Once again, ‘blue tourism’ will be taking centre stage at the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, organised by IFEMA MADRID from 24 to 28 January 2024. The FITUR Cruises section will convert Hall 4 into the epicentre of the cruise industry, with destinations and major companies showcasing a wide range of experiences through a full programme of activities, conferences and stands. Over the five days of the 44th edition of FITUR, this section will become the maritime enclave of reference where industry professionals and the general public can enjoy networking sessions, practical talks, dynamic events for all ages and meet-ups with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of this holiday offer for travel agents and passengers alike. Noteworthy participants of FITUR Cruises With an impressive stand space, the iconic Disney Cruise Line will be bringing the magical experience of its cruises and dream-like destinations. Celebrity Cruises and Azamara will also be present at FITUR on their own stands, as will the renowned cruise line Costa Cruceros, with a double stand in front of the FITUR Cruises auditorium that will recreate the deck of a ship and showcase the new features of its itineraries for 2024 and 2025. As a new addition, the Turkish company specialising in cruises around the Greek islands and Eastern Mediterranean, Miray Cruises, will be participating for the first time at FITUR and will be presenting its programme for 2024. Among the tourist destinations, it is worth highlighting the presence of Ceuta, which will be revealing the wonders that cruise passengers can enjoy when disembarking at its Mediterranean port and which is presented as one of the undiscovered jewels of this coast. The non-profit organisation Mercy …

Riyadh Air has signed a three-year strategic agreement with Accenture to help deliver its technology foundation and capabilities as part of its vision to be the world’s first digitally native airline. The initiative will enable Riyadh Air to operate in a new era of aviation with digital services at its core, using cutting-edge technologies such as cloud data and AI to help deliver a seamless travel experience for its guests and employees. The core enterprise system will enable the company to scale as it aims to offer over 100 destinations by 2030. Accenture will help set up Riyadh Air’s cloud-only infrastructure, cybersecurity capabilities, managed services and operations as the airline gears up for its launch. Adam Boukadida, chief financial officer of Riyadh Air, said, “As a digitally native airline, Riyadh Air will be at the forefront of innovation and technology, allowing us to deliver world-class service to our guests. There is a considerable amount of unseen work taking place behind the scenes enabling both our operations and user experience, with Accenture, as our strategic technology partner, helping us to deliver, secure and operate foundational capabilities.” Emily Weiss, senior managing director at Accenture and head of its Travel practice globally, said, “The launch of Riyadh Air is a landmark moment for the aviation industry as a whole; a brand-new airline that’s designed from the ground up, harnessing the latest technologies to create hyper-connected experiences that meet the demands of today’s, and tomorrow’s travelers. Drawing on our deep industry and digital expertise, we are proud to be collaborating with Riyadh Air to help shape the future of travel.” Boukadida added, “Accenture is pivotal in enabling Riyadh Air’s cloud-first strategy, and our unique …

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) announced a strategic partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) and the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) for the upcoming edition of the event, which takes place from 6-9 May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The renowned global organisations have been appointed as ‘Knowledge Partners’ for the regional trade show, providing in-depth insights and opportunities for the thriving segments of business events and travel. According to the ICCA statistical forecast, which charts the history and performance of the International Association Meetings Industry from 1963 to 2022, 10,602 business events were recorded worldwide last year, of which 9,009 (85%) were in-person. This represented an astounding 349% increase from the previous year when only 2,007 in-person events occurred. Interestingly, the Middle East accounted for the highest percentage of in-person delegates (94%) in last year’s official figures. The business travel industry is also experiencing significant growth, as evidenced by statistics from the 2023 GBTA Business Travel Index™ Report, which found that the global business travel industry rebounded faster than expected in 2023. Pent-up demand following the pandemic and healthier economic conditions than forecasted were highlighted as significant contributing factors for this shift. The report also stated that global business travel spending rose by 47% to $1.03 trillion last year and is expected to grow to nearly $1.8 trillion globally by 2027. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director, Arabian Travel Market, said: “All of the latest research suggests that the business events and business travel sectors are going from strength to strength. These sectors have always been important verticals at ATM, and the official partnership with ICCA and GBTA for the 2024 edition will take our offering to …

