SAUDIA announced the start of shuttle flight bookings to and from Qatar for the 2022 FIFA World Cup via “FLY TO QATAR WITH SAUDIA” flight booking page at saudia.com The move comes as part of the airline’s recent MoU with Qatar airways and Its commitment to bringing greater convenience to soccer fans in the Kingdom by helping them plan their travel arrangements early, while offering services of the highest standards. SAUDIA’s shuttle flights aim to boost tourism to the Kingdom by enabling international soccer fans to travel to Doha via connecting flights out of Riyadh, Jeddah, or Dammam, presenting exciting opportunities for travelers to tour the Kingdom as part of their journey. The shuttle service also makes it easy for Saudi and expatriate fans to travel back and forth on single-day trips for the World Cup matches. SAUDIA’s ongoing marketing campaign for its World Cup services kicked off last month and is targeted for soccer fans in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and South Korea. The airline has launched a special website that travelers can use to plan their entire trip, while also learning more about the Kingdom’s many tourism attractions through exclusive promotional content. SAUDIA’s network spans more than 100 destinations across four continents. As a member of the SkyTeam alliance, the national carrier’s guests benefit from access to 1,036 destinations in 170 countries. SAUDIA’s fleet of 144 aircraft is set to be further expanded with an additional 38 aircraft, all of which offer a luxurious guest experience. Travelers can arrange their journeys through the www.saudia.com website or by using the SAUDIA app on their smartphones.

Global independent real estate consultants, Knight Frank and premium data benchmarking, analytics and marketplace insights provider for the hospitality industry, STR, have shared key hospitality investment insights ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) taking place at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai from 19-21 September 2022. Set to reach – and potentially surpass- pre-pandemic levels of more than 100 million tourist arrivals and over USD 270 billion in revenue contribution in 2022, according to data from Knight Frank, the Middle East’s travel & tourism sector has all the positive indicators to reach the goal of 160 million tourists in 2030, driven by the region’s giga projects that will open up even more amazing tourism destinations and further boost travel and tourism. “The region is going through a fascinating transformation in the hospitality sector, with over 600,000 hotels rooms in the planning and development stage. This quantum of development, which has not been seen before in the Middle East or even globally, is set to change the shape of the region’s tourism industry in the years to come and will help to further raise the region’s profile as a one of the world’s key hospitality players,” said Turab Saleem, Partner & Head of Hospitality, Tourism & Leisure – MENA at Knight Frank. The successful management of mega events has proven to be a key driver in the growth in tourism and hospitality, with the UAE welcoming almost 24 million visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai – amid the global pandemic — boosting international traveller confidence as stated by Knight Frank. With 65,000 hotel rooms under development in Dubai, tourism contribution is set to reach 15% of GDP by 2030: the highest in the …

Dubai Can, the citywide sustainability movement launched on 15 February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has seen a reduction in the usage of an equivalent of more than 3.5 million 500 ml single-use plastic water bottles. The movement has achieved this extraordinary success as measured by water consumed from Dubai Can water fountains installed throughout the city. During the last six months, 46 fountains have been installed in various locations across the city, including public parks, beaches and tourist attractions, with the help of the initiative’s stakeholders, sponsors and partners. The fountains are now in various Dubai neighbourhoods, including Kite Beach, Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Harbour, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai Festival City, Khawaneej, and others. Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director – Tourism Development & Investments  Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), said: “In line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai a sustainability champion, the Dubai Can movement has made remarkable progress during the last six months. We could not be prouder of this achievement. While encouraging residents and visitors to commit to a paradigm shift in their lifestyles, this initiative has a larger goal: creating a city that is the world’s most visited and the best place to live and work in, as envisaged by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. “The strength of the city’s public-private partnership is essential to realising the Dubai Sustainability Strategy. As we look forward to the campaign’s continued success, this excellent collaboration model will …

