Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with ZAAER, a pioneering cloud-based property management solution and accommodation switch, to offer an enhanced portfolio of serviced apartments across Almosafer’s portfolio of travel businesses serving domestic and inbound guests. ZAAER offers a range of innovative technology solutions to enable owners and accommodation managers to manage their day-to-day operations, including inventory, housekeeping, finance, HR, reservations, check-in and check-out, room allocation, and more through an easy-to-use system, all dynamically linked to manage any size of accommodation. Under the partnership, Almosafer will integrate ZAAER’s serviced apartment offerings within its extensive portfolio of travel businesses through an API solution to enhance the travel experience for both B2B and B2C customers across domestic and international markets. This move will significantly expand Almosafer’s comprehensive offerings with a wider range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. ZAAER, which currently manages 700 serviced apartments, aims to ambitiously scale up its short-term rental stock to 2,000 high quality accommodation spaces in 2024. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO, Almosafer, said: “As Saudi Arabia grows in appeal for the global traveller, the partnership with ZAAER builds on our digital capabilities to help address the upscale accommodation needs of a growing number of domestic and international tourists. Integrating the accommodation content of ZAAER on our state-of-the-art digital-first B2B and B2C platforms will facilitate real-time data exchange, ensuring a smoother and more interconnected experience for property owners, guests, and the travel ecosystem.” : Dr. Mohammad Almubarak, CEO, ZAAER, said: “We are excited to partner with Almosafer to expand our reach to a broader audience across its integrated and high-performing digital platforms. The partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia as we …

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Microsoft’s new report highlight the transformative power of AI (Artificial Intelligence) for Travel & Tourism, marking a commitment to a digital future with unparalleled customer experiences. The first in a series of AI reports, announced during the global tourism body’s event at FITUR and in collaboration with WTTC’s Industry Partner, Microsoft, is poised to redefine Travel & Tourism standards and call on the sector for greater integration of such technologies. As the global leader in Travel & Tourism, WTTC is committed to driving innovation and supporting the sector to embrace AI and other cutting-edge technologies. To promote sustainability and excellent customer experiences, WTTC acknowledges the crucial importance of AI in revolutionising the sector. Throughout the traveller’s journey, WTTC believes AI can play a pivotal role in delivering a tailored and enhanced experience now and in the future. This technology can empower personalised recommendations and marketing strategies by analysing traveller data, optimising pricing strategies through real-time adjustments, and offering instant responses and fine-tuned interactions via sophisticated AI powered chatbots. The report also highlights AI’s capabilities extend to predicting future demand patterns, efficiently allocating resources, and providing valuable insights for governments and Travel & Tourism stakeholders. This contribution can be pivotal in promoting sustainability with efficient resource management by monitoring and minimising environmental impacts, ensuring a more responsible and sustainable sector. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of Travel & Tourism, AI emerges as a catalyst for positive change. The transformative capabilities highlighted in this report demonstrate that AI is not just a technological advancement, it is a strategic tool that can personalise the customer experience, drive sustainable improvements, and create …

202 students from 24 UAE schools made a splash at Emirates Aviation University’s seventh Water Rocket Competition, held in collaboration with Boeing. Students in grades 11 and 12 from schools across the UAE built rockets using materials at hand. Each year, the challenge for participants is to launch water rockets at a 45-degree angle, powered solely by water and air pressure. Students design creative nose cones and fins for enhanced impact protection. During the competition they also learn how to reduce, reuse, and recycle. This year, teams had two hours to complete the task and were given two attempts to launch their rockets. Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, said: “Emirates Aviation University is committed to innovating and fostering creativity in young minds. Our annual Water Rocket Competition is not just exciting for the student community, it’s also an opportunity to bring in the best and brightest young minds of the country together, challenge them, and encourage them to think about STEM careers. Watching students brainstorm, collaborate, and construct these rockets is an eye-opening experience every year. We hope they are inspired to become leaders in science and engineering. We thank Boeing for their support and for making this challenge a success once again.” Kuljit Ghata-Aura, Boeing President in the Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, added: “From launching the Arab world’s first uncrewed mission to Mars to signing the Artemis Accords, the UAE is rapidly emerging as a leader in space exploration. At Boeing, we have been part of every major U.S. endeavor to escape Earth’s gravity. We are excited to continue to partner with Emirates Aviation University to inspire a new generation of …

