Registration is now open for the foremost global event of the international travel industry – World Travel Market London – taking place at London’s ExCeL on 7-9 November 2022. This year’s show is back to its fully live, pre-pandemic format, with hundreds of destinations exhibiting and brands from across the globe showcasing their new products to buyers. Organisers are pulling out all the stops to make WTM London 2022 the most memorable so far, with a packed conference programme across four themed stages: the Future Stage, Sustainability Stage, Technology Stage and the Insights Stage.  Over 70 live sessions have already been confirmed, with more content being added every week. Visitors will hear from top motivational speakers, celebrities and industry leaders from a variety of sectors during a tailored programme to help inspire, educate and guide – bringing key insights and takeaways that are hard to find anywhere else. Once again, WTM London will serve as the meeting point for the prestigious WTM, UNWTO & WTTC Ministers Summit.  Responsible Tourism will also be on the agenda, while Travel Tech – the event for cutting-edge technology for travel and hospitality, will attract decision-makers from across the globe. Networking is back in full force and WTM London is offering plenty of opportunities for meetings, whether that’s specific buyer networking sessions, drinks parties or other opportunities where delegates can enhance their presence, make maximum connections and increase their business network. Juliette Losardo, Exhibition Director at World Travel Market London, said: “Buyers are telling us how excited they are about walking through the doors of ExCeL once again, where they can discover what’s new in the world of travel and what’s in store for the …

Rotana announced the opening date of Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana in October 2022 and Riviera Rayhaan by Rotana in November 2022. As the group further cements its footprint in the region, Qatar remains a key market as the country gets ready to welcome millions of visitors for the FIFA World Cup 2022. Guy Hutchinson, President & CEO of Rotana said: “The region is buoyant as countries gear up to host one of the world’s largest events. The FIFA World Cup 2022 will bring an incredible influx of travellers to Qatar and a knock-on effect will also be felt in neighbouring countries like the UAE. As we continue expanding, we look forward to diversifying our offerings in the country and across the region to answer to higher demand.” Located in the heart of Doha, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana is an easily recognizable new landmark, featuring luxury interior design and spacious apartments with spectacular views of the city. Set to open in October 2022, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana is the perfect home away from home for residents looking for the ultimate comfort matched with refined living. Offering fully-furnished residences, Bin Al Sheikh Residences by Rotana boasts 158 studios, 278 one-bedroom, 62 two-bedroom apartments, and five three-bedroom penthouses. All apartments ensure the highest level of comfort with a fully-equipped kitchen, washer and dryer, and a dishwasher in every one-, two- and three-bedroom apartment. Guests are invited to experience the authentic part of the city while enjoying an array of top-class services and amenities including an outdoor swimming pool, sports and wellness facilities, kids’ play area, an international outlet of retail brands and ample parking space. Set to …

IntercityHotel Muscat, the hotel brand’s third property in the Sultanate of Oman, has opened its doors on 1st September 2022. The new hotel building is located within the Ministry and Embassy district of Al Khuwair and is part of the prestigious A’Raya development Complex.  IntercityHotel Muscat boasts 273 guest rooms ranging from Standard Rooms to Deluxe Suites. The property includes a special Business Floor offering Business rooms and suites with added benefits of early check-ins, late check-outs, complimentary welcome drinks, and VIP in-room amenities, to name a few. Furthermore, the hotel features the all-day-dining restaurant Citrine as well as a lobby cafe, a pool and gym, a spa with six treatment rooms, four multi-function meeting rooms with a capacity of up to 135 guests and A’Raya Ballroom which can accommodate up to 1,200 guests. According to Siegfried Nierhaus, Vice President Middle East, Deutsche Hospitality: “The Middle East is an important destination for both classical tourism and business travel. IntercityHotel fits nicely into the region, as the concept accommodates the needs of any and all travelers. We look forward to our continued successful trajectory in positioning the brand in Oman alongside the hotels in Salalah and Nizwa while successively expanding our portfolio in this region.” General Manager Renjith Chandran adds: “We are delighted to open the IntercityHotel Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman. The hotel will cater to all markets from business and leisure to major MICE events. Also working with the National Hotel Management (NHI) and Ministry of Manpower, I look forward to welcoming Omani talents to the team.” IntercityHotel Muscat is perfectly positioned within easy reach of Muscat International Airport and the cultural sights of Al Alam Palace and …

