NEOM announced a partnership with Burgess, to offer its full suite of services to Sindalah’s yachting clientele. Ahead of the island’s opening during 2024, the agreement supports NEOM’s vision of Sindalah becoming a global yachting destination and offers guests a comprehensive range of services to cater for their yachting needs. Located off the coast of NEOM in north-west Saudi Arabia, Sindalah will be the first of NEOM’s assets to be unveiled and will offer guests an idyllic luxury lifestyle. Home to a world-leading yachting ecosystem which will make Sindalah marina a new hub and fixture in the global yachting calendar. As part of the agreement, Burgess will provide a broad range of luxury services to elevate Sindalah’s global yachting offering. Services include yacht management, charter and charter management, sales and purchase, yacht insurance, new build and refit projects, yacht marketing and procurement. Commenting on the partnership, Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Development, and Islands Officer at NEOM, said: “We’re committed to becoming a distinctive yachting destination, and deliver world-class services to guests and yachts visiting the Red Sea. We recognize chartering as a critical aspect of the yachting experience. Many of our guests visiting Sindalah will be looking forward to experiencing a nautical lifestyle through chartering a yacht. Also, yacht owners and managers will be happy to offer their prized possessions for chartering in the Red Sea. Our partnership with Burgess will help us to ensure that this critical activity is enabled at Sindalah from the time of launch.”   The demand for superyacht services in the region has grown exponentially over the past decade, triggering the decision for Burgess to establish a Middle East presence back in 2016. The company …

Qatar Travel Mart officially opens doors today with TravTalkME as media partner. The three day event kicks off today 20th until 22nd November 2023. Rawad Sleem, Co-Founder and General Manager of NeXTfairs for Exhibitions and Conferences shared that they expect this year not only to be an exciting event but to be 50% larger in scale as well. This year, QTM is set to offer an array of impactful events including an international conference, the Global Village exhibition, a prestigious Gala Dinner, an Awards Ceremony, and a thoughtfully designed Hosted Buyers’ Program. These components are tailored to enhance business-to-business (B2B) prospects. In addition, there will be media familiarization trips and cultural tours. These endeavors collectively aim to cater to the needs of both inbound and outbound travel and tourism enterprises. QTM 2023 will serve as a unifying platform where local and international Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Tour Operators, Travel Agencies, Travel Technology Companies, Associations, and Tourism Boards will converge. This convergence is intended to transcend the confines of the sporting industry, fostering a space for diverse entities to convene. Through this endeavor, fresh connections will be forged, novel opportunities seized, and pre-existing relationships rekindled. This cohesive ecosystem will not only facilitate professional interactions but also will also play a pivotal role in propelling expansion and ingenuity across the travel and tourism landscape.    

NEOM announced its latest luxury coastal tourism destination Epicon, located on the Gulf of Aqaba.  Epicon aims to set a new standard of hospitality and architecture. Rising from NEOM’s desert landscape like a glistening mirage, the property will feature two striking towers, one 225 meters tall and one reaching 275 meters. The towers will be home to an ultra-premium 41 key hotel and luxury residences that comprise of 14 suites and apartments. A short distance from the hotel is the Epicon resort, which blends tranquility with indulgence and features 120 rooms and 45 stunning residential beach villas. Designed as a gateway to the future, Epicon provides an opportunity to escape the stresses of the everyday. Whether relaxing at the beach club, visiting the spa for bespoke wellness treatments, exploring the surrounding nature, participating in one of the many watersports on offer, or dining at destination restaurants for an unforgettable culinary experience, Epicon has been conceived to meet the full array of guest and resident needs. A highly attractive visitor destination and an optimum place to live and thrive, Epicon’s guests and residents can expect a truly immersive and life-affirming experience. The luxurious residences and beach villas aim to deliver new levels of livability through cutting-edge innovations, world-class services and first-class experiences, positioning the resort as a benchmark for iconic living. Guests and residents of Epicon will enjoy unrestricted access to world-class facilities, complemented by views of one of the most desirable shorelines in NEOM. Amenities include a state-of-the-art gym, library, workspaces, pools and lounges. News of Epicon follows the recent announcement of Leyja, NEOM’s sustainable tourism destination set within a magnificent natural valley. The extensive range of experiences and activities …

