Radisson Hotel Group announced the opening of Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama with 165 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, offering an elevated experience for business and leisure travelers. Muscat, the capital of Oman, is known for its dazzling mix of old and new, blending its ancient cultural heritage with modern architecture. Set against the backdrop of the stunning Al Hajar mountains and the Arabian Sea, Muscat is a gateway to Oman’s rich history and a vibrant destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of culture and contemporary comforts. The city offers travelers numerous sights to explore, from Old Muscat, home to the blue-and-gold Al Alam Palace (Sultan’s Palace) to Oman’s largest mosque, the impressive Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque to historic forts, bustling souks, and beautiful beaches. Nestled in the city center, Radisson Hotel Muscat Panorama is the essence of style and comfort, providing easy access to Muscat’s must-see attractions and many shopping destinations. The hotel boasts an array of amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, a tranquil spa, and an inviting indoor pool, perfect for relaxation after a busy day. The hotel is conveniently located just 18km from the international airport, allowing guests to arrive at the hotel in roughly 15 minutes by car or taxi. The hotel offers several dining options, including Al Muzen which features international cuisine in a family-friendly setting and Friends Café in the lobby, ideal for quick bites. For those seeking a sophisticated atmosphere, Casa Di Bacco presents an exclusive selection of spirits and cigars. The stylish pool bar offers breath taking panoramic city views, exquisite cocktails, and delectable snacks. With separate spa facilities for men and women, guests can indulge in luxurious massages and treatments, complemented …

Looking at the most lucrative market for the Middle East, ITB China had a good representation from the Middle East with tourism boards from Bahrain, Egypt, Qatar and Saudi Arabia occupying a vast space at ITB China 2024. With a 60% increase in scale compared to last year, ITB China welcomes 13 new destinations on the show floor and quite many first-time commercial participants. The Maldives, as the Partner Destination, significantly expands its presence, showcasing diverse products and activities. ITB China 2024 has adopted the inspiring theme “Thrive in Transformation, Reach New Heights. Together”, reflecting the importance of adaptability and innovation in the travel industry, as well as the huge untapped potential of the Chinese travel market. ITB China launched at the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Center will run from 27 to 29 May, this year’s event boasts an impressive lineup with over 600 exhibitors from more than 80 countries and regions, 1,000+ hand-selected buyers, and 240 media representatives. Mr. David Axiotis, Vice President China at Messe Berlin GmbH says: “This year’s ITB China will once again be a truly remarkable event. Since 2023, China’s travel market has been on a steady positive trajectory, and with the impact of improved visa policies and increased flight capacity, China’s travel market is showing strong signs of growth at the start of 2024. The buyer market this year is buzzing with even stronger demand and a much larger number of participants compared to last year. ITB China supports our global partners in finding their Chinese counterparts and reaching new heights for their China travel business in the coming years.” Copyright: ITB China ITB China 2024 Returns to Full Force, Matching 2019 …

Emirates and Viva Aerobus signed an interline agreement to enhance connectivity for passengers travelling to Mexico boosting access to a 21 domestic points in Mexico, while enjoying the convenience of a single baggage policy utilising both airlines on a single ticket. The interline agreement also unlocks more international routes for Emirates customers, providing 20 convenient flight options connecting six points in Mexico and some popular American cities. Interline tickets are now on sale for travel effective immediately. Travel itineraries can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates app, and preferred travel agencies. Travellers booked on flights from Dubai to Mexico City can choose to fly to 21 additional domestic destinations such as Acapulco, Cancun, Guadalajara and Monterrey, to name a few. The interline network also includes direct flights from US points including Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Orlando and Miami to select Mexican destinations, Additionally, travellers from Mexico City can conveniently fly direct to Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York JFK or San Antonio. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are pleased to activate an interline partnership with Viva Aerobus to deepen our reach into Mexico, beyond Mexico City. This new partnership provides our customers with more choice to suit their travel plans and enables customers to seamlessly fly to a host of unique destinations in Mexico. Emirates customers can also now fly directly between select US points and cities in Mexico. This new offering is in line with our Fly Better promise and convenience that can be felt by our customers when flying with us and we look forward to further developing the partnership in the future to elevate its benefits to our …

