Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB) have reached a historic agreement aimed at boosting tourism in Saudi among JCB cardmembers globally. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a significant milestone in collaboration between the two entities. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), said: “We are thrilled to partner with JCB International, a global leader in payment and technology. This is a great opportunity for our tourism industry, as it will offer more convenience, familiarity, and security for Japanese travelers and other Asian tourists who prefer to use cashless payment methods. We believe this collaboration will enhance the appeal of Saudi as a destination for international visitors and support our vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub.” The partnership with JCB is anticipated to unlock various opportunities for cooperation between Saudi and Japan. Notably, Japan is one of the 57 countries eligible for Saudi’s e-visa and visa on arrival, with special benefits such as a free one-night hotel stay for tourists flying onwards on SAUDIA as part of Saudi’s 96-hour Stopover Visa program. Other key initiatives include VisitSaudi.ja portal in Japanese and joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners to create excitement all year round. Japanese holidaymakers can also take advantage of special hotel offers from local Destination Management Companies (DMC), with attractive deals inviting them to discover the true home of Arabia on their terms. Mr. Yoshiki Kaneko, President and CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This is a great chance for us to promote exciting travel experiences to Saudi for our cardmembers. Like Japan, Saudi is a truly unique destination, with …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) is taking center stage at GITEX 2023 showcasing dynamic initiatives which include Digital Mapping of Hotels and Tourist Facilities and Holiday Homes Initiatives, designed to stay in tune with the evolving landscape of the tourism industry, foster dialogue with fellow participants at the exhibition, and share experiences and insights with innovators and experts. In reference to this momentous occasion, Sheikh AbdulAziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Department of Tourism Development, stated: “Under the visionary leadership of the United Arab Emirates, Ajman Tourism has embarked on a journey of transformation and innovation. These groundbreaking initiatives reflect our dedication to enhancing the visitor experience and elevating government services in the Emirate of Ajman. Innovative initiatives like these underscore Ajman’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of excellence in tourism. Our aim is to create a seamless and immersive experience for visitors while upholding the highest standards of government service delivery.” These pioneering initiatives were unveiled within the Ajman government pavilion at the exhibition, with the presence of His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development and several directors and heads of government departments of the Emirate of Ajman. His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi underscored the significance of these services and their potential impact on the tourism sector in the Emirate of Ajman, emphasizing the emirate’s unwavering commitment to participating in this groundbreaking event and its pivotal role in elevating government services through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and international standards. Furthermore, Alhashmi highlighted that these initiatives represent a commendable endeavor to augment the tourism sector in Ajman, exemplifying the emirate’s dedication to realizing a smart transformation …

NH Collection Dubai The Palm is pleased to announce the launch of its vegan friendly rooms, the very first vegan-friendly rooms in Dubai. As a leading sustainable hotel, NH Collection Dubai The Palm has strived to minimise its environmental impact since its launch earlier this year. The property boasts an in-house water bottling plant, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles. Additionally, solar panels generate hot water, and condensed water from the air conditioning system is repurposed for irrigation purposes. Taking sustainability to the next level, NH Collection Dubai The Palm will be offering vegan-friendly rooms starting from October 2023. These rooms will feature a wide range of sustainable and vegan amenities, ensuring a compassionate and responsible stay for guests. The vegan friendly rooms will offer duvets, pillow fillings, and mattress toppers made from sustainable materials. Guests will also find a selection of vegan amenities in the room, along with compostable amenities and vegan snacks. The wet amenities are 100% vegan, while the dry amenities are carefully crafted from sustainable products, completely free from animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. NH Collection Dubai The Palm goes beyond the in-room amenities and extends its commitment to sustainability throughout the hotel experience. Shower caps and sanitary bags provided are compostable, while pens and pencils are plantable, allowing guests to leave a positive mark on the environment. Furthermore, all dry amenities are thoughtfully packaged in natural, plastic-free materials. To complement the eco-friendly ethos, NH Collection Dubai The Palm exclusively uses vegan-friendly wet amenities in their rooms. These products are free from sulphates, parabens, silicon, and gluten, creating a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free experience for guests. NH Collection Dubai The Palm also embraces innovative …

