For the sixth consecutive time Travelport secured its title as Best Travel Technology Provider at the Arabian Travel Awards. Their recent acquisitions and foray into modern retailing has strengthened their presence in varied markets over the past few years. Kathryn Wallington, Head of MEA, UK&IE, Central & Eastern EU speaking at the ceremony shared, “Being recognized as the Best Travel Technology Provider of the Year has fuelled our mission to continue the evolution and deliver more of the solutions that the industry needs to create seamless experiences for agents and travellers. While our mission to simplify and modernize travel is far from over, this award confirms that at Travelport, we are making real progress to empower agents to become true modern retailers of travel.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

The German National Tourist Office (GNTO) successfully concluded its five-day GCC roadshow at the German Ambassador’s residence in Abu Dhabi, marking the end of a productive journey across the region. The purpose of the roadshow was to foster relationships and gain insights with local tourism professionals and media partners in the Gulf. Starting on October 29 at the private residence of the German Consul General, Her Excellency Dr Eltje Aderhold, in Jeddah, it was followed by a visit to Riyadh and the private residence of the German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, His Excellency Michael Kindsgrab. The roadshow then moved to Kuwait City at the private residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Hans-Christian Freiherr von Reibnitz, followed by a stop in Doha in the presence of the Deputy Head of Mission of the German Embassy in Doha, Mr. Thomas Triller. The roadshow concluded its journey November 2 at the residence of the German Ambassador, His Excellency Alexander Schönfelder, in Abu Dhabi. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office Gulf Countries at the GNTO, expressed her enthusiasm about the roadshow’s impact: “The GCC roadshow was an incredible experience for us. It enabled us to expand our network and explore promising opportunities in these major cities. We not only raised awareness about Germany among the local travel trade, but also diversified our campaign offerings, sharing valuable knowledge with market experts.” During the roadshow, Munich Tourism, as one of the attending partners, highlighted its hospitality offerings for GCC travellers, emphasising amenities such as Arabic-speaking staff and Khaleeji chefs during the summer season. It showcased the upcoming events such as UEFA Euro 2024 taking place in 10 German Cities 14 June – 14 …

Fairmont Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road announces its complete repositioning alongside its extensive renovation project. Residents and tourists are now invited to experience in the one-of-a-kind “Fairmont Feeling”, a blend of opulence, warmth, and personalized service that lingers long after departure. This remarkable transformation ushers in a new era where luxury and lifestyle converge harmoniously and marks a reimagining of the guest experience, setting new standards for unforgettable stays. Recently celebrated its impressive 20th anniversary, the hotel embarks on a transformative journey with the objective of driving modern luxury and enticing the contemporary guest. With its prime location, just moments away from the awe-inspiring Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, the reimagined Fairmont Dubai extends a warm welcome to its guests, offering a blend of sophistication and contemporary elegance, which pays tribute to the art of embracing one’s authentic self. Fairmont Senior Vice-President, Middle East & Asia Nils-Arne Schroeder states ” Fairmont Dubai has successfully renovated its spaces and is now ready to transform guests’ experience. Through a full repositioning, prioritizing personalized service, F&B, and a new look and feel, the property is to become the leading choice among hotels in the cosmopolitan city of Dubai”. The hotel’s remarkable transformation includes renovations to the lobby and the modernization of 394 rooms and suites. The contemporary design features a soft colour palette and natural materials mirroring the surrounding landscape. Warm timber accents reflect desert dunes, and bespoke light fixtures and deep ocean blues create a cozy atmosphere, paying homage to both Fairmont San Francisco and the Arabian Gulf. Situated amidst renowned venues like Bagatelle, OPA, Bistrot Novanta, and The Theater, this property has expanded its allure with a fresh array of dining and …

