Sabre Hospitality announced a long-term partnership with Protect Group to integrate trip guarantee services into the SynXis Booking Engine. This partnership aims to provide guests with increased peace of mind when booking their stays. With this new integration, hotels using SynXis Booking Engine can offer Protect Group’s trip protection guarantee at checkout. This feature allows guests to book with confidence, knowing they can receive a refund for covered events. The SynXis Booking Engine, known for its scale and stability, will now deliver even greater value to hoteliers and their guests through this collaboration. “Partnering with Protect Group complements SynXis Booking Engine by adding a critical layer of assurance for the guest and increased conversion for our hoteliers” said Ethan Wiseman, Head of Distribution, Sabre Hospitality. “This integration supports our strategic imperative to advance retailing and travel-centric eCommerce capabilities in the travel industry. By offering trip protection guarantees, we are providing our hotel partners and their guests with the confidence and security they need.” The partnership with Protect Group underscores Sabre’s dedication to improving the booking experience for hotel guests and offering innovative solutions to its hotel partners. By incorporating Protect Group’s trip guarantees, Sabre Hospitality continues to set the standard for customer-centricity in the hospitality industry. “We are thrilled to partner with Sabre Hospitality and integrate our trip protection services into SynXis Booking Engine,” said Stuart Barclay, chief revenue officer (CRO), Protect Group. “This collaboration allows us to reach a broader audience and provide a valuable service that enhances the guest booking experience. We look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value to hoteliers and their guests.” Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis Booking Engine, one of the largest in the hospitality industry, …

Air India Express launched its virtual interline platform enabling users to book flights from India and the Middle East to 60 destinations. Scoot joins in as the inaugural partner on this platform. Air India Express has become the first Indian airline to launch a Virtual Interline platform, offering flyers a wider range of booking options. Starting their flight search from the airline’s website, airindiexpress.com, users can connect to the new platform, enabling them to book connecting flights where one leg of the journey is operated by Air India Express and the other leg by the partner airline. Developed in collaboration with leading travel solutions technology company Dohop, the Virtual Interline platform “AIX Connect” enhances the connectivity of Air India Express’s network by enabling travellers to book self-connect itineraries between flights of Air India Express and those of the partner airline. Singapore-based airline, Scoot, joins as the inaugural partner, enabling users to book flights from India and the Middle East to 60 destinations across Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Laos People’s Democratic Republic, Malaysia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Ankur Garg, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India Express, said, “As Air India Express strengthens its footprint across domestic and international markets, we are strategically leveraging virtual interline partnerships to unlock new destinations with seamless connectivity to the East and West. We welcome Scoot as our first airline partner on this platform and look forward to onboarding more airlines, which will be instrumental in expanding the network further to cater to the growing outbound travel demand from India, while simultaneously enhancing inbound tourism by attracting international travellers to our vibrant nation.” “We are honoured to be Air India Express’ inaugural interline partner on …

Residents of Qatar can now apply for their Bulgaria visas at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Doha. Inaugurated this week the centre will accept documents for short-term and long-term visas, as well as requests for the legalisation of Police Clearance Certificates to Bulgaria. The contract for VFS Global to provide Bulgaria visa services in Qatar was signed by H.E. Plamen Delev, Ambassador of Bulgaria in Qatar on 22, July 2024. H.E. Plamen Delev, Ambassador of Bulgaria in Qatar, said, “Globalization demands efficient visa services. The strategic outsourcing of the Bulgaria Visas and Police Clearance Certificates legalization with VFS Global in Qatar streamlines the process, leveraging their expertise for smoother travel and business opportunities. This commitment to innovation ensures that our Embassy sets higher levels of exceptional visa services.” Marita Bachhav, Regional Head, VFS Global, said, “We are delighted to be expanding our partnership with the Bulgarian government to offer convenient and efficient visa application services to residents in Qatar. The opening of our new Visa Application Centre in Doha reflects our commitment to providing a seamless and hassle-free experience for travelers seeking Bulgarian visas.” VFS Global has been a trusted partner for the Government of Bulgaria since 2008, and currently operates a network of 92 Bulgaria Visa Application Centres in 16 countries worldwide. Applicants can also choose from a range of optional services* offered by VFS Global for an enhanced customer journey, including SMS updates at every stage of the application process and courier return service for delivery of processed passports to the applicants’ doorstep. VFS Global’s Premium Lounge will also be available to Bulgaria visa applicants, which includes end-to-end professional guidance, a faster application and biometric submission process, and …

