Etihad Airways celebrated the start of its flights to Jaipur, India offering guests four non-stop services a week, enhancing connectivity between one of India’s cultural treasures, and the rest of the world, via Abu Dhabi.Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “With the resurgence of outbound travel from India, we are thrilled to start four weekly flights to Jaipur, a significant cultural and commercial centre. By establishing this crucial air link with Rajasthan, we aim to meet the increasing demand from travellers in and around the region, providing them with convenient access to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and seamless connectivity to our extensive global network, while delivering a remarkable flying experience.” From exploring the historic forts and palaces to indulging in the vibrant culture and culinary delights, Jaipur offers visitors a wealth of unforgettable experiences. Travellers from Northwest India will benefit from the non-stop service with seamless access to Etihad’s expanding network and frequent connections through Abu Dhabi’s global links. The new route enables more visitors to explore the emirate’s rich history and vibrant culture. Moreover, passengers will experience the exceptional facilities at Zayed International Airport’s Terminal A, Etihad’s new home, which sets new standards for travel comfort and service excellence. Travellers flying from Jaipur to the United States can take advantage of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) facility at Abu Dhabi, streamlining the immigration process and ensuring a hassle-free journey. The start of the Jaipur service further underlines Etihad’s deepening commitment to the Indian market where the airline has increased its capacity by a third over the past 12 months. The flights will be operated with aircraft from the Airbus A320 family, offering Etihad’s award-winning service to …

Stirling Hospitality Advisors made two announcements, one was to bring in an upper midscale brand hotel on Al Marjan island in Ras Al Khaimah with 300 – 350 keys and the second was the launch of a new Development Advisory Vertical designed to provide hospitality developers with a comprehensive services package that will include essential support throughout the entire development process. Under the new Development Advisory Vertical, Stirling Hospitality Advisors will coordinate the project on behalf of the owner from concept ideation to development and construction, until the hotel is fully operational. Commenting on the launch, Tatiana Veller, Managing Director at Stirling Hospitality Advisors said: “We have successfully positioned ourselves within the heart of the action in Ras Al Khaimah, and are delighted to be able to capitalize on the huge opportunities that are available here, and the rapid market growth. With our expertise and resources, we hold the keys to successful hotel development. We’re excited to launch our new development advisory vertical, further cementing our leadership in the industry.” Under the new vertical, the hotel development process will start with Stirling Hospitality Advisors assisting the investor with concept creation, feasibility study, hotel operator/brand search, and negotiation. Following this, the expert team will continue overseeing and coordinating all stakeholders throughout the development process, anticipating potential problems that a first-time developer might not foresee. Led by Michael Bagdasarov, Senior Advisory Manager at Stirling Hospitality Advisors, the team has already begun servicing clients under the new vertical with two projects underway. This includes a complete development advisory services agreement with BB Holding for an upper-midscale branded hotel on Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah, with approximately 300-350 keys. Having successfully helped BB …

The latest white paper released by Future Hospitality Summit focuses on the fact that hospitality asset owners and investors are keen on ramping up technology investment, however, they are challenged by the overwhelming abundance of information and options of tech vendors. This abundance, coupled with the fear of costly mis-investments due to a lack of the right information hampers effective decision-making. Ahead of Future Hospitality Summit, organisers The Bench have published their latest industry white paper on Navigating the Hospitality Tech Investment Landscape. Global investment trends in hospitality technology discussed in the report include an increased focus on automation and the guest experience, in which AI plays a crucial role. According to PwC’s 2023 report, over 70% of hotel executives are prioritising investments in technologies that streamline operations and elevate the guest journey. Key areas of investments include Property Management Systems (PMS), AI in Revenue Management as well as guest technologies such as in-room controls, online check-in, and mobile keys. The white paper also touches on specific areas of untapped potential to drive innovation and enhance the hotel guest experience through tech investment. These include the automation of manual processes to free up valuable time to deliver a more personalised guest experience, and the integration of payments technology for a more seamless guest experience and improved operational efficiency. Technology and innovation will be a key theme of focus at FHS World this year. At the dedicated ‘Tech Zone’, businesses can showcase their tech offerings and connect with C-level hospitality investment decision-makers, hotel owners and operators, and investors.

