Category Archives: Agents

Amadeus Gulf  announced a strategic partnership with SATA, one of the leading travel agencies in the Northern Emirates. This collaboration aims to enhance travel solutions and contribute significantly to the growth of the travel industry across the UAE. By combining Amadeus Gulf’s advanced technology and distribution capabilities with SATA’s strong market presence and expertise, the partnership is set to deliver innovative services and seamless experiences to travelers and industry stakeholders alike. Both companies are committed to supporting the evolving needs of the UAE’s dynamic travel market, strengthening industry infrastructure, and fostering greater connectivity within the region. This alliance reflects Amadeus Gulf’s ongoing dedication to building strong local partnerships that drive growth, improve efficiency, and elevate service standards in the travel sector across the Gulf region.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) announced a new strategic partnership with Freetour.com, aimed at promoting Abu Dhabi as a top cultural destination through accessible, engaging guided tours. As part of the collaboration, licensed tour guides in Abu Dhabi will gain special benefits and support from Freetour.com to list and promote their tours online, reaching a global audience. The move supports Abu Dhabi’s goal of offering more immersive cultural experiences while empowering local guides. Abdulla Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “This partnership supports our tour guides and helps visitors experience Emirati culture in a meaningful way.” Freetour.com operates in over 1,100 destinations across 140 countries, offering free and affordable tours, and giving local guides cost-effective tools to grow their business. Ignacio Merino, Head of Business Development at Freetour.com, added: “We’re excited to highlight Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage and support local storytellers.” The partnership supports Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Strategy 2030, which targets 39.3 million visitors by 2030, and enhances the emirate’s status as the world’s safest city and a hub for cultural exploration.

Cvent Accelerate Dubai 2025 concluded with record-breaking success at Atlantis – The Palm, drawing nearly 500 event planners, marketers, and hospitality professionals. The event marked its third edition with a powerful showcase of innovation, strategy, and sustainability shaping the future of the MICE industry. Industry leaders highlighted the transformative power of AI and event technology in delivering immersive, data-driven, and sustainable experiences. Gokul Bajaj, Country Head, UAE at Cvent, emphasised the shift from logistics to experience-driven events, with the UAE emerging as a pioneer in adopting cutting-edge solutions. Sessions explored Event-Led Growth (ELG), multi-sensory event design, and strategic alignment with business goals, equipping attendees with actionable insights to drive growth and engagement. Underscoring its commitment to sustainability, Cvent partnered with ZEERO Events to plant 287 mangrove trees in Mozambique and offset over 64 tons of CO2e, replacing traditional giveaways with eco-friendly tree swag. The growing turnout reflects the event’s impact as a vital platform for collaboration, innovation, and future-forward thinking in the events and hospitality landscape.

Wego reported a 15% year-on-year (YoY) surge in flight searches from the UAE, signalling strong outbound travel demand as residents adjust to the new school term. The data reveals a dual-track travel pattern: essential diaspora trips and short-haul, school-friendly getaways. Core diaspora destinations such as Cairo, Kathmandu, and Damascus dominate the search charts. Cairo leads with a 24.9% YoY increase, while Kathmandu shows impressive 50.8% growth, despite a 31% rise in fares. Searches to Damascus have surged 194.6% YoY, fuelled by the resumption of direct flights and easing of travel restrictions. In Europe, short-haul escapes remain popular. Yerevan leads growth with a 137.9% YoY jump in searches, driven by Armenia’s recent visa-free access for UAE residents. Tbilisi and Baku also posted gains of 11.4% and 3.8% YoY, respectively. Wego also noted a 9% YoY rise in average airfare, suggesting continued travel appetite despite increased costs. With both reunions and quick escapes shaping travel plans, Wego’s insights reflect the evolving preferences of UAE residents balancing family, school schedules, and rising travel demand.

Jamaica has officially launched a new era in tourism, welcoming 160 global buyers from regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to JAPEX 2025. The event signals a fresh path forward for the island’s tourism sector, centered on innovation, inclusivity, and a powerful new “local first” approach.  Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett praised Nicola Madden-Greig, Chair of JAPEX Planning Committee for her leadership in helping the Caribbean achieve the fastest tourism recovery post-COVID. He also emphasised the role of tourism as a key driver of the economy, powering growth and opportunity across Jamaica.  “This is the year of new thinking in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “We want to make the next five years a time of serious growth, development, and inclusive tourism. We aim to deepen local involvement in the rich and lucrative tourism value chain, so that tourism works even more for the people of Jamaica.”  He added that new policies and legislation will support this “local first” approach, with global partners playing a key role in making tourism more beneficial for Jamaicans than ever before. With global tourism expected to reach 3 billion travellers by 2035, Jamaica is preparing to redefine its role on the world tourism stage.

