In terms of passenger traffic during this year’s fall season, the airport recorded an increase in the number of passengers by more than 34 percent over the number of passengers for the same period in last year’s fall season. In July 2023 AD, the number of passengers exceeded 186 thousand passengers, compared to 138 thousand passengers in July of last year 2022 AD, and the number of passengers in August 2023 AD this year exceeded the barrier of 285 thousand passengers, while the number of passengers in August 2022 AD reached 212 thousand passengers. While not… The number of passengers before the pandemic exceeded 154,000 in July 2019, and the number also did not exceed 200,000 in August of the same year. Salalah Airport succeeded in restoring its growth numbers to before the “Covid-19” pandemic, exceeding the numbers it achieved in 2019 and thus recording a full recovery from the repercussions of the pandemic that affected air traffic internationally. The airport also recorded an increase in air traffic during the fall season of this year, amounting to 29 percent in air traffic numbers and 434.% in the number of passengers during the fall season of this year 2023 until August 15, 2023 AD, compared to the same period in 2022 AD. Air traffic at Salalah Airport witnessed an increase during the months of July and August of the current year 2023 AD, exceeding the numbers achieved last year and 2019 AD. Air traffic grew during last July 2023 AD to reach 1,424 flights, compared to 1,125 flights in July 2022 AD. In August this year, 1,744 flights were recorded, compared to 1,330 flights in August 2022, while air traffic before …

Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub by Dubai Holding are set to elevate the thrill factor during this season with the introduction of Aerial Adventure Park, a multiverse exhilarating attraction designed to be accessible to visitors of all ages and physical abilities. Opening its doors today, Season 6 promises a plethora of enticing stay options and an action-packed events calendar that will keep the excitement soaring all-season long. In addition to the impressive line-up of activities that Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub are known for, such as kayaking, hiking, ziplining, mountain biking and the iconic Hatta Drop-in water slide, the new Aerial Adventure Park boasts a High Ropes Course, Free Fall, Giant Swing, 45 Degree Zip, Bag Drop, Zip Line Belay and the heart-pounding Leap of Faith. Each of the park experiences lasts between 90 to 120 minutes, with the capacity to accommodate up to 75 visitors simultaneously. For the younger adventurers, the Aerial Adventure Park also features a specially designed ground-level park tailored for children aged three to six. This children’s version offers an experience lasting between 30 to 45 minutes and can host up to 10 children at a time. To ensure a seamless and safe experience for all, comprehensive training, practical demonstrations and ample practice opportunities are provided for every attraction. “As Hatta Resorts and its Wadi Hub by Dubai Holding cement its place as an exceptional gem in the vibrant tapestry of the emirate’s tourism offerings, our unwavering commitment to establishing Hatta as a multifaceted and sustainable tourism destination remains at the forefront,” said Roudi Soubra, Vice President – Asset Management at Dubai Holding Hospitality Assets. “With the exciting launch of Season Six, Hatta Resorts …

Red Sea Global (RSG), The Red Sea and Amaala, has become the first company in Saudi Arabia to receive the prestigious Mostadam Diamond Certification for its flagship Turtle Bay Hotel. Mostadam’s expertise and guidance is playing a pivotal role in creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom. Red Sea Global has worked closely with the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing to help define the innovative Mostadam criteria. Together, they are creating vibrant and sustainable communities in the Kingdom, paving the way for a more sustainable and ecologically responsible housing sector for current and future generations. This esteemed accolade, received under the patronage of HE Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, Majid bin Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Hoqail, recognizes RSG’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and green building practices, including energy efficiency, renewable energy uptake, water use efficiency, improved connectivity, enhanced health and comfort, as well as integrated construction waste management. The hotel comprises 144 keys arranged in multiple blocks overlooking the Red Sea. “We consistently embrace sustainable practices in our developments, from design through to operations. We have chosen to power our destinations using 100% renewable energy sources and are incorporating state-of-the-art waste management systems into our infrastructure. This certification is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability, regenerative tourism development and environmental stewardship.” said John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global. Red Sea Global has constructed 5 solar farms to enable the first phase of The Red Sea to be off grid powered solely by sunlight, with more than 760,000 solar panels, in place. The group also announced a multi-utilities concessions agreement for Amaala this week, and across the two destinations, expects to save one million tons …

