Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has reconfirmed that the 2021 edition of its annual showcase, will go-ahead in-person at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Sunday 16 to Wednesday 19 May, as final preparations are being put in place, in particular health and safety. In addition to Reed Exhibitions’ Global COVID-19 ‘Safety Shows’ Health & Safety strategy, ATM is working closely with the team at the Dubai World Trade Centre and with Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) to provide a safe, touchless and seamless experience for all. The show will strictly adhere to the health and safety guidelines set by the Dubai Government and followed by venue. The team at DWTC are working hard to ensure that all events run safely and have implemented a range of measures including an enhanced cleaning regime, improved air circulation and multiple hand sanitiser stations. Commenting, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world to visit with a wide range of precautionary measures in place to ensure the safety of tourists at every stage and touchpoint of their travel journey, from arrival to departure. More than 9 million doses have already been administered in the UAE, which is also a major achievement. “Indeed, Dubai’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of health and safety and its effective citywide management of the pandemic received a strong endorsement from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which gave the city a ‘Safe Travels’ stamp,” she added. “It is imperative that we include a virtual element to Arabian Travel Week because many industry professionals from around the world, cannot attend the in-person event …

Ajman hotels achieved the highest levels of occupancy among all Emirates with more than 12 percentage points above its nearest competitor, despite the challenges of 2020 due to the pandemic, with average room occupancy rates reaching 75% in the first quarter of 2021, according to a report issued by the London-based analytics firm STR. His Highness Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Tourism (ATDD), stated, “We are proud of this achievement. It is a result of the collaborative efforts of the department and its hospitality stakeholders. We all work towards the common vision and goal of highlighting the emirate of Ajman as the destination of choice and we shall continue our joint efforts to maintain success throughout the year.” Ajman Hotels Establishments capitalized on volume as part of the overall strategy of the Emirate. This resulted in securing strong total revenues of the hotels and other sectors in the Emirate, impacting positively the overall economic performance. Ajman continues to remain a preferred choice for visitors and tourists with its stretched white sandy beaches, rich cultural and heritage offering, natural sanctuaries, glorious mountains, and much more. The emirate is strategically located within the northern emirates on the Arabian Gulf in addition to the two inland regions of Masfout and Manama, which present a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.  

Etihad Airways unveiled a year-long programme in celebration of the 50 years since the nation was established. The programme will launch in three phases, focusing on the past, the present and looking forward to the future. The airline has launched a dedicated platform at etihad.com/uae50, and aims to engage the local community in its participative programme which will be revealed in detail throughout the year. Citizens, residents and guests of the UAE will have the chance to participate and win one of 50,000 prizes that will be given away throughout the course of the year. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “This year-long initiative demonstrates Etihad’s celebration of the past, and commitment to the next 50 years of this incredible country. As one of the UAE’s leading brands, Etihad is proud to bring the world to Abu Dhabi to be part of this celebration.”  

Oman Air has launched its new service between Muscat and Sharjah, UAE, with 3 weekly flights (Wednesdays, Saturdays & Sundays), operated with Airbus 330 aircraft. Wednesday and Sunday flights from Muscat will depart at 14:25 and arrive in Sharjah at 15:40. Flights from Sharjah will depart at 17:15 and arrive in Muscat at 18:30. The Saturday flight from Muscat will depart at 20:15 and arrive in Sharjah at 21:30, while the flight from Sharjah will depart at 23:00 and arrive in Muscat at 00:15. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey to ensure that guests fly confidently. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety, and a number of other measures have been implemented to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times.

Travel Counsellor franchisees now number 65 in the UAE, running corporate and leisure travel businesses remotely. The momentous month marks a 62% increase on the company’s previous highest grossing month of May 2019. Holly McCann, General Manager of Travel Counsellors UAE,  said, “Working flexibly has ensured our business owners have retained customers throughout the pandemic, but this latest spike in sales has been driven by huge demand for travel during the UAE school spring break. “Our top-selling destination was the Maldives, accounting for over 60% of the revenue, followed by UAE staycations which accounted for just over 20%. An additional 10% were bookings for travel to the Seychelles.” The most popular UAE staycation destinations booked were Dubai and Fujairah. The company further reports that over 80% of the bookings made in March were due to depart in the same month or in April 2021. McCann predicts that this last-minute booking pattern is here to stay in the UAE travel market. McCann added, “47% of the customers who booked with Travel Counsellors UAE in March were first-time bookers with us, reflecting customers’ desire for personalised advice from a trusted travel professional. With travel restrictions continuing across the globe, testing and potential quarantine requirements to navigate, the value of placing travel plans in the hands of an expert has been proven, and never felt more important, than in the last 12 months. “Drawing on extensive experience and up-to-the-minute travel information, our Travel Counsellors take the time to talk through clients’ personal preferences, provide guidance pre, during and post-travel, and offer a 24/7 service, leaving travellers free to focus on enjoying their break or a seamless business trip.”

