Tag Archives: summer

Miral announced that Yas Island and Saadiyat Island achieved a remarkable surge in visitors over the summer period, further solidifying their status as must-visit destinations for families and travelers from across the globe. This year, Yas Island, the UAE’s leading leisure and entertainment destination, witnessed a significant increase in domestic and international guests, with a remarkable 72% increase in visitation to Yas Theme Parks from GCC countries, followed by a 24% increase from India. Hotels on Yas Island enjoyed an impressive 83% occupancy rate throughout the summer season with a 29% increase in international hotel guests, and a remarkable 90% hotel occupancy in August 2024 alone compared to the previous year. The combination of world-class attractions, thrilling experiences and exclusive offers made Yas Island the go-to destination for families seeking unforgettable summer adventures. Saadiyat Island continues to captivate guests with its pristine beaches, luxurious resorts and cultural experiences. These resorts along the shores of Saadiyat Island continued to draw visitors from around the globe, boasting an impressive occupancy rate of over 65% over summer, 73% occupancy in August 2024. Saadiyat Island’s summer hotel occupancy rose by 13% compared to 2023 with international hotel guest arrivals growing by 19%. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, said: “We are thrilled with the success Yas Island and Saadiyat Island have achieved this summer. Their remarkable performance has truly elevated this season into one of the most vibrant and high-demand periods in Abu Dhabi’s tourism calendar. The impressive occupancy rates and increase in visitation reflect our ongoing efforts to position Yas Island as a global destination for entertainment and leisure, and Saadiyat Island as a leading beach, nature and cultural destination. We …

This year’s Jeddah Season drew in over 1.7 million visitors from within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over 52 days. It featured a wide array of entertainment activities, solidifying Jeddah’s status as a top tourist destination, offering a plethora of interactive experiences and action-packed games. The Warner Bros. Discovery: Celebrate Every Story area was especially popular among families. The season featured diverse, unique attractions, with the City Walk area standing out as a top highlight.  It offered an immersive experience that brought beloved stories and iconic characters to life. Furthermore, the interactive Imagine Monet exhibition allowed visitors to explore 200 of the most renowned paintings by the French artist Claude Monet. Prince Majid Park added a new dimension to the season by offering various events, live shows, shopping experiences and workshops, enriching the visitors’ overall experience. In a unique historical and cultural experience, the season offered visitors the chance to delve into the Jeddah Historic District, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has preserved elements of ancient social life spanning over 400 years, enriching their understanding of the city’s rich heritage. The season’s events extended beyond cultural and entertainment offerings, incorporating thrilling sports tournaments like the Motosurf International Cup and the Summer Speed Festival at the Jeddah Corniche. Attendees were treated to thrilling sports encounters and spectacular shows, creating unforgettable moments for all. The season’s success reflects a forward-looking vision to elevate Jeddah’s status as a global cultural and tourism destination. It also aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which aim to cultivate a sustainable entertainment sector that enhances the quality of life for citizens and residents and serves as an economic driver for economic diversification and …

flynas announced that it has increased the seat capacity on its domestic flights to Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha to more than 480,000 seats, an increase of 21% during the summer season for this year compared to the same period last year, with an average of 30 flights per day for three months, intending to enhance domestic tourism during the summer of 2024, in conjunction with taking delivery of the 52nd new aircraft out of an order to purchase 120 A320neo aircraft from Airbus. Bander Almohanna, CEO and Managing Director of flynas, stated that increasing seat capacity to domestic summer destinations confirms flynas commitment to promoting its role as a national carrier in supporting and empowering the tourism sector in the Kingdom and achieving its ambitious goals set by the Saudi Vision 2030 in cooperation and integration with the relevant authorities in the tourism and aviation sectors. “This increase in seat capacity also comes in response to the preferences of our traveling guests and the increasing demand for domestic destinations during the summer season from all flynas operation bases around the Kingdom,” Almohanna added. “Taking delivery of new aircraft, flynas will continue to double its operational capacities and achieve its goals in line with the remarkable growth in the fleet size, within the framework of its strategic plan for growth and expansion, launched under the slogan “We Connect the World to the Kingdom,” in parallel with the objectives of the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030. Direct flights to Taif, Abha, and Al-Baha depart …

