Solo female travellers are a growing and very attractive market; in fact, 14% of women travel without the company of family, friends or a partner, which translates into habits, needs and expectations, as well as specific tourist services and products. Mabrian and The Data Appeal Company-Almawave Group, analysed the female solo traveller demand worldwide* to identify five key factors that outline the profile of this segment. As Carlos Cendra, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications at Mabrian, explains, “women who travel alone reflect a cultural change that emerged before the pandemic and gained momentum with the rise of experiential travel, in which active well-being is at the heart of preferences.” In addition, the data show that, although most female travellers choose summer for their solo plans, June and September are their favourites, “which reflects the potential of this segment during the mid-season,” says Mabrian’s CMO. This analysis combines a long and short-term overview of female solo travellers. To understand what shapes this segment, Mabrian analysed consolidated data for full year 2023 on the top 10 global source markets for the female solo traveller segment; whereas The Data Appeal examines current trends on women travel solo demand for the current summer season to major European destinations, based on booked flights between June 1 to September 30, 2024. “Female solo travellers are on the rise”, states Mirko Lalli, CEO & Founder of The Data Appeal Company. Based on GDS booking data, Lalli highlights several key examples, such as Italy. “Since June 2023, Italy has welcomed 1.1% more female solo travellers; a segment that is projected to represent 21.7% of all tourists visiting Italian destinations in the next six months.” The same …

Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort is pleased to announce a significant increase in bookings from GCC and UAE residents, following the introduction of e-visas by the Moroccan government. Effective March 4, UAE residents can now enjoy a simplified travel process to Morocco, enhancing their ability to visit the luxurious Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. The new e-visa system requires a valid Emirates ID with a minimum of 180 days of residency. The e-visa is valid for 180 days, permitting a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. This initiative aims to make travel more convenient for UAE residents, allowing them to experience the resort’s magnificent hospitality and world-class amenities with greater ease. “1 hour from Casablanca Airport, Mazagan has always been a preferred destination for guests from the GCC and UAE. The new e-visa accessibility aligns with our mission to offer a seamless and luxurious experience. We look forward to welcoming more guests from these regions and providing them with unforgettable stays,” says Jacques Claudel, General Manager of Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort, situated along Morocco’s breathtaking Atlantic coastline, offers a myriad of amenities and activities such as horseback riding on the beach, water sports, and tennis. Families will find plenty to enjoy at Mazagan, with dedicated kids & teen’s clubs offering engaging activities for children of all ages , ensuring a fun-filled stay for the entire family. The resort features a world-class golf course designed by Gary Player, which is a major attraction for golf enthusiasts. Additionally, guests can indulge in luxurious spa treatments at the resort’s expansive spa, which offers a range of traditional Moroccan and contemporary wellness therapies. For dining, …

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, Amideast/Jordan, and Boeing have launched the “Disabled Soldiers Empowering Tourism” program. Training sessions have begun in Amman and Irbid, marking a significant step in preparing wounded, injured, and sick servicemembers and veterans for careers in Jordan’s tourism and aviation industries. His Royal Highness Prince Mired Bin Ra’ad, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers, reaffirmed his commitment to empowering wounded and injured soldiers: “Under the directive of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, and to act on His Majesty’s vision of achieving equality, social justice, and economic empowerment, this program is launched as a step towards progressing vital development goals. These goals include the rehabilitation, support, and integration of disabled soldiers to enable them to obtain job opportunities and economic prospects in the tourism sector. This aligns with our ongoing efforts at the Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers to unify and consolidate efforts to build economic empowerment programs that meet the needs of various sectors and provide inclusive job opportunities.” Over the next months, 50 participants aged 20-45 will continue to engage in a comprehensive upskilling program, investing 220 hours in training. The injured servicemembers and veterans will not only enhance their English language proficiency but also cultivate essential soft and technical skills vital for success in tourism and aviation. With tailored training sessions addressing industry-specific demands, courtesy of active participation from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, participants will be well-equipped for transitioning into civilian careers. The program with Jordan’s Hashemite Commission for Disabled Soldiers builds upon Boeing’s ongoing partnership with the Invictus Games Foundation, supporting the recovery and …

