Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) announced that it will organize the Sharjah Hospitality Forum (SHF) on November 16, 2020, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council. Discussions at the event are expected to showcase the latest developments in Sharjah’s tourism sector amid current challenges as well as explore ways to accelerate the sector’s recovery and achieve growth. For the first time ever, the 7th edition of SHF will be held through virtual channels and video conferencing technologies, in line with the precautionary measures adopted to ensure public safety. H.E. Al Qasimi commented, “This edition is of particular importance because of the current global situation as the event provides us with the opportunity to discuss topics of interest to all stakeholders, employees and investors in the sector, exchanging information as well as proposing solutions from high-profile experts, decision-makers and pioneers in the tourism and hospitality markets from the local and international arena.” Al Midfa concluded, “SCTDA has been constantly working to enhance the safety and security of the tourism experience and hospitality services in the emirate and facilitate the arrival of tourists and guests while adhering to established preventive measures. In pursuit of this aim, the authority has launched a number of initiatives and partnerships such as the ‘Sharjah Safe for Tourism Stamp’, which helps ensure compliance of best health practices in the tourism sector. We also promote the ‘Safe Travels’ stamp, a label which indicates that tourism facilities meet the international health, hygiene and safety standards within the industry.”

Gulf Travel Show on November 23-24, 2020 is the new way to re-connect and re-strategise your goals for 2021. Lockdown brought in a new line of potential business to many across the globe, the short term hiccups gives way to long term strategy that will help you see beyond and create a much bigger picture for the future. Tap all the markets that you didn’t meet before at physical events over the years, the new line of technology has set the bar way high for any potential business to take it to the top. Re-think the way you did business before, re-set your mind to increase your potential and aim higher than before as the resources are just a key away. It is a virtual event which caters to the trade and understands the importance of opportunities. As a tourism board, travel fraternity, attraction, hotel, tour operator or any other entities in the industry understand that today it is key to keep the customers informed of the new laws and regulations. Hence the event also promises a great line up of speakers that would give you an insight on what’s current across the Middle East and around the globe whilst ensuring that you have the time to re-connect with your existing partners and connect with some new clients. So, speak to the team and partner with the Gulf Travel Show Today!

Air France KLM Group has formally inaugurated its new regional headquarters at Dubai Airport Freezone. The Air France KLM team relocated to the new offices in Dubai Airport Freezone. The entire regional team is now based at the new offices, including General Management, HR, Finance, Commercial, UAE Country Management and Regional Sales Support. In addition, Air France Industries management team have also relocated with the team, from the former offices at the Al Shoala Complex in Deira, to the new DAFZA location which is designed to support the group’s sustainability goals. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA), President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority said, “This strategy has helped ensure business continuity and growth and accelerate recovery to the next stage, especially within the aviation sector, which has been affected by the global restrictions and measures that were applied at the beginning of the pandemic. With this opening, DAFZA has continued its process of developing business opportunities and attracting new global partners who put their confidence in the emirate of Dubai.” His Excellency Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (DAFZA) said, “The group’s selection of DAFZA is important as it will yield positive results for both sides. It will contribute to the growth of business and strengthen its operations in the region and abroad. DAFZA will continue to provide innovative services and develop a base of operations that serve the future expansion of all companies and businesses. This will help in building a new start-up base that meets its ambitions.” Commenting on the opening, Yeshwant Pawar, General Manager, Air France KLM, Gulf, Saudi Arabia, Iran and Pakistan …

