The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the “Japan Travel House” in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar. Notably, the ceremony was also open to the general public in Qatar, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across Japan. Visitors can expect personalized face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA commented: “Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit …

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of Al Balad Development Company (BDC). The company will become the main developer of Jeddah’s historic Al Balad district, in line with the continuous efforts led by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz to revitalize Historic Jeddah to transform Jeddah into an economic hub, a global cultural and heritage destination, and a leading tourism destination, inspired by Jeddah’s rich history and contributing to the realization of Saudi Vision 2030. The company will focus on improving the district’s infrastructure, overseeing the restoration of historic buildings in Al Balad, and developing service facilities as well as recreational, residential, commercial, hotel and office spaces. The overall project development area will comprise approximately 2.5 million square meters, with a total built up area of 3.7 million square meters. This includes 9,300 residential units, 1,800 hotel units and around 1.3 million square meters of commercial and office space. The company will collaborate with the private sector and specialists to develop the area’s infrastructure according to the best standards of urban planning for historic areas, taking into account environmental sustainability and preserving the unique heritage of Historic Jeddah: a UNESCO World Heritage site. The aim is to transform it into a leading tourism destination that attracts visitors from around the world, thus contributing to economic development, with the company also working to offer attractive investment opportunities and quality commercial options for the people of Jeddah. BDC aims to provide a rich experience to explore the cultural and historic dimensions of the district, by providing an integrated environment that attracts residential, work, cultural and recreation development, contributing to quality of life and improving the visitor …

Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, managed by Hospitality Management Holding (HMH), is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and environmental conservation by launching an innovative onsite water bottling plant system. This initiation represents the first of its kind among hotels in the Northern Emirates, aiming to eliminate the use of plastic bottles, preventing approximately 300,672 plastic bottles from entering the environment annually. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority graced the launch and commended the unwavering commitment to sustainability of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.  He reiterated, “Let me congratulate Coral Beach Resort Sharjah for taking a leap in sustainability as a property in Sharjah. I would like to commend everyone in your team for believing in the importance of sustainability, its impact in our day today life in general. We are very glad that you started this and looking forward to having more companies to follow the initiative.” Plastic waste reduction has become a primary focus at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, with plastic bottles constituting a significant portion of the property’s plastic waste, particularly in food & beverage outlets and guestrooms. By implementing this unique water bottling plant, the resort is on its way to eliminating single-use plastics, contributing to a cleaner and greener future. Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager at Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, said, “We are dedicated to reducing our overall environmental footprint while maintaining exceptional guest experiences. Our water filtration system ensures the production of high-quality water, meticulously bottled in our onsite bottling plant room, and made available in hotel guestrooms and food & beverage outlets.” The plastic-free project is part of the resort’s ongoing sustainability efforts.  In March 2021, HMH …

Sav has joined forces with Musafir.com to bring a groundbreaking approach to travel savings. This transformative partnership is set to reshape the travel landscape, making it more accessible and affordable for UAE residents. In an era where financial responsibility and smart spending are paramount, Sav and Musafir.com introduce an innovative paradigm shift—”Save Now, Buy Later for Travel”. This trailblazing feature empowers users to embark on a journey of financial discipline while planning their dream vacations. Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com said, “At Musafir.com, our mission has always been to make travel dreams a reality. Through this partnership with Sav, we aim to empower our customers to save effortlessly for their dream vacations. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences while making the journey towards them more accessible and convenient.” Unbeatable Travel Discounts Musafir.com commits to contribute to users’ goals across hotels, holidays, domestic and international Visas, which will redefine their travel experiences: 10% Off on UAE Visas: Seamlessly apply for UAE visas and enjoy an unprecedented 10% contribution from Musafir.com. 50% off on International Visas: Explore the world with ease and save significantly on international visas. 5% contribution on Hotels: Secure your stay at top-notch hotels with an unbeatable 5% contribution from Musafir.com. AED 300 contribution on Booking Holidays: Plan your dream holiday and save AED 300 on your booking. This partnership epitomizes Sav’s unwavering commitment to helping users save on their travel aspirations. Musafir.com joins this mission as one of the pioneering companies promoting sustainable affordability in the travel category.     A Unified Vision for Financial Empowerment This partnership between Sav and Musafir.com is about fostering sustainable financial practices in …