During H1 2024, 832 employees across 26 prominent Dubai’s hotels and touristic destinations participated in special workshops on safe tourism, with more scheduled for the remainder of the year. Dubai Corporation for Consumer Protection and Fair Trade (DCCPFT), a part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has organised a series of awareness workshops as part of the Safe Tourism Awareness Programme. The workshops aim to familiarise hospitality staff with DET’s services, teach optimal utilisation of these services, and inform them about communication channels dedicated for various tourism services in Dubai. They also educate employees about consumer rights and duties, ensuring guests and visitors understand how to contact the Consumer Protection Department. This includes displaying the consumer protection number in a visible location, as well as the contact details for submitting complaints. These efforts enhance guest confidence in the transparency of these establishments, further solidifying Dubai’s position as the best city to visit, live and work in. Additionally, the workshops present case studies highlighting services provided by relevant entities, such as Dubai Police smart services, the Lost and Found service, and key hotlines for consumers (999 for emergencies and 901 for non-emergencies and general inquiries). These efforts underscore the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to create a safe tourism environment. Organised in collaboration with Dubai Tourist Police Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation (CID) , Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services, Dubai Municipality and the Directorate General Of Civil Defense Dubai, these workshops are designed to enhance Dubai’s status as one the world’s safest cities. Ahmad Ali Moussa, Director of the Consumer Protection Department at DCCPFT, said: “Recognising Dubai’s position as a leading global destination, …

Siyam World Maldives is set to deliver a football extravaganza like no other with former English professional Wayne Routledge bringing in premier league flair from 6 – 8 August, as young footballers will get the chance to train with this maestro at Siyam World, who has dazzled fans at Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, and Swansea City, UK.  This Autumn, Siyam World is scoring a hat-trick of football camps led by international football stars. But that’s not all! Siyam World is no stranger to hosting football legends and star players. Earlier this year, the resort scored big with a legendary line-up featuring Wayne Bridge, Adrian San Miguel Castillo, Francesco Totti, and Michael Owen, who led unforgettable spring football camps. Guests had the chance to hone their skills on our impressive sports complex and soccer pitch at The World Sports Arena, soaking up world-class coaching and immersive experiences designed to take their game to the next level. So why not take your shot at greatness? Wayne Routledge is bringing his wealth of Premier League experience and a playbook full of tricks to our paradise island. His football camp promises to elevate your game with expert tips and world-class training, as each 90-minute daily session promises dynamic drills and sophisticated exercises under the supervision of a professional who has experienced world-class football. Located in the popular Noonu Atoll, Siyam World Maldives is just a 40-minute seaplane ride from Velana International Airport, or a swift 30-minute domestic flight followed by a 10-minute speedboat trip from Maafaru Airport. This idyllic setting is the perfect backdrop for honing your skills and refining your game under Wayne’s expert guidance. True to Siyam World’s “world of possibilities” promise, there …

Kuwait Airways has been ranked third in the Middle East and Africa region in terms of its On-Time Performance ensuring timely flight departures with a growth rate of 91.13%, according to the periodic report for the month of June 2024 issued by Cirium, which specializes in aviation analytics and data that includes the On-Time Performance of airlines around the world. ​​​ Kuwait Airways confirmed an increase in the punctuality rate of flight departure timings, as the company achieved an On-Time Performance of 90.6% in May 2024, compared to 88.2% in April 2024 and 85.6% in March 2024. Kuwait Airways affirmed its unwavering commitment to implement its adherence to punctuality in an effort to achieve further progress and development in the various performance standards expected of international airlines with competence and expertise, achieved with the determination of its dedicated employees. The On-Time Performance results come in accordance with the policy implemented by the company since the last quarter of 2023 in the aircraft maintenance schedule, as well as plans adopted in the flight operating schedule, which was after a detailed study of the operational sectors that has resulted in a gradual increase and improvement of accuracy of its take-off timings. These results are also one of the fundamental and significant steps that reflect the national carrier’s progress and development in response to the challenges of the air transport industry and signifies the company’s pursuit to provide the best levels of services to its valued customers. It is worth noting that Cirium Aviation Analytics provides reliable sources of data and analytics to empower a wide spectrum of industry sectors, equipping airlines, airports, travel enterprises, aircraft manufacturers and financial entities for optimizing their …

South America’s Latam Airlines announced that it is now available on the APG platform, APG’s NDC portal. This enables full ticketing solutions to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. The network further allows to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding service capabilities. Richard Burgess, President of APG Network and Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, President & CEO of APG Inc, along with Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Prem Sagar, and members of the APG GULF team at their office in Dubai. “We are delighted to start this new collaboration with LATAM. It will offer a lot of new opportunities to our client agents by opening up for them the entire LATAM network. By adding this airline content, we are making available one of the top ranked airlines in the world. 100% of LATAM’s product offering is available through our NDC Platform and more functionalities will be coming soon.” said Richard Burgess President of APG Association. Under this agreement, APG Platform and LATAM Airlines provide a full ticketing solution to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries, including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. “We are excited to announce this agreement that deepens our relationship with APG and marks an important milestone in our distribution strategy. The implementation of NDC by LATAM through the APG network allows us to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding our service capabilities. With APG as a partner, we are confident that we will …

