Air Arabia will showcase its latest A321neo-LR alongside the latest innovation, technologies and cabin configuration at Dubai Airshow 2021 from Nov. 14 to 18. The carrier also unveiled a special livery on its Airbus A320 and A321 neo-LR aircraft to commemorate the nation’s golden jubilee. Air Arabia’s latest A321 neo-LR can accommodate 215 passengers. It is equipped with Air Arabia’s state of the art cabin interior; wireless entertainment system “SkyTime” and the seats provide extra comfort while maintaining Air Arabia’s generous seat pitch. Dubai Airshow visitors will get to experience Air Arabia’s value driven low-cost product onboard the carrier’s Airbus A321 neo-LR aircraft. Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia, commented: “As the aviation sector is gearing up for a steady recovery, we are delighted to be part of the Dubai Airshow, a platform to highlight how our industry has addressed the challenges and is on a new flightpath to renewed growth. We will focus on highlighting our new technologies, innovations and state-of-the-art solutions that aim to further enhance the customer experience.” Air Arabia recently celebrated 18 years of successful operations that transformed the air travel industry in the wider Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. To mark the milestone, Air Arabia unveiled a new uniform, which reflects the carrier’s modernity and youthfulness. The Dubai Airshow, now in its 17th edition, is one of the largest and most successful air shows in the world, which connects aerospace professionals across all areas of the industry.      

Germany, the most popular shopping destination for the GCC travellers once again will host a webinar on Breuninger, one of Germany’s most prestigious department stores on 23rd November 11am UAE time. With the recent announcement that the limitations on GCC travellers have been relaxed, it is once again time to discover some of the destination’s new and renovated experiences. The German National Tourist Office will host a special webinar to highlight the various offerings, with a particular emphasis on Germany as a shopping destination. “I’m looking forward to refreshing our industry partners on destination Germany and informing them of the latest travel guidelines to Germany while also highlighting one of the most prestigious department stores Breuninger,” said Yamina Sofo, Director Sales and Marketing, German National Tourist Office, Gulf Countries. We’d like to invite you to pre-register for the event and come prepared with all of your questions.” For a moment, everything was put on hold due to the pandemic, but now it’s time to revisit and rediscover the many shopping spots throughout Germany. Travellers and shoppers can find anything they want, from discounts to fine couture, from second hand knickknacks to futuristic treasures, from worldwide to traditionally German brands, always prompt, easy to find, and, at an unbelievable low cost. The unique selling characteristics of one such retail destination, Breuninger, will be highlighted in this webinar. It will be a chance for the travel industry to rediscover the destination after the Covid era. “For 140 years, the fashion and lifestyle company Breuninger has been setting high standards in the areas of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, “ said Lena Schulz, Manager Tourism Marketing-Breuninger Kurzbeschreibung. Since 1881, Breuninger has been emphasising the …

All tourism employees and eligible Boracay residents are expected to be fully vaccinated in one month, allowing fully vaccinated individuals to visit the world-famous island without having to undergo COVID-19 testing as early as November. As of October 24, the vaccination had reached 91.09 per cent of all tourism workers and 62.78 per cent of the Island’s eligible population, according to the Department of Tourism (DOT). Boracay Island is projected to vaccinate its entire eligible population of 24,451 people by the end of October, making it the first Philippine destination to achieve 100 per cent vaccination. Earlier this year, the island became the first tourist destination to get COVID-19 inoculations. Berna Romulo-Puyat, Tourism Secretary, expressed her optimism about the Island’s tourism revival, citing Governor Florencio Miraflores’ commitment to accept visitors with proof of full vaccination, in lieu of a negative RT-PCR test result, once the Island’s residents have reached a 100 per cent vaccination rate. This is a favourable development because the DOT has seen a significant increase in visitor arrivals in the last two months compared to the same period last year. A total of 11,668 active tourism employees had obtained full doses of the COVID vaccine. Individuals employed in hotels, resorts, restaurants, spas and wellness centres, souvenir shops, shopping malls, security services and other essential service providers, tourism transportation, tourism-related cooperatives and associations, and government frontline service and private agencies are among them. A total of 15,350 people, or 62.78 percent of the Island’s 24,451 eligible people, h ave been fully vaccinated, leaving about 9,000 people to be vaccinated. There were no new active cases as of October 18. “Our vaccination rollouts are crucial in protecting our tourism …

Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) hosted a media gathering on day two of its agenda of activities at the World Trade Market (WTM) 2021 exhibition, held on November 1-3 at ExCel London, where the Authority was promoting its tourism offering while exploring the new global tourism system as the pandemic subsides around the world. The SCTDA booth hosted a media gathering on day two of the exhibit to announce a series of new and future tourism projects to look forward to in the emirate. The Authority also announced that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) had been signed between Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) and Singapore’s The Lux Collective group, which specialises in managing luxury hotels and hospitality institutions. The MoU includes the management of two new tourist resorts in Al Dhaid and Khorfakkan cities in Sharjah. Additional new and notable tourism projects were also highlighted, such as Sharjah Safari in Al Dhaid, the Moon Retreat in Mleiha, Al Suhub Rest House in Khorfakkan, Kalba Waterfront, family parks, and plans to develop the emirate’s beaches, including Al Heerah and Al Luluyah. “Tourism is a key pillar of Sharjah’s economy and the national economy in general,” noted H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, SCTDA Chairman. “It is a necessary requirement to drive sustainable development at every level. As the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic recedes, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority sought to strengthen its relations with the European market by actively taking part in the World Travel Market exhibition in London. WTM is an opportunity for us to highlight the great potential Sharjah’s tourism sector has, showcasing the emirate’s various tourist attractions, which are, once again, drawing tourists …

Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, a private and lavish resort located between the Sea of Oman and the Al Hajar Mountains, has launched an exciting new range of exclusive offers and luxurious experiences for guests and families to enjoy for the coming months especially for the GCC clientele. Guests visiting Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, for a family getaway rather than business are in for a treat, as they will get to experience all the facilities the resort has to offer, such as the infinity pool, non-motorized water sports activities, and an array of daily kid’s activities. Families can also enjoy 50% savings on their second room for children up to 16 years old. Breakfast is available for two guests per room, and kids below six years old can also enjoy free dine-in and breakfasts. Also, families can enjoy complimentary use of Ritz Kids facilities and selected non-motorized water sports. The 50% discount applies to the lower room rate and interconnecting or adjacent room upon availability. There are a limited number of rooms available on this package, and blackout dates may apply, so guests should reserve a week in advance to avoid disappointment! Make an extended weekend escape a luxurious and relaxing experience at Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel, by enjoying a stay at the resort for four to six nights to enjoy 25% savings. With many activities catering to their every wish and need, guests staying four or more nights can enjoy a 25% discount along with luxury accommodation, creating the perfect addition to a relaxing weekend. Breakfast is available, and children under six years old will enjoy complimentary dining. Saving the best for last, travellers …

Marriott International announced it has signed an agreement with wasl Hospitality & Leisure LLC, to bring the W Hotels Worldwide brand to Dubai’s sought-after Jumeirah Beach coastline. Expected to welcome its first guests in 2022, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is set to become an iconic addition to Dubai’s skyline and a new buzzing, urban escape in the cosmopolitan city. “We are seeing increasing demand for luxury lifestyle brands in Dubai, and with its mix of culture and high-energy lifestyle, the emirate is the perfect destination for the trend-setting W Hotels brand,” said Candice D’Cruz, Vice President – Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “With its unexpected design and iconic, socially driven Whatever/Whenever® service, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi will become a destination within a destination.” His Excellency Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We are pleased to sign this agreement and introduce W Dubai – Mina Seyahi to the renowned Mina Seyahi complex in Dubai Marina. This new property, which is among several other Marriott International hotels that wasl brought and launched in the emirate, will be an exciting addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector. We continue to look forward to developing further hotels to cement our position as a key player in the hospitality sector”. Located close to Dubai’s thriving leisure destinations, such as Dubai Marina and JBR Walk, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi is well-situated to offer guests a vibrant and playful escape. The 31-storey hotel is expected to feature 318 guestrooms, including 26 suites and an Extreme WOW Suite (W’s take on a Presidential Suite). The W Lounge (the brand’s signature take on the hotel lobby) is anticipated to draw …

Under the patronage of H.E. Mr. Lex Delles, Minister for Tourism, Dr Sebastian Reddeker, CEO of Luxembourg for Tourism and Mr. François Lafont, CEO of Luxembourg Convention Bureau and Glenn Johnston – Vice President Middle East & Global Public Affairs Aviareps, a special workshop was held for the travel trade focusing on MICE and events titled, “Inspiring Travel and Meeting Experiences in Luxembourg. There were 10 partners from various areas who showcased their offerings over the B2B meetings whereas the Luxembourg tourism and the Convention bureau presented their many offerings especially dedicated to the MICE sector. This was one of the events carried out during the special week dedicated for tourism. In the context of the World Expo 2020, HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and the Minister for Tourism and Minister for the Middle Classes, Lex Delles, led a tourism promotion mission to Dubai and participating from 6 to 8 November 2021 in the “Luxembourg Tourism Days” as well as the “Made in Luxembourg” week closing ceremony. A delegation with various tourism actors, as well as the national tourism promotion agency, Luxembourg for Tourism, and the Luxembourg Convention Bureau, the official representative of the Grand Duchy for the promotion of professional events, will accompany HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and Minister Lex Delles to Dubai. Luxembourg’s presence at the Expo 2020 Dubai represents a unique opportunity to promote the tourism assets and know-how of Luxembourg companies. In this context, the Directorate General for Tourism will organise the “Luxembourg Tourism Days” from 8 to 10 November within the Luxembourg pavilion in Dubai, which will include the setting up of a village of stands with various exhibitors from the tourism sector to …