Turkish Airlines, flying to more countries than any other airline, plans to increase flight frequencies to Istanbul from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah. The airline is reinforcing connectivity in response to growing customer demand with more travel confidence and the easing of international travel protocols. The added flights will offer customers with more flexibility. Currently, Turkish Airlines has three daily flights from Dubai to the Istanbul Airport which will increase to four daily flights starting from October 2022 together with three weekly flights to the Sabiha Gokcen Airport operated by Anadolujet. Flight TK765 will depart from Dubai (DXB) at 16:00, and flight TK764 will depart from Istanbul at 08:15. The airline’s daily flights from Abu Dhabi to Istanbul Airport will increase to weekly ten flights starting from October 2022. Flight TK867 will depart from Abu Dhabi at 07:55 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday. Flight TK866 will depart from Istanbul at 01:20 on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sunday. Flag carrier airline will also relaunch Sharjah flights on the 3rd of October 2022 with three weekly flights. Currently Anadolujet flies to Sharjah from Sabiha Gokcen Airport with four weekly flights. Flight TK755 will depart from Sharjah Airport at 07:40 to Istanbul Airport on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays while flight TK754 will depart from Istanbul Airport to Sharjah at 01:15 on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. With these added frequencies, the total flight number from UAE increases to 48 weekly flights, allowing greater access and a more seamless travel experience for the passengers. The airline recently celebrated its 40-year anniversary of flying to the UAE and is highlighting sustainable aviation fuel prompted by the awareness of the effect the aviation sector has on climate change …

With a strong leisure-focused pipeline in the Middle East, Hyatt’s brand portfolio goes from strength to strength in the region, including the expected debut of the luxury Grand Hyatt Kuwait and the luxury lifestyle Andaz Doha in Qatar.  At present, Hyatt’s portfolio in the Middle East currently includes 28 hotels, with an additional seven properties expected to open by the end of 2025. Hyatt anticipates rooms growth of more than 80% in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by late 2025, with the expected additions of Park Hyatt Riyadh Diriyah Gate, Grand Hyatt The Red Sea and the highly anticipated debut of Miraval The Red Sea, which will mark the luxury wellness brand’s first resort outside of the U.S., further strengthening Hyatt’s portfolio. This expansion in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be in addition to the current portfolio of six hotels including Hyatt Regency Riyadh-Olaya, Hyatt Place Riyadh Al Sulaimania, and Hyatt House Jeddah Sari Street. “This ambitious development portfolio showcases our aim to grow our brands with intent as well as our commitment to strategic investments across the Middle East. This market remains a key focus for Hyatt, and one where we continue to observe a growing demand,” said Ludwig Bouldoukian, Regional Vice President Development Middle East & Africa for Hyatt International. “The diversity of Hyatt’s brands, united through the World of Hyatt loyalty program, allows us to showcase unique experiences to a variety of travellers across the region. Whether our guests and members are seeking the classic luxury travel experience, modern lifestyle, or select-service offerings, each of our brands delivers our standard of excellence.” Hyatt recently reported second quarter 2022 financial results, which reflected strength in the company’s …

In its bid to strengthen international connectivity, IndiGo, India’s leading carrier announced a new daily direct flight from Hyderabad-Riyadh along with additional frequencies on Hyderabad-Doha and Mangalore-Dubai routes. This new route and additional frequencies will enhance connectivity between India and Middle East. Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Strategy and Revenue Officer, IndiGo said, “We are pleased to strengthen our network by introducing new international flights and frequencies. The new connection to Riyadh will enhance business connectivity and easy access to tourist attractions like Al Masmak Fortress, National Museum, Heet Caves, Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Grand Mosque, and Kingdom Center Tower, among others. In addition, these flights will make travel affordable to the Middle East through direct connections and additional capacity. We will strive to stay true to our promise of affordable fares, on-time performance, courteous and hassle-free service across wide network, onboard our lean clean flying machines.” These flights are designed to cater to business and leisure travellers who are constantly on the lookout for new and affordable flying options to access destinations which help in building businesses and are known for their tourist attractions. Customers who wish to plan their travel can book tickets via our official website www.goIndiGo.in and also browse our website in Hindi at https://www.goindigo.in/hi-in/homepage.html. The introduction of these flights will further bolster the airline’s international connectivity.

