Virgin Atlantic and Travelport announced a renewed agreement. The deal includes distribution of all Virgin Atlantic content, including, subject to implementation, future distribution of NDC through the Travelport+ platform. This renewed agreement strengthens the ongoing travel retailing relationship between Travelport and Virgin Atlantic, ensuring that Travelport-connected agencies have continued access to Virgin’s most robust, enriched content in the Travelport+ platform. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic is using Travelport’s complete branding solution to enhance the way products and ancillaries are displayed on agents’ screens with rich graphics and detailed descriptions, so that agents can seamlessly shop, compare and personalize options for travelers. “Our renewed agreement with Travelport, along with Virgin Atlantic’s future delivery of NDC content, illustrates our commitment to drive value and deliver modern retailing experiences for the agency community and our travelers,” said Juha Jarvinen, Chief Commercial Officer at Virgin Atlantic. “Travelport+ offers retailing and merchandizing capabilities that ensures travel retailers can provide our customers with more choices and the best options from Virgin Atlantic.” “With this new deal, we will support Virgin’s modern retailing strategy with NDC collaboration and Travelport+ capabilities that make it easy for agents to search, sell and service the best offers,” said Jason Clarke, Chief Commercial Officer, Travel Partners at Travelport. “Our long-standing partnership with Virgin Atlantic will bring more value to the industry as we focus on delivering the seamless experiences agents need to provide travelers with personalized offers and the superior service that they expect.”

NEOM unveiled an exclusive tourism escape Siranna a sustainable regional development evolving in northwest Saudi Arabia. This ultra-luxurious destination will be home to a 65-key hotel and 35 exclusive residences. Siranna is a space where elegant and innovative living meet to facilitate a lifestyle without compromise, situated on the Gulf of Aqaba coastline. The destination offers uninterrupted views of the Red Sea, with its tiered design offering diverse views and perspectives. Emerging from the rugged coastal terrain, the hexagonal pillars are distinctive, yet complementary to the surrounding mountains and flora. Arriving via waterborne transportation to the secluded bay, guests will journey through the natural rock formations before reaching the enchanting entrance of the property. With a focus on fostering original thinking and relaxation, Siranna will offer visitors and residents the opportunity to escape the noise and disruptions of everyday life and surround themselves with like-minded people in an effortlessly chic setting. A signature beach club, spas, and state-of-the-art wellness facilities will be on offer for visitors to unwind. Those seeking a connection with the landscape during their stay will enjoy the winding discovery trails via foot or horseback to explore where the sea, mountain, and wadi meet. Sophisticated dining and entertainment options will also satisfy a wide range of tastes and interests among guests. The guiding principle underpinning the development is to ensure minimal intervention in nature, where thoughtful and deliberate techniques will be used to preserve the surrounding landscape. The architecture will pay homage to the heritage of the local area and seamlessly blend into the adjoining mountain and wadi. Siranna is another example of NEOM’s uncompromising efforts to create spaces in nature that support sustainable future living and …

McArthurGlen Group’s Serravalle Designer Outlet presented on 6th December the closing forecasts for the year 2023, with outstanding results that confirm the Center as an internationally significant shopping and tourism destination. The estimated data shared anticipate a return to pre-pandemic levels with an influx of 6 million visitors and a double-digit growth forecast in turnover compared to 2019. Building on these results, McArthurGlen Group has announced a new investment plan of 20 million euros for the 2024-2025 biennium, dedicated to the Piedmont Center. The funds, in line with the Group’s values and a focus on continuous improvement, will be primarily allocated to enhancing the visitor experience and further reducing the Outlet’s environmental impact, demonstrating an increasingly deep and explicit commitment to sustainability. Among the projects in the new investment plan, to make the tourist experience more enjoyable and fulfilling, a new Tourism Hub will be built to welcome international guests and facilitate tax refund procedures. Significant expansions of the existing hospitality areas are also planned, including tripling the size of the Guest Lounge, introducing a dedicated space for conventions, and enhancing Guest Services through the extension and creation of a specific area for organized groups. The planned works also include the refurbishment of parking lots, with the aim of optimizing traffic flow and guiding guests to available parking areas through the implementation of digital signage. The “Green Oasis and Urban Furnishing” project, already initiated in 2023 to facilitate guest orientation and enhance storefront visibility, will be further implemented in a sustainable manner by reducing paved surfaces in favor of green spaces. Five squares have already been completely renovated with the addition of numerous trees and perennial plants, as well as …

