Travelport has announced the signing of an agreement with United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Bin Moosa Travels to deploy Trip Assist, its advanced mobile application for travel management companies and travel agencies. Travelport has now secured more than 45 Trip Assist customers across the world. Bin Moosa Travels will benefit from a fully branded mobile engagement solution that allows it to support, engage and connect with travellers at every stage of their journey. Incorporating smart itinerary management capabilities and the ability to create agency defined messages and rich push notifications; the solution will empower the agency to build stronger relationships with its customers. Trip Assist will support Bin Moosa Travels’ customers by allowing them to share and organize their complex travel plans on the go and from one place. It will also give them greater autonomy to self-serve with features that enable airline check-in, the ability to import external bookings and ‘click to call’ support. By giving travelers more control, the solution will also provide the agent with more time to spend on more specialist travel enquiries. Mary Thomas, Managing Director of Bin Moosa Travels, said: “People in the UAE are extremely digitally savvy and fully expect support to be delivered 24/7 throughout their travel journey, across multiple physical and digital channels. By using Trip Assist, we will be able to deliver a new standard of digital service to our customers, while freeing up our consultants to spend more time providing expert advice.” Kathryn Wallington, Travelport’s Country Manager for the UAE, said: “With Cozmo Travel already signed up, we now have two Trip Assist customers in the Emirates. With demand from travelers for best-in-class mobile travel solutions escalating in the UAE, …
Read More »Gulf Hotels Group debuts in UAE with The Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay
Gulf Hotels Group (GHG), Bahrain’s leading home-grown hospitality provider has opened its first UAE property, The Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay. The 4-star property marks the first phase of GHG’s expansion plan across the region. The property has 270 rooms, categorised between Standard, Superior, Deluxe, Grand Deluxe, Executive Suites, Luxury Suites and two Penthouse Suites. Guests can also enjoy Club Lounge/ benefits, business centre, swimming pool, gym, and a choice of six dining options that include Café Délices, Al Waha Restaurant, Naisa Oriental Restaurant, Sports On 4, The Canal Lounge, and The Other Office Karaoke. Business travellers can take advantage of the meeting rooms that are equipped with state-of-the-art AV equipment. Garfield Jones, Gulf Hotels Group CEO, said, “The opening of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay represents the first step on the Group’s strategy to expand hospitality operations into the MENA region, and we are aiming to follow up the opening of the hotel with further expansion both in the UAE and neighbouring GCC countries. The Gulf Court Hotel offers visitors a true taste of Arabic hospitality that our hotels in Bahrain – the Gulf Hotel, The K Hotel and Asdal Gulf Inn – are renowned for. It also builds on the company’s reputation for delivering an excellent food, beverage and leisure product.”
Read More »TIME to operate Dunes Hotel Apartments in Dubai
UAE-headquartered, TIME Hotels Management has signed a new agreement to operate Dunes Hotel Apartments’ three properties located throughout Dubai- Al Barsha, Al Qusais and Oud Metha. TIME portfolio will grow to 20 properties by 2020. TIME Hotels took over day-to-day operations of the properties following the signing of a management agreement on January 24, 2019 in Dubai between Mohamed Awadalla, CEO, TIME Hotels and Abdallah Mohamed Jaber Al Harbi, Owner, Dunes Hotel Apartments. Commenting on the new management agreement, TIME Hotels CEO, Mohamed Awadalla, said: “Our partnership with Dunes Hotel Apartments further reinforces our growth strategy to expand our footprint in the UAE with further openings in Dubai, and Sharjah, as well as other properties across the region in Saudi Arabia and Egypt – taking our total portfolio to 20 properties by the end of 2020. TIME hotels have a great deal of experience across the UAE, and more importantly an in-depth understanding of how to add value and drive in business.” TIME Dunes Hotel Apartment Al Barsha comprises 84 rooms, while TIME Dunes Hotel Apartments Al Qusais features 80 rooms and TIME Dunes Hotel Apartments Oud Metha has 108 rooms in total. All three properties include studios, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments – with the Al Barsha property also offering three-bedroom penthouse apartments. Each property features Dunes Delight restaurant which serves Middle Eastern, Arabic, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Guests also have access to a health and fitness centre with a fully-equipped gym and separate male and female steam rooms; heated outdoor swimming pool; a business centre and 24-hour reception and maintenance service. All three properties will undergo a rebrand in February, becoming TIME Dunes Hotel Apartment Al Barsha, TIME Dunes …
Read More »Emirates launches Expo 2020-themed aircraft model collection