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) recently celebrated the 55th anniversary of its first flights between the Kingdom and Geneva, Switzerland; Frankfurt, Germany; and London, the United Kingdom. To mark the occasion, SAUDIA designated a special flight from each of the three destinations, where guests were invited to celebrate at the airport terminals and onboard the flights. Guests across different cabin classes onboard the three flights were presented with commemorative souvenirs and access to the national carrier’s BISTRO service, providing them with a unique dining experience. Meanwhile, guests traveling on the Business Class enjoyed its Inflight Chef Service, with dishes cooked to their liking and expectations. As of the beginning of 2022, SAUDIA moved 348,800 guests aboard more than 3,500 flights to and from Geneva, Frankfurt and London, collectively covering 16.2 million air miles in 22.3 flight hours. The three destinations are served with SAUDIA’s latest, most efficient aircraft with comfortable seating and 5,000 hours of entertainment content to suit the tastes of every guest. The 55-year milestone solidifies SAUDIA’s standing as one of the world’s best airlines with extensive destination coverage. Through the celebration, SAUDIA sought to reward its distinguished guests for their trust and confidence in its services as well as their brand loyalty. On the occasion, SAUDIA also reiterates its commitment to providing ever-better services and launching new routes to more destinations to bring the world to Saudi Arabia in its capacity as the ‘Wings of Vision 2030.’

The fifth edition of Gulf Travel Show (GTS) will kick off on Wednesday 28th and Thursday 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. One of the most important factors post covid is sustainability in every single way. Participation in GTS assures you of the great responsibility held by the travel and tourism fraternity about their intent to reduce its carbon footprint. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions, yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Sustainability has many layers to be addressed, it is no longer a word to be utilized and passed on as a mere CSR activity, hence it is a commitment to ensure that everyone has a part to play on mother earth. Starting off with airlines and their biofuel capabilities, hotels and their sustainable strategies, tourism boards which provide and maintain sustainable goals to ensure that the country or destination promoted will not be perturbed, undisturbed, instead leave in its natural state. When UNWTO announced its commitment on declaration of sustainability in the industry, …

Qatar Airways announces the availability of travel packages for fans travelling to attend the Lusail Super Cup. The all-inclusive packages include match tickets, flights, and accommodation, allowing passionate football fans to book their seats and cheer on their favourite team as the Saudi Professional League champion, Al Hilal SC, matches up against the Egyptian Premier League champion, Al Zamalek SC, on Friday, 9 September 2022 at Lusail Stadium in Qatar. With a few easy steps to follow, fans can book their preferred travel package and cheer on their favourite team by visiting qatarairwaysholidays.com/lusail-super-cup, with prices starting from USD $335 per person. Guests based in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Egypt are able to secure their packages, inclusive of return flights, hotel accommodation and the match ticket.Qatar Airways’ Destination Management Company – Discover Qatar is also offering local and international fans the option to book match and concert tickets by heading to discoverqatar.qa/lusail-super-cup-2022. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “We look forward to welcoming football fans to Qatar to attend the Lusail Super Cup™. With the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ quickly approaching, we are building a steady drum beat of excitement around the tournament – especially at the Lusail Stadium, which will host the final match, along with matches in every stage of the tournament.” The evening will also feature several entertainment acts lined up on the side-lines of the showdown, including a concert from Arabic superstar performer Amr Diab, prior to the match kick-off. Situated in the heart of Qatar’s futuristic Lusail City and 20 kilometres from Doha city centre, the iconic Lusail Stadium is the country’s largest football venue and the …

Atlantis, The Palm announced a selection of nine local conservation and sustainability projects set to receive funding from the 1 USD contribution initiative the resort launched in June 2021. Over the past 12 months, for every marine animal experience participated in by a guest, Atlantis, The Palm has collected $1 (USD), which has resulted in a $120,000 (USD) investment fund for the project, which aims to support UAE-based conservation and sustainability projects to help protect the ocean and our environment. Over the past two months, UAE-based organisations were invited to apply for funding, after which proposals were solicited and assessed against their contributions to scientific advancement, conservation and sustainability. Atlantis Atlas Project currently focuses on four key groups of wildlife; sharks, rays, dolphins, and corals, and two key threats to the ocean; unsustainable seafood and plastic pollution. With this in mind, projects were selected based on their support of these conservation goals. The first project the funding will support is UAE’s leading social enterprise Goumbook on their ‘Save The Butts’ campaign. This initiative sees the collection of cigarette butts littering beaches and public areas and uses circular economy principles to recycle the waste to create valuable material from it. This campaign will also actively involve Atlantis Dubai’s colleague base through volunteer litter picking and collecting waste within the destination that Goumbook and their partners can recycle. The initiative will also provide a year of funding for UAE-based Seafood Souq, which will support the development of a digital platform to make seafood trade more efficient, sustainable, transparent and traceable. This will involve developing a QR code for diners – to be piloted on Michelin-starred Ossiano’s menu – enabling diners to find …