Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors between the months of June and August 2023, reporting a record peak in summer visitation since the museum’s opening in 2017, reaffirming its position as an internationally renowned cultural institution. Abu Dhabi welcomed 2.4 million hotel guests in the first half of 2023, a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to figures shared by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. As one of the UAE’s main cultural attractions, the visitor and community experience has remained a key priority for Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum saw a surge in attendance numbers compared to previous summers, as individuals and families alike engaged with artworks, explored immersive exhibitions, and sought inspiration from the museum’s architecture. To engage the community over the summer period, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its latest Children’s Museum exhibition Picturing the Cosmos to the public on 20 July inspired by the human fascination with the cosmos. As part of the exhibition’s programming, the museum also hosted an interactive live call from space with Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, in partnership with Mohamed Bin Rashid Space Centre, on 3 August. In just two months, the exhibition welcomed over 30,000 visitors. The museum’s summer offerings also focused on participatory learning and engagement, as young adults took part in the Art Lab, where they collaborated with UAE-based artists in engaging workshops. Using the theme of In with the OId and Out with the New, participants explored sustainability through the lens of the museum. In anticipation of the new school year, Louvre Abu Dhabi also welcomed teachers and children for a free exploratory visit of the …

As part of its successful ‘Hospitality Qatar’ programme, the country’s first national tourism training programme, Qatar Tourism has launched a new ‘Beach Expert’ training course, which aims to provide beachfarers who come directly to visitors with the expertise needed to visit Qatar’s growing beaches, desert camps, hotels and resorts with beach views and open beaches that are frequented by many in Doha and beyond. The course, which allows applicants to choose the times that suit them, is available in Arabic and English and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Qatar Tourism stating that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the latest information about Qatar’s pristine beaches. Commenting on the new Beach Expert course, Ms. Moza Al Maadadi from Qatar Tourism said : “Qatar has beautiful coastlines and crystal clear waters that are admired by residents and many of our international visitors. The Beach Expert course is an opportunity to highlight the refreshing atmosphere that Qatar offers to its visitors, such as the bright sun, clear sea water and soft sand, especially as new beaches are being developed and included in Qatar’s growing hospitality offerings. We are delighted with the success and growth of the Moyadaf Qatar programme, and invite beach staff who interact directly with the public to explore the latest training courses and be provided with the latest relevant information.” The flagship program, Medyaf Qatar, is part of Qatar Tourism’s Academy of Service Excellence and has accredited more than 35,000 customer and visitor professionals, including hotel concierge staff, shopping mall security staff, restaurant staff, taxi drivers and service workers. The recent expansion of the Modyaf Qatar programme reflects Qatar …

Visa and Etihad Guest have renewed their exclusive cobrand deal in the UAE for another 7 years. This partnership enables Etihad Guest to further grow its’ cobrand card portfolio with key financial partners in the UAE and drive innovation in the country’s payment ecosystem. Visa’s global platform, digital first approach, and unmatched card benefits will further augment the growth of the Etihad Guest programme. As global and UAE travel trends continue to be on the rise, this partnership will further provide Etihad Guest customers with market leading customer value propositions including a secure payment product with benefits of earning miles and enjoying rewards such as global lounge access. At the same time, cardholders benefit from convenient services like concierge and insurance. Etihad boasts six banking partnerships in the UAE which are enabled through its cobrand partnership with Visa. As a result, Etihad Guest cobrand cardholders can earn rewards through everyday spending on their credit cards, making travel even more attractive. The partnership complements Etihad’s current growth journey as the airline continues to expand its network, offering Etihad Guest members an even greater choice of destinations when spending their rewards. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad, said: “With more than 9 million members globally, the Etihad Guest programme offers our members and guests a richly rewarding travel and lifestyle experience. As two leading and trusted global brands, we’re proud to renew our exclusive partnership with Visa, giving us further ability to enhance and evolve the Etihad Guest programme for our members in the UAE both locally and as they travel the world with Etihad. These are part of the exciting array of offerings we are adding as we further cement Etihad …