The Emirates Official Store has launched a new limited edition collection of Expo 2020 themed aircraft models for aviation enthusiasts and passionate scale-modellers. The highly detailed models are part of a 15 aircraft model collection ranging from Airbus A380s to Boeing 777s featuring the signature Expo 2020 logo in three colours – blue, orange and green representing the three themes of mobility, opportunity and sustainability. The aircraft model replicas are available in both plastic hollow and solid injected finishes, as well as die-cast metal versions, all with meticulously detailed graphics in the three colours that are currently emblazoned on select Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 liveries. The scale models come in the following sizes: Emirates A380 Expo 2020 1/200 scale models in the three colours in a solid plastic finish, Emirates 777-300ER Expo 2020 1/200 scale models in a hollow plastic finish that can be easily assembled, Emirates A380 Expo 2020 1/250 scale models in a hollow plastic finish which easily clips together,Emirates A380 Expo 2020 1/400 scale model is the smallest aircraft collectable in the Expo 2020 collection and comes in a die-cast metal finish and Emirates 777-300ER Expo 2020 1/400 scale models which comes in a metal die-cast finish. The Expo 2020 themed Emirates aircraft models can be found at all Emirates Official retail stores in the UAE, Emirates Store online as well as Emirates Official Store shops at Dubai International Airport. Select aircraft models will also be sold onboard Emirates flights from March 2019. An official Expo 2020 partner, Emirates has installed three different Expo 2020 decal designs on 40 aircraft in its fleet, taking the event’s three key themes: opportunity (orange), mobility (blue), and sustainability (green), …
Read More »Four Points by Sheraton unveils in Sharjah
Four points by Sheraton opened its doors in Sharjah with 225 rooms. The hotel stands at the end of the famous Sharjah Buhairah Corniche with easy access to the famous Blue and Gold Souq, offering a variety of options for dining and family entertainment. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle bus service for guests to visit the picturesque beach side. Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah features 225 contemporary and spacious rooms, including inter-connecting and twin rooms designed to suit the needs of families or large groups staying for an extended duration. Reflecting the brand’s promise to provide today’s independent travelers with balance, the hotel offers the brand’s defining touches including complimentary bottled water in all rooms, fast and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an energizing breakfast with fresh coffee that helps guests start the day right. Every room has the Four Points by Sheraton Comfort Bed, fitted with a plush mattress and down duvet and pillows for the perfect night’s sleep. Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah also caters to the needs of business travelers offering six meeting rooms equipped with the latest technology and a dedicated events team tasked to deliver seamless business experiences. “We are delighted to open the first Four Points by Sheraton in the Emirate complimenting Marriott International’s footprint in Sharjah and diversifying the tourist experience in line with Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021. The hotel offers business and leisure travelers with the brand’s comfortable hospitality experience and is positioned in an ideal location to explore the city,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East & Africa, Marriot International. “The Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah team is excited to open its doors and serve our …
Read More »Dubai gets its own Mandarin Oriental
The much-awaited Mandarin Oriental opened its doors in the most exclusive Jumeirah area with 256 spacious and elegant guest rooms, suites with a view of the most picturesque ocean. It is one of the rare properties situated on the beach with its very own private beach. It was developed by wasl Asset Management Group, one of the largest real estate development and management companies in Dubai. Designed by acclaimed international designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the property features spacious and elegant guest rooms and suites, most with private balconies and terraces, offering pristine ocean views or the dynamic city skyline. In terms of the food and beverage the property offers six unrivalled restaurants and bars, all of which are noteworthy additions to Dubai’s dining scene. The two signature restaurants are Tasca by Portuguese celebrity chef José Avillez and Netsu, a Warayaki-style Japanese steakhouse by Australian-born chef Ross Shonhan. As the closest beachfront resort to Dubai’s financial and business districts, the hotel boasts exceptional meeting and event facilities, providing a wonderful setting for weddings and so-cial celebrations. A 700-square-metre glass-walled ballroom features a beachfront terrace and is complemented by four elegantly appointed meeting spaces and an expansive private Bridal Room. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai takes wellness experiences to another level, with its focus on locally inspired experiences. All nine treatment rooms feature individual changing and bathroom facilities, and some have private terraces overlooking the ocean. This welcoming oasis offers exceptional heat and water experiences, and an unrivalled range of holistic rejuvenation and relaxation treatments. There is also a state-of-the-art Fitness Centre and a Little Nomads kids’ club with a range of fun activities for younger Mandarin fans. “We are delighted …
Read More »Dubai Airports launches brand ‘DXB’ to transform airport experience
Dubai Airports has unveiled a new brand for Dubai International (DXB) that signifies Dubai Airports’ transition from airport operator to a consumer-led company to elevate the airport customer experience. The brand launch event was attended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports; Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports, as well as VVIPs of Dubai’s aviation industry, senior management of DXB, key industry stakeholders and global media. The new brand embodies the unique values of Dubai, demonstrating unmatched hospitality, a culture of imagination, openness to new ideas and a mesmerising mosaic of exciting and inspiring experiences. It will transform DXB into a destination in itself by creating exciting, immersive virtual experiences that bring iconic Dubai landmarks into the airport as well as an array of music, art, dance and even fashion exhibitions that showcase local culture and celebrate diversity. DXB will also feature zones throughout the airport’s concourses that cluster together retail, F&B and themed attractions to cater to DXB’s diverse customer base. Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports, said, “We are proud to launch the new DXB brand to reflect the fresh direction and truly transform DXB into the airport of the future, one that is led by a more customer-centric approach, that incorporates the hospitality, excitement, warmth and true spirit of Dubai. The new brand represents the ways in which we connect the world, not only by physically facilitating access to over 220 destinations around the world but also by transporting our customers through their experience of different cultures, food, music …