Morpho Hotels & Resorts announced its official brand entry into the Middle East market, and it will soon open its doors to the UAE residents and tourists in 2021. The advent of the pandemic has brought about a change in a traveller’s expectations while choosing a hotel. The brand aims to revolutionise the hospitality industry in the region with the introduction of new hotels equipped with optimised and digitised operations with a strict adherence to the highest levels of hygiene and safety to deliver an exceptional experience for all its guests. Dipinder Benjamin, CEO of Morpho Hotels and Resorts commented, “Despite the various challenges presented by the pandemic, we are committed to launch our next phase of growth bringing with us a fresh approach to the hospitality industry. The Morpho brand will provide affordable and accessible accommodation with the highest service standards in conjunction with intuitive technology.” The Group also announced its strategic partnership with Wakira Investments, a Dubai-based seasoned food investment company, which owns popular local restaurants including Kulcha King, Nom Nom Asia and El Greco. The partnership signals the Morpho hotels commitment to expand its footprint through joining forces with Wakira Investments in the Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Iraq, and the Levant. Nader A. Bassit, CEO of Wakira Investments said, “Morpho’s vision and ambition are a perfect match to Wakira’s DNA. Morpho Hotels has a strong leadership team backed by decades of experience and innovative management systems. Wakira Investments is a blend of solid professionals and seasoned shareholders, both with many years of market experiences ranging from hospitality, retail, food processing, investments, to restaurants, and is keen on bringing growing concepts to its region. We look forward to …

flydubai announced the start of flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv from November 26, 2020. The carrier will operate 14 flights a week offering a double daily service between Dubai International (DXB) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion (TLV) and flights are now available to be booked on flydubai.com. This announcement follows the air transport agreement that was recently signed by both countries as well as the start of passenger and cargo operations by other national carriers. In addition, there have been a number of bilateral visits as travel and tourism opportunities open-up. Ghaith Al Ghaith, Chief Executive Officer at flydubai, said, “Since the launch of flydubai 11 years ago, we have been committed to removing barriers to travel, creating free flows of trade and tourism and enhancing connectivity between different cultures across our network. Following the recent bilateral agreement, the start of scheduled flights will contribute to economic development and create further opportunities for investment in pursuit of our shared interests and values. With the start of services there will be the option for increased accessibility to the UAE as well as onwards to the Indian Ocean, Far East and Africa reducing total journey times by several hours.”

In honor of its 10th anniversary, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is launching two new thrilling experiences, the Roof Walk and Zip Line. The two first-of-their-kind experiences on Yas Island are set to welcome guests starting November 5, 2020.With the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Roof Walk experience, guests can scale the Park’s signature red roof and take in spectacular vista views of Yas Island. On the other hand, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Zip Line allows guests to conquer a first-of-its-kind challenge on Yas Island as they zip from the heart of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi through the Flying Aces roller coaster loop. Guests seeking to bring along family and friends can even gear up for the dual racing challenge for an added thrill to the unparalleled adventure. Bianca Sammut, General Manager at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Acting Head of Yas Theme Parks commented, “We are happy to introduce two new thrilling experiences, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Roof Walk and Zip Line, as part of the Park’s 10th anniversary celebrations! Today we reflect on a decade of achievements, record-breaking rides and attractions, and priceless memories with guests from across the globe. This is a milestone we at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi are incredibly proud to witness and be part of; it’s the perfect way to usher in a new decade of delivering the Ferrari feeling!” The launch of the exhilarating new experiences took place as part of the Park’s 10th anniversary event, which included back-to-back fun for the whole family. The day began with a special opening of the Park, including dance performances, in addition to a live DJ who mixed the latest tracks and hosted a trivia session with …

IHG Hotels & Resorts launched their loyalty partnership to give IHG Rewards members an even wider selection of luxury and lifestyle hotels to indulge in while they earn and redeem points. This month, the first selection of over 400 handpicked Mr & Mrs Smith hotels are available to book by IHG Rewards members through IHG’s direct channels (including IHG.com and IHG mobile app). New hotels will be added each week, with the full selection of stylish properties available to book by early December. This exclusive partnership more than doubles the number of luxury and lifestyle hotels which members can choose from; complementing IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio of hotels and resorts across Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants and Hotel Indigo. IHG Rewards members will be able to experience even more of the world’s most sought-after luxury and lifestyle hotels, including Smith’s most seductive stays, such as Thyme in the Cotswolds, UK; Caldera House in Jackson Hole and Casa Morada in Islamorada, near Key West; Florida, US; Oltrarno Splendid in Florence, Italy and The Retreat at Blue Lagoon in Iceland. This includes hotels in 11 new destinations where IHG is not currently present: Barbados, Belize, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Croatia, Iceland, Sweden, Morocco, Mozambique, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. As well as earning and redeeming loyalty points for their stays, IHG Rewards members can expect great extras on arrival at each Mr &Mrs Smith hotel. Elite IHG Rewards members will receive Bonus Points on eligible room rates according to their tiers, while InterContinental Ambassadors and Royal Ambassadors and Kimpton Inner Circle members will receive a …

