Etihad Airways announced beginning 27 October, will increase its nonstop flight service between Boston and Abu Dhabi from four flights per week to once daily, offering North American corporate and leisure travellers more choice and flexibility when planning trips to the UAE and beyond to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent. The decision to increase Boston flights to daily is based on the route’s strong performance and comes just three months after Etihad Airways introduced Boston as its fourth destination in the United States. Boston joined Chicago, New York and Washington D.C., as well as Toronto, Canada, further expanding Etihad’s North American footprint. “Our Boston service continues to perform strongly, with our flights near capacity since our inaugural flight in Boston this March,” said Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer at Etihad. “Having already experienced record passenger demand, we’re excited to invest further in the North American market by expanding our flight frequency out of Boston ahead of the peak winter travel season.” Etihad’s daily flights from Boston Logan International Airport to Abu Dhabi operate with a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the airline’s acclaimed Business Studios and Economy Smart seats. With 28 seats in Business and 262 seats in Economy, the aircraft is equipped with entertainment systems, in-seat power, and in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity, providing passengers with a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience, complemented by world-class service and hospitality. The Boston service is timed to offer convenient links to Etihad’s growing network for corporate business travellers and leisure guests connecting to destinations across the UAE, the Gulf region and the airline’s 11 nonstop routes into India. Etihad’s partnership with JetBlue ensures convenient connections to numerous cities throughout North America, …

Qatar Airways Holidays unveiled its latest offering – a curated collection of Qatar Stopover packages for travellers across the GCC region. Travellers booking their flights on Qatar Airways’ global network of over 170 destinations now have the option to transform one holiday into two by stopping over in Qatar for up to four nights. Designed to effortlessly bridge the journey and the destination, these packages will allow GCC travellers to explore the vibrant city of Doha, all while enjoying Qatar Airways’ signature hospitality and personalised world-class service, even on short stays. The new Stopover packages will remove the need for separate reservations and enable travellers in the region to streamline their travel plans through a new and improved booking process that incorporates flight and hotel bookings in one comprehensive itinerary. Discover Qatar and Qatar Airways Holidays’ Senior Vice President, Steve Reynolds, said: “We are delighted to introduce Stopover packages to our valued GCC travellers. As a world-class destination, Qatar’s offerings range from its rich cultural heritage to its modern attractions and through our new Stopover packages, we want to make it as accessible and convenient as possible for our customers to experience the beauty of this stunning country.” Enabled by Qatar Airways Holidays’ innovative booking tools, travellers can now book their flights and hotel accommodation through the Qatar Airways Holidays website, qatarairwaysholidays.com, with packages starting at just $14* per person for up to four nights. With four types of Stopover hotel categories, starting from 4-star hotels in the standard category, Qatar Airways Holidays offers options to suit every traveller’s needs. Travellers can further customise their packages by combining their hotel of choice with any flight class for a more personalised …

Dubai offers a new eco-tourism experience to visitors as the new Jebel Ali Beach Development Project receives approval which extends 6.6 km, the beach is poised to become a distinctive recreational destination that places a high priority on environmental preservation and the protection of local ecosystems and wildlife. The project features exceptional services, facilities, and public amenities. Offering a new eco-tourism experience, visitors to the beach can enjoy watching turtles in their natural habitat. Various measures and regulations will be put in place to protect them and provide them a safe nesting environment. These efforts align with the efforts of relevant bodies in the UAE to rescue, rehabilitate, and return turtles to their natural habitat and preserve the UAE’s rich marine environment. In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to create the world’s best public beaches in the emirate, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the Master Plan for the Jebel Ali Beach Development Project. Dubai currently has a total of eight public beaches: Al Mamzar Beach, Al Mamzar Corniche, Jumeirah 1, Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, Umm Suqeim 2, and Jebel Ali Beach. All of them have obtained the globally prestigious Blue Flag accreditation awarded to public beaches that meet its criteria including compliance with the programme’s standards such as marine water quality, environmental education, environmental management, public safety, and services for five consecutive years. The two beaches will be equipped with advanced technology services and systems, such as advanced lockers, Wi-Fi …

