First ever virtual event in the Middle East connecting people from all over the globe, the Gulf Travel Show will kick off on November 23-24, 2020. It will be two solid days of networking with like- minded industry professionals and allows every participant to gather and share information about the different areas they work with. TravTalk Middle East will be media partners for the first ever virtual event that will connect 40 selected sellers from the Middle East with buyers from across the globe. This is a very unique opportunity that will enable you to meet with new partners from across the globe in the comfort either in your own home or attend from your office. Over two days you can attend specific sessions that will focus on new businesses or speak about the new strategies whilst you make your own time to pre- book appointments with the team. For sellers there will be a host of interesting features that will definitely enhance their business potential whereas for buyers there will be specialised incentivised programmes that will provide an opportunity to walk away with great prizes as a winner whilst you build new connections or re visit some of the earlier clients and rekindle the existing relationships. Raki Phillips shared, “We are really excited to be Platinum sponsors for the Gulf Travel Show. This show will provide us the opportunity to showcase Ras Al Khaimah as one of the fastest growing tourism destinations in the region. We look forward to connecting with our partners and re-introducing them as to why Ras Al Khaimah is the perfect destination in the new normal era of travel.”

Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Expedia have inked a two-year global marketing partnership. Its focus is to stimulate the local tourism industry by supporting home-grown businesses and strengthen Singapore’s position as a destination of choice when international travel resumes. As international travel gradually resumes, STB and Expedia, through its Expedia Group Media Solutions brand, will jointly promote Singapore as the destination of choice in 10 overseas markets – Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, United Arab Emirates, Germany, France, Switzerland, Canada, United Kingdom and United States. Apart from offering attractive promotions for travel-related products and experiences such as flight promotions, online display ads and creative campaigns will also be rolled out to put Singapore at the top of international travellers’ minds. “Local businesses are the heart and soul of our tourism industry, and it is important to support them through this challenging period. When global travel returns and when the time is right, this partnership with Expedia will allow the Singapore tourism industry to tap on Expedia’s vast global network and user base to help local businesses reach new customers,” said Lynette Pang, Assistant Chief Executive (Marketing Group), Singapore Tourism Board. “As we work towards stimulating demand for domestic tourism and subsequently international leisure tourism as global travel gradually resumes, Expedia is uniquely positioned to leverage our global expertise, influence and technology to reinvigorate the Singapore tourism industry and help local tourism establishments sustain and grow their operations in the post-pandemic future,” said AngChoo Pin, Senior Director, Government and Corporate Affairs, and Managing Director Asia, Expedia Group.

Interim Committee responsible for the coordination and follow up with regard to the implementation of the flexible package and the general plan consisting of 33 initiatives to support the economic sectors, held a virtual meeting. The Committee approved the initiative’s implementation plan, which is divided into three main phases. The first phase aims to provide immediate support for business sectors and the economy through 15 major initiatives, while the second phase is to launch complementary support for sectors to enable rapid economic recovery. The third phase will provide integrated support to vital sectors and will open up a sustainable and flexible development path for the economy and future. The Committee approved six main work streams to implement the initiatives packages which include: empowering the new economy and developing priority sectors; opening new markets locally and internationally; providing financing support and facilitating lending; tourism promotion; attracting and retaining talent; and stimulating innovation. H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri said, “In light of the unlimited support and the guidance from our wise leadership, since the spread of the COVID- 19 pandemic until today, we have come a long way in driving forward economic recovery efforts, working on business continuity in many vital sectors in the country and supporting the private sector and stimulating trade and investment by following up the implementation of the first phase of the package of initiatives, led by a vision to work in a way that balances public health and economy. Bin Touq added, “Through the Interim Committee, we continue to implement the 33 initiatives packages designed to enhance the growth, sustainability and competitiveness of the country’s economic sectors.” Following up on the implementation of initiatives, the Committee …

Emirates airline is rolling out a redesigned onboard experience from November 1. The celebrated A380 Onboard Lounge and Shower Spa have resumed operations with the introduction of additional health and safety measures. The airline has also enhanced its offering, introducing a nutrient-rich welcome drink for the winter season. The A380 Onboard Lounge, which serves First and Business Class customers, will transform into a take-away bar with limited seating capacity and social distancing protocols in place. The bar continues to serve wines, spirits, soft drinks and pre-packaged lounge bites for customers to take and enjoy in the comfort of their own seats. Customers can also make their orders from their seats if they prefer. The social areas in Business Class on select Boeing 777 aircraft and in First Class also re-opened with pre-packed snacks for customers to grab and go. First Class customers can once again have a shower at 40,000 feet. Luxury spa products will be provided in individual amenity bags to each customer. The sets include pamper essentials from award-winning, organic and sustainable Irish brand VOYA, a disposable bath towel and a menu to choose additional amenities.

Amadeus’s latest research explores the leisure traveller’s mindset towards planning and purchasing upcoming travel amidst the realities of COVID-19. To do this, Amadeus got the opinions of +8,500 CheckMyTrip users from around the world through a quantitative and qualitative survey. The research gives us very good reason to be hopeful about the travel industry’s future. Amadeus’s research findings, outlined in the eBook Destination X: Where to Next – What Leisure Travellers Want in a COVID-19 World, shows consumers have a healthy appetite for travel despite the ongoing challenges and unknowns that still lie ahead. Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf, notes, “Millions of travellers are out there dreaming of their next adventure. They need the travel industry to share what measures are being taken to help keep travellers safe. Enabling travellers to successfully navigate the many variables, such as changing border restrictions, airline and hotel capacity adjustments, and other operational twists and turns, will go a long way to get people travelling again.”

