The first in a series of two webinars was successfully concluded yesterday with many trade partners participating in a virtual adventure to Ireland. Four speakers comprising Siobhán Naughton, Marketing & Trade Executive Middle East & Asia Tourism Ireland, Gillian Costelloe, Business Development Manager & Creative Planner, Emerald VIP Services, Deirdre Purcell, Cluster Sales Director North America and Entertainment Markets, MHL Hotels, David Wardell, Tourism Development Manager, Irish National Stud and Gardens and Alison Johnston, Kildare Village presented some of the most interesting areas in Ireland to be visited by the GCC travellers. Naughton started off the session by introducing the destination, the key areas and activities much loved by the GCC travellers. She stated that since 2018, UAE nationals were given the opportunity to travel visa free to Ireland and at the same time the short stay visa waiver scheme allows GCC visitors who enter UK on the general C visit visa to also visit Ireland without an Irish visa and it is valid for a period of 90 days. Some of the key areas GCC visitors take an interest is luxury experience, city breaks, coastal touring routes, golf experience and screen tourism. At this point she mentioned how 80% of Game of thrones were filmed in Ireland as well some scenes from Star Wars. Costelloe shared the many services offered by Emerald VIP Services where one can tailor make their individual experiences, as they focus on bespoke services. She mentioned the strong leadership behind the organisation and how the traveller will be able to gain maximum advantage with its specialised unique experiences. She went on to mention the many luxury experiences and the exclusive properties that can be rented …

Ras Al Khaimah was named the Gulf Tourism Capital for 2021 at the fifth annual meeting of Tourism Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council. During a virtual meeting to discuss Gulf integration in the tourism sector, Ras Al Khaimah was commended for its identity as a sustainable tourist destination and was awarded the coveted title for the second year running. Ras Al Khaimah is considered one of the most diverse Emirates offering world-class experiences and attractions, which has enabled it to assert its position on the Global tourism map as the fastest growing destination in the region. Moreover, the Gulf Tourism Capital award this year is a testament to its early and sustained action to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in global recognition as a safe destination for inbound tourism. It was the first city and Emirate in the world to receive both the prestigious ‘Safeguard Assurance’ Label from Bureau Veritas, a leader in testing and inspection services and the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels Stamp. The Authority continues to build on its ‘safe destination’ status, offering complimentary COVID-19 PCR testing for international visitors staying in Ras Al Khaimah until the end of this year. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “We are delighted that the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has once again been recognised as the Gulf Tourism Capital by the esteemed tourism Ministers and senior officials of the Gulf Cooperation Council. It is an especially welcome announcement in an unprecedented and immensely challenging year and is testament both to the resilience of our industry and our ongoing focus on innovation to bring visitors back.” “In line …

Don’t miss out on an excellent line up of speakers at the Gulf Travel Show on November 23-24, 2020 from 10am to 4pm. Travel contributes nearly 11% of GDP in the region and hospitality has over 700,000 jobs that needs to stay on to provide an amazing experience whilst driving businesses to the next level. Re-focus on corporate travel In the GCC region inter-GCC travel for various businesses is an utmost important agenda every year. Former CEO of Jumeirah Group and Ambassador for WTTC Gerald Lawless will be joined by an expert panel comprising Anita Mandiratta, special advisor to the Secretary General UNWTO, Ross Veitch Co-Founder and CEO Wego and Adel Mardini Founder CEO of Jetex. Re-imagine travel Will we look at a new era of the travel industry? Being optimistic about the future, travel will need a new face hence Roxana Nicolescu, Brand Marketing Director Wego speaks with three experts in their field about the new initiatives taken for travel. Listen to GB Srithar, Regional Director – India, Middle East & South Asia (IMESA) – Singapore Tourism Board, Yamina Sofo – Director, Sales & Marketing – German National Tourist Office, Gulf countries and Stewart Smith – Director EMEA Sojern as they share details of how travel will resume again. Re-engage with numbers TravTalk has been in the forefront of information for the travel trade with various initiatives to ensure the industry stays positive in this time of uncertainty. Group CEO of Durga Das Publications San Jeet will have a tête-à-tête with Hala Matar Choufany; President – Middle East and Africa – HVS about the real big picture. Dealing with the now normal Jamal Abdulnazar; CEOCozmo Travel will host three …