In a bid to make it easier than ever before to experience the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi Arabia will grant visitor visas to travelers from six newly-eligible countries – Türkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius – for leisure, business, and religious (Umrah only) travel. Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com. Saudi is reimagining the tourism experience, with the famously warm and generous Saudi welcome –known as Hafawah– at the heart of its plans. The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries, and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Moreover, Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries easily. From visiting Saudi’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snorkeling and diving in Saudi’s Red Sea –one of the world’s most spectacular undiscovered diving spots– wandering Taif’s world-famous Rose Gardens, shopping like a local in Riyadh’s Deira Souq, chartering the unknown on land in the lush, green Asir region and tasting Saudi’s diverse and delicious culinary scene from fragrant Arabic dishes to internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Since the launch of Saudi’s visitor e-visa in 2019, Saudi has eased access for millions and accelerated tourism growth on an unmatched scale. The strength of the ever-increasing demand to visit Saudi Arabia has been led by a range of visa initiatives. On September 27, 2019, the Ministry of Tourism launched the visitor visa program, targeting 49 countries, which has now increased to 63 after the addition of further six countries and special administrative regions. In 2022, Saudi extended its …

Working with local schools, autism groups and key stakeholders, Emirates and Dubai International Airport (DXB) are focused on improving the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers, facilitating ‘travel rehearsals’ where children can practice their journey through the airport and onboard aircraft, as well as working directly with families to delight superfans like Humza, age 11, on his first flight with Emirates. Humza Dabab recently flew from Melbourne to Dubai with his mother and two siblings and was treated to a VIP experience from Emirates – his favourite airline. This was his first flight with Emirates, though his parents advised he is already very familiar with all facets of Emirates through his own studies – from the aircraft itself, to the inflight entertainment ice, the cabin crew uniform and the safety video. Humza bought his own safety belt to simulate and act out the safety advisory, to which he has memorised all the words, and has a collection of Emirates aircraft models to practice the take-off and landing experience. Humza’s mother Lamees said ‘The plane is Humza’s happy place. The destination is not even the most exciting part of the journey, I can wholeheartedly say it is the plane ride itself. He is so excited to be finally travelling with Emirates.’   Humza is autistic and being on time is a crucial requirement for his particular needs. The potential of running late or missing the flight would cause significant anxiety which must be alleviated in advance. Emirates and Dubai International Airport employees are trained and prepared for these requests and can facilitate priority boarding for neurodivergent passengers, referred to as People of Determination in the UAE, as well as offering a support …

