Category Archives: Agents

Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of its long-standing partnership with Fahad Express Travel & Tourism in Muscat, Oman. Under the renewed multi-year agreement, Fahad Express will continue using Sabre’s technology, including Sabre Red 360, Automation Hub, Automated Exchange and Refund, and Sabre APIs with E-ticket Reports to help boost its operational efficiency, unlock new revenue opportunities, and reduce costs. The agency will also retain access to Sabre’s global marketplace of over 400 airlines, 750,000 hotel properties, and hundreds of other travel providers, enabling it to deliver personalized, end-to-end travel experiences. “With the ongoing transformation of the travel landscape across the region, our focus remains firmly on enhancing the customer experience,” said Ramzi Al-Qassab, Managing Director of Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “Fahad Express is a major player in Oman’s travel industry, and we are excited that their renewed commitment reflects the trust they place in Sabre. By extending our partnership, Fahad Express is utilizing Sabre’s technology to elevate and evolve their corporate travel business towards the customer journey. We are proud to continue supporting their vision with innovative technology and consultative services.” A trusted Sabre partner for more than 13 years, Fahad Express relies on Sabre’s technology and expertise to support its day-to-day operations and future growth strategy. “We are proud to continue our partnership with Sabre, which has played a key role in our success and growth over the years,” said Juliet Irwin, General Manager, Fahad Express Travel & Tourism. “With Sabre’s ongoing support and technology, we are well-positioned to deliver even more value to our customers and advance our strategic goals.”

Almosafer entered into a partnership with Hotel Management Company “Adeera” to promote world-class Saudi Arabian hospitality to domestic and inbound tourists. The MoU aims to enhance the Kingdom’s thriving hospitality and tourism sector in line with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. As part of the newly signed partnership, Almosafer, as the first global travel agency, will integrate Adeera’s hospitality brands across its portfolio of B2B and B2C travel & tourism businesses to offer domestic and international travellers seamless access to top-of-the-range Saudi Arabian hospitality. The significant collaboration between the PIF entity and the national champion of Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism sector marks a milestone for the Kingdom’s luxury hospitality sector. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said, “As a homegrown company catering to the growing needs of domestic and international travellers, we are proud to connect the world to the unique culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia. Our expansive digital reach and integrated platforms make us the perfect partner to showcase PIF company Adeera’s authentic Saudi hospitality brand and services to the world, and we look forward to enabling a seamless booking experience for more people to enjoy Saudi Arabian hospitality at its best.” Stefan Leser, CEO, Adeera: “Saudi Arabia’s unique hospitality culture is an essential part of its identity and integral to the Kingdom’s ambitious tourism goals. At Adeera, we are committed to bringing this same spirit of warmth and luxury and further elevating it through our carefully curated selection of homegrown hospitality brands in our role as the national champion of the Saudi hospitality sector. Through our partnership with a leading brand like Almosafer and its immense digital reach, we hope to connect tourists further to authentic …

ITB China officially opened last evening withTravTalk ME as media partner and Malaysia tourism as the destination partner. Speaking at the opening dinner last evening, David Ruetz, Senior Vice President Messe Berlin shared that they anticipate over 700 exhibitors from around 90 countries and regions, while the number of buyers is set to increase by 30%, reflecting the growing global interest in the event. The Honourable Dato Sri Tiong King Sing – Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia shared the importance of ITB China as they become destination partner promoting 2026 as Visit Malaysia year. Ruetz addressing the audience reiterated, ” We are truly honored to be celebrating this evening with over 700 esteemed representatives from across the travel industry – all united under one roof. The global travel industry is on an exciting trajectory, full of dynamism and renewed energy. The momentum is especially felt and vibrant here in China. We are witnessing not just a mere recovery, but a reimagining of the sector. Chinese travelers are maturing, seeking deeper, more meaningful journeys. And destinations respond by offering more immersive and personalized experiences. Travel is evolving, and China is at the forefront of these new and exciting trends. The 6th edition of ITB China is a clear reflection of that momentum. We are thrilled to announce that ITB China has expanded by an impressive 30% compared to last year, underscoring the growing relevance and confidence in this market. Over the next three days, we will bring together more than 700 exhibitors from 85 countries, and 1,400 hosted buyers from every province in China and across the globe. This is a powerful signal of trust in the market, in the …