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement for its second Vignette Collection hotel in Dubai in partnership with ‘The Heart of Europe’ scheduled for a grand opening in January 2026, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, will mark a significant milestone for The Heart of Europe, solidifying IHG’s presence within The World Islands – an archipelago of manmade islands located in the Arabian Gulf, off the coast of Dubai. The Vignette Collection brand allows owners of world-class independent hotels to retain their distinctive identity while benefitting from IHG’s global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise. The upcoming Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai, is located in ‘The Heart of Europe’, a self-sustaining holiday destination spanning across six islands, each blending European architectural charm with top-tier hospitality, embracing luxury and innovation on shores of tranquil beaches. The Heart of Europe encompasses a variety of opulent properties, including beachfront villas, premium hotels, an innovative underwater living experience, and an array of top-tier amenities such as climate-controlled streets and the coral institute dedicated to preserving and revitalising the marine ecosystem. Once completed, Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection The World Islands Dubai will feature 150 rooms overlooking the Arabian Gulf in a prime location along a pristine beach and crystal-clear sea. True to the Vignette Collection brand, the property will seamlessly merge exclusivity with community and locality and feature a unique Andalusian-inspired design with contemporary architecture. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, commented: “We are excited to partner with The Heart of Europe to bring the second Vignette Collection resort to Dubai, a testament to IHG’s …

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) has partnered with the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP) through a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This significant partnership will initiate the launch of extracurricular programmes and activities specifically designed for 10th and 11th grade students as a part of the Group’s #IAmTourism Strategy. This groundbreaking agreement enables GTTP to offer an extensive curriculum of educational content in the field of travel and tourism through its e-learning platform, spanning a three-year period. The pilot phase is set to benefit over 100 students from select schools across the Sultanate of Oman. Furthermore, a team of career guidance experts will receive training on leveraging the platform to provide an immersive and fruitful learning journey for aspiring tourism professionals. The MoU was inked by Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, and Michel Taride, Chair of GTTP Advisory Board. The ceremony was graced by HE Azzan bin Qassim Al Busaidi, Chairman of OMRAN Group, along with officials from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in shaping national competencies that will underpin the growth of our vital tourism sector. It is perfectly aligned with our National Tourism Strategy, which places a strong emphasis on tourism education and training to bolster Oman’s standing in the competitive global tourism landscape.” Echoing his sentiments, Ms. Anne Lotter, CEO of the Global Travel and Tourism Partnership (GTTP), remarked, “Our alliance with OMRAN Group is a testament to our commitment to cultivating a deeper understanding of Oman’s rich tourism offerings. Through our specialized programs, we aim to carve out new professional …

Rezlive.com walked away with ‘Best booking platform award’ at the sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards. Jaal Shah – Founder and Managing Director Rezlive.com and winner of the DDP Gamechanger Award 2022, shared, “winning an Arabian Travel Award is exhilarating. It signifies recognition and hard work. It gives a deep sense of accomplishment and pride. This award will motivate me to be resilient in facing challenges and encourage me to work harder and excel. This sense of accomplishment will inspire me to continue improving with more dedication.” The sixth edition of the Arabian Travel Awards concluded at Sofitel downtown Dubai graced by HE Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil bin Shamsuddin, Ambassador of Malaysia to the UAE as Chief Guest presenting the awards to the stars of the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. An exclusive invitation only event gathered all the key leaders from travel, tourism and hospitality across the GCC.

H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy, held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Aziz Abdel Hakimov, Minister of Environment, Environmental Protection and Climate Change and responsible for the tourism portfolio of Uzbekistan, and his accompanying delegation. It explored opportunities for cooperation and the development of partnerships in the areas of new economy, sustainability, circular economy, entrepreneurship, and SMEs. H.E. Bin Touq emphasized that the UAE-Uzbekistan relations are strong and characterized by continued growth in various fields, historical ties, geographical proximity, and shared cultural and Islamic values. H.E. Bin Touq said: “Both our countries boast geographical locations through which key markets in Asia and Africa can be accessed. In addition, both markets offer numerous promising opportunities in new and sustainable economic sectors that can be leveraged to build more economic partnerships at the government and private sectors, thus elevating our existing partnership to new levels.” He added: “Our meeting with the Uzbek delegation is an important step forward in strengthening economic cooperation, facilitating dialogue at the private sector level and unlocking new avenues for efforts that support bilateral cooperation in economic sectors of shared interest.” He noted that the meeting is particularly important as it comes ahead of the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai from 30 November to 12 December 2023. The meeting discussed strengthening of cooperation and exchange of experiences and expertise on sustainable policies for tourism, entrepreneurship, and SMEs development, in addition to exploring opportunities in these sectors that are key to economic growth. Furthermore, H.E. Bin Touq reviewed the advantages offered by the UAE’s business environment to investors and business owners. These include the substantive amendments to the Commercial Companies Law to create a flexible …