DXB will welcome over 3.7 million guests in the period from 12 to 25 June, with an average daily traffic of 264,000. June 22 is expected to be the busiest day with guest numbers likely to exceed 287,000. With the summer break in full swing and schools letting out for vacation, Dubai International (DXB) gears up to accommodate the surge in travel during this peak season. As families embark on their summer adventures, DXB is prepared to ensure a seamless and enjoyable travel experience. The priority is to expedite guest formalities, allowing ample time to enjoy the diverse offerings at DXB. From international cuisine to world-class retail, lounges, spas and hospitality services, guests can commence their journey in style and comfort. DXB has curated a range of exciting offers to enhance the travel experience from the get-go. To ensure a hassle-free journey, Dubai Airports offers tips for guests who are travelling in the coming weeks: Emirates passengers can take advantage of the airline’s convenient home, early and self-check-in facilities, including city check-in options. flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure. Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time. Familiarise yourself with your airline’s baggage allowance and packing regulations. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking in advance. Save time at security screening by being prepared. Place metal items— watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt— in your hand luggage and follow the directed guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels. Families with children over 12 can expedite the passport control process by using Smart Gates. Keep …

flydubai will add seasonal summer flights to Sochi in Russia. Flights to Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate between 16 June and 01 September with a three-times weekly service from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Jeyhun Efendi, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations and E-commerce at flydubai, said: “we are pleased to expand our seasonal summer offering with the resumption of flights to Sochi. Over the last few years we have seen consistent demand on our popular seasonal routes such as Batumi, Corfu, Dubrovnik, Mykonos and Santorini and with the start of flights to Sochi, we look forward to offering our passengers more attractive holiday destinations to explore between June and September.” Located on the coast of the Black Sea, Sochi is a popular seaside resort surrounded by sweeping beaches, lush forests and stunning mountainous landscapes. This famous resort city features cultural and historical sites as well as beautiful nature reserves to explore such as the Sochi Arboretum. With more than 125 destinations in 58 countries on its growing network, passengers travelling on flydubai’s latest aircraft can enjoy a comfortable travel experience whether they are in Business Class or Economy Class. Flight details Flights between Terminal 2, Dubai International (DXB) and Sochi International Airport (AER) will operate three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Return Business Class fares from DXB to AER start from AED 10,000 and Economy Class Lite fares start from AED 2,500. Return Business Class fares from AER to DXB start from USD 2,400 and Economy Class Lite fares start from USD 600.

Emirates marked one of its busiest summers ever, carrying over 14 million passengers with average seat load factors exceeding 80% across its global network between June and August. Looking at the coming months, Emirates’ booking trends show unabated demand for international travel across its network. Destination Dubai remained popular amongst travellers, even during the summer months with two million customers traveling to the airline’s hub to enjoy its year-round attractions and events. Top inbound markets to Dubai on Emirates during this period included the UK, India, Germany, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, China, Egypt and Kuwait. Over 35% of visitors to Dubai travelling on Emirates were families, staying an average of over two weeks to experience the city’s incredible sites and attractions. This winter season, the airline anticipates another spike in demand for travel to Dubai as the city runs a packed calendar of global conferences, world-class sporting events and more. The city has already welcomed more than 8.5 million international visitors in the first six months of 2023, registering more than a million more visitors during the same time last year. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Travel demand across our network has been strong and resilient despite rising cost-of-living pressures in many markets. It shows the value that people place on travel – whether for work, play, study, or visiting loved ones; and how essential international air connectivity is to communities.” He added: “As an early mover in restoring our flying schedules, Emirates worked closely with our industry partners to ensure our readiness to serve customer demand as well as attract visitors through building on the appeal of our home and hub, Dubai. We’re happy to see strong customer …

The German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is delighted to promote its captivating campaign 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany aimed at enticing GCC travellers to explore the wonders of Germany during the vibrant summer season. Germany boasts 51 World Heritage sites and more than 6,000 museums, offering a wealth of interesting places of cultural and historical significance. Showcasing a fusion of both its rich history and contemporary allure, Germany offers an extraordinary tapestry of experiences where ancient castles, picturesque landscapes, and bustling cities coexist seamlessly. With its latest campaign, the GNTB seeks to present the country as the ideal summer destination for Gulf travellers, enticing them with a diverse array of attractions, cultural encounters, and unforgettable adventures. Whether it is in the city or countryside, Germany’s culture is honoured and preserved, providing inspiration for the future. Under 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany, the country is unswervingly promoting its palaces and castles, nature and gardens, architecture and design, churches and abbeys, cultural heritage, and historical town centres. Some of the noteworthy places that explorers can discover under this campaign are the castles of Augustusburg and Falkenlust in Bruhl, the Margavial Opera House in Bayreuth, Garden Kingdom of Dessau-Worlitz, Bauhaus sites in Weimar Dessau and Bernau, Cologne Cathedral and the historic centres of Stralsund and Wismar, among others. This allows travellers to embrace Germany’s ‘Stay a Little Bit Longer’ initiative and explore many of the country’s regions and make the most of the abundance of diverse experiences each has to offer. Travellers can also make the most of GNTB’s interactive map (https://www.germany.travel/en/campaign/world-heritage/home.html), which allows them to immerse in the full splendour of Germany. The tool enables visitors to seamlessly …

