Etihad Airways and ITA Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting the networks of the two airlines. This new commercial partnership is designed to boost business travel and tourism between Italy and the United Arab Emirates, and will offer travellers more options and better connectivity when travelling through Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa and Abu Dhabi. Available for sale today for flights from 14 December 2021, ITA Airways will apply its ‘AZ’ code on services operated by Etihad between Italy (Rome Fiumicino and Milan Malpensa) and the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi). Similarly, Etihad will codeshare AZ flights connecting Italian domestic services beyond Rome Fiumicino Airport (Genova, Bari, Brindisi, Catania, Palermo) plus regional European services (Malta). The new codeshare flights are now available for sale through the airlines’ respective websites (ita-airways.com and etihad.com), reservation systems and in travel agencies. The partners are also working together to expand the scope of their cooperation over the coming months to offer customers even more seamless travel options.

Philippine tourism board will be conducting a virtual roadshow tomorrow Monday 13th December 2021, from 11am to 5pm UAE time. As Philippines prepares to open borders to the GCC with four of the countries added to their green list, namely United Arab Emirates, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Oman. Before the pandemic, Philippines received a really good number of visitors from the GCC hence, reconnecting with the travel trade from the GCC will be the ideal way to kick start the reciprocal relationship once again. Register now on http://www.letsvisitphilippines.com/ Over the pandemic Philippines Department of Tourism has been proactively working to ensure that the agents are kept well informed about the destination, making sure it is kept top in mind with special virtual dinner events, comprehensive webinars showcasing the new normal offerings and the safety regulations of the destination. Last week a two part series specialized webinar was conducted to also share insights on how to sell the destination of Philippines to the GCC market with travel trade experts from the GCC to the stakeholders in Philippines which proved to be very informative and insightful.

German National Tourist Office in UAE for GCC along with Visit Berlin conducted a special press conference sharing the latest campaigns for winter and 2022. Yamina Sofo, Director Marketing and Sales Office Gulf Countries shared that Germany’s diverse mix of cultural, naturistic, and family-focused leisure attractions are proving to be a big hit with GCC tourists, with the European country recording a rise from the region for the first nine months of 2021. Overnight stays in Germany by visitors from the GCC are up 29.6 per cent year-on-year, as of September 2021, with travellers rating overall satisfaction, choice and quality, accommodation, and opening times as the highest rated fulfilment factors in the Quality Monitor survey for the German tourism industry. “Campaigns that have seen success this year and will continue through to 2022 include German.Local.Culture which saw a keen focus on Germany’s wealth of authentic cultural experiences, as well as the FEEL GOOD campaign which highlights the sustainable tourism offerings we have. The new 2022 campaign Embrace German Nature will round up our campaigns and showcases Germany’s recreation and nature in all its facets” said Yamina Sofo, Director of Sales and Marketing of the German National Tourist Office. “Our global 2021 campaigns were attractive to our GCC travellers as they tend to search for cultural experiences that offer them an insight into different countries, as well as the increased interest in sustainability and being one with nature.” The country, including Berlin, has this year opened several key attractions, adding to its attraction for GCC visitors, a travel segment which is likely to continue a steady upward trajectory for the German capital. Humboldt Fort has recently opened its doors as an …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be conducting the Formula E race on January 28 and 29, 2022. The Ministry of Sports announced the launch of ticket sales for the first and second rounds of the Diriyah Formula E race, as part of the eighth season of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship. The event took place in At-Turaif in historic Diriyah, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Sports, Alberto Longo, Formula E Co-Founder and Chief Championship Officer, and Carlo Boutagy, CEO and Founder of CBX, the event promoter, as well as the champion of the last edition, British driver Sam Bird. Tickets for the race, which will take place on January 28 and 29, 2022, are available through the website https://diriyah-eprix.com. Prices start from 150 SAR, with 10,000 Grand Stand tickets. Additionally, the BOSS | EMOTION club will be providing world-class hospitality with the ultimate experience, entertainment and exclusive opportunities to engage with the ABB Formula E teams and drivers. Twenty-two drivers, including last year’s Diriyah race winner Sam Bird, the reigning World Champion Nyck de Vries, and new drivers Antonio Giovinazzi, Dan Ticktum and Oliver Askew will tackle the fast and technical circuit illuminated by LED lighting during Formula E’s only night races. Prince Khalid Bin Sultan Al Abdullah Al Faisal, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation (SAMF), Ministry of Sport, said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of tickets for the Formula E race in its first and second rounds, which will start at the end of January 2022. We look forward to doing what is required to ensure the event runs in the best possible way, to host sports …