Etihad Airways will become the first GCC carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Israel, to bring Israel’s top travel and tourism leaders to the UAE. The historic flight, flown in partnership with the Maman Group, will depart Tel Aviv on October 19, operated by an Etihad Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Israel to the UAE. The return journey will depart Abu Dhabi on October 21. As a travel trade mission, the flight will bring a group of tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision makers, travel agents, and cargo agents, along with media to experience Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE, at the invitation of Etihad Airways and representatives of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. This is the latest development in a growing cooperation between the two nations following the establishment of diplomatic ties, and the signing of the Abraham Accords between the UAE and Israel in Washington D.C. on September 15. It also follows Israeli national airline El Al’s first symbolic commercial flight between Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi on 31 August. His Excellency Mohamed Mubarak Fadhel Al Mazrouei, Chairman, Etihad Aviation Group said, “Today’s flight is a historic opportunity for the development of strong partnerships here in the UAE, and in Israel, and Etihad as the national airline, is delighted to be leading the way. We are just starting to explore the long-term potential of these newly forged relationships, which will be sure to greatly benefit the economies of both nations, particularly in the areas of trade and tourism, and ultimately the people who call this diverse and wonderful region home.” As an important facilitator of trade, the flights between Tel Aviv …

Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) unveil the details of the 39th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Under the theme, ‘The World Reads from Sharjah’, the 39th edition of SIBF will be held from 4 to 14 November 2020 in a unique online-offline hybrid programming for the first time in its history. Senior officials attending and participating at press conference include His Excellency Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police; HE Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, Chairman of SBA; HE Abdulaziz Tarim, Director General of Etisalat in the Northern Emirates and Advisor to the CEO; and HE Mohammed Hassan Khalaf, Director General of Sharjah Broadcasting Authority; in addition to several other top public and cultural dignitaries. SIBF’s cultural programme adopts a fully digital format in its 39th edition while hundreds of Arab and international publishers will make a physical appearance at Expo Centre Sharjah to enable book lovers across the nation enjoy the in-person experience of sifting through and buying books.

Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is ramping up its marketing efforts worldwide through a brand new global campaign, ‘Live Your Story’ designed to highlight the unique ways in which travellers can create their own special holiday experiences across the city. The ‘Live Your Story’ campaign was launched as a digital activation on Emirates’ popular inflight entertainment system, and will be gradually rolled out this month in 20 languages and via multiple platforms in key source markets that have reopened amid the pandemic. The campaign encourages visitors to enjoy much more than the world famous landmarks and attractions that are synonymous with Dubai’s tourism offering. It underscores the many exciting choices that await travellers and invites them to customise exceptional and ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences to suit their tastes, as well as bond with and benefit from the diversity of cultures that are intrinsic to the social fabric of this global metropolis. Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said, “As Dubai continues to welcome international tourists, we are also constantly looking at innovative ways to sustain global interest and consideration for the city as the first choice destination for travellers. With an ever-evolving destination proposition, Dubai is renowned for its array of offerings that visitors can enjoy, whether they are first timers or repeat visitors. However, as we make the transition to the new normal, people will be seeking unique and personalised travel experiences, and this campaign highlights our readiness to cater to such preferences. ‘Live Your Story’ shows a transformative shift in the way we position Dubai from a city of iconic skyscrapers and landmarks to a destination that celebrates …

Dubai Sports Council announced that HERO Dubai Hatta 2021, the opening race of the HERO World Series 2021 international mountain bike circuit, will be held at the idyllic Hatta Nature Park on March 5, 2021. A major biking tournament featured in the International Cycling Union’s international calendar, HERO Dubai 2021 will be held alongside the HERO Bike Festival, a three-day mountain biking-themed programme of events taking place from March 3-5, 2021 in Hatta. Hosting the event is aligned with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai to transform Dubai into a bicycle-friendly city and strengthen its position as the world’s most preferred venue for international sporting events. Organising the global race further boosts Dubai’s and Hatta’s rising profile as a venue for international cycling and mountain bike races. The race also supports the overall plan to develop Hatta and enhance its appeal as a world-class tourist and sports destination. Dubai Sports Council said it is keen to organise international events in Hatta to increase awareness of the area’s natural beauty, biodiversity and picturesque mountain environment as well as encourage a culture of sports. Earlier this year, Hatta also hosted the first leg of the 2020 edition of the HERO World Series, which was attended by more than 400 riders from 50 countries. Hector Leonardo Paez was crowned winner of the elite men’s category of the competition while Slovenian Plaza Biantarik was crowned in the female category.

Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) signed a partnership agreement with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), in line with the implementation of the cultural visa initiative launched by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to strengthen joint work and cooperation between the two parties. His Excellency added that the Authority seeks to enhance the cultural and social identity in the UAE, as well as enhance Dubai’s position as a global cultural destination, by attracting creative talents and enabling their participation in society, creating a supportive environment for them in line with UAE Vision 2021 for a competitive economy driven by knowledge and innovation. Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture, said, “The agreement also seeks to accelerate progress in Dubai at a pace that would match the aspirations of our inspiring leadership. It also supports the Authority’s endeavours to upgrade the level of services it provides to its customers, whether internal or external, in line with the corporate priorities of Dubai Culture’s updated strategic roadmap that comprises a pillar for excellence in institutional performance as well as across institutional culture and service delivery levels.” Badri added, “The agreement will also allow both parties to cooperate in issuing cultural visas and laying the foundations, standards and controls for issuing residence permits for investors, entrepreneurs and creative people in the fields of culture and arts. This is consistent with our efforts to establish an environment that encourages the attracting, retaining and empowering of global talent, strengthening the emirate’s position on the world’s cultural map.”