Category Archives: Agents

dnata Travel Management is partnering with International SOS to introduce its pioneering duty of care services to its hundreds of clients across the region. The ‘Travel Risk Management Program’ by International SOS is now available as an add-on service to dnata Travel Management’s regional client base. Organisations can benefit from International SOS’ comprehensive travel risk management programs, from assessing processes for travel risk management to mitigating any risks associated with travel. Companies will also have access to its 24/7 global assistance, medical and security evacuations, intelligence and monitoring tools, location-based alerts, and much more. Since 2019, dnata Travel Management surveys have consistently indicated that employee wellbeing and engagement are top priorities for corporate clients in the Middle East. Other priorities included savings and cost control, sustainability, and expense management. Savio Vaz, Vice President Government and Corporate Travel at the dnata Travel Group, commented: “Our service requirements as a Travel Management Company (TMC) have grown significantly. The post-pandemic reopening of more countries and a growing preference for in-person meetings has fuelled a growth in corporate travel. Heads of businesses travelling across the region and beyond are ensuring now more than ever that employee wellbeing, engagement, and duty of care remain at the top of the agenda. We continue to evolve our offering to meet the needs of our corporate traveller base.” Sebastien Bedu, General Manager Middle East at International SOS, added: “We are delighted to partner with dnata Travel Management and extend our robust preventive programmes to its corporate travel clients across the Middle East. Post-pandemic, the health and wellbeing of employees has become a business imperative and a top priority for the leadership agenda with a growing awareness around Duty …

Sabre Hospitality and Uplift announced a strategic partnership that leverages Sabre’s SynXis to offer unparalleled payment flexibility to hotels and guests alike. Under this agreement, Sabre Hospitality will integrate the Uplift dynamic pay monthly option into the Sabre SynXis platform, enabling properties across all market tiers to seamlessly adopt a versatile payment model that resonates with guests at every price point. This collaboration underscores Sabre’s commitment to revolutionizing the guest experience by harnessing innovative solutions that enhance payment options and drive customer satisfaction. “At Sabre Hospitality, we pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of technology trends and meeting the dynamic needs of our partners and their customers in an ever-evolving industry,” said Scott Wilson President, Sabre Hospitality. “Our collaboration with Uplift underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation and responsiveness to market demands. By embracing Uplift’s cutting-edge technology, we surpass expectations, providing our clients and their guests with unparalleled convenience and flexibility.” Uplift partners with over 350 of the world’s leading airlines, cruise lines, resorts, and other major travel providers to help more consumers make meaningful purchases and experience the travel they deserve. “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Sabre Hospitality, a true leader in the hospitality B2B technology space. The travel landscape is constantly evolving, and consumers increasingly seek flexibility in payment options,” said Tom Botts, Chief Commercial Officer, Uplift.” Our partnership with Sabre Hospitality is a testament to our shared vision of addressing these evolving needs. By integrating Uplift into the SynXis platform, we empower hotels to provide their guests with a seamless and convenient payment experience, ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.” This partnership enables Sabre to expand payment flexibility options for their extensive network …

After intensive examination and in close coordination with the provisional insolvency administrator Axel Bierbach and the German Travel Security Fund (DRSF), FTI Touristik GmbH has decided to cancel all trips with departure dates up to and including Friday, 5 July 2024. The company has immediately started to inform the affected customers and service partners about the cancellations. “Since the beginning of the week, together with FTI and the DRSF, we have been examining all options for the further realisation of already booked trips in the interest of our customers. A solution seems possible, but not in the next few days. In the interests of customers departing at short notice, we therefore believe that the best solution is to cancel all trips starting in the next four weeks. This will give customers the planning security and flexibility they urgently need for their upcoming holidays”, said the provisional insolvency administrator Bierbach on Friday in Munich. According to him, operating the trips during this period would have been associated with too many uncertainty factors and risks for holidaymakers in the destination countries. The decision affects all package holidays, individual bookings and individual services that customers have booked for this period via FTI Touristik GmbH, the sales brand 5vorFlug and BigXtra Touristik GmbH. Thursday, 6 June 2024, the subsidiary BigXtra Touristik GmbH, which belongs to the FTI GROUP, also filed for insolvency at the Munich Local Court. Axel Bierbach from the law firm Müller- Heydenreich Bierbach & Kollegen (Munich) was also appointed provisional insolvency administrator for this company. FTI and the provisional insolvency administrator, together with the DRSF, are continuing to work hard to find a solution that best serves the interests of customers …

