Traxo, Inc., announced the launch of NDCtracker.com. This site provides a centralized source for news, deadlines and information intended to aid corporate travel managers and their partners in adapting to the imminent NDC-related changes in airline retailing. The complimentary Traxo NDCtracker.com offers an updated catalog of airline NDC status, progress, and dates. Traxo, whose patented ‘Filter’ technology automatically captures out-of-channel booking data and provides corporations with full travel visibility, has proactively curated NDC-related details and news from various public sources including ARC Direct Connect, IATA Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM), BTN, The Company Dime, PhocusWire, Duffel, Accelya, and more presenting them on the NDC dashboard for each global airline. Visitors concerned about how NDC will affect their own travel programs should sign up for periodic email updates from Traxo. These updates will contain new information about NDC rollouts as they are announced, important changes as part of airline rollouts (e.g., fare availability, new EDIFACT fees), as well as notable news on migrations and seller relationships. Andres Fabris, CEO and Founder of Traxo, remarked, “We’ve established this site to serve the entire industry, offering an efficient, up-to-date resource to assist travel managers. Traxo is dedicated to helping TMCs and corporate travel organizations avoid the detrimental effects of leaked bookings, including supplier-direct NDC bookings, by capturing and consolidating complete, real-time travel booking data from all sources. We support all travel program strategies whether it’s a managed program requiring information on leakage or an open booking program intent on capturing all bookings regardless of source.” Suzanne Boyan, Global Meetings and Travel Manager at ZS Associates, commented, “We are so impressed with Traxo for creating this valuable resource. While the industry’s NDC discourse has largely …

Qatar Tourism is once again hosting Disney on Ice in Doha this summer in collaboration with SES Live Middle East, presenting its dazzling all-new show Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonders, with the highly anticipated show expected to be a great entertainment experience for families and Disney fans of all ages. The show is scheduled to take place at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Hall from 4 to 9 July 2023. The show will take its audience in Doha on a journey into the fantasy world where they will watch its inspiring heroes and characters loved for generations ski in a magical atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the values of courage and love. With Disney’s fascinating tales, heart-wrenching characters, breathtaking skating shows and special effects that accompany them, this show will provide everyone with an immersive experience and wonderful worlds full of fun and joy. Sheikha Hessa Al Thani, Head of Marketing and Planning at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar Tourism is delighted to partner with SES Live. Middle East We bring Disney on Ice to its audience in Doha for its dazzling and new show ‘100 Years of Wonders’. We are confident that this exceptional offer will be a great entertainment experience for families and residents and visitors alike, and is part of a series of events and activities scheduled to take place across Doha during the summer season.” The highly anticipated show features Disney iconic characters such as Moana, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Rabunzil, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. During the show, seven capable princesses as well as other beloved Disney characters such as “Frozen” and “Coco” produced at …

Cozmo Travel and MBank signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim to provide exceptional travel services to MBank’s staff and customers, offering exclusive deals and personalized experiences. The collaboration between Cozmo Travel and MBank will create a seamless travel ecosystem, ensuring hassle-free and memorable journeys for MBank employees. In addition, MBank customers will gain access to exclusive offers on Cozmo Travel’s extensive range of travel services, including flights, accommodation, visa assistance, and more. On this occasion, Cozmo Travel’s CEO Jamal Abdulnazar stated “We are excited to partner with MBank, a pioneer in the digital banking industry. Together, we will redefine travel experiences for MBank’s staff and customers, providing them with exceptional service and exclusive benefits. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of revolutionizing the way people travel in the region.” Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, commented on the collaboration: “This partnership is a testament to Mbank’s commitment in bringing more choice and providing the UAE community with daily convenient financially-feasible solutions at the comfort of their fingertips whereby they can browse, choose, and pay for exclusive offers and travel services such as flights, accommodation, and visa assistance facilities through the first National digital wallet, the Mbank Wallet”. This partnership combines Cozmo Travel’s renowned quality and personalized service with MBank’s digital expertise, offering customers a comprehensive suite of travel services at their fingertips. By embracing innovation and technology, both organizations are committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, launched the Masfout development project at a high-profile reception held recently. During the launch ceremony, Sheikh Theyab briefed the Ruler of Ajman on the strategic pillars of the Masfout development project, which involves implementing a wide array of innovative development strategies focusing predominantly on cultural tourism, as well as uplifting various facets of society in Masfout. Sheikh Humaid emphasised that the well-being and happiness of Emiratis and their families across the nation, as well as enhancing their living standards, are priorities for the UAE leadership. The Masfout development project is the second venture under the Emirates Villages projects launched by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. The project seeks to foster a sustainable development model and offer economic and investment opportunities that enhance social stability and the quality of life for community members. The event was attended by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, along with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. Photo credit WAM