Al Rostamani Travel announced a strategic partnership with Cutting Edge FZ LLC to reshape the landscape of global sports travel. This partnership aims to redefine regional sports travel by providing sports enthusiasts with immersive and unforgettable experiences at premier global events. The collaboration is set to offer sports enthusiasts an all-encompassing sports travel solution, including hospitality tickets, full travel support, and coveted access to premier global events. The initial offerings have already garnered attention with exclusive travel packages for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, setting the stage for a series of exceptional sports travel experiences. By managing all travel arrangements, including tickets and access to VIP areas, customers can enjoy the events without the hassles of administration. It is about delivering unforgettable experiences that exceed expectations. Bimal Jain, General Manager at Al Rostamani Travel, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Our primary objective is to establish ourselves as leaders in sports travel services within the UAE. Collaborating with Cutting Edge FZ LLC, the official partner of sporting events ensures our customers an authentic and genuine experience, working directly with governing bodies. It creates a one-stop-shop for fans seeking the ultimate sports travel adventure.” Echoing this sentiment, Raj Khandwala, CEO at Cutting Edge FZ LLC, affirmed: “Our collaboration with Al Rostamani Travel is a natural fit for us. We are confident that this partnership will lead us to become one of the Global Leaders in Sports Tourism, setting new benchmarks of excellence and innovation.” Looking ahead, Al Rostamani Travel and Cutting Edge FZ LLC are dedicated to expanding their portfolio of sporting events. Their sporting events calendar already includes iconic events such as the Formula One Grand Prix and …

Swissotel Al Ghurair Dubai won the title as ‘Best Family Friendly Hotel’ at Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Amal El Ansari – General Manager – Swissotel Al Ghurair Dubai shared, “It was an extremely well organized event, bringing together and recognizing industry leaders and innovations. Swissotel Al Ghurair and the team is extremely thrilled to win the Best Family-friendly hotel, third year in a row, proving that the efforts of the hotel and its colleagues in making it the best family-friendly destination in Dubai.”  

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development showcased the emirate’s unique attractions, its natural features and tourist potential at a strategic roadshow across key destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to promote and market tourism in the Emirate of Ajman. The roadshow itinerary included visits to Oman that started on December 4 and continued to Al Riyadh, KSA on December 5-6, and Jeddah, KSA on December 7. The initiative aimed to tap into new tourist markets, attract more visitors and tourists, facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise, and establish valuable partnerships with companies and travel agencies through meetings and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). On this occasion, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development said: “This tour underscores our dedication to showcasing the unique cultural and natural treasures that define the Emirate of Ajman. As we embarked on this strategic journey, our goal was not only to introduce potential visitors and partners to the distinctive offerings of Ajman but also to forge meaningful collaborations with industry operators. We believe that by engaging with key markets in Oman, and Saudi Arabia, we can tap into new tourist segments, attract a diverse range of visitors, and strengthen our position as a leading tourism destination in the region.” The GCC market has been a pivotal contributor to Ajman’s tourism sector, witnessing consistent growth year over year. The influx of visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw a significant uptick of 12% from the third quarter of 2022 to the start of 2023, marking a notable increase compared to the preceding year. KSA, holding the position of the 9th top source market for Ajman, …

dnata has partnered with Malaysia-based Batik Air, formerly known as Malindo Air, to bolster the airline’s newly launched route between Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. Batik Air began operating four weekly services from Dubai to Malaysia’s capital city in November 2023. This marked the airline’s second route launch in the Middle East this year, following its successful introduction of flights between Jeddah (KSA) and Kuala Lumpur in August. dnata Representation Services will act as the airline’s general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE, providing a comprehensive range of travel services and local infrastructure for sales, marketing, and distribution support. Drawing interest from UAE-based travellers, Batik Air has introduced attractive fares starting at AED 1,299 for Economy Class and AED 3,499 for Business Class return flights. Simon Woodford, Vice President Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, commented: “The reopening of Asia has sparked a rising trend in travel from the UAE, with a growing number of people seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the continent. In Malaysia, cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur and the beautiful coastlines beyond – including Langkawi – are increasingly popular. We are delighted to support Batik Air locally, as it opens more options for travel between the UAE and Malaysia.” Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Group Strategy Director of Batik Air, added: “Malaysia is rapidly gaining recognition as a vibrant destination, known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, with a growing significance for business partnerships and cultural exchanges. With the launch of our direct flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, travellers now have easier access to explore the country. Whether planning a leisurely getaway, a family vacation, or an important business trip, our affordable …

