SAUDIA has launched its first direct flight to its new international destination Birmingham, United Kingdom in collaboration with the Air Connectivity Program (ACP). The program was launched in 2021 to support tourism growth in the Kingdom by enhancing air connectivity and developing existing and prospective air routes, connecting Saudi Arabia to new destinations. Manal Alshehri, Vice President of Passenger Sales at SAUDIA said: “We are proud to be expanding our operations in the United Kingdom and continue to regularly offer new destinations to our guests. The United Kingdom is a very important destination for SAUDIA, and the launch of new direct flights to and from Birmingham highlights the strengthening of relations between our two countries. We’re also very grateful for the continuous support from the Air Connectivity Program, which enables us to continue to grow as we work towards our objective to bring the world to Saudi Arabia.” Sultan Otaify, Vice President of Strategy and Communication at ACP said: “In collaboration with ACP, SAUDIA has launched a direct flight to Birmingham, a city steeped in history and a renowned hub of the Industrial Revolution. As this new route becomes part of the growing air network facilitated by ACP, it significantly contributes to the flourishing tourism between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. It is through such bilateral initiatives that we witness the positive trajectory of Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom’s relationship, as both countries strive to simplify and streamline travel processes. ACP is committed to empowering carriers in their efforts to unlock new destinations and travel experiences that showcase the rich cultural heritage and diverse attractions of Saudi Arabia.’’ The inaugural SAUDIA flight going from Jeddah to Birmingham (SV …

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) and FIFA have confirmed that all matches during the FIFA Club World Cup Saudi Arabia 2023™ will take place in the city of Jeddah. The decision was made following a FIFA delegation visit to Jeddah to assess ongoing preparations for the tournament, which takes place from 12-22 December 2023. It will be the first time the FIFA Club World Cup™ is held in Saudi Arabia. Yasser Al Misehal, President of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, said: “We are delighted that Jeddah, with its state-of-the-art facilities and reputation for hosting major international sports events, has been selected as host city for the FIFA Club World Cup. Sport is a key driver of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation under Vision 2030, which has established the Kingdom as one of the fastest growing and most exciting countries in world sport.” FIFA President Gianni Infantino (R) with Saudi Arabian Football Federation President Yasser Al Misehal during FIFA President Gianni Infantino visit to Paris Office on May 27, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Julien Hekimian/FIFA) “We believe hosting international events like the FIFA Club World Cup provides an opportunity to grow the game further and inspire new and existing fans, while showcasing to the world Saudi’s hospitable culture and huge passion for football. Working closely with FIFA, we are ready to deliver an exceptional tournament and an unforgettable experience for players and fans.” The FIFA delegation visit included detailed inspections of key infrastructure including the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium and the Prince Abdullah Al Faisal Stadium, as well as the proposed training and accommodation facilities. SAFF’s commitment to growing the game at every level in Saudi across men …

Frasers Hospitality has further expanded its presence in the Middle East with the entry into a new management agreement to operate Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain. This is in partnership with Seef Properties. This development cements Frasers Hospitality’s presence in the Middle East region. The development comes as Frasers Hospitality strengthens its long-standing partnership with Seef Properties through an extension of its existing management agreement of Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain to 2031. The newly anticipated Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain will offer 63 gold-standard serviced apartment units across a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, spread over three floors. This will include nine one-bedroom serviced apartments, 44 two-bedroom serviced apartments and 12 three-bedroom serviced apartments, perfect for those seeking comfort in accommodations fitted with the latest technologies and modern furnishings. Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain forms part of the Al Liwan mixed-use development under Seef Properties which has been designed to embody the essence of the ‘Live, Work and Play’ lifestyle and is nestled within the neighbourhood of Hamala with a direct connection to the Al Liwan Mall in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s primary entertainment district. The development is ideal under the Fraser Suites brand due to its unique ability to cater to the highly-premium lifestyle needs of extended-stay guests. The name, Al Liwan, reflects cohesion, unity, and togetherness, inspired by the culture of the region and speaking to the desires of discerning guests. Alongside Fraser Suites Al Liwan Bahrain, the new district offers numerous dining options, cafés, and leisure opportunities. At the core of the development lies the Central Plaza, a generous open space created for communal gatherings and entertainment, providing a city retreat for both visitors and …

