Spain Tourism successfully hosted its first post-pandemic travel and trade roadshows in the GCC after international travel bans have been lifted. The first roadshow took place in Jeddah on the 25th of October 2021, followed by an event in Riyadh on the 26th, and one in Dubai on the 28th of October. All three events saw huge turnouts as key travel agents and industry experts were excited to learn more about Spain’s new promotions and offerings after the ease of international travel restrictions.  The events saw the participation of partners from the regions of Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Andalusia and Costa del Sol, along with renowned hotel and DMC partners from Spain. Mr. Ameen Saduk, General Manager of Al Maha United Travel, commented after his participation in the Jeddah roadshow: “This is my first physical roadshow post pandemic and I thank Spain Tourism for the tremendous effort. The roadshow allowed us to build new relationships and strengthen existing ones with our partners in Spain, which will help us in creating new holiday packages for the Saudi traveller in the coming months. “Now that the agents in Jeddah are more familiar with Spain, there will be a great demand for the destination in the KSA market, and we expect an upcoming growth in the number of Saudi visitors to Spain”. Mr. Mohamad Korjieh, Sales Manager of Time Travel, said regarding the Riyadh roadshow: “We were very happy to receive an invitation for a physical roadshow after long time of attending the events virtually, we were very impressed of the level of organization that Spain Tourism had displayed. Spain has always been an attractive destination for Saudi families and sports enthusiasts; however, we …

Raffles Hotels & Resorts announced Hotel Royalty Since 1887, a brand campaign developed by Accor’s Creative Studio, a diverse cast of modern-day royals, and celebrated film director and artist, Peter Greenaway. Renowned for his evocative films with striking imagery, Peter Greenaway brings his powerful vision to this collaboration, the first commercial project of his career. The campaign pays tribute to the brand’s storied history and prestige through an innovative, emotive, offbeat, and atypical lens – modernising hotel royalty through a multi-generational cast that have always considered Raffles their luxury brand of choice. The new campaign is designed to reinterpret the golden age of travel, with each vignette emulating a painting, layered with saturated colours and textures that feel exotic and daring, yet also familiar. Filmed and shot at Raffles Singapore, the birthplace of the brand, the campaign draws from the fundamental spirit of Raffles, showcasing the extraordinary experience the brand provides. Inspired by Raffles’ philosophy of true luxury being not only about what you do, but also about how you feel, the campaign highlights the brand’s position as a destination for the well-travelled; a meeting point for many cultures, infused with international influences, where stories are told, and legends are made. Showcasing an enchanting, imaginary day in the life at Raffles, the campaign follows a cast of real-life royals – HIRH Catharina von Habsburg, Archduchess of Austria, Princess of Hungary and Bohemia with her mother HIRH Archduchess Anna Gabriele von Habsburg, born von Wrede; HRH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh, King of Jaipur; George Spencer-Churchill, Marquess of Blandford; HRH Princess Maria-Olympia of Greece and Denmark; and HH Prince Nikolai of Denmark – as they embark on a series of marvellous and …

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed The Lux Collective, a luxury hospitality management company headquartered in Singapore, to manage two new hospitality projects set in Sharjah’s scenic central and East Coast regions. The announcement took place during Shurooq’s participation at the World Travel Market 2021, under the presence of HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), HE Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), and Paul Jones, Chief Executive Officer of The Lux Collective, held in London, UK, from November 1 – 3, at the Sharjah stand. The nature-inspired LUX* Al Jabal Resort spans a 260,000 sqm area on a spectacular terrain hill overlooking a beach in Khorfakkan, facing the stunning Arabian Sea. The resort is expected to welcome guests in March 2023 and comprises of 45 eco-friendly units and suites that open out to expansive views of aquamarine waters and a jagged mountain range, offering a complete privacy. Set adjacent to the largest conservation park in the region for the largest wildlife safari in the world outside Africa in the city of Al Dhaid in Sharjah, Sharjah Safari, the LUX* Al Bridi Resort is scheduled for a 2023 opening. Upon completion, the project will feature 35 luxurious private tents and the LUX* Me Spa. Another key highlight of the property is the various types of animal encounters that are set in partnership between Shurooq and the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) under safe and secure measures that guarantees protection for both the guests and the animals. Speaking about Sharjah’s growing tourism profile, H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of Chairman …