H.I.S integrates IBS Software’s innovative technology solutions to modernise the air shopping experience for customers. Extending a 14-year strong partnership with IBS Software – a leading SaaS solutions provider to the global travel industry globally – H.I.S. will continue a transformative technology approach to travel. The renewed partnership allows H.I.S. to continue to create a modern customer experience using next-generation digital solutions. This is achieved by leveraging IBS Software next-generation technology solutions to integrate suppliers and/or partners within the customer offers process. This shift towards Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning enabled automation will allow H.I.S. to deliver an enhanced shopping experience for customers, with heightened personalisation and targeted offers. The collaboration reflects H.I.S.’ ambition to meet the needs of the changing digital consumer. By continuing to implement IBS Software’s forward thinking technical solutions, H.I.S. will be ready to serve and adapt to their customers digital travel needs. Kiyoshi Takano, Executive Officer of IT&DX Division, H.I.S., said, “Understanding Customer Lifetime Value (CLV) is crucial for H.I.S. business for sustainable growth. It’s not just about the first sale—it’s about building lasting relationships that keep customers coming back for more. Our extended partnership with IBS Software will help us remain digitally innovative and meet the changing needs of our customers, enhance customer satisfaction, foster loyalty, and drive repeat business. Continuing to focus on our digital transformation is a key business priority for us, and IBS Software’s expertise will not only allow us to use technology to deepen our offerings and modernise our shopping experiences, but also benefit our internal operational efficiencies.” “H.I.S. recognizes the role that advanced technology plays in transforming customer service. Our combined expertise and shared vision for innovation will enable us …

Dubai International (DXB) has raised the bar on its contribution to Dubai’s economy by welcoming a record 44.9 million guests during the first six months of this year. Marking an 8% year-on-year increase in guests, DXB has established its position as a globally preferred gateway, boosted by strong connectivity with key international markets, while reaffirming its central role in supporting Dubai’s economic growth. Dubai attracted 9.31 million international visitors in H1 2024, reflecting its burgeoning appeal as a global hub for talent, enterprises, and investors. These figures, recently released by Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, tie in closely with the growth of Dubai’s GDP, which reached AED 115 billion in Q1 2024, up 3.2% from the previous year. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, commented, “The record-breaking performance in the first half of this year highlights our strategic importance as a global aviation hub. Dubai is at the forefront of global cities when it comes to attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from around the world, and we are proud to be the gateway to the city, driving growth and enhancing the airport experience for every guest. Strong demand from key source markets such as India and the gradual but certain resurgence of markets such as China, have been instrumental in our success. We have a very optimistic outlook for the remainder of the year, and we are on track to break records with 91.8 million annual guests forecasted for 2024.” The size and significance of DXB’s established and growing markets including South Asia, Western Europe, the GCC, and East Asia has played a crucial role in the airport’s continued success. In the first half of 2024, India remains DXB’s top …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral are bringing the prestigious luxury travel fair LOOP CEE to the Middle East for the first time. Titled LOOP BEYOND BORDERS, the landmark event will be held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra. The high-end platform aims to gather distinguished local hospitality brands, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their products and engage with ultra-luxury buyers, travel partners, and agents from Central and Eastern Europe. Over the course of five days, each exhibitor will have the opportunity to conduct 62 appointments, each lasting for 15 minutes, alongside numerous other opportunities to connect with over 100 top tour operators and agents from 16 central and eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We look forward to hosting the Middle East’s first ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers seeking the most refined of experiences. LOOP BEYOND BORDERS not only supports Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent, must-visit locations in the world, but provides unparalleled networking opportunities and knowledge exchange, strengthening our ties across central and eastern European markets, and fostering long-term collaboration.” Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral said: “We are happy to host the Middle East’s first-ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Saadiyat Island, …

Wio Bank and Etihad Guest, the loyalty programme of Etihad Airways, have announced a new partnership introducing a first-of-its-kind offering that allows Wio Personal customers to earn Etihad Guest Miles for every AED deposited into their Saving Spaces. This innovative programme refines traditional banking rewards, as it is the first time a bank has offered miles without linking them to a payment card. The partnership underlines Wio’s commitment to enhancing customer banking experience through innovative offerings and solutions, including rewards that combine saving money with real-life benefits. Under the programme, for every 1 AED deposited in a 12-month fixed Saving Space, customers earn 1 Etihad Guest Mile. This one-to-one ratio offers unprecedented value in the banking and travel sectors. Moreover, customers can stay miles ahead on their savings, as the miles are credited to their Etihad Guest account within days of opening the fixed deposit. This benefit allows for immediate travel planning, a feature unmatched in the current market. Commenting on the partnership, Jayesh Patel, Chief Executive Officer of Wio Bank PJSC, said: “Our partnership with Etihad Airways is a pivotal step in our mission to redefine banking in ways that are new to the market and deliver immediate extra value to our customers when looking at savings and rewards. By allowing customers to earn miles directly through their deposits, we’re not just encouraging savings – we’re enabling financial independence and turning dreams of travel into tangible realities. At Wio, we continue to seek out the best partnerships, offerings and rewards that benefit our customers.” Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “Innovative new partnerships have always been at the heart of the Etihad Guest programme, and we’re proud …

