His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched, the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031, which comes under the ‘Projects of the 50’ as one of the biggest projects of the next years. The strategy aims to strengthen the position of the UAE as one of the best destinations in the world for tourism. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said, “Today, we approved UAE’s Tourism Strategy 2031. UAE ranks among the top 10 global tourist destinations. Our goal is to boost our competitiveness by attracting AED100 billion as additional tourism investments and welcome 40 million hotel guests in 2031.” His Highness added, “Tourism is key to diversifying our economy and boosting UAE’s global competitiveness. In the first quarter of 2022, our airports received 22 million passengers. Our goal is for the tourism sector’s contribution to be AED450 billion of GDP in 2031.” The strategy, which comes in partnership with various federal and local tourism authorities, national airlines, and international institutions and companies, aims to enhance the unified tourism identity and support the UAE integrated and well-established tourism ecosystem, in order to provide a distinguished experience for tourists from all over the world. The strategy aims to raise the tourism sector’s contribution to the GDP to AED450 billion, with an annual increase of AED27 billion, attract new investments of AED100 billion to the tourism sector in the country, and attract 40 million hotel guests. The strategy includes 25 initiatives and policies to support the development of the tourism sector in the country. It is based on 4 key directions: strengthening the unified national tourism identity; developing and diversifying specialised tourism products; …

Saudi joined Umrah+ Connect, a leading B2B platform dedicated to the Umrah travel market to share Saudi’s Umrah offering with UK and European trade partners. Taking place during the World Travel Market, where Saudi is this year’s Premier Partner, Umrah+ Connect brings together leading DMC’s, airlines, hoteliers, and Umrah companies. Following the success of last year’s first major B2B Umrah event in London, Umrah+ Connect took place in association with Nusuk, Saudi’s first official integrated digital platform that offers pilgrims and visitors an easy-to-use planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah, and beyond. This comes off the back of the recent global launch of Nusuk by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Nusuk is an initiative of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program which has seen roadshows taking place in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Indonesia. Nusuk will expand the range of choice and enhance the overall experience for Muslims visiting Saudi and enable simpler arrival procedures for visitors to perform Umrah. Nusuk will also offer a new range of services including facilitating visas, permits, booking processes and procedures, along with special packages for Makkah, Madinah and beyond. His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Chairman of the Committee for the Pilgrim Experience Program, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, said, “The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues its efforts in cooperation and collaboration with government entities in Saudi Arabia to serve the pilgrims of Makkah and Madinah through Nusuk. We are using the most advanced technology to enrich the spiritual experience of the pilgrim and visitor. Nusuk’s sponsorship of this event is a symbol of our commitment to bringing Nusuk to our partners and to the tens of millions Muslims …

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that it will manage a luxury hotel in Kuwait, projected to open in 2028. The hotel will be located in the heart of the financial district of Kuwait City and will bring a new standard of luxury and elegance to the destination. Mandarin Oriental, Kuwait will be located in an iconic 80-storey tower, designed by the award-winning architects, Foster & Partners. In addition to the hotel, the tower will comprise a podium with a variety of international retail and entertainment centres, as well as premium office space. It will also be the headquarters of Bukhamseen Group Holding, which is developing the overall project. The hotel will feature 159 guestrooms, including 33 suites, and 10 serviced apartments, with views of downtown Kuwait City. It will offer a wide range of food and beverage outlets comprising a signature dining experience, a three meal period venue, a poolside  restaurant, a lobby lounge with a Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop, a club lounge and a shisha venue. There will also be extensive banqueting and meeting spaces to accommodate social and business events. A comprehensive Spa at Mandarin Oriental will provide a wide range of spa, beauty and wellness experiences and will feature eight private treatment rooms, a fitness centre, and both an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, the latter being set on a landscaped pool deck. The hotel is well placed for the city’s financial, commercial and governmental institutions and is a 20 minute drive from Kuwait’s International Airport. James Riley, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said, “We are delighted at the opportunity to extend Mandarin Oriental’s presence in the Middle East with this important landmark …

