The ancient desert city of AlUla has announced its 2022 line up of key events and festivals. Under the umbrella of AlUla Moments, the 2022 lineup includes the return of AlUla Wellness Festival as well as Winter at Tantora and announces a new addition to the calendar – The Ancient Kingdoms Festival. Also, in an exciting return to city’s marquee events, the calendar kicks off this September with the return of the Kingdom’s first music festival, Azimuth. The intimate 3-day celebration of music, art and food is back with a refreshed approach in a stunning canyon setting. With a focus on sunrise and sunset performances and an exciting mix of east meets west – the festival is set to be a hot ticket for music and arts lovers who want to escape the city heat over the Saudi National Day weekend. Azimuth is followed directly by The Wellness Festival. Debuting in March 2022, the festival returns in a new September/October period to capitalise on the changing of the season and the beginning of new life. The festival will once again be anchored by Five Senses Sanctuary – a purpose built spa, fitness and wellness retreat which will bring the world’s best practitioners together with local talent to create the Kingdom’s most significant offering of experiences for the mind, body and soul. The Ancient Kingdoms Festival brings the past into the present with experiences inspired by the significance of 7000 years of successive civilizations on the Arabian Peninsula and the famed incense road trading route that cemented AlUla as the bustling commercial and cultural crossroad. The festival marks the first time that visitors will be invited to discover the linked frontier …

HVS announced that it will be working with the US-based Abraham Accords Peace Institute (AAPI) to help develop and expand tourism initiatives in each Abraham Accords country with the aim of enabling each country’s economy to grow materially as a result. The Abraham Accords are a series of joint initiatives agreed in 2020 between the US, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Bahrain and Sudan, and the first public statement normalising diplomatic and economic relations between an Arab country and Israel since the historic relationships established with Egypt and Jordan. The initiative with AAPI was spearheaded by Steve Mendell, founder of the HVS offices in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, and Russell Kett, chairman of HVS London, a specialist in Israel’s economic and tourism sector, who will be responsible for executing HVS’s role. “Our aim is to develop initiatives that lead to materially significant improvements in tourism bilaterally and, potentially, inter-regionally too. We are very pleased to be involved with this historic initiative and to bring our experience and knowledge of the tourism sector to help improve and foster stronger relations between the countries, and for tourism to contribute to the growth of their economies,” commented Kett. HVS will be working to devise ways of tracking tourism growth, optimising cooperation between each country, co-ordinating tourism-related events, assisting in the development of relations between key tourism officials as well as helping to conduct research and analysis on the sector. “The Abraham Accords are the most significant development in the Middle East in decades and AAPI is particularly well positioned to continue to develop and deepen the Accords. Based on HVS’s broad experience in tourism generally and in the Middle …

Royal Central Hotel The Palm posted a fantastic performance from January to June of this year, doubling its occupancy rate, with the highest being recorded at 96 percent in March compared to 45 percent for the same period last year. The luxurious property recorded a strong beginning of the year with significant demand from guests who visited the Expo, those who took advantage of the cool weather, and the ease in travel restrictions from neighboring countries and key markets. Visitors from France, Germany, and the GCC continue to dominate the number of hotel guests, but tourists from Italy are viewed as the new potential market for Royal Central Hotel The Palm. “We are very proud of our hotel performance for the first half of the year, and we are positive that we can keep the momentum till the end of the year. The impressive growth was from the momentum generated by the hugely successful Expo 2020, which brought immense attention to Dubai and the easing of travel restrictions worldwide. We are projecting the demand to increase during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and as we welcome the festive season, we can see a healthy 2022 for the hospitality industry,” noted Abdulla Alabdulla, Group General Manager, Central Hotels & Resorts. Occupancy rates in Dubai have averaged 74 percent throughout the first half of 2022, making the city the world leader for hotel occupancies, ahead of New York, London, and Paris, according to the recent tourism data revealed by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). Dubai has welcomed 7.1 million international overnight visitors up to June 2022, a 183 percent YoY increase. The 74 percent occupancy figure was maintained from …