With the Muslim travel market forecast to reach $225 billion by 2028, the Philippines’ government announced that boosting foreign arrivals from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations was among its priority goals. “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a big boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which is home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage and distinctive wildlife,” says Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. Recently crowned Miss Universe Queens Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub and Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin, showed their commitment to promoting halal and wellness travel in the Philippines, following the country’s win of the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year. Led by Dubai-based Filipino Josh Yugen, Founder Yugen PR & Events, the two Miss Universe queens arrived in Manila this weekend to collaborate with the Philippine Department of Tourism in promoting its ‘Halal and Wellness Tourism’ campaign inviting more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to experience the Philippines, starting with eco-luxury holistic wellness resort The Farm at San Benito. The multi-awarded resort is at the forefront in showcasing the Filipino brand of wellness, offering halal-experiences for global travelers. Since the past two decades, The Farm has been championing a way of life that prioritizes self-care, holistic healing, cultural inclusivity, while promoting the country’s serene beauty and the heartfelt Filipino service and care. “We are delighted to initiate this alliance with the beauty queens representing Arab and Muslim countries to further spread awareness of our country’s offering. It brings a greater opportunity to attract travelers, not only from the Gulf, but also from the …

Sofitel Dubai The Palm unveils its ultra-luxury Signature Collection of bespoke suites and villas. This boutique hotel experience promises exceptional stays, seamlessly merging the French Riviera charm with the allure of Dubai. Ready for reservations from November 1, 2023, the Signature Palm Suites cater primarily to guests aged 12 and above; making them a dreamy escape for couples enjoying their honeymoon or those celebrating special occasions. Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s pivotal expansion marks a significant milestone in the resort’s unwavering commitment to world-class sophistication, propelling it into unparalleled luxury hospitality. The journey of personalised luxury and exquisite art de vivre begins at the enticing Signature Palm Suites and continues to the majestic Eden, Palm, Riviera, and Beach Villas. Each bespoke space is an impeccable sanctuary of serenity and seclusion. The prestigious hotel has a pipeline of captivating projects set to launch before the year’s end. Christophe Schnyder, Managing Director at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, commented, “We are always determined in our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences for our guests. Recognising the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, our introduction of the Signature Collection suites and villas signifies thoughtful diversification. By curating an exquisite adult-only sanctuary alongside our esteemed family offerings, we aim to elevate and cater to the desires of our discerning clientele, solidifying our commitment to redefine regional hospitality benchmarks”. The newly unveiled Signature Palm Suites epitomise luxury. Designed with precision for the cultured traveler, these suites have elegant interiors, offering a realm of uniqueness with an exclusive check-in experience. The suites have access to a dedicated butler service and bespoke honeymoon amenities as well as privileged access to The Premier Lounge, Sofitel FITNESS, the tranquil retreat of Sofitel …

Saudia announced the sponsorship of the fourth edition of Riyadh Season as the Platinum Partner and Official Airline of this mega event, commencing on 28th October. This event is one of the most anticipated entertainment seasons globally and aligns with the airline’s commitment to its new brand. The airline’s mission is to enable the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by flying guests both within and outside the Kingdom, while ensuring the delivery of top-notch services to enhance the travel experience. Guests flying with Saudia during Riyadh Season will be treated to a multitude of surprises and exclusive offers. This aligns with the airline’s launch of a new era and brand which places meticulous attention on the various touch points during the guest’s travel journey. Furthermore, Saudia will play a significant role in the grand event as the Presenting Partner for many global events and activities, igniting the excitement of visitors while garnering extensive media coverage. Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of the airline’s participation in Riyadh Season with its new image. Riyadh Season continues to shine brighter year after year, captivating the world and attracting visitors from various corners of the globe. The importance of the national carrier’s partnership lies in connecting the world to the Kingdom through its extensive flight network, serving over a hundred destinations across four continents. Tash also highlighted the past successes achieved through the partnership with Riyadh Season. This year is particularly remarkable as it follows the launch of the new brand and era of Saudia. This transformation enables the airline to execute numerous strategies to support ambitious Vision projects, deliver premium services to guests, and embed Saudi culture in …

Red Sea Global (RSG) announced the establishment of a new subsidiary company, Red Sea Security (RSS) to create job opportunities and enable generations of young Saudis to develop their talents and skillsets in the field of hospitality security. A new cohort of 106 security personnel recently graduated through the RSG training program, aligned with the opening of the first three resorts at The Red Sea destination. RSS will provide a behind-the-scenes, reassuring, and unobtrusive security presence to Red Sea Global’s destinations to ensure guests’ comfort and privacy. The guest-oriented security approach relies on intensive hospitality-oriented security training, technology, and artificial intelligence to minimize physical presence, while maintaining efficiency in operations. “Last year, Red Sea Global announced that it would establish a series of subsidiary businesses to drive an uplift in Saudi tourism and associated industries. RSS is the latest expression of that promise, helping to deliver a wealth of exciting and diverse opportunities, which many ambitious young Saudis are already seizing,” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Ahmad Darwish, Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, added: “I am incredibly proud to see the talent and great potential of Saudi Arabia’s young people. The continued rollout of these programs is part of our approach to train and employ Saudis across RSG, our subsidiaries, and operators, so they can become future leaders in Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.” Through the Hospitality Security program, the new employees completed 150 hours of intensive training in land, maritime, and aviation security, tourism, hospitality, English as a second language, technology, and soft skills. This education is tailored to uphold RSG’s commitment to excellence and provide the highest standards in international security. Many …

