Qatar Airways, British Airways, and Iberia are joining forces. Together, Qatar Airways and British Airways already operate the world’s largest airline joint business covering more than 60 countries. Beginning in July, Iberia is joining the partnership in a move that will transform connectivity for global travellers. As a result of the joint business, Iberia will add a new daily service from its hub, Madrid Barajas International Airport, flights to Hamad International Airport (voted Best Airport in the Middle East for the 9th consecutive year by Skytrax), starting 11 December 2023. Passengers will be able to connect to more than 200 destinations through the three global airlines. Together, Iberia’s and Qatar Airways’ expanded service will operate three times daily on the route, providing unrivalled connectivity between the Iberian Peninsula and key markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Iberia will operate the Airbus A330-200, with 288 seats in Business and Economy cabins. The partnership’s expansion provides customers with more options than ever from a wide geographic range of destinations, flight schedules, fares, and seamless connectivity via Doha, London, and Madrid, as well as a larger selection of award-winning products, including Qatar Airways’ Qsuite, Iberia’s Business Class, and British Airways’ Club Suite. Whether for leisure or business, travellers from Spain and Portugal will be able to connect to a fantastic range of new destinations. Relaxing in the Maldives and Seychelles, adventuring in Tanzania and Nepal, cultural holidays in India and Oman, shopping in Singapore and Thailand, or visiting friends and family in Australia and Hong Kong, all become more reachable with more choices than ever. Furthermore, customers from across the Middle-East, Africa, Asia, and Australia can enjoy seamless travel to …

The Public Investment Fund (PIF) announced the establishment of the Saudi Tourism Investment Company (Asfar or the Company) to support the growth of the country’s tourism sector. The company will invest in new tourism projects and develop attractive destinations with hospitality, tourist attractions, retail, and food and beverage offerings in cities across Saudi Arabia, in addition to investing in the local tourism value chain. Asfar will enable the private sector through co-investment opportunities, and by creating an attractive environment for local suppliers, contractors, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to develop tourism projects and destinations, thereby creating a competitive environment that will enhance the variety and quality of the hospitality and tourism offering. The company will leverage Saudi Arabia’s unique strategic location between the three continents of Asia, Africa and Europe as well as the competitive advantages of its cities. It will seek to benefit from the natural beauty and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s terrain and culture to further enhance tourism experiences in the country. This will attract domestic and international tourists to a large number of untapped destinations across the country and contribute to the national target of attracting 100 million visitors per year by 2030. Mishary Alibraheem, Head of Entertainment, Leisure and Sport sector in MENA Investments at PIF, said: “Asfar will activate the role that Saudi Arabia’s cities play in supporting the national economy. It will enable each city to make the most of its unique tourism offering, further diversifying and enriching the tourism and entertainment experience in Saudi Arabia. “PIF tourism projects and companies are working side by side, supporting and strengthening the tourism ecosystem. The creation of the company is in line with PIF’s strategy …

Central Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of its latest sustainable tourism campaign that represents a significant step in enhancing the brand’s visual identity and reflects its unwavering commitment to promoting sustainable practices within the hotel industry. By taking proactive measures to reduce its environmental impact, Central Hotels & Resorts aims to raise awareness among its guests and fellow hospitality chains, inspiring them to follow suit in the journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. Scheduled for implementation in the fourth quarter of this year, Central Hotels & Resorts is eager to lead by example and drive positive change within the UAE’s hospitality landscape. As part of its dedication to sustainability, the brand will be introducing several impactful measures across all its hotels: Wooden Key Cards: In a bold move to minimize plastic waste, Central Hotels & Resorts will be replacing traditional plastic key cards with eco-friendly wooden alternatives. This shift not only demonstrates the brand’s commitment to environmental responsibility but also encourages guests to adopt more sustainable habits during their stay. Environmentally Friendly F&B Practices: Understanding the significance of sustainable dining experiences, Central Hotels & Resorts will be transitioning to use of environmentally friendly / biodegradable materials and practices in all its restaurants and dining areas. By making this change, the brand aims to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic and contribute to the overall reduction of plastic waste in the UAE. Water Bottle Implementation: Demonstrating its dedication to combatting plastic pollution, Central Hotels & Resorts will be taking the crucial step of eliminating plastic water bottles from its properties. Instead, the brand will introduce reusable water bottles for guests, providing them with a convenient and eco-conscious alternative …