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) has opened 20 properties with more than 4,500 units in H1 2022, a 56% year-on-year (y-o-y) increase in units. In addition, Ascott has recently completed its acquisition of Oakwood Worldwide (Oakwood) in July 2022, expanding its portfolio by about 15,000 units, to over 153,000 units across over 900 properties. Ascott is also acquiring a freehold asset in Tokyo, Japan via the Ascott Serviced Residence Global Fund (ASRGF), Ascott’s private equity fund with Qatar Investment Authority. The asset will be refurbished to introduce Ascott’s first lyf-branded coliving property in the city. The acquisition follows Ascott’s signing of over 7,500 units in H1 2022, a 32% increase compared to the same period last year. The 140-unit coliving property to be named lyf Ginza Tokyo is ASRGF’s fourth acquisition in 2022, deploying close to S$400 million across four countries in under five months. Slated to open in June 2023, lyf Ginza Tokyo is set to meet the lodging demand of conglomerates and start-ups located nearby and cater to leisure travellers visiting the capital city. With the acquisition of lyf Ginza Tokyo, ASRGF will hold 12 properties with over 2,300 units across 9  countries. Mr Kevin Goh, CLI’s Chief Executive Officer for Lodging, said: “Ascott has completed its acquisition of Oakwood, and achieved strong organic growth in H1 2022 with the addition of newly signed and opened properties across our brands. We have kicked-off the integration of Oakwood with Ascott, placing us in a stronger position to drive further growth, deliver higher returns to our property owners and offer better experiences to our guests.” “As a vertically-integrated global lodging business, Ascott is able to leverage its full suite of real …

GCC travellers looking for a final summer escape need look no further than Germany’s beautifully rich, cultural attractions. Explore the German.Local.Culture campaign to enjoy Germany to the fullest, from breath-taking scenery to interactive, artisan workshops around the diverse cities. “The German.Local.Culture campaign is one we find resonates well with our Gulf markets,” said Yamina Sofo, director of sales and marketing at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “Germany has so much to offer and this campaign helps visitors to experience some of Germany’s top crafts, tastes, greenery, and flair. Following the Eid break in May, we saw a 37 per cent increase in overnight stays compared to our statistics from 2019, prior to the pandemic. It is evident that Germany is a popular travel destination for GCC travellers. With such great results from Eid travellers, we are looking forward to a strong late summer season.” Located at one of the largest historic city centres in Germany, the Grand Opera on Erfurt Cathedral Hill is an ideal place to see the beautiful, open-air stage while the sun sets in the backdrop. Watch an outstanding performance with a historical backdrop dating back to the early Middle Ages. Classic operas and musicals are performed on the 70 step Cathedral Hill during the Cathedral Steps Festival, creating a perfectly unique cultural experience. Discerning foodies can savour the artisan flavour of authentic handmade goat’s milk cheese in Hesse, at the dairy farm located among the luscious Rhön meadows. Visitors can learn all about the local white Edel goats and have the opportunity to use their high-quality milk to create wheels of cheese. The entire production process is out in the …

Based on its pioneering role as a national arm responsible for the development and investment in the growing tourism sector in the Sultanate, OMRAN Group is one of the strategic partners in the Oman Vision 2040, working alongside its partners in the tourism sector and other key sectors to realise its ambitious national objectives. With the aim to fulfil Oman Vision 2040 and the National Tourism Strategy, our diversified portfolio reflects their pioneering role in establishing the country’s key anchor tourism developments, managing a world-class array of hotels across the country, and working with leading regional and international investors to foster strategic partnerships that create multiple socio-economic advantages for the Sultanate. This includes 5 Master Developments, 27 Hotels & Resorts with 4000 plus keys, 6 Strategic Partnerships, 5 Nature & Heritage Attractions etc. By overseeing the executive role of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, OMRAN Group works hand in hand with the Ministry of Tourism to expand the capability of the industry and diversify the national income. Through their flagship projects, investments and hospitality assets that showcase Oman’s cultural and natural uniqueness, they will continue to support the country’s ambition to become one of the top tourist destinations in the world.  

dnata has extended its long-standing partnership with GOL Airlines (GOL), a leading Brazilian low-cost carrier.  The extension of the contract will see dnata continue to provide a range of passenger, ramp and baggage services to the airline, ensuring a seamless airport experience for over 19 million passengers and safe and timely departure of up to 133,000 flights annually across 20 airports in Brazil. dnata’s latest contract win cements its position as the leading ground services provider in Brazil. David Barker, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President for Airport Operations, said: “We are proud to extend our successful partnership with GOL Airlines across their extensive Brazilian operations. We will continue to work hard to provide the highest level of quality and safety for the airline and its customers, every day.” André Cruz, GOL’s COO, said: “dnata is an important partner for GOL since 2016, providing excellent services in more than 20 cities in Brazil. This extension strengthens even more our partnership and offers to our customers the best airport experience.” dnata has recently increased its investment in Brazil to become the sole shareholder of its local subsidiary. In recent years dnata Brazil has significantly expanded its footprint in the country and currently serves more than 15 airlines at 29 airports with a team of 5,000 local aviation professionals. David Barker added:  “Our increased investment in Brazil underscores our commitment to the South American market, our highly-trained team and global customers. We see excellent growth opportunities and strong demand for our reliable and safe services across the continent. We will seize opportunities to further enhance our offering and consistently deliver world-class quality in Brazil and beyond. “Globally, we will continue to go the …