Marriott International, Inc. announced its expansion into apartment-style accommodations with the launch of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy. The company is seizing upon growing consumer interest among families and friends seeking more space for stays, propelled by the blending of work and leisure travel, and the desire among younger travelers for wider accommodations options. Marriott is building upon its 26 years of experience with Marriott Executive Apartments, its serviced-apartment brand in Asia, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. With the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, the company expects it will enhance portfolio growth globally and bring the serviced-apartment concept to Marriott guests in the U.S. and Canada. “Travelers planning vacations and long business trips today are seeking more choice in accommodations, and the introduction of Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy responds to those trends, while offering developers a premium product backed by our trusted name and distribution platform,” said Stephanie Linnartz, President, Marriott International. “With Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy, guests will be able to shop a wider array of accommodation options within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, growing their loyalty to the portfolio and its range of brand offerings.” Marriott plans to introduce Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy in the upper-upscale and luxury segments, distinguished from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands, with distinctly designed products that reflect the local neighborhood for independent travelers seeking more space and residential amenities. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy will feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen, and in-unit washer and dryer, but will be differentiated from Marriott’s existing extended-stay brands by not providing certain traditional hotel services such as food and beverage, meeting spaces, and retail. Apartments by Marriott Bonvoy is anticipated to offer developers the …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Company for Visa and Travel Solutions (SVTS) for broader collaboration on streamlining travel arrangements. The signing took place during the first day of the World Travel Market in London between Wael Basaffar, SAUDIA’s VP sales, and Abdullah Aljorias, the Chief Business Officer of SVTS. According to the MoU, the two parties will share the use of each other’s office spaces around the world and co-invest in technological solutions for online interconnectivity. The two companies will also explore ways to create, develop, and apply joint services and marketing. In addition, the MoU proposes the possibility of joint operations support bureaus to help run day-to-day activities. There is also a possibility of SAUDIA offering exclusive deals across its international network. Mr. Basafar said that the MoU comes as part of SAUDIA’s commitment to broadening its partnerships with government agencies and the private sector locally and internationally for greater online interconnectivity of services, which supports the Kingdom’s digital transformation agenda and plans to streamline travel arrangements for visitors from across more than 100 destinations in four continents. Mr. Abdullah Aljorias, Chief Business Officer, clarifies that the memorandum was signed to enable the company to reach its long-term objectives. The primary purpose is to provide all new and innovative solutions and digitization services that contribute to simplifying processes for passengers. It also works to benefit from all the service and sales centers across the world that both companies provide. According to Aljorias, SVTS looks forward to ongoing partnerships that encourage a wide range of government, semi-government, private sectors, and individual beneficiaries.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has signed a strategic partnership with WebBeds, one of the world’s leading providers of accommodation and ground product distribution services to the travel industry. The strategic partnership, which was announced at this week’s World Travel Market (WTM) 2022, will help drive awareness of Abu Dhabi among WebBeds’ network of travel agents and partners. Through a series of webinars, roadshows and trade fam trips, the partnership will educate travel agents about Abu Dhabi by showcasing the inspiring, exciting and restorative experiences that can be enjoyed during a visit. The new strategic partnership with WebBeds will pave the way for the two entities to work together to increase WebBed’s product portfolio and inform its trade professionals about Abu Dhabi’s unique blend of experiences and events on offer for travellers throughout the year.  With an action-packed calendar of 180 events, including the debut of The Lion King stage show in the Middle East, and the biggest impressionist art exhibition outside of Europe at Louvre Abu Dhabi, there has never been a better time to visit the UAE capital. His Excellency Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We’re delighted to announce our new partnership with WebBeds, which will enable us to showcase Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness as an all-in-one destination with year-round experiences that inspire, excite and restore. Collaborations with key partners unlock global markets and this one will allow us to connect with WebBeds’ valued travel agencies and product management network to welcome more visitors each year.” Amr Ezzeldin, WebBeds President – Middle East and Africa, said: “We’re pleased to be working with DCT Abu …

