Over the past year Emirates doubled the number of cities it offers beyond its own network, unlocking travel opportunities to nearly 1,700 additional cities. This has enabled an average of over 61,000 passengers to seamlessly connect on the shared networks of Emirates and its partners every week. By forging new partnerships and deepening existing ones across the transport ecosystem, the airline is delivering an array of additional travel choices alongside 31 codeshare, 118 interline and 13 rail and helicopter services partners. Having 162 partners in over 100 countries means an expanded network reach with more and better connections for travellers, seamless single ticket itineraries, enhanced baggage transfers, frequent flyer benefits, lounge access, and other advantages to ensure a smooth travel experience at every touchpoint. For customers of partner airlines flying on Emirates, popular destinations are even closer through Emirates’ robust network over 140 destinations and frictionless connectivity offered at DXB, complemented by industry leading experiences on the ground and in the skies, all easily within reach. In the last year, Emirates launched 16 new partnerships which include codeshares with Avianca and Batik Air Malaysia and the airline also finalised and implemented interline arrangements with KAM Air, Sri Lankan Airlines, Condor, Flynas, Viva Aerobus, Sun Express, Maldivian, Siberia Airlines and Kenya Airways. From plane to train, Emirates customers are now one ticket away from fast connections to cities across Europe through codeshare partnerships with Trenitalia, Spanish Rail Renfe, Austrian Rail OBB and Swedish Rail SJ. The airline was also the first full-service carrier to enter into an innovative interline partnership with BLADE, an urban air-mobility company to provide Emirates customers with helicopter flights between Nice and Monaco on a single ticket. Adnan …

Her Highness Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud, Vice Minister of Tourism, has initiated the largest programmatic and institutional accreditation initiative. This effort is designed to enhance the quality of tourism education and training, aiming to improve the efficiency of education and training outcomes in the Kingdom’s tourism sector and better connect them to the labor market. HH emphasized that since its inception, the Ministry has been dedicated to enhancing the educational and training programs and aligning their outcomes with the needs of the current and future labor market. She noted that the launch of this substantial initiative marks a critical step towards ensuring the success of these efforts. HH also detailed that this initiative, the largest worldwide, involves assessing the quality of 102 national tourism education and training programs throughout 2024. This assessment will be conducted in partnership with 3 organizations to measure the quality of tourism programs: UN Tourism, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. The goal of the initiative is to enable tourism education and training institutions supported by the Ministry of Tourism to earn both international and local accreditations and professional certificates. The initiative aims to accomplish various short- and long-term objectives. These include 31 tourism education and training programs and institutions receiving national and international accreditation by 2024, 200 trainers and educational and administrative staff earning professional certificates to deliver new tourism programs developed by the Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations World Tourism Organization for the year 2024, and 37 Ministry of Tourism employees obtaining professional certification to manage tourism programs. Additionally, by 2025, the initiative targets 27 tourism education and training programs and institutions to achieve …

The Jamaica Tourist Board has appointed Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East as its new Trade Representative office for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in Jamaica’s efforts to expand its presence and strengthen relationships within the GCC travel market. Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East’s extensive experience and deep understanding of the GCC travel landscape, make them an ideal partner to achieve Jamaica’s overarching tourism goals and communicate its diverse tourism offerings. The appointment reflects the Jamaica Tourist Board’s investment in its strategic focus on enhancing visibility and engagement with travelers from the GCC countries. “Selecting Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East to represent Jamaica in the GCC region is a commitment to our strategic ambitions to attract more visitors from this lucrative market said Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “The GCC region holds great potential for Jamaica’s tourism industry, and we are confident that having a team on the ground with such expertise will help us reach and resonate with travelers seeking unique experiences in our beautiful island destination.” In 2023, Jamaica achieved a 17% increase in tourist arrivals from the previous year recording more than US4.2 billion in revenue, proving its resilience amidst global challenges. Building on this momentum, Jamaica continues to push the boundaries by receiving investments valued at US4 to US5 billion in tourism development which is projected to bring 20,000 new rooms in the next 10 to 15 years, including the much-anticipated debut of 2,000 new rooms in 2024 and a total of 8,500 rooms by 2025. “Jamaica is ready to welcome more visitors from the GCC region which will build a stronger relationship through our diverse culture and tourism offerings. …

