The Ajman Department of Tourism Development showcased the emirate’s unique attractions, its natural features and tourist potential at a strategic roadshow across key destinations in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to promote and market tourism in the Emirate of Ajman. The roadshow itinerary included visits to Oman that started on December 4 and continued to Al Riyadh, KSA on December 5-6, and Jeddah, KSA on December 7. The initiative aimed to tap into new tourist markets, attract more visitors and tourists, facilitate the exchange of experiences and expertise, and establish valuable partnerships with companies and travel agencies through meetings and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). On this occasion, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development said: “This tour underscores our dedication to showcasing the unique cultural and natural treasures that define the Emirate of Ajman. As we embarked on this strategic journey, our goal was not only to introduce potential visitors and partners to the distinctive offerings of Ajman but also to forge meaningful collaborations with industry operators. We believe that by engaging with key markets in Oman, and Saudi Arabia, we can tap into new tourist segments, attract a diverse range of visitors, and strengthen our position as a leading tourism destination in the region.” The GCC market has been a pivotal contributor to Ajman’s tourism sector, witnessing consistent growth year over year. The influx of visitors from Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw a significant uptick of 12% from the third quarter of 2022 to the start of 2023, marking a notable increase compared to the preceding year. KSA, holding the position of the 9th top source market for Ajman, …

dnata has partnered with Malaysia-based Batik Air, formerly known as Malindo Air, to bolster the airline’s newly launched route between Dubai and Kuala Lumpur. Batik Air began operating four weekly services from Dubai to Malaysia’s capital city in November 2023. This marked the airline’s second route launch in the Middle East this year, following its successful introduction of flights between Jeddah (KSA) and Kuala Lumpur in August. dnata Representation Services will act as the airline’s general sales agent (GSA) in the UAE, providing a comprehensive range of travel services and local infrastructure for sales, marketing, and distribution support. Drawing interest from UAE-based travellers, Batik Air has introduced attractive fares starting at AED 1,299 for Economy Class and AED 3,499 for Business Class return flights. Simon Woodford, Vice President Global Air Services at dnata Travel Group, commented: “The reopening of Asia has sparked a rising trend in travel from the UAE, with a growing number of people seeking to explore the diverse landscapes and cultures of the continent. In Malaysia, cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur and the beautiful coastlines beyond – including Langkawi – are increasingly popular. We are delighted to support Batik Air locally, as it opens more options for travel between the UAE and Malaysia.” Datuk Chandran Rama Muthy, Group Strategy Director of Batik Air, added: “Malaysia is rapidly gaining recognition as a vibrant destination, known for its natural beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality, with a growing significance for business partnerships and cultural exchanges. With the launch of our direct flights from Dubai to Kuala Lumpur, travellers now have easier access to explore the country. Whether planning a leisurely getaway, a family vacation, or an important business trip, our affordable …

musafir.com takes a significant step forward by officially launching its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, aligning with the transformative goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The office was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani and Sachin Gadoya, Founders of musafir.com, in the presence of eminent guests from the travel fraternity. musafir.com’s entry into the Saudi Arabian market strategically targets corporate clients, contributing to the Kingdom’s burgeoning tourism and corporate travel sector. The organization aims to deliver tailored travel solutions, seamless booking experiences, and dedicated support to meet the unique needs of businesses in Saudi Arabia. Commenting on this strategic move, Sheikh Al Thani said, ‘Saudi Arabia has experienced an extraordinary surge in tourism revenue, surpassing 37 billion Saudi riyals in the first quarter of 2023. This exemplifies the Kingdom’s commitment to diversify its economy beyond oil. Aligned with this momentum, our new corporate office in KSA is an integral part of our regional expansion strategy, poised to meet the escalating travel demand of our discerning customers. Since our inception in 2007, musafir.com has consistently grown, and this new office propels us toward long-term success.” The new office premises is centrally and strategically located in Aknaz Center, Tahliah Street, Al Olaya in Riyadh and includes a state-of-the-art, multilingual contact centre, which will offer musafir.com’s customers dedicated 24 X 7 support. Sachin Gadoya expressed enthusiasm, stating, “Our entry into Riyadh indicates a significant milestone for musafir.com. With an unwavering commitment to our corporate clientele, we are eager to contribute to the growth and efficiency of travel management for businesses in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the leisure sector will soon benefit from musafir’s innovative offerings.” As part of musafir.com’s growth …

