Category Archives: Agents

Singapore-based travel-tech company utu (utu Pte Ltd) has announced that Etihad Guest, the frequent flyer programme of the UAE’s national airline Etihad Airways, will now allow Etihad Guest members to shop tax-free globally with the utu Tax-Free Card. Etihad’s Vice President Loyalty & Partnerships, Kim Hardaker said, “With nearly 8 million members globally, we’re constantly innovating and expanding our network of global partners to provide even greater rewards for being an Etihad Guest member. Today, we’re pleased to join forces with utu to allow our members to earn Miles as well benefit from utu’s tax refunds capabilities.” Under the partnership, Etihad Guest members can now use the utu Tax-Free Card to: Earn 6,250 miles (worth US$125) for every US$100 tax refunded on the utu Tax-Free Card. To celebrate the launch, until 30 November 2022, Etihad Guest Members can simply download and register on the utu Tax Free App and select Etihad Guest as the default rewards programme to receive 500 Etihad Guest miles. The first VAT transactions (accumulated) of U$100 in the UAE or U$150 for refunds from the rest of world qualifies for an additional 2000 bonus Etihad Guest Miles. Commenting on the new partnership, Asad Jumabhoy, Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at utu said, “We are incredibly excited to announce our new partnership with Etihad Guest. For utu travellers, it is even more exciting as they can now select one of the most popular airline programmes, Etihad Guest, as their rewards programme when converting their VAT refunds to miles.” As the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad operates to more than 70 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The Etihad Guest …

The Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has concluded the “Sharjah Summer Promotions 2022”, after a spectacular 67-day season, offering the emirate’s shoppers and visitors a wide range of entertaining and promotional activities, as well as valuable prizes, at different shopping malls across the Emirate. The event has drawn a significant number of shoppers from all over the UAE to Sharjah’s tourist attractions and markets, where they enjoyed a series of entertainment activities. Thanks to the summer promotions, the emirate’s residents and visitors have enjoyed a wonderful summer vacation along with their families in an atmosphere filled with joy, thrills, and entertainment while also benefiting from attractive offers and huge discounts, which reached 80% on various goods and products. With the event attracting an impressive turnout of shoppers, shopping malls and stores have got an exceptional opportunity to grow their businesses and improve their sales, thus reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a premier international shopping and tourism destination. HE Mohammad Ahmed Amin Al Awadi, Director-General of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), stressed that the 2022 edition of Sharjah Summer Promotions has been a success by all standards, drawing a sizable crowd of tourists, shoppers, and visitors to Sharjah’s malls and shopping centers. This achievement does undoubtedly highlight Sharjah’s solid reputation as one of the top family travel destinations worldwide, particularly during the summer and vacation seasons. “The Summer Promotions provided a selection of fascinating offers that inspired Sharjah residents and guests to enjoy and explore the Emirate’s tourism attractions and top-notch retail destinations,” Al Awadi said. For his part, Ibrahim Rashid Al Jarwan, Director of Economic Relations and Marketing at SCCI and General Coordinator of Sharjah Summer, …

Etihad Airways has been named the official Airline Sponsor of Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2022. The national carrier for Abu Dhabi will be the exclusive sponsor of the anticipated 18,000 attendee event. The airline will also support one of the key panel discussions: Making Aviation Green: Sustainability in the Aviation Ecosystem. The Abu Dhabi Air Expo supports development of Abu Dhabi as an aviation hub for general, business and commercial aviation. The conference will bring together insight and knowledge from local and international stakeholders to deliver engaging content, inspire new thinking and encourage aerospace development by attracting new players to the region. “As the ‘Environmental Airline of the Year’ we are proud to add our voice to the sustainability panel and this critical discussion around the decarbonisation of the aviation industry. We hope to influence others – from industry to individuals – to encourage everyone to play their part in protecting our planet,” said Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. As the UAE’s national carrier, Etihad operates to more than 70 passenger and cargo destinations in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America. The airline operates a fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft, with the backbone of the fleet being the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Earlier this year, Etihad also introduced the fuel-efficient Airbus A350-1000 to connect with New York, Chicago and London. In the first half of 2022, Etihad carried 4.02 million passengers, over 3 million more than the same time last year . ‘This has been an excellent year for Etihad with record-breaking results for the first half of the year. With this positive outlook, we’re looking forward to welcoming the aviation industry …

