Fly Khiva Group announced Almosafer as its exclusive general sales agent (GSA) in the country. The partnership highlights the growing significance of Saudi Arabia as a primary market for Fly Khiva, as both parties align to meet the needs of travellers to the Kingdom. With Fly Khiva set to operate its maiden flight to Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, in January 2025, the Kingdom is all set to welcome more Hajj and Umrah pilgrims from the Central Asian country. The strategic partnership showcases Uzbekistan’s prominence as a source market for religious tourism, and the newly launched flight service facilitates easy and direct access to the Holy Land. Almosafer’s robust market presence and reach in Saudi Arabia will help Fly Khiva expand its operations in the region and ensure seamless service for passengers. Almosafer will leverage its Destination Management Company, Discover Saudi, and its Hajj & Umrah tour operator, Mawasim, to boost Fly Khiva’s sales across the Kingdom. Dilshod Hodjaev, CEO of Fly Khiva, said about the partnership, “We look forward to offering our passengers exceptional travel experiences through this exciting new collaboration. Almosafer’s market expertise and technological prowess will enable us to reach newer markets and offer a seamless experience for all.” Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “We believe strategic alliances are key to the success of our travel journey and are excited to welcome Fly Khiva to our portfolio of esteemed partners to enable an increase in air connectivity for Uzbek pilgrims seeking to visit the Kingdom for Hajj and Umrah.” The airline is set to deploy a Boeing 757-300, equipped with spacious seats and an advanced entertainment …

Qatar Airways will resume operations to Malta with four weekly flights from 2 July 2025. The resumption to Malta will expand Qatar Airways’ network to nearly 50 destinations in Europe. Bookings are now open for travellers from Australia, China, India, Japan, and the Philippines seeking the deep blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. Passengers can plan their summer holidays with Qatar Airways to travel through Hamad International Airport, the World’s Best Airport as voted by Skytrax in 2024, to Malta International Airport and visit the capital city of Valletta – a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and Gozo and Comino – the sister islands of Malta. Similarly, travellers from Malta can benefit from Qatar Airways’ extensive network of more than 170 global destinations, including Australia, where it currently operates 42 weekly flights. Qatar Airways’ proposed partnership with Virgin Australia, pending final regulatory approval, will also boost connectivity. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “Qatar Airways is delighted to announce the resumption of our flights to Malta, which marks a vibrant addition to our robust European network. Qatar and Malta enjoy staunch economic ties, and our operational relaunch to the country only furthers our relationship.” Engr. Al-Meer continued: “We are proud to continually offer our global community of adventurers and leisure travellers new destinations to discover and explore. From historic and cultural sites and attractions, sun and sea activities, to cities serving as locations for Hollywood movies and TV shows, Malta offers an exciting blend of memorable experiences for travellers – all set against the backdrop of the azure Mediterranean Sea.” The Renaissance city of Valletta – the capital of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – …

In a special interview with Eddy K Soemawilaga – President – ASEANTA – ASEAN Tourism Association shared that the Middle East market is an important market for them and that they have restarted the ASEAN pass which enables easier accessibility to hitherto explored destinations across the region. This is also a platform where OTAs, and travel agents could provide a more seamless service to their customers. “To attract Middle Eastern tourists, ASEANTA collaborates with airlines and promotes initiatives like the ASEAN Pass, which offers affordable inter-ASEAN travel options. The pass, implemented via AirAsia’s platform, encourages multi-destination travel and invites participation from other airlines and travel agents. Partnerships with NGOs, governments, and organizations like PATA are in discussion to broaden ASEANTA’s scope. Future plans include engaging more stakeholders to foster regional and global cooperation.” As sustainability is an important aspect for travellers today, Soemawilaga added, “ASEANTA recognizes sustainability as a priority. Efforts include awarding businesses that implement sustainable practices and advocating for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and efficient navigation systems to reduce carbon emissions. In Indonesia, airlines are advocating for a 1% SAF adoption while promoting efficient navigation systems as a cost-effective alternative to reduce emissions post-COVID financial constraints.”

