Accor announced its continued action to lead the hospitality industry with the most stringent cleaning standards and operational procedures concentrated on guest safety. Following operational disruptions stemming from COVID-19, Accor has successfully reopened most of its hotels with 95% of them having already adopted the Group’s trusted ALLSAFE cleanliness and hygiene protocols jointly developed with Bureau Veritas. To date, Accor has successfully certified 65% of these hotels with the ALLSAFE label through a third-party review and accreditation process with professional auditors like Bureau Veritas, SGS, Clifton and Ecolab, and is working to have additional hotels independently verified as ALLSAFE compliant over the coming months. “At Accor, we are grateful for the trust our guests have placed in us to protect their health, safety and wellbeing and this is a responsibility we prioritise above all else,” said Chris Cahill, Deputy CEO Hotel Operations. “Throughout this difficult year, our hotel teams have risen to the challenge of enhancing their already stringent protocols and following increased public safety regulations while continuing to welcome, safeguard and take care of others; this remains at the very heart of what we do and who we are as hoteliers.” “Rolling out the ALLSAFE Program in our region has been a priority for us since its launch”, said Mark Willis, CEO Middle East & Africa. As we continue to welcome our guests with all the joy and expectation that travel brings, we want to ensure we keep them, and our team members, as safe and protected as we can along their journey.”

Etihad Guest has partnered with Trip.com, the leading international online travel service provider, to offer Etihad Guest Members rewarding new travel options. Trip.com has an international presence in more than 200 countries and regions, and this partnership will provide holidaymakers with the opportunity to earn Etihad Guest Miles on accommodation bookings made through the website. Etihad Guest members will now be rewarded with 3 Etihad Guest Miles for every 1 USD spent on accommodation bookings at more than 1.4 million properties available through the portal. Yasser Al Yousuf, Vice President Commercial Partnerships, Etihad Airways, said, “This year, we’re committed to growing our partnership footprint, to bring more choice and greater rewards to our valued Etihad Guest members. This new partnership with Trip.com will increase our presence across the Far East. As global travel restrictions are eased, many of our guests are excited to travel again, and our partnership with Trip.com will further reward them, wherever their travel may take them.” “As travellers around the world look towards their next trips, we are delighted to be partnering with Etihad Guest to maximise benefits for travellers from the Middle East and around the globe,” said Trip.com Group Chief Marketing Officer Bo Sun.

National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah has re-opened, welcoming guests to rediscover the iconic museum structure, stemming as far back as 1621, having been restored numerous times as a fort, a residence for the ruling family and as the headquarters for various governmental entities. Today, the museum houses an array of significant archaeological artifacts that provide extraordinary insights into the history and cultural heritage of Ras Al Khaimah, and has established the Emirate as a cultural tourism destination. Ahmed Alteneiji, General Director of Antiquities and Museums said, “We are delighted to be reopening the National Museum of Ras Al Khaimah as it offers visitors and residents alike a doorway to the past, through which they can discover the vibrant history of the Ras Al Khaimah and the country. Through the Tamra exhibition, we aim to shine a light on the role of the iconic date palm, in an engaging manner that will resonate with our guests.” Alteneiji adds, “The reopening of museum is a symbolic gesture towards the immense archaeological and cultural significance of Ras Al Khaimah as evidenced through the recent UNESCO World Heritage tentative list of four of our treasured sites, including Dhayah, Shimal, Al Jazirah Al Hamra and Jupher. Shining an international light on our ancient sites will bring to the forefront, the pivotal roles each have played in shaping the region, distinguishing the Emirate as a destination of cultural significance on the global stage.” Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority shares, “By further developing and diversifying our cultural offering, we can continue to attract a wider range of travellers to the Emirate, creating a well-rounded experience spanning across hospitality, adventure, culture and …