According to Go-Globe, by 2028, the Sharing Economy market will expand by 32% compared to 2022. In MENA, the segment of Shared Accommodation will grow by 42%, Shared Business Services by 40% and Shared Transportation by 38%. The city of Dubai is extensively introducing co-sharing products. Today, the city provides various services of shared transportation: scooters — Lime, Tier and Circ, bicycles — Byky, cars — Udrive and Ekar, yachts and boats — CharterClick and Xclusive Yachts. There are also coworking spaces — The Cribb, Impact Hub Dubai and AstroLabs Dubai. However, there is still a vacant niche for other services popular in the West — equipment co-sharing such as Fat Llama and ToolzDo, or animal care services such as Rover. As for the shared accommodation, there is a list of restrictions for co-habitation in Dubai, but the regulations are gradually becoming more lenient. It has recently become possible for unmarried couples to share accommodation, so you can already find shared rentals within the laws of the city. For example, the Colife service shows that Dubai residents are interested in renting separate apartments with common areas. Colife data from other countries shows that this type of rental is popular with students, digital nomads, work-relocated expats and new residents. According to data obtained by Colife as a result of surveys, 72% of users plan to stay in Dubai for a year or more. However, not everyone can afford rent with a desired level of comfort. The average rent price for an apartment in Dubai is 7.900 dirhams. while the optimal price for surveyed users is 7.000 dirhams. 42,5% of users travel and live alone, meaning that many residents simply cannot afford …

Banyan Tree announced the opening of its first resort in Dubai to coincide with the country’s 52nd Union Day celebrations on December 2, 2023 . Banyan Tree Dubai, which offers a full range of dining and leisure facilities, is located on the waterfront of the beaches of Bluewaters Island Dubai, Dubai Holding’s long-standing luxury and vibrant living destination. Known for offering a complete blend of ideal destinations for residential, retail, hospitality and leisure. The resort has a sleek contemporary design and a deep sense of belonging, seamlessly harmonizing with the unique architectural features of the surrounding Dubai Marina. Stretching 500 metres along the pristine and clean private beach, this charming landmark offers a mesmerizing view of the blue waters of the Arabian Gulf and the iconic Ain Dubai wheel. The resort also features three swimming pools equipped with climate control. Peter Hechler, Senior Vice President and Head of Regional Operations for Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, Banyan Tree Group, said: “We are delighted to open Banyan’s first resort in Dubai, which coincides with the UAE’s Union Day celebrations, noting that the project was implemented in partnership with a group of prestigious partners such as Inismor and Dubai Holding. “We are confident that Banyan Tree Dubai will attract visitors and travellers looking for both leisure and business destinations thanks to its central strategic location, and will be an ideal attraction for couples looking for wedding and honeymoon venues. We look forward to welcoming our visitors to Banyan Tree Dubai, which offers the highest standards of Arabian hospitality and luxury.” Banyan Tree Resort in Dubai consists of 178 rooms, all featuring unique designs designed by leading company Blink Design, offering an …

IATA’s latest reports share that Middle Eastern airlines posted a 24.1% rise in October 2023 traffic compared to a year ago. Capacity rose 22.2% and load factor climbed 1.2 percentage points to 80.6%. Asia-Pacific airlines saw an 80.3% increase in October 2023 traffic compared to October 2022, continuing to lead the regions. Capacity climbed 72.5% and the load factor increased by 3.6 percentage points to 82.9%. European carriers’ October 2023 traffic rose 16.1% versus October 2022. Capacity increased 14.5%, and load factor edged up 1.2 percentage points to 85.1%. North American carriers had a 17.5% traffic rise in October 2023 versus the 2022 period. Capacity also increased 17.5%, and load factor was stable at 83.9%. Latin American airlines’ traffic rose 21.2% compared to the same month in 2022. October capacity climbed faster — up 22.3% —  pushing load factor down 0.8 percentage points to 85.3%, highest among the regions. African airlines saw a 25.3% traffic increase in October 2023 versus a year ago. October capacity was up 32.4% causing load factor to decline 4.0 percentage points to 70.3%, lowest among the regions. ‘People assign a high value to the freedom to travel. The strong demand we’ve seen all year confirms that. And aviation is committed to ensuring that people can continue to enjoy this freedom. To do that in the long-term, we must also meet our commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Last month, the Third Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) agreed a global framework to promote Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production with the aim that aviation fuel in 2030 is 5% less carbon intensive than fossil fuel used today. Now, governments need to support that …

dusitD2 kenz Hotel emerged winner in the category as ‘Best Business Hotel’ at the Arabian Travel Awards 2023. Bassam Zakaria, Cluster General Manager – dusitD2 kenz Hotel & Dusit Princess Residences – Dubai Marina shared, “Our winning streak for 2 consecutive years in Arabian Travel Awards reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence at both our properties. This year’s awards night was exceptional, filled with entertainment and served as a grand celebration of the hard work of all hoteliers and industry partners throughout this year. We are honoured to bring Dusit’s signature Thai-inspired hospitality to Dubai, and we are eager to provide more exceptional services and transformative experiences for our valued guests and patrons in the exciting times ahead. This award not only acknowledges our past achievements but also motivates us for 2024, spurring us on to surpass even greater milestones, setting new standards in hospitality and guest experience.”

