Cruise Saudi, the company facilitating the development of the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia, has confirmed that it has become a member of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). Launched in January 2021 at the Future Investment Initiative (FII), Cruise Saudi has made rapid progress in its mission to bring a global cruise industry to Saudi Arabia a new component of the country’s tourism plan outlined in the landmark Vision 2030 program. The company has already worked together with stakeholders such as the Saudi Port Authority MAWANI to guide the construction of a new cruise terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, Saudi Arabia’s largest port. It has signed agreements with several leading global cruise operators to bring their ships to Saudi waters. MSC Bellissima, owned by MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately owned cruise line, and luxury liner Scenic Eclipse, have both been sailing the Saudi coastline during the summer season. The membership of WTTC, which advocates for the development of the travel and tourism sector as a driver of sustainable economic growth, will further establish the Saudi cruise industry just as international leisure travel begins to resume following the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining the Council will allow Cruise Saudi to better shine a spotlight on the year-round potential of the Saudi market to tour operators, travel agents and cruise lines, in addition to sourcing key data on international travel trends and learning from the best practitioners in the global cruise sector. Saudi Arabia certainly has an enviable and as yet largely undiscovered tourist proposition for international cruise passengers to explore – whether as a stop on a wider regional itinerary or a destination in its own right. The crystalline waters …

Ishraq Hospitality, a Mohammad & Obaid AlMulla Group division, announced the successful upgrade of all Holiday Inn Express hotels in Dubai to a three-star rating. This milestone is in line with Ishraq Hospitality’s plans to expand the Holiday Inn Express (HIEX) chain – the single largest hotel brand in the world – in the Middle East, with eight new hotels to be opened in the next seven years. Alexander Suski, Acting CEO of Ishraq Hospitality, said: “Ishraq Hospitality is committed to maintaining ambitious growth plans in the region and providing consistent quality services in the hospitality industry. The recent upgrade to three stars, an important milestone, will allow our hotels to accommodate new markets and audiences enabling further average rate growth for the portfolio, facilitate more smart travel guest services, and continue to deliver guest satisfaction.” Renovations across the hotels include new services such as a 24/7 kiosk and a coffee lounge, where guests can work and socialize in a vibrant environment. Rooms and features are also undergoing renovation, with a new front office look for Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport. The Brick Wall Sports Bar is now present in Holiday Inn Express Jumeirah and Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport. At Holiday Inn Express Internet City, the award-winning casual Mexican restaurant, Muchachas, also offers a takeaway menu. Holiday Inn Express is one of IHG’s fastest-growing hotel brands, a first choice for the increasing number of travellers who need a warm, comfortable place to rest, recharge, and work. Ishraq Hospitality, which operates Holiday Inn Express under the IHG® franchise, currently owns four Holiday Inn Express hotels in the UAE in partnership with IHG®.  

RX Global, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has revealed that 2022 could witness a resurgence in brand conscious travellers, following commentary it received from delegates attending its 2021 in-person and virtual seminars about responsible tourism. “The feedback we received, has enabled us to identify a particular profile of traveller, that now actively looks for ethical brands to follow and wants to see tangible evidence of that brand practicing what it claims to be. “This potential vertical shows a combination of characteristics attributed to outdoor adventurers, wellness, eco-tourists, digital nomads on ‘workcations’, experiential tourists and socially aware travellers,” said Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market. “Naturally we will be showcasing this emerging trend during our 2022 hybrid event which takes place live and in-person at the Dubai World Trade Centre on 8-11 May 2022, with a virtual edition on 17 and 18 May 2022. “Our conference programme for ATM 2022 is still being created but already we have sessions that will address the challenges facing airlines, hotels and other destinations, in the near future, such as health and safety, technology and equity in health, education, and economic opportunity,” added Curtis. During our aviation seminars at ATM 2021, experts felt that it would be short haul leisure breaks, favouring low-cost operators would be the first to recover in the wake of the pandemic. Although that may still seem to be the case, this emerging market segment certainly won’t be confined to one location, will likely choose longer haul destinations and stay over a longer timeframe, interspersed with periods of work. “The bottom line here is very similar though. These tourists will still want to see brands committed to health …

