Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) has joined forces with The First Group to enhance the accessibility of its offerings in its international chain of hotels for Deaf tourists in the region. The agreement supports both organisations’ commitments to responsible tourism on a global scale. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly 1.5 billion people globally grapple with hearing loss. Of these, 430 million face disabling hearing challenges, a figure projected to rise to over 700 million by 2050. Addressing core issues faced by the Deaf community, such as communication barriers and accessibility in bookings and online reservations, the partnership is determined to bring about change. With the support of AAT’s innovative solutions, including an accessible booking platform and comprehensive sign-language support, Deaf guests can anticipate a more inclusive, accessible, and bespoke experience throughout their stay. As part of this collaboration, The First Group, renowned for its upscale properties like The First Collection Business Bay, The First Collection at Jumeirah Village Circle, Wyndham Dubai Marina, and TRYP by Wyndham Dubai, will integrate AAT’s cutting-edge accessibility solutions with all its existing hospitality brands in Dubai. The need for accessibility is evidenced by Expedia’s survey, where 92% of respondents emphasised the importance of travel providers catering to travellers’ accessibility requirements. Recognising this, AAT offers a unique platform where Deaf tourists using British Sign Language (BSL) can easily navigate, make reservations, and communicate their needs seamlessly. A Deaf traveller can smoothly go through and book rooms, check-in, and even request room service or emergency assistance all through AAT’s mobile application in BSL.   Established in 2005, The First Group hotels have welcomed guests from diverse countries, including the KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, the …

Etihad Airways started flights to three key destinations Osaka, Copenhagen and Dusseldorf. Inaugural services to Dusseldorf, Germany (DUS) began on September 28, followed the next day by Copenhagen, Denmark (CPH) and then Osaka, Japan (KIX) on October 1. Meanwhile the airline unveiled increased frequencies to popular destinations Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (KUL) and Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB). The flights are part of a package of new routes and increased frequencies designed to meet customer demand for more opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi and provide even more connectivity to Etihad’s growing global network. “The new flights are the next important steps as we enhance our network delivering greater connectivity for our guests,and serving their demand for more opportunities to visit Abu Dhabi,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways. “We are helping accelerate economic growth for the city by providing more travel options and seamless connections, ensuring it’s easier for guests to visit Abu Dhabi either as a destination, or as part of a stopover as they explore our growing global network.” Etihad has already announced the launch of nine new destinations this year, including Malaga, Mykonos, Lisbon, Kolkata, St Petersburg, Dusseldorf, Copenhagen, Osaka, and Boston. In addition, the airline recently announced new routes to the Indian Subcontinent, Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram, to be launched in January 2024. To complement these developments, Etihad has made several recent network changes and frequency adds to enhance travel options and connectivity. Highlights include: Improved Departure Times: Enhanced passenger convenience with adjusted departure times for European and Asian destinations. Expanded Frequencies: Increased regularity to Chennai (MAA), Colombo (CMB) Islamabad (ISB), Kochi (COK), Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Madrid (MAD), Milan (MXP), Munich (MUC), Rome (FCO), and Phuket …

Airport Show will once again return with its 23rd edition in Dubai from 14th to 16th May 2024 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. More than 200 exhibitors from over 20 countries will participate in this year’s exhibition. It will feature six country pavilions and over 150 buyers from more than 20 countries. The B2B platform will witness 3,500-plus meetings in its popular Business Connect Programme. The four in-event networking and knowledge- sharing platform will be Innovation Trail, Sustainable Apron, Start-up Zone and Youth in Aviation, along with an equal number of co-located events – Global Airport Leaders’ Forum, Women in Aviation Conference, Airport Security Middle East and Air Traffic Control Forum. Over 60 speakers will grace the occasion and speak on diverse aviation topics, including but not limited to Sustainability at Airports, Passenger Experience, Ground Handling, Airport Security and Air Traffic Management.  There will be more than 30 conference sessions. The exhibition will also host four co-located events – Air Traffic Control Forum, Airport Security Middle East, the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum and the Women in Aviation Middle East Chapter Conference. As the leading international suppliers will be displaying their most advanced airport technology, innovations and solutions, the B2B platform will be an ideal platform for the aviation industry stakeholders to get first-hand knowledge about emerging aviation trends, network with global industry leaders and source the latest technologies to meet the passengers’ expectations. Its organizers, RX, the London-based company that hosts over 400 events in 22 countries across 42 industry sectors, say the three-day exclusive business platform will be attended by over 6,000 aviation industry decision-makers and professionals.       His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, …

