If you are looking for a relaxing post-lockdown vacation, Hokkaido is the place to go for a holistic holiday experience. Discover a world of breathtaking beauty, unique culinary experiences, storied heritage, and endless adventures on Japan’s northernmost island. It is Japan’s largest and most fascinating prefecture, covering roughly a quarter of the country. With the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games drawing the world’s attention for weeks, Japan was the most sought-after destination in 2020. The Olympic marathons and race-walking events were held in the cool environs of Hokkaido. Japan’s famed ‘Omotenashi’, the time-honored spirit of selfless hospitality that goes above and beyond, was experienced by the entire world. Fall in love with Hokkaido’s pristine landscapes, which are known for their natural beauty and produce. Immerse yourself in slow-paced travel with guided tours to organic farms where you can learn about traditional farming and vegetable harvesting firsthand. A trip to Hokkaido’s vineyards is a must if you want to savour hand-picked fine wines while taking in the stunning scenery. Yoichi wineries have harnessed Japanese terroirs to create a distinct expression from their European counterparts. Furthermore, the three-Michelin-star Noma restaurant in Copenhagen offers Yoichis premium wines for connoisseurs to enjoy. Do not miss Japan’s celebrity Michelin-starred chef Tomoyuki Takao’s ingenious Italian culinary marvels made with the region’s freshest seasonal products while you are here. He is a dedicated chef who traverses the highlands and forages the nearby harbour for traditional Ainu foods and fresh seafood to use in his gourmet creations. He is noted for curating neo-Hokkaido cuisine by incorporating the Ainu (Hokkaido’s indigenous people) culinary methods. Say yes to adrenaline-fueled adventures at Hokkaido’s gorgeous ski locations for skiing and snowboarding in the …

In line with group’s efforts to ease the restrictions imposed following the pandemic, Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC), has resumed its City Check-in services in Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman. Air Arabia’s City Check-ins was established in 2012 to provide passengers added convenience and flexibility by enabling them to drop off their bags at a location near them and collect their boarding pass before traveling with Air Arabia. The City Check-in service allows passengers to select seats and receive their boarding passes and baggage claim tags. They can then immediately proceed to the flight upon arrival at the airport. Located at Sharjah, Safeer Mall, and at Air Arabia Sales Shop in Ras Al Khaimah and Ajman, the three centres will operate seven days a week, from 9AM to 9PM, with a break from 11AM to 2PM on Fridays for prayers. The centres will accept baggage from 24 up to eight hours before departure, which is then transported straight to the Sharjah International Airport. Ensuring the highest standards of safety at every step of the journey by following all health and safety protocols, Air Arabia has also added to the convenience and confidence of passengers by introducing free COVID-19 insurance coverage. The insurance is automatically included as part of the booking and no additional documents are required from passengers.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) announces the next PATA Annual Summit to be held live and in-person from March 22 – 25, 2022 in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The event will be the first time that the not-for-profit travel trade association, which serves government, tourism offices, hotels, airlines and other travel-related companies with interests in the Asia Pacific region, will host its Annual Summit in West Asia. Hosted by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), the four-day event will lead a global forum on sustainable growth and the value and quality of tourism today, bringing together international thought leaders, industry shapers and senior decision-makers who are invested in driving tourism to, from and within the Asia Pacific region. Comprising conference elements, experiential networking sessions, the PATA Executive Board and Board Meeting, and Annual General Meeting, the four-day Summit will be hosted in various locations across the Emirate, including the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert and Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Center. Exploring the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, the program will provide a platform for PATA’s public and private sector members and partners to convene on critical industry topics, including destination recovery strategies, sustainability and resilience, human capital development and innovation. Additionally, PATA delegates will visit Expo 2020 to gain insight on the sustainability, innovation and design best practices around the world, including PATA Destination Members’ pavilions.   “We are honoured to be working with Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority in bringing together our industry network to discuss opportunities and best practices to enable recovery and sustainable growth,” said PATA CEO Liz Ortiguera. “The event programme, under the theme ‘Reconnecting the World’, …

