Category Archives: Agents

Thuwal Private Retreat, the only private island off the coast of Jeddah that can be rented as a full-service, exclusive-use property, is opening its doors to guests starting this week. Reservations are now open for stays on this idyllic island surrounded by pristine Red Sea waters, exclusively reserved for just one group at a time. Located in an archipelago a 40-minute private boat transfer from KAUST North Marina in northern Jeddah, Thuwal Private Retreat is close enough to the city to make for a quick and convenient getaway, yet far enough away to feel disconnected from the world. The island offers the perfect playground for families and groups of friends looking for a fully personalized, completely bespoke and completely different escape. Thuwal Private Retreat offers an idyllic escape for up to 12 adults and three children, capturing the essence of coastal living in a barefoot-chic style. Guests can enjoy a range of activities from adventurous underwater explorations to moments of deep relaxation. The exclusive-use private island allows visitors to customize their experience. The Three-Bedroom Master Beach Villa features 185 square meters of elegant indoor space, including a fully equipped kitchen and spacious living areas, alongside 395 square meters outdoors with a pool and large sun deck. The villa, designed with soothing neutrals and natural materials, overlooks stunning sands and turquoise waters. Accommodating six adults and one child, it includes a luxurious Master Bedroom and two additional bedrooms. Guests can also unwind in three One-Bedroom Beach Pavilions, each 103 square meters, featuring inviting interiors and private outdoor terraces. Ideal for two adults and one infant, these pavilions include bathrooms that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, complete with private showers and bathtubs. …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development has announced the selection of two unique tourism experiences as part of the “Tourism Experiences Training Program” in Ajman. The initiative was launched by the department to enrich the Emirate’s tourism content, support the participation of Emirati talents in the tourism sector, and align with sustainable goals, digital innovation, and the advancement of social and economic development. As part of this initiative, the department has selected the tourism experiences created by Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani. These experiences are focused on showcasing the hidden gems of Masfout, with the goal of empowering the local community, highlighting the Emirate’s tourist destinations, and enhancing its role in the national tourism sector. Both Abdullah Al Ali and Mariam Al Hamrani are committed to offering fresh, impactful tourism ideas that promote cultural exploration, personal growth, and local engagement, positioning Ajman as a key player in the tourism landscape. In this regard, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development stated: “Through the training programs and tourism initiatives we offer, we aim to motivate the younger generation, engage them in the country’s tourism sector, and invest in local human talents and abilities. This contributes to creating new and innovative job opportunities for them, while instilling a more youthful and dynamic spirit filled with creativity and passion. The tourism experience training program in Ajman is a clear testament to our commitment to empowering youth and strengthening the tourism sector in the Emirate.” For her part, Khadija Mohammed Turki, Tourism Marketing and Promotion Expert at the Ajman Department of Tourism Development, said: “We are pleased to announce the two tourism experiences selected as part …

SAUDIA has signed an agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Media to strengthen coordination and collaboration across various sectors, including both ground and onboard services. The agreement was finalized during the inaugural ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum and signed by Khaled Tash, SAUDIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, and His Excellency Mishaal Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant Undersecretary for Shared Services at the Ministry of Media. Under this agreement, a dedicated channel for the Ministry of Media will be added to SAUDIA’s in-flight entertainment systems and displayed in Al Fursan lounges. This channel will provide regular updates on the Ministry’s initiatives. Additionally, SAUDIA will offer fast-track and business-class services to the Ministry’s guests and sponsor its events. Khaled Tash, SAUDIA Group Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “In line with SAUDIA’s new identity, we are committed to strengthening our relationships with various government entities to support their objectives. The Ministry of Media plays a pivotal role in showcasing the programs of Saudi Vision 2030 and its ambitious projects across various media channels. Displaying the Ministry’s initiatives on Saudia’s screens will significantly boost their visibility, supported by our daily operations of over 600 flights connecting the world to the Kingdom and over 100 destinations worldwide. This agreement aligns with Saudia’s largest project to enhance the guest experience by delivering quality services at every stage of travel and integrating the latest innovations in aviation.” The ImpaQ Impact Makers Forum, a visionary initiative by the Ministry of Media, serves as a premier platform for exchanging expertise and celebrating successful endeavors. The forum spans 14 key areas of influence, including media, artificial intelligence, sports, tourism, entertainment, and culture. It aims to redefine paradigms of media collaboration and create interactive platforms that tell …