Read More »Ras Al Khaimah attracts over one million tourists in 2018
Exceeding its target of attracting 1 million visitors by 2018, Ras Al Khaimah reported 1,072,066 visitors from domestic and key international markets during the year. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported a 10 per cent growth in visitors compared to 2017, led by the UAE domestic market which continues to generate 38 per cent of overall visitors. Germany continues to be the leading international source market with 83,605 visitors, followed by Russia, with 83,531 visitors – up by a significant 17 per cent on 2017. The third largest source market was the UK, with 63,054 visitors, up 11.5 per cent; India was fourth with 62,325 visitors, up 22 per cent; rounding out the top five was Kazakhstan with 27,168 visitors, a growth of 28 per cent. One of Ras Al Khaimah’s key milestones in 2018 was the launch of Jebel Jais Flight – the world’s longest zipline, which has welcomed over 25,000 flyers since opening 12 months ago. This put Ras Al Khaimah on the map, breaking the world record and strengthening the emirate’s credentials as the fastest growing adventure tourism destination in the region. Haitham Mattar, CEO, RAKTDA said, “2018 has been another remarkable year for the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah in terms of achievements and milestones accomplished, primarily exceeding our target of 1 million visitors. With the current robust visitor demand, solid regional and international partnerships in place and iconic product launches over the past few years, Ras Al Khaimah is on a mission to further assert its position as the fastest growing tourism destination in the region, whilst promoting our emirate’s breadth of offerings to regional and international target markets”. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority …
Read More »Amadeus launches new distributor in Bahrain
Amadeus has announced that it will be repositioning its offerings in Bahrain by transitioning its local customers to a new distributor entity under the name of Amadeus Bahrain. The new company will be the exclusive distributor of Amadeus solutions throughout the Kingdom, providing local airlines, airports, hotels, travel agencies, and other travel players with access to the full breadth of Amadeus technology. Travel companies in Bahrain had previously worked directly with Amadeus Gulf, a regional joint venture that continues overseeing the company’s operations in the UAE and Oman. The new Amadeus Bahrain entity will be headed by longtime industry veteran and Bahrain resident Daniel Naoumovitch, who joins in the capacity of Managing Director. Additional Amadeus support staff will transfer to the new entity, with all Amadeus contracts in Bahrain remaining unchanged and assigned to the new entity, ensuring a seamless transition of operations. Antoine Medawar, Senior Vice President—Retail, Middle East and Africa said, “We are fully committed to the high standards of service and support that Amadeus is known for, and believe this move will enable us to enhance those offerings in the future.” Bahrain’s tourism industry is booming as the Kingdom expects to welcome 15 million annual visitors by 2020 – equivalent to roughly nine times the Kingdom’s population. The sector also accounts for approximately 9.7 per cent of the country’s GDP, with tourism revenues projected to top $1 billion by 2020, according to recent figures from the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Daniel Naoumovitch, Managing Director, Amadeus Bahrain added, “I am thrilled to be part of the Amadeus family and the new organisation being established in Bahrain. We look forward to energising Bahrain’s rapidly expanding travel industry by capitalising on …
Read More »Emirates connects Phnom Penh and Bangkok on Dubai daily service from June 1
Emirates will link Phnom Penh and Bangkok with its new daily service set to launch on June 1, 2019. The service from Dubai to Phnom Penh, via Bangkok, will provide passengers travelling between the capital cities of Cambodia and Thailand with more flight options. The new service will be operated with an Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft. Flights to Phnom Penh will depart daily from Dubai International Airport at 08:45 hrs local time and arrive in Bangkok at 18:15 hrs. The same flight will then depart Bangkok at 20:00 hrs and arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport at 21: 25 hrs. On the return segment, flight EK371 will depart Phnom Penh at 23:20 hrs and will arrive in Bangkok at 00:40 hrs on the following day. It will then set off to Dubai at 02:25 hrs, arriving at 05:35 hrs. All times are local. Emirates has been serving Cambodia with its flights to Phnom Penh since July 2017, carrying over 100,000 passengers on the route to date. “We are pleased to enhance our services to these popular Southeast Asian destinations and offer more choices for travellers in Cambodia and Thailand. Passengers will not only be linked directly through our daily service but will also have access to a host of domestic and regional routes from the two countries via Emirates’ codeshare partners Bangkok Airways, Jetstar Pacific and Jetstar Asia,” said Adnan Kazim, Divisional Senior Vice President—Strategic Planning, Revenue Optimisation & Aeropolitical Affairs, Emirates. “Emirates has been proudly connecting the UAE to Cambodia since 2017, and we look forward to building on the success of this route with our new link through Bangkok. The service will provide travellers from Cambodia with easy access …
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