A total of 28 international airlines are now fully operational from the state-of-the-art Terminal A at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). In November as a whole, it is forecast 7,669 flights will operate from Terminal A with already 1,557 flights operating in the first two weeks of operations. The number of flights operating from Terminal A is set to further increase in December to 12,220, as will the number of passengers using the new terminal projected to be 2.29 million. All airlines operating from Abu Dhabi international Airport have now fully transitioned to Terminal A, marking a significant ramp up in capacity from the new terminal. Terminal A is now the primary terminal serving Abu Dhabi International Airport, with flights arriving to and departing from the emirate, set to use the cutting-edge facilities available. The successful transition to Terminal A will facilitate a major increase in aviation capacity in Abu Dhabi, with the terminal able to process up to 45 million travellers annually and handle 79 planes at once. Terminal A will enhance the passenger experience, providing seamless connectivity. The leading facilities available at Terminal A include biometric technology to streamline the screening and boarding process, and 35,000 square metres of retail and F&B space. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: “With all airlines now operating from Terminal A, I’m pleased to announce a new era for operations at Abu Dhabi International Airport. Bringing new state-of-the-art facilities and a major increase in aviation capacity, Terminal A will greatly enhance the passenger experience, whilst enabling international airlines to further increase their presence in Abu Dhabi.”

Philippine Airlines retained its title once again this year as the ‘Best Airline Southeast Asia’ at the 6th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Josh M. Vasquez – Regional Head – EMEA – International Passenger Sales – Philippine Airlines shared, “Arabian Travel Awards 2023 indeed had another successful run which was well attended by movers and shakers of the travel industry. Philippine Airlines is proud to have received the Best Airlines- Southeast Asia Award. This is a testament of our continuous efforts of delivering not only safe but pleasant travel experience to our passengers. This award only motivates to push further and commit to our promise to grow amid a more competitive and challenging aviation industry by carrying out major product and digital transformation initiatives. We will continue to  improve our services by increasing customer care and contact center agents, and rolling out a new customer relations management system within 2023 to provide more personalized self-service options for customers.”  

EGYPTAIR customers will soon be flying to destinations around the globe aboard new Airbus A350-900s, after the airline disclosed an order for 10 aircraft at the Dubai Airshow. Once added to the fleet, the A350-900s will provide EGYPTAIR with 25% less fuel burn and, in turn, reduced emissions, while passengers enjoy the comfort of the Airbus AirSpace cabin, including a feeling of true spaciousness, wide seats, high ceilings and alluring ambient lighting. The signing took place at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, in the presence of EGYPTAIR’s Chairman and CEO, Engineer Yehia Zakaria and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. “EGYPTAIR is a key partner of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa. We take immense pride in this partnership aimed at furthering the aviation industry. Our focus lies in the enhancement of our fleet to embrace some of the most contemporary aircraft available,” says EGYPTAIR Chairman and CEO Yehia Zakaria. Zakaria adds: “EGYPTAIR has firmed up an agreement with Airbus to procure 10 A350-900 aircraft, each boasting a capacity of 340 seats. These aircraft come equipped with cutting-edge technologies and Rolls-Royce XWB Trent engines, known for their modern design and reduced fuel emissions and consumption. As we tackle growing demand across our network, this aircraft is the optimal choice. “Once delivered the A350-900 will be EGYPTAIR’s flagship aircraft. Adding the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft to the airline’s fleet will be instrumental in expanding its offering, opening new opportunities particularly in Western US and the far East,” says Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial officer and Head of Airbus International. It’s the one and only aircraft enabling EGYPTAIR to open up its network with benchmark economic …

