Etihad Airways has extended its digital reach with an update to its mobile application for Android, Apple and Huawei smartphones, enabling guests to manage their journey with even greater ease. New key features allow guests to purchase upgrades or other extras, use Etihad Guest Miles as a form of payment or choose from 10 other payment options, including Travel Bank, which have been added to the booking flow. Frank Meyer, Chief Digital Officer, Etihad Airways said, “To increase flexibility during the coronavirus pandemic, we established Travel Bank, an account which guests can use for future redemption on flights. With the new app, guests are now able to book their next flight with travel credits they have saved while being unable to fly due to travel restrictions. As we strive to make travel as convenient as possible, this is a step forward in our innovation strategy.” The refreshed mobile app is simple to use and allows guests to manage their details, book flights with voice search and enrol into the airlines loyalty programme, Etihad Guest. Uber and Google Maps are now also integrated into the app to direct travellers to and around the airport. If the status of a flight should change, an update is automatically pushed to guests through the app.

Radisson Hotel Group announced the signing of the Radisson Blu Serviced Apartments, Islamabad in Pakistan, the first internationally branded serviced apartments in the country. This marks the group’s second hotel in Pakistan, accelerating its ambition to have 10 hotels and 2,000 rooms in operation and under development across the country by 2025. Scheduled to open by Q2 2023, this addition brings the group’s South Asia portfolio to over 160 hotels in operation and under development. Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, is located on Potohar Plateau in the northwest of the country and is Pakistan’s most diverse metropolis, renowned for embracing modern ideas while remaining true to its rich cultural heritage. The city is rich in historical sights, expansive green spaces, fascinating museum and impressive monuments such as the Faisal Mosque, Islamabad’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmark. Inside the hotel’s 224 upscale apartments, varying between 51 – 84 sqm, guests will discover Radisson Hotel Group’s renowned hospitality and modern amenities. The new-build hotel will form part of a mixed-use development, which includes offices and a retail mall. Dining options will include an all-day dining restaurant, while the property’s leisure facilities will feature a spa & fitness centre, sports courts and swimming pool. Elie Milky, Vice President Development Middle East, Greece, Cyprus and Pakistan, Radisson Hotel Group, said, “We are continuing to proactively grow our serviced apartments portfolio globally. Serviced apartments are becoming increasingly popular amongst corporate and leisure guests and we are supporting our owners and investors to maximise their real estate values with high occupancies and attractive profit margins. This deal is the beginning of a strategic partnership with Falaknaz Group and we thank them for their trust.” Shakeel …

Texel Air announces the arrival of the latest addition to its fleet, the Boeing 737-700 FlexCombi, a first of a kind aircraft conversion developed to provide the most versatile third party cargo charter solution available in the market today. The aircraft arrived at the Company’s private hangar at the Bahrain International Airport where it was greeted by H.E Engineer Kamal bin Ahmed Mohamed, Minister of Transportation & Telecommunications alongside other VIPs and the management and Board members of Texel Air. George Chisholm, Chief Executive Officer for Texel Air’s parent company Chisholm Enterprises, added, “From our strategic position in Bahrain, a growing regional hub for aviation and logistics, we will operate this versatile aircraft, serving an international roster of clients that have long awaited a solution that provides them with unmatched levels of flexibility.” He continued, “We would also like to thank the Ministry of Transportation & Telecommunications’ Civil Aviation Affairs for the support we have received throughout the development process, which has been excellent. The supportive ecosystem and infrastructure found in Bahrain’s aviation sector has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve the kind of innovations like the FlexCombi. Among the factors setting Bahrain’s aviation sector apart, and fostering our success, are the benefits of its investment strategies including its Free Trade agreements and open approach to start ups from outside, the Kingdom’s strategic geographic location, which makes it very well placed to serve the broader region, the Civil Aviation’s many strong bi-lateral ties and the deep experience and specialist expertise in its aviation services industry that has enabled us to bring in a unique aircraft that is more complicated than a standard passenger or cargo aircraft to be based …

Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO) has launched #AskDXBOfficial, an initiative that gives the public and the media a chance to ask questions to Dubai’s senior government officials. The initiative is part of GDMO’s objective of creating platforms that allow the community to clarify issues and concerns with government officials. Alia Al Theeb, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, Government of Dubai Media Office said, “#AskDXBOfficial is part of GDMO’s aim of introducing new interactive communication channels to ensure the Government of Dubai is constantly connected and engaged with citizens and residents. In a continuously evolving environment, we place high priority on communicating directly with the community with clarity and transparency. #AskDXBOfficial invites the public to ask questions to key government officials each week. Answers to their queries will be posted on GDMO’s official social media platforms.” Answering a question in the first #AskDXBOfficial interaction, Major General Mohammed Al Marri said all residents holding a valid resident visa are allowed to return to Dubai. Once they receive a return permit from GDRFA-Dubai and obtain a negative PCR test result, they can return to Dubai through any UAE airport. Holders of expired residency visas should renew their visas before exiting the country if they wish to return to the UAE, Al Marri clarified. Valid UAE residency visa holders currently outside the country can return to Dubai provided there are no flight restrictions between the UAE and the country they are in. Responding to a question regarding people who have incurred fines after losing their jobs because of travel restrictions Al Marri said, “To all those who have accumulated fines, please do not assume you cannot exit the country. We at Dubai Airports and …

Emirates is offering UAE nationals and residents a chance to plan a quick escape this summer to Seychelles. The airline was the first international airline to return to the island country, coinciding with its re-opening to tourists on 1st August. Book now and unwind at some of the world’s most pristine, white sand beaches and crystal clear water. COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, irrespective of the country they are coming from. Economy Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 3,705, Business Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 10,915, and First Class passengers can enjoy fares starting from AED 22,045. The offer is valid for bookings made starting today until 7 September 2020, for travel until 31 May 2021.*Visitors to Seychelles will be captivated by its stunning white sand beaches and lush, tropical forests. Go on an adventurous hike, relax in five-star hotel resorts or enjoy exploring the island’s diverse marine life. To visit the popular Indian Ocean holiday destination, UAE travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test, conducted within 72 hours of the date of travel. Emirates is offering customers convenient access to Seychelles with four weekly flights, utilising a Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. Emirates flight EK705 will depart Dubai at 02:10 am and arrive in Mahe at 06:45 am local time. The return flight, EK 708, will depart Mahe at 23:50 pm and arrive in Dubai at 04:20 am local time, the following day. COVID-19 PCR tests are mandatory for all inbound and transit passengers arriving to Dubai (and the UAE), including UAE citizens, residents and tourists, …

At the second session of TravTalk Middle East third digital conclave you will have the opportunity to learn from the best in the trade in terms of luxury and how to win over the customers once again. For more information about the digital conclave contact Crisna de Guzman – 0554704200 or email crisna@ddppl.com. Join Tim Cordon – Area Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa – Radisson Hotel Group as he discusses about the new outlook and strategies. They recently announced their expansion plans and are also looking at eco hotels. Maldives opened doors to travellers post COVID and enjoy an early set of travellers who are able to enjoy the sun and sand in their many beautiful islands. It manages to keep to the new normal with social distancing and sanitisation but what else are they really looking at to regain the trust of the travellers? Suresh Dissanayake Assistant Vice President Sales and Marketing Heritance Aarah and Adaaran Maldives will share the insights in the second panel discussion. Europe or parts of it are slowly opening up for guests, regaining the trust is yet a challenge, our third panelist in the second session Nuria Pizarro – Global Brand and Marketing Director –Palladium Hotel Group will share insights on their main challenges and the new way forward to attract the travellers. Register FREE before 12.15pm UAE time *Increasing Customer Spend* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/168/xyo1rbpo