In a significant milestone, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia have announced the extension of their partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This historic agreement, follows last year’s successful Global Summit in Riyadh and underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to further enhance its Travel & Tourism sector. Saudi Arabia is committing a staggering $800 billion to unlock the full potential of its breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures for travellers worldwide. This landmark agreement unites private and public sectors in a concerted effort to craft a sustainable blueprint for growth. The MoU, signed today during the Kingdom’s World Tourism Day event in Riyadh, solidifies the collaboration between WTTC and Saudi Arabia, focusing on advancing key objectives, including the promotion of job creation, talent development, and global business opportunities within Travel & Tourism. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “Through the signing of this MoU, WTTC and the Ministry of Tourism of Saudi Arabia embark on a new chapter of cooperation, uniting our expertise to shape a prosperous future for the Travel & Tourism sector. “Together, we can continue to create a powerful synergy that will open doors to endless opportunities, benefiting travellers, businesses, and destinations alike.”

Announced during the World Tourism Day celebrations in Riyadh, “Tourism Opens Minds” will showcase the powerful role that tourism plays in bridging cultures and promoting a more interconnected and harmonious world. To mark the launch, delegates gathered in Riyadh were presented with a special Pledge calling on them to actively work to promote new and under-appreciated destinations. The ‘Tourism Opens Minds’ initiative extends a compelling invitation for travelers to broaden their horizons and explore the uncharted corners of our world. World Tourism Day 2023 was held as new data from UNWTO underscored the sector’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic. At the same time, however, research suggests that only a minority of tourists intend to seek out new or different destinations as they start travelling again. According the UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, global tourism is on track to recover  80% and 95% international arrival numbers by the end of 2023. Notably, however, a recent YouGov survey found that 66% of tourists believe that travelling to a place that provides familiarity is important. Just under half of respondents feel uncomfortable travelling to places they know little about. This is despite the fact that, of those that do travel to new destinations, 83% agree that they come back with a changed or broadened perspective.

SAUDIA revealed its new brand identity and livery during a milestone event in Jeddah. This new identity is in line with a wider strategic digital transformation plan aimed at strengthening the airline’s support for the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to bring the world to Saudi Arabia. The rebrand marks the beginning of a new era for Saudia, introducing innovative concepts in terms of customer services with a strong focus on digital aspects and enhancing the guest experience by celebrating Saudi culture. This transformation reinforces Saudia ‘s national identity as it reimagines all products and services to engage all five senses. It was revealed in the presence of Royal Highnesses, Excellencies and leaders from both the public and private sectors, as well as prominent media correspondents and aviation experts. Guests can anticipate an authentic Saudi experience during their journey, showcasing the very best of Saudi Arabia and its rich culture. This includes a distinctive fragrance and sonic identity, locally inspired cuisine, all crafted by skilled Saudi craftsmen. This new identity mirrors Saudi Arabia’s welcoming spirit, leaving guests with a deep sense of the country’s warmth and hospitality, while promoting a deeper appreciation of Saudi culture for both nationals and visitors. The rebrand also encompasses new uniforms for cabin crew and ground staff. The new brand color identity, comprised of green, blue, and sand, represent Saudia’s aim to expand its fleet and destinations, connecting the world to Saudi Arabia, emphasizing the Kingdom’s authenticity and deep-rooted values.

Christopherson Business Travel and Travelport jointly announced an industry first: being the first travel management company (TMC) to successfully issue a ticket on the revolutionary Deem platform since its integration with Travelport+. The move signals a significant advancement in corporate travel management and marks the dawn of a new era in modern retailing. The integration of Deem with Travelport+ demonstrates Christopherson’s commitment to providing its customers with the most efficient and advanced travel booking options. New distribution capability (NDC) technology allows for more personalization, flexibility, and transparency in booking and servicing travel, ultimately enhancing the customer experience. As longtime partners of Travelport, Christopherson was one of the first North American TMCs to upgrade to Travelport+, enabling the agency to deliver the modern retailing experience their customers expect. Travelport+ simplifies access to multi-source content and generates value for agents and travelers, with advanced retailing capabilities, sophisticated cloud-based point of sale solutions, and tools that make operations easier. “Adopting Deem with Travelport+ is a game-changer for our clients,” said Mike Cameron, CEO of Christopherson Business Travel. “This successful implementation not only positions us at the industry’s forefront, but it ensures our customers benefit from a consumer-like booking tool with multi-source content, including NDC, displayed in a modern storefront, all powered by Travelport+.”