As part of its continuous endeavour to gradually return to normal operation and provide a variety of options to its valued customers, Kuwait Airways announced the resumption of its scheduled commercial flights to Baku in the Republic of Azerbaijan as of 18th November 2021, with two flights per week, on Sundays and Thursdays. In this regard, the Director of Public Relations and Media Department Fayez Al-Enezi stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the operation of its direct flights to Baku, Azerbaijan, as this comes within the framework of Kuwait Airways keenness to launch new destinations that meet the requirements of its valued passengers, and provide different options and alternatives for them, especially since Baku is one of the destinations that has been witnessing tremendous demand in recent times because of its tourist and historical attractions, rich in diverse cultures, as well as its moderate climate throughout the year.” Al-Enezi added, “Kuwait Airways is constantly striving to serve its valued customers and provide them with all means of comfort while they travel on board, in addition to providing its services to its passengers in an integrated manner and overcoming all obstacles ahead of them; commencing with the reservation of tickets, entering Terminal 4, completing travel procedures, and boarding the aircraft to enjoy a comfortable and safe travel.” Al-Enezi concluded by extending appreciation for all the tangible efforts by all government agencies operating at the Kuwait International Airport and for their best efforts to serve the country and citizens. It is worth noting that Kuwait Airways had earlier launched several permanent and summer destinations as part of its gradual return to normal operations from mid-June until now, which include London, Sarajevo, …

The iconic Dubai Shopping Festival is all set to return for its 27th edition from 15 December 2021 to 29 January 2022, offering residents and visitors a diverse line-up of innovative events, world-class entertainment, mega raffles and array of promotions. Coinciding with EXPO 2020 and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, the event further reinforces the city’s position as a multi-faceted must-visit destination and adds to the growing momentum of activity across its leisure, retail and entertainment sectors. Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), the latest edition of Dubai’s flagship festival will highlight to the world the vibrancy that has returned to the city, Featuring an array of innovative events, lively concerts, incredible drone shows, fireworks displays, global brand collaborations, life-changing mega raffles, promotions and offers across a range of homegrown and global brands, the Festival will give residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy exceptional experiences throughout the 46-day extravaganza. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), said: “Inspired by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, the city has always exceeded expectations when organising festivals and events. With Dubai open to all travellers and visitors from across the globe, we will roll out an extraordinary Dubai Shopping Festival during this landmark year in which the city is hosting EXPO 2020 and celebrating the nation’s Golden Jubilee. As the longest running and most successful shopping festival of its kind, we extend our deepest gratitude to our retailers and partners for their continued support to DSF, as we work even more closely with them this year to ensure that the …

Emirates and TAP Air Portugal are further expanding their existing codeshare arrangement by adding 23 more destinations to the partnership from 2 November. This brings the total number of destinations where customers can enjoy seamless connectivity to over 90 points. TAP Air Portugal will place its code on popular Emirates flights to four additional Asian destinations – Hanoi and three Japanese gateways – Narita, Osaka and Haneda, subject to government approval. Emirates will place its code on TAP Air Portugal operated flights to 19 additional destinations via Lisbon. They include Belem, Brasilia, Belo Horizonte, Fortaleza, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Maceio, Natal, Porto Alegre, Recife, Salvador, Praia, Sal Island, Sao Vicente, Conakry, Ponta Delgada, Porto Santo, Terceira and Dakar. Adnan Kazim, Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “The further expansion of the Emirates – TAP Air Portugal partnership attests to the strong collaboration of both airlines and our shared commitment to provide customers with seamless connections to and from Portugal. By leveraging our mutual networks through codeshare flights, we enable our customers to travel to more places on a single ticket with a one baggage policy and fare conditions. We look forward to bringing more benefits to our customers through this partnership”. Silvia Mosquera, Chief Commercial & Revenue Officer of TAP Air Portugal said: “TAP Air Portugal is pleased to be able to implement this expanded partnership with Emirates, allowing our customers greater geographic access, with particular emphasis on destinations in the Middle East and Asia. TAP is eager to be able to take Emirates customers to more cities in Portugal and to our destinations in the Americas and North Africa, aboard our modern fleet of state-of-the-art aircraft, in an …

It was announced at WTM the previously managed five star hotel by Hilton Worldwide under the name of Hilton Dubai Creek will be rebranded as Golden Sands. The Dubai-based AA Al MOOSA Enterprises LLC, a dynamic and service-oriented conglomerate that includes a wide spectrum of business interests, announced the rebranding of one of its five star hotel properties located in a strategic area in the emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Previously managed by Hilton Worldwide under the name of Hilton Dubai Creek, the property’s rebranding to Golden Sands Hotel Creek comes in line with AA Al MOOSA Enterprises new strategy to strengthen its own local brand Golden Sands, which has been successfully present in the market for more than 30 years. Officially opened on 25th of October 2021 by His Excellency Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Mr Khalid Al Naboodah, Mr. Faisal Al Moosa, Director of Al Moosa Enterprises; and Mr. Mohammad Khoori, General Manager of Golden Sands Hotels and Hotel Apartments. HE Dawoud Al Hajri expressed his fondness of the property and wished Golden Sands as a local operator the best throughout its new venture.” “There is no doubt that the UAE hospitality industry is constantly evolving, therefore we must be flexible and adapt our strategies to meet the ever-growing market needs,” Mr. Faisal Al Moosa said. “We maintain a productive and friendly relationship with Hilton Worldwide, and are confident that Golden Sands management will achieve our aspirations for this property.” For his part, Mr. Mohammad Khoori noted, “We strongly believe in this area as an essential tourism and business destination for Dubai, and we are delighted to be here to support the government’s vision …