Jamaica’s culture is a delightful mix of history, music, and traditions. There is a distinct vibe that visitors from the GCC will immediately feel from the country. The island’s rich heritage, characterized by the infectious rhythms of reggae music and the colorful festivals that celebrate Jamaican life will put a bit of swagger in your step and bring about memorable touches of laughter from your encounters with its Jamaicans. Jamaica is known for its warm and friendly people, who welcome visitors with open arms. The island’s laid-back vibe and genuine hospitality create an inviting atmosphere that makes every traveler feel at home. The concept of “Irie,” a Jamaican term meaning “everything is alright,” perfectly encapsulates the relaxed and joyful spirit of the island. The spirit of “One Love,” popularized by the legendary Bob Marley, resonates throughout the island, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all. The island’s Rastafarian culture, with its roots in spirituality and a deep connection to nature, offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can explore the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, the birthplace and former home of the reggae icon, and learn about his life and legacy.   Jamaica boasts a plethora of iconic attractions that cater to all interests. Nature lovers can explore the stunning Blue and John Crow Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its coffee plantations and breathtaking vistas. Adventure seekers can visit the majestic Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, where they can climb the terraced waterfalls and enjoy the refreshing cascades. History enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to Port Royal, once known as the “wickedest city,” which offers a glimpse into Jamaica’s pirate past. The historic town of Falmouth, …

Dubai International (DXB) is gearing up for a significant increase in traffic this week (6- 17th July)  914,000 guests are expected to fly out of DXB, underscoring the airport’s robust growth this year. The peak of this travel surge will occur over the weekend of July 12-14, when DXB is ready to welcome 840,000 guests, marking the busiest weekend during this period. July 13 is projected to be the single busiest day, with an estimated 286,000 guests passing through DXB. On average, the airport will handle approximately 274,000 guests daily during this peak period. Total anticipated number of guests are 3.3 million arriving and departing through its terminals. DXB advises all travellers to allow extra time for check-in, security screening, and boarding processes to ensure a smooth journey. Dubai Airports is committed to delivering a consistently exceptional travel experience and appreciates the cooperation and understanding of our guests during this exceptionally busy travel season. Tips • Emirates passengers can take advantage of the airline’s convenient home, early and self-check-in facilities, including city check-in options. • flydubai passengers are advised to arrive at least four hours prior to departure. • Guests flying with other airlines should aim to arrive at DXB no earlier than three hours before their scheduled departure time, utilising online check-in where available to save time. • Familiarise yourself with your airline’s baggage allowance and packing regulations. Avoid last-minute surprises by checking in advance. • Save time at security screening by being prepared. Place metal items— watch, jewellery, mobile phone, coins, belt— in your hand luggage and follow the directed guidelines for carrying liquids, aerosols, and gels. • Families with children over 12 can expedite the passport control process …

Dubai-based Lokalee entered a partnership with Viator to enable Lokalee’s hotel and holiday home customers to offer their guests access to Viator’s extensive catalogue of global tours, activities, and excursions. With an inventory of 300,000+ experiences across 200 countries, Viator, a Tripadvisor company, is the leading online marketplace for booking tours, activities, and attractions at destinations worldwide. Viator’s integration into the Lokalee platform will allow users of the app to discover and book a wide range of experiences – everything from guided city walking tours and sunset cruises to adventurous excursions, cooking classes, cultural activities, and more. Lokalee is an AI-powered, B2B content platform specifically developed for hotels and holiday homes. The customizable white-label platform allows guests to browse and book everything a property and the destination has to offer, sourced by Lokal Curators and supported by global partners. Trusted by over 200 brands across 20 countries, Lokalee’s platform has already been implemented at leading hotel groups such as Mövenpick, Sheraton, Rotana, Sofitel, Hilton, Millennium among others. “We are very pleased to welcome Viator as a global partner to Lokalee. The partnership is an ideal alliance which will boost our destination offering to our customers, and which complements our continued expansion plans to optimize the digitization of the guest journey for our customers,” said Samir Abi Frem, CEO of Advanced Digital Technology and Lokalee.

dnata Travel reported a 35% increase in bookings for international travel across July and August 2024, compared to the same timings last year. As one of the busiest weekends forecasted for travel fast approaches, the travel agency is supporting thousands of travellers with pre-booked itineraries and last-minute requests across its multiple channels, including 14 retail outlets across the country. For July and August, dnata Travel’s most popular destinations for international travel from the UAE are Thailand, Maldives, Mauritius, Turkey, and the UK, respectively. Compared to trends released earlier this summer, Mauritius has emerged to enter the ‘top three’ most-booked holiday destinations. Across summer 2024, the island country is one of the fastest-growing holiday locations for dnata’s travellers, alongside Germany and Malaysia. International trips are on the agenda for this popular time for summer travel, dominating a 90% majority of overall bookings this year, compared to 10% for UAE staycations. In comparison, the split was reported by dnata Travel experts as 65% international and 35% staycations over the Eid al-Adha break for 2024, with demand for outbound travel witnessing a significant increase. Meerah Ketait, Head of Retail and Leisure UAE at dnata Travel, commented: “International travel is in high demand this summer, with destinations including Mauritius, Malaysia, and Germany witnessing some of the strongest growth we’ve seen this year. Mauritius and Malaysia offer the chance to stay on world-class beaches and in exceptional resorts at affordable prices. Kuala Lumpur is also a popular destination in Asia for a city break for its impressive skyline, and opportunities for shopping and dining. Meanwhile, Germany’s vibrant cities are popular this month, as travellers seek to soak up the action of the UEFA European Football …