Buoyed on by a steady increase in tourist arrivals, Sri Lanka, with confidence and pride, presented the country’s tourism roadmap on the Expo 2020 Sri Lanka National Day which was celebrated on Monday, 03 January 2022, at the Expo Media Centre in Dubai. Expo 2020 Sri Lanka National Day was led by Honourable G. L. Peiris, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Prasanna Ranatunga, the Minister of Tourism & Aviation and Kimarli Fernando, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Tourism and Commissioner General for EXPO 2020 Dubai. The event shed light on Sri Lanka’s readiness for growth and revival of the Tourism industry post-pandemic. In addition, the National Day attracted visitors with colourful cultural performances performed at the Al Wasl Plaza situated at the Stage of Nations. Inbound tourism in Sri Lanka is booming due to the successful implementation of the vaccination programme. As a result, the country is witnessing a decline in COVID-19 infections, with over 85% of the eligible population from Sri Lanka’s 21.9 million being vaccinated. In addition, the administering of booster Pfizer vaccines is rapidly progressing, with priority being given to personnel from the travel industry. During the event, Kimarli Fernando quoted, “Sri Lanka has recovered post-pandemic with confidence, and the country is now steadily moving forward, prioritising its tourism sector in the interests of the country and travel-hungry tourists. We are honoured to be awarded the ‘Safe Travel Stamp’ by the World Travel and Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and World Travel & Tourism Council in 2021.” The destination is fully operational and delighting vaccinated as well as non-vaccinated tourists, with a set of health & safety protocols to follow: Vaccinated travellers do not need on-arrival PCR tests and …

Over the last three decades, Dubai has grown in reputation as one of the world’s most exciting golf destinations. With several world-class golf courses including ones designed by the sport’s most celebrated stars, golfing enthusiasts are spoilt for choice in the emirate. As the host of major global tournaments, Dubai also offers one of the most packed golfing calendars for those who are ardent fans of the game. Combined with its five-star hospitality and premium dining and viewing experiences, Dubai is a dream hotspot for golf lovers.   However, championship golf courses are not the only places where golf is thriving in Dubai. The city is offering a new golfing experience that is changing the way people interact with the sport and encouraging vast numbers of people to pick up a club for the first time. Leading this transformation is Topgolf Dubai, a sporting and entertainment venue that is bringing together people of all ages and skill levels to test their skills.   An all-encompassing entertainment venue with golf at its heart, Topgolf Dubai features a three-level complex located at the Emirates Golf Club spanning more than 60,000 square feet. The facility which opened in December 2020, is the first Topgolf venue to be established in the Middle East and Asia. With the capacity to accommodate 1,100 guests, Topgolf Dubai offers interactive games that provide enjoyable experiences for everyone whether they are skilled golfers or not.   Featuring 96 climate-controlled driving bays with more than 300 state-of-the-art digital screens, Topgolf offers both amateur and experienced golfers the opportunity to test their driving skills on a stunning rooftop terrace overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline. Guests can enjoy point-scoring golf games using …

A comprehensive webinar will be hosted on Tuesday 18th January 2022 from 12 noon GST about the pristine sandy beaches, white chalk cliffs, sophisticated Baltic seaside resorts, cozy fishing villages, sky high brick churches and fairy tale castles of Meckenburg-Vorpommem. Germany is one of the most popular vacation destinations for the travelers in the Middle East as it has a diverse offering catering to each traveler from the Middle East, whether it be family, millennial, leisure, MICE etc. Meckenburg-Vorpommem located between the metropolises of Berlin and Hamburg in the northeast of Germany, the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has fascinated guests from all over the world for centuries. It is time once again for the agents in the region to take a quick peak at the destination to offer a new area to explore to those yearning to discover. The region welcomes its guests with 2,000 kilometres of Baltic Sea coasts and 2,000 glistening lakes. It is also known as the sunniest region in all of Germany with 2,000 hours of sunshine per year. Also more than 30% of the whole region is under conservation. The unspoiled nature of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern inspired famous painters throughout the centuries and is best explored by foot, bike or boat says the experts. In terms of local wellness they offer such as Thalassotherapy and the so called healing forests or for those who want to let loose with all kinds of activities on land or on water you can take up kitesurfing, stand up paddling or Jeep Safari on an island. Virtually you can immerse yourself in the culture of a historical region and enjoy the local cuisine with freshly caught fish and the 700-year-old brewing …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) announces the development of Sharjah’s newest pro skatepark attraction which will be part of its much anticipated and upcoming beach destination, Al Hira Beach. Scheduled for completion in Q1 of 2022, along with the opening of Al Hira Beach, the new attraction comes as part of a partnership between Shurooq and Dakota Schuetz, also known as “Kota”, 4-time world scooter rider champion, who – for the first time in the UAE – will be bringing his professional and inspiring design concept of the perfect pro skatepark that is accessible for all types of skaters, extreme-sports enthusiasts and children of all ages. Officially named as “KOTA Skatepark”, the attraction will feature different ramps for all levels and different roller sports which include skateboarding, roller skating, scootering and bicycle motocross (BMX). The skatepark will also feature a special pump track around the outside of the skatepark as a dedicated section for kids under complete safety regulations and measures. Commenting on the announcement, Khalid Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Operations at Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said: “With the new KOTA Skatepark attraction under development, Al Hira Beach is set to become one of the most popular beach destinations in the UAE for visitors and tourists, offering a complete new set of unique beach tourism experiences that contribute to reinforcing Sharjah as a focal destination for investments in the region.” He added: “The new partnership translates our mission and vision to create strategic joint-ventures with global experts to introduce creative and unique services and experiences to visitors and tourists of all ages across all our destinations, especially in light of the recent extension of the …