Saudia Group announced its participation at the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2023, held at Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai from November 13th to 17th. The Group will take over the largest pavilion at the event marking its first international presence following the recent rebrand, which signifies a new era for the group. Through this participation, Saudia Group reinforces its position as a prominent global aviation leader, underpinned by its ever-expanding capabilities and an array of enhanced services and products dedicated to catering to the needs of the MENA region across the aviation industry spectrum, encompassing manufacturing and comprehensive training. Visitors and aviation enthusiasts can expect a world-class experience at the Saudia Group’s interactive pavilion, where it will showcase its industry-leading aviation services and solutions that ultimately contribute to the realization of Vision 2030. This includes demonstrating the Group’s efforts around the localization of services in the Kingdom, as well as Saudia Group’s plans to capitalize on its Jeddah Hub. The Group will also highlight its latest digital transformation services and introduce the world to an AI ChatGPT, named ‘Saudia,’ a groundbreaking innovation in customer service. The Group is set to display two aircraft that visitors will have the opportunity to explore; a Saudia Boeing 787-10 featuring the new brand livery and a flyadeal Airbus 320neo. The B787-10 aircraft will showcase Saudia’s latest amenity kits and offer food samples that reflect the essence of the rebrand. The pavilion will also feature the latest innovations by Saudia Groups’ other rebranded Strategic Business Units (SBUs) including, Saudia Technic, formerly known as Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Saudia Academy, formerly known as Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA), Saudia Private, formerly known as Saudia Private Aviation …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Middle East (HSMAI ME) announced the 6th ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference with TravTalkME as media partner. This year’s event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28 to November 29, 2023 to boost the Middle East’s hospitality sector. With the finest leading industry leaders under one roof, this year’s conference aims to take the Middle East hospitality sector to the next level where attendees can expand their network by connecting with trailblazers and peers, gain insights from seasoned professionals and learn about the latest trends and strategies. “The 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is a unique gathering of industry pioneers, where competitors unite to shape the future and elevate their skills. It’s the pulse of innovation in the hotel industry, bringing together all the commercial thought leaders from sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, hotel brands, and owner groups here in the region to share current and future trends. The conference will feature a range of topics, discussions, and best practices, led by world-class regional and international experts,” said Mona Faraj, Managing Director of the Middle East chapter of HSMAI. “This year’s ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the hospitality industry with global standards in mind. Here, we break down competitive barriers and come together as a community, committed to setting new standards of excellence and driving the future of hospitality forward,” added Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). “We at Atomize are honored to be the Platinum Sponsor and delighted …

Elaf Group announced the official opening of the Joudyan Red Sea Mall Hotel. This luxurious 5-star hotel represents a significant milestone in the group’s journey, reaffirming its commitment to establishing new standards for the hospitality experience, enhancing the quality and efficiency of hotel services, and elevating the comfort of guests and visitors in the Kingdom of Hospitality. The grand opening ceremony of the Joudyan Red Sea Mall Hotel was a remarkable occasion, graced by the presence of Dr. Abdulraouf Mannaa, Chairman of the Board of Elaf Group and Dr. Adel Ezzat, CEO of Elaf Group, along with members of the Board of Directors, partners, and senior officials. The launch of the new hotel is in line with the group’s commitment to supporting the goals of the “Saudi Vision 2030”, aimed at strengthening the role of the tourism sector as a vital economic contributor and enhancing private sector participation in Saudi Arabia’s development journey. This strategic step is a testament to the Elaf Group’s ongoing efforts to diversify and expand its investment portfolio, tangibly contributing to enhancing KSA’s competitiveness and reinforcing its position in the tourism and hospitality sector. The official opening of Joudyan Red Sea Mall hotel is a result of strenuous efforts to achieve the main goal of the Elaf Group to become the preferred brand for Saudi hospitality. The group’s commitment to upholding the highest standards in the sector aims to support and empower the national tourism ecosystem, solidifying the principles of excellent hospitality and modernity by establishing a robust and comprehensive value chain. The development also holds significance as it comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is preparing to attract 100 million tourists and 30 million …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority launched a new service at the opening day of Gitex 2023 with a special platform titled, “sustain Sharjah”. In a special interview with HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority shared, “we carried out a soft launch of our “sustain Sharjah” platform which encourages and helps our partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors to use and to benefit, to calculate, monitor and assess their carbon footprint of their businesses and learn about the resources available to help them make and save money at the same time save the environment.”

General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai in a special interview with TravelTV Middle East shared that travel agents can  now make use of the smart portal to apply and obtain approval for bulk tourist visa within a few minutes with the new system in place. Lt.Colonel Dr. Ghalib Abdullah Hassan Al Majed Al Marri, Director of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence reiterated, “the new visa issuance application which process all the entry permits through AI solutions within 3 to 10 minutes with this new system. Travel agents apply through the smart portal, the main AI system  is comparison of pictures which is a new solution which expedite the process. The good part of this new solution is that you can obtain approval for bulk visa within a few minutes instead of the earlier time period. Before, if you had 100 or 200 tourists who needed entry visa you had to send each one for approval but with this new system, travel agents can obtain approval within minutes as it becomes one application through the new system.”