Qatar Airways announces its expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the launch of services of two new gateways: Al Ula, Tabuk and the reopening of Yanbu. Effective 29 October 2023, Qatar Airways will commence operations to AlUla, followed by Yanbu on 06 December 2023, and Tabuk on 14 December 2023. These new routes will offer passengers even more options to explore the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Saudi Arabia. These additions to the airline’s rapidly growing network mark a significant milestone in Qatar Airways’ commitment to connecting travellers across the globe. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are thrilled to introduce AlUla, Yanbu, and Tabuk as our newest destinations in Saudi Arabia. These cities offer a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural experiences, and we are proud to connect travellers from around the world to these remarkable places.” Al Ula, known for its breath-taking landscapes and historical treasures, will be serviced with two weekly flights. Travelers can look forward to experiencing this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s wonders, including the ancient rock formations and archaeological marvels. Yanbu, a vibrant port city, will be connected with three weekly flights. With its beautiful beaches and diverse marine life, Yanbu is the perfect destination for those seeking sun, sea and adventure. Tabuk, nestled amidst stunning mountains and valleys, will see Qatar Airways operate three weekly flights. Travelers to Tabuk will have the opportunity to explore its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Qatar Airways now operates to nine cities in Saudi Arabia, operating more than 125 flights weekly. These cities include AlUla, Dammam, Gassim, Jeddah, Medina, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu, providing travellers …

Dubai Airports signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Autism Center (DAC) to further elevate the travel experience at DXB by making it more accessible and inclusive for People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities. The MoU aligns with Dubai Airports’ commitment to support UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 for the Emirate to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city. Building on the success of the ‘We all meet the world differently’ programme launched last year, Dubai Airports continues its efforts to make travelling easier for passengers with hidden disabilities at both Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). Essa Al Shamsi, SVP of Terminal Operations at Dubai Airports, said: “We understand the importance of bridging gaps in service levels and enhancing facilities that guests with disabilities require to enjoy their journey to their fullest, and we’re committed to continuously improving to meet and exceed guest expectations. Our partnership with the Dubai Autism Center not only demonstrates our efforts to provide an exceptional travel experience for all guests but also underscores our dedication to creating an airport environment where everyone can feel comfortable and supported.” Mohammed Al Emadi, Director General of the Dubai Autism Center said, “We are proud that the cooperation between the Center and Dubai Airports over more than a year has yielded fruit by creating an autism-friendly travel experience at one of the world’s most prominent airport hubs.” Al Emadi expressed his appreciation towards Dubai Airports and their tireless efforts to enhance the travel experience for people of determination, from the services they seek at the airport to implementing an environment that meets their needs as fully as others, in line with the vision of …

West Bay Beach has become the first beach in Doha to create a ramp to enhance accessibility for individuals with mobility disabilities, as the ramp, designed in collaboration with mobility experts, allows individuals using wheelchairs to easily navigate through the sandy ground and access the beachfront. The initiative is part of West Bay Beach’s ‘Inclusiveness at West Bay Beach: Breaking Barriers, Embracing Everyone’ campaign to provide an encouraging and inclusive environment for all visitors by removing physical barriers that limit accessibility. The addition of an access ramp enhances the possibility of fully enjoying the beach atmosphere by these individuals regardless of their physical abilities. Aisha Al Mulla, Head of Tourism Investment Policy at Qatar Tourism, said: “At Qatar Tourism, we are committed to developing and implementing policies that ensure we meet the highest standards of service and quality in all our tourism offerings. We are therefore proud that our West Bay Beach is the first in Qatar to implement initiatives that cater to individuals with mobility disabilities, in line with our vision to make Qatar’s tourism sector safe, enjoyable and accessible to all.” Ms. Aidana Saparbayeva, Project Manager at West Bay Beach, said: “West Bay Beach has always strived to create an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome and can enjoy their time fully on the beach. We are delighted to become the first beach in Doha to create a ramp for easy access, allowing individuals with mobility challenges to easily access the beach and live this beautiful experience. This is an important step towards a more inclusive society, and we hope it will inspire more other establishments.” In addition to the accessibility ramp, West Bay Beach is making a …

The Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Hamra has partnered with Dubai’s Sky Walker Yachts to offer the first charter experience of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah from mid-October. Sky Walker Yachts will enhance the maritime and tourist experience within Ras Al Khaimah with two vessels – one that accommodates large groups and corporate bookings, and the other, is more suited to smaller, intimate occasions. The experienced team at Sky Walker Yachts is ready to cater to a variety of desires, with multiple add-on options and packages. From those who are looking for some rest and relaxation alongside incredible dining experiences – to those who want a little more action with snorkelling gear and inflatables – the Sky Walker Yachts team is ready to assist. “We are all very excited to expand our services into Ras Al Khaimah. As a destination, it is becoming increasingly attractive for inbound tourists and residents alike through its development plans. As a yachting destination, it is simply perfect, with its crystal-clear waters, sheltered anchorages, and stunning landscapes,” said Simon Wickham, Managing Director of Sky Walker Yachts. “Our yachting experiences are designed to provide guests with the ultimate blend of comfort, excitement, and relaxation. Whether they are seeking a serene escape or an action-packed aquatic adventure, we have it all. Our vessels are modern with spacious designs and come in various sizes to accommodate small to large groups. Our crew are highly trained in hospitality offering guests a five-star experience complimented by delicious cuisine and water sport options if guests wish to add to the fun.” Simon concluded. “With the rapid growth and expansion of Al Hamra Village and Ras Al …

Cruise Saudi announced its investment in world-leading tech organisations for its pioneering owned cruise line AROYA Cruises, part of its visionary ambition to revolutionise the Saudi tourism industry and guide Saudi into the future, in line with Vision 2030. Cruise Saudi’s strategic partnerships for its phase I of technology stack development for Aroya Cruises including Monitor Deloitte, Alibaba Cloud SA, theICEway, SourceToad, Otalio, and Versonix Seaware form a crucial part of Cruise Saudi’s commitment to creating a seamless passenger experience, from booking to the boarding process, and beyond. The unrivalled expertise of the Information Technology and Digitisation team at Cruise Saudi to craft the technology stack, coupled with an insatiable drive for innovation and market disruption in cruise line technologies, underscores the project’s visionary approach. Meanwhile, the blend of both luxury and groundbreaking technology sets AROYA Cruises apart as a beacon of innovation, charting a fresh course for Arabian travel experiences. A global powerhouse in strategy and consultancy, Monitor Deloitte will be at the vanguard of project management, intricately weaving a data and digital strategy to ensure every technological decision is foresight driven. As a homegrown Saudi enterprise, Alibaba Cloud Saudi Arabia will be laying the digital foundation for AROYA Cruises, epitomising the zenith of security, reliability, and swift digital interactions. Meanwhile theICEway is tasked with amalgamating AROYA’s diverse technological realms into a seamless and cohesive digital ecosystem, ensuring a harmonious experience for every guest and crew member. Providing features for passengers, such as an interactive ship map, daily itineraries, and reservations for shore excursions, dining, and spa treatments, Sourcetoad’s guest-centric digital concierge is poised to be the central hub of onboard connectivity and engagement. Alongside this, Otalio’s Ship Property Management System …

Amadeus entered strategic partnership with Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC to enrich Bahwan Travel Agencies’ product portfolio and elevate customer experience in Oman market. The partnership will see Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC integrating cutting-edge solutions from Amadeus, including Amadeus Web Services, Selling Platform and Productivity Suite. These state-of-the-art tools enhance operational efficiency, streamline booking process, and empower travel agencies to provide more personalized and seamless services to customers. Key solutions Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC will implement is Amadeus All Fares for shopping and Amadeus Robotics for fare optimization. These will enable agency to offer travelers comprehensive and optimized fares suited to needs of traveler, ultimately enhancing their overall journey planning experience. The partnership also delivers Amadeus Ticket Changer for faster, automated ticket re-issue and refund capabilities, Quality Control Smart Scripts, and other tools to ensure smoother and hassle-free operations. Biju Antony, General Manager of Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, said: “At Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, our commitment is to provide exceptional travel experiences for customers. Partnering with Amadeus aligns perfectly with our vision, as the their solutions are renowned  for innovation and reliability. We believe this collaboration will help us take our customer service to new heights and deliver seamless and personalized travel experiences.” Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf, expressed his excitement about partnership, stating, ” As an industry, we only progress by working together. That’s why we are thrilled to collaborate with Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC in bringing latest Amadeus travel technology to take travel experience to next level. Our solutions are designed to drive efficiency and elevate customer service, and we are confident that Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC will greatly benefit from implementing these state-of-the-art tools, reinforced …