Sabre Hospitality announced the launch of SynXis Concierge.AI, an innovative solution harnessing the power of Generative AI to transform customer service for hoteliers. SynXis Concierge.AI represents Sabre Hospitality’s first deployment of Generative AI, a technology that generates new content from inputs such as text, images, and code. Drawing on Sabre’s extensive data resources, Concierge.AI provides immediate, detailed, and accurate responses to specific queries, ensuring that effectiveness is no longer solely dependent on support agent knowledge and experience. Initially, SynXis Concierge.AI is being utilized by Sabre’s Customer Care and Delivery (CCD) team to enhance customer service. The entire CCD team is equipped with Concierge.AI, poised to handle a variety of customer interactions including questions, requests, and problem resolution. “SynXis Concierge.AI will significantly elevate the customer service experience by providing swift and accurate resolutions,” said Scott Wilson, President, Sabre Hospitality. “This innovation underscores our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.” Sabre Hospitality’s plans for SynXis Concierge.AI, include integration into the Community Portal to enhance self-service capabilities. Sabre is also exploring its application in existing products to drive operational efficiency and optimize conversions. “Generative AI represents a monumental leap in technology for the hospitality industry,” said Amy Read, VP of Innovation at Sabre Hospitality. “With SynXis Concierge.AI, we are not only revolutionizing customer service but also unlocking new opportunities for driving operational efficiency and personalizing the guest experience. We have the data and connectivity to maximize Generative AI’s potential, and we are fully committed to continuous innovation, helping our customers achieve their fullest potential with this transforming technology.”

Kuwait Airways launched its first scheduled summer flights to the city of Salalah in the Sultanate of Oman with three flights per week on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays. They shared that the company said that the selection of Salalah as a destination came after comprehensive research of the feasibility of this destination in general, and the extent of its demand, which is becoming increasingly popular among valued customers, especially during the summer season, due to the various attributes of Salalah, such as its moderate climate, touristic attractions, historical and cultural landmarks, as well as its greenery and picturesque nature. Kuwait Airways had previously announced its flight schedule for the 2024 summer travel season which includes the launch of new destinations such as Antalya with two flights per week, Bodrum with three flights per week, Trabzon with three flights per week, Sharm El Sheikh with two flights per week, Malaga with three flights per week, Nice with two flights per week and Sarajevo with three flights per week, bringing the operation of flights to 55 destinations and the average number of flights per day to 52 flights during the summer season. Kuwait Airways has perceived the necessity to increase the frequency of its flights, to operate additional flights to certain destinations, such as London, Amsterdam, Munich, Vienna, and Geneva, and to cater to the increasing demand for these European destinations and to other destinations witnessing extensive demand during the summer, such as Dubai, Riyadh, and Manchester. Furthermore, Kuwait Airways will operate its wide-body aircraft, consisting of the Boeing B777-300, to most of the European destinations, to enable its valued customers to benefit from the amenities of the Royal and Business class …

Emirates celebrates a successful year since the debut of its Premium Economy product in Singapore, having so far carried 26,000 passengers on nearly 730 four-class A380 flights between Singapore and Dubai from June 2023 to May 2024. The airline’s Premium Economy product was especially popular among families and solo travellers from Singapore, with top outbound destinations including London, Dubai, Paris, Barcelona, and New York JFK. Emirates’ Premium Economy can be experienced on flights EK 354 and EK 355 between Singapore and Dubai, which takes passenger comfort to new heights with an extensive suite of features that transforms the journey itself into a destination. The Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. In the cabin, every inch of space anticipates customer needs with a generous seat pitch and width for working and relaxing, and customised features that offer function and convenience like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The experience is rounded off with expertly curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu, and extensive beverage options, including the Chandon Vintage Brut 2016, a global exclusive to Emirates Premium Economy passengers. Rashed Alfajeer, Emirates’ Manager for Singapore & Brunei, said: “We are delighted to commemorate the first anniversary of the launch of Emirates’ Premium Economy in Singapore which serves as the ideal middle ground between Economy Class and Business Class, offering travellers a more cost-effective choice for comfort and luxury in the sky. So far, customers from Singapore have loved the product and shown great interest in it. Demand and seat load are both highly positive. We are committed to offering our passengers the distinctive Emirates experience …

Qatar Airways and China Southern Airlines have announced the next phase of their comprehensive partnership – which includes a codeshare agreement – with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance travel options and convenience for passengers. The MoU outlines a framework for the two airlines to boost their market presence and collaboration in the areas of cargo and frequent flyer programmes. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer and China Southern Airlines President and CEO, Mr. Han Wensheng signed the MoU on behalf of their airlines. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “As part of our robust partnership with China Southern Airlines, Qatar Airways is building on the success of the new route from Doha to Guangzhou, which was launched in April this year, to offer more choice to both airline passengers. It is a proud milestone for us to serve the prominent Chinese market in collaboration with our key partner, and look forward to extending our award-winning offerings to travellers flying through China.” President and CEO of China Southern Air Holding Company Limited, Mr. Han Wensheng said: “China Southern Airlines launched a direct route from Guangzhou to Doha in April, which has strongly promoted the connectivity between China and countries and regions along the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. In the future, China Southern Airlines will deepen cooperation with Qatar Airways, strengthen complementary advantages, and work together to bring more comfortable and convenient travel experiences to our passengers.” Qatar Airways and China Southern will further collaborate to provide their respective Privilege Club and Sky Pearl Club members’ frequent flyer benefits. These include collecting and spending Avios/Miles on both Qatar Airways and China …