The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance has launched a ground-breaking new digital version of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality at COP28 in Dubai. This cutting-edge tool provides hospitality companies with a clear roadmap to accelerate their ESG progress, enabling them to navigate the stages of the pathway with ease. The latest edition of the Pathway includes over 80 pages of comprehensive guidance, as well as brand-new resources and case studies showcasing best practice. Developed by and for the industry over a period of two years, the Pathway underwent rigorous consultation with the Alliance’s hospitality and affiliate donor members, expert partners, and sustainability professionals from academia and consulting firms. Today’s update introduces a Progress Tracker, developed in collaboration with EY, which allows companies to understand and record their progress along the Pathway, providing valuable insights to measure their impact. The digital pathway offers comprehensive guidance, including checklists, tools, and resources, addressing 10 crucial topics within an ESG framework. In the hospitality industry, with its complex ownership and management structures, it can be challenging to identify responsibilities in sustainability. This Pathway aims to support the entire sector, from sustainability leaders to those just beginning their journey, in embracing sustainability. Speaking at the UNWTO Side event at COP28, Glenn Mandziuk, CEO of the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance, highlighted how this first-of-its-kind resource sets out a clear and ambitious journey for the entire sector to embark on together. Mandziuk affirms, “At the Alliance, we believe that every hotel can and must go beyond minimizing negative impact and work to truly give back to the community, the destination, and the planet, regardless of their starting point. This digitised version of the Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality provides …

Slated to open in 2027, Marriott International, Inc. signed an agreement with Palm Hills Developments to open The Ritz-Carlton Cairo, Palm Hills, signaling a commitment to strengthening its portfolio of properties across the company’s luxury brands in Egypt. The hotel will be located in Palm Hills West Cairo, in close proximity to the Great Pyramids of Giza, “We are thrilled to work with Palm Hills Developments to bring a new level of exceptional luxury and unrivaled elegance to West Cairo,” said Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer – Middle East, Marriott International. “Cairo is a sought-after leisure destination synonymous with some of the world’s most outstanding historical and cultural sites. We continue to see a opportunities to thoughtfully grow our iconic brands in Egypt and other destinations where we know our guests want to travel most.” Expected to open in 2027, the luxury property is expected to include 150 guestrooms and 50 one-, two- and three-bedroom serviced apartments, and will bring The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service and exquisite design to West Cairo. Comprehensive facilities are anticipated to include five dining destinations, a spa, fitness centre, pool, children’s club and state-of-the-art meeting and event facilities. Commenting on the signing, Palm’s Hills Developments Chairman and Group CEO, Yasseen Mansour said, “We would like to welcome Marriott International as our new prominent collaborator in Palm Hills October as we are always eager to work with best-in-class partners, and bringing Ritz-Carlton on board is a milestone for our company, that aligns perfectly with our strategic vision of encouraging the tourism sector along with elevating the offerings of the real estate industry in Egypt. This collaboration underscores our commitment to complement PHD’s communities and hence maximize their …

A special event was held in Riyadh highlighting Berlin’s offerings in medical travel, showcasing a dedicated Arabic website catering to GCC travellers and providing information on accommodation and medical facilities. The Arabic site can be viewed at berlin-health-excellence.com/ar. It was held under the esteemed patronage of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Riyadh, the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin last night hosted a special event in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The gathering aimed to showcase the allure of Berlin and highlight Germany’s tourism offerings for 2024. The exclusive event served as a platform to spotlight Berlin’s rich history, vibrant culture, enchanting Christmas markets, and diverse culinary scene, positioning it as a premier destination for global tourism and conventions. In addition to this, recognising the popularity of football in the region, Berlin also promoted the highly anticipated European Championship, which will be held in 2024 across 10 German cities, including Berlin where the final game will be played. Another major date in 2024 is the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with numerous events taking place in November next year to showcase the city of freedom Berlin. Additionally, Berlin also emphasised its commitment to welcoming guests from diverse backgrounds, offering Muslim-friendly accommodations and sharing information on where to find halal cuisine. The city’s family-friendly environment – featuring children’s museums and zoos – presents an ideal destination for families. Moreover, with its abundant lakes, rivers, and parks, Berlin offers an idyllic retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation. Yamina Sofo, Director of Marketing & Sales Office – Gulf Countries at the GNTO, said: “Germany stands as an embodiment of cultural magnificence and this exclusive event in Riyadh …