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) to launch an innovative new conservation assessment tool that will boost the ability of nature reserve managers to benchmark their efforts against global standards and enhance the long-term accountability and success of environmental protection and conservation programs. The new IBEX V1.0 tool is a comprehensive yet easy to use system for the evaluation and review of protected areas, with ongoing conservation work checked and measured for its alignment with critical standards laid out by the IUCN’s Green List certification. Recognised as the global best practice for the comprehensive, fair, and effective protection of threatened flora and fauna, IUCN’s Green List standard provides expert guidance to help environmental and conservation programs achieve sustained, and sustainable, results in diverse protected areas. By following the measures required by IUCN’s Green List, protected ecosystems are given the best chance of being able to thrive and contribute value to surrounding landscapes and communities. Any biodiversity conservation site can join IUCN’s Green List and work its way towards achieving verified success by maintaining the high standards needed, which includes demonstrating: Respect: for the local community through fair and meaningful engagement of rights-holders and stakeholders Design: planning that identifies the need to secure the important values of the area Effective management: monitoring of the status of these important values Successful conservation results: for nature and for people Clear contribution: to climate change responsibilities, health and wellbeing and other challenges The new tool allows managers to submit detailed information for self-assessment, with criteria applied across the 50 core areas that need to be met in accordance with best IUCN’s practices, including  governance, …

SAUDIA unveiled a range of cutting-edge seat models for its upcoming fleet, and to retrofit its current fleet, as part of an array of innovative initiatives aimed at revolutionizing the travel experience. The three-day event took place at the SAUDIA club and exhibited a range of seating models for its Business and Economy class seats. These proposed models are intended to be installed in SAUDIA’s forthcoming fleet of Boeing B787 Dreamliner aircraft, set to join the airline’s fleet starting in 2025. The total number of aircraft to be received is 39. Alongside this, the airline is also undertaking continuous developmental projects for its current fleet of Airbus A330 and Boeing B777, which involve implementing guest feedback to retrofit the existing blue seats and an upgrade of the in-flight entertainment systems with a new system called BEYOND. The new system is set to provide guests with a rich interactive experience tailored to meet the needs of various age groups and passenger types. This initiative is a part of SAUDIA’s broader aim to radically transform the travel experience in alignment with its expansion plans to increase the number of destinations, thereby connecting the Kingdom with the world. The event saw attendance and sought feedback from members of the Al-Fursan loyalty program and was graced by the presence of His Excellency Engr. Ibrahim Al Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group. The display included a new suite for the Business class, featuring a fully flat 180-degree seat with automatic sliding doors. Some showcased suites also boasted a 32-inch screen with 4K resolution. Economy class seat models were also presented, equipped with the latest comfort features, including storage areas and 13.3-inch seatback entertainment screens. These …

With the khareef season in full swing, Oman Air has increased its flights between Muscat and Salalah, reaching as many as 26 per day during the recent long weekend. The airline announced the additions to its schedule in June in anticipation of surging demand for travel over the three-month-long season. With a variety of natural and cultural attractions and visitor numbers growing each year, Dhofar continues to cement itself as a top destination among regional and international tourists. Oman Air is currently the only airline offering wide-body service between Muscat and Salalah, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330, in addition to the Boeing 737. Guests can also choose to book First Class on selected flights and enjoy personalised service and Dine on Demand meals. Meanwhile, as part of its commitment to boosting Oman’s tourism sector, the airline’s global offices have been busy showcasing the highlights of khareef with a variety of awareness campaigns and special offers on fares. With flight timings from early in the morning to late at night, Oman Air ensures convenient and seamless connections from a wide range of international destinations. Khareef operations will run until 15 September 2023. Book now at omanair.com.  

Air Canada and Emirates announced a customer service milestone in the two airlines’ strategic partnership with the move of Air Canada’s operations to Dubai International’s (DXB) flagship Terminal 3. The co-location of operations in one of the world’s premier terminals will significantly improve the connecting experience for customers and underscores the benefits of the partnership between the two airlines launched in November 2022. Customers transiting in Dubai between the Americas on Air Canada and the Middle East, Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia and Africa on Emirates will enjoy a seamless and expedited experience with the convenience of remaining in the same terminal. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Air Canada to Emirates Terminal 3 in Dubai, which marks another step forward in our strategic partnership to deliver even more value to travellers. Co-locating at T3 means Air Canada customers can enjoy a smooth connection experience when transiting in Dubai onto Emirates’ global network, and those eligible can enjoy access to Emirates’ signature Business Class Lounges and other hub facilities in Dubai prior to their flight. Working closely with Air Canada, we hope to further enhance travel experiences and offer even more convenient connectivity for travellers.” “Air Canada’s new home at Dubai International Terminal 3 is an important milestone which underscores the significance of our strategic partnership with Emirates and the importance of our flights between the UAE and Canada. We extend our sincere appreciation to both Emirates and Dubai Airports for their partnership in facilitating this move, which will greatly benefit our mutual customers,” said Mark Galardo, Executive Vice President Network & Revenue Planning at Air Canada. “In addition to Air Canada’s customers benefiting from …