With the end of school term and the start of the holiday season, Emirates is expecting over 1.1 million passengers to pass through Terminal 3 at Dubai International during this busy travel period which will run through until 21 December. This weekend will see a peak surge of close to 250,000 travellers departing from Terminal 3. Customers are encouraged to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to their flight departure and ensure they have all the required documents for their destination before proceeding to the check-in desk. To expedite their airport experience and ensure a smoother departure, passengers can choose to avoid the rush by physically checking-in 24 hours before their flight departure, drop off their bags and collect their boarding passes, using the 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks available at Terminal 3.* Customers using the self-service kiosk must still complete their immigration formalities no later than 60 minutes before their flight departure. Customers can also opt to check in online up to 48 hours and until 90 minutes before their flight departure and download digital boarding passes on their mobile phones for select destinations. Customers who check in less than 60 minutes before departure will not be accepted for travel. To speed up the process even further, customers can also utilise Emirates’ biometric path in Terminal 3 for a contactless journey from specific check-in desks, Emirates lounges and boarding gates. The biometric path allows customers to complete immigration formalities and board their flights with virtually no document checks and queuing. Once checked in, passengers are advised to ensure they arrive to their boarding gate on time. Gates open 90 minutes before departure, …

As the Philippines prepares to open its borders to the GCC countries an insightful webinar took place with two experts sharing their valuable information with stakeholders in the Philippines about selling the destination in the new normal era. At the inception, Verna C Buensuceso – Undersecretary Tourism Development Department of Tourism Philippines shared that as the borders will open to the four destinations in the GCC namely, KSA, UAE, Oman and Kuwait a two part webinar series will be conducted in order to navigate the new normal in the Middle East and understand the market trends and provide information to the stakeholders to keep themselves updated with regard to the way forward in this very important market for the Philippines. She further reiterated that their requirement at present was to make Philippines a top of the mind outbound destination for the GCC travelers as they seek new destinations especially at this point of time. The first session focused on how to sell the Philippines to the GCC which had two of the most senior experts in the industry in the GCC in UAE and KSA in particular. Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel and Tarique Khatri Executive Vice President Center of Excellence Seera Group. Moderator of the Session San Jeet Market Representative of Philippine Tourism in the Middle East shared that during the pre- pandemic era, Philippines received a substantial number of visitors from the GCC and the aim at present is to reposition Philippines to attract more numbers from this market as it has all the offerings and requirements. One of the first questions raised by San Jeet Moderator of the session to Nasir Jamal Khan …

The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel has been officially recognized as a five-star wellness resort by the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). The region’s first wellbeing resort receives the new classification, following a number of site visits to identify all classification and licensing procedures. Situated along Palm Jumeirah’s East Crescent, the resort offers 255 rooms and design-led suites as well as four dining options which showcase an array of healthy cuisine. The world’s first Rayya Wellness Centre housed within the property offers a variety of all-inclusive retreat packages that have been expertly designed for relaxation and rejuvenation to improve mind, body and spirit. The wellbeing resort also features a dedicated Rayya Fitness Centre, esco Rayya Spa and Rayya Kids Club. The hotel also recently launched Rayya Nutri, a comprehensive range of healthy meal plans developed by the team. Rayya Nutri meals are offered via delivery and come with a list of ingredients, alongside the nutritional facts of each dish. Khalid Saeed Bin Touq, Executive Director, Tourism Activities and Classification Sector, Dubai Tourism, commented: “We are delighted to officially present the first wellness hotel certification to The Retreat Palm Dubai MGallery by Sofitel. “The demand for wellness tourism continues to increase as more travellers become mindful of their health and well-being. Dubai continually strives  to further enhance its position as a global wellness destination with its distinctive attributes being  the most modern world class infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance one’s wellbeing, and a diverse group of experts and practitioners from across the globe, in addition to ensuring that the highest standards of health and safety measures are in place across sectors in line with international …

