VFS Global  appoints GB Srithar as the Head of Tourism Services effective 01 February 2024. Srithar joins VFS Global from Singapore Tourism Board (STB), where he spent over 27 years in a career that spanned multiple functions, including Human Resources, Organizational Development, and International Marketing. He notably served as the Area Director for South India & Sri Lanka and was instrumental in leading the International Marketing and Brand Campaigns teams at STB’s headquarters. His last role as the Regional Director saw him responsible for STB’s regional marketing, tourism development, and trade partnership work across India, the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. Srithar will support our Client Governments by offering specialised services in Travel, Trade, and Tourism Services. This support will add value and enable these governments to achieve their strategic goals of boosting tourism and trade in their respective countries. According to Zubin Karkaria, Founder and CEO, VFS Global, “GB Srithar is a valuable addition to our team, bringing a wealth of experience, knowledge, and a proven track record. His expertise positions him to lead our efforts with our Client Governments to promote travel, trade, and tourism from key source markets.” GB Srithar, Head, Tourism Services, speaking about his new role said, “I am very pleased to join VFS Global – a very prestigious brand and global leader in its field. VFS Global gives me an incredible opportunity to leverage my experience on a global scale working with our Client Governments to promote and add value to Travel, Trade and Tourism Services in both established and emerging markets.’’ This appointment is very much in line with the company’s goal of retaining and attracting the best talent globally to further strengthen its …

In a series of proactive steps, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah hosted carbon emission experts, conducting audits, and empowering its staff through awareness sessions. Driving a new step for environmental responsibility in the hospitality sector Coral Beach Resort Sharjah, announced the commencement of its comprehensive strategy towards achieving zero carbon emissions. The journey towards zero carbon emissions began with a site visit conducting Greenhouse Gas assessment in accordance with the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard and level 1 energy survey and analysis audit by the Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC) headed by Sanith de S. Wijeyeratne, Director/CEO and his expert team in energy, carbon management and green buildings. Leveraging the CCC’s expertise, their team meticulously assessed every aspect of the hotel’s activities, from energy consumption and waste management to transportation and procurement practices.  Their insights have laid the foundation for a targeted strategy aimed at achieving carbon neutrality. Furthermore, the initiative includes a series of informative awareness sessions for its staff, giving sessions delving into the intricacies of carbon emissions, exploring impacts and the importance of mitigation strategies. “It’s encouraging to witness Coral Beach Resort Sharjah’s proactive stance on carbon emissions.  Their initiative demonstrates a commendable dedication to sustainability that will undoubtedly inspire change in the industry”, Sanith de S. Wijeyeratne, Director/CEO of Climate & Conservation Consortium (CCC), said during the awareness sessions. “Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond words to tangible action,” says Iftikhar Hamdani, Area General Manager of Coral Beach Resort Sharjah.  “By hosting experts, conducting audits and empowering our team, we are taking concrete steps towards our goal of zero carbon emissions.  We believe that this step will be able to inspire others to follow suit and driving positive …

Wego announced a strategic partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) with the goal of positioning Hong Kong as a leading global travel destination for GCC. Wego is eager to collaborate with HKTB to highlight Hong Kong’s distinct attractions, cultural richness, and modern allure. The Hong Kong Tourism Board eagerly welcomes this collaboration, recognizing Wego’s expansive reach and user-friendly platform as instrumental in highlighting the allure and distinctiveness of Hong Kong. From its seamless fusion of modernity and tradition to the plethora of experiences – be it the iconic skyscrapers and bustling markets or the serene landscapes and exquisite cuisine – Hong Kong captivates travelers with its diversity. In expressing his anticipation for the collaboration, Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Business Officer of Wego, commented, “Embarking on this exciting venture with the Hong Kong Tourism Board allows us to showcase the extraordinary offerings of this world-class destination. Wego’s commitment to inspiring and facilitating travel experiences aligns seamlessly with our goal of presenting Hong Kong’s diverse tapestry to a global audience. This partnership underscores our joint dedication to promoting exceptional destinations and curating unforgettable journeys.” Utilizing Wego’s digital platform, the co-marketing initiative will spotlight Hong Kong’s key attractions, provide insider travel tips. This collaboration aims to position Hong Kong as the ultimate destination for travelers in search of a harmonious blend of culture, innovation, and unparalleled experiences. Puneet Kumar, Director, South Asia and Middle East of Hong Kong Tourism Board said: “We are excited to partner with Wego Middle East in creatively presenting Hong Kong to all travel enthusiasts in the GCC. Hong Kong has become more accessible for GCC nationals with improved daily air connectivity and visa-free travel. We’re excited to …