Al Khoory Group, is getting ready to open its sixth hotel – Al Khoory Sky Garden – in Dubai as Expo 2020 has started to attract international tourists to the UAE. Al Khoory Hotels, the hospitality arm of Dubai-based Emirati family-owned diversified business conglomerate. The opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden comes as the tourism industry in Dubai and the UAE starts to grow after 18 months of the COVID-19 pandemic – that was effectively handled by the UAE authorities. “The opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden Hotel reflects our strong commitment to the UAE economy and especially the tourism industry,” says Abdullah Khoory, Vice-Chairman of Al Khoory Group, which is also reaching 50 years soon after the Golden Jubilee of the UAE federation. “We prepped ourselves for the opening of Al Khoory Sky Garden Hotel during the COVID-19 pandemic – a very challenging time – which also reflects our strong commitment towards the long-term sustainability of the UAE economy and Dubai’s tourism industry,” he said. “We are pleased with our readiness to serve the tourism industry and contribute to the UAE economy. Soon, Al Khoory Sky Garden will start to offer international and regional tourists the best of our hospitality services.” Dubai welcomed 2.85 million visitors from January – July 2021 and is set to accelerate growth in the fourth quarter of this year with milestone events including Expo 2020 and the UAE Golden Jubilee celebrations. Dubai ranks second globally in terms of hotel occupancy with hotels enjoying 61 percent average occupancy levels in first seven months of 2021, according to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM). Ideally located on the Airport Road, Al Khoory Sky Garden is …

As the Philippines Department of Tourism (DOT) prepares to welcome visitors once more, it is continually introducing new activities for tourists to enjoy while ensuring that all international safety regulations are followed at various destinations. Promotion of new attractions in various locations is one of these strategies. In the Eastern Visayas Region, the department recently launched its inaugural hybrid edition of its Regional Travel Fair, bringing together stakeholders through a tourism webinar, a one-day business-to-business (B2B) session, and live selling. A virtual business venue and onsite activities at Summit Hotel Tacloban allowed over 1,500 registrants to participate. The Philippines is a location unlike any other, with over 7,000 islands offering visitors a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether it is relaxing on the beaches or in the mountains, indulging in the vibrant life in the city, or immersing oneself in indigenous culture, the Philippines offers unique experiences for all types of travellers. “It is indeed more fun in the Philippines, with various activities being readied by the DOT to offer a new and unique experience for international tourists. At the same time, the Philippines government is also readying its welcome for travellers with infrastructure development, such as the improvement of our domestic and international airports and new roadways that will offer faster access to our regional destinations,” said Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Secretary, Department of Tourism. The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has given the Philippines Department of Tourism a SafeTravels Stamp in recognition of its adoption of ‘health and hygiene global standardised protocols’ that will ensure safe travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Philippines Department of Tourism conducts thorough inspection and assessment to ensure that only those who are accredited are allowed to …

Spain Tourism is all set to host its first post-pandemic travel and trade roadshows in Saudi Arabia as part of its initiative to target travellers of the region. The first event will take place in Jeddah on the 25th of October 2021, at Jeddah Hilton, with a following one in Riyadh on the 26th of the same month, at Hyatt Regency Riyadh Olaya. This will be the first time Spain Tourism hosts such an event in Saudi Arabia after the pandemic, having stated earlier this year that the destination is set to strengthen its marketing presence in the region and expand its engagement and promotional activities within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia specifically. About 40 participants are expected to attend the events, provided that the total attendance does not exceed 50 people as demanded by health regulations in the Kingdom. The attendees will include key players from the Saudi tourism, hospitality and aviation industries, giving key agents in Saudi Arabia the opportunity to have one-to-one meetings with representatives from Spanish destinations, DMC’s and hotels. Speaking about the Spain Tourism Roadshow in Saudi Arabia and heading the Spanish delegation, Daniel Rosado, Director of Spain Tourism – GCC commented: “Spain Tourism is extremely excited to host its first post-pandemic roadshow in Saudi Arabia as part of our dedication to further engage and develop our connections with the Saudi market. As part of our continuous efforts to strengthen the connections between Saudi’s outbound travel professionals, MICE specialists and Spain Tourism’s travel industry partners, the event will prove a great opportunity to further develop new joint opportunities, create new holiday packages for Saudis and increase visitation from the Kingdom to Spain.” SAUDIA airlines currently …

Miral and Hilton, announced that the DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences, will open its doors to guests on 17 November 2021.  The serviced residences will be managed under the DoubleTree by Hilton brand, offering alternative and diverse accommodation facilities to guests visiting Yas Island, especially business travellers and larger families. The 156 apartments will provide guests with more space and a range of studio, one, two and three-bedroom accommodation options featuring full amenities.  It will also include in-room kitchenettes, as well as recreation and leisure facilities, including a gym and swimming pool. Gurjit Singh, Chief Portfolio Officer at Miral, said, “We’re proud to be bringing the DoubleTree by Hilton brand to Yas Island. This important addition to our world-class portfolio is a testament to achieving our vision for Yas Island to be positioned as a top global destination for entertainment, leisure, and business. We look forward to welcoming guests later this year and are incredibly proud of our partnership with Hilton, that has helped us diversify the hospitality offering on Yas Island with the addition of three unique hotels.”   The DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Residences is part of a wider strategic partnership between Miral and Hilton. The collaboration has also brought the Curio Collection by Hilton brand to Abu Dhabi for the first time to manage The WB Abu Dhabi hotel, which is set to open on 11 November this year. In addition, the five-star Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel, located within the upcoming Yas Bay Waterfront, opened in February 2021.   Commenting on the opening, Matthew Mullan, Cluster General Manager, Hilton Abu Dhabi said, “We are delighted to open the doors to …