Jamaica has officially launched a new era in tourism, welcoming 160 global buyers from regions including the Middle East, Latin America, Asia, and Europe to JAPEX 2025. The event signals a fresh path forward for the island’s tourism sector, centered on innovation, inclusivity, and a powerful new “local first” approach. Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Hon.Edmund Bartlett praised Nicola Madden-Greig for her leadership in helping the Caribbean achieve the fastest tourism recovery post-COVID. He also emphasised the role of tourism as a key driver of the economy, powering growth and opportunity across Jamaica. “This is the year of new thinking in tourism,” said Minister Bartlett. “We want to make the next five years a time of serious growth, development, and inclusive tourism. We aim to deepen local involvement in the rich and lucrative tourism value chain, so that tourism works even more for the people of Jamaica.”  He reiterated that new policies and legislation will support this “local first” vision, with global partners playing a key role in making tourism more beneficial for Jamaicans than ever before. With tourism expected to reach 3 billion travellers by 2035, Jamaica is preparing to rewrite tourism.

Shiji and Amadeus announced a new partnership to offer hotel companies a full range of technology solutions in one place. This includes Property Management Systems (PMS), Point of Sale (POS), Central Reservation Systems (CRS), and tools for sales, catering, and operations. Shiji, known for its fast-growing PMS and support for food and beverage outlets worldwide, is joining forces with Amadeus, a well-respected name in travel technology. Together, they will share one image database and provide smooth, reliable service to make hotel operations easier. This partnership is more than just connecting systems. It’s about working together to give hotels the best technology and support they need to operate well and serve their guests better. By combining their strengths, Shiji and Amadeus aim to help hotels run more smoothly and deliver better experiences with trusted technology and service.  

Visit Oman has announced the launch of its new trade partner travel course in partnership with OTT – Online Travel Training. The course will be available free of charge for one year to over 93,000 registered travel agents globally. This initiative is designed to boost awareness of Oman as a top travel destination and support the digital growth of the country’s tourism sector. By offering easy access to in-depth knowledge about Oman, Visit Oman aims to increase registrations on its platform and promote travel products from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the nation. The online course covers key topics such as “A Glimpse of Oman,” “Seasons,” “Culture & Heritage,” “Travel Tips,” the “Visit Oman Booking Engine,” and “How to Sell Oman as a Destination.” These lessons provide travel agents with the information they need to confidently market Oman to their clients and drive more bookings. Visit Oman hopes that this course will help position the country as a preferred travel destination while empowering the global travel trade with the tools to sell Oman more effectively. Travel agents can register now to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity

TUI Group and Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced a landmark partnership to position Oman as a leading sun-and-beach destination for European travellers. The alliance aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which seeks to diversify the economy and strengthen the tourism sector as a key pillar of growth. Under the agreement, the first cluster of five new hotels will be developed in the Dhofar Governorate. Operated under renowned TUI brands including ROBINSON, TUI Blue, RIU, Jaz, and The Mora, the properties are expected to welcome international guests starting from the winter of 2028. As part of the collaboration, OMRAN Group will acquire a 1.4% strategic shareholding in TUI Group, reinforcing a shared commitment to long-term, sustainable tourism development. Both partners emphasised that the joint venture would follow the highest sustainability standards, integrating economic, social, and cultural dimensions to ensure tourism growth benefits local communities and businesses. The initiative is expected to generate new employment opportunities, expand hospitality infrastructure, and increase Oman’s visibility on the global tourism map.

Cruise Master has successfully hosted the Middle East’s first-ever Polar Expedition Forum, setting a milestone for the region’s luxury adventure travel sector. The exclusive trade event, held at Shangri-La Dubai, brought together leading global expedition cruise brands and top Middle Eastern travel advisors. Designed as an industry-first platform, the forum highlighted the growing demand for polar exploration and its emergence as one of the fastest-expanding segments in luxury travel. The programme featured immersive product presentations, strategic networking sessions, and one-on-one business meetings, giving advisors the tools to better sell and promote polar voyages. Expedition brands including 66° Expeditions, Albatros Expeditions (soon to rebrand as Polar Latitude Expeditions), Celebrity Cruises, Oceanwide Expeditions, Silversea, and Swan Hellenic showcased their latest ships, itineraries, and sales strategies for the regional market. Ashok Kumar, Founder and Managing Director of Cruise Master, said: “Travellers today are seeking transformative journeys. Polar expeditions are not just about reaching remote destinations — they are about discovery, sustainability, and unforgettable memories.” An engaging panel, “Charting New Waters: Your Gateway to the Polar Expedition Market”, explored shifting traveller demographics and the unparalleled experiences awaiting in the Arctic and Antarctic.