Qatar Airways will unveil its latest business class offering, the ‘Qsuite Next Gen’, at the upcoming Farnborough International Air show 2024 (FIA) from 22-26 July 2024. The reveal will be held at the Qatar Airways Discover Lounge for visitors to experience the future of business travel with the World’s Best Airline and World’s Best Business Class. The Qsuite Next Gen will form the centrepiece of the airline’s presence at the prestigious international air show, which gathers aviation leaders from across the globe to showcase innovations and foster industry collaboration. Those seeking to experience the Qsuite Next Gen can expect: Further advancements in comfort, collaborative and social design elements and passenger dining experiences. Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer said: “We are highly anticipating this year’s Farnborough International Airshow and as the Best Airline in the World we are confident that the reveal of our latest business class offering will be a huge draw for the global aviation community. We also look forward to welcoming visitors to our installations and onboard our aircraft which will be on display, to experience what we offer.” Visitors are also welcome to explore the airline’s Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and discover Qatar Airways’ world-class product and service, as well as experience ultimate luxury and aircraft performance with Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G700, of which Qatar Executive is the first commercial carrier in the world to operate this aircraft. Visitors to the Farnborough International Airshow can find Qatar Airways at Chalet C114-115 and at the Qatar Airways Discover Lounge, Hall 1 Entrance, from 22-26 July 2024.

The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) revealed its theme “Ancient Land: New Perspectives,” for the Global Summit which will spotlight Australia’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders, emphasising innovation and sustainable growth. Hosted by Tourism Western Australia (TWA), the event will take place in Perth (Boorloo), Western Australia, from 8-10 October. It stands as the pinnacle of the Travel & Tourism calendar. Industry trailblazers and international government officials from across the globe will converge in Perth to drive forward efforts for a safer, more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable future in Travel & Tourism. WTTC announced its latest round of high-profile speakers for its upcoming Global Summit, featuring top leaders from the world’s leading Travel & Tourism businesses. Top business leaders set to speak include Greg O’Hara, Certares Founder & Senior Managing Director and WTTC Chair, Matt Goldberg, TripAdvisor CEO, Audrey Hendley, American Express Travel President; Jerry Inzerillo, Diriyah Company Group CEO, Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB Corp Chair of the Board, and James Thornton, Intrepid Travel CEO, among many others. Adding star power, renowned wildlife conservationist and TV presenter Robert Irwin will also take the stage. Known for his dedication to wildlife conservation and inspiring positive change, Irwin follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Steve Irwin. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The leading industrialists in Travel & Tourism who are shaping our sector and countries’ economies will be at WTTC’s Summit in Perth. Their insights and leadership are crucial as we shape the future of Travel & Tourism. “Western Australia, with its stunning natural beauty and deep commitment to sustainability and cultural diversity, is the perfect backdrop for this event. Hosting the Global Summit in Perth enables us to …

Teepee and Agritourism Development Company (Janaen), a joint venture between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj) conducted Rummana, to promote agritourism in Jabal Akhdar, Oman. This marks the beginning of a series of innovative agritourism projects in the region. The event aims to promote eco-friendly agritourism, offering unique experiences to attract tourists and contribute to boosting local content. The opening ceremony was held under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, and was attended by a number of dignitaries and officials from various entities. This pioneering event is a collaboration between Teepee and Agritourism Development Company (Janaen), a joint venture between Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) and Oman Food Investment Holding Company (Nitaj). This season also comes with the strategic partnership with the ministry of heritage and tourism and the ministry of commerce, industry and investment promotion. In his remarks, His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, stated, “The Sultanate of Oman is rich in a wide and diverse range of unique natural resources, which will enhance the competitiveness of the agricultural and tourism sectors in Oman.” He added, “We are pleased with the launch of the second edition of the event, which will have a significant impact on enhancing the agritourism experience for visitors to Jabal Akhdar and supporting local farmers in marketing their diverse products.” During the opening ceremony, Janaen signed a partnership and investment agreement with Teepee to develop, manage, and operate its farms in Jabal Akhdar. This agreement will market Janaen’s farms both agriculturally and touristically, enhancing tourism experiences throughout the …