Explora Journeys announced a strategic partnership in Saudi Arabia with ITL World aimed to bring bespoke luxury travel experiences to discerning Saudi travelers, combining Explora Journeys’ sophisticated cruise offerings with ITL World’s regional expertise. Travellers have the chance to immerse themselves in cosmopolitan, European luxury at sea. On every journey, guests can enjoy elegant suites with a private ocean-front terrace, nine unforgettable inclusive culinary experiences, high-speed Wi-Fi via Starlink connectivity, vibrant entertainment & ocean-inspired wellness. With this partnership, ITL World will leverage its extensive network and expertise in travel management to introduce Explora Journeys’ unique offerings to a broader audience in Saudi Arabia enhancing the luxury ocean travel options available to discerning travelers. Speaking on the backdrop of the Saudi Aramco Travel Show 2024, Angelo Capurro, Executive Director, Explora Journeys, said, “We are delighted to partner with ITL World, a company that shares our vision of providing truly transformative travel experiences. This collaboration will allow us to bring our unique journeys to a wider audience in the Middle East, offering them the chance to explore the world in unparalleled luxury.” Dr. Siddeek Ahmed, Chairman & Managing, ITL World, added, “Our partnership with Explora Journeys underscores our commitment to offering the best in luxury travel to our guests in Saudi Arabia. We are excited to combine our local expertise with Explora Journeys’ exceptional offerings to create unique and memorable travel experiences.” Setting a new standard in luxury ocean travel, Explora Journeys, offers discerning travellers the perfect blend of discovery and sophistication, combining celebrated destinations with off-the-beaten-path ports, inviting travellers to immerse themselves in the essence of exploration. With overnights and longer stays at destinations, guests can delve deep into local cultures …

Abu Dhabi Airports and Etihad Airport Services have signed a contract to extend their longstanding partnership in providing ground services for passengers at Zayed International Airport. This agreement aims to further enhance the passenger experience by offering advanced and seamless services.This announcement coincides with Abu Dhabi Airport’s recent passenger traffic results, which witnessed a significant growth of 35.6% demonstrating the strong demand for travel. Both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to improve operational efficiencies, safety, and the quality of ground handling services, ultimately providing a world-class experience for travellers passing through Zayed International Airport. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports said: “We are delighted to extend our existing partnership with Etihad Airport Services through this agreement. Together, we have continuously provided seamless, high-quality services to our passengers. Our recent passenger numbers demonstrate our incredible growth trajectory. As we continue to expand with more airlines and destinations, we are confident that Etihad Airport Services is the right partner for managing our ground handling operations. In this new chapter, our shared values and commitment remain resolute, in achieving excellence in every aspect of the airport experience.” Jubran Albreiki, General Manager at Etihad Airport Services said: “”This agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership with Abu Dhabi Airports, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the passenger experience. By leveraging our world-class ground handling services and expertise, we aim to complement the state-of-the-art terminal and deliver a seamless journey to our customers at Zayed International Airport.” Etihad Airport Services, a fully owned subsidiary of ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, will provide a comprehensive range of ground handling services. These include but are not limited …

With TravTalk ME as media partner ITB China and the ITB China Conference kicks off today in Shanghai. The three day networking event expects over 650 tourism companies gather together this year. ITB China will play a crucial role in reconnecting global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market, forging a collective path forward for the industry. As Chinas premier B2B travel trade show, ITB China will once again reflect the entire travel trade spectrum, with suppliers from around the world covering Leisure Travel, MICE, Business Travel, and Travel Technology. In view of the increasing demand from buyers, MICE will gain in importance as a key topic, and more in-depth presentations and discussions will take place on stage of the ITB China Conference 2024. Furthermore, the China Inbound Tourism segment will be relaunched this year. The rising popularity of Custom-themed Travel in the Chinese market and the profound impact of Travel Technology guarantee a rich variety of content sessions, activities and awards, complemented by insights from experienced travel professionals and forward-thinking opinion leaders.