There is huge potential for the UAE and Vietnam to expand ties in renewable energy, trade, investment, logistics, maritime transportation, medical tourism and aviation, according to government officials and trade experts who spoke at the first Global Partnership Series event. The virtual forum, organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in partnership with the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam, was attended by 80 participants from the UAE and Vietnam, including government officials, industry experts and business leaders. “I expect that the efforts from two sides will create the favourable conditions and further enhance the economic, trade, industry and investment relationship between Vietnam and UAE,” said H.E. Nguyen Manh Tuan, who outlined several recommendations for boosting bilateral ties including promoting cooperation between free zones, increasing business and knowledge exchange, and driving participation of businesses in the seminars, workshop, exhibitions and trade fairs organised in Vietnam and Dubai. Addressing participants, H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair elaborated on the state of UAE-Vietnam trade ties, which he said have expanded rapidly following the mutual opening of embassies many years ago, strategic cooperation agreements and the establishment of direct flights between the two countries. The UAE is Vietnam’s top trading partner in the Middle East and North Africa, and Dubai serves as a gateway for the re-exporting Vietnamese goods and products. Yet, he noted that there is still plenty of scope to expand Dubai-Vietnam non-oil trade beyond the $7.4 billion accounted for in 2019, adding that the virtual forum supports Dubai Chamber’s efforts to explore untapped economic potential in Vietnam and other emerging markets around the world.

Emirates airline reveals that it has returned over AED 5 billion (US$ 1.4 billion) in COVID-19 related travel refunds to date, making strong and steady progress on its commitment to customers to complete pending refunds.More than 1.4 million refunds requests have been completed since March, representing 90% of the airline’s backlog. This includes all requests received from customers around the world up until the end of June, save for a few cases which require further manual review. Since the pandemic hit, Emirates has invested additional resources to ramp up its processing capability. The airline also continues to work with industry partners to facilitate refunds for those who have booked their Emirates flights through travel agents, this includes enabling direct refunds processing via global booking systems (GDS). Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said, “We understand that from our customers’ standpoint, each pending refund request is one too many. We are committed to honouring refunds and are trying our utmost to clear the massive and unprecedented backlog that was caused by the pandemic. Most cases are straightforward, and these we will process quickly. But there are cases which will take a bit more time for our customer teams to manually review and complete. We are grateful to our customers for their patience and understanding.”

At the Gulf Travel Show to be held on November 23-24, we continue to connect with people to ensure that they get even closer to new clients with access to technology. At physical events you are limited with time to meet your potential buyers but at a virtual event you can tailor make your plans and meet the important clients that you would select as each exhibitor and buyer are given their own personal contact that would walk you through every step of the way. The virtual event industry will revolutionise networking habits as they will bring you something you can enjoy a whole lot more than others. Two days of networking with the best in the Gulf would ensure potential business for you. Tourism boards that are proactive understand the need of the hour and onboard are some of the most successful tourism boards that can share their experiences and their proactive methodologies that would set an example to other tourism boards across the globe. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Ras al khaimah tourism development authority (RAKTDA), German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Korea National Tourist Office, Tourism Malaysia Dubai are some of the key tourism boards that can share their insights on their outlook and proactive measures that has worked out really well for the industry and continue to do so as they understand the potential for travel. For the first time in many years, travellers are able to access a lot of information in the comfort of their own home. In today’s world where VR technology is utilised for you to be transported to any destination in the world or even out of space, the Gulf …