Dubai-based INK Hotel has signed an agreement with HITEK, part of leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management (FM) group Farnek, to use its ground-breaking hospitality app, Flexi-Guest, which will digitalise the hotel’s guest journey from the initial reservation through to check out.The app, which was developed in-house by HITEK, will interface with the hotel’s property management system (PMS) affording guests a whole suite of services from uploading travel documents, such as vaccination certificates, ordering a car on arrival, room service and laundry. The hotel app can also send automated electronic updates and alerts to the guest, as well as e-registration documents, e-invoices and e-receipts, all in one convenient space. “One major factor for adopting Flexi-Guest, is that it can interface with our property management system and our point-of-sale terminals, affording a seamless process, from order to delivery and ultimately guest folio,” said Judit Toth, General Manager of the INK Hotel. “Flexi-Guest supports our key strategic operational objectives. First and foremost, it offers an enhanced customer experience, providing a seamless pre-arrival and check-in procedure, which will appeal to our guests.  “During their stay, they can order room service, laundry, request late check outs, invoices or even order a car to go to the airport. And because the app manages secure online payments, guest can settle bills without visiting reception to check out. “The hotel benefits are clear. We operate more cost-efficiently, with the added advantage of driving incremental revenue through room service and e-concierge services,” added Toth. INK is a dynamic, tech-led, brand developed by Vivere Hospitality, a Dubai-based hospitality management company and is aimed at the tech-savvy Millennials and Zoomers. Opened earlier this year and located in the Al …

Saudi Tourism Authority welcomes the Ministry of Tourism’s decision to allow residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to apply for an electronic tourist visa (eVisa) to enter Saudi. Further extension of the new regulations will additionally enable residents of the UK, US, and EU to apply for a Visa on Arrival. Visitors will be able to enjoy and explore Saudi’s many unique tourist destinations, its stunning diversity of landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the unparalleled hospitality of the Saudi people. The new eVisa announcement, and the extension of the visa on arrival is a solid step forward in making it even easier for tourists from all over the world to visit Saudi. With an extensive variety of packages and full calendar of events taking place throughout the year, Saudi is creating exciting opportunities for travelers to experience the authentic home of Arabia. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board at Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: “The facilitation of a tourist visa for millions of GCC residents and the visa on arrival extension supports our ambition to welcome 100 million visitors a year by 2030, to the world’s biggest new leisure tourism destination. This is not just an announcement; it is an invitation and we are making it easier than ever for visitors to explore thousands of years of history and culture, unmatched natural landscapes, and a thriving entertainment sector. We welcome our neighbors, and the world, to experience the authentic home of Arabia.” UK, US and EU residents who hold an eligible passport can now get their visa on arrival, while GCC residents are required to apply for an eVisa on the official website ‘Visit Saudi’ and view …

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has opened its first representative office in Tehran, Iran earlier this month, adding to QT’s vast and growing network of offices around the world. Marked as QT’s13th global opening, the office will lead various promotional activities, including tour operator partnerships, travel agent destination training, media visits and campaigns, all of which will serve to highlight Qatar as a cosmopolitan and culturally rich destination for travellers from Iran. Qatar makes for an attractive and convenient destination for tourists from Iran, owing to weekly direct flights from the Iranian cities of Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan to Doha in less than three hours and visa-free entry for Iranian citizens. In addition, both countries follow Islamic calendars and can see synced holiday seasons, allowing visitors from Iran to travel to Doha for a last-minute getaway or luxurious city break. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar Tourism’s choice in the location of its latest office opening is a testament to the decades-long cultural and trade ties between the two countries. Iran is one of 15 target markets identified by Qatar Tourism as a primary source for tourists looking to relax, rejuvenate and soak in some culture. Opening a representative office in Iran will help support Qatar Tourism’s strategic goals to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold, increase spending by 3 to 4 times, and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12% by 2030.” In addition to holidays in which Qatar is the end destination, the country makes for an excellent stopover retreat for Iranian travellers set to …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has announced that construction work on the Kalba Waterfront in Sharjah’s Eastern Region, the largest retail and first inclusive waterfront destination in Kalba is 100% complete in construction, while the units are in the last stages of finalising their interiors. Developed by ‘Eagle Hills Sharjah Development, a joint venture between Shurooq and Eagle Hills, the waterfront destination with integrated services is scheduled to welcome visitors in Q4 2022. A few investment opportunities are still available in the AED 119 million project which has seen high investor demand owing to its status as a premiere tourism and retail destination in the Eastern Region. Shurooq’s latest world-class development extending over 183,000 sqm, introduces new family-friendly concepts in retail and entertainment sector, and provides a distinctive touristic experience. H.E. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting CEO of Shurooq, revealed details of the project during (Al Khat Al Mubasher Program) on Wednesday, 31st August. He highlighted that Kalba Waterfront, is set in one of the most beautiful and tranquil areas in the country, that overlooks a serene lagoon lined by mangroves, the go-to destination for nature lovers. Al Qaseer remarked that the contemporary architectural design project offers a convenient and compelling shopping experience that caters to all guests and residents. He also noted that the project will feature 80 units, a variety of indoor and outdoor dining outlets, as well as an expansive promenade that lines the lagoon. Shurooq’s Acting CEO stated that “the project comprises a 1,600 sqm play area that caters to the interests of visitors of all age groups, and features a trampoline, skating tracks, and free-fall platform. Extreme adventure enthusiasts will have a unique …

