitment and effort we put into every wedding celebration. We aim to create magical moments for our clients, and this award is a validation of our excellence.”  He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to its team.  “In fact, this wouldn’t have been possible without our expert team of event planners and hospitality professionals.” Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel managed by Hospitality Management Holding, takes pride in its versatility and commitment to hosting a wide range of events. They are not only the perfect setting for dream weddings but also an ideal venue for various other occasions, including sports events, beauty pageants, conferences, and more. This achievement comes as a continuation of the hotel’s success, as they were previously recognized as the “Best 5-Star Luxury Hotel in Ajman 2021” by the Arabian Travel Awards.  Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel looks forward to providing its clients with remarkable experiences that create cherished memories.  

It was announced by His Excellency Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council that GCC states have unanimously approved a Schengen style GCC tourism visa, at a meeting of regional interior minsters at the GCC summit in Muscat, Oman on November 8 According to the Secretariat news, His Excellency Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), stated that the unified GCC tourist visa project represents a new achievement which is added to the blessed accomplishments made by the Cooperation Council, in light of the sound directives of Their Majesties and Highnesses, the leaders of the GCC who placed close attention to the achievements of the GCC security cooperation. His Excellency’s remarks came during the 40th meeting of Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Interior Ministers of the GCC which took place under the chairmanship of His Excellency Sayyed Hamoud bin Faisal Al Busaidi, Minister of Interior of Oman and President of the current session, in the Omani capital Muscat. Present in the meeting were Their Highnesses and Excellencies the Ministers of Interior in the GCC member states. At the beginning of his speech, His Excellency the Secretary General extended the highest expressions of thanks, appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said, Sultan of the Sultanate of Oman and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Supreme Council, and to the esteemed government of the Sultanate of Oman and the honourable people of the Sultanate, for their backing and tireless efforts made to support the joint GCC action to maintain the Council’s march and progress in order to achieve the lofty goals of the aspirations of the citizens …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) officially sealed a significant partnership with Karisma Hotels and Resorts at the World Travel Market in London 2023. This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is a testament to their joint commitment to attracting investment opportunities that will boost tourism not only in Ajman but also in the broader United Arab Emirates. The agreement reflects their mutual desire to support, develop, and strengthen their collaborative efforts within a defined institutional framework, respecting the unique roles and responsibilities of each party and aligned with their shared goals. Both parties are determined to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences to harmonize their visions for the future. Under the terms of this MoU, the two entities will collaborate on the assessment of tourism and hotel projects in the Emirate of Ajman. Their primary focus will be on the development of comprehensive five-star resorts and hotels in Ajman, along with entertainment ventures and similar initiatives. His Excellency H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, expressed his optimism about this pivotal partnership, stating, “This strategic alliance with Karisma Hotels and Resorts marks a significant milestone in our journey to promote tourism in Ajman. Through this agreement, we aim to foster investment opportunities and emphasize the establishment of top-notch integrated resorts, ultimately enhancing Ajman’s reputation as a premier tourist destination. We firmly believe that this collaboration will lay the foundation for sustained growth and success in Ajman’s tourism sector.” Mr. Nemanja Kostic, CEO of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to embark on this journey alongside the Ajman Department of Tourism Development. Karisma Hotels and Resorts have a proven …

Tourism Malaysia showcased its remarkable achievements in leveraging data to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and redefine the tourism landscape at the ForwardKeys event during the World Travel Market 2023. Speaking at the event, Mr. Iskandar Mirza Mohd Yusof, Senior Director of AERO at Tourism Malaysia, emphasised the pivotal role of data in charting the course for Malaysia’s tourism revival. “Data has been our guiding light during these challenging times,” he said. “It has been instrumental in not only assessing the readiness for the reopening of tourism but also in shaping our marketing strategies in response to evolving traveller preferences.” Key Messages: Pandemic Recovery through Data: Mr. Yusof highlighted how data-driven insights were crucial in determining the readiness to reopen tourism activities after the Movement Control Order (MCO). Surveys involving the domestic population provided valuable information that shaped guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The surveys revealed a high demand for domestic travel, leading to the staged reopening of tourism activities. For international markets, surveys with overseas tourism stakeholders informed the establishment of travel bubbles and the eventual reopening of international borders on April 1, 2022.   Data-Driven Marketing: The data collected during the pandemic became the cornerstone of Tourism Malaysia’s marketing efforts. It played a pivotal role in developing new marketing narratives for both domestic and international markets. This data was also instrumental in redefining services and product offerings within the tourism sector.   Identifying New Markets: Mr. Yusof underscored the importance of data partnerships with various government agencies and organisations, such as the Department of Statistics, Central Bank of Malaysia (BNM), Immigration, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economics (KE), academic institutions, and international bodies. This collaboration …

Almosafer and Trip.com Group are expanding collaborations to pioneer unique holistic travel experiences for tourists and visitors to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and make the destination more accessible to global markets. The collaboration aims at enhancing inbound travel by promoting the Kingdom as a top-tier travel destination in the region. The collaboration will also fortify corporate travel across the Middle East and boost inbound tourism from Asian markets. Leveraging the comprehensive range of travel services offered by Almosafer, together with the global reach and cutting-edge technology and data aggregation abilities of Trip.com Group, both industry giants will open exciting opportunities for travellers and strengthen the tourism landscape of Saudi Arabia. Building on Almosafer’s regional expertise and deep understanding of the needs and preferences of visitors in the region and beyond, Trip.com Group will increase visibility of the immersive and enriching tourism experiences in Saudi Arabia across its data-led and technology-driven platforms. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “As Saudi Arabia’s leading travel company, Almosafer remains committed to bring guests and visitors seamless travel experiences and support them in making informed decisions to easily access the Kingdom’s unique attractions. In line with our digital first approach, we are excited to expand cooperation with Trip.com Group to further this goal and support the ambitious tourism mandate of Saudi Vision 2030. The partnership will give Saudi Arabia higher visibility in both regional and global markets and together, we aim to elevate Saudi Arabia as a captivating destination for all age groups and interests.” Boon Sian Chai, Managing Director and Vice President of International Markets at Trip.com Group, said: “We are excited to increase cooperation with Almosafer, to attract tourists to the beautiful destination of …