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Significant Surge in Travel & Tourism Businesses’ Commitment to Net Zero, Reveals WTTC Roadmap

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)  launched the second edition of its groundbreaking Net Zero Roadmap for Travel & Tourism, revealing the number of global Travel & Tourism businesses setting climate targets has surged by 27% in the past three years, with more than half now actively committed to emissions reduction. Launched at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the report reveals, 53% of the 250 leading Travel & Tourism businesses analysed have now set climate targets, a significant increase from 42% in 2021, when the first Net Zero Roadmap was created. Among these businesses, one third have committed to Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goals, underscoring their dedication to meeting rigorous emissions reduction benchmarks. Notably, the number of companies adopting SBTi targets has more than doubled since 2021, signalling an accelerated effort by the sector to align with global climate standards. Developed in collaboration with Accenture, endorsed by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and supported by the State Tourism Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, this second edition of the roadmap underscores the urgency of climate action as the sector works towards net zero by 2050. Building on the foundation of the original roadmap launched in 2021 at COP26, in Glasgow, Scotland, the latest edition addresses the escalating environmental impacts on tourism. It introduces an enhanced decarbonisation framework, including new target corridors to guide Travel & Tourism businesses in setting ambitious, actionable climate targets. The roadmap highlights that there is no ‘one size that fits all’ solution, as each industry faces its own challenges, with some able to meet their net zero targets earlier than others. A major focus of the updated roadmap is improving sector alignment and transparency, particularly as demand …

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Kuwait Airways participates in the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow

Kuwait Airways participated in the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow held recently, as part of the delegation from the State of Kuwait, represented by the President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and in the presence of Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan and an accompanying delegation of KAC officials. The airshow was attended by exhibitors and partners from across the aviation industry, including around 223 civil and military delegations representing more than 56 countries and 60 regional and international companies. Additionally, more than 135 local, regional, and international companies showcased exhibits across exhibition halls, airport spaces, chalets and five international pavilions. The Kuwait Airways pavilion during the exhibition witnessed successful participation and attendance from visitors, hosting various officials and aviation enthusiasts. This provided a platform for the company to showcase its latest products and services, in addition to the extent of development of technology and methods adopted in KAC’s fleet. The pavilion also highlighted KAC’s role as a distinguished national carrier with its legacy of notable achievements since 1954 to the visitors and attendees present. The President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah emphasized on the importance of the Bahrain International Airshow and its significant role in bringing together large number of aviation companies and experts in the industry from the region and around the world under one platform. At the same time, he congratulated His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the tremendous success achieved by the exhibition and attaining the highest levels of excellence, whether in terms of organization, or the presence …

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SAUDIA Group launches “Nartaqi” Program to enhance local content

SAUDIA Group announced the launch of “Nartaqi” program, a strategic initiative aimed at promoting and enhancing local capabilities. The program was unveiled during the second edition of the Local Content Forum under the patronage of His Excellency the Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of Saudi Arabian Airlines Corporation, Engr. Saleh Al-Jasser, along with His Excellency the Director General of SAUDIA Group Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, in direct coordination with the Local Content and Government Procurement Authority (LCGPA). “Nartaqi” represents a pivotal part of the Group’s new strategy, aligning seamlessly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to foster a thriving national economy. The subsidiaries of SAUDIA Group are working in unison to achieve the core objectives of “Nartaqi” program. These objectives focus on maintaining leadership in the aviation industry localization efforts, partnering with stakeholders to enhance the Kingdom’s aviation sector capabilities, and sustainably increasing the contribution of local content to the aviation sector through swift-execution initiatives. Additionally, the program aims to improve the internal and external perception of the Group and its suppliers’ local content footprint. Dr. Ibraheem Sheerah, Chief Transformation Officer and Local Content Head at SAUDIA Group said: “SAUDIA Group has designed the holistic roadmap for “Nartaqi”. The program is structured into three phases: the design and construction phase, which focuses on securing essentials, updating processes and procedures, and developing initiatives; the implementation and development phase, which measures and maximizes impact; and the sustainability assurance phase, achieved through collaboration with partners”. Through “Nartaqi” program, SAUDIA Group prioritizes local manufacturing of aviation parts and components, transforming raw materials into aircraft parts and localizing technical and logistical services. This effort spans the entire supply chain, including supplier network …

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Emirates Skywards rolls out bonus Miles offers for travellers over the festive season

