Among key hotel markets in the Middle East, Dubai’s gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) came in seven times higher than the 2019 comparable, according to STR’s May 2022 P&L data release. Helped by strong international arrival numbers, as well as an earlier Ramadan, Dubai’s May GOPPAR reached US$115.37. That level was 776% of the pre-pandemic comparable. Just a month earlier during Ramadan, the market was at 79% of 2019 GOPPAR. Also reporting significant month-over-month improvement in the region, Qatar posted a May GOPPAR of US$60.87. That level was 466% of the pre-pandemic comparable after the market had fallen into negative territory using the same comparison in April. Saudi Arabia’s GOPPAR was just 39% of the 2019 comparable, down from 325% in March.

In an effort to encourage and facilitate domestic tourism, Oman Air announces new lower fares for Omani Nationals on travel between Muscat, Salalah and Khasab. The new fares are intended to encourage domestic travel and generate economic activity for local communities, both of which will contribute to strengthening the level of competitiveness across the country’s tourism ecosystem. Mr. Ahmed Ali Al Mahrouqi, Regional Vice President Sales – Oman & GCC, stated that the lower fares initiative reflects Oman Air’s commitment to local communities as the official carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, as well as its ongoing efforts to actively contribute to the revitalization of domestic tourism and economic activity. “Lower fares allow Omanis to discover (and rediscover) the geographical, historical, and natural richness that set the Sultanate of Oman apart from other places in the region as a distinct destination to be enjoyed year-round.” By planning and booking their travel in advance, Omanis can take advantage of the following special economy class fares available on omanair.com: Sector Price OMR Advance Purchase Minimum Stay Maximum Stay MCT-SLL- MCT or SLL – MCT-SLL 45.200 Up to 20 Days before departure date 7 Days Up to 1 Month 59.200 Up to 5 Days before departure date 7 Days   Up to 1 Month 64.200 2 Days MCT-SLL or SLL-MCT 32.900 Up to 5 Days before departure date 35.900 Up to 3 Days before departure date MCT –KHS -MCT or KHS – MCT-KHS 25.200 Up to 7 Days 35.200 Up to 1 Month MCT-KHS or KHS- MCT 17.900   Flights between Muscat and Salalah are operated by Oman Air’s wide-body fleet, including Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus 330 aircraft (in addition to Boeing …

Malaysia Airlines announces to double its capacity between Kuala Lumpur and Doha with a second daily nonstop flight commencing 10 August 2022, in response to high passenger demand on this route. The additional daily service will depart from Kuala Lumpur at 2:55am via MH164 and from Doha at 8:05am via MH165. It is in addition to the existing daily services MH160 departing Kuala Lumpur at 9:20pm and MH161 departing Doha at 1:30am, bringing the number of Malaysia Airlines flights to Doha to 14 flights weekly. The twice-daily flights will be operated by the A330-300 aircraft with 27 state-of-the-art seats in Business Class, 16 seats in Economy with extra legroom, and 247 seats in Economy Class. The additional daily service will be opened for sale from 25 July and will include Qatar Airways codeshare in both directions. This additional service strengthens Malaysia Airlines and Qatar Airways’ strategic partnership, allowing passengers to travel to over 96 codeshare destinations and enjoying seamless and most convenient connectivity, via the partners’ key hubs in Kuala Lumpur and Doha. The arrival and departure times of the double daily Malaysia Airlines flights offer customers full access to Qatar Airways’ unrivaled network to the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the US via the world’s best airport, Hamad International Airport. While simultaneously building perfect connectivity to Malaysia Airlines’ network to states within Malaysia, as well as South East Asia, North Asia and also to Australasia. Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, Captain Izham Ismail, said: “We are delighted to increase our frequency to Doha, after a successful launch of daily service in May. We recognise the importance of collaborating with our partners such as Qatar Airways, more so …

