It will be two days of networking with the travel trade in the Middle East as Tourism Ireland hosts their first-ever virtual roadshow on March 8 and 9, 2021 from 2pm to 6pm UAE time. Over the past few years, Ireland has become one of the most important outbound destinations for travellers from the Middle East. The rich history, its luscious greenery and the natural beauty which captured also the hearts of filmmakers made this an even better irresistible destination. The event will include 28 partners along with the Tourism Ireland national tourism organisation itself and it will entail key features that define the destination and its many offerings to the discerning traveller from the Middle East. Bespoke tours are highly popular with travellers from the Middle East as they always crave that exceptional service which will provide them something more personalized, Azab Ayoub -Managing Director – Belfast Services shares, “We are a bespoke tour and hospitality in Ireland. We follow the health and safety guideline and social destined in our tours and all our cars disinfected before and after use from our guest. As I’m an Arabic speaking tour guide I work only for Arabic speaking guests so the Middle East is a very important market for us. We work very closely with the Irish tourist board who advertise Ireland in the Middle East, letting the market know we have an Arabic company and a tour guide in Ireland. Our USP is the beauty of Ireland the green, wildness, halal food, history and tours in Arabic.”

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) is gearing up to cross a brand new milestone in its journey of transforming Sharjah into a vibrant hub for sustainable eco-tourism in the region. The authority has announced that the family-friendly Moon Retreat, which will be the fourth eco-luxury retreat to join Shurooq’s Sharjah Collection brand, managed by Mysk by Shaza, is all set to welcome overnight guests – desert adventurers and glampers alike – from around the world in Q1 of 2021, when the UAE’s weather is ideal for immersing in the flurry of outdoor activities and nature-inspired experiences that the archaeologically rich Mleiha region has on offer. Khawla Al Hashimi, Director of Project Development at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said, “Moon Retreat offers camping enthusiasts, tourists and visitors of all ages looking to explore the region’s most stunning natural attractions, an unparalleled opportunity to indulge in unique holiday experiences and relax in nature, away from the hustle of the city. It is a part of Shurooq’s broader vision and mission to bolster the existing offerings at the Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination, transforming this historic land of archaeological wonders into a fully-integrated and serviced community for tourists and visitors looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure experience in the UAE.” She added, “Developing such eco-friendly retreats continues to position Sharjah as the hub of responsible tourism in the region. Shurooq’s eco-tourism projects have contributed significantly to helping tourists and visitors connect with our heritage and nature while playing a great role in boosting the emirate’s leisure and cultural status across the global tourism sector.  They not only contribute to making a positive impact on the environment and economy but also help …

Marriott is looking at expanding their chain further with the addition of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah a key destination much loved by international travellers as well as domestic travellers or residents. This property marks the first Marriott Hotels resort in Dubai, the hotel is located on the beach of the iconic Palm Jumeirah. For guests that want to be in the heart of it all, Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah is perfectly positioned with easy access to downtown, the main shopping malls, and business districts. The hotel will feature 608 guestrooms, eight restaurants, and lounges, plus a world-class spa and fitness facility, a kids club, and a private sandy beach offering stunning views of the Arabian Gulf beyond.

Rixos Premium Magawish Suites & Villas will take over Hurghada as the brand-new property sets to open on March 15 at the Red Sea Coast. Situated at the heart of the bustling town, the 5-star property passes through a spacious land-scape of over 255.000 meter-squared premises to flash an architectural masterpiece. Aside from the iconic sights, the signature Rixos quality of services is made better with its first-class suites and villa facilities, meeting halls, vast food and beverage options, world-class leisure, sports, entertainment, and spa. Discerning guests and business groups visiting Hurghada will be spoilt for choice as the latest hotspot offers impeccable features to suit outright needs. Vacationers can indulge in an elegant array of 410 suites and villas with the smallest suite flaunting a 53 meter-squared space among other options of Superior Suites, Deluxe Suites, and Lagoon Swim-up Suites with a scenic garden setting, pool, and sea views. Stepping up a notch, guests can take pleasure over a pool area boasting tailored services by a private butler at the Pool Villas and Executive Pool Villas. Corporate guests can conduct conferences and tackle agenda across the property’s exclusive meeting suites, VIP hall, and presidential office with special services to fulfill business requirements. Experience the tastes of the world with endless choices of abundant flavors to satiate your cravings. Relish with international cuisines laid out at the open buffet for an all-day dining experience at the property’s main restaurant, or choose to satisfy your craving out of the 5 A La Carte outlets. From the Turkish delights of Lalezar, the Brazilian gourmet of La Churras-caria, up to other indulgences at Salt, Asian, and People’s, the a la carte scene offers …

Marriott International announced new hotel openings in the region. The latest addition in Amman, Jordan will be the Ritz Carlton expected to be open by Q3 in 2021. It is two stunning towers that will offer an exclusive experience in the heart of Jordan’s buzzing capital city Amman. The Ritz-Carlton, Amman boasts 228 guestrooms including 34 suites and 90 residences, along with the brand’s legendary service. Guests can relax in the elegant Cigar Lounge or indulge in distinguished cuisine at the hotel’sMediterraneanrestaurant, or the rooftop restaurant and bar offering dazzling views across the skyline. The hotel will also feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness centre and spa, along with a 1,000 square metre ballroom.

