The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the theme for the 2024 World Safety and Operations Conference (WSOC) is “Embracing Innovation and Technology for Safe and Efficient Operations.” WSOC will take place from 1-3 October 2024 in Marrakech, Morocco, hosted by Royal Air Maroc. This year’s event takes place against a backdrop of growing operational challenges, regional conflicts, cyber security threats, and extreme weather events, among others. “Airlines face common challenges with an operating environment that is growing more complex. At the same time, technological advances, including AI, are offering ever greater potential in support of safe and efficient operations. WSOC 2024 is the forum for industry leaders and experts to share knowledge and experience to make the industry even more resilient and robust in the face of emerging challenges,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General. “Safety is aviation’s highest priority and the cornerstone of every airline’s operation. For Royal Air Maroc, hosting WSOC is an opportunity to contribute to strengthening the industry’s performance while redoubling our own efforts. This is in particularly sharp focus at Royal Air Maroc as we embark on a major expansion to become a 200-aircraft airline by 2037. This growth will bring economic and social benefits across Morocco and Africa and contribute to the region’s preparations for the 2030 FIFA Football World Cup,” said Abdelhamid ADDOU, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Royal Air Maroc, who will give a keynote speech at the event and participate in the opening plenary panel. Speakers & Sessions Willie Walsh, and Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President Operations, Safety and Security will be speaking at the event along with: • Mesfin Tasew Bekele, CEO, Ethiopian Airlines • …

Air Arabia announced the launch of new non-stop flights connecting Sharjah with Warsaw, the capital city of Poland. The new service will commence on December 20th, 2024, connecting Sharjah International Airport and Warsaw Chopin Airport with a frequency of five weekly flights, further expanding Air Arabia’s route network and providing travellers with more opportunities to explore Europe. Schedule to and from Warsaw, effective December 20, 2024 (all times local) Flight Departure Time Arrival Time Aircraft Frequency G9 858 Sharjah 17:10 Warsaw 20:45 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday G9 859 Warsaw 21:35 Sharjah 6:35 Airbus A321 Monday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday Adel Al Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, commented: We are glad to further expand our presence in the European market with the addition of Warsaw to our network. As the second city we serve in Poland after Krakow, this new service provides our customers with a seamless connection from Sharjah to a city celebrated for its rich history and vibrant culture. The launch of non-stop flights to Warsaw underscores our commitment to continuously creating opportunities for both leisure and business travellers. We look forward to welcoming our customers onboard as they explore the marvelous city of Warsaw.” Air Arabia operates a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across the fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch compared to any economy cabin. The aircraft is also equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that allows passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the on-board ‘SkyCafe’ menu at …

China Visitors Summit kicked off in Dubai with TravTalk Middle East as media sponsor. The first day saw 100 plus buyers with 80 suppliers attend and network with each other. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group – Shanghai, Creators of the China Visitors Summit 2024 in Dubai opening the session shared, “The China Visitors Summit (CVS) is the premier global workshop where Chinese travel buyers come to learn about destinations, experience travel products firsthand, and network with potential partners. Since its inception in China in 2008 and its expansion to the Middle East in 2013, CVS has become the essential meeting point for travel suppliers—hotels, destinations, attractions, shopping centers, airlines, destination management companies, and more—to connect with Chinese travel industry buyers.”  

Shahab Shayan – Regional Director Asia Pacific and Turkey – Dubai Economy and Tourism shared that China is a key source market for Dubai and they are ready to welcome visitors from China. In his address, he welcomed the visitors to Dubai, “during the first six months we saw China recover very well, almost 84% more than 2019. It is a great recovery of the market from China to Dubai and ever since the borders opened Dubai has been China ready, to receive the Chinese market. We conducted the biggest roadshow in China in six cities and signed over 34 plus different partnerships and many fam trips as well. We want to remind them again why Dubai should be their first choice again.”

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)launched its 2024 Economic Impact Trends Report where it was shared that many key destinations will profit from a surge in international spending this year compared to pre-pandemic levels, with Saudi Arabia up 91.3% compared to 2019, Türkiye (+38.2%), Kenya (+33.3%), Colombia (+29.1%) and Egypt (+22.9%) leading the way. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “As we look forward to a record-breaking 2024, it’s clear that Travel & Tourism is not only back on track, but also set to achieve unprecedented growth. We will continue to prioritise sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that this growth benefits everyone and protects our planet for future generations. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continues to drive us forward.” Globally, international visitor spending is set to grow by nearly 16% to reach US$1.9 TN, while domestic tourists are projected to spend more than ever before, reaching US$5.4TN, an increase of 10.3% over 2019 levels. Travel & Tourism investment grew 13% in 2023 to reach more than US$1TN, with a return to pre-pandemic levels anticipated by 2025.

