The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with IHG Hotels & Resorts to further enhance the destination’s offerings and visitor experience. The agreement encompasses joint marketing initiatives, training programmes for hospitality professionals, and the creation of new tourism experiences. Establishing a framework for further collaboration and alignment between the two entities, the agreement will see DET and IHG Hotels & Resorts work together on marketing and promotional campaigns, while the hotel group will also actively highlight Dubai as a premier tourist destination through its own marketing channels and social media platforms. In addition, the two entities will collaborate to create and enhance tourism products that showcase Dubai’s unique attractions, including cultural heritage tours and seasonal offers, which will be integrated into special packages that cater to different markets. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of DET, and Haitham Mattar, Managing Director – India, Middle East and Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts. It highlights DET’s ongoing commitment to working with regional and global hospitality brands to foster innovation and industry excellence, and is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Through the MoU, employees at IHG Hotels & Resorts will be able to participate in training courses, offered by DET’s Dubai College of Tourism, and hotel staff will also have access to relevant resources and experts. These encompass specialised training sessions, workshops, and certification programmes, designed to equip employees with the latest industry knowledge and best practices. Another major focus …

SAUDIA Group has collaborated with Riyadh Season 2024 to unveil the “BLVD Runway” zone as part the season. This innovative zone, themed around an airport runway, is now open to visitors featuring three SAUDIA Boeing 777 aircraft that have been transformed to provide a unique setting for entertainment, shopping, dining, and interactive experiences. H.E. Advisor Turki Alalsheikh, Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, received a symbolic key to the aircraft from H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, marking the zone’s official launch, which will continue for two months. The zone, spans 140,000 square meters, and includes 13 retail stores, 13 interactive experiences, and five restaurants. A 12-day spectacle unfolded as the three aircraft were transported overland from Jeddah to Riyadh. Led by H.E. Turki Alsheikh, the journey garnered significant attention on social media, with each city along the route organizing welcoming ceremonies, highlighting the Kingdom’s logistical advancements. The event was thoroughly documented with videos and photos, which received widespread coverage across various media platforms. H.E. Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, Director General of SAUDIA Group, stated: “We are proud to be part of this historic moment, marking our participation in Riyadh Season, a key enabler of the Saudi Vision 2030 objectives. The season has experienced exceptional growth and transformation year after year and is one of the most anticipated entertainment events, under the direct supervision of H.E. Turki Alalsheikh. This collaboration is one of the fruits of Saudia’s sponsorship of Riyadh Season 2024 as a platinum and official airline partner. The launch event featured presentations by technicians from SAUDIA Technic – a subsidiary of SAUDIA Group – detailing the stages of dismantling and transport of the aircraft, two of which …

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) recently hosted its second Discover Jamaica Webinar, captivating over 200 travel trade professionals from the GCC region. Building on the success of its inaugural session, this webinar showcased Jamaica’s unique appeal as a must-visit destination, highlighting its renowned all-inclusive resorts, luxury accommodations, top attractions, annual events, and delectable gastronomy. The session was presented by the JTB’s GCC Trade Representative Office, Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East, with insights from Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the JTB. A special feature of this webinar was the participation of Karisma Hotels and Resorts, whose representative spotlighted their signature all-inclusive experiences, emphasizing their world-class luxury offerings. “Expanding our reach in the GCC market is a critical part of Jamaica’s global tourism strategy,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism at the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By equipping travel professionals with in-depth knowledge about Jamaica’s premium offerings, we’re fostering partnerships that will drive visitor growth, promote cultural exchange, and position our island as a preferred destination for high-value travelers from the region.” “This series webinar is another step in our journey to firmly establish Jamaica as an emerging travel destination for the GCC market,” said Torrance Lewis, District Sales Manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board. “By showcasing our unmatched all-inclusive resorts, signature properties and services, luxury experiences, vibrant culture, and unique attractions, we aim to empower our travel trade partners with the knowledge and tools to inspire their clients to explore the beauty and charm of our island.” Attendees also had the chance to deepen their understanding of Jamaica’s allure, from luxurious resorts to cultural and adventure-filled activities like Dunn’s River Falls and Jamaican gastronomy. The event concluded with a much-anticipated raffle sponsored …