Rezlive.com was awarded “Best online travel booking platform” at the seventh edition of the Arabian Travel Awards 2025“Winning this award is extremely important to me and the team. It serves as a recognition of our hard work and dedication, and it motivates us to continue striving for excellence. This award has a significant impact on our company. It enhances our reputation within the industry and validates our efforts, which in turn can inspire others to pursue similar achievements. After this win, we plan to leverage the recognition to further innovate and improve our services. We will also focus on maintaining the high standards that led to this achievement.” Jaal Shah, Group MD, Rezlive.com

Almosafer (part of Seera Group) announced its partnership with Tasheer at the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025 in Jeddah. The two companies will collaborate on various initiatives to enhance the travel booking experience for travellers visiting the Kingdom. As the official travel partner, Almosafer will provide comprehensive travel solutions to Tasheer’s customers, ensuring a seamless and convenient booking experience. The agreement, signed at the Hajj Conference & Exhibition in Jeddah, expands on both parties’ ongoing collaborations, which currently serve pilgrims, to offer a seamless travel experience for all visitors utilizing Almosafer’s diverse offerings. The partnership will focus on three key verticals, with the streamlining of flight bookings through digital platforms at the forefront. Hajj & Umrah packages and leisure travel bookings will also play an important role, whilst Almosafer and Tasheer will further collaborate on travel management solutions. Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, said; “We are proud to partner with Tasheer to expand our collaboration by leveraging Almosafer’s strengths as a holistic travel platform. With our market leadership, advanced technological innovations, and seamless travel solutions across booking channels, we aim to deliver exceptional experiences to travelers visiting the Kingdom. This partnership aligns with the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030, supporting the national agenda to welcome more visitors and enhance their journeys to Saudi Arabia.” Eng. Fahad Al-Amoud, CEO of Tasheer, commented on the partnership, saying: We at Tasheer take pride in providing innovative and reliable services to visitors coming to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across various segments. Our partnership with Almosafer will support the delivery of value-added services, enabling visitors to benefit from Almosafer’s extensive expertise in the travel sector, innovative booking solutions, and comprehensive services. Together, we aim to …

Visit Qatar hosted the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025, which was held for the first time in Doha from 12 to 15 January 2025. The event was designed to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading luxury tourism destination in the Middle East, with more than 160 luxury tour operators and MICE agents from key markets, including Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Moldova and the Baltic States. More than 50 prestigious hotels, destination management companies and tourism authorities from across the region also participated in the event, including Qatar, the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Turkey and the Indian Ocean. Participants showcased world-class luxury offerings and highlighted the Middle East’s world-class luxury offerings, reinforcing the region’s position as a hub for luxury tourism. The event included an intensive four-day schedule at The Ritz-Carlton Doha, which included two days of bilateral meetings aimed at facilitating important business deals. The last two days were also dedicated to networking events between buyers and exhibitors. Commenting on the event, Eng. Abdulaziz Ali Al Mawlawi, CEO of Visit Qatar, said: “Hosting the Arabian Luxury Travel Show 2025 in Doha is the perfect platform for Visit Qatar to present the unique luxury offerings that characterize Qatar, and through direct communication with influential buyers and travel professionals, we seek to strengthen Qatar’s position as a leading tourist destination for discerning travelers seeking luxury, as this event is in line with our strategic vision to establish Qatar’s presence in the global luxury tourism sector and strengthen our presence in key markets.” The successful hosting of the event underscores Visit Qatar’s commitment to strengthening Qatar’s position as a global luxury destination, in line with the objectives of …

Servantrip has announced an impressive 82% year-on-year increase in B2B bookings for 2024, marking a 1.5x acceleration compared to the growth recorded in 2023. Servantrip grew across the Middle East, Europe, LATAM and the USA connecting over 12,500 points of sale by Q1 2025, highlighting the growth in channel distribution across retail, OTAs, and wholesalers. The company plans to focus on activating over 10,000 additional points of sale between 2025 and 2026, either already connected or nearing connectivity, from the 2,850 active points of sale in 2024. This milestone reflects the company’s ambitious trajectory toward global leadership in the travel sector, underpinned by three transformative achievements in 2024: 1. Advancing technology: Enhancing the industry’s most sophisticated and seamless API for tours, activities, and transfers. 2. Expanding the ecosystem: Establishing the largest network in the transfers and activities sector, with over 60 API integrations and agreements to onboard 5,000 additional points of sale. 3. Strategic expansion: Launching an operational hub in Buenos Aires and initiating U.S. operations through a subsidiary in Miami. In 2024, the transfer services business was a standout success, recording a 109% increase in bookings. Supplier connections to Servantrip grew by 78%, while the number of buyer nationalities expanded by 20% to include travellers from 132 countries. Destinations offering booked services also grew by 10%. Manuel Núñez, Founder and CEO of Servantrip, highlighted the pillars driving the company’s success: “Our growth in 2024 was built on three key strengths: highly scalable, advanced technology; the world’s most comprehensive portfolio of qualified suppliers; and the dedication of the Servantrip team to providing an outstanding customer experience. Many of our clients were introduced to us through recommendations, a testament to our impact in …