Interest in relocating to the Emirates has witnessed a pronounced uptick in 2021, as professionals from around the world look to take advantage of the UAE Government’s latest raft of innovative visa options. That’s the assessment of management and legal consultancy Swiss Group, whose clients have been keen to take advantage of increased visa flexibility, the local lifestyle, and the UAE’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic – with fewer restrictions and lower infection rates than the vast majority of global markets. Michael Lane, Managing Director of Swiss International Legal Consultants Ltd, UAE – a legal entity of Swiss Group – said: “We have definitely experienced stronger diversification of demand during the past 12 months, with numerous clients choosing to pursue the latest visa options as opposed to conventional avenues. “This trend has been especially noticeable among global entrepreneurs, many of whom have registered their interest in innovations such as the Green Visa and Remote Work Visa,” Lane continued. “We have also witnessed a significant number of enquiries relating to the Golden Visa and Retirement Visa, both of which were launched by the UAE Government in 2018.” In a bid to support individuals who are considering relocating to the UAE, and who wish to explore residency options, Swiss Group has released an up-to-date guide entitled: Decoding the UAE’s Visa Landscape Lane explained: “The UAE ranks in the top five best places to live and work globally, according to a recent HSBC study, so it’s hardly surprising that so many people are interested in relocating to the Emirates. However, with so many potential avenues available to the international market, it can sometimes be difficult to know which option is best suited to …

Announced during ILTM Cannes, Hyatt introduces plans for seven new luxury hotels throughout Europe and the Middle East, in addition to 24 luxury properties in stunning destinations throughout the U.S., Mexico, Morocco, Greater China, Thailand, and more as Hyatt’s luxury portfolio globally that are slated to open by 2023.  These hotels are expected to further bolster Hyatt’s portfolio of luxury brand offerings in key growth markets. Hyatt continues to grow its brands in locations that matter most to guests, members, and owners. As leisure travel continues to drive recovery in many parts of the world, today’s announcement signals a continued commitment to catering to high-end travelers through a strong pipeline of diverse brands in some of world’s most desirable locations. The hotels and resorts set to join the Alila, Andaz, Destination by Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Park Hyatt, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, and Thompson Hotels brands are expected to exceed the expectations of the luxury traveler, delivering personalized and engaged service, story-worthy experiences and world-class offerings. “Today, more than ever, our members and guests are looking for unforgettable travel moments – moments that are truly meaningful and leave an indelible mark, connecting them to experiences that change and inspire them,” said Amy Weinberg, senior vice president, loyalty, brand marketing and consumer insights, Hyatt. “The addition of these new hotels and resorts across Hyatt’s luxury portfolio will reinforce Hyatt’s position as a leader in the luxury hospitality space.” All grounded in premium, cultural and desirable destinations known for their cuisine, architecture, immersive cultures, and history, these newly announced projects are located throughout Europe and the Middle East and have been carefully selected to complement Hyatt’s elevated, luxury portfolio.

Circuit X, Abu Dhabi’s much-loved adventure park, launched its second season of X Camp: Operation Green Earth. Back by popular demand, X Camp provides an active and educational program inspired by the vision of a greener, richer, and sustainable future. The camp runs from 12-30 December and children can enrol to experience adventure like never before, for five days of endless fun while enjoying the cool December weather.  Set in nature, Operation Green Earth will treat children to a fun exploratory journey that aims to heighten their awareness on the importance of protecting earth, providing hands-on learning activities, and guided nature walks, in addition to Circuit X’s promise to provide adrenaline-packed activities across all the four parks with its amazing coaches.  X Camp Operation Green Earth will combine elements of science, geography, nature, character building, intertwined with climbing, ziplining, biking, skateboarding and much more! The educational winter camp brings coaches and children together to explore through games and activities the values of protecting animals, plants and wildlife, as well as sustainable practices and knowledge on renewable energy, preserving water, recycling, and planting.  Kids will be on a journey to discover the different aspects of science, geography and nature through sensory exploration and by using their imagination, while having lots of fun! Located in Hudayriyat Mar Vista and commissioned by Modon Properties, Circuit X offers daily passes to the camp as well as a weekly camp pass for the little explorers. Siblings get a discounted price to take a break and enjoy the winter holidays. While the little ones are off exploring nature under the watchful eye of the team, parents can enjoy Circuit X’s adventure park – climbing to new …