Hope you are ready to discover one of the most luxurious destinations with luscious greenery and luxurious in every way; Ireland. Today’s webinar will be for the travel trade in the GCC and you can join in from either in the comfort of your own home or in the office. Take a trip and be transported to one of the most beautiful landscapes that will give you a luxurious yet serene experience. At the end of the virtual event there will be a special certificate of attendance provided to all the agents that will attend the webinar. The main target will be GCC nationals and the luxury expat travellers. Siobhan Naughton, Marketing and Trade Executive, Middle East and Asia for Tourism Ireland and partners from the destination will share some interesting facts about the destination today at 3pm UAE time. Naughton stated, “this webinar will focus on luxury travel to the Island of Ireland and the safety measures that have been put in place to ensure a seamless customer experience when the time is right to travel to our beautiful island again. The different areas we will be focusing on will be Island of Ireland luxury product offering including key attraction and accommodation providers, screen tourism and coastal touring routes.Tourism Ireland along with our Island of Ireland industry partners will give travel trade from the GCC a luxury Island of Ireland product update and also showcase how GCC and expat travelers to the island of Ireland will continue to have a safe, memorable and seamless visit to our shores when the time is right.”

Ministry of Economy (MoE) launched the ‘International Advisory Council on the New Economy’, a first of its kind initiative, with the participation of international experts, advisors and economic policy makers, as well as influential national figures involved in the formulation and development of many of the UAE’s economic development programs. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq AlMarri, UAE Minister of Economy, said: “The Council is a new initiative that the UAE is developing, through which we will work to develop ideas, proposals and formulate new economic policies.” The Council will undertake a set of tasks related to the structure of the new economy, including the development of ideas and proposals; providing advice to decision-makers in new economic fields, development of research papers and studies; and development of new models for regional and international partnerships in the fields of the future economy. In addition, the Council will contribute to coordination efforts with research centres and academic institutions, with the aim of strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for innovative ideas and sharing the UAE economy’s experience with external partners. H.E. Bin Touq added that the changes the world is currently witnessing as a result of the pandemic are being reflected across all aspects of life, ranging from our daily lives to travel, trade and other vital economic sectors. However, the current circumstances do not limit the UAE’s aspirations. Instead, they motivate us to convert challenges into opportunities and employ them in the service of long-term development goals and objectives, he said. Bin Touq continued, “The government of the UAE was the most prepared one to deal with most of the challenges that emerged as a result of COVID-19 and was also …

Almosafer announced the launch of a host of new domestic tourism activities that can be booked through the brand’s omnichannel platforms. Almosafer’s activities marketplace has been designed to enhance the domestic tourism offering in the Kingdom and provide a diverse range of local destinations that Saudis can discover in their home country, with a focus on cultural and adventure experiences. The activities will feature a variety of bookable tours and attractions from across the Kingdom, carefully selected and curated by Almosafer’s expert travel advisors for a customised and unique experience. The launch comes in support of Saudi Arabia’s expansion of tourism-related infrastructure, and its focus on establishing the country as a leading destination for tourism and entertainment both domestically and regionally. The newly introduced bookable activities are amongst the first in Saudi Arabia to offer tailored domestic tours, giving residents the chance to re-discover their cities and experience the country’s growing cultural and adventure scene from a new perspective. Fahad Alobailan, VP of Retail at Almosafer said, “As the leading omni-channel travel brand in the Kingdom, we recognise the growing significance of domestic tourism in light of the global situation and restrictions on international travel. Due to our expertise and understanding of the Saudi market, we were able to curate a marketplace of domestic activities which can be booked across our omnichannel platforms including call centres, WhatsApp and in-store travel advisors, as well as via the app and website. Our objective is to give Saudi nationals the opportunity to rediscover their country and enjoy the abundance of its tourism offering especially on the cultural and adventure sides. Through these activities it’s now possible to book seamlessly on-the-go or plan in …

The Gulf Travel Show to be held on November 23-24, 2020 will be a key initiative which will provide the industry leaders, stakeholders and partners an opportunity to network and re-connect over two days and re-think, re-strategise their plans for 2021. Tourism Malaysia will be presenting their destination with some of the key partners over the two days and invite all partners to visit their corner to re-learn, re-discover, re-strengthen the ties to ensure a smooth transition when it will be time for international travellers to resume their journeys. Keeping the trade and partners updated Shahrin Mokhtar – Director Tourism Malaysia-Dubai said, “Tourism Malaysia is always keen to present in international travel shows and business platforms to showcase what Malaysia offer for tourists, and also to give opportunity for Malaysian industry players to meet potential travel trade partners. Gulf Travel Show is considered one of the important business platforms especially during the COVID-19 pandemic where quality buyers can meet Malaysia hotels & tour operators for future business cooperation and partnerships.” Leisure holidays and M!CE offerings Fatmawati Mohamed Nor – Managing Director – JF Holidays SDN BHD – Malaysia said, “We believe Gulf Travel Show is an excellent platform to market Malaysia as Holiday & M!CE destination. With huge demand for leisure, business and meetings, Gulf Travel Show would be able to bring Malaysia further into the Gulf market. International trade show event would open up the opportunity and connecting the tourism players.” Efficient networking session Zulkifli Rahman – Director of Sales &Marketing – The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi said, “As a platform to reach out and meet virtually new travel partners as well as maintaining existing fruitful relationship with our existing travel …