Shangri-La Dubai, rooted in its Asian heritage, is set to mark the auspicious Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, with a series of vibrant and culturally rich celebrations. Embracing the significance of family reunions and the spirit of new beginnings, Shangri-La Dubai will bring to life traditional festivities at its MICHELIN 2023 recommended restaurant, Shang Palace. In anticipation of the official Lunar New Year festivities, Shangri-La Dubai introduced their all-new Dragon Brunch, that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of Vietnam and China. This extraordinary brunch experience unfolds across two distinguished dining venues: Hoi An and Shang Palace, every Saturday from 12 pm to 4 pm. The Lunar New Year festivities at Shang Palace kick off on 01st February with the grand debut of the Soaring Dragon Menu. Priced at AED 188 per person, this exclusive menu features a Dragon Dim Sum Platter, soup, main course, and dessert – a perfect culinary tribute to the occasion. On the dawn of the new year, more commonly referred to as “reunion day” falling on 09th February, guests will be invited to experience three meticulously crafted menus at Shang Palace. Executive Chinese Chef Peter Lau has curated the Celebratory Set Menu and Golden Dragon Menu, available until 16th February, showcasing exquisite dishes such as the Chinese Rainbow Fish Salad, Lunar New Year-themed Dim Sum Platter, main courses like Tiger Prawn, Wok-fried Beef Tenderloin, and more, including a selection of heavenly homemade desserts. To conclude the Lunar New Year festivities, a one-day-only Lantern Festival Menu will be offered on 24th February. With prices ranging from AED 288 to AED 388 per person, these menus cater to both individuals and groups, …

Sur in the South Al Sharqiyah Governorate  (Oman) was chosen as the Capital of Arab Tourism for the year 2024, during the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Council for Tourism in its 26th session in Doha. Acting in cooperation with South Al Sharqiyah Governorate, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism  organised a media meeting during which it unveiled the executive programme of “Sur, Capital of Arab Tourism 2024”. The Ministry outlined the nomination file and criteria that led to the nomination of the Wilayat of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism.  (Oman News Agency) The South Al Sharqiyah Governorate Office said that the executive programme, which will kick off on 25 February, includes various events and activities aimed at highlighting the tourism value of the Wilayat of Sur, as well as its historical role in communicating with cultures and civilizations. The events and activities, which will run throughout the year, are aimed at making Sur a tourism attraction for visitors from the Sultanate of Oman and abroad, the office affirmed. Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for Tourism, credited the designation of Sur as the Capital of Arab Tourism 2024 to the efforts made by the Ministry and other departments concerned. Those efforts, he said, were in line with the tourism development plans. Submitted to the Arab Tourism Organisation, the Wilayat of Sur’s nomination file received the highest rating because it met specific criteria, which include tourism diversity, the availability of infrastructure and environment conservation, said Al Busaidi, noting that the Ministry lays emphasis on sustainability as the cornerstone of its future action. Al Busaidi added that the designation of Sur as the Capital …

Oman Air cancels operations to Islamabad, Lahore, Colombo and Chittagong. Three destinations will be operated on a seasonal basis: Trabzon during the summer season, and Zurich and Malé during winter. New route of Sialkot will be added on. The airline will also be reducing frequencies to certain markets while increasing capacity to two current destinations (Lucknow and Thiruvananthapuram). In addition, three destinations will be operated on a seasonal basis: Trabzon during the summer season, and Zurich and Malé during winter. As part of its ongoing transformation, which aims to improve the company’s overall financial performance and fortify its position in an increasingly competitive market, Oman Air has announced several strategic changes to its network. Oman Air has also introduced measures to optimize its schedule, starting this summer. To better cater to the Omani market and serve key flows in and out of Oman, flight times have been revised for several of its destinations, with emphasis on more favourable slots to offer greater convenience for direct passengers and maximise connection windows. Meanwhile, the airline is continuously evaluating its strategy to adapt to changing market dynamics and identify additional opportunities. Maintaining alignment with government stakeholders including the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Oman Air remains committed to the economic and social objectives of Oman’s 2040 Vision.

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia has signed a strategic partnership with Accor to nurture and develop Saudi talent within the hospitality industry. Through the “Tamayyaz by Accor” program, the collaboration seeks to offer fresh graduates and talented individuals a clear path for career advancement, expedite nationalization by identifying essential roles in each department, cultivate internal talent, implement onboarding programs, and design career growth plans. Upon completing the 6-month program, 256 trainees will be employed in their preferred departments within the hotels. To mark this partnership, the Ministry was represented during the signing ceremony by the Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development, Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, while Accor was represented by Jean-Jacques Morin the Group Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy division, in the presence of several officials. Engineer Mohammed Muin Bushnag, Deputy Minister of Tourism for Human Capital Development stated, “This partnership with Accor marks a significant milestone in our efforts to grow Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector and create job opportunities for our citizens. With “Tamayyaz by Accor”, we are confident that Saudi talent will be well-equipped to succeed in the ever-evolving world of hospitality.” “Tamayyaz by Accor” encompasses three distinct tracks: Hospitality Specialist, Hospitality Operations, and Hospitality Leadership. The Hospitality Specialist track exposes local talent to the foundations of non-operating hotel departments such as Talent and Culture, Marketing, Finance, Business Development, and Guest Experiences. Meanwhile, the Hospitality Operations track targets departments like Food and Beverage, Front Office, Housekeeping, Culinary, and Engineering. The Hospitality Leadership track concentrates on fostering leadership skills by applying the Accor Leadership Framework. This track includes leadership shadowing, global leadership programs, and training initiatives funded by the Ministry of Tourism. Additionally, …