The First TravTalk digital conclave for 2021 kicks off tomorrow with 6 key industry leaders in two sessions back to back. The first session will focus on Vaccination and the second wave of covid; where is travel headed? From 11.30 am to 12.30 pm (UAE time) with Mamoun Hmedan – Managing Director  EMEA- Wego, Arijit Munshi- General Manager EMEAI -Tune Protect, and Ramsumesh Menon – Chief Executive Officer -Go Gosaibi Travel  – Bahrain. Wellness tourism is an integral part of the Middle East the second session will focus on finding happiness through wellness tourism. The session starts at 1 pm (UAE time) until 2 pm with Laszlo Puczko -CEO & Co-founder – Health Tourism Worldwide, Linda Abdulla – CEO and Founder – Oryx Healthcare Consultancy and Kathryn Moore – Founder and Managing Director Spa Connectors, Global Over the past year, TravTalk has been instrumental in keeping the industry positive with its signature Digital conclaves. As we embark on a new year with a novel line of thought consisting of a set of brand new trends, vaccinations, and digital passports spreading its hope once again in the industry, we will have a tête-à-tête with stalwarts in the industry about an exclusive update.

Join and collaborate once again with the trade partners on a two-day virtual meeting on March 31 and April 1, 2021. This will be the perfect opportunity to connect with local and international industry leaders who would share valuable knowledge and information, engage in insightful conversations and listen to some of the pioneers in the industry at panel discussions sharing their views. Speak to the team and book your spot today! Contact  -crisna@ddppl.com +971 55 470 4200; sonia.butalia@ddppl.com +91 96503 11774; nikhil.jeet@ddppl.com After a successful  2020 edition of the Gulf Travel Show with 40 plus exhibitors, 6000 one-to-one meetings, and 2,500 visitors from 59 countries which included travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, hotels, travel management companies, and international agencies. GTS with its proprietary exhibition software will help you recover, rebuild and reimagine relationships and products. Our first edition which concluded with great success was an affirmation of the need of the hour for the travel fraternity to ensure they maintain their connections and proactively search for new connections and/or partners that will help them grow their business help grow their brand and build long-term profitable business connections. A brand new digital experience awaits you with a platform which depicts that of a real live event, with our state of the art technology. As you enter the event, you will be transported to the venue with a very easy to manage menu that enabled you to really enjoy the event without any hassle. The hosted buyers will have the opportunity to earn points while visiting each booth and increase chances of making connections and at the end will be incentivized.

Tourism Ireland will conduct its maiden roadshow with 27 partners on 8th and 9th March 2021 from 2 to 6 pm UAE time. Ashford Castle will partner at the event and Shane Brett, Sales Executive, Ashford Castle states, “While the Middle East market is a newer market for us it is certainly one of great interest and a market in which we feel we are very well placed to provide an extraordinary experience for travellers coming from the Middle East. We are currently working closely with the team in both Tourism Ireland and Leading Hotels of the World to increase our exposure to travel agents and tour operators in the Middle East and building their knowledge of the Estate therefore enabling them to better serve their clients. Exceptional Heritage – dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle is Ireland’s Oldest Castle Hotel, the first hotel in Ireland to be voted Best of the Best by Virtuoso, and the very first and only Forbes Five Star property in Ireland.  The Ashford Family and longevity of service – with 290 team members working in the Castle with a combined service of 1,700 years, 29 of those team members have over 800 years of service, therefore we have 800 years of history matched with 800 years of service.  An Extraordinary Estate – the expansive 350-acre Estate offers close to 30 activities within a 5/6 minute walk from the front door of the Castle, our guests can try their hand at everything from falconry, shooting, fishing with our Estate Ghillie, tree climbing, zip-lining and so much more.  VIP arrivals guaranteed to all guests of the Castle arriving by private aircraft into Ireland West Airport Knock.”

Kyoto tourism will conduct a comprehensive webinar on 2nd March 2021 from 11 am to 12noon UAE time titled “Discover the serene beauty of Kyoto prefecture, the must-see sights and unique experiences it has to offer” with a total of four partners. Ken Fujimoto, Representative, Japan Exploration Tours JIN, “Our main areas will focus on woodland Kyoto, Kyoto Infused with Tea & Kyoto Otokuni Bamboo Grove. We provide unique tours not only in Kyoto but other areas in Japan.  The most famous one is Mount Fuji (the highest mountain in Japan) climbing is an experience not to be missed out on for those who crave adventure. We have seen a keen interest in the Middle East travellers and they have become one of our key markets hence we want to take this opportunity to provide the maximum knowledge of the destination and the many offerings for the travel trade fraternity in the Middle East.”

Etihad Airways and Gulf Air signed a Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement (SCCA) to deepen their partnership between Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and beyond the respective hubs. The wide-ranging SCCA, subject to obtaining applicable governmental and regulatory approvals, sets out specific actions for deepening and broadening commercial cooperation, building on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the airlines signed in 2018. The SCCA envisages a phased approach to closer collaboration between the partners. In the first phase, by June 2021, the scope of the partners’ codeshare agreement, first signed in 2019, will be significantly expanded. Etihad and Gulf Air will be able to offer up to an additional 30 combined destinations beyond the Abu Dhabi and Bahrain hubs, across the Middle East, Africa, Europe and Asia. The Strategic Commercial Cooperation Agreement was signed by Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, and Captain Waleed AlAlawi, Gulf Air’s Acting Chief Executive Officer. Tony Douglas said, “This agreement reinforces the strength of the ongoing partnership between our two airlines. We look forward to exploring pragmatic ways in which the two carriers can increasingly work seamlessly between our two capitals, enhance benefits and customer experience for our most frequent travelers and further extend the reach of our joint networks beyond our hubs.” Captain AlAlawi said,  “Our relationship with Etihad Airways has always been strong and today we are reaching a higher level of collaboration with many more opportunities on the horizon between the national carriers of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates. This agreement will empower both of us to offer a more elevated experience to passengers and widen their travel options.”