Courtyard by Marriott announced the opening of its first hotel in the Holy City of Makkah. Courtyard by Marriott Makkah promises modern comfort and unparalleled convenience for discerning travelers, and aims to set new benchmarks for hospitality in the market with its fresh perspective and exceptional service. Nestled in the prestigious Ajyad Street, the hotel is a mere five-minute journey from the Al Haram area and the Masjid Al Harram. The Courtyard by Marriott Makkah caters to a diverse range of travelers, from spiritual pilgrims to business visitors. The Courtyard by Marriott brand has the largest global footprint among Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 brands, focusing on thoughtful, sophisticated design elements and amenities, providing guests with an elevated experience to relax and recharge. Fueled by passion, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ needs, providing opportunities for guests to pursue their passions. “Introducing the first Courtyard by Marriott in the Holy City of Makkah is a significant milestone for the brand,” says Sandra Schulze-Potgieter, Vice President, Premium & Select Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “This growth reflects our dedication to exceptional design and heartfelt service, ensuring guests enjoy unique experiences that honor the essence of Makkah.” Courtyard by Marriott Makkah features 438 carefully designed rooms, including 20 expansive suites. All rooms and suites are designed to offer a peaceful stay, blending modern style with maximum comfort. Additionally, the hotel’s modern lobby provides guests with versatile spaces for both socializing and relaxation. Culinary delights await guests at the K&B restaurant, an all-day dining venue spanning two expansive floors with breathtaking panoramic views of the city. In addition to this premier dining experience, guests can enjoy the …

Middle Eastern carriers saw a 5.8% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 5.5% year-on-year and the load factor was 84.1% (+0.3ppt compared to July 2023). according to the latest data shared by IATA. Total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers (RPK), was up 8.0% compared to July 2023. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometers (ASK), was up 7.4% year-on-year. The July load factor was 86.0% (+0.5ppt compared to July 2023). There was no significant negative demand impact from the CrowdStrike IT outage on 19 July. International demand rose 10.1% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 10.5% year-on-year and the load factor fell to 85.9% (-0.3ppt compared to July 2023). Domestic demand rose 4.8% compared to July 2023. Capacity was up 2.8% year-on-year and the load factor was 86.1% (+1.7ppt compared to July 2023). “July was another positive month. In fact, passenger demand hit an all-time high for the industry and in all regions except Africa, despite significant disruption caused by the CrowdStrike IT outage,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “The winding down of the peak northern summer season is a reminder of how much people depend on flying. As the mix of travelers shift from leisure to business, aviation’s many roles are evident—reuniting families, enabling exploration, and powering commerce. People need and want to fly. And they are doing that in great numbers. Load factors are at the practicable maximum. But persistent supply chain bottlenecks have made deploying the capacity to meet the need to travel more challenging. As much of the world returns from vacation, there is an urgent call for manufacturers and suppliers to resolve their supply chain issues so that air travel remains accessible and …

Air Astana will launch direct scheduled flights from Shymkent to Jeddah, with a twice weekly service operating between 1st and 28th October 2024. After those dates, one of the services will be switched to a once weekly service between Shymkent and Medina. A new twice weekly service from Almaty to Medina will also be launched on 29th October 2024, which is in addition to the existing Almaty to Jeddah service. All flights to Saudi Arabia will be operated by Airbus A321LR aircraft configured with 16 business class seats and 150 economy class seats. The flight time from Shymkent to Jeddah and Shymkent to Medina will be 5hours 35mins, whilst flight time from Almaty to Medina will be 6hours 10mins. The minimum cost for round-trip Economy class tickets including all fees starts from US$ 656 for Shymkent to Jeddah, US$ 646 for Shymkent to Medina and US$ 705 for Almaty to Medina. Kazakhstan citizens are required to obtain an e-visa before traveling to Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is Saudi Arabia’s second largest city and economic capital, with a wealth of attractions including King Fahd’s Fountain, the ancient city of Al-Balad and Red Sea beaches. Jeddah is only one hour’s high-speed train ride from Mecca. Medina is the second most important holy city for Muslims after Mecca. The Prophet’s Mosque in Medina is considered to be the second holiest site of Islam after the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) launched its newest venture, Corp Yanbu Hotel with its modern suites, diverse F&B outlets, inviting pool, well-equipped gym, comprehensive business center, and elegant banquet facilities, the hotel offers an unmatched experience for both business and leisure travelers. Strategically located on the Yanbu SeaFront in the prestigious Royal Commission locality, Corp Yanbu Hotel boasts breathtaking sea views and provides guests with easy access to local attractions. This prime location has quickly made the hotel a highly sought-after destination for both locals and tourists. The stunning vistas of the Red Sea, combined with the convenience of nearby cultural and recreational spots, enhance the appeal of Corp Yanbu Hotel, establishing it as a prime choice for discerning travelers. The introduction of Corp Yanbu Hotel has redefined hospitality standards in Yanbu. The hotel’s exceptional amenities and service have set a new benchmark in the region, attracting a steady stream of guests and contributing significantly to local tourism and the economy. Yanbu, historically known for its industrial and maritime heritage, is evolving into a premier destination on the Red Sea. Corp Yanbu Hotel stands at the forefront of this transformation, becoming the new hot spot and elevating the city’s status as a vibrant and attractive locale. Mr. Haytham Abdelaziz, Director of Operations at HMH, expressed his delight at the hotel’s successful debut. “We are thrilled with the overwhelming response from both locals and tourists in Yanbu. Corp Yanbu Hotel’s prime location and exceptional service have set a new benchmark for hospitality in the region. We look forward to continuing to provide unparalleled experiences to our guests,” said Mr. Abdelaziz. His statement reflects the commitment of HMH to delivering world-class hospitality and …