VFS Global announced the launch of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai’s Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said, “This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world’s most connected and future-ready city.” His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai said, “Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world’s largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation’s position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality. We believe that …

RateHawk announced a strategic partnership with GlobalStar Travel Management . This new partnership gives GlobalStar’s partners around the world access to RateHawk’s extensive inventory. RateHawk’s all-in-one system will provide Global Star’s partners over 2.7 million accommodation options, alongside a number of supplementary supplier sources for car rentals, transfers and train tickets. To assist travel managers in efficiently navigating the wide array of options, the company’s AI-powered tools prioritise recommendations based on the most competitive rates available. “Our collaboration is designed to further empower GlobalStar partners, increasing their confidence in the daily booking routine. We source our diverse range of accommodations from not only 320+ suppliers but also 130,000+ directly contracted properties. This enables us to provide real-time availability status and facilitate faster amendments. Also, our ML-driven pre-book check procedure helps minimise the risk of possible issues, ensuring a smoother experience. Additionally, our dedicated support team is available in 32 languages to assist with any inquiries,” shares Ilya Kravtsov, Chief Commercial Officer at Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk’s parent company. “We are delighted to be partnering with a respected global booking system like RateHawk to complement our existing GDS-based hotel programme. In particular, RateHawk’s ability to provide ‘pre-pay’ and ‘credit’ facilities closes a gap for GlobalStar in supporting our Partners in regions where this feature is a ‘must-have’ to manage hotel bookings. Alongside this, the additional flexibility of API integration provides our Partners with an opportunity for deeper integration where required. Initial feedback from our Partners has been extremely positive, and I look forward to engaging closely with the Network in the coming months to share more information, ” stated Julian Russell, Executive Director, IT and Supplier Relations, at GlobalStar.

Rayna Tours announced the grand opening of its brand-new office in Ras Al Khaimah marking its third branch in the UAE and a significant expansion into the northern emirates. Following the success of its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, Rayna’s new Ras Al Khaimah branch is set to be a one-stop shop for all things travel—including holiday packages, cruises, visa services, UAE activities, flight bookings, and hotel reservations. Strategically located on Oman Street, near Al Sindabad Restaurant, Al Araibi – Ras Al Khaimah, the office offers convenience and top-tier service to residents and tourists alike. “Our mission is to make travel more accessible, rewarding, and personal,” said Senthil Velan, CEO of Rayna Tours. “With this new office, we’re bringing the full Rayna experience to RAK and introducing unmatched travel deals with exciting prizes,” added Deepak Hiranandani, CCO of Rayna Tours. Rayna Tours RAK will have some exciting launch week offers during this week. Location: Oman Street, Near Al Sindabad Restaurant, Al Araibi – Ras Al Khaimah Phone: 054 584 8112  

Almosafer announced a partnership with Miral Destinations to promote their leading leisure and entertainment destination Yas Island, among travellers from KSA & Kuwait. The partnership aims to enhance tourist footfall in the UAE capital through Almosafer’s consumer travel platforms. As part of the agreement, Almosafer will leverage its expertise and reach within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the region to promote Yas Island’s immersive experiences. This includes its award-winning theme parks – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Yas Island – along with world-class hotels and other attractions. These will be marketed to travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond, in addition to Yas Island’s calendar of world-class events, sporting spectacles, family entertainment, and other leisure activities. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer (part of Seera Group), said: “Our collaboration with Miral Destinations is reflective of our growing clout to drive tourism within the dynamic regional travel ecosystem. Saudi Arabia’s robust presence in the global tourism sector has made it a magnet for both inbound and outbound tourism today. We look forward to further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global tourism hub by driving more tourists to Yas Island and helping create memorable moments for all who choose to embark on a summer adventure with us and we are confident our digital travel platforms and omnichannel offerings will provide a seamless booking experience.” Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations said: “We’re pleased to collaborate with Almosafer to welcome more Saudi travellers to Yas Island. Collaborations are key to our success across the global tourism stage, and we look forward to providing all our guests with a truly unforgettable experience. This partnership allows us to further …