Traxo, Inc., announced the launch of NDCtracker.com. This site provides a centralized source for news, deadlines and information intended to aid corporate travel managers and their partners in adapting to the imminent NDC-related changes in airline retailing. The complimentary Traxo NDCtracker.com offers an updated catalog of airline NDC status, progress, and dates. Traxo, whose patented ‘Filter’ technology automatically captures out-of-channel booking data and provides corporations with full travel visibility, has proactively curated NDC-related details and news from various public sources including ARC Direct Connect, IATA Airline Retailing Maturity (ARM), BTN, The Company Dime, PhocusWire, Duffel, Accelya, and more presenting them on the NDC dashboard for each global airline. Visitors concerned about how NDC will affect their own travel programs should sign up for periodic email updates from Traxo. These updates will contain new information about NDC rollouts as they are announced, important changes as part of airline rollouts (e.g., fare availability, new EDIFACT fees), as well as notable news on migrations and seller relationships. Andres Fabris, CEO and Founder of Traxo, remarked, “We’ve established this site to serve the entire industry, offering an efficient, up-to-date resource to assist travel managers. Traxo is dedicated to helping TMCs and corporate travel organizations avoid the detrimental effects of leaked bookings, including supplier-direct NDC bookings, by capturing and consolidating complete, real-time travel booking data from all sources. We support all travel program strategies whether it’s a managed program requiring information on leakage or an open booking program intent on capturing all bookings regardless of source.” Suzanne Boyan, Global Meetings and Travel Manager at ZS Associates, commented, “We are so impressed with Traxo for creating this valuable resource. While the industry’s NDC discourse has largely …

Qatar Tourism is once again hosting Disney on Ice in Doha this summer in collaboration with SES Live Middle East, presenting its dazzling all-new show Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Wonders, with the highly anticipated show expected to be a great entertainment experience for families and Disney fans of all ages. The show is scheduled to take place at the Lusail Multi-Purpose Hall from 4 to 9 July 2023. The show will take its audience in Doha on a journey into the fantasy world where they will watch its inspiring heroes and characters loved for generations ski in a magical atmosphere that celebrates the spirit of adventure and the values of courage and love. With Disney’s fascinating tales, heart-wrenching characters, breathtaking skating shows and special effects that accompany them, this show will provide everyone with an immersive experience and wonderful worlds full of fun and joy. Sheikha Hessa Al Thani, Head of Marketing and Planning at Qatar Tourism, said: “Qatar Tourism is delighted to partner with SES Live. Middle East We bring Disney on Ice to its audience in Doha for its dazzling and new show ‘100 Years of Wonders’. We are confident that this exceptional offer will be a great entertainment experience for families and residents and visitors alike, and is part of a series of events and activities scheduled to take place across Doha during the summer season.” The highly anticipated show features Disney iconic characters such as Moana, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid, Rabunzil, The Princess and the Frog, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty. During the show, seven capable princesses as well as other beloved Disney characters such as “Frozen” and “Coco” produced at …

Cozmo Travel and MBank signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the aim to provide exceptional travel services to MBank’s staff and customers, offering exclusive deals and personalized experiences. The collaboration between Cozmo Travel and MBank will create a seamless travel ecosystem, ensuring hassle-free and memorable journeys for MBank employees. In addition, MBank customers will gain access to exclusive offers on Cozmo Travel’s extensive range of travel services, including flights, accommodation, visa assistance, and more. On this occasion, Cozmo Travel’s CEO Jamal Abdulnazar stated “We are excited to partner with MBank, a pioneer in the digital banking industry. Together, we will redefine travel experiences for MBank’s staff and customers, providing them with exceptional service and exclusive benefits. This collaboration reflects our shared vision of revolutionizing the way people travel in the region.” Mohammed Wassim Khayata, CEO of Al Maryah Community Bank, commented on the collaboration: “This partnership is a testament to Mbank’s commitment in bringing more choice and providing the UAE community with daily convenient financially-feasible solutions at the comfort of their fingertips whereby they can browse, choose, and pay for exclusive offers and travel services such as flights, accommodation, and visa assistance facilities through the first National digital wallet, the Mbank Wallet”. This partnership combines Cozmo Travel’s renowned quality and personalized service with MBank’s digital expertise, offering customers a comprehensive suite of travel services at their fingertips. By embracing innovation and technology, both organizations are committed to enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience.

