WingsWay Training institute secures its title as the best training institute for the second consecutive year at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023 held at Sofitel Downtown Dubai. Shakir Kantawala – Co-founder & Managing Partner -WingsWay Training Institute shared, “ this incredible honour for the second year in succession provides a sense of fulfilment. It adds value for students & learners who trust us with their careers and professional lives. Winning symbolizes a further commitment and promise towards excellence in all that we do. It will drive us to become the best, not just in the Middle East but across the World.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

VisitBritain and the UK Government Home Office will conduct a special webinar on Monday 13th November at 12noon (UAE time) titled, “Visit Britain with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)”to learn more about the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which will replace the Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) in Qatar from October 2023 and throughout the GCC in February 2024. 2023 has been a huge year for Britain with the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III, Liverpool hosting the Eurovision Song Contest, London’s luxury hotel boom and a year-round calendar bursting with festivals and events. 2024 is set to be another GREAT year in Britain – from innovative cutting-edge entertainment venues and world-class sporting events to wellness retreats and luxury hotels, there’s never been a more exciting time to discover Britain’s vibrant cities and lush. countryside. Travelling to the UK is set to be even easier and more affordable for GCC nationals, with the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme. Launching for Qatari nationals in October 2023, followed by nationals of all other GCC nations and Jordan in February 2024, the new ETA will open up boundless opportunities for travellers. For a nominal fee of only £10 per applicant, the ETA grants multiple entries to the UK over two years or until the holder’s passport expires – whichever comes first. The application process is simple ensuring a seamless experience, with most applicants expected a response within days or even sooner.

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi operated its first flight from the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A. The airline is one of the first international carriers to fully move operations to the new world class facility. The new terminal will support the national carrier’s growth plans in ramping up operations and offering a seamless journey to meet its ambitious growth plans and high demand. Terminal A will offer a seamless passenger journey, fostering connectivity and facilitating business, trade and tourism. This will be a major step-forward in enhancing the local aviation ecosystem and will enable it to grow its regional and global visitors to explore the incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality across the emirate. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi celebrated the move to the new terminal with the inauguration of its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Sphinx International Airport in Cairo. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Egypt and across the region. The flights from Cairo and Abu Dhabi will operate on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Tickets already on sale at wizzair.com and the WIZZ mobile app with fares starting from 199 AED.* Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to be one of the first airlines to commence operations from the new-state-of-the-art Terminal A. The move to the new terminal and launching our new route to Sphinx, Cairo is a milestone moment in our phenomenal recent growth as it strengthens our position in playing a key role in the growth of the aviation sector in Abu Dhabi and  accelerating the emirate’s position as a global gateway and aviation hub. We will continue …

For the sixth consecutive time Travelport secured its title as Best Travel Technology Provider at the Arabian Travel Awards. Their recent acquisitions and foray into modern retailing has strengthened their presence in varied markets over the past few years. Kathryn Wallington, Head of MEA, UK&IE, Central & Eastern EU speaking at the ceremony shared, “Being recognized as the Best Travel Technology Provider of the Year has fuelled our mission to continue the evolution and deliver more of the solutions that the industry needs to create seamless experiences for agents and travellers. While our mission to simplify and modernize travel is far from over, this award confirms that at Travelport, we are making real progress to empower agents to become true modern retailers of travel.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) successfully concluded its five-day GCC roadshow at the German Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of a productive journey across the region. The purpose of the roadshow was to foster relationships and gain insights with local tourism professionals and media partners in the Gulf. Starting on October 29 at the private residence of the German Consul General, Her Excellency Dr Eltje Aderhold, in Jeddah, it was followed by a visit to Riyadh and the private residence of the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Michael Kindsgrab. The roadshow then moved to Kuwait City at the private residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, followed by a stop in Doha in the presence of the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Doha, Mr. Thomas Triller. The roadshow concluded its journey November 2 at the residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Alexander Schönfelder, in Abu Dhabi. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office Gulf Countries at the GNTO, expressed her enthusiasm about the roadshow’s impact: “The GCC roadshow was an incredible experience for us. It enabled us to expand our network and explore promising opportunities in these major cities. We not only raised awareness about Germany among the local travel trade, but also diversified our campaign offerings, sharing valuable knowledge with market experts.” During the roadshow, Munich Tourism, as one of the attending partners, highlighted its hospitality offerings for GCC travellers, emphasising amenities such as Arabic-speaking staff and Khaleeji chefs during the summer season. It showcased the upcoming events such as UEFA Euro 2024 taking place in 10 German Cities 14 June – 14 …

Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road announces its complete repositioning alongside its extensive renovation project. Residents and tourists are now invited to experience in the one-of-a-kind “Fairmont Feeling”, a blend of opulence, warmth, and personalized service that lingers long after departure. This remarkable transformation ushers in a new era where luxury and lifestyle converge harmoniously and marks a reimagining of the guest experience, setting new standards for unforgettable stays. Recently celebrated its impressive 20th anniversary, the hotel embarks on a transformative journey with the objective of driving modern luxury and enticing the contemporary guest. With its prime location, just moments away from the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the reimagined Fairmont Dubai extends a warm welcome to its guests, offering a blend of sophistication and contemporary elegance, which pays tribute to the art of embracing one’s authentic self. Fairmont Senior Vice-President, Middle East & Asia Nils-Arne Schroeder states ” Fairmont Dubai has successfully renovated its spaces and is now ready to transform guests’ experience. Through a full repositioning, prioritizing personalized service, F&B, and a new look and feel, the property is to become the leading choice among hotels in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai”. The hotel’s remarkable transformation includes renovations to the lobby and the modernization of 394 rooms and suites. The contemporary design features a soft colour palette and natural materials mirroring the surrounding landscape. Warm timber accents reflect desert dunes, and bespoke light fixtures and deep ocean blues create a cozy atmosphere, paying homage to both Fairmont San Francisco and the Arabian Gulf. Situated amidst renowned venues like Bagatelle, OPA, Bistrot Novanta, and The Theater, this property has expanded its allure with a fresh array of dining and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement for its second Vignette Collection hotel in Dubai in partnership with ‘The Heart of Europe’ scheduled for a grand opening in January 2026, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, will mark a significant milestone for The Heart of Europe, solidifying IHG’s presence within The World Islands – an archipelago of manmade islands located in the Arabian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai. The Vignette Collection brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. The upcoming Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, is located in ‘The Heart of Europe’, a self-sustaining holiday destination spanning across six islands, each blending European architectural charm with top-tier hospitality, embracing luxury and innovation on shores of tranquil beaches. The Heart of Europe encompasses a variety of opulent properties, including beachfront villas, premium hotels, an innovative underwater living experience, and an array of top-tier amenities such as climate-controlled streets and the coral institute dedicated to preserving and revitalising the marine ecosystem. Once completed, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai will feature 150 rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf in a prime location along a pristine beach and crystal-clear sea. True to the Vignette Collection brand, the property will seamlessly merge exclusivity with community and locality and feature a unique Andalusian-inspired design with contemporary architecture. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are excited to partner with The Heart of Europe to bring the second Vignette Collection resort to Dubai, a testament to IHG’s …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has partnered with the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant partnership will initiate the launch of extracurricular programmes and activities specifically designed for 10th and 11th grade students as a part of the Group’s #IAmTourism Strategy. This groundbreaking agreement enables GTTP to offer an extensive curriculum of educational content in the field of travel and tourism through its e-learning platform, spanning a three-year period. The pilot phase is set to benefit over 100 students from select schools across the Sultanate of Oman. Furthermore, a team of career guidance experts will receive training on leveraging the platform to provide an immersive and fruitful learning journey for aspiring tourism professionals. The MoU was inked by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Michel Taride, Chair of GTTP Advisory Board. The ceremony was graced by HE Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group, along with officials from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in shaping national competencies that will underpin the growth of our vital tourism sector. It is perfectly aligned with our National Tourism Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on tourism education and training to bolster Oman’s standing in the competitive global tourism landscape.” Echoing his sentiments, Ms. Anne Lotter, CEO of the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP), remarked, “Our alliance with OMRAN Group is a testament to our commitment to cultivating a deeper understanding of Oman’s rich tourism offerings. Through our specialized programs, we aim to carve out new professional …

Rezlive.com walked away with ‘Best booking platform award’ at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. Jaal Shah – Founder and Managing Director Rezlive.com and winner of the DDP Gamechanger Award 2022, shared, “winning an Arabian Travel Award is exhilarating. It signifies recognition and hard work. It gives a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. This award will motivate me to be resilient in facing challenges and encourage me to work harder and excel. This sense of accomplishment will inspire me to continue improving with more dedication.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Aziz Abdel Hakimov, Minister of Environment, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and responsible for the tourism portfolio of Uzbekistan, and his accompanying delegation. It explored opportunities for cooperation and the development of partnerships in the areas of new economy, sustainability, circular economy, entrepreneurship, and SMEs. H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE-Uzbekistan relations are strong and characterized by continued growth in various fields, historical ties, geographical proximity, and shared cultural and Islamic values. H.E. Bin Touq said: “Both our countries boast geographical locations through which key markets in Asia and Africa can be accessed. In addition, both markets offer numerous promising opportunities in new and sustainable economic sectors that can be leveraged to build more economic partnerships at the government and private sectors, thus elevating our existing partnership to new levels.” He added: “Our meeting with the Uzbek delegation is an important step forward in strengthening economic cooperation, facilitating dialogue at the private sector level and unlocking new avenues for efforts that support bilateral cooperation in economic sectors of shared interest.” He noted that the meeting is particularly important as it comes ahead of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023. The meeting discussed strengthening of cooperation and exchange of experiences and expertise on sustainable policies for tourism, entrepreneurship, and SMEs development, in addition to exploring opportunities in these sectors that are key to economic growth. Furthermore, H.E. Bin Touq reviewed the advantages offered by the UAE’s business environment to investors and business owners. These include the substantive amendments to the Commercial Companies Law to create a flexible …