Rixos Tersane Istanbul, the flagship of the Rixos Group, which has achieved a leading position in the tourism sector with nearly a quarter-century of experience and an immaculate service approach, has been inaugurated with the presence of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Chairman of the Board of Rixos Hotels, Fettah Tamince, expressed his insights on this highly anticipated investment: “We are revitalizing the 600-year-old Tersane Istanbul, which reflects the most valuable elements of Istanbul’s cultural and industrial heritage yet has been in disuse for many years, thanks to the vision of our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and the efforts of our Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and we are restoring it as a modern living space for the citizens of Istanbul. The first phase of the project has been completed with an exemplary conservation approach. Rixos Tersane Istanbul, which we have opened in this unique area that is about once again to become a part of the city’s memory, will bring a brand-new perspective to urban hospitality. It will make a significant contribution to the economy and employment. Rixos Tersane Istanbul will also play an important role in passing down this deep-rooted cultural heritage to future generations. We meticulously considered every detail of Rixos Tersane Istanbul, from its design to its architecture. I hope this new venture, which is far more than just a commercial project for me, will benefit our city and our country. I would like to thank our esteemed President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan for his support and presence.” Rixos Tersane Istanbul, the flagship of the Rixos Group, which has investments in 8 countries across 3 continents, features 432 rooms. With its interior decoration that blends history, culture, …

Emirates landed in Antananarivo, Madagascar for the first time. The arrival of EK707 was celebrated with a water canon salute at Ivato International Airport, followed by an exclusive event for VIPs, government officials, industry guests, and media. His Excellency, Andry Rajoelina, President of the Republic of Madagascar and the First Lady greeted the Emirates delegation, led by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer; Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President of Commercial Operations, Gulf, Middle East and Central Asia; Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo and Sami Aqil Abdullah, Senior Vice President of Emirates Airport Services Outstation and Business Support, as well as international media. Fostering stronger links between the UAE and Madagascar, Mohammad Lootah, President, CEO of Dubai Chambers, His Excellency Jamal Al Hai, Deputy CEO of Dubai Airports and Major General Talal Ahmed Al Shangeti, General Director Assistant of Airport Passport Sector also joined the inaugural flight, along with Buti Qurwash, Senior Vice President Safety & Security at Dubai Airports; Rabie Atieh, CEO Transguard Group and Abid Hamza, General Manager of Fast Logistics. Commanding the inaugural flight to Antananarivo was Canadian national Captain Bruce Pope and First Officer Solo Chuk, a Malagasy pilot who has been flying for Emirates for 14 years. The inaugural flight operated with an almost full passenger load from Mahe, the Seychelles, taking advantage of the enhanced travel options available on the linked service by merging two trips into one. Following the welcome ceremony, Adnan Kazim, along with senior representatives showcased the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft flying on the route in a three-class configuration* to His Excellency President Rajoelina along with a group of dignitaries, government representatives, media, guests and members …

As Resorts World will deploy its cruise ships from 1st November 2024, Resorts World Cruises announced its new partnership with DP World, a leading maritime gateway and hub for the region. This collaboration will focus on homeporting Resorts World Cruises fleet at Port Rashid. The official signing took place in Dubai alongside the official launch announcement of the cruise.

Resorts World Cruises officially launches the homeport deployment of Resorts World One in Dubai from 1 November with the support of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), together with Oman Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Qatar Tourism, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi and the port authorities. 4 September 2024 (Dubai, UAE) – At Resorts World Cruises’ first press conference in Dubai with the support of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), the cruise line announced the debut of Resorts World One in the Gulf in the Middle East. Starting 1 November 2024, the Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures. These include the 2 Night Sir Bani Yas Weekend Cruise (Friday departures); the 3 Night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) Cruise (Sunday departures); and the 2 Night Doha Cruise (Wednesday departures). For a longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4, 5 or 7 Night Cruise. As ‘The Cruise Line that knows Asia Best’, Resorts World Cruises is able to apply decades of affiliated international experiences and in depth expertise to cater to the needs and subtle nuances of the Gulf markets. Muslim guests will be delighted to know that the Resorts World One will receive the official OIC/SMIIC* Standard Halal-Friendly Cruise Ship certification upon commencing her sailing from Dubai. Muslim guests can cruise with peace of mind to enjoy certified Halal cuisines throughout the ship, as all meats are being sourced from UAE Halal suppliers. Other Halal-Friendly onboard offerings are also accessible, including same gender services for selected facilities and venues. In addition, certified vegetarian and Jain cuisine are also …

Asia’s Resorts World Cruises announced its sailing within key GCC destinations from 1st November 2024. Resorts World One will homeport in Dubai via DP World’s Mina Port Rashid to offer three weekly departures. These include 2 night Sir baniyas weekend cruise (Friday departures), 3 night Oman (Khasab-Muscat) cruise (Sunday departures) and the 2 night Doha cruise (Wednesday departures). For longer cruise vacation, passengers can combine any of the itineraries to make a 4,5 and 7 night cruise. Speaking at the first press conference Michael Goh, President Resorts World Cruises shared, “it is an exciting time for Resorts World Cruises as we inch closer to the start of our first sailing from Dubai to the Gulf with the Resorts World One on 1st November. The response form the Gulf and from various markets in Asia, including from our travel partners have been very encouraging and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard soon.”