ATM introduces a ‘Best Stand Build Incorporating Sustainability Initiatives’ for the 2023 annual exhibitor awards to recognise exhibitors that have made exceptional efforts to reduce their environmental impact and support the UAE’s net zero commitment Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, the leading travel and tourism showcase in the Middle East which is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from 1–4 May 2023, will feature a sustainability category at its annual exhibitor awards next year for the first time. The decision was taken to recognise exhibiting organisations that have considered the impact that their stand will have on the environment and the efforts they have made to reduce and or offset their carbon footprint. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “We are aware of the incredible amount of effort and investment that goes into designing, building and manning exhibition stands at Arabian Travel Market. “Since its inception, the ATM exhibitor award programme has not only recognised those efforts, but has also encouraged exciting, fresh and creative ideas. “For our 2023 event, we wanted to include a category that provided synergy with our official theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ and furthermore one that supports the UAE’s broader net zero commitment as well as RX’s mission to deliver Net Zero Carbon events by 2040.” “The sustainability award will be open to all exhibitors who can nominate themselves with a justification against certain criteria that will be clearly laid out in the ATM operations manual,” added Curtis. The criteria will include the use of bio-degradable, reusable and recyclable materials for the stand build & features, digital marketing materials, limited single use plastics, reduced freight and logistics emissions, waste management, …

VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim, is excited to announce that its open-air movie experience OUTDOOR will return on Wednesday, 19 October. Located on the rooftop of Galleria Mall in Jumeirah 1, OUTDOOR is a wintertime favourite among Dubai cinemagoers to kick back, relax and enjoy the latest blockbusters under a canopy of stars. Guests can choose from single seats and bean bags to two-person VIP cabanas for the ultimate al fresco movie experience. OUTDOOR also offers an exclusive waiter service, so guests are treated to VOX Cinemas’ signature food and beverages from the comfort of their seats. Throughout the winter season from October 2022 till April 2023, OUTDOOR will be screening a must-see line-up of the most anticipated Hollywood titles including Black Adam and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, as well as a slate of Halloween and Christmas titles and romantic movies. Each weekend (Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m.), there will be dedicated kids’ screenings, so the littlest movie fans can enjoy family-friendly films. OUTDOOR is equipped with the best visual technology and surround sound for a fully immersive and exhilarating big-screen experience. OUTDOOR at Galleria Mall Standard Package for 1 AED137 (Monday-Friday) / AED 157 (Saturday & Sunday) Includes one seat and F&B package with the choice of either nachos or a hotdog, salt or caramel popcorn, chocolate bar, a soft drink and bottled water   Premium View Cabana Package for 2 AED 315 (Monday-Friday) / AED 368 (Saturday & Sunday) Includes a two-person VIP cabana and F&B package with the choice of either nachos or a hotdog, salt or caramel popcorn, chocolate bar, a soft drink and bottled water   Kids Package AED 95 …

Satguru Group announced the acquisition of Orient Tours, an esteemed DMC (Destination Management Company) in Dubai. The acquisition of the Arabian Gulf’s oldest premier DMC (Destination Management Company) will accelerate Satguru’s plan to strengthen its DMC presence in UAE. Established in 1989 in Kigali (East Africa) with the aim to offer unique services to their global travelers with a sole purpose of transforming the travel world. Their customers have access to the best-in-class booking technology, smart analytics, worldwide partnerships and impeccable client servicing. They pride themselves in providing end-to-end services to allow stress-free travel to all of their customers. Their services range from organized planning, hotels and accommodation, corporate travel, car rentals, visa and insurance among others. Headquartered in Dubai, Satguru Travel under Satguru Group is one of the largest TMCs (Travel Management Companies) covering over 80 locations in every continent over the past decade. Mr. Anil Chandirani, Chairman of Satguru Group said, “Leveraging Orient Tour’s international footprint, the Satguru Group aims to expand its DMC operations in the UAE. We are confident that in the years to come, we will all reap the benefits of this cooperation.” The acquisition of Orient Tours fits seamlessly into Satguru’s business strategy to augment its growth and establish its presence both nationally and internationally. Orient Tours brings 40 years of experience to the table, offering an unconventional DMC perspective. The brand is synonymous with exceptional customer service and unique product offerings. With this acquisition, Satguru Group intends to leverage Orient Tours’ decades of expertise to further strengthen inbound tourism to the UAE and expand its footprint across 70+ countries. According to Orient Tours, the decision to hand over the reins was made keeping …

