Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH)  has announced that private jets movements continued its growth in 2020 by 21 percent compared to 2019 driven by the high number of movements in Q4.The aerospace hub also recorded a steep 78 percent growth of private jets movements in Q4 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 due to the government’s measures in combating the spread of COVID-19. “It gives us immense pleasure to see the substantial increase in private jet travel across the VIP Terminal at MBRAH for the second consecutive quarter. This exceptional performance is due to, among many reasons, Dubai’s status as a preferred destination for tourists, associated with the launch of the ‘World’s Coolest Winter’ campaign, and the UAE ranking among the top countries in the world in efficiently handling the COVID-19 pandemic,” Tahnoon Saif, CEO of Mohammed Bin Rashid Aerospace Hub, said. MBRAH offers global aerospace players high-level connectivity and is a free-zone destination for the world’s leading airlines, private jet companies, and associated industries. Located in and developed by Dubai South, MBRAH is also home to maintenance centres and training and education campuses as well as seeks to strengthen engineering industries.  

Wyndham hotels Ajman are offering staycation packages inclusive of must-try UAE experiences: desert safari and dhow cruise. Make the most of the UAE’s ideal outdoor weather with your loved-ones by availing any of these packages: a one-night stay in a standard room inclusive of breakfast for only AED240/ at Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Ajman, AED250/ at Ramada by Wyndham Beach Hotel Ajman, and AED299/ at Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche. The deal, which is valid for stay for two adults and two kids below six years old,  includes free passes for a desert safari or dhow cruise experience for four people.   Half-board and full-board packages are also available at attractive rates. In addition, guests have the option to use the four free passes within 30 days from their check-in date.

It is time to find out about the virtual roadshow that connects all partners in the travel fraternity for two whole days of networking with one another. Keep the dates free March 31 and April 1, 2021 for one of the most important events of the year. If you want to be an Exhibitor, this is the perfect time to speak to the team and save your spot. If you are a National Tourism Organisation, hotels or resorts, Tour Operators and DMC’s, Technology Companies,  Airlines, Cruises, Car rental companies, Attractions and Insurance Companies. The first-ever virtual event in the region, the Gulf Travel Show 2020 concluded on 22nd and 23rd November 2020 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.Local and international industry leaders attracted viewers with their insightful and engaging panel discussions. The hosted buyer programme along with the leader board motivated buyers to have meetings till late.

Second edition of the Singapore Tourism Board Virtual Roadshow to be held on Wednesday February 3, 2021 from 10am to 4pm UAE time. Sentosa Development Corporation will partner with the event and travel trade partners from the Middle East will have the opportunity to meet them one on one. Jacqueline Low, Director of Sales, Business and Channel Development, Sentosa Development Corporation stated that they will update the latest offerings, “ We will be providing updates on Sentosa’s latest offerings to help our partners plan their itineraries for when travel resumes for more markets, and provide assurance that Sentosa is ready to welcome guests, anytime they are ready.” She further reiterated, “Sentosa has an array of personalized and intimate experiences that can appeal to the Middle East travellers. With a steady increase of Middle East travelers to Singapore, this can mean new source market(s) for the island businesses to develop.With travel restrictions still in place, a face to face interaction may not happen so soon. A virtual roadshow allows us to share what Sentosa has to offer. This helps us strengthen the awareness and increase the mindshare of our beautiful island in Middle East while we await earnestly to welcome their visit.”,

Ascott has added a record number of over 14,200 units across 71 properties worldwide for 2020, with the aim of growing its global portfolio to 160,000 units by 2023. Despite COVID-19, this exceeds the number of units secured in 2019, marking a fourth consecutive year of record growth for the group. Kevin Goh, CapitaLand’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging and Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “COVID-19 has validated the resilience of Ascott’s business model as property owners continue to sign new management and franchise contracts with us, allowing us to achieve our fourth consecutive year of record growth in 2020. Through these new contracts, we continue to build our future recurring fee income stream. In 2021, over 80 properties with about 17,000 units are slated to open across the world. We will continue to look for opportunities to expand our presence through management contracts, franchises, strategic alliances, and stand ready to seize good investment opportunities.” Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional GM for Middle East, Africa, Turkey and India, said, “Despite the challenges the hospitality industry faced across the world in 2020, our sustainable business model has allowed us to stand firm performance-wise. While we continue reinforcing our position in the Middle East, where we have established a strong presence in key markets such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, our focus over the next five years is to strengthen our geographical presence in the emerging markets within Africa. We will continue to focus on strengthening our regional portfolio even further, to meet our ambitious growth plan of 10,000 units by 2025 and bring Ascott brands to key countries where the demand for internationally branded hotels and serviced apartments …

Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai unveils its family-friendly winter staycation packages inclusive of free tickets at any of the five Emaar entertainment attractions located at The Dubai Mall. Starting at AED 659/, the deal is inclusive of a one-night stay in a one-bedroom apartment, plus breakfast for two adults and two kids aged six and below. As part of the package, guests will get one day-pass at Kidzania Dubai, or they can opt for two tickets from any of these four attractions at The Dubai Mall: Dubai Ice Rink, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park, or EkartZabeel. For added convenience, Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai offers guests complimentary shuttle drop off at The Dubai Mall during their hotel stay. Alternatively, the free tickets can be used within 30 days from the check-in date. To add more perks to the fun-filled staycation, guests will also receive 20% off at Kenza Restaurant and  in-room dining orders, and AED50/ gift voucher at the newly-opened Rayya Wellness.