The countdown has begun for the third digital conclave by TravTalk Middle East which will kick off in a few hours; the first session will have some of the most prominent personalities in the travel and tourism sector. For more information about the digital conclave contact Crisna de Guzman – 0554704200 or email crisna@ddppl.com. Discussing the new strategies for tourism will be Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson Sri Lanka Tourism, Gerald Lawless Ambassador WTTC and Former CEO Jumeirah Group will enlighten us more on the latest initiative by WTTC which is the renown Safe Travel stamp and on the metasearch and IT in travel and tourism sectors will be discussed by Mamoum Hmedan Managing Director MENA and India for Wego. Tourism is one industry that will never fail to cease as humans wish to explore around them. Apart from the tourism within earth UAE is exploring opportunities even in Mars in future and the very first mission is already in orbit. As we somewhat step into a post-COVID era, yet treading lightly on some of the much loved activities like travelling, one has to regain the trust and confidence to be up and about like before, this is not easy at this point of time as many things have changed. Lifestyles have changed overnight as today it is a matter of survival of the fittest. WTTC has been in the forefront over the comeback strategy as they initiated a safe travels stamp which was the need of the hour. Join the Ambassador of WTTC and former CEO of Jumeirah Group with his wealth of experience,he will enlighten the future of the travel and tourism industry. Register FREE before 11am UAE time *Regaining …

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman, SCTDA, addressing a special meeting chaired by the UAE Ministry of Economy explained that the visit served as an important platform in the efforts to explore further joint cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, especially in the move to promote tourism during a post-COVID-19 phase. H.E. expressed the Authority’s continuing commitment to be a key partner of the Ministry of Economy and its move to support the country’s tourism segment. We highly appreciate the efforts made by the government to limit the impact of the global pandemic on the tourism sector and their provision of the means to further accelerate the pace of recovery to help push the path of tourism development.” “We renew our commitment to support the proactive endeavours led by the Ministry of Economy to implement initiatives related to the tourism segment, which are part of the 33 initiatives planned to support the economic sectors, especially those concerned with promoting tourism to achieve future directions in building a diversified, competitive and sustainable economy. We look forward to uniting our energies in support of domestic tourism, which is seen as the main pillar in the return of tourism activity post COVID-19. In line with further consolidating its domestic tourism’s role as a key contributor to the local economy in Sharjah, we have launched a package of specific initiatives that are aimed at consolidating the leadership of the emirate in the list of safe tourist destinations in the world, by focusing on following the best practices that guarantee the health and safety of visitors,” concluded Al Midfa.

TravTalk Middle East third digital conclave will host the second session based on how one can increase customer spend. For more information about the digital conclave contact Crisna de Guzman – 0554704200 or email crisna@ddppl.com. The second session will consist hoteliers Tim Cordon – Area Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa – Radisson Hotel Group, Suresh Dissanayake Assistant Vice President Sales and Marketing Heritance Aarah and Adaaran Maldives and Nuria Pizarro – Global Brand and Marketing Director –Palladium Hotel Group. You can register individually for each session and learn from the experts the new reality. Spend two hours and learn from the experts the news in the industry. Session 2: 12:15pm to 1:15pm *Increasing Customer Spend* https://event.webinarjam.com/register/168/xyo1rbpo

Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announced that the 18th edition of the event will take place over seven days from September 27 to October 3, 2021, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club. The exhibition will extend for the first time in its history over 7 consecutive days, in line with its development strategy turning it into a comprehensive International fair. H.E. Majed Ali Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of the Emirates Falconers’ Club and Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of ADIHEX, said that the kind gesture of the event’s patron, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of Emirates Falconers’ Club, and his directives to extend the exhibition for an entire week came as a result of the unprecedented eagerness from the event participants. H.E. Al Mansouri explained that the extension will offer visitors and exhibitors a greater opportunity to benefit from the event to network and conclude their business deals. It will also help meet the rising aspirations of the visitors, including those interested in falconry, hunting and equestrian from around the world. H.E. Majed Al Mansouri added that the event witnessed an impressive increase in visitor’s number reaching a total of 1.6 million from its launch to 2019 edition. He reiterated that the next edition will be unique as it coincides with the UAE’s 50 years celebration of success and achievements, and the launch of the Golden Jubilee plan for the next 50 years. H.E. AL Mansouri said, “while preparing for the next …