Travelport announced the debut of the Content Curation Layer (CCL). The CCL uses AI to power search while trawling billions of trip options, helping agencies find the perfect match for their customers. As the latest enhancement to the innovative Travelport+ platform, CCL uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine-learning (ML) to quickly deliver the right range of accurate, highly intuitive search results to its travel agency partners worldwide. “Travelport’s role in the increasingly complex travel industry is to take millions of pieces of disparate information and make it simple for both travel agencies and providers to understand, search, sell and service,” said Greg Webb, Chief Executive Officer at Travelport. “We believe AI and machine learning are powerful tools to do just that. The Content Curation Layer will allow travel agencies to provide travelers the right range of normalized, enriched, bookable content at speed, via a singular search screen. Used for all content sources (LCC, EDIFACT, NDC, hotel, car, etc.), the CCL allows agents to compare apples to oranges in an apples-to-apples way.” Travelport’s Content Curation Layer is a powerful tech-enabler that uses AI and ML to sift through aggregated, multi-source content and returns search results faster than the average airline search response time. It identifies the most relevant offers for each traveler to create a faster, more intelligent search experience for the agent. This technology layer simplifies the delivery of retail-ready content to agencies and helps them curate options that are most desirable for the travelers. One of the key features of the CCL is the Content Optimizer, a new Travelport+ product that offers agency customers greater control over all content types, including both traditional and NDC content. With the ability …

Emirates officially opened the doors to its first ever lounge in the region at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The airline’s newest dedicated lounge will accommodate customers flying on its triple daily A380 services. The AED 20 million (USD$5.4 million) investment, 900-square-metre lounge located in the airport’s newest Terminal 1 will cater to the airline’s First and Business class passengers, as well as Emirates Skywards Platinum and Gold members, with the capacity to accommodate over 190 guests at any one time, in a variety of seating options. The investment reflects the airline’s commitment to progressively growing its presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, supporting aviation goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and its ongoing dedication to ensuring a thoughtful and welcoming Emirates experience on the ground for customers flying from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally. This year, Emirates is also celebrating a milestone in its operations to Saudi Arabia, marking 35 years of service to Jeddah. The official opening of the lounge was attended by His Excellency Nasser Huwaiden Al Ketbi, Consul General of UAE in Jeddah, His Excellency Engr. Raed bin Ibrahim Al-Mudaiheem, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Jeddah Airports Company (JEDCO), Mohammed Mattar, Divisional Senior Vice President Airport Services at Emirates, Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of JEDCO, Sami Aqil Abdulla, Senior Vice President Airport Services for Outstations and Business Support, Jabr Al-Azeeby, Vice President Commercial Operations for Emirates in Saudi Arabia, and Amer Al Arai, Airport Services Manager for Emirates at King Abdulaziz International Airport. Mohammed Mattar commented, “Jeddah was our first gateway into the Kingdom 35 years ago, so it’s fitting that the King Abdulaziz International Airport, a world-class facility …

Rotana announced the opening of Palma Bay Rotana, in New Alamein, Egypt. Joining Grand Rotana Resort & Spa in Sharm El Sheikh, the property will bring Rotana’s total footprint in the country to 702 keys. Perfectly positioned at Marina 5, the premier four-star resort delivers an unmatched hospitality experience, marrying elegance with the exceptional quality synonymous with one of the Middle East’s leading hospitality brands. With its coveted seaside location, Palma Bay Rotana offers premium services and modern accommodation options, for all travellers. Commenting on the announcement, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: “Further growing our expansion plans in the region, Palma Bay Rotana Resort marks an exciting milestone for Rotana as our second operational property in Egypt. With a wide range of world-class amenities and scenic ocean views, Palma Bay Rotana is designed to offer the perfect beach escape for travellers seeking relaxation and adventure. Egypt continues to be a key market for us with tremendous potential and we look forward to welcoming guests to this stunning destination and providing them with opportunities to create ‘Treasured Time’ with loved ones.” The brand-new resort boasts 176 elegantly appointed rooms, with configurations ranging from cosy standard rooms to expansive one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites. Styled with a modern contemporary aesthetic, guests can select their preferred panorama, be it a captivating ocean scape, a peaceful lagoon vista, or a view of the vibrant neighbourhood. As enticing as the views, resort amenities include a Bodylines Health and Fitness Centre, massage rooms, complete with sauna and steam rooms, and three outdoor swimming pools, including one specifically designed for children, as well as a fully equipped gym, padel and tennis courts, a beach volleyball spot, and …

