Following the success of the inaugural Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) in October 2020 with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism and the G20 Secretariat, the event will return in a new format for its second edition on 24-25 May 2022 at the Riyadh Airport Marriott Hotel. Hosted by Dur Hospitality, FHS Saudi Arabia is co-organised by The Bench and MEED, along with the Saudi-based SEMARK, and will bring together government leaders, hotel investors, owners, developers, and operators to discuss the growth of the hospitality industry in the Kingdom. “Following the resounding success and feedback we received from FHS in 2020 and AHIC in 2021, we have been working hard behind the scenes to redesign the event and we’re thrilled to bring FHS back with not just one, but two monumental and distinct programmes this year in Riyadh in May and in Dubai in September,” said Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench. Under the theme ‘Reimagined Horizons’ the programme for FHS Saudi Arabia will be shaped with the help of its newly launched Advisory Board comprising a carefully curated group of senior industry leaders, to ensure the programme addresses the most pressing needs of the market. Key conference themes will include the future of hotel development, human capital and food & beverage as well as the future of flight, destination investment and sustainability and innovation. “We’re excited to have the active and high-level investment communities from both markets back together for what is promising to be an action-packed few days of content, dialogue and networking,” Worsley added. Commenting on the investment sentiment in Saudi Arabia ahead of the Future Hospitality Summit, Philip Wooller, Area Director Middle East & Africa at STR, said: …

Tourism Malaysia is participating for the fourth time at the Gulf Travel Show (GTS) from 22 to 23 March 2022. Focusing on business meetings, the digital event hosts buyers from across the region. After the success of the first three editions in November 2020, March 2021 and October 2021, Gulf Travel Show is back by popular demand in 2022. The two-day conference features networking sessions between the Middle East and from across the world as well as panel discussions between travel experts, tourism and hospitality sectors on the current state of the industry. Participants of the travel show include travel agents, tour operators, tourism boards, airlines, travel management firms, international agencies, hotels, and media from 43 countries. As a platinum partner, Tourism Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of Malaysian delegates from Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor and together with three Destination Management Companies (DMC), tour operator partners, one product partner, and six hotels and resorts from Malaysia. “Starting 1st April 2022, Malaysia will allow quarantine-free entry for fully-vaccinated travellers, ending almost two years of stringent border controls introduced to contain the COVID-19 outbreak. As Platinum Partner of GTS 2022, Malaysia is thrilled to welcome back Middle East tourists to experience our country again. It is a timely opportunity for us to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Gulf region,” says Dato’ Haji Zainuddin Abdul Wahab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia.

Qatar Tourism successfully concluded its participation at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM), one of the first major travel trade shows in India for 2022. The show was back on the ground after a two-year pandemic-prompted hiatus, setting a positive tone for tourism resurgence. The Qatar Tourism delegation was led by Philip Dickinson, Vice President International Markets, Qatar Tourism, along with Sandeep Shevale – Tourism Marketing & Promotions and Deveekaa Nijhawan – International Public Relations & Communications. The delegation’s DMC participants covered Discover Qatar, Al Tawfeeq Travel and Travel Designer W.L.L. The team was also supported by BRANDit, India Representative of Qatar Tourism. The event presented itself as a platform to reconnect with the travel trade partners and media in the India market and an opportunity to showcase the diverse offerings and experiences Qatar has to offer. Berthold Trenkel, Chief Operating Officer, Qatar Tourism, said “We are pleased to be part of OTM 2022 and to re-establish our presence in the India market. The objective was to highlight the various facets that Qatar offers not just in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup, but beyond as well. The aim is to leverage our tourism assets based on six demand spaces identified in line with our vision, namely Sun, Sea and Sand; Active Holidays; Relax & Rejuvenate; Cultural Enthusiasts; Luxury City Breaks and Romantic Getaways. With the launch of new hotels, theme parks, cultural hotspots, retail outlets, leisure projects and more, Qatar is all set to unravel a new wave of experiences.” To reaffirm trade partnerships, Qatar’s national carrier, Qatar Airways in association with Qatar Tourism hosted a networking dinner at The St. Regis Mumbai on 14th March 2022. The interactive …