flynas announced its latest flights expansion including the first ever direct international flights into AlUla International Airport. Starting from 19th November 2021, the first international routes into AlUla will take off from Dubai and Kuwait. Domestic routes added as part of the expansion include Riyadh, Dammam and Jeddah. The announcement marks the first time that international travellers will enjoy direct access to one of the most significant archeological and historical sites in the world. The first flight to AlUla will be inaugurated on 19th November 2021, from Dubai International Airport during a special ceremony that will celebrate the history and heritage of AlUla and promote flynas’ award-winning air travel services. Commenting on this milestone, CEO at flynas Mr. Bander Almohanna said, “We are excited to make AlUla more accessible to all travellers in the region, a destination that is truly unique and never fails to impress even the most experienced travellers.” He then added, “We are confident that our partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla will be one of many contributing factors to achieving the ambitious targets of Saudi Vision 2030 advancing the Kingdom’s position as a leading regional and global tourism destination.” Phillip Jones, Chief Destination Management and Marketing Officer for Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) commented, “For millennia, AlUla has been a crossroads of civilisations. Our ancient oasis has welcomed travellers and settlers to share commodities, ideas and build communities. Today is a huge milestone for AlUla as we will once again be on the international travellers route. Visitors can directly access AlUla with flynas direct flights from Dubai and Kuwait we look to introducing more visitors to the monumentality of the destination.” The first flight on …

Emirates and Garuda Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a codeshare partnership between both airlines. The new partnership allows customers of the world’s largest international airline, based in Dubai, and the flag carrier of Indonesia to enjoy seamless connectivity on new routes across the Americas, Middle East, Africa and Europe. In addition to expanding the breadth of each airline’s networks, with travel made possible on a single ticket, Emirates and Garuda Indonesia will also explore opportunities to cooperate on their respective frequent flyer programmes, to enable customers of both airlines to earn and redeem loyalty points for reward tickets, upgrades and other exclusive benefits. Subject to required regulatory approvals, the codeshare agreement is expected to come into effect from January 2022, with customer benefits to include seamless booking, ticketing, one baggage policy and check-through to the final destination in addition to travel benefits across 18 routes on both airlines’ networks. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said: “We are pleased to forge a codeshare partnership with Garuda Indonesia to provide our customers with access to additional destinations in Indonesia and which also allows them to enjoy seamless and convenient connectivity to eight domestic destinations to and from Dubai and to our global network through Jakarta, and three destinations through Denpasar. Indonesia is an important market for Emirates and our partnership with Garuda Indonesia is testament to Emirates’ commitment to continuously strengthen our network, and complement our offering. Through the expanded, combined network of both airlines, we are able to offer our customers a more seamless experience through check-in, bag check and boarding on every leg of their journey, all with a single ticket. We look forward …

Oman Air has launched a suite of new services for passengers arriving and departing Muscat International Airport. Available for purchase, the add-ons are part of the airline’s commitment to offer more choice of services and convenience to Oman Air passengers while at the airport, regardless of ticket class. “As a premium airline with a long list of award-winning products and services, easing the airport journey was the natural next step in providing more flexibility and convenience for our guests,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi. “Enhanced add-ons are a great way for our guests to sample different services and discover those that best suit their travel needs—whether an expedited check-in, premium lounge experience, or dedicated fast track lane through passport control and security.” The new services are operated by TAV OS and are currently available for purchase online at omanair.com Primeclass Meet & Greet Arrival When arriving to Muscat International Airport, Meet & Greet Arrivals provides a quick, easy and expedient airport check-out. Passengers are greeted at their arrival gate and escorted through fast track passport control and customs to the main arrivals area. Service also includes buggy transfer to the Primeclass Lounge for light refreshments, dedicated porter at baggage carousels, and personal escort to ground transportation or pick-up point.   Primeclass Meet & Greet Departure When departing Muscat International Airport, Meet & Greet Departures offers expedited check-in at Departures Gate A (First and Business Class Gate) followed by fast track escort through immigration and security and through the airport to flight boarding gate. Service also includes dedicated curbside assistance, complimentary 3-hour access to the Primeclass Lounge, buggy transfer, and personal porter to assist with bags. …