dnata continues to invest in innovative initiatives, equipment, and training to enhance the travel experience of People of Determination, and lead the aviation industry in the special handling of passengers. dnata’s Special Handling unit offers point-to-point assistance to People of Determination, supporting 1.3 million passengers annually throughout their airport journey across DXB’s three terminals. All 1,300 customer-oriented staff at dnata receive comprehensive training prior to joining operations. Training at dnata focuses on customer service, and for employees to understand the unique needs of People of Determination. It also tackles the handling of special equipment such as the three types of adult wheelchairs provided by dnata: a conventional wheelchair; a STAXI wheelchair which incorporates a baggage stowage area below the chair; and a cabin wheelchair used for passengers with special needs who require assistance to and from the aircraft seat, and which is specially designed to fit in the aisle of an aircraft. dnata’s equipment for passengers with special needs are designed for differing levels of needs. Based on the feedback from customers during the AccessAbility Expo in Dubai, the company’s most recent initiatives include the procurement of wheelchairs specially designed for children. To be introduced later this year, these new wheelchairs will offer a better fit for children and make young travellers feel more safe and comfortable. The company’s fleet also includes medical high-loaders to help those with mobility issues access aircraft parked at remote stands. dnata also possesses a ProMove Sling, an innovative moving and handling device for passengers with limited mobility. The light and portable sling’s strategically placed handles make lifting a passenger from their aircraft seat to the cabin wheelchair a dignified process without service staff having …

Elaf Group KSA, unveiled its brand-new Elaf – Al Taqwa in Medina, Saudi Arabia. The hotel was inaugurated by Dr. Abdulraouf Manna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elaf Group and Dr. Adel Ezzat, CEO of Elaf Group in the presence of Mounir Mohamed Nasser, Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Medina, several members of the board and the group’s partners. The launch of the new hotel is in line with the group’s commitment to supporting the goals of the “Saudi Vision 2030”, including enhancing the role of the tourism sector in the Kingdom’s development, increasing the contribution of the private sector in the Saudi economy, and diversify investments, further strengthening the Kingdom’s position and its global competitiveness. The Elaf -Al Taqwa hotel serve as a top choice for pilgrims and tourists with its convenient location a few steps away from the courtyard of the south-east corner of Al Masjid an-Nabawi and only 25 minutes’ drive from Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Additionally, the hotel also connects the key religious and historical landmarks. Dr. Abdulraouf Manna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elaf Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to open our brand-new Elaf -Al Taqwa Hotel in Medina, which is in line with the Group’s strategy to grow our presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We are keen to contribute to the growth of the Hajj, Umrah, hospitality, and tourism sectors in Saudi Arabia and satisfy all the evolving demands of customers by launching more hotel facilities. The launch also reflects the culture of generosity and hospitality of the Kingdom, showcases its values, and is in line with the Group’s commitment to …

Qatar Airways has launched a new brand campaign in collaboration with world-renowned Indian actress, Deepika Padukone. The campaign launch is the culmination of the airline’s endeavour to redefine Qatar Airways Premium experience, particularly through showcasing the world-class Qsuite along with the unparalleled surroundings of The Orchard, which are core to Hamad International Airport’s expansion. The timeless acoustic track ‘Ain’t Nobody’ accompanies the campaign that connects Padukone’s journey with Qatar Airways to a new level of luxury and elegance. She encapsulates the premium experience available to customers of Qatar Airways, transiting through the best airport in the world, Hamad International Airport. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “At Qatar Airways, we constantly strive for excellence. This collaboration brings together refinement and grace, and Deepika showcases beautifully on how Qatar Airways offers award-winning premium experiences both in the sky and on the ground to its customers. Deepika is an obvious choice as she has the right global appeal and charisma for our brand. We are truly delighted to have Deepika on board Qatar Airways as our Global Brand Ambassador.”

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi is ramping up operations to meet high demand and expanding its modern, sustainable fleet. With nine state-of-the-art Airbus A321neo aircraft, the airline is driving ambitious growth into new territories with must-see destinations for adventure lovers carrying the flag of ultra-low-cost travel. Set to launch this summer, the national airline is commencing operations to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and the relaunch of popular routes to Larnaca, Santorini and Sohag, Egypt. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and the airline’s mobile app with fares starting as low as AED 179*. The additional aircraft will enable Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to enhance frequencies and offer tourists and residents hassle-free, affordable travel in both the UAE and throughout multiple continents to the very best destinations. Wizz Air Abu Dhabi has a plethora of year-round travel opportunities with culturally rich destinations including vibrant cities and natural paradises. On top of the new destinations, the new aircraft will enable Wizz Air Abu Dhabi to increase the ultra-low-cost-travel footprint in the current network with increased presence on Abu Dhabi – Tirana, Yerevan, Baku, Alexandria, Kutaisi, Athens, Almaty, Astana, Sarajevo, Ankara, Tashkent and Samarkand. Bishkek, the financial centre of Kyrgyzstan, is a modern, cosmopolitan city with colourful bazaars. Located at the foothills of the Tien Shan mountain range, Bishkek is an eclectic mix of Kyrgyz culture and Soviet architecture with must-see attractions including the State Historical Museum and Ala-Too Square. Adventurous travellers can enjoy the beautiful sites in the nearby countryside with the unmissable mountains at Ala-Archa National Park and pristine valleys. Well-known for its palm-tree seafront, Larnaca is truly authentic and offers a plethora of tourist sites with laidback crowds. The port city has …