TUI Cruise’s liners will dock on Sir Bani Yas Island, bring over 2000 German-speaking tourists to the country each day. One of its main flagships, Mein Schiff 6, docked for the first time at the port recently. Roula Jouny, Executive Director of Tourism 365, commented: “We are ecstatic to have been appointed by TUI Cruises to lead and manage the upcoming cruise season at Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.” Capital Experience, part of Tourism 365, owned by the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), has been appointed ground handler by TUI Cruises. The strategic partnership sees Capital Experience manage the ground handling, sightseeing, excursions, tours and attractions experiences for cruise ships’ passengers during the winter cruise season until March 2022. Launched under Tourism 365, under the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, earlier this year, the company offers unique travel opportunities for tourists coming to Abu Dhabi, enhancing the emirate’s regional and global positioning in the wider tourism industry. Capital Experience works with key stakeholders across each emirate, partnering with key entities including hotels across the nation.

Etihad Airways recently operated its most sustainable flight ever, leveraging the learnings and efficiencies developed over the last two years of its comprehensive sustainability programme to reduce carbon emissions (CO2) by 72% in absolute terms compared to the equivalent flight operated in 2019. The London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi flight is part of the Etihad Greenliner Programme – a two-year partnership between Etihad and Boeing using Etihad’s Boeing 787 fleet as a test bed for sustainability improvements in partnership with organisations across the industry. It required huge collaboration across the aviation ecosystem to deliver a sustainable in-flight product, coordination with airspace management for optimised flight routing, new technology flight deck tools, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), contrail reduction and airport handling processes. In an industry-first, EY20 was the first commercial flight to explore contrail-avoidance. Working with UK-based SATAVIA, the team identified potential areas of ice super-saturated regions in the atmosphere where harmful contrails are likely to form, and the flight route was adjusted to avoid these areas. Based on the original and adjusted flight plan, the strategy avoided the production of approximately 64 tonnes of CO2e, with a fuel penalty of only 100kg, or 0.48 tonnes CO2. “These are noteworthy savings,” said Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Aviation Group. “When Etihad committed to achieve net zero, it was acknowledged that it was only possible if the airline worked collaboratively and positively with our industry partners. That is exactly what Etihad has done with the Sustainable Flight. Of equal importance, Etihad, Boeing and its partners – airports, ANSP, and suppliers – used the flight to learn where further improvements could be made. Talking after the flight, Tony Douglas, Group Chief …

SLS Hotels & Residences, a brand from Ennismore, in collaboration with The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), which spearheads the development of The Red Sea Project, announced SLS Red Sea will open its doors in Q1 2023. The project will bring 150 hotel rooms including 12 suites and 15 villas spanning over 800,000 square feet of single story accommodation. The property will feature expansive one, two, three and four bedroom Pool Villas each with ample space and the privacy afforded with one’s own private swimming pool. Ennismore’s top culinary and mixology experiences including Seabird, Fi’lia and Floating World will ensure this phenomenal new property speaks to the most discerning guests. The Ciel Spa, a state of the art fitness center and Altitude Pool along with a ballroom for special occasions and meeting rooms complete this distinguished offering. SLS is part of Ennismore, a creative hospitality company rooted in culture and community, with a global collection of entrepreneurial and founder-built brands with purpose at their heart. Ennismore is a joint- venture with Accor, formed in 2021 Chadi Farhat, SLS Brand COO & Head of Middle East & Asia Pacific states, “We are happy to announce SLS Red Sea in collaboration with John Pagano and his team at The Red Sea Development Company. We are excited to be working with architect Piero Lissoni again to deliver our signature SLS experience at this stunning property. We truly believe that once open, the property will be a highly sought-after destination for global travelers and locals alike with its exclusive spa, lounge and culinary concepts.”   John Pagano, Group CEO, The Red Sea Development Company, “We are pleased to partner with Ennismore & Accor for …