HBX Group presented its Sustainability Report, including the initiatives developed to date and the key elements of its ESG strategy for the next three years, focusing on the positive impact potential of the tourism industry. HBX Group, with over 3,700 employees and present in more than 170 countries, has established a plan with over 75 actions linked to fulfilling various ESG commitments. To achieve this, HBX Group conducted a double materiality analysis, where consultation with its stakeholders was crucial in aligning the plan with their expectations. The company has also established a new framework for work and result reporting that considers multiple current regulations and certifications. In this context, HBX Group has recently joined the United Nations Global Compact, which sets out the 10 principles guiding companies to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. HBX Group has also initiated a three-year plan to align its reporting with the new European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which analyses the impact of the company and its entire value chain. This has been based on the identification of over 4,000 key performance indicators, enabling the implementation of concrete and tangible changes in environmental protection. Collaboration in the tourism Industry As an example of our objective to work collaboratively with partners and clients to achieve a greater positive impact, HBX Group has implemented a Sustainable Hotels Programme. This programme aims to highlight the most environmentally, socially, and community-respectful actors. It already includes over 40,000 properties with official sustainability certifications. Thanks to awareness- raising actions carried out in collaboration with multiple partners, the number of hotels with a no- single-use plastics policy has increased from 500 to 5,000 in just one year. Elena Pérez, Chief …

Saudia Group and the Ministry of Investment have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to encourage global established companies to relocate their regional headquarters to the Kingdom as part of Saudi Arabia’s Regional Headquarters Program. Under the MoU, clients of the Ministry and investors will receive exclusive benefits and access to Saudia Group’s latest offerings on domestic and international flights. Additionally, the partnership includes logistics and shipping services facilitated by Saudia Cargo, as well as premium aviation and concierge services provided by Saudia Private. The collaboration will extend to joint efforts in local and international events organized by the ministry. The partnership reflects the commitment of both parties to contribute to the economic growth and diversification of the Kingdom. The MoU, signed by Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, and Mohammed Aba Hussain, Deputy of Integrated Investors Services at the Ministry of Investment, aims to provide a comprehensive package of benefits tailored for global companies seeking to establish regional hubs in the Kingdom. Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, said:”This strategic partnership between Saudia Group and the Ministry of Investment represents a significant leap forward. It promotes our position as a comprehensive aviation system dedicated to advancing and achieving the ambitious objectives of Vision 2030. By collaborating closely, we aim to optimize travel logistics for key national projects, facilitating seamless mobility both to and within the Kingdom while offering exclusive travel benefits.” Tash continued, “Saudia Group plays a crucial role in empowering cultural and tourism programs and activities, as well as Hajj and Umrah programs and services. We are committed to strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a logistics hub connecting the three continents, thereby promoting sustainable economic development and competitiveness.” …

Marriott International Inc. and Eagle Hills announced the signing of an agreement to open the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ramhan Island, Abu Dhabi. It is an exclusive waterfront destination in Abu Dhabi, the property will offer a secluded escape complete with expansive views across the azure waters of the Arabian Gulf. Slated to open in 2029, the Reserve will be situated on a secluded island within the Ramhan Island master development and will feature 50 private one-to-four-bedroom luxury villas including the region’s first anticipated floating villas with unobstructed waterfront views. Plans also include a range of lavish leisure amenities and multiple culinary venues. Ramhan Island is being developed to become the next must-visit destination for travellers seeking unparalleled luxury and natural beauty in the UAE. Covering over 4mn square metres of development area, the ultra-luxury destination features a natural island connected through a network of waterways. The fully integrated waterfront community will be home to charming residential villas, marina residences and luxury hotels, offering state-of-art amenities for residents and tourists alike. “This collaboration with Marriott International on Ramhan Island marks a milestone in our commitment to shaping extraordinary experiences and redefining luxury hospitality. As the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the UAE, it will set new standards of excellence in the world of luxury experiences.” says Chairman of Eagle Hills, Mohammad Alabbar. “Together with Eagle Hills, we look forward to bringing Ritz-Carlton Reserve to the UAE and offering intimate and transformative experiences in an ultra-luxury setting,” added Sandeep Walia, Chief Operating Officer, Middle East, Marriott International. “This monumental signing marks an important addition to our portfolio in the country where we continue to see a strong demand for luxury experiences.” Ritz-Carlton Reserve …