In 2023, the sector contributed TRY 3.11TN to the economy, accounting for 12% of total GDP. This is a significant increase of almost 30% from the previous peak in 2019.  The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 2024 Economic Impact Research (EIR) has revealed Türkiye’s Travel & Tourism sector broke all records last year, reaching new milestones across four key metrics. The sector also supported more than 3.2MN jobs, representing one in 10 jobs across the country, and more than 18% above the 2019 high point. International and domestic visitor spending also exceeded their previous records, reaching TRY 1.68TN and TRY 761.3BN respectively. International visitor spending has surpassed its 2019 record by almost 36% and domestic visitor spending broke its previous record, from 2018, by almost 24%. The sector is forecast to continue breaking records in 2024, with GDP contribution set to reach almost 12.5% of the country’s economy. Jobs supported by Travel & Tourism are projected to surpass 3.3MN and spend from international and domestic visitors is also anticipated to set new records. According to WTTC’s latest research, spending from international visitors could reach more than TRY 1.7TN next year, and spending from domestic visitors could reach almost TRY 799BN. In an effort to continue growing its crucial Travel & Tourism sector, Türkiye’s Government is considering introducing nomad visas, aimed at expanding its potential for longer stays and in turn increasing visitor spending. Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said; “As the world’s fifth most popular destination, Travel & Tourism in Türkiye is more than just a sector, it’s an integral part of the nation’s economy, fuelling growth, investment, and new jobs. We congratulate the national government’s efforts to place Travel & Tourism at the heart …

UN Tourism announced the addition of 39 new entities from the private sector to its growing network of Affiliate Members with 7 of them from the Middle East. The 7 new Affiliate Members from the Middle East are: Amsa Hospitality Company (Saudi Arabia), Batterjee Medical College (Saudi Arabia), IFP Qatar (Qatar), Ishraq Hospitality (United Arab Emirates), Jordan Hotels Association (Jordan), Jordan Restaurant Association (Jordan) and New Perspective Media FZ LLC (United Arab Emirates) The new members combine a wide range of profiles with diverse backgrounds and types of business: 3 Destination Management Organization (DMOs), 14 for-profit companies, 10 associations and NGOs, and 7 education and research institutes, and 5 others. In terms of geographical distribution, the newly admitted members come from all the regions: 6 from Africa, 10 from the Americas, 3 from Asia and the Pacific, 13 from Europe, and 7 from the Middle. “The integration of these new leading entities reflects our ongoing efforts to strengthen the Affiliate Membership and create a diverse and inclusive network capable of significantly contributing to the UN Tourism mission. We remain committed to enhancing Affiliate Members’ satisfaction and fostering a sense of belonging through effective, mutually beneficial, win-win engagement in the Organization’s key activities and projects,” said UN Tourism Director of the Affiliate Members and Public-Private Collaboration Department, Ion Vilcu. Governments and National Tourism Administrations are increasingly partnering with UN Tourism to promote Affiliate Membership in their own countries to further invigorate their local tourism sectors and to have their leading entities connected within the largest network of its kind in tourism, which currently includes a total of 500 entities. Under the current admission procedure, the candidatures were submitted for consideration and approval of …

Oman Air has unveiled a significant enhancement to its distribution capabilities, ushering in a new era of convenience and choice partnering with Accelya. The airline has introduced cutting-edge functionality that will enable its trade partners to seamlessly manage their customers’ travel needs. Part of the airline’s ambitious retail transformation programme, it leverages the latest IATA New Distribution Capability (NDC) technology, representing a substantial advancement from the previous booking tools available to travel agents. “NDC stands as a pivotal tool, empowering us with enhanced flexibility and control over our distribution channels. Oman Air’s NDC journey has yielded significant growth in recent years and our partnership with Accelya marks an important milestone in this journey,” commented Con Korfiatis, Chief Executive Officer of Oman Air. “Not only does the new upgrade support us to streamline our customer experience and enable us to scale up and provide more robust services, it also represents a significant reduction in our distribution costs, paving the way for more efficient operations and revenue diversification.” Sam Gilliland, Chief Executive Officer at Accelya, added “We are delighted that Oman Air has chosen Accelya to take control of their retailing future and help them on the journey to Offer & Order transformation. More and more airlines, covering a range of scale and operating models, are choosing Accelya’s FLX Platform due to our track record of delivering fast, impactful results. Our partnership with Oman Air is an example of how Accelya is leading the market in modern retail solutions and bringing the benefits of our technology to customers across the travel industry.” In addition to enhancing its distribution capabilities, Oman Air is bolstering its loyalty system, also powered by Accelya, with enriched …