‎With the countdown to hosting the world’s largest football event advancing, Qatar Airways Group and Qatar Tourism unveil major events to provide football fans with world-class entertainment  including Qatar Live – which hosts more than 60 international artists throughout the World Cup. The conference displayed synergy between travel and tourism as Qatar Airways revealed over ten projects developed with partners including Qatar Tourism, Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatari Diar. The airline announced the development of beach clubs, fan zones and theme parks, in addition to hosting Qatar Live, Daydream Music Festival, Lusail Boulevard brand activation, Qatar Airways Sky House, Winter Wonderland and the naming ceremony for the MSC World Europa cruise ship. At an insightful press conference, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker was joined by FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Nasser Al Khater and MATAR Chief Operations Officer, Eng. Badr Al Meer. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “Today we see the breadth of what can be accomplished when aviation and tourism work together. We are very proud to announce a wide range of world-class live entertainment coming to Qatar to celebrate the most exciting tournament that will take place in the Middle East. We look forward to our locals and tourists alike having the best of the entertainment industry readily available for their enjoyment.” Chief Executive Officer, FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, Mr. Nasser Al Khater, said: “Qatar is ready to welcome the world and host a unique edition of the FIFA World Cup – the first to take place in the Middle East and Arab world. Fans can expect …

marhaba, part of dnata, continues to expand its lounge offering as passengers increasingly look for quality airport hospitality services to boost their travel experience. Most recently, marhaba has re-opened a newly-refurbished lounge at Dubai International’s (DXB) Terminal 3. Located at Concourse ‘C’, the newest marhaba lounge features contemporary Arabic influences, enhanced buffet area and a unique bar concept. It offers comfortable seating for 140 guests across multiple, separate areas and plenty of charging points as part of a revamped experience for travellers. Including its upgraded facility, marhaba now operates five lounges at DXB, each offering superfast Wi-Fi and international cuisine catering to a wide range of dietary and ethnic requirements. Several lounges also feature a quiet zone for relaxation, shower facilities and dedicated kids areas. After a busy period for travel to and from Dubai, marhaba recorded a 140% increase in visitor numbers between June – September 2022 at its lounges compared to the same period in 2021. It also witnessed a significant growth in demand for its signature Meet & Greet services, including its innovative Home Check-in services, that ensure a swift, smooth and safe experience for passengers and their families throughout their journey. Steve Allen, CEO of dnata Group, commented: “marhaba’s airport services have been soaring in popularity, with more people travelling and more passengers seeking to complement their journey with access to our comfortable and convenient lounges, and our range of travel add-ons. “From Meet & Greet to chauffeur drive services and beyond, marhaba is with travellers every step of the way at DXB and around the world. As ever, passenger comfort and travel assurance remain at the heart of the experience. Our teams look forward to …

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), the not-for-profit travel trade association serving government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies within the Asia Pacific region, has announced the programme for its 2022 Annual Summit set to take place from 25-27 October 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World Sustainably’, the programme covers critical industry topics such as destination resilience, sustainable travel recovery strategies, supporting women in micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), global hotel industry trends, sustainable gastronomic tourism, the voice of the next generation, and the decarbonization of transport. This is the first time PATA’s Annual Summit takes places in the Middle East. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) at the Al Hamra International Conference Center, the three-day event brings together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific.  The PATA association network consists of both public and private entities representing every facet of the travel ecosystem – government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines, MNCs, SMEs, universities, and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) commented: “We are delighted to host the Pacific Asia Travel Association for the first time in the Middle East. As a dynamic and forward-looking Emirate, we are placing all aspects of sustainability (environment, culture, conservation and livability) at the centre of our investment and development strategy. We look forward to driving the sustainability agenda with key opinion leaders from around the world to build a stronger and resilient tourism economy for the future.” Among the distinguished …

Etihad Airways, in partnership with Armani/Casa, announced a new collaboration to deliver an unparalleled premium travel experience, setting an elevated new benchmark for the aviation industry. Launching onboard in December 2022, the partnership creates a unique vision for Etihad’s premium offering, exclusively designed with celebrated designer Giorgio Armani. The Etihad and Armani/Casa collaboration introduces ‘The Constellation Collection’, inspired by the stars. Offering a ‘beyond Business’ experience for Etihad’s guests, the range is embellished with a unique geometric pattern that subtly adorns the collection. The collection includes a new dining service featuring ceramics, glassware, cutlery and serving ware, as well as premium textiles for a completely luxurious inflight experience. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad, said: “Today we unveil a completely new and elevated way to fly with Etihad Airways—an experience defined by our Emirati heritage yet shaped by a clear vision for our future. Known globally for its Italian luxury and elegance, Armani/Casa is the ideal brand partner to create an unparalleled level of bespoke service and refinement for our guests.” Redefining Business class travel The dining service features refined silhouettes with elevated contemporary finishes, mixed materials and embossed patterns. The use of multiple textures represents the cultural diversity of the UAE. The colour palette reflects the surroundings of Abu Dhabi; dark green inspired by the region’s date palm trees, aquamarine representing the beauty of the mangroves and slate to symbolise the modernity of the iconic Abu Dhabi skyline. The signature cutlery is elegantly tactile with patterned handles bringing the unmistakable Armani/Casa experience directly to the guest. The collection is designed in line with the airline’s commitment to sustainability. Durable, high-quality material and innovative designs have reduced equipment weight …