Qatar Airways Privilege Club and Marriott Bonvoy by Marriott International are enhancing their partnership to provide Privilege Club members with new benefits to unlock more travel experiences across the globe. Privilege Club members with a Marriott Bonvoy account can convert their Avios into Marriott Bonvoy points. This enhancement is the first-of-its-kind for airline loyalty programmes in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, providing members with a new way to use their Avios across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of more than 30 extraordinary brands and 10,000 global destinations. Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now convert their Avios to Marriott Bonvoy points at a two-to-one ratio. To do this, members simply need to log into their Qatar Airways Privilege Club account through the Qatar Airways app or website, visit the Marriott Bonvoy partner page, and select the number of Avios they wish to convert. A minimum of 1,000 Avios is required in their Privilege Club account to complete a transaction. This added advantage to the partnership provides members with more choice for spending their Avios. Privilege Club members are now able to book complimentary nights across renowned brands such as W Hotels, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, Westin, and Moxy Hotels. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Loyalty, Mr. Thomas Vadakedath, said: “Qatar Airways Privilege Club is pleased to expand its long-standing partnership with Marriott Bonvoy. With the latest enhancement, we are excited to offer Privilege Club members a new way to spend their Avios, and access rewards of their choice with Marriott Bonvoy.” “As the loyalty programme of the ‘World’s Best Airline’ we aim to offer members with benefits that elevate their travel experiences, and the latest advancement in our partnership …

UK, India, Thailand have secured as the most popular holiday choices this festive season according to the latest data collected by Skyscanner. For journeys departing between December 20 and December 31, travellers are favouring destinations that offer both seasonal festivities and opportunities for relaxation. London, Mumbai, and Bangkok have emerged as key favourites for bookings, showcasing their enduring appeal for family reunions and cultural exploration. The most popular departure dates fall between December 14 and 18, as travellers opt to extend their holiday breaks for maximum enjoyment. Round-trip bookings dominate, emphasising the importance of smooth travel experiences for UAE residents. Search data from September to early December reveals that travellers are gravitating toward a mix of destinations, with the United Kingdom, India, and Thailand among the most popular choices. City hotspots like London, Bangkok, and Istanbul continue to captivate UAE travellers, offering a blend of cultural experiences and festive charm. Alongside these bustling hubs, tranquil escapes such as the Maldives and Turkey’s coastal retreats have also seen a surge in demand. As the festive season is upon us, travellers across the UAE are eagerly awaiting their end-of-year escapes. Skyscanner’s latest data highlights the top destinations and trends shaping holiday travel plans, offering a glimpse into where UAE residents are heading to celebrate the season. For travellers still finalising plans, Skyscanner’s tools, such as price alerts and flexible booking options, provide the ideal solution to secure the best deals and make the most of their festive holidays.

IDeaS announced that it has partnered with Al Habtoor Palace in Dubai to deploy IDeaS’ G3 Revenue Management System (RMS). The rollout of IDeaS G3 RMS will enable the hotel team to further optimize its revenue management practices backed by advanced technology. Flagship of the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection, Al Habtoor Palace, member of the Legend Collection, Preferred Hotels & Resorts, is situated in the heart of Dubai on the banks of the Dubai Water Canal. The Beaux-Arts-inspired property – an ode to the great palaces and hotels of Europe – features 182 luxurious guest rooms and 52 signature suites, refined dining experiences, and the award-winning Silk Spa.  Benefits of the partnership include: • Advanced Demand Forecasting: Powered by SAS® High Performance Analytics, G3 RMS effortlessly delivers precise, real-time demand forecasting at the room type and rate code level. This accurate and timely forecasting is critical for Al Habtoor Palace as they operate in a highly competitive luxury market that requires a proactive approach to capture the most profitable market demand. • Dynamic Pricing and Inventory Controls: Derived from demand forecasts, G3 RMS automatically recommends revenue maximizing decisions regarding pricing, rate availability, and overbooking to optimize RevPAR. This ensures Al Habtoor’s ability to quickly and effectively adapt to shifting market conditions. • Enhanced Strategic Insights: The What-if Analysis feature within G3 RMS supplies Al Habtoor Palace’s revenue management team with a powerful real-time simulation tool for testing multiple demand scenarios or strategic decisions, such as inventory changes, and understand their effects on demand, occupancy, and revenue. Ibrahim Saba, Principal Sales Director EMEA, IDeaS, said: “We are delighted to work with the team at Al Habtoor Palace and to be …

Kempinski Hotel Muscat announced the promotion of Nadine Al Bulushi to General Manager, making her the first Omani female to achieve this esteemed position in the country. Nadine Al Bulushi’s remarkable journey to this significant milestone began in 2019 when she joined Kempinski Hotel Muscat as Executive Assistant Manager and subsequently promoted to Hotel Manager in 2020. Her extraordinary contributions, particularly during the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak, went above and beyond her responsibilities, culminating in her well-deserved promotion just one year and eight months after joining the company. Nadine’s exceptional leadership, dedication and passion for the hospitality industry have consistently distinguished her. Her extensive experience spans multiple countries, including Oman, Egypt, the UAE, South Africa, Ethiopia, Libya, Kuwait and Bahrain. As General Manager, Nadine will continue to guide Kempinski Hotel Muscat towards success, with a focus on delivering exceptional guest experiences, fostering a positive workplace culture and driving the hotel’s overall growth. This landmark appointment highlights the company’s commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within its organisational culture.