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi announced three new routes connecting Abu Dhabi to Belgrade, Sohag and Luxor. The new destinations offer something for everyone – from beautiful landmarks and delicious cuisine to magnificent ancient ruins and rich history for those who have the appetite for dynamic experiences, exploring new places and culture. Tickets are on sale at wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app, which is also available in Arabic, with fares starting as low as AED 129*. Kees Van Schaick, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said, “Today’s announcement underpins our long-term commitment to providing low fares and high-quality onboard experiences to our customers. The new connection between the capital of the United Arab Emirates and these three new cities within Europe and the Middle East will continue to stimulate air traffic demand and support the growth of Abu Dhabi’s tourism sector and economic agenda. We look forward to welcoming passengers onboard our new, green and ultra-efficient fleet.”

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel launches a stay package to support the recent government initiative of a Remote Work Visa and Multiple Entry Tourist Visa. With an attractive monthly rate starting from AED 4,350++ per month, employees and tourists can stay in one of the hotel’s 384 rooms with complimentary high-speed internet and avail complimentary use of a small meeting room facility once a month, 30% discount on Food and Beverage, 20% off on Laundry and Dry Cleaning, a Dubai Parks and Resorts 30% discount voucher, and access to the hotel’s gym and rooftop pool. Those looking to stay longer and moving to Dubai through the Remote Work Visa program can obtain a one-time cashback of their USD287 (AED1,100) visa cost when staying for a minimum of three months which can be used as hotel credit for any incremental charges applicable to dining, laundry, and other services utilized during the stay. “We laud the government’s recent initiatives that allow employees and other nationalities to stay in the UAE and enjoy the country’s safe and attractive business and leisure environment. Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel is ready to welcome entrepreneurs and talents who would like to call the UAE home without the need for employment. Our facilities and our convenient location will boost their productivity while they experience a positive quality of life that the UAE offers,” said Colin A. Baker, Regional Director, Middle East, StayWell Hospitality Group.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed a franchise agreement with Bonnington Hospitality JLT for voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai. Currently operating as Bonnington Hotel, home to the world-renowned McGettigan’s Pub & Restaurant group, the hotel will feature 208 keys and is expected to be rebranded to voco by Q3 2021. After the first voco opening in the Middle East in 2019, this latest development marks the tenth voco hotel in the Middle East and Africa region and adds to the growing brand portfolio with operating hotels in Dubai, Riyadh and Al Khobar and a strong pipeline across key cities such as Jeddah, Doha and Johannesburg. Commenting on the signing, Matthew Tripolone, VP Development, Middle East and Africa, IHG said, “We are excited to be adding voco Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers Dubai to our UAE portfolio, in partnership with Bonnington Hospitality JLT. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across the Middle East, and we are proud to introduce our second voco to Dubai, which is a priority market for us in the region. He added, “The brand offers a simplified conversion process, making it quick and easy for owners of high-quality independent hotels to become part of IHG’s system and drive higher returns thereafter. The brand also allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a unique, independent hotel under a brand name they can trust.” Dennis McGettigan, Chief Executive Officer, Bonnington Hospitality and McGettigan Group, added, “We are delighted to announce our partnership with IHG and the voco brand. As a unique family-owned and operated hotel in Dubai, Bonnington Hotel meticulously provides each guest with the highest levels of …

Yas Island Abu Dhabi has launched a new online brand campaign entitled ‘Experience it to Believe it’, designed to entice Israel-based holidaymakers to visit Yas Island, the destination ‘like nowhere else’.  The advertising campaign represents one of the first destination marketing campaigns targeting Israeli holidaymakers, encouraging them to visit one of Abu Dhabi’s leading vacation hotspots. The 150,000 USD online campaign, features a 45 second brand campaign introducing the destination in English and Hebrew, will run from 6 April 2021 until 8 May 2021, on platforms including Facebook, Instagram and YouTube among others. The promotional push builds upon the inauguration of the historic Etihad Airways twice-weekly flight between Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv which took place on 6 April 2021, with analysts and industry executives expecting around 1.25 million tourists travelling between the two cities for tourism and business and 500,000 Israelis expected to travel for tourism and leisure during the initial stages.* Liam Findlay, GM of Experience Hub said, ‘We are delighted to launch the ‘Experience it to Believe it’ campaign which showcases the very best of Yas Island, from award-winning theme parks, record-breaking attractions, outstanding motorsports, golf and watersports to Israeli holidaymakers.  We look forward to welcoming visitors from Israel to Yas Island and cannot wait to share our world-class hospitality and introduce holidaymakers to a host of exceptional experiences at the destination like nowhere else.”

Emirates has announced the latest updates to its already generous booking policies, offering customers even more confidence and flexibility to make their travel plans. Customers holding tickets issued before 30 September 2020 for travel before 31 December 2021, can now rebook to travel anytime within 36 months, an extension of 12 months from the previous policy. Those holding tickets issued after 01 October 2020 for travel before 31 December 2021, can utilise their tickets anytime within 24 months. Fees for reissuing any ticket will be waived, and vouchers or unused portions of Emirates tickets may be refunded without penalty. Customers who hold tickets issued directly by Emirates, whether via emirates.com or the airline’s retail and contact centres, do not have to contact Emirates as the tickets are automatically extended. Customers who purchased their tickets via a travel agent will need to contact their agent before the expiry date to reissue their tickets.