Qatar Airways Holidays has launched extensive travel packages for the inaugural FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ welcoming global football fans to enjoy the finest Qatari hospitality and follow their favourite team in person. The region’s showpiece tournament will take place from 30 November to 18 December, 2021. As Privilege Club is the Official Frequent Flyer Programme of the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™, members can earn double Qmiles when they purchase a travel package, including a hotel stay of three nights or more by 31 October 2021. New members who join Privilege Club can also enjoy a sign-up bonus of 1,500 Qmiles when using the enrolment code JOINMEPC21. Fans will be offered the flexibility to build their own package for the FIFA Arab Cup Qatar 2021™ which includes flights with Qatar Airways, the Official Airline Partner of FIFA. The ‘Build Your Own’ feature will give them the functionality to choose their preferred travel dates, hotel accommodation and match tickets. Customers can secure access to bookings by visiting https://www.qatarairwaysholidays.com/qa-en/fifa-arab-cup-2021/overview. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker said: “Not only will this tournament showcase the country’s readiness for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, but it will help us unite football fans from the Middle East and North Africa. With over 140 destinations to choose from, our network will provide them seamless connectivity across the globe. It is time for us to kick off with these unique travel packages and give people a memorable taste of Qatari hospitality, and reignite the region’s collective passion for football.” The tournament will take place exactly a year before the much-awaited FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ inaugurates and will serve as an opportunity to …

The Saudi Arabian Government has launched the Sustainable Tourism Global Center (STGC), a multi-country, multi-stakeholder coalition that will accelerate the tourism sector’s transition to net zero emissions, as well as drive action to protect nature and support communities. Launched  by HRH Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the Sustainable Tourism Global Center will support travelers, governments, and the private sector, to ensure that tourism enables growth and creates jobs, while playing its part to achieve the climate goals laid out in the Paris Agreement, including contributing to keeping the world to under 1.5-degrees Celsius warming. With the global travel and tourism sector responsible for 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Saudi Arabia has prioritized urgent action to support this important sector in its transition to net zero. The Global Center will be the platform to bring all the knowledge and expertise; it aims to be the “north star” for the tourism sector as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic and transitions toward a sustainable future. Globally, tourism supports more than 330 million livelihoods – and pre-pandemic, it was responsible for creating one in four new jobs globally. Details of this coalition and the services it will provide will be formally announced during COP26. HE Ahmed Al Khateeb, Minister of Tourism of Saudi Arabia said: “The tourism sector contributes to 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions – and this is expected to grow if we don’t act now. Tourism is also a highly fragmented sector. 80% of businesses in tourism are small and medium sized enterprises who rely on guidance and support from sector leadership. The sector must be part of the solution. “Saudi Arabia, following the vision and leadership of His Royal Highness the …

Air Seychelles will operate a special return flight from Dubai to the Seychelles during the upcoming public holiday marking Commemoration and National Day in the UAE. Following the success of the seasonal flight routes launched earlier this year, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles has introduced a seven day return trip for UAE residents. The flight will depart Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 on Friday, 27 November 2021 at 8am whilst the returning flight will depart Seychelles on 3 December 2021 at 12.45pm. The convenient timings provide visitors with seven days and six nights in the Seychelles at an affordable rate. Economy Class travelers can take advantage of the attractive fares starting from USD340 (AED 1,250), whilst Business Class travelers can book their seats at the starting fares of USD1,020 (AED 3,743).  All fares are inclusive of taxes and flights are now on sale at www.airseychelles.com and through travel agents. All travelers to the Indian Ocean archipelago must hold a negative COVID 19 PCR certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departure regardless of vaccination status. Visitors must also complete the mandatory Health Travel Authorization at seychelles.govtas.com before arriving to the airport and observe existing health regulations including wearing face masks and social distancing during their visit. The flight schedule between Dubai International Airport Terminal 1 and the Seychelles are as follows: #Flight Origin    Destination         Departs                Arrives  Dates HM1015               Dubai    Seychelles           0800hrs 1230hrs Saturday, 27 November, 2021 HM1016               Seychelles           Dubai    1245hrs 1715hrs Friday, 3 December, 2021   The schedule shared is in the local time at each destination. Flights are subjected to government and regulatory approval including that of the health authorities at each destination. …