In a few hours the fourth edition of Gulf Travel Show will kick off with platinum partnership of Tourism Malaysia.  Gulf Travel Show (GTS) will begin today from 11am to 5pm and once again tomorrow at the same time. There will be some key announcements during the show and the B2B meetings will kick off as usual with VIP buyers attending from the region. As a platinum partner, Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths consisting of tourism boards, tour operators and hotels and resorts such as Tourism Malaysia Dubai, Tourism Malaysia Jeddah, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Selangor, Asian Overland Services, Universal Holidays travel and tours, World Express tours Malaysia, Sunway hotels and resorts, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, New World Petaling Jaya hotel, Dash Box Hotels, Lexis hotels and resorts, Berjaya hotels and resorts and Gembox. It will be an opportunity to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Middle East. Travel products from across the world have signed up to participate. Find out what is trending in the region with the auditorium special sessions with a host of speakers who will share the latest happenings in the region. Focused on business meetings, the digital event will host buyers from across the region. After the success of the first three editions in November 2020, March 2021 and October 2021, Gulf Travel Show is back on popular demand in 2022. Like last time, all exhibitors and buyers will log-in to the GTS platform from either their office or the comfort of their home. Each exhibitor will be given their own private virtual booth with branding, videos and document broadcast facilities. These can …

LXR Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s collection of independent luxury properties, is pleased to announce the signing of an agreement for a breathtaking new resort surrounded by lush greenery and stunning landscapes on the private Al Nawras Island in Abu Dhabi. Expected to open in 2023, Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resorts will mark the brand’s entry into the UAE capital. Perfectly situated in one of Abu Dhabi’s most recreational yet tranquil areas and designed with elements inspired by the destination, the resort will offer an exclusive escape on a private, secluded island, while still providing seamless access for those who wish to explore the vibrant city and its cultural experiences. The all-villa resort will offer 80 expansive and elegantly designed beach and water villas as well as a 450 square-metre two-bedroom Royal Villa surrounding a state-of-the-art golf course. “We’re delighted to be bringing LXR Hotels & Resorts to Abu Dhabi with Al Nawras Island,” said Carlos Khneisser, Vice President, Development, Middle East & Africa, Hilton. “The UAE’s burgeoning capital has established itself as a global hub in recent years and has seen incredible development in terms of hospitality, sports and tourism. I believe Al Nawras Island will complement Abu Dhabi’s luxury hotel landscape perfectly and we look forward to guests experiencing this unique property.” Al Nawras Island will place a strong emphasis on exploration, expression, and wellbeing. Among the property’s world-class leisure and recreational facilities are an upscale gym, fitness studio, and three stunning swimming pools – one indoor and two outdoor, as well as tennis and paddle courts, a private marina, exclusive beach club, and elaborate spa. Additionally, children will have access to an engaging playground, dedicated swimming …

As part of its relentless pursuit for network expansion and within its strategic objectives to provide greater options to its valued customers, Kuwait Airways announced the operation of its scheduled commercial flights to Sharm El-Sheikh, in the Arab Republic of Egypt, where the Company will operate two flights per week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting from 4th May 2022. Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce to its valued customers the launching of one of its most important and newest destinations for the summer season, which is Sharm El-Sheikh, which is our fourth destination to the Arab Republic of Egypt, in addition to Cairo, Alexandria and Sohag. Sharm El-Sheikh is one of the destinations of great importance due to its high demand for it by our customers and because of its landmarks and touristic attractions which is an excellent option for spending the summer vacation.” Razouqi added, “Kuwait Airways is keen to launch a variety of different destinations that meet the requirements of its valued customers. In the past weeks, we had announced the launch of 17 new destinations, linking Kuwait to the world, in an effort to meet the growing demand. Therefore, Kuwait Airways renders great attention to the comfort and service provided to customers, as well as offering them with the opportunity to travel on Kuwait Airways aircraft to their preferred destination.” Furthermore, the Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi received the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to the State of Kuwait, H.E. Osama Shaltout and his accompanying delegation at the Company’s headquarters where the two sides discussed methods to enhance cooperation between the State of Kuwait and …

Oman Air and SalamAir announced greater cooperation to align both airlines’ networks for passenger growth in and out of Oman. This new cooperation will further expand the offering of outbound destinations available to guests in the Sultanate while enhancing the choice of flight options available to international guests travelling to Oman. Commenting on the new cooperation, Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air, said “This is a landmark moment for aviation in Oman and signals the start of closer alignment between Oman Air and SalamAir at a time when the sector is starting to show signs of recovery. Offering passengers more convenience and connectivity is something both airlines do well, so cooperating on strategic routes makes perfect sense for us. The significance of this cooperation is further strengthened within the context of Oman’s Vision 2040 Strategy, where both airlines play a crucial role as enablers of the Strategy’s tourism pillars through enhanced travel options into Oman.”