AlFahim is one of the most successful family businesses in UAE. Since 1958, the Group has been operating in Abu Dhabi and has expanded its business in Dubai, Al Ain, and Sharjah. It has shown massive development and promising results in the field of Automotive, Hospitality, Oil & Gas and Real Estate. The groups leaders have emphasized on the importance of giving back to the community. AlFahim has launched a campaign for key hunting under “The Dream key” to give the community positive fun experience especially during the critical time of COVID19 pandemic while complying with safety measures guidelines. The dream key hunt is a thrilling treasure hunt where clue solving meets adventure. It’s the most exciting drive across Abu Dhabi you will ever have. Join the hunt and locate six secretly stashed keys across multiple locations in Abu Dhabi. “In a world of uncertainty due to Covid19, we wanted to bring joy back. This scavenger hunt is educational and interactive for the participants, but it is also a way to reconnect with our community, family and friends that we are not seeing right now due to the pandemic”, said Sharifa Al Fahim, Head of Shared Services in Al Fahim Group. How to play: Follow the AL Fahim Official Instagram page and register at Alfahim.com/thedreamkey to get more information about the first key. After finding the key, take a picture and scan the QR code. Every QR code will reveal hints to the next location. Participants must take a selfie together with the keys on every location. After finding all the six keys, participant must create a collage with their six selfies and tag Al Fahim Official Instagram page @alfahimofficial …

At Sojern we have access to real-time traveller audiences and unmatched visibility into global travel demand, we’re in a unique position to share the current travel trends at the forefront of marketers’ minds. In this we will take a look at the data in Middle East in order to aid travel marketers in their assessment of this worldwide event. They can use these trends to inform their marketing strategies during this period, as the industry stabilises. These insights are based on data collected on the November 10, 2020. We are reviewing our data on a regular basis in order to provide an accurate view of trends and patterns in consumer behaviour. Sojern’s insights are based on over 350 million traveller profiles and billions of travel intent signals, however it does not capture one hundred percent of the travel market. United Arab Emirates (UAE) residents from specific countries, and tourists entering Dubai, are required to present negative COVID‑19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests prior to their flight, or on arrival in the country. The uncertainty around travel, and the ever-changing restrictions as a result of the pandemic, continue to have a negative impact on the economy across the region. For instance, in the second quarter of 2020 the Saudi economy shrank by 7% and unemployment rose to 15.4%. It has been suggested that the Dubai economy may take until 2023 to recover to 2019 levels. In order to combat these negative figures Dubai has introduced a one-year remote working visa for tourists, and Bahrain plans to extend visit visas for free until January 2021.

Hospitality Sales & Marketing International Middle East (HSMAI) has announced the inaugural ROC Middle East conference, as a hybrid edition to Stay Connected, Stay Informed and Stay Relevant, is taking place on Sunday December 6, 2020. The hybrid Revenue Optimization Conference (ROC) is being delivered in these challenging environments with the hope to lead the hospitality industry to resume business activities, re-connect again and exchange best practices. Bob Gilbert, President & CEO of HSMAI says, “We take great pride that the Middle East region is able to deliver the inaugural 2020 ROC conference in a physical and virtual setting. In an unprecedented year that has challenged us all, we are pleased to continue our industry support and deliver a true hybrid event.” “The hospitality sector in Dubai has displayed tremendous resilience through the challenges of 2020, and it has also been one that has stepped up to the plate to drive the tourism rebound and ensure visitors can feel safe while enjoying everything the city has to offer. Thanks to the effective response to the Covid-19 pandemic initiated by Dubai and the UAE’s leadership, we have been able to resume vital conferences like this one, which contribute to economic growth not only here, but across the wider region. As we look to build on the strong performance since the resumption of international tourism in July and gather momentum into 2021, HSMAI Middle East ROC attendees – both physical and virtual – will play a critical role,” says Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing. Mona Faraj, managing director of HSMAI Middle East says, “ROC 2020 is a collaboration masterpiece uniting great brands towards one goal. Without the …