His Highness Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ajman, launched the Masfout development project at a high-profile reception held recently. During the launch ceremony, Sheikh Theyab briefed the Ruler of Ajman on the strategic pillars of the Masfout development project, which involves implementing a wide array of innovative development strategies focusing predominantly on cultural tourism, as well as uplifting various facets of society in Masfout. Sheikh Humaid emphasised that the well-being and happiness of Emiratis and their families across the nation, as well as enhancing their living standards, are priorities for the UAE leadership. The Masfout development project is the second venture under the Emirates Villages projects launched by the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. The project seeks to foster a sustainable development model and offer economic and investment opportunities that enhance social stability and the quality of life for community members. The event was attended by Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, along with Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Emirates Council for Balanced Development. Photo credit WAM

The Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has announced a new record in rail passenger numbers during the departure of pilgrims from Makkah following the completion of their Hajj rituals. According to SAR, a total of 33,494 pilgrims departed from Makkah in a single day, utilizing the Haramain Express Train for 129 trips, with an impressive punctuality rate of 98 per cent. The Haramain Express Train serves as a crucial component of the Kingdom’s transportation and logistics system, enabling pilgrims and visitors of the Two Holy Mosques to experience fast and seamless travel to the holy sites. It stands as one of the primary means of transportation for a smooth and efficient journey.  

McArthurGlen has recently made an addition to its portfolio with Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy, shares Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism, McArthurGlen Group. Could you tell us more about the new MAG centre in Paris? Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny is McArthurGlen’s new luxury and premium shopping destination, located just to the west of Paris. The centre offers its guests the opportunity to experience the very best of French savoir vivre with a perfect combination of fashion, art and gastronomy from nearby Normandy. Spanning over 20,000 square metres, the centre boasts a thoughtfully curated brand mix of international fashion favourites including Missoni, Stella McCartney, Moncler, Philipp Plein, Vivienne Westwood, BOSS, Furla, Karl Lagerfeld, Tommy Hilfiger, Maje, Angelo Vintage, New Balance, Adidas, Claudie Pierlot, L’Oréal and Roberto Cavalli at a minimum of 30 per cent off. It also plays host to an exceptional line up of food and beverage options, including the globally recognised luxury Parisian establishments Ladurée and Angelina, famous for their delicate macarons and iconic hot chocolate respectively. For guests looking to treat themselves further, French gelato brand Amorino and an elegant champagne bar offer the perfect places to pause and relax while shopping, and the popular American burger chain Five Guys caters to customers craving a quick bite between visiting their favourite stores. How is this different to other centres? Not only does Designer Outlet Paris-Giverny have the McArthurGlen DNA, delighting visitors and providing them with an extraordinary day-out experience, it is also home to an exclusive Maison des Métiers d’Art, GVRNY, newly launched …

On the celebration of the Golden Year of the Department of Tourism (DOT), President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr., along with Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco unveiled a tourism campaign, ‘Love the Philippines’, on the department’s 50th Foundation Year. Addressing the event, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., expressed his support for Love the Philippines, saying the campaign “springs from the genuine love that you, me, and all of us have for the Philippines”. “The new branding will serve as a guidepost for the Philippines tourism industry. Besides promoting the Philippines Tourism, the campaign aims to enhance the overall experience of travel, building infrastructure for ease of travel, promoting regional products, and championing green movements, among others,” the President averred. At the same time, he also appreciated Tourism Secretary Frasco and the DOT team. “As we go the past 50 years of DOT and welcome a new era of tourism, it is but right that we take the opportunity to reintroduce the Philippines to the world,” Secretary Frasco said. “Love the Philippines goes to the heart of every Filipino and, the guests who come to our country, our communities, and our homes. It is a recognition of our natural assets, our glorious history, our rich culture, and diversity,” she said, while adding there is much more than ‘fun and adventure’ to the Philippines. “The country is a powerhouse of mega biodiversity, being one of 18 biodiverse countries in the world. Apart from being a tapestry of indigenous peoples, the Philippines is also a gastronomic delight,” Secretary Frasco said. Immersive experiences Following the changing global tourism landscape post-COVID, and the immersive experiences for the travellers, the DOT viewed the enhanced brand as a …