Expo 2020 Dubai reached the remarkable milestone of 20 million visits on Saturday (19 March) – an amazing achievement making history against the odds while bringing the world together in the UAE for the largest global gathering since the start of the pandemic. Displaying huge resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges, the biggest event ever to be held in the Arab world has combined unparalleled cultural, educational and entertainment experiences, with 192 countries coming together to showcase the best their nations have to offer. World leaders, cutting-edge innovations, sporting heroes, Grammy-award winning artists, incredible architecture, Arab superstars, innovative forums, global cuisine and the guarantee of something new and surprising every single day are among around 32,000 events and myriad attractions at the region’s first World Expo that have spurred Expo 2020 Dubai to this monumental achievement. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said: “When we started this journey in 2013, and even before then as we prepared the bid for Expo 2020 Dubai, we had a dream to welcome the world to Dubai and the UAE for an unprecedented global gathering that would live long in hearts and minds. “That we have fulfilled this dream is already beyond doubt, but to achieve such a landmark number of visits is true testament to how the world has responded to what we have worked so long and hard to create. We trust that those millions of people will take their memories back to their families and friends, wherever they are from in the world, to continue …

The fourth edition of the most popular virtual travel trade show in the Middle East is scheduled to kick off tomorrow at 11am until 5pm. This year 22nd and 23rd March 2022, will witness a whole new line up of interesting sessions apart from the B2B networking opportunities from 11am to 5pm. One of the key partners from the Balkan region has some very unique experiences for the market to be shared, hence agents have the opportunity to tap into this market. Ivana Karanikić – General Manager – Prolingua Travel DMC shared, “Participating at 4th GTS is of utmost importance for us as we are intensively working on the Middle East travel market since 2018 and particularly because this year we have intensified, in cooperation with some tourism stakeholders from Western Balkans, the promotional activities so you will soon hear us at Arabian Radio Network channels as well as on other important media. I see this participation as an opportunity to meet both existing and future partners in order to raise awareness of Western Balkans’ market as well as us as one of the best connoisseurs of that travel destinations. This year our main focus is on our brand new tour – Muslim Women’s Adriatic Cruise along Croatian coast with 4 departures in 2022 as we recently become the only Western Balkans’ Halal Certified TO.  Thanks to unique tours combining outdoor, adventure, culture and gastronomy that have been recently updated, we also work intensively to promote undiscovered parts of Montenegro and Western Serbia as perfect travel destinations. New gem in our travel necklace is definitely Albania as an ideal destination to spend summer holidays with family but also to enjoy …

More than 700,000 passengers are expected to depart from DXB’s Emirates Terminal 3 over the course of the next two weekends, as travellers head off for their spring break holidays. With the lifting COVID-19 related travel restrictions in 16 countries, Emirates customers will be able to swiftly check-in without the need to present Covid-19 related medical documents, and in some countries passenger locator forms are also not required.  These countries include the UK, Portugal, Italy, Jordan, Mauritius, Maldives, Austria, Bahrain, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Norway, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain and Switzerland. Travel restrictions remain in place for other destinations and Emirates customers should check that they have their documents in order ahead of their flights on www.emirates.com/travelrequirements, to ensure a smooth process at check-in. Emirates also urges passengers to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to their flight departure, and ensure they have all the required documents as mandated by their destination. In addition to departures from Dubai, close to 620,000 passengers will be arriving on Emirates flights during that same period, as many make their way for their spring break holidays in Dubai, and to experience Expo 2020 before it ends on 31st March. Emirates check-in options: Check in desks, self-service kiosks: Emirates’ customers may check in as early as 24 hours before their flight departure using the 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks available at Terminal 3, or at Emirates’ check-in desks. Passengers travelling to the US can check in 12 hours before departure at Emirates’ check-in desks. Customers using the self-service kiosk will receive their boarding passes on the spot, but must still complete their immigration formalities no later than 60 minutes …