SAUDIA Group has collaborated with Riyadh Season 2024 to unveil the “BLVD Runway” zone as part the season. This innovative zone, themed around an airport runway, is now open to visitors featuring three SAUDIA Boeing 777 aircraft that have been transformed to provide a unique setting for entertainment, shopping, dining, and interactive experiences. H.E. Advisor Turki Alalsheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, received a symbolic key to the aircraft from H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, marking the zone’s official launch, which will continue for two months. The zone, spans 140,000 square meters, and includes 13 retail stores, 13 interactive experiences, and five restaurants. A 12-day spectacle unfolded as the three aircraft were transported overland from Jeddah to Riyadh. Led by H.E. Turki Alsheikh, the journey garnered significant attention on social media, with each city along the route organizing welcoming ceremonies, highlighting the Kingdom’s logistical advancements. The event was thoroughly documented with videos and photos, which received widespread coverage across various media platforms. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, stated: “We are proud to be part of this historic moment, marking our participation in Riyadh Season, a key enabler of the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The season has experienced exceptional growth and transformation year after year and is one of the most anticipated entertainment events, under the direct supervision of H.E. Turki Alalsheikh. This collaboration is one of the fruits of Saudia’s sponsorship of Riyadh Season 2024 as a platinum and official airline partner. The launch event featured presentations by technicians from SAUDIA Technic – a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group – detailing the stages of dismantling and transport of the aircraft, two of which …

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its second Discover Jamaica Webinar, captivating over 200 travel trade professionals from the GCC region. Building on the success of its inaugural session, this webinar showcased Jamaica’s unique appeal as a must-visit destination, highlighting its renowned all-inclusive resorts, luxury accommodations, top attractions, annual events, and delectable gastronomy. The session was presented by the JTB’s GCC Trade Representative Office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, with insights from Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the JTB. A special feature of this webinar was the participation of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, whose representative spotlighted their signature all-inclusive experiences, emphasizing their world-class luxury offerings. “Expanding our reach in the GCC market is a critical part of Jamaica’s global tourism strategy,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By equipping travel professionals with in-depth knowledge about Jamaica’s premium offerings, we’re fostering partnerships that will drive visitor growth, promote cultural exchange, and position our island as a preferred destination for high-value travelers from the region.” “This series webinar is another step in our journey to firmly establish Jamaica as an emerging travel destination for the GCC market,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By showcasing our unmatched all-inclusive resorts, signature properties and services, luxury experiences, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, we aim to empower our travel trade partners with the knowledge and tools to inspire their clients to explore the beauty and charm of our island.” Attendees also had the chance to deepen their understanding of Jamaica’s allure, from luxurious resorts to cultural and adventure-filled activities like Dunn’s River Falls and Jamaican gastronomy. The event concluded with a much-anticipated raffle sponsored …