People travelling through Dubai International (DXB) now have access to a new customer contact centre that provides always-on access to DXB customer service professionals anytime, anywhere, at their convenience on their channel of choice. The new contact centre blends live and technology-enabled services for travellers to access support via phone, email, live chat, social media on @DXB and @DubaiAirports platforms, as well as WhatsApp for business, which is coming soon. Dubai Airports began testing the new integrated DXB service earlier this year to ensure seamless operations and guest support. The contact centre includes 24/7 bilingual support as well as the most updated and consistent information across all channels, including automated flight status check without having to speak to an agent. When needed, automated routing is available to key DXB partners including Emirates, dnata, the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), Dubai Customs and the Road Transport Authority. “The new DXB contact centre exemplifies how Dubai Airports is making significant enhancements to the guest experience at every customer touchpoint. It is our commitment to deliver a best-in-class guest experience with every conversation while creating a safe, smooth, fast, and enjoyable journey,” said Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports. “The investment in customer service excellence at DXB supports the vision of the Dubai government to deliver innovative and integrated customer service. Our customers can now enjoy timely and efficient support across all contact centre channels in real time and on their channel of choice.” Dubai Airports is partnering with Teleperformance, a leading provider of integrated business services, to deliver this best practice omni-channel solution by combining an integrated blend of human and digital tools to support guests quickly and easily …

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), announced the launch of the Dubai Metaverse Assembly, a global event bringing together regional and international experts in Dubai to shape the future of the metaverse and explore its promise and potential applications. The Dubai Metaverse Assembly, to be organised by the DFF on 28 and 29 September 2022 at the Museum of the Future and Emirates Towers, will explore how the revolutionary technology can be deployed across vital sectors to create a better future and quality of life for humanity. The assembly will host more than 300 global experts, policymakers, thought leaders, and decision-makers from more than 40 organisations. Delegates will participate in sessions and workshops to take a deep dive into the metaverse, understand its impact on humanity, discuss the potential of humanising its applications, and identify the best ways to leverage opportunities across strategic sectors of countries, governments, and companies. Estimates of the value of the metaverse market globally vary between $10 trillion and $30 trillion within 15 years, underscoring the massive potential of the new platform. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “The metaverse is a promising digital world. We aim to harness this technology to enhance the quality of life in the UAE and across the globe.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that the Dubai Metaverse Assembly embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, for Dubai to become a global hub for innovation …

As summer begins in the GCC, Europe once again maintains its top spot as the most travelled destination. In a recent interview with Chris Gregory-Pasha, Senior Sales Director, MEA, Sojern shared, “As we move into the Q3 peak summer months we’re pleased to see travel confidence has regained in the region. For travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, regional travel is proving popular to Istanbul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, all appearing in the top five destinations across these markets. International travel is also making a strong return as destinations such as London – United Kingdom, Paris – France, and Bangkok – Thailand all appear in the top fifteen, with London the top destination. We know that the cosmopolitan cities of London and Paris with their historical sights, comfortable climates and some of the most sought after luxury brands in the world have long been favourites of regional travellers. With the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT)* working to strengthen Thailand’s presence as the preferred tourist destination among Middle East travellers, we also expect to see sustained interest in visiting the vibrant cities and beautiful beaches the ‘Land of Smiles’ has to offer.” He further reiterated, “looking at today’s traveller profile well over half of travellers from the UAE (72.7%), Saudi Arabia (55.9%), Kuwait (69.6%), Qatar (70.3%), Oman (71.1) and Bahrain (68.1%) are solo travellers, with an average across the six markets of 63.1%, with approximately 27.4% of people travelling as a family and 9.5% as a couple. We also see that the majority of trips are seven days or longer, with over 50% of trips coming out of the UAE (53.93%) and Kuwait (50.27%) 15 days or …

With FIFA 2022 a few months away, Dubai and Abu Dhabi seems the perfect hub to connect the fans to Doha. As airlines work on their special charter flights, hotels and agents from across the GCC are sorting out the bookings as they start rolling in. Nuran Kilani, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Tower Plaza Hotel, “Dubai being a cosmopolitan city, and we are blessed by being in a prime location with proximity to city touristic attractions and shopping spree so we are getting bookings from pretty much all countries like Brazil, Argentine, uk, Germany, france, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Israel, Egypt and many more. According to Qatar Tourism, there are just under 30,000 hotel rooms in Qatar. They has revealed that 80% of these rooms are already booked for FIFA players, referees, media and other official guests. A flight from Dubai or Abu Dhabi to Doha takes a litter over one hour. About 1.5 million visitors are expected for the month-long tournament.” Jeannette Smit, Complex Director of Sales & Marketing, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, shared “We’re seeing the most uptake from European countries such as UK, Germany, Belgium and The Netherlands being the most popular, while Serbia, South America, Brasil and Argentina are showing interest and we only expect this to increase over the coming months. We have three properties within our complex so we’re only taking reservations for W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and Le Meridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Waterpark. However with these three unique products we can …

