The Saudi tourism system and its partners from the private and public sectors attended a workshop under the patronage of HE Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA). This year’s Saudi Winter 2024-2025 program is expected to launch across seven destinations: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla, the Red Sea, the Eastern Province, Hail, and Madinah. The workshop reviewed achievements in the tourism sector, areas of collaboration with the private sector, and preparations and expectations for the upcoming Saudi winter season program. The program will include activities such as desert and beach camping, sports competitions, cultural and entertainment events, and shopping exhibitions. It will also focus on developing unique offers, packages, and programs in collaboration with the commercial sector to align with the expectations of domestic tourists and target regional and global markets. “The tourism sector is receiving unprecedented support from the wise leadership, with close collaboration between the Saudi tourism system and private sector partners,” the tourism minister said, noting that the number of partners in Saudi Summer has exceeded 700. “This year’s Saudi Winter program includes several global promotional campaigns targeting various international markets, raising our ambitions and expectations to achieve outstanding results and set new records while enhancing what we offer to the tourists of our dear Kingdom,” the minister said. Meanwhile, STA Chief Executive and board member Fahd Hamidaddin said, “We are proud of the achievements and results of the Saudi Summer program so far.” Hamidaddin said that, in partnership with both the private and public sectors, we aim to offer a range of high-quality products during the upcoming Saudi Winter program. He indicated that …

Red Sea Global (RSG)  the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations AMAALA and The Red Sea announced that Triple Bay Marina Village, Wellness Core, and luxury resorts are moving toward completion, and they expect to welcome their first guests in 2025. “We have achieved remarkable progress across every aspect of AMAALA, from our signature resorts and immersive experiences to essential utilities and infrastructure. Our unwavering focus is on infusing sustainability and regenerative principles into every facet of the development. Once complete, AMAALA will present an extraordinary collection of assets and experiences that will elevate wellness, lifestyle, and human connection” John Pagano, Group CEO at Red Sea Global To date, RSG has awarded more than 600 contracts on AMAALA worth nearly SAR 23 billion ($6.13bn) to world-leading partners including Al Rawabi Hassan Allam, Shapoorji Pallonji Group, DEPA Group, Alec Engineering and Contracting, Havelock One and AL-AYUNI Investment and Contracting Company. These partners share RSG’s ambition to co-create luxury and wellness destinations that are developed in line with responsible development practices, prioritizing regenerative initiatives and collaboration with local communities. As development advances, a number of key areas of AMAALA are moving toward completion, each one bringing the destination closer to welcoming guests: Triple Bay Marina Village: The Equinox Resort is now topped out and concrete structure work on the Village Boutique Hotel main building, condos and villas is nearing completion. This bustling hub will soon offer guests a haven of scenic boardwalks, waterfront restaurants, luxurious boutiques and well-known retailers, plus a vibrant year-round events program, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Red Sea. The Marina: Flooding of the marina basin was complete at the end of 2023, and contracts for the …

Genesis announced the renewal of its partnership with the third edition of the Saudi Games 2024. This reinforces its commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s vibrant sports culture. The official signing ceremony was held at Matal Al-Bujairi in Diriyah to announce the renewal of cooperation between the brand and the organizing committee of the Saudi Games, in order to achieve the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 in supporting sports excellence and building a vital and stimulating sports sector for youth. Following the impressive success of the Genesis sponsorship of last year’s Saudi Games, this year it will also play a key role in this larger sporting event, which will take place from 3 October  to 17 October 2024, and will witness a distinctive presence for Genesis, providing a fleet of 250 luxury cars, in order to support the operational logistics of the event and ensure the smooth movement of participants, officials and VIPs between the host facilities. This is the largest multi-sport event held in Saudi Arabia, in which more than 9,000 athletes will compete in 52 different sports, and this partnership underscores the brand’s commitment to contribute with the Saudi Games in supporting the sports movement in the Kingdom. This edition is the largest national sporting event in Saudi Arabia, and as such, it will contribute to uncovering the talents of the elite athletes in Saudi Arabia in a variety of sports. It is expected to bring together thousands of participants from different regions, to compete with high sportsmanship and hearts eager to achieve excellence. Commenting on the partnership, Omar Al-Zubaidi, CEO of Genesis Middle East and Africa, said: “We are honored to continue our collaboration with the Saudi Games, …

Chandramari Group, renowned for its diverse portfolio of successful dining ventures, announced the launch of its latest culinary concept, Zordaar, backed by substantial investment of AED 5 million. This innovative Indian restaurant is set to redefine the dining experience by blending traditional flavours with contemporary culinary techniques, offering a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of India’s cuisines across districts. In addition to the UAE expansion, Zordaar is also launching new restaurant brands, including Lebanese concepts and renowned Indian brands. In the coming months, Chandramari Group plans to invest an additional AED 20 to 25 million to drive their F&B division across the region. The expansion strategy will initially focus on opening four to five outlets of Zordaar across the UAE before venturing into key markets as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain. “At Zordaar, we’re redefining Indian dining by blending tradition with innovation. Each dish is a celebration of India’s diverse culinary heritage, crafted with a modern twist to surprise and delight our guests. We aim to create an unforgettable dining experience where every bite tells a story of flavor and creativity,” said Mr. Muralikumar, Chairman of Chandramari Group and Founder of Zordaar. Zordaar stands out by showcasing 75 types of dishes from 16 States and Districts in India, each meticulously crafted to offer a unique flavour profile. Unlike traditional North Indian restaurants that often focus on a narrow range of dishes, Zordaar breaks the mold with its diverse and dynamic menu. From the streets of Mumbai to the coastal kitchens of Goa, every dish at Zordaar is a testament to the authenticity and innovation that the restaurant embodies. Mr. S.C. Suresh Babu, Founder of Zordaar, further added – “Zordaar …