The world’s busiest international airport will get even busier in the coming weeks as the UAE’s summer school break coincides with the six-day long Eid Al Adha holidays starting this weekend. According to Dubai Airports, Dubai International (DXB) will welcome an estimated 3.5 million guests through its doors between June 20 and July 3, with average total daily traffic reaching 252,00. The hub is preparing for a surge in departures, with more than a quarter of a million in outbound traffic from June 23 to 25. Saturday, June 24 is forecast to be exceptionally busy with a total departure load of nearly 100,000 passengers across DXB. The arrival peak at the end of the Eid Al Adha holiday is anticipated to be even busier with total daily traffic expected to surpass a record breaking 305,000 passengers on July 2. “Dubai International’s recovery has been spectacular this year as evidenced by the impressive traffic growth in the first quarter. As a result, the seasonal peaks this year are expected to be the busiest since 2019, and we are preparing ourselves accordingly. Teams across DXB, representing terminal operations, guest experience, control authorities including Dubai Police, airlines, ground handling, baggage operations, car parks, and multiple commercial and service partners, are all working in perfect sync to maintain the high quality of service that international travellers have to come to expect of Dubai,” said Essa Al Shamsi, Senior Vice President of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports. Backed by DXB’s state-of-the-art airport operations control centre, which not only monitors operations inside the terminals and on the airfield in real time but also helps predict and address operational situations before they occur, the teams at the …

Experience Abu Dhabi announced its participation in the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market 2023 (ATM 2023) at the Dubai World Trade Centre from the 1–4 May. Experience Abu Dhabi’s stand will be over 30% bigger than that of 2022, inspired by stunning natural landscapes such as Al Wathba Fossil Dunes, Al Ain Oasis and Saadiyat Beaches – and will engage guests, event participants and members of the media through immersive stand experiences. Revealing Abu Dhabi’s calendar of events and demonstrating the city’s untapped potential, Experience Abu Dhabi will reveal its latest ground-breaking summer campaign films, alongside new and exciting travel products to benefit visitors throughout the season and beyond. Alongside key stakeholders collectively sharing Abu Dhabi with the world, Experience Abu Dhabi will showcase the diversity of experiences that excite, inspire and restore, and highlight the emirate as a leading year-round destination. Representing Abu Dhabi, major Abu Dhabi stakeholders will present updates on events, experiences and attractions, including the NBA Abu Dhabi Games, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Etihad Arena and the world-class portfolio hotels and resorts across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi is also expected to announce and sign several Memorandums of Understanding and announcements of new developments and strategic partnerships for the year ahead. Arabian Travel Market is the market-leading international travel and tourism event. Assigning an industry-relevant theme each year, ATM 2023 will be presented under ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Visit Experience Abu Dhabi stand in hall two, stand number ME2410 and ME2450. Opening hours are: 11am – 6pm on Monday, 10am – 6pm Tuesday and Wednesday and 10am – 5pm on Thursday.  

Jazeera Airways added Larnaca in Cyprus to its network of new European destinations for the 2023 summer season. Larnaca is Cyprus’s oldest city, balancing a mix of the old and the new. Centrally positioned in Cyprus, the city provides easy access to other parts of the island for both leisure and business travel. With a Mediterranean climate, Cyprus is the perfect place to enjoy the sun, sea and fresh air. Rohit Ramachandran, Chief Executive Officer, Jazeera Airways said: “We are pleased to add Larnaca to our growing list of European destinations for the upcoming summer season. This provides travelers from Kuwait another holiday destination that is a short, affordable flight away. With the addition of Larnaca, we now proudly serve 63 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Central & South Asia and Africa.” Jazeera Airways is currently running a special offer on fares for 50,000 seats starting from KD 21 only. This offer is open until midnight (Kuwait time) on 20 April 2023 and valid for travel between 1 May and 15 June 2023. You can book your flights to Larnaca, Belgrade, Tirana, Sarajevo and Prague on the airlines website (www.jazeeraairways.com), or on the Jazeera App. The airline also connects from these European cities to other destinations across its network, providing convenient transits through Kuwait. Flights to Larnaca will operate twice weekly from 29 April – 27 May 2023, and three times a week from 29 May – 28 October 2023. Planned Flight Schedule Flight Number Frequency From To Departure (Local Time) Arrival (Local Time) J9 0345 Wednesday, Saturday (from 29 April 2023) Kuwait Larnaca 10:00 13:15 J9 0346 Wednesday, Saturday (from 29 April 2023) Larnaca Kuwait 14:00 17:10 J9 …