Emirates Skywards is once again sharing exclusive offers across Skywards Miles Mall, Skywards Everyday, The Bicester Collection and Emirates Skywards Hotels. This season travellers can multiply Miles earned while enjoying world-class hotel stays, shopping at some of the most popular brands online and instore, dining, or unwinding at the best spots across the city. From high-street fashion, beauty, electronics, to health and wellness – there’s something for everyone with Skywards Miles Mall. Starting from today members can earn: 30% bonus Miles on all purchases made with no minimum spend until 5 December 2024. 2,000 bonus Miles on first online purchase with a Visa card, when you spend a minimum of AED 185 until 31 March 2025. Enjoy a shopping spree with Farfetch, AliExpress, Mothercare, Apple, Pottery Barn, Harvey Nichols and Bath & Body Works. Members can also spend Miles on Gift Card vouchers starting from only 2,000 Miles. Members can rack up Miles at more than 300 partners with Skywards Everyday. Simply download the app and save up to five Visa or Mastercard debit or credit card numbers to earn Miles with every tap. Earn four times the Miles on a first Skywards Everyday transaction made with a Visa debit or credit card.* Skywards Everyday recently partnered with Gate Avenue, DIFC, where members can earn 1 Mile for every AED 3 spent with more than 70 retail outlets and restaurants including Cole Haan, Cara Jewellers, La Petite Ani by Chef Izu and more. For every AED 50 spent at Gate Avenue, DIFC visitors can enter a draw for a chance to win up to 100,000 Miles. The offer is valid until 5 December 2024. Earn Miles while shopping at some of the world’s leading …

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Emirates to boost capacity on busy route with five weekly flights to Madagascar

Emirates has announced a fifth weekly flight on its Dubai – Antananarivo route, starting 13 December 2024 for a period of four weeks to meet demand from holidaymakers during the busy travel period. The additional weekly flight on Fridays will provide more capacity from the world’s fourth largest island nation to more than 1,800 seats in each direction per week and will support seasonal demand for travel.  Following the success of the launch of services to Madagascar in September, Emirates’ increase of capacity on its Dubai/Seychelles/ Antananarivo route will help the airline to meet market demand and allow customers to enjoy greater flexibility, choice, and connectivity, when planning their travel. The additional weekly frequency on the two linked services will operate as EK707 and EK708 in a 3-class configuration. Tickets can be booked immediately on emirates.com, Emirates World retail stores, the Emirates App, and through travel agencies. Boosting connectivity to the Seychelles and Madagascar provides more convenience for customers travelling between these countries and other popular destinations in Emirates’ network including the UAE, Sri Lanka, France and other select points in Europe, UK, mainland China and the U.S. With Madagascar’s populations being comprised of communities originating from Sri Lanka, France, China, and India, to name a few, the boosted capacity is expected to meet demand from travellers flying to these countries. Nationals of Seychelles can also enjoy the convenience of visa-free travel to Dubai, making it a popular destination for holidays and short stopovers. Travellers flying with Emirates can enjoy the best experience in the sky with an unmatched culinary experience, thanks to regionally inspired multi-course menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs and complemented by a wide selection …

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Diriyah Company to open 7 Luxury Hotels, adding a total of 877 rooms

Diriyah Company annoucned that it has undertaken to open 7 Luxury Hotels, adding a total of 877 rooms. Diriyah Company has undertaken the official groundbreaking for seven world-class luxury hotels during the second edition of its annual event “Bashayer – Delivering our Future”. It marks the continued growing momentum in creating world-class properties that will eventually total more than 40 hotels and over 6500 rooms across the Diriyah and neighboring Wadi Safar development areas. These latest groundbreakings took place for Raffles Diriyah, Armani Diriyah, Orient Express Diriyah, Baccarat Diriyah, Corinthia Diriyah, Fauchon L’Hotel Diriyah and Rosewood Diriyah offering a total of 877 rooms across the seven hotels. The “Bashayer – Delivering our Future” event saw participation from global investors, hospitality companies, construction firms, infrastructure experts and representatives from the sports, arts, culture, tourism and retail sectors. Diriyah is anticipated to welcome 50 million visits a year in the future and the delivery and provision of a world-class range of hotels and hospitality option is an integral part of putting the right infrastructure in place to meet visitor demand from within the Kingdom, the region and worldwide. Commenting on the successful groundbreakings, Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo said: “At Diriyah we are committed to offering the highest world-class standards of hospitality and we are enormously proud to have broken ground on these seven prestigious properties. “We will be a destination where you can find every one of the best global hotel brands delivering unrivalled levels of luxury, experience and service as Diriyah welcomes increasing numbers of guests from inside Saudi Arabia and around the world. “This is the second Bashayer event where we have undertaken hotel groundbreakings and demonstrated the …

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Ajman Tourism Development Department to host first-ever e-Games championship, boosting youth engagement and tech innovation