The new Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr has confirmed its grand opening on 1 October 2024. This glamorously restored “Palace by the Sea” features lush gardens framing a majestic 18th century royal residence, creating a true oceanfront oasis in the heart of Morocco’s “City of Lights.” “Rabat is a city whose moment has arrived,” says General Manager Gregory Viaud. “Four Seasons is unveiling a new era of luxury and glamour, building on our reputation for personalised service with genuine heart. Our team cannot wait to introduce the property to our guests, and welcome local residents to a familiar landmark that has been totally transformed.” The hotel’s oceanfront location is exceptionally convenient. Guests are just minutes from the historic Kasbah, the Medina and the city’s most important business addresses. For arrivals by air, Four Seasons is 30 minutes from Rabat-Salé Airport and 90 minutes from Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport. Morocco’s high-speed train network connects to Casablanca in just 45 minutes and Tangier in 1 hour 20 minutes. The launch of Four Seasons is the start of a new chapter for the historic Kasr Al Bahr – the “Palace by the Sea” – a magnificent complex of buildings on Rabat’s Atlantic coastline. Built in the 18th century as the summer palace of Morocco’s Sultan Moulay Slimane, the property was later turned into a military hospital. Now the landmark is evolving again as a Four Seasons hotel, thanks to the dedication of UAE-based owner partners, The five-hectare (twelve-acre) oceanfront site features eleven buildings in total – five brand new and six historical – balancing authentic historical detail with chic modern design. Families who are attached to this site and …

The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) announced the successful conclusion of the first edition of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival 2024 at the Exhibitions World Bahrain, where it attracted more than 97,000 visitors from the Kingdom and abroad. Visitors, particularly citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and residents expressed their positive reception of the festival. In its inaugural edition, the festival demonstrated a strong commitment to social responsibility by welcoming children from various charitable organisations and national initiatives. These included the Royal Fund for Fallen Servicemen, the Bahrain Association for Parents and Friends of the Disabled, Al Sanabel Orphan Care Society, and the Bahrain Down Syndrome Society. Dana Osama Al Saad, Deputy CEO for Resources and Projects at the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), announced the successful conclusion of the Bahrain Summer Toy Festival in its first edition. She commended the cooperative efforts of the relevant government authorities and private sector institutions, emphasising the positive impact of these collaborations on the event. Al Saad expressed her appreciation to Al Dana Amphitheatre, Spacetoon, Exhibition World Bahrain, and the National Bank of Bahrain for their joint and constructive efforts, which resulted in an exceptional summer entertainment festival. She emphasised that the event has significantly bolstered tourism across the Kingdom and strengthened the hospitality sector. She also expressed her aspiration to make the festival an annual event in cooperation with all partners, in line with the plans to develop the tourism sector and achieve the goals of the Tourism Strategy 2022-2026. The Bahrain Summer Toy Festival contributed to boosting the tourism movement in the 2024 summer season, resulting in a significant increase in the occupancy rates of hotels and hospitality establishments. It also increased …

THE RIG. project has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), the Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator. This collaboration aims to provide a premium helicopter transport service for visitors traveling to and from THE RIG., the world’s first offshore adventure tourism destination situated in the Arabian Gulf. The agreement signifies a joint commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment offerings in line with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly focusing on improving transportation infrastructure and elevating the hospitality sector in the country. Raed Bakhrji, CEO of OPDC, and Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, officially signed the MoU, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership centered on operational excellence and innovative visitor transportation. Under this partnership, THC will leverage its expertise to provide specialized helicopter services characterized by high standards of safety, comfort, and efficiency, thereby significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience. Raed Bakhrji highlighted the importance of the agreement, expressing, “Our strategic partnership with THC underscores our dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. Through the seamless incorporation of premium helicopter transport into THE RIG.’s services, we are not only improving accessibility but also enriching the Kingdom’s vibrant tourism sector in alignment with Vision 2030.” Captain Arnaud Martinez added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with OPDC on this groundbreaking project. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier helicopter services that meet the highest standards of safety and quality. By integrating our helicopter services with THE RIG, we aim to contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future. THC is determined to prove that everything is possible in aviation with the right partner.”