Rixos Alexandria Park opened its doors in January 2025. Located in one of Egypt’s most historically significant areas, the resort blends the grandeur of the past with the refined luxury that has become synonymous with the Rixos brand. Experience unparalleled luxury in 326 spacious rooms, suites and villas, as well as 31 exclusive chalets. Whether you’re looking for privacy, romance or family luxury, these accommodations offer elegant design and stunning views, to meet all your needs. In addition, the resort features 152 exquisitely appointed club rooms and suites , as well as a main restaurant and two exceptional à la carte dining experiences, to satisfy all tastes.In its first phase, the resort unveiled the Royal Salamlique Palace and the tranquil King Fouad Inn, where guests are invited to enjoy a harmonious blend of history, sophistication and modern luxury. Future phases will continue to offer more exceptional experiences, enhancing the attractiveness of the resort. Enjoy the charm of Salamlek Palace, a true jewel of historical significance. This stately palace features 18 elegantly appointed suites and rooms, including the legendary Royal Suite specially designed for Khedive Abbas Helmi II and his royal family. The charm of the palace extends to the world-class Royal Table 1892 restaurant and a fine dining experience at La Contes, where fine dining meets exceptional service. For unforgettable moments, the Salamlek Ballroom and Plaza Plaza offer a stunning atmosphere. Guests can relax at the luxurious Anjana Spa and enjoy the indoor and outdoor pools, diving in total serenity. Located along the shores of the Mediterranean, King Fouad Inn features 80 luxury lodges, each with private terraces and sweeping sea views with direct beach access. Guests can enjoy vibrant marine …

Sabre Corporation announced the launch of SAUDIA ’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) content on the Sabre marketplace. This milestone marks a significant advancement in SAUDIA ‘s distribution strategy, enabling the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide enriched content and offers to travel buyers globally. SAUDIA’s NDC content is now accessible through Sabre’s extensive global travel marketplace, marking the first time SAUDIA has made its NDC content available on a GDS. This technical integration empowers travel agents, travel management companies (TMCs), and corporations to deliver tailored offers to their customers. It also supports SAUDIA’s goal of modernizing its distribution capabilities, offering more dynamic and personalized content to travel buyers while elevating the traveler experience. “We are excited to partner with SAUDIA in advancing our mutual goal of enhancing the retailing experience through NDC,” said Kathy Morgan, Senior Vice President of Product Management and Distribution Experience at Sabre. “The launch of SAUDIA’s NDC content through Sabre demonstrates our commitment to enabling seamless access to multi-source content, ensuring that travel agents and corporations can easily shop, book, and service NDC offers alongside other content in our marketplace.” SAUDIA, the flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, is eager to unlock new retailing opportunities through this collaboration, offering travelers more flexibility, choice, and tailored services. With Sabre’s NDC-enabled solutions, SAUDIA can reach more travelers, delivering a more frictionless, personalized booking experience aligned with its distribution strategy. Arved Von Zur Muehlen, Chief Commercial Officer at SAUDIA, said: “Our partnership with Sabre is a significant step toward realizing our vision of transforming the travel experience for our guests. By adopting NDC, we can offer more personalized and relevant options, delivering a superior booking experience …

The eighth edition of MOTN Festival(Mother of Nation Festival) wrapped up its largest season, with more than 259,000 visitors attending across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche over the past one month. This year’s MOTN Festival, held under the theme Out of This World, featured various rides, engaging entertainment, diverse culinary cuisines and family-friendly games. The 31-day festival offered more than 350 experiences for its visitors. The eight edition of the MOTN featured the Out of This World Museum that aimed to provide young visitors an immersive journey through carefully curated and artistically designed rooms. The festival also included a Giant Ferris Wheel, a video game-inspired Five Nights at Freddy’s maze and the Space Flight wind tunnel. The festival also featured the MOTN Theatre, the MOTN Basketball Hub, the Ninja Kidz Action Park, Skill Games, a Community Stage, a DJ Booth, a Space Park, and arts and crafts stations. The festival showcased a diverse array of innovative and award-winning international and homegrown food concepts, with more than 30 vendors across Al Dhafra, Al Ain, and Abu Dhabi Corniche. Regional artists also performed at this year’s festival, including Hamad Al Ameri; Asaad Al Bathari; Balqees; Eida Al Menhali; Harbi Al Ameri; Oumaima Taleb; Ayed Youssef; Muslim; Siilawy; A5RASS; and Mohammad Hamaki, who closed the year with a New Year’s Eve concert.