Sav announced a strategic alliance with Travelwings.com to reinforce its “Save Now, Buy Later” approach, encouraging users to plan financially responsible travel while avoiding the pitfalls of high-interest credit. This collaboration allows Sav users to earn up to 7% value-back on travel bookings with Travelwings.com when they achieve their travel savings goals. It enhances Travelwings.com’s engagement with financially conscious travelers, optimizing inventory planning, and offering deeper insights into customer needs. The UAE has seen nearly 40% rise over the past decade in individuals overleveraged on credit, with some paying interest rates of up to 30% on missed payments. Sav’s model offers a financially sustainable alternative, encouraging users to save in advance toward travel goals, enjoy debt-free vacations, and build disciplined savings habits with rewarding outcomes. “We are thrilled to partner with Travelwings.com, to blend our innovative financial solutions with their exceptional travel offerings,” said Mithil Ajmera, Chief Operating Officer at Sav. “This collaboration not only rewards users for smart financial planning but also deepens engagement and loyalty for both brands. Together, we’re setting a new standard for responsible spending that benefits users now and in the future.” Users can visit the webpage featuring their desired travel package to access these benefits. Each package page includes the option to use Sav for savings. Users can fill in the required details and scan a QR code to create their travel savings goal. “Partnering with Sav allows us to provide a travel experience that aligns with our customers’ financial well-being,” said Albert Fernando, Chief Executive Officer and Founder at Travelwings.com. “With Sav’s support, our customers can plan ahead, save, and enjoy exclusive benefits without incurring high-interest credit.” As Sav and Travelwings.com continue to explore …

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship in Oman’s tourism sector, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) is launching the first edition of its Hackathon, taking place currently until 21 December 2024, the event brought together developers, designers, and young entrepreneurs to develop creative solutions addressing challenges in the tourism sector and other key areas, including energy, environment, logistics and other sectors. The hackathon will be held in strategic partnership with the Oman Across Ages Museum and Al Dakhliya Governorate. It will also collaborate with several Oman Investment Authority entities and be executed by Al Jabr, a regional leader in startup development and institutional innovation in the MENA region. The OMRAN Hackathon serves as a dynamic platform for technological and creative talent to collaborate in a competitive environment, crafting innovative ideas in fields such as technology, artificial intelligence, health, and environmental sustainability. Participants will work to transform these ideas into prototypes or actionable projects. The event launch will be celebrated on the 14th of December at the Oman Across Ages Museum. This will be followed by an innovation sprint at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort in Al Jabal Al Akhdar on 19 and 20 December, featuring two days of intensive brainstorming and mentorship. The Hackathon concludes with a ceremony on 21 December, also at Dusit D2 Naseem Resort, where teams will present their final projects to a panel of esteemed judges and compete for recognition and prizes. Developers, designers, university students specialising in technology, tourism, and business, as well as entrepreneurs from the tourism and technology sectors, are encouraged to participate. Out of over 100 registered teams, only 30 will be selected, ensuring a showcase of the …

Hilton and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate announced the signing of Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay in the heart of Manama, marking the brand’s debut in Bahrain. The landmark signing will bring Waldorf Astoria’s signature service and sophisticated accommodations to Bahrain Bay, one of the capital’s most exclusive districts. A refined haven in the heart of the city, Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will feature 120 elegantly designed rooms and apartments. Continuing the brand’s globally renowned seamless service, each guest will be assigned a Personal Concierge who will meticulously attend to every detail of their stay from pre-arrival to post-departure. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will be located next to The Avenues – Bahrain, a premier waterfront shopping and leisure destination which includes a mix of luxury retail, high-street shopping and entertainment areas. It will also be in close proximity to Bahrain Financial Harbour, the country’s main commercial district, and will have easy access to the highways which connect Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. Chris Nassetta, President & CEO, Hilton, said, “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Mr. Mohammed Alshaya, his team and Al Sorouh Hospitality Development Real Estate to introduce Waldorf Astoria to Bahrain for the first time. As Bahrain continues to grow and diversify its tourism offerings, we see tremendous opportunities to expand our portfolio. Waldorf Astoria Bahrain Bay will embody the luxury and excellence that travelers expect from our globally renowned brand. We eagerly anticipate the opening of this magnificent new property in the coming years.” Building on Waldorf Astoria’s legacy of culinary excellence, the hotel will offer a carefully curated range of food and beverage options including a brasserie, a specialty rooftop bar and the brand’s famed Peacock …