The luxury five-star hotel in Fujairah, Rotana Resort and Spa opened a mini golf course amidst the magnificent Hajar mountains and the beautiful beaches of the Indian Ocean in time for the upcoming season. Located near the kids’ club, kids and parents can play at the 300 sqm course every day from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. The child can learn self-control and perseverance to achieve great results and can burn around 300 calories per hour at the 6-hole course in a fun environment and friendly atmosphere. All ages are welcome to the new mini golf course where the cost of one hour is AED 50 including two putters and two balls, the cost of 30 minutes is AED 35 including two putters and two balls, and the cost of any additional hour is AED 15 including one putter and one ball. Guests can also enjoy their time at the large swimming pool that is now open until midnight till the end of September 2023 along with Sharkeys and pool bars serving tropical cocktails and fresh juices to the guests. The 1073 m2 swimming pool is 1.3m deep and features kids, babies, and adults parts with a slider for kids for a day full of fun and excitement. Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa includes impressive collection of diverse dining options comprising Waves Beach Restaurant, a trendy venue offering a dining experience to suit every occasion with a delicious à la carte dinner menu, and Mozaique which offers an expansive buffet with a vast range of international dishes. Bar Muda lounge bar and terrace is one of Fujairah’s most popular lounge bars where guests can have a good time with friends …

Effective until 29 February 2024, the five-month stimulus visa scheme is aimed to help reach this year’s tourism revenue target of 2.38 trillion Baht. The Royal Thai Government led by Prime Minister H.E. Mr. Srettha Thavisin has announced the temporary tourist visa exemption scheme to passport holders of the People’s Republic of China and Republic of Kazakhstan effective from 25 September 2023 to 29 February 2024, to achieve this year’s tourism revenue target of 2.38 trillion Baht. Chinese and Kazakhstani nationals will be granted a temporary visa exemption for a 30-day stay on tourism purpose in Thailand during the five-month visa exemption period.

In honour of Saudi National Day, IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a partnership with ALFURSAN to launch a limited time offer allowing IHG One Rewards and ALFURSAN members to earn triple ALFURSAN Reward Miles when booking a stay at any IHG Hotels & Resorts property worldwide.* The exclusive offer enables guests to earn three times the number of base miles that they would normally receive on a room night rate and eligible charges at InterContinental® Hotels & Resorts, Regent® Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo®, HUALUXE® Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza® Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn®, Holiday Inn Express®, Holiday Inn Club Vacations®, Holiday Inn Resort®, EVEN® Hotels, voco® Hotels, Vignette™ Collection, Atwell Suites™, avid® Hotels, Staybridge Suites®, Candlewood Suites®, The Venetian® Resort Las Vegas, and The Venetian® Macao. Some Six Senses® Hotels, Resorts & Spas and Iberostar Beachfront Resorts properties are also included in the promotion. The ‘3X Miles’ offer is valid for registrations and hotel bookings made from 14 September to 14 October 2023 at any of the listed IHG Hotels & Resorts destinations worldwide. IHG One Rewards – the global loyalty program from IHG Hotels & Resorts – is designed to give members more value, enhanced benefits, and the flexibility to choose to be rewarded in their own way. Loyalty members can access IHG’s world of 18 brands and more than 6,000 hotels all in the palm of their hands through its all-new mobile app. ALFURSAN has over 7.5 million members worldwide. Through its frequent flyer programme, travellers can access an extensive range of benefits, including flight redemptions, flight upgrades, partner offers, no expiration on miles, and more. Register and book a stay …

In its latest campaign, Air India announced that it flies 79 times a week between the UAE and India. Apart from that a special promotional fare of AED 1430 (T’s & C’s apply)  on business class between the UAE and India on their latest dreamliner jets is the second campaign this week. There are several options travellers can pick from earning double frequent points to enjoying special fares on the UAE – India route. With its latest strategies Air India will continue its timeless hospitality with seamless connectivity and immersive experiences to all its passengers.  