As a transit gateway for international flights, the Middle East continues to witness significant growth across its aviation industry. Driven by the increasing demand for new aircraft as part of fleet expansion plans and modernisation programmes, the Middle Eastern MRO market is projected to account for more than 11.5% of worldwide demand over the next ten years, resulting in $137 billion of MRO demand generated in the region . Meanwhile, the Middle East’s commercial aircraft cabin interior market is predicted to increase from an estimated USD $0.93 billion in 2024 to USD $1.26 billion by 2030 , driven by the need to enhance passenger experience and growing demand for premium economy. Taking place from 5-6 March 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), MRO Middle East and Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) 2024 are set to make waves in the industry with a comprehensive agenda at the Go Live! Theater. More than 50 global and regional leaders will take to the stage to discuss the trends propelling this industry growth and provide critical learning opportunities. Confirmed speakers include Justin O’Donnell, Director Technical Operations at Riyadh Air; Jeffrey Wilkinson, CEO of DAE Engineering; Salman Iqbal, Senior Manager, Technical Sourcing & Contracts at Etihad Airways; and Andrii Kusyi, Technical Manager at Wizz Air. The two day agenda, which is free to attend and live on the show floor, will cover key themes across the MRO industry, including workforce and supply chain challenges, sustainability, fleet management optimisation and the benefits of new technology, as well as regional market insights for India and on the cargo market. During the panel ‘MRO: Sustainability – Where are we now?’, OEMs will discuss sustainability initiatives in the …

Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments signed a mutually rewarding collaboration with Heritage Express to bring an immersive Emirati-led cultural journey to its guests. Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments is a family-friendly hotel that actively supports initiatives aimed at preserving local culture and heritage and promoting cultural diversity. Experiential tourism is a part of the hotel’s sustainability initiatives to promote UAE culture to its guests, employees and the community. Heritage Express is the only tour provider that offers a unique and inclusive Emirati cultural learning journey. This partnership aims to enhance hotel guest experience and create cultural awareness among residents, tourists and students. Guests can now book the experience at the hotel’s reception desk. For guests coming in groups of ten and above, the trolley bus can be arranged with Heritage Express for pick up and drop off back to the hotel. The experience takes guests in a tour of Old Dubai in a customized Heritage Express trolley with fully trained and experienced Emirati Cultural Ambassadors. The route touches on the historical landmarks, from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, Al Seef, Al Fahidi Fort, Dubai Abra, Al Shindagha Museum, Etihad Museum: Union House to Jumeirah Mosque. The cultural experience also includes a visit to the Bedouin camp to meet the camels and falcons, a taste of authentic Emirati dishes, and open conversations with Q&A where the Emirati Cultural Ambassadors share their stories too. Heritage Express guarantees the safety of the whole experience. The trolley bus is equipped with advanced visibility, horizontal seatbelts, CCTV monitoring, first aid kit, first aid certified drivers, GPS tracking, fire extinguisher, and firefighting certified drivers. It has a dedicated door for people of …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) commemorates this year’s Qatar National Sports Day by hosting a variety of engaging fitness related activities across its terminal. A diverse range of interactive fitness activations are featured throughout the airport for departing and transfer passengers of all ages, including a Leopard Crawl, Tyre Challenge, Sack Race, Hula Hoop Competition, Tennis Tetherball, Paper Plane Competition, Hang & Squat Challenge, and Runway Dash. As Qatar’s gateway to the world, Hamad International Airport takes pride in reflecting the country’s celebrations and initiatives to the millions of passengers traversing its terminals. In line with the goals of Qatar National Sports Day, this initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of sports and fitness in fostering a healthier lifestyle. The airport’s transformation into a hub for sports enthusiasts of all ages aligns seamlessly with the nation’s overarching initiatives and celebrations. Hamad International Airport plays a crucial role in extending the spirit of Qatar National Sports Day to the millions of passengers travelling through the airport, offering them with an opportunity to engage in the nation’s activities and experience the vibrant celebrations. Hamad International Airport extends a warm invitation to all travelers to actively participate in the various activities and join in spreading awareness about the significance of health and fitness. Since its inauguration in 2014, Hamad International Airport has been consistently ranked among the best in the world due to its passenger-first approach. Functioning as a versatile lifestyle destination, Hamad International Airport boasts an array of offerings, including exquisite fine dining options, captivating art collections, world-class retail, entertainment areas, sports facilities, and relaxation spaces.

KlasJet has entered a 3-month-long contract with US-Bangla Airlines Ltd.This partnership involves the leasing of a 737-800 aircraft, which will be based at Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, operating flights to multiple destinations across the Middle East and Asia. Augustinas Riskus, Deputy CCO at KlasJet, emphasizes the importance of this partnership: “One of our main long-term strategic goals at KlasJet is to cater to a variety of regions worldwide. The new partnership with US-Bangla Airlines is giving our company a chance to serve the needs of the Middle East and Asia regions and learn the business specifics of this part of the world that was untouched by KlasJet until now. We are dedicated to delivering a seamless experience for our clients and their passengers, placing great emphasis on quality and professionalism in all aspects of our operations,” Bulka comments. Jitendra Pandey, Head – Commercial & Contracts at US-Bangla Airlines, commented: “We believe KlasJet has the capability, and they can support US-Bangla Airlines to cater to the ever-growing demand for air travel from Bangladesh. We are confident of expanding this partnership further shortly” says Mr. Pandey. KlasJet is a family member of Avia Solutions Group — the world’s largest ACMI (aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance) provider with a 199 aircraft fleet, operating on all continents in the world. The group also provides various aviation services such as MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul), pilots and crew training, ground handling, and other interconnected solutions.