Ascott has launched its new ‘Discover ASR’ mobile app for members of its loyalty programme, Ascott Star Rewards (ASR). The new mobile app will unlock a world of conveniences for ASR members, providing greater value and flexibility to enhance their experience with Ascott. The ‘Discover ASR’ mobile app acts as a one-stop 24/7 digital concierge for ASR members, who can search for special deals and book their stay at about 200 participating properties in over 25 countries and more than 85 cities through the mobile app. This includes Ascott’s properties within the Middle East and Turkey: Ascott Park Place Dubai, Citadines Metro Central Dubai, AscottTahlia Jeddah, Ascott Sari Jeddah, Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah, Spectrums Residence Jeddah, AscottRafalOlaya Riyadh, AscottCorniche Al Khobar, Somerset Panorama Muscat, Somerset Al Fateh Bahrain, Somerset West Bay Doha, and Somerset Maslak Istanbul. Kevin Goh, CapitaLand’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging and Ascott’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “Across our multiple lodging brands, Ascott provides a home away from home for a wide demographic of guests with varying lengths of stay. With the mobile app, ASR members are empowered to shape their own stay experiences through a unified platform in a convenient and effective way.” From a global perspective, Goh further added, “Ascott’s adoption of technology has boosted our operational efficiencies and allowed us to deliver greater value to our business partners and customers. The use of unmanned service robots and self check-in kiosk with facial recognition have enabled us to minimise physical contact while continuing to provide seamless services to guests amid COVID-19.” Discussing further on the launch of the ASR app, Tan Bee Leng, Ascott’s Managing Director, Brand & Marketing, said, “Our members will get to …

Ultimate sunset destination to launch this week with beachside dining and nightlife options, entertainment and water-sport activities for all visitors. Get set to ‘bring on the beach’ with an iconic new addition to the shores of Palm Jumeirah – Palm West Beach by Nakheel Malls, the retail arm of master developer Nakheel. Offering a range of premium licensed hotels and restaurants and sea view vistas, the destination promises to be the ultimate sunset spot in Dubai. Opening to the public later this week, Palm West Beach will be home to the ultimate UAE staycation the entire family can enjoy with all-day beachfront entertainment, water sports, and the best Dubai skyline views. The walkable waterfront destination comprises 1.6km of promenade and beachfront. Palm West Beach is pet friendly, and home to a stunning tree lined promenade, with 300 palm trees which will illuminate the walking and running trail in the evening. Bring on the beach at a true play and stay concept destination, where visitors can enjoy round the clock fun on morning runs, lazy beachfront breakfasts, cosying up with a favourite book, building sandcastles, and picture-perfect sunsets, at Palm West Beach. Visitors can choose from an array of water view restaurants including: the recently opened – Koko Bay, and the upcoming Jones The Grocer, Aprons and Hammers, Lucky Fish, Señor Pico, Orange Chameleon, among others. Palm West Beach will also include eight 5-star Hotels: Fairmont The Palm, Five Palm Jumeirah, SOHO Palm Jumeirah, Adagio Aparthotels, Byblos, Hilton Palm Jumeirah, and One Palm. Visitors to Palm West Beach can enjoy an action-packed selection of water sports including kayaking, VR diving, stand-up paddle boarding, electric hydrofoil surfing, sea bikes, Catamarans and more. …

Oman Air is providing its guests with complimentary COVID coverage which will cover expenses incurred by medical treatment or quarantine related to the COVID-19 virus.The coverage, which is effective for travel from 1 October 2020 until 31 March 2021, is provided to all guests who purchase tickets on omanair.com, through the airline’s Call Centre, at Oman Air’s offices or through travel agents after 1st October 2020.Coverage begins on the day Oman Air returns to scheduled service, with flights connecting Muscat with 18 cities in 12 countries. Oman Air will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey. Masks are required when guests are on board the aircraft and in Oman’s airports. Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to e­­nsure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times. Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website, paca.gov.om, to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate.Guests departing from Oman should also ensure that they are aware of all pre-departure requirements and requirements during their flights, which are provided at omanair.com, along with any requirements at their destinations.

Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is back for its 26th edition from December 17, 2020 until January 30, 2021 with over six weeks of family fun and entertainment, live concerts, unique markets, art installations and stage shows plus super sales, unmissable promotions and chances to win life-changing prizes planned for residents and visitors to enjoy across the city. Organised by Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), this year’s DSF will start a week earlier than usual, so families, couples and friends can make the most of the school holidays, festive period and end of year sales season starting December 26 in Dubai. The exciting line-up of events will kick off with a breathtaking opening weekend on 17 December – the perfect introduction to an amazing line-up of events including concerts by world-famous music stars, stunning light and fireworks shows, entertainment in malls and activations by big name retail brands, plus extra special celebrations on New Year’s Eve and into 2021! Not to mention mega raffles with chances to win luxury cars, cash prizes and much more. As ever, DSF will be a family-friendly affair with each of the participating malls and event venues keeping up the high health and safety standards in line with local regulations. Stay tuned, there’s a lot more to come including big announcements in the coming weeks!

Airport Show this year will be held as a digital event from December 7-9, 2020. Spokesperson stated, “Following conversations with our global customers and based on the most recent market analyses from our regional partners and stakeholders, along with the ongoing travel restrictions around the world, we have decided to cancel this year’s Airport Show, initially planned for October 2020. As we look forward with optimism to a post-pandemic world, the Airport Show team is pleased to announce a new Digital Event set to take place on December 7-9, 2020. This digital-only event will keep our community connected, explore new market needs and support the industry towards forming a ‘new normal’ with official support of UAE government authorities ahead of the Live Event in May.Taking place on 7-9 December 2020, Airport Show Digital+ is a three day, online only event, a great opportunity to bring the global airport community together to remotely participate, learn and engage through our new digital platform in 2020.”

Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) has announced that Air Arabia will be resuming a full schedule of passenger flights commencing from October 15, 2020. A major entry and exit point to the UAE and an emerging hub, the airport is slowly returning to its original capacity and resuming operations following a period of restricted services that was necessary to curtail non-essential travel in the wake of the Covid-19 outbreak. Sanjay Khanna, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, said: “Thanks to the unwavering support of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, RAK Airport is scaling up its operations to return to its pre-pandemic level of activity. This will enable us to continue serving the community and to support Ras Al Khaimah’s vital tourist, business and logistics sectors, as well as contribute to the UAE’s overall economy and its socioeconomic development.” Khanna added, “The protocol that is being put in place for passengers flying from and into our airport are in alignment with national efforts to mitigate against the spread of the novel coronavirus. We have ensured that all procedures are able to be conducted swiftly, efficiently and transparently and do not represent a significant inconvenience for passengers. With Air Arabia recommencing its commercial schedule at our airport, I want to thank sincerely Air Arabia Team for the tireless efforts to get things up and running again so quickly and efficiently.” Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Arabia, commented: “We are glad to see the gradual resumption of operations from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport. We thank RAK airport for the work done and …

Gold Key Media offers a touch-free solution without disrupting the entertainment experience. The digital entertainment platform offers hotel guests touch-free and instant access to the latest local, regional and international newspapers and magazines in 25 languages, e-books, games, audio, and video content. It is the perfect solution for hotels to also display their COVID guidelines, restaurant and room service menus, Spa brochures, local attractions, and other hotel offerings, completely contactless. The platform is also compatible with the Arabic language. The platform has a fully customisable user interface that can be personalised according to the hotel’s brand identity and message. Guests do not need to download a mobile app, nor will any guest data be collected or retained. Access to the platform is via a QR code or URL with no passwords required. Guests can access the platform directly on to their mobile device using Wi-Fi. The system also allows the guest to download the publications to read later if they are checking out. MediaPad is now an essential part of the guest experience at iconic hotels such as Claridges, The Ritz, Gleneagles, The Berkeley, The Dorchester, The Corinthia and Marriott Grosvenor Square. For more information on the platform, visit MediaPad – Profile. For a demonstration video or a live trial, please contact Annie Boslem on annieboslem@yahoo.co.uk