Renjith Chandran, Cluster General Manager of Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Dhafra Beach Hotel, said that the new year will witness tourist flows to the Emirate of Abu Dhabi considering the events and activities scheduled to be held in 2022. It is expected that the new year will be a year full of hope and challenges, noting that the Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Dhafra Beach Hotel will begin 2022 with a well-thought-out strategy that contributes to promoting domestic tourism and tourists from both local and international markets. In the wake of the challenges imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism and hospitality sectors, Mr. Renjith expressed his happiness with the recovery of the public and private sectors and the success of the UAE in addressing this global challenge quickly and effectively. He also explained that the efforts made by government agencies, the public and private sectors, citizens, and residents of the United Arab Emirates have borne fruit, as the country witnessed a clear recovery represented in the opening of Expo 2020 in Dubai, the largest international exhibition, which contributed to promoting tourism and economic recovery. Mr. Renjith pointed out that the revival of the tourism sector has allowed the Danat Hotels Group to provide its distinguished hospitality services, by investing in innovative technologies to achieve sustainability and enhancing the skills of team members to remain motivated and provide guests with unforgettable experiences that drive them back to Danat properties. He also stated that this year, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Al Dhafra Beach Hotel have planned several new activities, promotions and experiences worth exploring such as diving, deep sea fishing courses, and boat trips to the Blue Hole …

Emirates Group Security (EGS) has signed an agreement with the University of Arizona (UA) located in Tucson, Arizona, USA, to promote collaboration in tertiary education and research on general and security-specific subjects from certificate to postgraduate courses. This new dimension comes in the Customized Degree Paths Programme (CDP). The World Campus Experience Program is delivered online by UA with supplemental on-site services and courses provided by EGS. Through the agreement, UA and EGS will jointly offer 60 programmes, to be delivered entirely online in English by appointed and qualified faculty members at the University of Arizona. Students will have access to the course materials and virtual lectures through the EGS Centre of Aviation Security Studies’ (CASS) campus in Dubai (UAE). They will be able to use the facilities and services of the campus to experience a unique in-person college experience with the convenience of online education.   Mutual collaboration between the two organisations enables incoming students to earn up to two years of direct, undergraduate credits from the University of Arizona through a mix of in-person and online courses offered through EGS and on EGS’s campus in collaboration with the University of Arizona. The programme includes multiple academic pathways which will enable students to take courses that will satisfy University of Arizona degree requirements or transfer to other US universities.   Dr Abdulla Al Hashimi, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates Group Security, said: “We are delighted to partner with one of the top 100 global universities, repeatedly recognised for its outstanding academic programs and exceptional value, the University of Arizona. This agreement marks another step forward towards our vision of strengthening the global aviation community by providing AVSEC industry …

Emirates progressed on its recovery path in 2021, rebuilding its passenger network to 128 cities by December including a new route to Miami launched in July. At the end of 2021, all of Emirates’ 133 Boeing 777 aircraft and nearly 60 of its A380 fleet are in active service, connecting people to their loved ones and businesses to global opportunities. In addition, over 120 Emirates Lounges and partner facilities have re-opened to serve Emirates’ premium customers and frequent flyers. HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chairman and Chief Executive said: “Despite the recent rise of the Omicron variant and the slight slowdown it brought to our network, we are going into 2022 with optimism. We’ve built up some great momentum this year and expect business growth pick up speed in 2022. Aviation has always been resilient, and we will continue to work with our industry partners to build back better for our customers and communities.” Here’s highlighting 7 ways Emirates has helped customers fly better, and support communities and the industry in 2021: 1- Travel ease and confidence: This year, Emirates extended its generous rebooking waivers, the expiry of frequent flyer miles and tier status, and complimentary COVID-19 medical cover for all customers. emirates.com remains a top reference site for the latest travel requirements, updated at least once daily with information verified by Emirates’ on-site teams across its network. Emirates also accelerated digital initiatives to provide customers with smoother and safer journeys – being the first airline to implement the IATA Travel Pass solution across its network on six continents; expanding its biometrics and contactless touchpoints at Dubai airport, and partnering with Al Hosn app to enable quick …