Jazeera Airways announced the launch of direct flights to a third destination in Uzbekistan: Samarkand. The airline will operate twice a week, connecting travelers from Kuwait to this historic city, while offering a convenient route for Uzbek travelers to the Middle East region and beyond. In 2021, Jazeera Airways was the first to connect Kuwait to Uzbekistan with direct flights to the capital city of Tashkent, twice a week. Last year, Jazeera also started flying to the third largest city in the country, Namangan. Rohit Ramachandran, CEO, Jazeera Airways, said: “We have been steadily developing our presence in Central Asia and Uzbekistan has been a particular success for us with continuing growth opportunities. We are pleased to be adding Samarkand to our network in the region. To date Samarkand has limited direct international flight connections and we are hoping that our direct flights from Kuwait will make the city more accessible for both inbound and outbound passengers.” Situated on the Great Silk Road, Samarkand has a unique geographic presence and also features on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It comprises of one of a kind architectural landmarks, scientific and art influences as well as artisan workshops. Operations on this new route will commence from 1st March 2023. Flight Schedule Flight Number Frequency From To Departure (Local Time) Arrival (Local Time) J9 0681 Wednesday, Sunday KWI SKD 05:10 10:20 J9 0682 Wednesday, Sunday SKD KWI 11:35 13:15

VisitBritain is launching a new marketing campaign aimed at attracting visitors to Britain from the GCC region. The international GREAT Britain marketing campaign invites visitors to ‘See Things Differently’, showcasing Britain as a welcoming, dynamic, exciting and inclusive destination with a warm British welcome at its heart. The multi-media advertising campaign – called ‘Spilling the Tea on Great Britain’ – uses a play on Britain’s love of tea, through destination images and short films, to tell a fresh and exciting story about the experiences on offer showing visitors that ‘whatever your cup of tea, we’ve got it.’ From a ‘Festival’ themed tea that highlights Britain’s live music scene to a ‘Graffi-tea’ that celebrates its vibrant cities and cultural attractions. A ‘Surf’ theme shows Britain’s coastal experiences, ‘#nofilter’ its natural beauty and a ‘Monster Hunting’ tea draws inspiration from Britain’s historical discoveries and legendary myths including world-famous Nessie the Loch Ness Monster. A limited release of the themed teas, blended by British tea company Tregothnan, are set to be available for tastings at VisitBritain promotional and trade events. VisitBritain’s Interim Deputy Director Carol Maddison said: “The GCC is an important tourism market for Britain and we are delighted to be running this dedicated campaign, tapping into motivations for travel this year, to build on the strong recovery we have seen.” “Britain is packed full of new and invigorating experiences for visitors to come and enjoy, from adrenaline filled coastal and countryside adventures to iconic summer festivals, from street food tours to street art tours to afternoon teas with a magical twist. By showing our warm British welcome and telling the story of our vibrant and varied destinations we want to inspire …

The Philippines, home to lovely beaches and picturesque mountain vistas, has a lot more to offer to the visitors. The cities of the Philippines offer fun and unique activities that can be toured in a single day, with a cosmopolitan vibe. Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, is alive with sights and sounds of urban life at its busiest. It is also a contrast of the old and the new, with a mix of skyscrapers and heritage houses, and cars share the road with colorful jeepneys and horse-drawn calesas. One tourist stop in Manila should be the Walled City of Intramuros, built by the Spanish colonizers 500 years ago. Its stone ramparts are still intact, along with the other defenses such as its moats and cannons that protected the fort from both natural disasters and invaders. Visit the Casa Manila Museum to get a feel of life during the Spanish era and take a walking tour to the centuries-old churches Manila Cathedral and San Agustin Church to appreciate their architecture. Fort Santiago holds historic significance as the prison where the Philippine National Hero Dr. Jose Rizal was held before his execution in Bagumbayan. Other structures to check out nearby are the Manila Central Post Office, a neoclassical building that has been declared as an Important Cultural Property by the National Museum, the Cultural Center of the Philippines which is home to world-class performances by Filipino artists. Immerse yourself in art at the National Museum of the Philippines that houses the country’s largest and perhaps most iconic painting, the Spoliarium by Juan Luna, the National Museum of Natural History that showcases Philippine flora and fauna, and the National Museum of …