The Board of Directors of NEOM  revealed the development of Magna, its luxury lifestyle coastal destination. Part of NEOM’s regional sustainable tourism portfolio, Magna is situated on the stunning Gulf of Aqaba coastline and comprises the recently announced premier destinations of Leyja, Epicon, Siranna, Utamo, Norlana, Aquellum, Zardun, Xaynor, Elanan, Gidori, Treyam and Jaumur. The twelve destinations will span 120 kilometers and are poised to set a new global standard in luxury sustainable tourism. As the physical embodiment of the ambitious and future-focused Saudi Vision 2030, Magna will be developed with a core focus on cutting-edge technology, world-class architecture, and ultra-modern amenities that effortlessly merge with nature. Each destination is individually unique, with its own distinct offering for residents and guests, yet seamlessly blends to form a unified destination. They will be woven together by the conservation, preservation, and rejuvenation of native flora, fauna, and the breathtaking natural landscape. The development will comprise 15 luxury hotels, 1,600 hotel rooms, suites and apartments, and over 2,500 premium residences across its destinations. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, Chief Executive Officer, NEOM, said: “NEOM’s premier coastal region of Magna is a treasure of tomorrow, steeped in natural beauty and advanced technology. Aligned with our three pillars of redefining business, conservation, and livability, Magna will play a key role in building a strong tourism ecosystem within NEOM. Importantly, Magna will contribute positively to the national economic diversification efforts and to the broader Saudi Vision 2030 goals, helping to position the Kingdom as a global leader in luxury tourism.” In line with the transformative Saudi Vision 2030, Magna and its destinations will stimulate the Kingdom’s economy by creating 15,000 jobs across the tourism, leisure, and hospitality sectors. The …

Koert Grasveld from B2B travel payments specialist Terrapay comments on the collapse of FTI and the impact it would have on B2B payments.  “Travel agents and tour operators everywhere are under huge and ever-increasing amounts of pressure to advance pay hotel chains, single property owners and many other suppliers of services – this undoubtedly will have played a big part in today’s news. Right now everyone in the FTI B2B ecosystem – be they actual travel services suppliers, travel agents selling their packages, or more simply the B2B distributors and tech partners – will all be scrambling around to understand their financial exposure but even more importantly to understand what protection they have in place. Those who have been using virtual credit cards to transact with FTI will find themselves having much greater protection than anyone using old fashioned bank transfers – certainly anyone using prepaid virtual cards, as no fictive money would have been loaded on the card if the service had not been consumed yet / was due payment. Even those certain of financial protection could still be in for a very busy few weeks though, with refund requests and charge-backs being issued at the consumer end, resulting in huge amounts of back-office admin unless they have in place up-to-date, automated systems. If COVID wasn’t a wakeup call, then perhaps this will be to make sure that travel companies invest in robust B2B payment technology.”

FTI Touristik GmbH, the parent company of the FTI GROUP as the third largest tour operator in Europe, will file an application for the opening of insolvency proceedings at the Munich Local Court on Monday, 3 June 2024. Initially, only the tour operator brand FTI Touristik is directly affected by this. Subsequently, however, corresponding applications will also be filed for other Group companies. Windrose Finest Travel GmbH with the luxury brand WINDROSE will continue its business. The independent companies Euvia GmbH and its travel shopping channel sonnenklar.TV as well as the franchise system of Touristik Vertriebsgesellschaft mbH (TVG) with its brands sonnenklar.TV Reisebüros, 5vorFlug Reisebüros and Flugbörse do not belong to the FTI GROUP. After a lengthy and complex investor process, the entry of a consortium of investors was announced in April 2024. Since then, however, booking figures have fallen well short of expectations despite the positive news. In addition, numerous suppliers have insisted on advance payment. As a result, there was an increased need for liquidity, which could no longer be bridged until the closing of the investor process. The filing for insolvency has therefore become necessary for legal reasons. Information for customers of the FTI GROUP Supporting travelers affected by the consequences of the insolvency is now a top priority for the FTI GROUP. A support website has already been set up at www.fti-group.com/en/insolvency as well as a support hotline at +49 (0) 89 / 710 45 14 98. All relevant information can be accessed here and German- and English-speaking contact persons are available for individual questions. In addition to the full focus on customer support, the FTI GROUP will also keep its guests regularly informed together with …

Al Rais Travels owned Al Rais Rent A Car announced its latest strategic expansion by securing the master country franchise for U-Save Car & Truck Rental in the United Arab Emirates. The new partnership enhances Al Rais Rent A Car’s offerings and underscores its commitment to aligning with Dubai’s visionary economic and environmental goals. Established in 2002 as part of Al Rais Investment, Al Rais Rent A Car has distinguished itself in the UAE’s competitive car rental market. With its roots tracing back to the establishment of Al Rais Investment in 1976, the group has been at the forefront of various pivotal sectors such as general trade, travel and tourism, real estate, logistics, business services, and car rental. This rich history sets a robust foundation for Al Rais Rent A Car’s newest venture. U-Save Car & Truck Rental, a renowned American brand known for its comprehensive range of auto rental services, was acquired in 2022 by the environmentally-focused international car rental brand Green Motion. Al Rais Rent A Car has already been successfully operating as the master franchisee for Green Motion in the UAE since 2019. This addition of U-Save to its portfolio is expected to further enhance its market presence and appeal to a broader international customer base. Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Chairman and CEO of Al Rais Investment, said: “Securing the U-Save master franchise aligns perfectly with our strategic vision to broaden our horizons while enhancing the mobility services we provide. “This partnership not only signifies growth but also reinforces our commitment to adopting sustainable practices that contribute positively to our community and the environment.” Richard Lowden, President of U-Save International, said: “We are thrilled to expand our …