The third Qemam International Festival for Mountain Performance Arts, held in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region, presented a stunning array of performances from both local and international troupes. Featuring participants from 45 local and international groups and showcasing 40 distinct types of Saudis, Arab, and international mountainous performance arts, the festival’s goal was to foster international cultural exchange and celebrate the rich legacy of mountain performing arts. The Chinese group left a lasting impression with their mesmerizing performances. The first, a traditional Yao dance called “Long Drum” from the Han dynasty, showcased the group’s artistic prowess. Their second performance, “Bronze Drum,” seamlessly combined traditional art, music, and skilled group performance, providing a unique and enchanting experience. Japan contributed to the cultural tapestry with a performance group presenting three distinct arts: Kokiriko Bushi, Hanagasa Ondo, and Genroku Hanami Odori. The Spanish group, on the other hand, enraptured the audience with three performances set to Spanish music tunes, showcasing the authenticity and heritage of these arts. Sudan brought forth the ancient art of Sudanese Ardah, while Jordan presented the vibrant ‘Dabkah’ with about twenty variations. Lebanon’s performance group displayed the art of Dabkah at eight heritage sites, emphasizing its significance in the Levant. The Moroccan group exhibited the famous Ahidouss, Obidat Al-Rama, and captivating solo and group performances of Amazigh Mountains. An Iraqi group presented the art of ‘Gobi’ at eight heritage sites, and the Yemeni performances depicted the rich legacy and heritage through ‘Al-Samrah’ from Yafi and Al-Awd Mountain performance arts. Italy showcased three mountain arts – Mediterraneo Performance Arts, Old Ttarantella, and Ballad of SanCalogero. The Uzbekistani group delighted the audience with ‘Lyasgi,’ a performance that highlighted individual and group skills, …

The Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Saudi Arabia initiative, developed by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), is an ambitious roadmap to make the Saudi air transport sector the safest and most developed in the Middle East region. This includes a wide range of innovative solutions ranging from small unmanned aircraft to aircraft with vertical take-off and landing. These technologies will be able to provide safe, sound, sustainable and faster means of transport for people and goods, characterized by high technical capabilities that contribute to alleviating congestion on the roads and facilitating easy access to remote areas in the country, and thus contributing to achieving overall economic and social development. Capt. Sulaiman Al-Muhaymedi, executive vice president of GACA for aviation safety and environmental sustainability, said the AAM initiative in Saudi Arabia includes the steps that must be taken to draw a comprehensive road map that places AAM at the forefront of the aviation industry. The AAM is transforming the future of the transportation sector, offering innovative solutions, from small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) to vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. He stated that these developments contribute to revolutionizing the movement of passengers, transportation of goods, emergency response, medical evacuation, and disaster relief. He drew attention to environmental sustainability, in addition to the initiative’s inclusion of the foundations for building a successful system for advanced air transport. Al-Muhaymedi indicated that tests were conducted in the Kingdom that included diverse terrain and multiple climatic conditions, which resulted in positive results that can be achieved in various transportation sectors thanks to reliance on advanced air transport, such as reducing traffic congestion and road accidents, as well as contributing to the Kingdom’s achievement of …

The 44th edition of the International Tourism Fair concludes its three days exclusively dedicated to professionals, surpassing its forecast of 150,000 attendees with a total of 153,000 visitors. This is reflected in the initial attendance data at the IFEMA MADRID Exhibition Center, indicating the complete recovery of the tourism sector. These figures represent a 12% increase compared to 2022. It is estimated that this influx of visitors to FITUR will generate approximately 430 million euros in revenue for the Madrid economy. FITUR receives institutional support with official visits from all five continents. As in every edition, in addition to the support of the tourism sector, FITUR has received strong institutional backing. After the official inauguration presided over by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Spain on the first day, the Fair has had significant presences such as Daniel Noboa, President of Ecuador, which is this year’s Partner Country of the International Tourism Fair. Additionally, it has received the official visit of the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, representatives from the World Tourism Organization, the Ibero-American General Secretary, and more than ten regional presidents of Spain. In total, the 44th edition of FITUR has recorded the attendance of nearly 400 authorities, including State Secretaries, Tourism Ministers, ambassadors, business envoys, mayors from different regions, and other political and institutional representatives. Media coverage and social media impact of FITUR 2024 The fair’s growth and impact have been reflected in the extensive media coverage, with nearly 23,000 articles published in national and international media. In total, FITUR has accredited about 6,800 journalists (10% international from 53 countries). Moreover, in the social media sphere, during the first two …