The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced a new record in rail passenger numbers during the departure of pilgrims from Makkah following the completion of their Hajj rituals. According to SAR, a total of 33,494 pilgrims departed from Makkah in a single day, utilizing the Haramain Express Train for 129 trips, with an impressive punctuality rate of 98 per cent. The Haramain Express Train serves as a crucial component of the Kingdom’s transportation and logistics system, enabling pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques to experience fast and seamless travel to the holy sites. It stands as one of the primary means of transportation for a smooth and efficient journey.  

McArthurGlen has recently made an addition to its portfolio with Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy, shares Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Could you tell us more about the new MAG centre in Paris? Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is McArthurGlen’s new luxury and premium shopping destination, located just to the west of Paris. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the centre boasts a thoughtfully curated brand mix of international fashion favourites including Missoni, Stella McCartney, Moncler, Philipp Plein, Vivienne Westwood, BOSS, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Maje, Angelo Vintage, New Balance, Adidas, Claudie Pierlot, L’Oréal and Roberto Cavalli at a minimum of 30 per cent off. It also plays host to an exceptional line up of food and beverage options, including the globally recognised luxury Parisian establishments Ladurée and Angelina, famous for their delicate macarons and iconic hot chocolate respectively. For guests looking to treat themselves further, French gelato brand Amorino and an elegant champagne bar offer the perfect places to pause and relax while shopping, and the popular American burger chain Five Guys caters to customers craving a quick bite between visiting their favourite stores. How is this different to other centres? Not only does Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny have the McArthurGlen DNA, delighting visitors and providing them with an extraordinary day-out experience, it is also home to an exclusive Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, newly launched …

On the celebration of the Golden Year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., along with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco unveiled a tourism campaign, ‘Love the Philippines’, on the department’s 50th Foundation Year. Addressing the event, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressed his support for Love the Philippines, saying the campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines”. “The new branding will serve as a guidepost for the Philippines tourism industry. Besides promoting the Philippines Tourism, the campaign aims to enhance the overall experience of travel, building infrastructure for ease of travel, promoting regional products, and championing green movements, among others,” the President averred. At the same time, he also appreciated Tourism Secretary Frasco and the DOT team. “As we go the past 50 years of DOT and welcome a new era of tourism, it is but right that we take the opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said. “Love the Philippines goes to the heart of every Filipino and, the guests who come to our country, our communities, and our homes. It is a recognition of our natural assets, our glorious history, our rich culture, and diversity,” she said, while adding there is much more than ‘fun and adventure’ to the Philippines. “The country is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being one of 18 biodiverse countries in the world. Apart from being a tapestry of indigenous peoples, the Philippines is also a gastronomic delight,” Secretary Frasco said. Immersive experiences Following the changing global tourism landscape post-COVID, and the immersive experiences for the travellers, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a …