Global Village guests will have the opportunity to experience a stunning new attraction when Season 27 opens on October 25, 2002. The ‘’Global Village Big Balloon’’, accommodates up to 20 people of all ages and is also suitable for people of determination. The helium balloon, which is as high as a six-storey building and measures 65 feet in diameter, will give guests the chance to experience spectacular 360-degree views across Global Village and the wider surroundings. The huge balloon is to become a new landmark in the sky, visible from miles around the multicultural destination. Naveen Jain, Director – Business Development, Global Village, said: “Every Season we make sure our guests are able to experience new and exciting attractions. A balloon ride experience is on many people’s bucket lists, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our guests. Closer to the season opening, we will be revealing more fun experiences that can be enjoyed by all the family.” The massive balloon has been designed to exceed the high safety standards that have been established by Global Village in recent years. The park once again received a 5* rating for the 4th consecutive year by the British Safety Council and was also awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour for the past 3 years.

Emirates announced plans to debut its newly retrofitted A380s featuring its latest Premium Economy cabins to five new cities from December – New York JFK, San Francisco, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore. The airline will also add more Premium Economy seats on services to London Heathrow and Sydney, as its newly enhanced aircraft sporting refreshed cabins roll into scheduled service. The airline aims to offer customers more opportunities to experience its highly acclaimed Premium Economy product, and its latest deployment plans will also see 85 A380s back in the sky by December, well-timed to serve the year-end travel demand. Emirates’ enhanced A380s with Premium Economy to New York JFK, San Francisco, Melbourne, Auckland and Singapore will operate as follows: To New York JFK, Emirates will operate with its newly retrofitted A380 on EK203 and EK 204, starting from 1 December. To Auckland, Emirates will debut its Premium Economy cabin on EK 448 and EK 449, starting 15 January 2023. From 1 February 2023, Melbourne will become the second Australian destination to be served with the signature Emirates A380 featuring Premium Economy. Services will be deployed on EK 406 and EK 407. San Francisco will become the second US destination to be served by the retrofitted A380 with refreshed interiors on EK 225 and EK 226, starting on 15 February 2023. Emirates’ enhanced A380 with Premium Economy will land in Singapore for the first time on 1 March 2023, operating as EK 354 and EK 355. Emirates will also update its schedules to London Heathrow, Sydney and New York JFK with its retrofitted A380 aircraft operating on the following services: From 15 December 2022, Sydney will become the first city in the …

Jamal Travel Agency, a fully-fledged travel and tourism service provider based in the United Arab Emirates, is working together with Amadeus to launch its B2B and B2C ecommerce platform. The new agreement sees Jamal Travel Agency adopting Amadeus’ advanced technology solutions to help achieve the company’s strategic objectives for greater efficiency, increased profitability and its drive to enter new markets. Jamal Travel Agency has built its solid reputation and customer base since its inception in 1988. By working with Amadeus, Jamal Travel Agency plans to offer a wide range of new technology-driven solutions with customer service at the core. Its goal is to make travel experiences more integrated and frictionless. Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf, adds: “We are primed to help Jamal Travel Agency grow its position as a leading travel agency by helping the company launch its exciting new B2B and B2C ecommerce platform. Jamal Travel Agency will use a variety of Amadeus solutions ranging from ecommerce (Amadeus web services API), to increasing its non-air content revenues, automating processes by means of robotics and adopting the latest payments technology. Our aim at Amadeus is to help travel agencies navigate through the current challenges and help renew travel by delivering what customers need.” Sainulabdeen Salim, Founder and Managing Director, Jamal Travel Agency said: “Our partnership with Amadeus is focused on increasing productivity, streamlining customer service and giving our commercial teams access to more markets. We will also be able to offer customers greater control in managing their travel bookings and process payments seamlessly and securely through our ecommerce platform. We are confident this new alliance with Amadeus will reinforce our position as a trusted and favorable travel partner …