Etihad Airways operated the first commercial flight from Abu Dhabi International’s highly-anticipated new Terminal A. Etihad flight EY224, from Abu Dhabi to New Delhi, departed Terminal A  on Airbus A350-1000, with 359 guests onboard. Etihad and Abu Dhabi International Airport welcomed the guests who made history as they enjoyed the seamless experience of checking in at Terminal A for the first time. To commemorate the occasion, all passengers, including those in both Economy and Business classes, had the unique opportunity to be the inaugural guests at the new flagship Etihad Lounges which span three floors at Terminal A. After sampling a special menu of celebratory cuisine at the Etihad Lounge, guests made their way to Gate C27, where themed decorations and a photo booth awaited to capture this historic moment. The ceremonial flight was officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by a distinguished array of guests, including Etihad and Abu Dhabi Airport Board members and aviation leaders. Among those present were Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, as well as Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Interim CEO and Frank McCrorie, Chief Operations Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports. Antonoaldo and Frank both gave speeches to officially welcome the airport’s first guests. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “This is a pivotal and exciting moment in Etihad’s history. As we begin to celebrate our 20th anniversary in November, we are ready for the next growth chapter in our new home. “Our congratulations go to the Abu Dhabi leadership for their vision in creating what is one of the world’s most spectacular airports. The terminal is a stunning piece of architecture that echoes the local landscape and warmly welcomes our guests and elevates …

IHG Hotels & Resorts debuted its premium voco hotels brand in Saudi Arabia’s Holy City  with the official opening of voco Makkah. The hotel is part of the Maad Hospitality Towers Development in Makkah, a mixed-used megaproject that includes restaurants, lounge areas, and event halls. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & resorts said: “We’re very pleased to increase our presence in the Kingdom while catering to the needs of guests travelling to Makkah during the Hajj or Umrah seasons. When it’s time for the journey of a lifetime, voco Makkah is with you every step of the way.” “Religious tourism remains the bedrock of the Kingdom’s tourism growth, with a goal of attracting 30 million pilgrims to the Kingdom by 2030. Saudi Arabia’s National Vision 2030 is an ambitious blueprint of the country’s long-term goals and expectations, and we look forward to catering to the influx of pilgrims at voco Makkah.” The 4321-room property is thoughtfully designed with accommodation from two up to four guests, perfect for families or groups travelling together. All rooms feature the contemporary classic comfort of a voco hotel design. Guests will benefit from multiple reception areas for ease of check in, separate praying areas for male and female, and the ability to walk to the holy mosque. The property also boasts 20,000 sqm of dining facilities. Close to Mina Valley and Mount Arafat and only 1.5km from Masjid al-Haram (City Centre), guests can enjoy a prime location with premium amenities. Global cuisine from international chefs is served around the clock in four eye-catching towers which include anything a guest could need. From a mini shopping mall to a barber …

Thynk announced the acquisition of ‘Please ask m’, a pivotal step in fortifying its hospitality cloud solution. This acquisition aligns seamlessly with Thynk’s strategic growth initiatives, aimed at providing hoteliers with an augmented suite of software to elevate sales and operations, deliver superior guest experiences, and harness actionable data-driven insights. Pascal Petit, CEO of Thynk, said: “The integration of Please ask m’s functionalities into Thynk’s hospitality cloud represents a confluence of aligned interests and core competencies. The fusion of these platforms is expected to significantly enhance our value proposition for hoteliers, facilitating increased revenue potential and operational efficiency.” Thynk’s hospitality cloud, recognized for streamlining hotel operations and leveraging data for insightful decision-making, will now be complemented by Please ask m’s robust revenue generation modules. This strategic addition ensures that hoteliers are not only equipped with top-tier operational tools but also with advanced mechanisms to identify and capture new revenue opportunities and improve the customer journey. Mark Struik, Founder of Please ask m, commented: “With Thynk we have a shared vision, one that sees beyond today’s constraints. The addition of our revenue generation modules to Thynk’s cloud ecosystem is like giving hoteliers a key to countless new doors of opportunity.” With this acquisition, stakeholders can anticipate a cohesive platform that addresses the multifaceted needs of the modern hospitality industry. Nils Scheers, COO of Thynk, added: “The integration process has been initiated with a focus on seamless transition and operational continuity. We remain committed to delivering consistent and enhanced value to our clients.” Thynk remains dedicated to its mission of providing unparalleled solutions to the hospitality sector and views this acquisition as a significant milestone in its journey towards industry leadership.