Sav announced a strategic alliance with Travelwings.com to reinforce its “Save Now, Buy Later” approach, encouraging users to plan financially responsible travel while avoiding the pitfalls of high-interest credit. This collaboration allows Sav users to earn up to 7% value-back on travel bookings with Travelwings.com when they achieve their travel savings goals. It enhances Travelwings.com’s engagement with financially conscious travelers, optimizing inventory planning, and offering deeper insights into customer needs. The UAE has seen nearly 40% rise over the past decade in individuals overleveraged on credit, with some paying interest rates of up to 30% on missed payments. Sav’s model offers a financially sustainable alternative, encouraging users to save in advance toward travel goals, enjoy debt-free vacations, and build disciplined savings habits with rewarding outcomes. “We are thrilled to partner with Travelwings.com, to blend our innovative financial solutions with their exceptional travel offerings,” said Mithil Ajmera, Chief Operating Officer at Sav. “This collaboration not only rewards users for smart financial planning but also deepens engagement and loyalty for both brands. Together, we’re setting a new standard for responsible spending that benefits users now and in the future.” Users can visit the webpage featuring their desired travel package to access these benefits. Each package page includes the option to use Sav for savings. Users can fill in the required details and scan a QR code to create their travel savings goal. “Partnering with Sav allows us to provide a travel experience that aligns with our customers’ financial well-being,” said Albert Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Travelwings.com. “With Sav’s support, our customers can plan ahead, save, and enjoy exclusive benefits without incurring high-interest credit.” As Sav and Travelwings.com continue to explore …

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region. The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects. The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes. Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the …

Amsa Hospitality Academy announced a new partnership with King Khalid University for the launch of a joint training program. Launched in November, an inaugural cohort of 20 university graduates has begun vocational training at the soon-to-open Mercure Khamis Mushait, the first internationally branded hotel in the Aseer Province city of Khamis Mushait. The agreement, signed by Dr. Reham Mashat, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at King Khalid University, and Mohammad Mandili, Chief People Officer at Amsa Hospitality, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and the private industry. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing graduates with hands-on experience. Amsa Hospitality Academy, the vocational training arm of the eponymous Riyadh-based hospitality company, made its debut earlier this year. It was developed in partnership with Luxury Hotelschool Paris, a globally recognized institution known for its pedagogical excellence and collaborations with leading hotel brands. The training materials, certified and reviewed by Luxury Hotelschool Paris, help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. Muin Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to pilot our training program with such a prestigious institution as King Khalid University. This partnership demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to nurture Saudi talent and contribute to the goals of Vision 2030.” Through its collaborations with various institutions, Amsa Hospitality Academy aims to train over 400 individuals by the summer of 2025.

marhaba has seen the biggest, 65% growth in passengers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a solid demand from business travellers this year. marhaba is gearing up to assist a record 500,000 travellers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports this festive season, offering a range of convenient services to ease their journeys*. Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations, said: “As more travellers head home or embark on holiday trips this festive season, demand for seamless airport services continues to rise. Whether reuniting with loved ones or heading off on new adventures, our marhaba team is here to make every journey smoother and more enjoyable with our range of personalised services. Our helpful agents look forward to contributing to a memorable experience for both leisure and business travellers, at every stage of their journey.” In 2024, marhaba has experienced a significant surge in demand for its premium airport hospitality services, with passengers from the UAE, UK, India and USA leading the way in enhancing their airport journeys. Key highlights include a 43% increase in USA passengers choosing marhaba’s Meet & Greet, Lounge, and Chauffeur Services, reflecting a growing preference for convenience among long-haul travellers who prioritise time and comfort. marhaba’s personalised approach to hospitality also continues to resonate with elderly passengers and families, particularly among UAE customers travelling in large groups. marhaba’s services are often booked by relatives eager to provide their loved ones with a smooth airport experience. Key markets for such bookings include India with over 20,000 passengers taking advantage of marhaba’s services every month. marhaba’s services are designed to offer maximum convenience …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the growth rate of international tourist arrivals with over 61% in the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to a press release issued by UN Tourism in December 2024. Through the Ministry of Tourism’s plans and strategies, this consistent performance and continued success in the tourism sector underlines the efforts of all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem aimed at achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists also reflects travelers’ confidence in the Kingdom’s attractive and diverse tourism offering, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global tourist destination. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had advanced 15 positions in the global ranking of inbound tourist spending, leading the upward movement among the top 50 countries and ranking 12th globally in 2023 compared to 2019. Additionally, the Kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.