Servantrip announced a global strategic partnership with Holidayme dedicated to empowering travel agents and service providers worldwide under the Traveazy Group. The partnership will provide Holidayme – which has 10,000+ travel agent clients in over 50 countries and is based in Dubai – with full access to Servantrip’s portfolio via an API connection. As such, the clients of Holidayme will have access to a portfolio of 100,000+ curated tours & activities experiences in the main destinations Holidayme is selling. In addition, users of Holidayme can gain access to the wider Servantrip portfolio of 700,000 exceptional experiences catering to diverse travelers. Meanwhile Servantrip’s many supplier partners benefit from strengthened distribution through Holidayme’s 10,000+ travel agencies, giving them access to incremental, hard-to-reach, real-time bookings. In addition, Holidayme’s travel agent clients gain a cross-selling opportunity through the functionality that Servantrip offers that allows users to make several bookings in the same reservation. Anand Srinivasan, Chief Business Officer, Holidayme said: “Our travel agents rely on us to deliver the finest and most exclusive products at competitive prices. After a thorough market evaluation, we found Servantrip to be the ideal partner. This collaboration ensures that our travel agents can access an unparalleled selection of tours and activities, enhancing the value and experience we offer to our clients.” Manuel Núñez, CEO at Servantrip added:  “We are hugely excited to be working with such a well-known brand that is so dedicated and passionate about giving its travel agent clients the best of everything. At Servantrip we understand the importance for frontline travel agents of having the right tours & activities products and how that in-destination part of the package can make or break a sale, whilst also making someone’s …

Accor announced the launch of HERA, Accor Travel Advisor Program – a new worldwide loyalty and rewards program exclusively for travel advisors. Available now at HERA.Accor.com, the new program includes more brands, more features, and more capabilities as well as an enhanced digital experience with easy and efficient online tools for booking, tracking and reviewing activity. Other key features of HERA include informative and educational resources on Accor’s participating luxury and luxury lifestyle brands and hotels – including those sitting within the global lifestyle collective Ennismore. The new program generously rewards travel advisors for bookings while allowing them to increase their productivity, performance, and client satisfaction. “We are beyond excited to introduce HERA, a competitive and differentiated program that delivers the capabilities, personalization and rewards that the travel advisor community both needs and wants,” said Pascal Visintainer, Senior Vice President Global Sales, Luxury & Lifestyle, Accor. “Our aim is to inspire loyalty among leading travel professionals, by equipping them with all the resources they need to seamlessly create bespoke luxury travel experiences for their clients and granting them valuable Reward Points to use freely on their own time. With easy-to-use tools for travel planning, an efficient booking system, and plentiful rewards, we are confident that HERA, and therefore participating hotels sitting within Accor’s Luxury & Lifestyle division, will be a top choice of travel advisors around the globe.” HERA takes Accor’s ability to support and recognize travel agents up a notch and replaces the Group’s former Famous Agents program, with all previous travel advisor data, history, and Reward Points seamlessly migrated to the new platform. Using their personalized HERA member ID, travel advisors will earn Reward Points with each room …

The Middle East saw the strongest relative growth, with international arrivals exceeding by 36% pre-pandemic levels in Q1 2024, or 4% above Q1 2023. This follows an extraordinary performance in 2023, when the Middle East became the first world region to recover pre-pandemic numbers (+22%). UN Tourism shared that international tourist arrivals reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. According to UN Tourism, more than 285 million tourists travelled internationally in January-March, about 20% more than the first quarter of 2023, underscoring the sector’s near-complete recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. In 2023 international tourist arrivals recovered 89% of 2019 levels and export revenues from tourism 96%, while direct tourism GDP reached the same levels as in 2019. UN Tourism’s projection for 2024 points to a full recovery of international tourism with arrivals growing 2% above 2019 levels. In line with this, the newest data released by the UN specialized agency for tourism show that: Yet it also recalls the need to ensure adequate tourism policies and destination management, aiming to advance sustainability and inclusion, while addressing the externalities and impact of the sector on resources and communities Europe, the world’s largest destination region, exceeded pre-pandemic levels in a quarter for the first time (+1% from Q1 2019). The region recorded 120 million international tourists in the first three months of the year, backed by robust intra-regional demand. Africa welcomed 5% more arrivals in the first quarter of 2024 than in Q1 2019, and 13% more than in Q1 2023. The Americas practically recovered pre-pandemic numbers this first quarter, with arrivals reaching 99% of 2019 levels. International tourism is experiencing a rapid recovery in Asia and the Pacific …