Kanoo Travel announced its association with Travel Leaders. This strategic alliance amplifies Kanoo Travel’s international reach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to ensure continued premium service to its clientele and paving the way for future expansion opportunities within the global network. This partnership was announced at a gala event which took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on October 5. The fusion of Kanoo Travel’s personalized approach with Travel Leaders’ extensive state-of-the-art technology offerings promises an unparalleled travel management experience. As part of the Internova Travel Group, Kanoo Travel will now have access to Travel Leaders’ broad suite of services, including online booking platforms, marketing tools, a global destination marketing company network and exclusive hotel programs. Furthermore, a comprehensive technology suite will bolster the servicing of both international and local clientele, providing tools for profile management, trip authorization, consolidated data analytics, advanced meetings technology and in-depth customer reporting. Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman – SBU Trading Divisions, commented, “I believe this partnership with Travel Leaders International will be another milestone step for Kanoo Travel. It synergizes with our recent digitalization efforts and opens new doors, giving us new opportunities to better serve our client base. He added, “Kanoo Travel has taken another step forward, reflecting on our continued dedication to elevate the travel experience. Earlier this year, we introduced Kanoo Travel MORE, expanding our offering with targeted solutions. And today with this alliance, we are even more equipped to provide our clients with an unparalleled travel platform.” “We are thrilled about this collaboration with Travel Leaders, a renowned and revered brand within the Internova Travel Group portfolio. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for Kanoo Travel to …

German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC) and world-renowned artist, Sacha Jafri, came together to spotlight its 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany campaign. Germany looks forward to welcome GCC travellers by offering an unparalleled journey through time, tradition, and natural wonders, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The event was held today at Studio Jafri, the Middle East’s jewel in the crown Studio/Gallery, brought GNTO and the global Artist, Sacha Jafri together, to highlight the importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yamina Sofo, Director at German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “We are excited to promote our ‘51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany’ campaign. We’ve come together with the incredible Sacha Jafri who worked seamlessly and we were delighted to see the beauty of the Museum Island Berlin on his canvas.” “Recently, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Germany was awarded a 52nd World Heritage; a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while offering travellers a chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery.” Yamina added further. Sacha Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my UNESCO World Heritage Sites Collection, aims to reconnect Humanity to our cultural past, a more conscious present, towards an inspired and more sustainable future. It has been an honour for me to partner with UNESCO’s in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of World Heritage Sites.” From historic palaces and castles to flourishing natural parks, architectural marvels and quaint towns, Germany encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. Whether the travellers are history enthusiasts, nature lovers, architecture aficionados, or simply seeking vibrant cultural …

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi inaugurated its first flight from Abu Dhabi to Erbil. The new route provides affordable, hassle-free, point-to-point travel for tourists and residents in the UAE, Iraq and across the region. Tickets are on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 269 *. The flights from Abu Dhabi to Erbil operate on a convenient schedule, flying on Monday and Friday, with the national airline flying to more than 40 destinations from Abu Dhabi. Erbil is a modern metropolis with a rich history, warm hospitality, and stunning landscapes. With a vibrant culture and incredible historical sites, including the ancient Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, travellers of all ages can immerse themselves in multiple historical civilizations. Some of the must-see historical and natural attractions include the Sami Abdul Rahman Park, Jalil Khayat Mosque and Kurdish textile museum with memorable and enriching travel experiences awaiting. Basking in glorious year round sunshine, Abu Dhabi is a world-renowned family friendly destination with incredible art, culture, tradition and hospitality offerings. The UAE capital, blessed with stunning beach resorts, excellent cultural offerings and exciting attractions offers visitors a warm welcome and breath taking natural and built beauty. The city offers an enriching historical experience and a bustling culture to explore with a plethora of both relaxation and adventure options to suit all ages. Johan Eidhagen, Managing Director of Wizz Air Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to inaugurate our first flight to Erbil, a city of spectacular historical beauty, as we reaffirm our commitment to growing our ever-expanding network throughout the region. With the recent arrival of the 11th aircraft to our fleet, we are further …