In a bid to attract more visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has said plans are in progress to review visa facilitation. Speaking at a recent press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Minister emphasized the untapped potential of GCC visitors, citing their increasing interest in Caribbean experiences, higher-than-average spending patterns, and tendency toward longer stays. The review will focus on simplifying visa application processes for visitors from the region. “I have been in discussion with our Ministers of National Security and Foreign Affairs to look at more seamless ways for visa facilitation as we recognize the significant economic potential of visitors from the GCC region,” said the Minister during the announcement at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. “By removing unnecessary barriers to travel, we are sending a clear message that our country welcomes GCC visitors with open arms.” Currently, United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport holders can get a visa on arrival.  However, ongoing efforts to ease entry requirements for GCC nationals are underway – changes that could further boost arrivals and drive significant revenue growth for Jamaica’s tourism sector. “The GCC is the new frontier for Jamaica as we seek to diversify our source markets. Simplifying this visa arrangement will make it easier for their visitors to seriously consider Jamaica as a vacation option and allow us to tap into this lucrative market,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. Jamaica saw a 29% increase in visitor arrivals from the GCC in 2024. The UAE led with a 37.3% year-on-year growth, followed by strong performances from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. “We are already …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reaffirmed its readiness for Dhofar Khareef 2025, as part of its integrated national strategy to promote the season in coordination with public and private partners. Dhofar Governorate currently boasts 83 licensed hotel establishments, offering a total of 6,537 rooms, prepared to welcome tourists throughout the season. The 2025 Dhofar Khareef season will officially run from 21 June to 20 September, transforming the southern region of Oman into a lush and temperate destination. Known for its misty climate, rich greenery, and cultural ambiance, the season attracts more than one million visitors annually. The Ministry’s efforts include participation in regional tourism exhibitions and campaigns across traditional media and social platforms. These efforts are further supported through collaborations with travel influencers and content creators, as well as the organization of familiarisation trips for travel agencies and media representatives from the Gulf and Arab regions. The Ministry is also leveraging its official digital channels to promote Oman’s offerings and is working closely with domestic and international travel agencies to design attractive tourism packages. Oman continues to be recognized as one of the region’s most diverse tourism destinations. The country offers dramatic natural contrasts—from towering mountains and sprawling deserts to long coastlines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sumhuram, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and a number of historical forts. The government remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and visitor services across all governorates. H.E. Dr. Al-Kharousi highlighted that this year’s calendar will launch with the official astronomical start of the season and will include a rich mix of main and accompanying events across both established and newly enhanced venues to deliver exceptional experiences to …

Les Roches unveils its new Master of Science in International Hospitality Management to meet the global demand for highly qualified hospitality leaders. The program will be introduced across its international campuses in a phased rollout: September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and March 2026 in Crans-Montana and Marbella offering students the chance to experience some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and luxury tourism hubs. This new one-year full-time or 18-month part-time degree is designed for university graduates and career changers seeking leadership, operational, and strategic expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Combining the heritage of Swiss hospitality, experiential learning, and a global perspective, the program bridges the gap between academic rigor and industry demands, preparing students to become innovative leaders in hospitality and luxury tourism. This program launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade. That is one in three of all new jobs set to be created within the industry requiring an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 new managers by 2030, with 400 to 700 managerial positions added each year. “By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we aim to prepare graduates to seamlessly integrate themselves into leadership roles, thereby addressing the pressing talent shortages and contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth” said, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches. “Les Roches’ commitment to academic excellence extends across its global network, bringing Swiss educational standards to diverse cultural and business landscapes. While deeply rooted in Swiss hospitality tradition, each campus integrates local expertise and …