Elaine Sun, Regional Director Middle East, Trip.com shared that the Chinese outbound tourists are projected to reach 130 million this year and in terms of the MENA region it has already surpassed 100% in terms of outbound flight and hotel growth. In her presentation, she revealed that according to the global market review international tourism reached 97% of pre-pandemic levels in the first quarter of 2024. Middle East with 136% followed by Africa with 105% and Europe with 101% while Americas was 100% and APAC at 82%.

Starting 2 June 2025, Wizz Air will commence daily direct flights between Milan and Abu Dhabi, This route is the first of many offerings that will leverage the Airbus A321XLR’s extended range and efficiency, revolutionising intercontinental travel and making it more accessible than ever before. With fares starting from only AED 429, Wizz Air continues to deliver on its promise of making air travel affordable for all. Wizz Air announced the first route for its brand new Airbus A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft, unlocking a new era of ultra-low-fare travel on long haul routes. This new aircraft, enables Wizz Air to offer unbeatable fares, extending its affordability to intercontinental travel while connecting more people, cultures, and economies. Tickets are already on sale on wizzair.com and Wizz Air’s official app, both accessible in Arabic, from as low as AED429. “We’re excited to build up on the momentum from launching our new routes from Abu Dhabi to Chisinau and Cluj and announce the first destination for the Airbus A321XLR, the most cost-efficient aircraft of its class. The enhanced range capability will connect Abu Dhabi to new and exciting destinations across our ever-expanding network. This announcement to operate the Airbus A321XLR to Zayed International Airport, reaffirms our commitment to connecting cultures and continents. We’re delighted to unlock unbeatable fares for our customers on the newly announced route to Milan, while offering the most sustainable option for flying. We look forward to welcoming you on the A321 XLR for a well-deserved vacation soon.”- commented Tamara Vallois, Head of Commercial at Wizz Air Abu Dhabi. Nathalie Jongma, Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We welcome Wizz Air’s announcement and the expansion of …

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) is “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations.” WSOC will take place from 1-3 October 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc. This year’s event takes place against a backdrop of growing operational challenges, regional conflicts, cyber security threats, and extreme weather events, among others. “Airlines face common challenges with an operating environment that is growing more complex. At the same time, technological advances, including AI, are offering ever greater potential in support of safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the forum for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and experience to make the industry even more resilient and robust in the face of emerging challenges,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority and the cornerstone of every airline’s operation. For Royal Air Maroc, hosting WSOC is an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the industry’s performance while redoubling our own efforts. This is in particularly sharp focus at Royal Air Maroc as we embark on a major expansion to become a 200-aircraft airline by 2037. This growth will bring economic and social benefits across Morocco and Africa and contribute to the region’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA Football World Cup,” said Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, who will give a keynote speech at the event and participate in the opening plenary panel. Speakers & Sessions Willie Walsh, and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security will be speaking at the event along with: • Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines • …

Air Arabia announced the launch of new non-stop flights connecting Sharjah with Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. The new service will commence on December 20th, 2024, connecting Sharjah International Airport and Warsaw Chopin Airport with a frequency of five weekly flights, further expanding Air Arabia’s route network and providing travellers with more opportunities to explore Europe. Schedule to and from Warsaw, effective December 20, 2024 (all times local) Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 858 Sharjah 17:10 Warsaw 20:45 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday G9 859 Warsaw 21:35 Sharjah 6:35 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, commented: We are glad to further expand our presence in the European market with the addition of Warsaw to our network. As the second city we serve in Poland after Krakow, this new service provides our customers with a seamless connection from Sharjah to a city celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture. The launch of non-stop flights to Warsaw underscores our commitment to continuously creating opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard as they explore the marvelous city of Warsaw.” Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ menu at …

China Visitors Summit kicked off in Dubai with TravTalk Middle East as media sponsor. The first day saw 100 plus buyers with 80 suppliers attend and network with each other. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group – Shanghai, Creators of the China Visitors Summit 2024 in Dubai opening the session shared, “The China Visitors Summit (CVS) is the premier global workshop where Chinese travel buyers come to learn about destinations, experience travel products firsthand, and network with potential partners. Since its inception in China in 2008 and its expansion to the Middle East in 2013, CVS has become the essential meeting point for travel suppliers—hotels, destinations, attractions, shopping centers, airlines, destination management companies, and more—to connect with Chinese travel industry buyers.”  

Shahab Shayan – Regional Director Asia Pacific and Turkey – Dubai Economy and Tourism shared that China is a key source market for Dubai and they are ready to welcome visitors from China. In his address, he welcomed the visitors to Dubai, “during the first six months we saw China recover very well, almost 84% more than 2019. It is a great recovery of the market from China to Dubai and ever since the borders opened Dubai has been China ready, to receive the Chinese market. We conducted the biggest roadshow in China in six cities and signed over 34 plus different partnerships and many fam trips as well. We want to remind them again why Dubai should be their first choice again.”