Kleindienst Group announced the launch of Marbella Resort Hotel, Vignette Collection by IHG Hotels and Resorts, on the World Islands, Dubai. The AED 1 billion five-star hotel draws inspiration from the architectural marvels of the Spanish resort town of Marbella, and is poised to bring the complete Costa Del Sol experience to the UAE with its distinct Andalusian-inspired design. The hotel is surrounded by half a million square metres of 9 different types of coral reefs that house over 30 types of fish. The kilometre long raining street winds around the hotel, bringing a cooling downpour on the streets every few minutes. Guests can experience authentic European cuisines at one its 6 restaurants: Descanso, its signature restaurant that offers Live cooking stations, Live entertainment and signature sangrias; Casa Bougainville, that offers small, somewhat delicate appearing tapas that burst with flavours and texture; The Citrus Gem with its unique café experience, offers its guests a selection of light bites, pastries, and authentic Spanish coffee; Arenda Dorada, meaning ‘beautiful sand’ is the hotel’s beach and pool restaurant that transports guests back to the idyllic beach clubs of Marbella; the Challet Sierra, hotel’s Après ski bar is further enhanced by the Snow Plaza experience, adding an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the après-ski ambiance. Crowning the gastronomic possibilities, is the Carmen Amaya Bodega bar, named after the famous Spanish Flamenco dancer. This venue is intended to be a hidden gem offering a unique experience as a destination for wine, cheese, and bites, in which the passion behind the Flamenco comes to life and immerses the guests into a true and authentic Spanish Bodega Bar experience. For its guests seeking wellness time …

flynas celebrated its first direct flight between Riyadh and El-Alamein International Airport on the north coast of Egypt recently adding the Mediterranean city to its list of summer destinations with scheueled flights for the first time in the region, further expanding tourist destinations options for flynas guests through its ever-growing international network. The outbound flight departed King Khalid International Airport (KKIA) in Riyadh after an inaugural ceremony attended by representatives from flynas and KKIA. It arrived at El-Alamein International Airport (DBB) at 5:30 PM to a welcoming ceremony attended by representatives from flynas, DBB, and other stakeholders in Egypt. flynas already connects the Arab Republic of Egypt to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with more than 120 weekly direct flights, and the operation of direct flights to DBB will make El-Alamein the fifth destination in Egypt, served by direct flights from flynas. The leading LCC operates direct flights from 5 Saudi cities, namely Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, Medina, and Al-Ula, to Cairo, Sohag, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Hurghada. The Egyptian capital of Cairo is connected to the Kingdom with direct flights to Cairo International Airport and Sphinx International Airport. Passengers traveling with flynas can book their flights through all flynas booking channels: www.flynas.com, the flynas app, the call centre (920001234), or travel agents. flynas connects more than 70 domestic and international destinations with more than 1500 weekly flights and has flown more than 78 million passengers since its launch in 2007, with the aim to reach 165 domestic and international destinations, in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has witnessed a 22.9% increase in visitor spending in the first quarter of 2024 compared to 2023, with total expenditures surpassing SAR 45 billion. Additionally, the “travel” item reports that the Kingdom earned SAR 24 billion, reflecting a growth of over 46% compared to the same period in 2023. Preliminary data from the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) on the balance of payments’ “travel” item indicates that travelers from the Kingdom spent approximately SAR 21 billion during the same timeframe. The increase in inbound visitors’ spending in the Kingdom marks another milestone in the ongoing success of its tourism sector. In 2023, the Kingdom topped the UN Tourism list for the highest growth rate in both international tourist numbers and tourism receipts among the world’s leading destinations, compared to 2019. This achievement highlights the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and other components of the Saudi Tourism Ecosystem in promoting the tourism sector and contributing to the national economy’s growth. It is a key aspect of the National Tourism Development Strategy. The released documents have confirmed the effectiveness of the efforts by the Tourism Ecosystem to position the sector as a global leader. This has been achieved through the implementation of best practices in tourism development, the enhancement of tourism services and products, and ongoing collaboration with all government entities to support the development of the Kingdom’s tourism sector.

Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) launched the “Oman Downwinder” initiative as part of its ongoing efforts to achieve tourism diversification and its commitment to enhancing the adventure and experiences sector. This year’s races will start from the beaches of Duqm in Al Wusta Governorate, pass along the Omani coasts to the north, and conclude at Ras Al Jinz Reserve in South Sharqiyah Governorate. The races featured the participation of twelve professional athletes from both within and outside the Sultanate of Oman. The launch ceremony was held at the W Muscat Hotel, and attended by Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, Dr. Khamis Salem Al Jabri, CEO of Oman Sail, and several officials from various entities. In this context, Dr. Hashil Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, stated: “The Sultanate of Oman is endowed with abundant and diverse natural assets, making it a leading destination for offering unique tourism products and experiences. Organizing these races reflects our belief in the pivotal role that various sports events play in promoting and highlighting our tourism potential to the world, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector and establishing Oman’s position on the international tourism map.” Dr. Hashil highlighted that organizing these races aligns with the Group’s strategic directions aimed at achieving tourism diversification and enhancing the adventure and experiences sector by leveraging unique and diverse natural potentials. It also embodies the Group’s commitment to creating sustainable and eco-friendly experiences for adventure enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, this event represents a significant opportunity to enhance Oman’s position as a prominent global destination for hosting sports events and adventure activities. Marcelo Antunes Ferreira, CEO of Sea and Beach …