World Travel Market London 2023 has signed up more than 14% new exhibitors, ranging from household names to specialist firms and niche brands. They will make up around 4,000 exhibitors at ExCeL London (6-8th November) to exchange ideas, drive innovation and accelerate their businesses. High-profile names debuting this year this year include Eurostar – the high-speed international rail service connecting the UK with mainland Europe – and ABBA Voyage, a live concert staged in London with virtual ‘Abbatars’. Also exhibiting for the first time is the Bermuda Tourism Authority, which is heading to WTM London to highlight its culture, heritage, cuisine, wellness and sustainability offerings. Other tourism boards making their first appearance at WTM London come from destinations as diverse as Sabah – promoting travel to northern Borneo, in Malaysia – and Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Other new exhibitors from Asia are Ayana Hospitality, which offers luxury resorts and hotels in Indonesia, and Vietnam’s Thien Minh Group, showcasing its wide range of services, such as destination management, hospitality, online solutions and aviation. Rapidly growing global online travel agency Trip.com Group will be attending to target growth within the European market, while UK-based package holiday specialist HolidayBest will promote its worldwide range of destinations and vacation styles. Other new exhibitors will be travelling from Turkey, such as the Turkish travel agency association TURSAB, and Salkantay Trekking will be visiting from Peru, where it is a leading tour operator offering treks and adventure tours to Machu Picchu. Delegates in the technology zone will be able to meet new tech exhibitors such as search marketing agency Vertical Leap, and payments specialist flywire – which exhibited with WTM for the first time …

Valor Hospitality Middle East signed an agreement with owning company Ezz Asass International to manage the Four Points by Sheraton branded property. This agreement also marks the second collaboration between Valor Hospitalty Middle East and Marriott International in Oman. Scheduled to open in 2024, the 85 room hotel is in the city of Duqm, on the southern coast of Oman. The hotel is strategically located within the Special Economic Zone of Duqm (SEZAD), and within minutes from the SEZAD Headquarters and opposite the Police Training centre. With recent projects announced in Duqm, the hotel will offer a convenient choice for corporate travellers and a slowly growing leisure segment are being drawn by stunning beaches. The Four Points by Sheraton Duqm is anticipated to reflect the brand’s promise of ‘travel reinvented’, providing everything that matters most to today’s travellers seeking balance on the road. A timeless style coupled with comfort and genuine service allows guests to kick back and relax.  The  hotel will feature guest rooms with abundant daylight, an airy atrium lobby, two dining venues, indoor pool and gym, meeting rooms and private car parking space. “Since announcing our first property in Oman last year, we are so pleased to grow our presence with a second Four Points by Sheraton, in Duqm this time”, said Julien Bergue, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Valor Hospitality Middle East. “We are fortunate to have a trusted and reliable businesses owner in Ezz Asass International. We’re naturally excited to partner with Marriott once again. With 300+ keys confirmed in Oman we hope to establish a base here in the coming months” Bergue continued. Hamad Abdullah Al Harthy, Chairman of Ezz Asass International, said, “We are …

Emirates and Maldivian have announced an interline partnership, enabling Emirates customers to access 16 popular holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond Malé. The agreement successfully follows on from last year’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two airlines, to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation. The interline agreement will create more options for Emirates customers when travelling to the Maldivian archipelago, utilising both carriers’ services and networks on a single ticket while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey. Customers travelling to exotic island destinations in the Maldives will now be able to reap the benefit of flying into more popular holiday spots after connecting easily and seamlessly from Velana International Airport in the North Malé atoll. Emirates passengers will link to Maldivian’s services to reach a choice of domestic points for their island getaway. From 15 September, travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates mobile app, or preferred travel agents, for flights effective immediately. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are delighted to establish a partnership with Maldivian, to expand our reach into more points in the Maldives. By partnering with the Maldivian flag carrier, we are able to offer customers smooth connections when flying to a wide choice of islands within the country via Malé. By extending this added-value benefit, our customers from across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Americas can plan their journey to the Maldives with the convenience of booking flights on a single ticket to reach their final destination.” Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed, General Manager – Commercial at Maldivian added: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Emirates, a global aviation leader. This partnership would enable …