Kerten Hospitality will enter its House Residence brand in Oxagon, home to advanced and clean industries in NEOM. This move will further Kerten Hospitality’s ambitious expansion across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The upscale 200-unit serviced apartments, at the heart of Oxagon’s first residential community, is set to open its doors in 2025. Reimagining the traditional industrial city, Oxagon is creating a new paradigm for urban living. Offices, world-class recreational and sports facilities, next-generation mobility solutions, and unique hospitality and retail concepts are all seamlessly integrated within communities, in harmony with nature. Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, said, “We are envisioning a transformation in the concept of living. The House Residence in NEOM’s Oxagon is more than just a project – it’s a statement of intent to catalyze the evolution of our habitats, foster thriving communities, and redefine the human experience. Our alliance with NEOM at Oxagon marks a crucial step as we contribute to the extraordinary transformation of Saudi Arabia. As the nation unfolds its tourism potential, we stand on the brink of a new era of global exposure. NEOM is set to be the beacon guiding this transformative tide, and our aim is to anchor the vibrant communities being built in Oxagon.” Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon added, “One of the many reasons we’re excited about working with Kerten Hospitality is the way they interact and work with local talent and entrepreneurs to curate experiences and innovations tailored to our future residents. We feel that The House Residence concept embodies the neighbourhood atmosphere and lifestyle from the integration of F&B to advanced technologies, that’s core to the mixed-use residential communities we’re building here at Oxagon.” Chris Newman, …

Wego inked a global partnership with IHG Hotel & Resorts to provide its users with a wider array of hotel offerings across the globe. Through this collaboration, Wego users will be able to search and book 15 of IHG’s 18 brands – worldwide – Regent Hotels & Resorts, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Vignette Collection, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Hotel Indigo, voco hotels, HUALUXE Hotels & Resorts, Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts, EVEN Hotels, Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, Holiday Inn Express, avid hotels, Atwell Suites, Staybridge Suites and Candlewood Suites. Travellers will get access to over 4,000 open hotels across global destinations and ultimately find the perfect hotel stay that matches their requirements anywhere in the world. IHG’s latest offering will be promoted across all Wego’s channels, providing travellers with information on the latest properties and trendy destinations. Commenting on this strategic partnership, Craig Hewett, Chief Hotels Officer and Co-Founder, Wego, said: “Partnering with one of the world’s leading hotel companies, IHG Hotels & Resorts, reflects our commitment to provide our users with global hotel offerings and deals. Through this partnership, we will promote IHG Hotels & Resorts to our large user base in the MENA region and aim to convert more bookings to IHG’s global network of hotels.” James Britchford, Vice President Commercial, India, Middle East and Africa at IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are delighted to partner with Wego, the number one travel app in MENA for flight search and booking. Through this partnership, travellers will enjoy more convenience and access to 15 of our brands across our luxury & lifestyle, premium, essentials and suites portfolio in global destinations when booking their trip on Wego.” Wego compares …

Red Sea Global (RSG) successfully opened its first mangrove nursery. The project will support the delivery of RSG’s aim to plant 50 million mangrove trees by 2030. The initiative closely aligns with the national objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative and RSG’s commitment to conserving and revitalizing the Kingdom’s Red Sea coast, underpinned by an overarching ambition to deliver a 30 percent net conservation benefit by 2040. “We hold the utmost respect for the environment in which we operate and recognize it as our most valuable asset. It is our shared obligation to not only safeguard it, but also proactively enhance it wherever possible. The successful opening of our Mangrove Nursery is a testament to that unyielding dedication to the preservation and rejuvenation of the Red Sea coastline,” said John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global. “While we will continue to explore novel approaches, embrace cutting-edge methodologies, and utilize innovate technology, often nature already provides the greatest solutions. The power of mangrove forests to store carbon, to manage flooding and stabilize coastlines, and to provide shelter for fish and other organisms, makes them one of nature’s super ecosystems. Our Mangrove Nursery will increase numbers of mangroves and boost biodiversity, ensuring we reach the environmental ambitions we have set ourselves.” The seedlings will be cared for in the nursery for approximately eight months until they grow to 80cm, at which point they will be carefully transplanted in designated mangrove parks within the destination. RSG’s experts chose to cultivate native mangrove species to increase the chances of survival, such as the Rhizophora Mucronate (red mangrove) and the Avicenna Marina (gray mangrove). Raed Albasseet, Group Chief Environment and Sustainability Officer at RSG, …