Air Arabia announced record financial results for the full year ending December 31, 2023. The airline has achieved double-digit growth in profitability and passenger numbers, showcasing its commitment to growth plans and exceptional financial and operational performance. Air Arabia has reported a record net profit of AED 1.5 billion for the full year ending December 31, 2023; representing a 27 per cent increase compared to the AED 1.2 billion recorded in 2022. Moreover, the airline’s turnover for the same period reached AED 6 billion, reflecting a 14 per cent increase compared to the AED 5.2 billion registered in 2022. Full Year 2023 Performance: AED FY 2023 FY 2022 % Revenue AED 6 billion AED 5.2 billion 14% Passenger Numbers*all hubs* 16.7 million 12.8 million 31% Seat Load Factor 80% 80% – Net Profit AED 1.54 billion AED 1.2 billion 27%   Air Arabia’s Board of Directors proposed a dividend distribution of 20 per cent of share capital, which is equivalent to 20 fils per share. This proposal was made following a meeting of the board of directors of Air Arabia and is subject to ratification by Air Arabia’s shareholders at the company’s upcoming Annual General Meeting.   Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani, Chairman of Air Arabia, said: “2023 has been a remarkable year for the airline. Air Arabia has successfully maintained its growth momentum from the previous record-breaking year and achieved exceptional financial and operational results. The significant milestones attained in terms of growth, revenue, and profitability serve as a testament to Air Arabia’s robust business model, competent management team, and effective growth strategy.” He continued: “Despite the numerous geopolitical and economic challenges faced by the global aviation industry, the …

Riyadh Air announced a fundamental collaboration with Sabre Corporation to underscore Riyadh Air’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency and driving incremental revenue gains through Sabre’s end-to-end Network Planning and Optimization solutions. Sabre Network Planning and Optimization solutions empower collaborative and intelligent decision-making, ensuring airlines can optimally design their networks, accurately forecast demand, and profitably schedule and allocate available capacity. Under this groundbreaking deal, Riyadh Air has chosen Sabre’s comprehensive suite of solutions, including Sabre Schedule Manager, Sabre Slot Manager, Sabre Profit Manager, and Sabre Market Intelligence – Global Demand Data (GDD) to achieve its strategic goals and drive its vision. “Sabre’s technology provides a new level of insight that will enable Riyadh Air to make informed network planning and commercial decisions, ensuring greater revenue returns, allowing us to invest more in enhancing the overall passenger experience,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “We have carefully selected a stable of world class technical suppliers to power Riyadh Air towards its maiden flight in 2025, and this collaboration is a key milestone in our journey to achieve operational excellence and scale our business efficiently.” Sabre Schedule Manager is an industry-leading scheduling solution that increases aircraft utilization by optimizing the schedule development process from planning to distribution, thereby increasing revenue potential. This solution seamlessly integrates with a wide range of third-party solutions and has globally assisted airlines in achieving incremental operating margins and increases in productivity, while maintaining robust and operationally feasible schedules. Sabre Slot Manager is another integral component of Sabre’s suite that automates the slot process and efficiently manages an airline’s critical slot portfolio with improved asset utilization. It stands out as the industry’s most comprehensive slot management solution …

Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN) announced a new partnership with Formula E to build the world’s first Formula E branded indoor karting attraction across multiple SEVEN entertainment destinations across the Kingdom. Formula E was created to disrupt elite motorsport with a bold vision of using electric racing to accelerate sustainable human progress. What followed was the development of never-seen-before electric racing technology and pioneering race formats to create a sport unrestrained by tradition or expectation. Abdulla Nasser AlDawood, Chairman of SEVEN, commented: “Our strategic partnership with Formula E to bring never seen before Formula E branded racing tracks within our Entertainment destinations, strategically complements our mission of creating a Multiverse of entertainment offerings that cater to the different needs of our future guests that build and nurture their skills and evokes growth. We aspire to have the 1st Saudi car racing champion coming from our Formula E attraction. Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, said: “We are thrilled to be working alongside SEVEN, the entertainment champion in KSA. Our objectives and goals align in bringing the excitement of Formula E to the kingdom and taking fans closer to real racing action through the Formula E Karting experience across the SEVEN destinations. I am confident this incredible initiative will accelerate the potential of Saudi Arabia’s promising young drivers and create a future world champion.” The license agreement was signed by Eng. Essam Othman Al Jubair, Chief Operating Officer at SEVEN and Alberto Longo, Co-Founder & Chief Championship Officer, Formula E. The Formula E Karting attractions are set to be built at four of SEVEN entertainment destinations located in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Abha. Each attraction will offer a diverse selection of …