Hotel Development, the NEOM division responsible for building a future-centric hospitality ecosystem in the northwest corner of Saudi Arabia, has signed its inaugural hotel partner, Ennismore. With a blank canvas and no legacy infrastructure, Hotel Development will capitalize on the region’s potential to establish a new era for the industry – one of imagination and a sense of duty to guide and inform how humanity engages with our world. The division will also support NEOM’s bold ambitions to attract more than five million visitors by 2030. The agreement signed with Ennismore, the world’s fastest-growing lifestyle hospitality company, corresponds with Hotel Development’s main goal of establishing global partnerships. The inaugural tie-up will see two of Ennismore’s iconic brands – 25hours Hotels and Morgans Originals – open properties in TROJENA, NEOM’s mountain tourism destination that features a ski village. Chris Newman, Executive Director, Hotel Development at NEOM, said: “Hotel Development aims to accelerate human progress by redefining how we travel, stay, and live. Our partnership with Ennismore echoes our mission to pioneer in the space of experiential hospitality in a way that shapes the future of hotels in the Kingdom and beyond. With a shared passion for developing differentiated and imaginative hospitality concepts, we look forward to seeing this relationship – and others like it – flourish.” Philip Gullett, Executive Director and Region Head, TROJENA, said: “The mountains of TROJENA are set to become one of the most awe-inspiring destinations the world over. Both 25hours Hotels and Morgans Originals are ideal brands for TROJENA as we look to deliver extraordinary experiences for residents and visitors seeking luxury, adventure, entertainment, livability, and escape from the status quo.” Gaurav Bhushan, Co-CEO of Ennismore, said: …

Qatar Airways Privilege Club has signed a global strategic agreement with Visa, world’s leader in digital payments, part of a new 10-year exclusive partnership. This latest collaboration enables Privilege Club to enhance and expand its portfolio of co-branded payment initiatives with key financial partners across key markets worldwide. With the strength of Visa’s global platform and digital-first approach, the partnership will unveil new products to further augment Qatar Airways Privilege Club’s ambitions. The roll-out of the Visa co-branded payment cards means members can look forward to enjoying several new features, such as complimentary worldwide airport lounge access, travel insurance, premium concierge service and much more. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “We are excited to announce our latest partnership with Visa, a leader in the global payments industry. Visa connects our Privilege Club members to the world through their vast relationships and new opportunities for co-branded payment cards. “This strategic collaboration is the latest development in our mission to provide an unmatched loyalty programme with the greatest offerings available, complementing other recent initiatives like the adoption of Avios as the new reward currency, refreshing the digital experience and enhancements in products like Cash + Avios.” Dr. Saeeda Jaffar, Senior Vice President and Group Country Manager for GCC at Visa, said: “Visa works closely with leading airline partners to deliver innovative and rewarding co-brand products that enhance the travel experience for our cardholder passengers. We are delighted to sign an exclusive long-term agreement with Qatar Airways to create experiences that serve Qatar Airways Privilege Club members’ travel and lifestyle interests. Our cardholders will soon be able to enjoy new payment products and benefits, while enjoying convenient and secure payments …

The Government of Japan announced new measures to allow UAE nationals to enter Japan without the need for a visa. The measure becomes effective from November 1, 2022 for all UAE nationals that meet the following requirements. Eligibility for the New Visa Waiver Measure: UAE Nationals in possession of valid ordinary passports of the UAE which are ICAO compliant IC Passports Outline of the New Visa Waiver Measure Purpose of visit: Short-term stay (for sightseeing, business, or visit to relatives/friends, etc.) Duration of stay: 30 days Executive Director of JNTO Dubai office, KOBAYASHI Daisuke reiterated, “We are delighted to now welcome UAE nationals visa-free to Japan, and hope many Emirati nationals take advantage of this seamless opportunity from the onset. Following a market survey we conducted last year, 44% of Emirati nationals surveyed who have visited Japan previously, answered that activities in nature were the most satisfying element of their trip. With this in mind I would especially like to suggest November and the beginning of December as the two best months to experience the natural beauty of Japan’s world-famous autumnal foliage. It is also at this time that some ski resorts start opening to the public prior to the peak ski season which is from January to March. From the ski fields of Niseko in Hokkaido in the north, to Hakuba in Nagano in central Japan, Japan is an ideal destination for ski beginners and experts alike, as well as for families with young children, and couples looking for adventure mixed with unique cultural experiences. This winter we are enticing Emirati travellers to come to Japan for the skiing and snowboarding, stay for the hospitality, indulge in our delicious …