Etihad Airways is expanding its offset programme in collaboration with Shell. Separately, the airline is also setting up a guest programme to allow guests to purchase additional voluntary offsets.Through its participation in Shell’s carbon credit programme, Etihad will expand its offset programme beyond the original Makame Savannah REDD project in Tanzania to include Peru’s Cordillera Azul National Park and Indonesia’s KatinganMentaya Project, making Etihad’s efforts geographically diverse in the promotion of climate action. Tony Douglas, Etihad Aviation Group CEO, said, “Exactly one year ago, we committed to a sustainable future with the very real, tangible objective to be completely carbon neutral by 2050 and to reduce CO2 emissions to 50 percent of 2019 levels by 2035. Since then, the aviation industry has been completely transformed by the COVID-19 crisis, however our commitment to sustainability has never wavered. We have since introduced and led a number of industry-leading sustainability initiatives to further drive and promote carbon neutrality, of which today’s announcement is just the latest.” Anna Mascolo, President, Shell Aviation, said, “We are pleased to be helping Etihad Airways reduce their net carbon footprint, through the use of high-quality, nature-based carbon offsets. Until sustainable aviation fuel and technology solutions are developed and deployed at scale, offsetting is not a choice but a necessity if companies within the aviation sector are to meet net-zero emissions targets. This agreement is a great example of action that can be taken today to engage multiple parties in accelerating aviation’s pathway to net zero emissions, even in challenging circumstances.” “In spite of COVID and the vulnerability of the industry, Etihad is determined to pave the path for a green recovery and commit to environmental stewardship and …

Emirates is launching its much-awaited global sale to inspire and encourage travelers to reconnect with family and friends or explore new destinations in the New Year. With attractive offers to select destinations worldwide, Emirates customers can make up for lost time in 2021. All-inclusive Economy Class fares from Dubai start at AED 1,055 to Karachi; AED 1,605 to Istanbul; AED 1,695 to Cairo; AED 1,995 to Moscow and AED 4,995 to Los Angeles. Business Class fares start at AED 4,495 to Karachi; AED 5,995 to Cairo; AED 8,995 to Istanbul; AED 9,995 to Moscow and AED 23,995 to Los Angeles. Bookings have to be made between January 19 to February 2, 2021 for travel until June 15, 2021. Emirates customers can travel with peace of mind with the airline’s flexible booking options and multi-risk travel insurance including COVID-19 cover with every flight.

sbe in collaboration with World of Wonders Real Estate Development announced SLS Dubai Hotel & Residences is set to welcome guests, residential, hotel and local alike, in the second quarter of 2021.The highly anticipated project soars 75 floors to the sky and is located in Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa District. Split between 254 uniquely designed hotel rooms, 321 hotel apartments and 371 branded residences, the luxurious new hotel property is one of the tallest in the city. SLS Dubai features sbe’s signature culinary concepts Fi’lia, authentic Italian restaurant, and Carna by Dario Cecchini, a contemporary steakhouse from the legendary butcher from Tuscany, Italy. S Bar, sbe’s mixology lounge is located in the lobby, as well as signature rooftop nightlife venue, Privilege. EllaMia is a sophisticated café that brings its dedicated Los Angeles-based coffee culture to Dubai and at 12 Chairs Caviar Bar, caviar takes centre stage, reserved for only 12 guests, to experience and indulge. A state-of-the-art Fitness Center, salon and the exclusive Ciel Spa will cater to guests’ beauty, wellness and fitness needs. Chadi Farhat, Chief Operating Officer, sbe states, “We are excited to open our doors to Dubai’s diverse travellers and residents, welcoming them with the signature SLS style of luxury, hospitality and comfort. Naturally as a major destination for global travellers, Dubai was the ideal location for our next SLS hotel. Home to over six of sbe’s signature culinary and nightlife experiences, SLS Dubai will be the ultimate lifestyle destination in Dubai”.

Neorcha has partnered with Dubai-based TIME Hotels to launch its new performance-based App in the Middle East. It is the first hotel group to introduce the new Neorcha App across its property portfolio. The deployment of additional mobile and contactless guest services is aligned with the Group’s “Sanitised& Ready” protocol, launched in partnership with global leading hygiene solutions provider Diversey, to embrace the new normal as the hotels welcome guests after COVID-19 restrictions were eased over the summer. Joseph Fayad, Corporate Director of Information Technology at TIME Hotels commented, “The implementation of innovative technology is crucial to our recovery post-COVID-19, and our future growth within the tourism industry. As pioneers of the tourism industry, we want to be early adopters of new technology. The partnership with Neorcha helps us achieve this and underscores our commitment to our guests by ensuring seamless interactions at every step of the customer journey.” Rogerl El Khoury, Managing Director and Founder of Neorcha, said: “We are delighted to welcome TIME Hotels as the first hospitality group to implement our new performance-based App, enabling its hotels to provide seamless and contactless self services to its guests as part of the group’s commitment to offer the highest safety standards.”