The Department of Tourism (DOT) foresees a robust recovery for Philippines Tourism, underpinned by the encouraging figures in the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) for 2022, as compiled by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The Tourism Direct Gross Value Added share of tourism to the Philippine economy, as measured by the GDP, was estimated at 6.2 per cent for 2022. The TDGVA last year amounted to PHP 1.38 trillion, 36.9 per cent higher as compared with the PHP 1.00 trillion in 2021. Internal tourism expenditure, combining inbound and domestic tourism expenditure, saw a growth last year, tallying PHP 1.87 trillion in 2022, a 131.2 per cent growth from the PHP 810 billion in 2021. Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco noted the DOT’s commitment to sustain last year’s gains through its seven-point agenda to be pursued by the Marco’s administration. “We are elated by the figures enclosed in the 2022 Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts. We ascribe last year’s gains to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., vision, which inspired the DOT, and all players making up the tourism value chain and allowed the Philippines to achieve greater heights,” Secretary Frasco said. “As we continue to ride the wave of travel resurgence coming out of COVID, we in the DOT, acknowledge the initiatives to make the Philippine Tourism sustainable and resilient for the next several years,” she added. The 2022 PTSA showed inbound tourism expenditure posted the growth out of the different forms of tourism expenditure, recording PHP 368.67 billion last year compared with PHP 27.63 billion in 2021. Inbound tourism expenditure, referring to the expenditure of non-resident visitors or those foreign and Filipinos permanently residing abroad, contributed 5.9 per cent to …

Inflight Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai, two unforgettable indoor adventure destinations in the region, promise residents and visitors to the UAE a truly extraordinary experience in a temperature-controlled environment. From July until September, guests can enjoy exclusive packages from Deep Dive Dubai where they can save a lot! Inflight Dubai is an exhilarating experience that simulates the feeling of freefall in a controlled indoor environment. Suitable for all experience levels from five years old and above, guests can experience the thrill of indoor skydiving at Inflight Dubai. The wind tunnel allows you to defy gravity in a safe and secure environment. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday, from 3:00 pm to 12:00 am. The feeling of ‘flying’ is incredible as participants control their movement by adjustments made to their body position. It offers an adrenaline-pumping adventure, allowing individuals the chance to experience the thrill of freefall. Experienced divers and intrepid beginners are welcome to explore an underwater wonderland at Deep Dive Dubai, the world’s deepest swimming pool. With a 60-meter depth, the pool boasts a ‘sunken city’ with its abandoned urban streetscape, allowing divers to explore this modern Atlantis-like immersive zone and discover intricate details guaranteed to make every dive feel unique. Certified instructors offer introductory courses, scuba diving lessons, and certification opportunities. Open daily from 9:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Seize the opportunity this Eid Al-Adha to try something new, push your limits, and create cherished memories with your loved ones. Inflight Dubai and Deep Dive Dubai eagerly await families, friends and couples to provide them with the ultimate indoor summer experience to beat the heat. Deep Dive Dubai packages Package 1: “Beat the Heat” Introducing the “Beat the …

Qatar Tourism revealed that the country welcomed 253,191 cruise visitors during the 2022/2023 cruise season (December 2022 – April 2023), representing an increase of 151% compared to the same period last season (100,500 visitors). Qatar continues to strengthen its position as a global tourism destination supported by a variety of leading tourist attractions and a range of exciting festivals and events. This significant growth in total visitors is particularly significant given that this year’s cruise season started later than usual (i.e. in December instead of October), as Doha Port welcomes floating hotels to accommodate visitors and fans coming to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ™™. Of the cruise ship visitors received this season, 20 per cent were part of the partial transformation flights from which Doha was the starting and returning point, an increase of 790 per cent compared to the 4,172 passengers who came on these cruises during the previous season. Qatar also received 54 cruise visits during the 2022/2023 cruise season, whether transit or round trip, representing an increase of 59% compared to last year. Qatar’s cruise sector has shown great resilience and remarkable growth, and despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar has seen a steady increase in the total number of cruise ships received and the number of visitors on board, and the cruise sector promises further growth in the coming seasons. Qatar’s growing cruise sector has become a key pillar of the country’s efforts to achieve the objectives of its long-term tourism strategy, as evidenced by the comprehensive refurbishment of Doha Port, which can now receive two superships at a time and up to 12,000 visitors per day arriving on cruises. Commenting …