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is all set to host the emirate’s first-ever e-Games Championship from November 21 to 24 2024 at the Ajman Police Sports and Shooting Club. The move comes as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to embrace technological advancements and ensure the engagement of younger generations – a vital demographic within the community. The championship will bring together leading professional gamers and enthusiasts aged eight or above for three days of gaming competitions, interactive networking, and knowledge-sharing activities, showcasing Ajman as a growing hub for e-sports and digital innovation. The event reflects the ATDD’s dedication to promoting innovative initiatives aimed at ensuring youth participation across diverse age groups. It offers a creative platform for participants to exhibit their skills and talents, and drive youth participation in programs that are in line with their passion and the latest digital advancements. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “At ATDD, we are delighted to organise the debutant e-Games Championship in Ajman. This move reflects our goal to offer a dynamic platform that boosts youth engagement, who are key drivers of our mission to shape a prosperous and innovative future for the emirate. We aim to provide young people of all age groups with novel and innovative opportunities that cater to their interests and help them achieve their long-term goals by creating an atmosphere that fosters creativity and development. This championship also demonstrates our steadfast dedication to enhance Ajman’s standing as a vibrant hub for entertainment and technology events and support its tourism sector.” The championship will feature a wide range of competitions appropriate for all age groups, including FIFA25, Tekken, Street Fighter, Assetto …

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ATM research reveals more must be done to meet UN tourism-related sustainability goals

An exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) has highlighted that only 15% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism are on track to be achieved by 2030 according to the body, underscoring the need for more action to be taken across the sector. Based on United Nations (UN) research, in a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism could generate a 154% increase in energy consumption, a 131% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152% increase in water consumption, and a 251% increase in solid waste, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in sustainable development. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics research has revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options. Addressing these challenges, the whitepaper Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology utilised the insights from the ATM Innovation Wall during the 2024 edition of the show. The unique physical platform encouraged industry professionals to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the future of tourism. Key takeaways proposed ranged from gamified recycling programmes to hyper-personalised travel experiences that emphasise cultural immersion, demonstrating the breadth of creative thinking required. Participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic, collective action to transition tourism toward a circular and regenerative model. Proposed solutions included leveraging innovative technologies for resource optimisation, aligning businesses with local communities to ensure equitable economic benefits, and promoting transformative initiatives like cultural immersion experiences. Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank, said: “The discussions around sustainability in tourism with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face. The path towards a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged approach, …

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DXB on track to break records in 2024 after stellar nine months

Dubai International (DXB) is on track for record-breaking annual traffic, following an impressive performance in the first nine months of the year. By the end of September, DXB had welcomed 68.6 million guests, laying a solid foundation for the typically high-traffic final quarter – a milestone made possible by the collective efforts of colleagues and partners who work tirelessly to maintain the airport’s leadership status. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said, “This year has highlighted the very best of DXB — showcasing its continued growth, resilience, and commitment to service excellence, qualities that have become synonymous with the airport. At the heart of this success is our people, whose dedication and collaboration have driven our record-breaking guest numbers and robust operational performance, keeping us at the top for over a decade. DXB continues to be our core focus, with ongoing investment in customer service and technological advancements, to ensure our success in delivering a superior hospitality experience. “What’s particularly noteworthy is that DXB is seeing more direct traffic than ever before — a shift from the long-standing trend where transfer traffic dominated. This reflects Dubai’s evolution into not just a premier tourist destination, but also a globally attractive place to live, work, and do business, further underscored by the city’s booming real estate market and its rising appeal as a destination for top talent. We’re focused on continuing to deliver an exceptional experience in the final quarter, buoyed by Dubai’s vibrant winter calendar and renowned attractions.” The momentum from the first half of 2024 carried into Q3, during which DXB managed 23.7 million guests, significantly contributing to the year-to-date total of 68.6 million — a growth of 6.3% compared …

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RDK Group continues growth with the launch of a New Marriott International Branded Residences Tower in Al Barsha South, Dubai

Rashed Darwish Al Ketbi (RDK) Group unveiled Tower Two at Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai. This launch brings the latest in Dubai’s branded residential offerings, with each apartment offering a sophisticated lifestyle and breathtaking views of iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab. With Tower One now 90% occupied, Tower Two introduces 137 beautifully designed, fully furnished units across 24 floors, ready for immediate move-in. The units feature exquisite luxury finishes, including Italian marble in the kitchens, enhancing the elegance and sophistication of these residences. Prospective buyers can take advantage of an attractive payment plan that allows them to pay just 20% and move in, with starting prices for one-bedroom apartments set at AED 2,404,000, making this an ideal opportunity for those seeking luxury living. Building on the remarkable success of Tower One, this development highlights Marriott International’s commitment to providing premium, brand-managed residences that cater to Dubai’s growing demand for luxury living. Key features of the Marriott Residences Al Barsha South, Dubai, include: • 137 Units: A diverse selection of homes to suit various lifestyles and preferences. • 24 Floors: A towering testament to architectural excellence and innovation. • Townhouses & Penthouses: Exclusive living spaces for those seeking grandeur and privacy. • 1, 2, and 3-Bedroom Apartments: Elegant and spacious homes designed for modern living. • 24/7 Reception and Security: Round-the-clock concierge and security services ensuring peace of mind and convenience. • Residents Amenities: A suite of bespoke services and facilities tailored to the discerning homeowner, including an outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, a fully equipped gym, saunas, games room, kid’s playground, two well-equipped meeting rooms, and an exclusive Residents Lounge offering refreshments throughout the day …

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