Abu Dhabi National Hotels (ADNH), a listed company at Abu Dhabi Stock Market operating Hotels, Catering, Tours and Transportation, has acquired a prime plot on Al Marjan Island to develop a AED 1 Billion luxury Resort with 1,000 rooms, spread over 1 million square feet overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The investment highlights the appeal of Al Marjan Island as one of the top tourist destinations in the UAE with several global hotel operators already having made significant investments. Arch. Abdulla Al Abdooli, CEO of Marjan, said: “Ras Al Khaimah’s strength is its fully diversified economy with the leadership focused on promoting trade, tourism, hospitality, and manufacturing. Over the years, the Emirate has strengthened its reputation as an investment, hospitality, and tourism hub, attracting high-profile investments and featuring world-class assets. Marjan continues to establish high-end projects in the hospitality, leisure and sports sectors to support the destination strategy of the Emirate. The investment by ADNH to develop a luxury resort in Al Marjan Island reflects its confidence in the potential of the destination and will catalyse additional investments.” Sheikh Ahmed Aldhaheri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of ADNH, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to expand and position into other Emirates. Our strong believe in the potential, economy and leadership of the UAE were the main catalyst of this investment.” Khalid Anib, CEO of ADNH, said: “At ADNH, we are confident that our investment in Ras al Khaimah will create strong returns to our shareholders and enhance UAE as a leading travel and hospitality destination. This luxury Resort will complement our existing portfolio across Abu Dhabi and Dubai.” Al Marjan Island by Marjan has more than 3,000 hotel rooms, including Hampton by …

It was announced that UAE nationals and residents from 75 eligible countries eligible for Visa on Arrival to Indonesia can now enjoy a quicker, smoother visa application journey by completing the process online, pre-departure, through VFS Global. VFS Global has entered into an exclusive agreement with TLP, the Immigration Department for Republic of Indonesia and Bank Mandiri, to provide online pre-payment of fees, fast-track access and concierge services to international passengers upon arrival in Jakarta. Nationals of the 75 eligible countries, residing in the UAE, can apply for their Indonesia Visa on Arrival through VFS Global by submitting their documents and paying the fees online at www.indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id prior to their travel. A confirmation will be sent to their registered email ID and the visa processed in advance to be stamped upon arrival. With the payment having been made online, the on-arrival process reduces to just the stamping of the visa, which can be done at the designated fast-track Visa on Arrival immigration lanes. Mr. Jiten Vyas, Chief Commercial Officer, VFS Global said, “Indonesia is a popular destination for travellers across the globe, and we are excited to unveil a service that will make their visa application journey quicker and simpler. With tech-led Do It Yourself solutions becoming increasingly popular, this first-ever fast-track Visa on Arrival service is sure to offer applicants a more relaxed on-arrival experience.” Indonesia received over 15 million foreign tourists in 2019 before the pandemic. Between January and July 2022, the destination has welcomed around 1 million international travellers. How to use the fast-track VOA service STEP 1: Visit www.indonesiavoa.vfsevisa.id STEP 2: Submit the required documents and pay the VOA fee online STEP 3: Await the confirmation …

Launching in October, Steigenberger Residence Doha will include 278 uniquely furnished apartments offering the comforts of a home and a stylish space that allows guests to relax and recharge. Guest facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, gym, yoga room, the GOCO Spa and the culinary offer of five restaurants and bars. “The Qatar hotel segments have a lot of potential as it is accessible for all key tourism source markets, and with the country preparing to host one of the world’s largest sporting events in November, we believe the opening of Steigenberger Residence Doha will be a pivotal step in our expansion journey,” Nierhaus concludes. Deutsche Hospitality continues to strengthen its foothold in the Middle East to meet the ever-growing demand for hotel rooms in the mid to upscale segment in 2022 and coming year.  The group’s regional portfolio currently comprises 23 properties in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, UAE and Egypt. Its worldwide footprint extends to more than 160 hotels across three continents.    

Tourism Ireland will showcase their luxury offerings at TFest, the luxury B2B event to be held from 2nd to 6th October 2022 at the Atlantis the Palm. Olivia Frawley – Executive Pan Market Luxury, Tourism Ireland shared, “Tourism Ireland is excited to elevate our presence at TFest 2022 and partake as a Preferred Partner in the Global Village. As an organization we see the immense value in this unique tradeshow format which allows for relationships to be cultivated and enhanced through shared experiences and meetings.  After a difficult few years, the industry and Tourism Ireland realizes the importance of meeting in person and deepening existing relationships and growing the awareness of Ireland as a Luxury destination.” Frawley reiterated that they will be joined by 14 iconic luxury Island of Ireland industry partners. “These partners include: Adare Manor, Ashford Castle, Cashel Palace Hotel, Galgorm, Culloden Estate, Hayfield Manor, K Club, The Merrion Hotel, The Shelbourne Hotel, MHL Collection, Trump Hotel & Golf Resort Doonbeg, Irelands Blue Book, By Appointment DMC and Luxurious Ireland. As part of our afternoon Experiences on the Tourism Ireland stand in the Global Village we are excited to bring our concept to life as we are showcasing Ireland through unique experiences this year  – ‘Awakening your senses in Ireland’ and will be bringing friends from Ireland with us to bring this to life:” She mentioned some of the curated experiences available onsite at the event, not to be missed by the trade partners throughout the event. On Monday and Tuesday will be immersive taste and tour experiences, which would open the culinary sense of the word. She explains, “Have you ever wondered why you gravitate towards a …