Ethiopian Airlines Group signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for 11 additional Airbus A350-900s to be added to its existing fleet. The latest agreement takes Ethiopian Airlines’ total order book and commitment for the A350 to 33, including four A350-1000s. Ethiopian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 20 A350-900s and with this commitment, it will confirm its position as Africa’s biggest A350 customer. The signing of the MoU took place at Dubai Airshow in the presence of Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew and Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, Christian Scherer. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mr. Mesfin Tasew said, “We are excited to place this commitment for 11 Airbus A350-900s. As a customer focused airline, we are particularly excited for these fleet as it offers extra comfort to passengers with its features like the quietest cabin in its class and ambient lighting. We are keen to expand our fleet size, acquiring the latest technology aircraft to offer a convenient and memorable onboard experience to our esteemed passengers.” Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, said, “Ethiopian Airlines is a great example of how to leverage the exceptional values of the A350 for long-haul travel, playing on the benefits of Ethiopia’s unique geographical position that offers the fastest connections between China and Latin America. We are delighted to further strengthen Ethiopian Airlines fleet, and through this, continue the great relationship we have built up together.” The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category, flying efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700nm. Its clean sheet design includes …

With 8.9 million passengers in the first nine months of the year, India was DXB’s top country destination in terms of traffic volume, followed by Saudi Arabia with 4.8 million passengers, and the UK (4.4 million passengers). Other country destinations of note include Pakistan with 3.1 million passengers, the US (2.7 million) and Russia (1.8 million). The top cities by traffic were London (2.7 million passengers) and Riyadh (1.9 million), closely followed by Mumbai (1.8 million) and Jeddah (1.7 million passengers). Propelled by strong growth throughout the first three quarters of the year and anticipation of an exceptional surge in guest numbers in the final quarter. Dubai Airports is forecasting annual passenger traffic at Dubai International (DXB) to reach 86.8 million – surpassing 2019 traffic. “We’re thrilled but not entirely surprised that DXB is all set to surpass the pre-pandemic milestone well ahead of our initial projections by almost a year. Our outlook for the remainder of this year and the next remains optimistic. Teaming up with our strategic partners, we’re ready for the challenge to continue to exceed guest satisfaction amidst the continuous surge in traffic,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports.

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Chairman of Sharjah Executive Council, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced the 10th edition of the Sharjah International Travel & Tourism Forum (SITTF) scheduled to take place on November 22nd at the Expo Centre Sharjah. Held under the theme “Sustainable Tourism: The Way to Improvement”, the forum will gather experts from the travel and tourism industry, emphasising environmentally and socially responsible travel practices through a series of panel discussions and engaging workshops to further delve into the challenges and opportunities within the travel and tourism sector. The anticipated forum is set to feature notable keynote speakers, welcoming the likes of HE Abdalla bin Touq Al Marri, the UAE’s Minister of Economy, HE Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman, HE Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and representatives from the “Global Sustainable Tourism Council” (GSTC). Aligned with the UAE’s commitment to environmental conservation in the “Year of Sustainability,” SITTF aims to play a key role in implementing this vision, which is underscored by the nation’s hosting “COP28” event later in the year. The forum will delve into the essence of sustainable tourism, through creating a platform for experts to explore key topics, including sustainable and eco-tourism practices, strategies to mitigate and minimise negative impacts on the ecosystem, and the exploration of benefits for local communities both economically and socially. Additionally, the event will cover trends and innovations in sustainable tourism, economic benefits, and technology’s role. It will emphasise collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals …

Spain Tourism emerged winner as the ‘Most dynamic international tourism board’ at the 6th edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. “ATA is a very well organized & meticulously planned awards event with engaging hosts, amazing performances, and well-deserved winners. It is always a pleasure to attend this prestigious event. Being an Arabian Travel Award Winner is immensely gratifying as it recognizes dedication and excellence in the travel industry, opening new horizons for success and recognition. This award fuels our determination for 2024, inspiring us to exceed our achievements, set higher standards, and make a lasting impact in this region.” Daniel Rosado – Director – Spain Tourism