German National Tourist Board (GNTB) continues to bolster its sustainable tourism offerings with the imminent relaunch of one of its most popular campaigns, Embrace German Nature. Highlighting Germany’s great outdoors, the campaign – which relaunches on March 1 – shines a light on the range of protected natural landscapes, superb cycling and hiking trails, and outstanding spas and health resorts. With Germany home to 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and more than 33 per cent of the country under special environmental protection, the campaign also highlights the stunning natural landscapes, which include 18 Biosphere Reserves, 16 national parks covering more than 10,000km², and 104 nature parks. Ecotourism is expected to see a market growth of 15 per cent between 2021 and 2031, according to analysis by the Future Market Insights Institute. Embrace German Nature is designed then to consider the heightened demand, align with market desires, and help Germany achieve its Sustainable Development Goals. “The Embrace German Nature campaign promotes the physical and mental health benefits of sustainable tourism, advantages of climate-friendly travel and transportation options, and the effects on general wellbeing of embracing Germany’s most natural resources,” said Yamina Sofo, Regional Director – GNTB. “Mindfulness, sustainability, and getting closer to nature have all increased in popularity among the GCC market. This has further encouraged us to relaunch a tourism campaign that not only helps meet that demand, but also takes global and domestic climate targets into account and unites responsible use of natural resources.” Both inspirational and fascinating, Germany has a diverse ecological make up, home to more than 300,000km of hiking trails across coastline and islands, imposing mountains, and dense forests. Approximately 50,000 animal and 20,000 plant species …

Dubai headquartered Aleph Hospitality has announced its partnership with France based Fauchon Hospitality at a recent signing ceremony in Paris. The agreement names Aleph Hospitality as the exclusive developer and operator of the glamourous Fauchon L’Hôtel portfolio in the Middle East and Africa. Founded in 1886 by Auguste Fauchon, the world-renowned Fauchon brand is a luxury contemporary gastronomy leader with a unique French DNA, comprising a collection of over 100 retail boutiques, gourmet cafes and restaurants in 50 countries. In 2018, Fauchon opened its first luxury boutique hotel, Fauchon L’Hôtel Paris, followed by Fauchon L’Hôtel Kyoto in 2021 as the Parisian brand’s first international hotspot. Today, Fauchon Hospitality has five glamourous boutique hotels in the pipeline with the aim to become a global hospitality company with a luxury collection of 20 hotels by 2030. Bani Haddad, Founder and Managing Director of Aleph Hospitality, said: “We are well aware that an opportunity of this grandeur doesn’t happen very often. We are excited and humbled to be partnering with Fauchon Hospitality. We look forward to delivering the brand’s legendary glamorous Parisian ‘art the vivre’ experience to hotel guests in the Middle East and Africa. We believe the region has tremendous potential for the aspirational and sophisticated brand experience offered by Fauchon L’Hôtel.” With a focus on cosmopolitan cities and luxury leisure destinations, the Fauchon L’Hôtel portfolio will comprise boutique hotels, retreats, beach clubs and residences in exceptional locations with superior culinary concepts and indulgent private services beyond the usual five-star hospitality experience. The unique brand promise and concept is centered around the acronym ‘GLAM’: Gourmet, featuring Fauchon’s bespoke reinvented in-room mini bar, the Gourmet Bar; Location for a lively and luxurious lifestyle; …

Sabre Corporation  and Royal Jordanian Airlines announced the renewal and expansion of a long-term distribution and technology agreement to continue to distribute the carrier’s content through Sabre’s global distribution system (GDS) and to utilize Sabre’s leading technology to achieve its strategic goals. Under the expanded agreement, Royal Jordanian will continue distributing its content to the large network of travel agents and corporations worldwide connected to Sabre’s GDS. Furthermore, the airline will be deploying a set of Sabre leading technology including Sabre’s Dynamic availability and Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer. The adoption of these products can help Royal Jordanian Airlines move toward a more flexible and modern environment, while supporting its growth. “We have ambitious plans to double our fleet and operations within the coming 3-5 years and to position Royal Jordanian as the carrier of choice connecting Jordan and Levant with the world,” said Karim Makhlouf, chief commercial officer, Royal Jordanian.  “Our extended technology partnership with Sabre will help us deploy the most robust and advanced technology to enable our growth plans, help us drive profitability and improve our efficiency while staying on top of today’s ever-changing airline landscape. We are excited to continue partnering with Sabre at this exciting time.” Dynamic Availability empowers airlines to gain better control of their pricing position by leveraging shopping data, automating fare changes, and enabling dynamic pricing capabilities to generate recommendations that help drive incremental revenue opportunities. Fares Manager and Fares Optimizer, on the other hand, brings integrated end-to-end automation and intelligence to airline pricing to increase analyst productivity and improve revenue opportunities. “As a key building block for personalized retailing, our dynamic pricing engine enables airlines to optimize availability at scale and …