Promoting its innovative and state of the art travel system, Swiss Travel System’s Excellence programme is aimed at equipping travel agents, tour operators and media to understand, obtain knowledge, explore and learn about the different aspects of the Swiss travel system, which would finally be rewarded. Andreas Nef, Market Manager GCC, Swiss Travel System shared with tourism breaking news that they would like to invite every person engaged in the travel industry to join the programme; one can be a travel agent, media, tour operator etc. Nef reiterated, “participants will get a profound knowledge of the Swiss Travel System and Switzerland as a tourism destination. There are lucky draws on a regular basis for participants who have successfully completed the program with great prizes to win, such as Swiss watches. The whole programme consists of several modules covering various topics. For completing a module, 5 to 20 minutes are required. Participants will be tested to check on the progress of each of them.” He further added, “each participant can earn points in making progress in the program, especially by completing the test very well.  Additional points can be earned for participating in extra modules, e.g. the Excellence Talk etc. Our aim is to welcome every person interested to join in the programme.” Speaking on benefits of attending or completing the programme Nef shared, “once a participant has concluded the whole programme and passed all the tests, a certificate will be issued with the title of “Swiss Travel Pass Excellence Expert”. This certificate is states that the person in possession of it is an expert of Swiss Travel System. Finishing the programme does not mean you are done with everything. Regular …

Hatta Resorts by Dubai Holding opens today for its much-awaited Season 5 with captivating stay propositions, exciting new adventure attractions, and an expanded calendar of activities. Poised to drive record levels of local, regional, and international visitors to the scenic Hajar mountains, where temperatures are regularly several degrees cooler than the city, the eco-tourism hub’s diverse mix of accommodation, activities and dining options is now open to welcome visitors throughout the season. After attracting more than 1.25 million visitors in 2021, including more than 200,000 visitors from 125 countries who stayed overnight at Hatta Resorts, the exhilarating region is launching an all-new, multipurpose adventure ropes course catering to thrill-seeking children and adults. This season, yoga enthusiasts can also enjoy sunrise and sunset yoga sessions at the destination. In addition to the new rope course and yoga experiences, this year’s all-action attraction roster of activities includes ziplining, mountain biking, four-wheel electric off-roading ‘Rovers’, horse and camel riding, rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, kayaking, pedal boating, football zorbing, archery, axe throwing, and water slides ‘Hatta Drop-in’, just to name a few.   “As a major jewel in the crown of the emirate’s holistic tourism, Hatta’s position as a multi-faceted sustainable tourism destination perfectly complements the urban appeal of Dubai,” said Roudi Soubra, Executive Director – Asset Management, Dubai Holding. “Ahead of Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub Season 5 activities, the secret is well and truly out, and our year-on-year growth in overnight guests highlights the area’s undeniable appeal to adventure and relaxation seekers. We look forward to another record-breaking visitor season further cementing the destination’s unique potential,” Soubra added. Go-getting experiential travellers searching for unique overnight stays can now enjoy inclusive breakfast …

Marriott International announced that its unique hospitality training program, Tahseen, celebrated its first graduating class in Egypt. Developed in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation, the company created the unique programme for Egypt in 2018 to support its commitment to further enhance tourism education in the country. The inaugural graduating class featured 80 students who completed the first of its kind Bachelors of Hotel Operations Management Degree. The celebration took place at The St. Regis Cairo with all 80 students accompanied by their families. The milestone event was hosted by Satya Anand, President, Europe Middle East & Africa, Marriott International and was attended by Professor Dr. Hosam Refai, Acting President, Helwan University and Mohammed Farouk Hafeez, Chairman, Professional Development Foundation, along with other senior officials from the organizations. Satya Anand, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International said, “We are excited to celebrate the first group of graduates as part of our Tahseen programme in Egypt.  Tahseen is focused on providing young people with the skills and experience to grow and thrive in the hospitality business and to be part of the success of Egypt’s travel and tourism sector. As a company, we remain committed to enhancing tourism education in Egypt and developing the next wave of exciting and impactful local hospitality leaders in the country.” Tahseen was launched in 2018 in partnership with Helwan University and Professional Development Foundation to focus on fast-tracking the next generation of hospitality leaders by providing them with firsthand experience of the industry and a springboard to launch successful careers in hospitality. In 2019, the programme received the Ministry of Higher Education’s approval in Egypt and earned bachelor’s degree accreditation. Today, …