In keeping its position as the adventure tourism hub in the UAE. Ras Al Khaimah will host the second edition of HIGHLANDER’s specially designed two-and three-day hikes on Jebel Jais to take place 18 – 20 November, offering hikers and nature enthusiasts a thrilling adventure atop UAE’s highest peak. Raki Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, said: “Ras Al Khaimah is well known as the nature Emirate, with its combination of sea, desert and mountains. Drawing on this natural heritage, we’ve worked closely with the local community to preserve the surrounding ecosystem, resulting in some of the most developed hiking trails in the region. As leaders in global adventure, we welcome HIGHLANDER for the second year to revisit some of their favourite trails on Jebel Jais and to discover new paths of exploration.” Fadi Hachicho, Managing Director of HIGHLANDER UAE and Founder of Adventurati Outdoor, said: “Last year’s HIGHLANDER event saw Ras Al Khaimah welcome 158 adventurers from the UAE and other European countries to explore the Emirate’s unique mountain ecosystem. I am so excited to host a second edition where, together with the Authority, we will immerse the HIGHLANDER community in the natural beauty of our Emirate, reinforce the wellbeing attributes of outdoor activities and show the importance of preserving and nature for future generations.” Soaring rockscapes, rugged canyons, winding pathways and mesmerizing views of the Arabian Gulf – the Hajar Mountains are a breath-taking celebration of nature that makes hiking in Ras Al Khaimah truly unforgettable. From 18 – 20 November, hikers at home and abroad have a unique opportunity to explore the secrets of the mountains with HIGHLANDER Ras Al Khaimah 2022. …

Qatar Aviation Services (QAS), the subsidiary of Qatar Airways Group, announced its partnership with International Air Transport Association (IATA) to become the first ground handler globally to join the new expansion of the IATA Environmental Assessment Programme (IEnvA) for ground service providers. The IEnvA programme for ground service provides a framework for achieving environmental sustainability across all ground operations. Taking advantage of the knowledge and experience garnered from the airline programme, ground service providers can rely on its definitive guidance to reduce their impact on the environment, and improving health and safety for both employees and the community, while maintaining operational efficiency. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “I am proud to lead the efforts to create a sustainable aviation industry. Environmental sustainability awareness across the entire organisation is critical to the success of Qatar Airways Group. Through IEnvA, Qatar Aviation Services will be able to demonstrate the value of environmental compliance and ensure sustainability in its operations.” IATA’s Director General, Mr. Willie Walsh, said: “We’re delighted to count Qatar Aviation Services as the first ground handler to join the newly extended IATA’s IEnvA programme. Sustainability is a critical challenge for our industry. By taking proactive steps to measure their impacts and address them throughout their operations with IEnvA, QAS and Qatar Airways Group will back their sustainability achievements with the most comprehensive global standard environmental certification available in the industry”. Qatar Aviation Services, managed by the Senior Vice President, Mr. Mehmet Murat Nursel, is committed to minimising the environmental impact of its operations, playing an instrumental role in helping Hamad International Airport gain its world-class standing as environmental leader amongst airports globally. Through …

According to the latest passenger data shared by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for June 2022 shows that the recovery in air travel remains strong. Middle Eastern airlines’ traffic rose 246.5% in June compared to June 2021. June capacity rose 102.4% versus the year-ago period, and load factor climbed 32.4 percentage points to 78.0%. Total traffic in June 2022 (measured in revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) was up 76.2% compared to June 2021, primarily propelled by the ongoing strong recovery in international traffic. Globally, traffic is now at 70.8% of pre-crisis levels. Domestic traffic for June 2022 was up 5.2% compared to the year-ago period. Strong improvements in most markets, combined with the easing of some Omicron-related lockdown restrictions in the Chinese domestic market, contributed to the result. Total June 2022 domestic traffic was at 81.4% of the June 2019 level. International traffic rose 229.5% versus June 2021. The lifting of travel restrictions in most parts of Asia-Pacific is contributing to the recovery. June 2022 international RPKs reached 65.0% of June 2019 levels. “Demand for air travel remains strong. After two years of lockdowns and border restrictions people are taking advantage of the freedom to travel wherever they can,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. Asia-Pacific airlines had a 492.0% rise in June traffic compared to June 2021. Capacity rose 138.9% and the load factor was up 45.8 percentage points to 76.7%. The region is now relatively open to foreign visitors and tourism which is helping foster the recovery. European carriers’ June traffic rose 234.4% versus June 2021. Capacity rose 134.5%, and load factor climbed 25.8 percentage points to 86.3%. International traffic within Europe is above pre-pandemic levels in …