Mirai shared that selling extras is a strategic way to enhance guest satisfaction and significantly boost hotel revenue. For instance, extras like show tickets or spa access, per room for something like late check-out, or per booking for parking or car rentals etc. The quantity could be per night for extras like an additional bed, or a one-time charge for things like a parking fee. By starting small, focusing on high-margin items, and ensuring proper integration and management, hotels can effectively implement and benefit from an extras strategy. With thoughtful execution, selling extras can transform hotel’s summer revenue potential.  Hotels have a prime opportunity to boost their revenue by offering add-ons to their guests. Enhancing the guest experience with thoughtfully curated extras not only increases satisfaction but can also significantly impact the hotel’s bottom line. Hotels face several challenges when selling extras through their direct booking channels, but overcoming these can greatly enhance both revenue and guest satisfaction. Strategically, hotels must balance the desire to boost income with the complexities that come with managing additional services. Starting small and scaling gradually helps avoid overwhelming staff and guests. On the marketing front, it’s crucial to effectively promote these add-ons using enticing visuals, clear descriptions, and pricing that resonates with the hotel’s brand and customer expectations, ensuring the options enhance the guest experience without causing decision fatigue. Operationally, the focus should be on streamlining processes to ensure that offering extras doesn’t become a logistical burden. This involves integrating these offerings into existing systems, coordinating with suppliers, and aligning extras with the hotel’s policies and procedures. By addressing these challenges, hotels can create a more appealing and profitable direct booking. Pablo Delgado, CEO …

This year’s Jeddah Season drew in over 1.7 million visitors from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over 52 days. It featured a wide array of entertainment activities, solidifying Jeddah’s status as a top tourist destination, offering a plethora of interactive experiences and action-packed games. The Warner Bros. Discovery: Celebrate Every Story area was especially popular among families. The season featured diverse, unique attractions, with the City Walk area standing out as a top highlight.  It offered an immersive experience that brought beloved stories and iconic characters to life. Furthermore, the interactive Imagine Monet exhibition allowed visitors to explore 200 of the most renowned paintings by the French artist Claude Monet. Prince Majid Park added a new dimension to the season by offering various events, live shows, shopping experiences and workshops, enriching the visitors’ overall experience. In a unique historical and cultural experience, the season offered visitors the chance to delve into the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has preserved elements of ancient social life spanning over 400 years, enriching their understanding of the city’s rich heritage. The season’s events extended beyond cultural and entertainment offerings, incorporating thrilling sports tournaments like the Motosurf International Cup and the Summer Speed Festival at the Jeddah Corniche. Attendees were treated to thrilling sports encounters and spectacular shows, creating unforgettable moments for all. The season’s success reflects a forward-looking vision to elevate Jeddah’s status as a global cultural and tourism destination. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to cultivate a sustainable entertainment sector that enhances the quality of life for citizens and residents and serves as an economic driver for economic diversification and …

SAUDIA announced the addition of Phuket to its seasonal destinations, making it the second city in Thailand to join its network, following the capital, Bangkok. This expansion aligns with SAUDIA’s strategic objective to broaden its international flight network and bring the world to Saudi Arabia, leveraging its young fleet and enhancing its global competitive advantage. SAUDIA will commence flights to Phuket on 2 December 2024, offering 12 weekly round trips from Riyadh and Jeddah combined. Bookings will be available through SAUDIA’s website and mobile app. Operational preparations are currently underway at Phuket International Airport to ensure an exceptional service and seamless experience for all guests. The airline will deploy its state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft on the routes between the Kingdom and Phuket. These Dreamliners are equipped with spacious seating, advanced inflight entertainment systems catering to diverse guest preferences, and other premium onboard services designed to enhance the travel experience.