Qatar launched its latest tourism project spanning 8 million square metres, featuring a 7km waterfront that stretches over Qatar’s eastern coastline. The project opens diverse investment avenues for the private sector, with over 16 plots available for development. These include luxury resorts spread across four distinct areas, a theme park, a world-class 18-hole golf course, residential villas, a yacht club and a marina, as well as restaurants and shops. In addition, the project will rely on sustainable construction and operation, incorporating cutting-edge smart systems and innovative technologies while prioritising the use of locally recycled materials. By boosting non-oil sector contributions to Qatar’s economy, empowering the private sector and attracting foreign direct investment, the Simaisma Project marks a significant milestone towards achieving the Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030. HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, launched the Simaisma Project, an initiative led by the Ministry of Municipality and developed by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. Set to become a new cultural landmark, the project will span over 8 million square metres, featuring a 7 km waterfront that stretches over Qatar’s eastern coastline. Speaking at the event, HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, emphasised the importance of public and private sector partnerships in achieving Qatar’s development. He explained: “We are steadily advancing towards realising Qatar’s national vision 2030, building a more prosperous and stable future for coming generations across the economic, social and environmental domains. We are thrilled to contribute to the growth of the tourism and entertainment sector by spearheading innovative projects that meet the rising demand in this crucial industry.” Eng Ali bin Mohammed Al …

Al Rostamani Travels announced a partnership with BluSmart, UAE’s first 100% electric full-stack premium limousine service to launch eco-friendly travel solutions in the region. Driven by Al Rostamani Group’s values of Commitment, Care, and Vision, this unique collaboration sets a new standard for sustainable travel. BluSmart’s chauffeur driven luxury service with Audi e-tron fleet delivers a premium experience while significantly reducing CO2 emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. This partnership will offer sustainable travel services, including airport transfers, city tours, and intracity travel, supporting the UAE’s Green Mobility Strategy 2030 to decrease fossil fuel reliance and enhance energy security. BluSmart’s premium fleet service will help Al Rostamani Travels achieve its environmental goals, showcasing its commitment and dedication to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the travel industry. Bimal Jain, General Manager of Al Rostamani Travels, commented, “Being the first travel company in the UAE and the region to partner with BluSmart is a significant step towards our goal of providing sustainable travel solutions. We are excited to offer our clients an eco-friendly alternative that aligns with our commitment to environmental stewardship.” “As the benefits of electric vehicles become more widely recognized, this partnership sets a new benchmark for sustainable travel combined with premium services in the region” he added. Sreejith Hrishikesh, VP – Business and Country Head – UAE, BluSmart added, “This partnership with Al Rostamani Travels is the first of many such travel collaborations in the region. We provide our riders convenient, reliable, and environmentally conscious transportation options, while also contributing to the UAE’s vision of building smart, sustainable cities.” Al Rostamani Travels and BluSmart are leading the charge in promoting green mobility, supporting the UAE’s vision. For more …

Geof Travel has been named the overall winner among Dubai and Northern Emirates travel agencies of the recently-concluded Philippine Airlines and Sabre Emquest’s Top Seller Campaign. Geof Travel will receive a trip for two to Palawan, Philippines, which includes two round-trip tickets and two nights of hotel accommodation.The contest ran from March 20 to May 31, 2024. “EmQuest was delighted to award Geof Travel with a voucher for a 2 night stay in Palawan. Geoffrey Salatan, CEO of Geof Travel, is a loyal EmQuest customer and Sabre user. We couldn’t be happier that the winner of Season 2 – EmQuest/Sabre & Philippines Airlines Top Seller Campaign – was won by such a good partner. Congratulations!”, Andrew Dowling, Emquest General Manager said. “Philippine Airlines is pleased to award Geof Travel with the top recognition in this year’s sales campaign. Geof has been a consistent Philippine Airlines supporter and this is yet another testament of the agency’s trust and confidence in booking their passengers to Philippine Airlines, the Heart of the Filipino”, Josh Vasquez, PAL Regional Head-EMEA quoted.