With schools out for summer and the mercury rising in the GCC, travellers looking to explore Europe eco-consciously can revel in Germany’s plethora of sustainable offerings. With the popularity of rail travel on the rise and the hunt for eco-aware methods becoming ever-more necessary, Germany is moving to meet demand by announcing an affordable public transport option for all. Now just €9 (Dh33), travellers can enjoy a month of unlimited travel on regional trains, S-Bahn and U-Bahn trains, as well as buses and trams. The offer is valid for travellers until August 31, 2022. “Sustainable tourism is something Germany is serious about,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of the German National Tourist Board. “We recognise the demand for eco-conscious offerings and want to ensure that those are accessible for all, regardless of budget. Germany is a treasure trove of natural beauty and we’re confident that GCC travellers will be blown away by the diverse landscapes.” While long-distance journeys are not included in the incredible €9 offer, by linking the various transport associations, it is still easily possible to explore the whole of Germany with local transport. Some of the key landmarks easily accessible by train include the Uckermark Lakes Nature Park in Brandenburg, which is known as the Land of Lakes and home to more than 300 lakes, moors, rivers, and streams. Visitors can participate in all kinds of water activities, such as canoeing, swimming, or cycling along the shores. How to get there: From all across Germany, it is possible to travel comfortably to Berlin with Intercity Express or Intercity connections. A regional train will then take …

Summer cruises are often popular in the Middle Eastern region, this year especially after almost two and half years, travellers have once again picked up their confidence and started to not just travel, but to add cruises in their bucket lists.  According to Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel there is an increase in terms of cruise bookings this summer and Europe has become the top most or popular destination for GCC travelers. Khan shared, “there is an increase in Cruise bookings, travelers are eager to visit Europe during summer. Predicted rise in travel is recorded despite a 57 per cent rise in the average cost of flights in the region due to rising fuel costs and an increased demand for travel. Tourist from UAE are expected to spend more time than usual at the destination. As experts say there is pent-up demand among travelers keen to make up for lost time due to two years of Covid-19 travel restrictions.” As traveller appetite has increased, they are also looking at visa free or easy visa destinations. Khan reiterates, “destinations with visa free entry and short haul, with economical flight cost along with COVID free regulations seem to be some of the preferences. Travellers are looking for flexibility to change and packages with value for money. Switzerland, Ireland, Georgia, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, U.S.A., Thailand and Indonesia are few names of the destinations which are more in demand and corporates as well as individual leisure travellers are inquiring at present.” He further mentioned, “Travelers are eager to resume large bucket trips with their friends and family after a two-year pause caused by the …

As the countdown starts for the greatest football event of the year in the region, FIFA 2022 to be held from November to December this year, the accommodation in Qatar has already been reserved. The last quarter of the year will definitely see an increase of bookings in the GCC region alone. It was stated by professionals in the travel fraternity that Doha, Dubai, Abu Dhabi will be looking at some increased bookings and revenue in terms of accommodation. Shantanu S. Mehta, General Manager, Orient Tours CWT M&E, UAE, Sultanate of Oman and State of Qatar reiterated, “Our partners in Doha have informed us that 80% of the accommodation inventory has been blocked by the FIFA supreme committee and the remaining 20% can be released to the general public only after every individual booking receives their approval. In order to get this approval, local travel entities need to submit the complete itinerary for every applicant including a copy of the match ticket and arrival/departure flight information. After receiving approval from the FIFA supreme committee, visitors need to apply online for a special permit called the Hayya Card which will be granted to visitors who have a confirmed match ticket and accommodation. Apparently, during the FIFA World Cup tournament only visitors with a Hayya card can enter Qatar. Both Fly Dubai/Emirates and Etihad have announced multiple daily flights between their respective hubs and Doha. Whereas Fly Dubai launched a ‘AED 975 onwards’ promotion recently, Etihad is believed to be selling at AED 3,500 plus. Etihad senior members have verbally advised that a 45-minute quick departure process from check-in to boarding is being planned for passengers without check-in luggage. Many luxury hotels in …