musafir.com takes a significant step forward by officially launching its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the transformative goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The office was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani and Sachin Gadoya, Founders of musafir.com, in the presence of eminent guests from the travel fraternity. musafir.com’s entry into the Saudi Arabian market strategically targets corporate clients, contributing to the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism and corporate travel sector. The organization aims to deliver tailored travel solutions, seamless booking experiences, and dedicated support to meet the unique needs of businesses in Saudi Arabia. Commenting on this strategic move, Sheikh Al Thani said, ‘Saudi Arabia has experienced an extraordinary surge in tourism revenue, surpassing 37 billion Saudi riyals in the first quarter of 2023. This exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to diversify its economy beyond oil. Aligned with this momentum, our new corporate office in KSA is an integral part of our regional expansion strategy, poised to meet the escalating travel demand of our discerning customers. Since our inception in 2007, musafir.com has consistently grown, and this new office propels us toward long-term success.” The new office premises is centrally and strategically located in Aknaz Center, Tahliah Street, Al Olaya in Riyadh and includes a state-of-the-art, multilingual contact centre, which will offer musafir.com’s customers dedicated 24 X 7 support. Sachin Gadoya expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our entry into Riyadh indicates a significant milestone for musafir.com. With an unwavering commitment to our corporate clientele, we are eager to contribute to the growth and efficiency of travel management for businesses in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the leisure sector will soon benefit from musafir’s innovative offerings.” As part of musafir.com’s growth …

According to Go-Globe, by 2028, the Sharing Economy market will expand by 32% compared to 2022. In MENA, the segment of Shared Accommodation will grow by 42%, Shared Business Services by 40% and Shared Transportation by 38%. The city of Dubai is extensively introducing co-sharing products. Today, the city provides various services of shared transportation: scooters — Lime, Tier and Circ, bicycles — Byky, cars — Udrive and Ekar, yachts and boats — CharterClick and Xclusive Yachts. There are also coworking spaces — The Cribb, Impact Hub Dubai and AstroLabs Dubai. However, there is still a vacant niche for other services popular in the West — equipment co-sharing such as Fat Llama and ToolzDo, or animal care services such as Rover. As for the shared accommodation, there is a list of restrictions for co-habitation in Dubai, but the regulations are gradually becoming more lenient. It has recently become possible for unmarried couples to share accommodation, so you can already find shared rentals within the laws of the city. For example, the Colife service shows that Dubai residents are interested in renting separate apartments with common areas. Colife data from other countries shows that this type of rental is popular with students, digital nomads, work-relocated expats and new residents. According to data obtained by Colife as a result of surveys, 72% of users plan to stay in Dubai for a year or more. However, not everyone can afford rent with a desired level of comfort. The average rent price for an apartment in Dubai is 7.900 dirhams. while the optimal price for surveyed users is 7.000 dirhams. 42,5% of users travel and live alone, meaning that many residents simply cannot afford …

Banyan Tree announced the opening of its first resort in Dubai to coincide with the country’s 52nd Union Day celebrations on December 2, 2023 . Banyan Tree Dubai, which offers a full range of dining and leisure facilities, is located on the waterfront of the beaches of Bluewaters Island Dubai, Dubai Holding’s long-standing luxury and vibrant living destination. Known for offering a complete blend of ideal destinations for residential, retail, hospitality and leisure. The resort has a sleek contemporary design and a deep sense of belonging, seamlessly harmonizing with the unique architectural features of the surrounding Dubai Marina. Stretching 500 metres along the pristine and clean private beach, this charming landmark offers a mesmerizing view of the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Ain Dubai wheel. The resort also features three swimming pools equipped with climate control. Peter Hechler, Senior Vice President and Head of Regional Operations for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Banyan Tree Group, said: “We are delighted to open Banyan’s first resort in Dubai, which coincides with the UAE’s Union Day celebrations, noting that the project was implemented in partnership with a group of prestigious partners such as Inismor and Dubai Holding. “We are confident that Banyan Tree Dubai will attract visitors and travellers looking for both leisure and business destinations thanks to its central strategic location, and will be an ideal attraction for couples looking for wedding and honeymoon venues. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to Banyan Tree Dubai, which offers the highest standards of Arabian hospitality and luxury.” Banyan Tree Resort in Dubai consists of 178 rooms, all featuring unique designs designed by leading company Blink Design, offering an …