Emirates and Gulf Air signed a unilateral codeshare partnership, starting this December*. The new agreement will offer easy connections and expanded choices for Gulf Air customers connecting to Dubai and onwards to a host of Emirates destinations across Europe, Africa, South America and the Far East. The agreement was signed on the first day of the Bahrain Airshow, signalling a growing relationship between both airlines following on the framework of cooperation established last year.  The agreement was signed by Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline and Gulf Air’s Chief Executive Officer Captain Waleed Al Alawi in the presence of H.E. Mr. Zayed R. Alzayani, Gulf Air’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. The signing ceremony was also attended by members of each airline’s executive management teams. The expanded partnership will see Gulf Air place their marketing code “GF” on Emirates operated flights beyond Dubai to a selection of some of the most attractive global tourism hotspots, offering new holiday options for Gulf Air customers. Travellers will be able to connect to points including Budapest, Prague, Warsaw, Algeria, Tunis, Bali, Hanoi, HoChi Minh City, Taipei and Sao Paulo. The new codeshare agreement’s mix of unique points comes as travellers from the GCC have become more well-informed, value-driven and savvy, increasingly looking for new, diverse experiences and attractions beyond their traditional holiday destinations. The new partnership will also offer customers the convenience of combined ticketing and check-in, a unified policy and seamless transfers for baggage, and competitive single fares on a multi-airline journey when connecting on Emirates. Customers can book their travel on Gulf Air’s website, through Gulf Air point of sales and online travel agencies as well as with local travel …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East (HSMAI ME) is lining up thought-provoking speakers for the 5th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference. The in-person event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28-29, 2022. Following the success of previous editions that focused on revenue management, this year’s focus will be across multiple disciplines including marketing, revenue, sales, and operational topics from speakers outside the industry to share best practices. The event will also host influential personalities and speakers from various other industries for the very first time. With their knowledge and expertise, HSMAI aims to educate and broaden the perspective of the hospitality industry as a whole. The annual event will open with a fireside chat from Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). During the session, Kazim will explore what Dubai needs to remain an attractive destination and how to ensure Dubai keeps up with technology trends to stay top of mind. Following unprecedented events and challenges brought about by the pandemic, this year’s event theme is “Accelerate Recovery”. The conference brings together hospitality leaders, delivering expert insights and knowledge to help propel the industry into a new era. Filled with keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and networking, the HSMAI ROC Commercial Strategy Conference promises stimulating conversations across a wide range of topics. A keynote by Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East will delve into economic factors – such as inflation and recession fears – and how it’s impacting the travel industry’s speed of recovery.   Debbie Siminser, Vice President of Learning & Development, ME & Africa from Accor, will take the stage to discuss how organizations can Leverage …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced a partnership with Hotelbeds, global leaders in the TravelTech space, to encourage travel agents to promote Abu Dhabi across key and emerging markets as a leading tourist destination. The strategic partnership will drive further awareness of Abu Dhabi among Hotelbeds’ network of travel agents and partners. The partnership also opens up opportunities for the two entities to work together on roadshows and meetings with travel partners, as well as collaborate on initiatives to promote attractions and events in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the partnership will promote Abu Dhabi’s ESG initiatives through Hotelbeds’ existing projects such as the ‘Green Hotel Programme’. Designed to identify and promote officially certified properties as sustainable accommodation, Hotelbeds’ Green Hotel Programme is part of a pledge to offer solutions for destinations to participate in the travel industry’s path towards sustainability. The 12-month partnership, which was announced at World Travel Market (WTM) 2022 in London, will help drive further awareness of Abu Dhabi as a destination that is unique in the diversity of thoughtful and enriching experiences it offers, among consumers and trade partners. HE Saleh Mohamed Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We are delighted to announce the extended partnership with Hotelbeds, which will further boost Abu Dhabi’s attractive offering. Hotelbeds is a key global partner for DCT Abu Dhabi, and we look forward to working with them closely over the next year to showcase Abu Dhabi and welcome visitors to find their own pace and explore all that it has to offer.” Joseph Sheller, Head of Global Destination Marketing at Hotelbeds, said: “Our partnership with Abu …

The brand-new DAMAC Hills 2 Hotel, an edge by Rotana managed hotel that is set to open in the coming months in DAMAC Hills 2, a vibrant community that curates a one-of-a-kind living experience. An oasis of comfort that offers convenience, leisure and state-of-the-art facilities, the hotel will welcome guests to experience a modern way of living surrounded by a whole new range of experiences and attractions. Showcasing a contemporary touch and a modern feel, the hotel features 295 spacious rooms that radiate a feeling of being in an exclusive part of Dubai. Offering comfort and a cozy setting, the hotel features four meeting rooms that cater to business events, birthday gatherings, bridal showers, special parties and a plethora of other occasions. Other amazing perks include a well-equipped Bodylines Wellness & Fitness Club, two temperature-controlled pools for both children and adults and a kids’ play area to keep the little ones occupied during your stay. The hotel is home to Urban Bar Deli, a casual all-day dining restaurant that promise to bring you a world of flavours with an array of dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A perfect spot to unwind with friends, diners can dive into a range of culinary delights while sipping on a variety of beverages in a relaxed setting. Although nestled in a rich desert, DAMAC Hills 2 Hotel is surrounded by lush green parks and calming lakes and is a vibrant dining destination that attracts and brings the community together. The hotel is also ideal for fitness enthusiasts who are looking to indulge in a relaxing escape where they can savour a delicious breakfast and cycle on the famous Al Qudra Cycling Track to …