Etihad Airways and China Eastern Airlines signalled their intent to strengthen their partnership by signing a Strategic Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), to enhance commercial and operational ties. The accord reflects a commitment to explore a deepened co-operation that will provide travellers with wider choices, higher quality services, and increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation. Building upon their successful existing partnership, the airlines plan to implement a broad collaboration including an expanded codeshare, reciprocal loyalty programmes, cargo transport, maintenance, repair and overhaul, ground handling, catering, lounge access, staff training, and several sustainability initiatives. This comprehensive approach will improve efficiencies while maintaining world-renowned hospitality. The MoU should facilitate China Eastern’s ambition to begin services to Abu Dhabi through its discussions with Abu Dhabi Airports, the Department of Culture and Tourism of Abu Dhabi, and other key stakeholders in the UAE capital. A combination of Etihad and China Eastern services, which would coincide with the newly opened Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport, will create a robust platform for China-UAE air traffic and establish an ideal launchpad for connections between China, the Middle East, and Africa. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways, emphasised the significance of the partnership. He said: “Our two airlines have operated an enduring partnership for over a decade. This MoU is an important milestone and a key to establishing a long-term mutually beneficial cooperation. I am highly encouraged by the momentum of our cooperation, and I look forward to seeing further success. “It also marks a significant development of the direct links between Abu Dhabi and China and underscores the confidence of one of the most influential Chinese carriers in Etihad. The MoU paves …

Tilal Liwa Abu Dhabi wins ‘Best Desert Resort’ title at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023.  Diana Kornilakis, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel shared, “The team of Arabian Travel Awards did an amazing job, the planning and execution of the event was spotless. Winning the Arabian Travel Award is a validation of hard work, dedication and excellence in the travel industry. It is a pride to be recognized and appreciated by peers and industry experts. Winning an award is a motivation to continuously strive for excellence. It inspires to maintain high standards and push boundaries in the hospitality field.”  

Malta Tourism Authority won the title as the ‘Best Market Engagement by a tourism board’ award at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Faraz Ahmed Khan – General Manager – Aviareps shared, “The Arabian Travel Awards 2023 held special significance, recognizing the achievements of our clients, Mauritius and Malta. The event’s organization and entertainment were of top-notch quality! Congrats to ATA team. Securing an Arabian Travel Award 2023 is a significant emotional milestone. Winning in two categories is genuinely satisfying. Our immeasurable gratitude for this honor fuels the belief that we deserved even more. These awards are more than triumphs; they mirror our deep passion. Fueled by gratitude, we’re determined to surpass expectations in 2024, aiming for success in additional categories. Eagerly anticipating ATA 2024.”

Etihad Airways and Maldivian announced a strategic bilateral interline partnership, unlocking access to 16 dream holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond the main island of Malé. The agreement between Etihad and Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, means guests can now seamlessly navigate across the Indian Ocean archipelago, enjoying the combined services and networks of both carriers on a single ticket. Etihad’s Chief Revenue Officer, Arik De said: “This interline will elevate the overall customer experience across the entire journey. Guests bound for the Maldives will enjoy the privilege of arriving at their popular holiday destinations with greater ease. Facilitated by smooth connections from Malé, Etihad customers can easily transition to Maldivian’s services, reaching a wide range of domestic destinations to begin their idyllic island retreat.” Maldivian’s General Manager Commercial, Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed said: “In an effort to expand Maldivian’s reach globally, this interline partnership with Etihad Airways will open exciting opportunities for our valued customers to connect and travel seamlessly within our strong and growing route network of destinations across the Maldives.” Etihad customers can access destinations on Maldivian’s network, which serves many popular islands, via Velana International Airport, Malé, including: Dharavandhoo Island (DRV), Faresmathoda Airport (FMT), Funadhoo Airport (FND), Fuvahmulak Island Airport (FVM), Gan Island Airport (GAN), Kooddoo Island (GKK), Hanimaadhoo Island Airport (HAQ), Kulhudhuffushi Airport (HDK), Hoarafushi Airport (HRF), Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport (KDM), Kadhdhoo Island (KDO), Madivaru Airport (LMV), Maafaru International Airport (NMF), Maavarulu Airport (RUL), Thimarafushi Airport (TMF), and Ifuru (IFU). Etihad is set to increase the frequency of its flights to Malé to connect with the Maldivian network from 10 to 14 a week starting on 1 January, 2024. The agreement also makes it …

Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is slated to open by Q1 2024 in Cairo, Egypt. Overlooking the River Nile, Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi will be located within five kilometres of Cairo’s most popular attractions, including the Church of the Virgin Mary, Hanging Church, the Museum of Egyptian Civilization, and the Coptic Museum. Cairo International Airport CAI is 28 kilometres away. The hotel will offer several restaurants and bars, a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a fitness centre.

Dubai’s Jumeirah Group announced its plans to expand its brand presence in Asia, Europe and US whilst doubling its portfolio by 2030, building on its strength in the UAE and further expanding into key global markets. Plans include upweighting its presence in Europe, leveraging its strong base in London, Capri, Mallorca and Geneva to acquire luxury properties in other major cities as well as exploring opportunities in the US. The Group will also look to capitalise on the strong growth potential of the Asia Pacific market to extend its current reach beyond its properties in China, Bali and the Maldives. The growth plans are part of Jumeirah’s Mission 2030 strategy which will also see an evolution of the brand with a renewed focus on delivering distinct guest experiences and new ancillary businesses to complement its ultra luxury positioning.  Launching in 2024, this will include the integration of wellness into the entire guest journey based on the principles of lifelong learning, longevity and inclusivity, as well as a re-imagined family experience with a focus on education, self-discovery, environmental stewardship, cultural immersion and the arts. Katerina Giannouka, Chief Executive Officer of Jumeirah Group, commented: “The luxury landscape continues to evolve in response to consumer demand, particularly from younger millennial and Gen Z audiences, and as a brand we need to continually innovate to stay relevant.  Mission 2030 is a strategic plan that is designed to evolve the Jumeirah brand from a regional success story to a global leader in ultra luxury hospitality. It focuses on four key areas – international expansion, brand and product development, operational excellence and ancillary business – with an overall aim to sustainably double the size of our …

The 4th Abu Dhabi Family Forum 2023, organised by the Family Development Foundation (FDF), continues to attract visitors, heritage lovers and people interested in learning about the cultural and popular heritage through a variety of cultural activities, performances and sessions that are being organised in collaboration with various entities. A number of events and activities were organised at the Emirati Heritage Station, including ‘Saf Al Khos’ organised by the UAE Heritage Club, ‘Old Emirati Wedding’ organised in cooperation with the Women’s Association Sanad Al Watan, as well as the ‘Al Sanaa Al Emirati’ organised by the Sharjah Heritage Centre. Numerous visitors of different ages visited the Event Theatre at the Emirate Heritage Station, which featured heritage and entertainment competitions with a wide audience participation. The competitions included the Emirati Popular Proverbs and Wedding Competition, UAE History Workshop, Bakery Workshop, and Children’s Popular Games Workshop. The station offers tourists with an immersive experience of UAE heritage and culture through the ‘Al Nabti Poetry’ competition, which is jointly organised by the Family Development Foundation schools in collaboration with ADNOC schools, in which participants can delve into the local food culture through the engaging cooking corner and its competitions. Additionally, the ‘Coffee Corner’ showcases authentic UAE hospitality and welcoming rituals, emphasising the significance of Arabic coffee in the lives of Emiratis. For those interested in the historical aspects, ‘Cinema Al Awal’ presents an opportunity for visitors to enjoy old shows and series produced by Abu Dhabi TV. Aisha Salem Al Kaabi, Senior Organiser and Head of UAE Heritage Station, said: “Through the Emirati Heritage Station and with strategic partners and entrepreneurs, our efforts have been dedicated to imparting the rich cultural heritage of …