In an exclusive interview with TravelTV Middle East, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO, Miral revealed that this summer, there has been 90% occupancy at the newly opened Warner Bros hotel with a daily rate of AED 1200/-. Al Zaabi reiterated, “We are very proud of the success of those hotels, especially Warner Bros hotel for example in summer only this year we achieved 90% occupancy and the average daily rate of 1200AED and that is unheard of before. We think that this is the vision of Yas island.  In 2021, Miral we opened 3 hotels: Hilton Abu Dhabi, Double Tree as well as in collaboration with Warner Bros Discovery Warner Bros Abu Dhabi hotel.” On the sidelines at the Future Hospitality Summit Abu Dhabi, Al Zaabi further shared, “over the last 15 years Miral has been creating an unique and unforgettable destination and experiences in Abu Dhabi which helped to vision Abu Dhabi as a global hub for tourism, leisure and entertainment, we are the trusted partner here in the sector and we are very happy that the role that we are playing to transform the sector to attracting the sector in Abu Dhabi as well as the role we are playing to diversify the economy of the emirate and increase the revenue of the tourism sector. Miral looks after a number of attractions in Yas island and we oversee the strategy of Saadiyat destination management through our portfolios and we are very proud of the contribution that we are bringing here to the tourism industry from economic impact as well as revenue of tourism and very importantly the number of jobs that we have created over the past …

MSC Cruises announced that in November it will open its first office in Saudi Arabia and also launch a brand-new itinerary from Jeddah as a further demonstration of its commitment to support the Kingdom’s plans for its tourism sector with Saudi Vision 2030. Details were unveiled in Riyadh by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group as he attended the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) ‘World Tourism Day’ conference. The new office will be based in Jeddah and house the commercial, sales and marketing functions for both MSC Cruises and its sister company, Explora Journeys, a new luxury cruise brand that began operations in July this year.  MSC Cruises added that it will start its third season of Red Sea voyages from Jeddah in two months’ time with a new sailing itinerary for international and Saudi Arabia-based holidaymakers. The 294 metre long 16 deck MSC Orchestra can accommodate up to 2,550 passengers and will operate from Jeddah for six months and offer 20 separate 7-night sailings to Aqaba in Jordan to visit Petra and three destinations in Egypt – Sharm El-Sheikh, Sokhna Port for Cairo and Safaga for Luxor – before returning to the Saudi port. In 2024, Explora Journeys’ second ship EXPLORA II will sail in the Middle East in 2024 and visit Jeddah to enable its passengers to visit the city as well as Al Ula and Hegra. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “We are honoured to have played an important role partnering with the key government bodies to stimulate the establishment of the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia. Initially starting with local cruises during the pandemic and then …

Minor Hotels announces the upcoming opening of a new ultra-private luxury resort in the United Arab Emirates. The 22-key Anantara Santorini Abu Dhabi Retreat is set to launch in Q4 2023 and will provide a unique boutique escape from the city, including the option for exclusive use buy-outs. This sophisticated new addition to Anantara’s growing Middle East portfolio is located in Ghantoot, an unspoilt enclave of coast approximately halfway between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Offering uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf, away from the towering skylines of the cities in either direction, Anantara Santorini is a 25-minute drive from Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport and 35-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport. Created to reflect the iconic buildings of its namesake island, the low-lying white buildings of Anantara Santorini blend gently with the surrounding landscape and house a collection of ultra-private accommodation offering spacious interiors with ample sun-drenched terraces and unspoiled sea views. The luxurious spaces have a refined décor with soft, neutral furnishings, which continue throughout the resort. Guests will find relaxing moments on the resort’s private beach, an expansive outdoor pool that overlooks the Gulf, while the indoor cinema provides private screenings on demand with the option of late-night movies with custom gourmet cuisine. Bespoke spa treatments will be able to be enjoyed in private beachside cabanas and 24-hour butler service will ensure guests’ needs are fulfilled around the clock. The culinary experiences on offer at Anantara Santorini will include an elegant restaurant dedicated to the heritage of the region, where local ingredients and spices are brought to the fore, plus in-keeping with the property, an ocean-side restaurant will serve delicacies from Greece. Evenings can be enjoyed at …