Sharaf Travel Services and Suha Hospitality officially launched a strategic partnership to enhance travel and hospitality experiences. This collaboration aims to offer customers exclusive packages and premium services, combining Suha Hospitality’s luxury accommodations with Sharaf Travel’s exceptional travel solutions, ensuring unforgettable journeys and superior customer satisfaction. The partnership ceremony, held with great enthusiasm, marked a significant milestone for both companies. Key executives highlighted the mutual benefits and future opportunities this alliance brings. Attendees celebrated the union with a cutting cake, symbolizing the beginning of a prosperous collaboration.

Almal Real Estate Development announced the launch of its hotel and residence project on Al Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah named “The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences” recently. Led by Almal Real Estate Development, the project will be completed in collaboration with two prestigious brands. The company has recently appointed Palladium Hotel Group, a renowned hotel operator with over five decades of experience and presence in seven countries that manages nine successful brands such as Ushuaïa Unexpected Hotels, to launch the project under the brand The Unexpected Hotels & Residences, a concept inspired of its properties in Ibiza, and the first of its kind in the UAE. The company has also appointed the Design & ARchitecture bureau (DAR) as the lead design consultant for the project, set to manage all aspects of the property’s lifecycle. Set to be built on Al Marjan Island, the project will be a unique addition to this beachfront locale, offering a blend of sophisticated elements and contemporary design, and delivering the same immersive experience that The Unexpected Hotels & Residences brand is lauded for. The property will boast 422 hotel and residential units, all offering unparalleled comfort and privacy with uninterrupted views of the Arabian Gulf. Situated less than a minute from the Wynn resort, guests will enjoy extraordinary vistas of both the Wynn resort and the serene sea. Guests can also enjoy an infinity rooftop pool, a vibrant beach club, a spa and wellness centre, pocket gardens, five intimate dining areas offering authentic and international cuisine, and so much more. The ground floor amenities at The Unexpected Al Marjan Island Hotel & Residences offer an array of experiences, blending leisure, entertainment, and convenience. …

Baheej Tourism Development Company and the Tamimi-AWN Alliance announced the development of the waterfront area of the Royal Commission at Yanbu. Their first project in Yanbu will cover an area of 32,000 square meters and features three iconic leisure assets including a Beach Escape, a Tourist Activation Center, and a Lifestyle Hotel. Additionally, the project will feature a fourth component to be announced at a later stage. Each of these components will provide rich and comprehensive experiences, as well as sustainable tourism offerings. Visitors will be soon invited to explore the ancient city of Yanbu, rooted in a rich history dating back to the 16th century, boasting a distinct identity defined by its architectural marvels and sand beaches. Baheej envisions Yanbu as an iconic destination showcasing Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders, offering one-of-a-kind inspiring experiences to visitors. Mrs. Nora Al Tamimi, CEO of Baheej, said: “We believe that destinations are not just built but discovered, and Baheej’s commitment lies in uncovering Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems. Our strategic collaborations are aimed at curating unparalleled experiences that showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture, history, and natural wonders. Yanbu City’s contemporary infrastructure, captivating environment, and attractive coastal landscapes make it an exceptional gateway to the Red Sea Riviera. We anticipate the complete unveiling of our destination and its components by the end of 2027.” Al Tamimi envisions the project unfolding in three phases, prioritizing community engagement, sustainability, and minimal environmental impact. Through meticulous analysis of risks and investment opportunities, Yanbu is set to become a sought-after tourist destination, both locally and internationally. Baheej’s integral role includes integrating local culture and environmental sustainability, elevating Yanbu’s appeal and fostering regional development. This commitment …

Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) is proud to announce that the Maldives has been awarded 4 prestigious categories at the World Travel Awards (Indian Ocean category), at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 held at Dubai World Trade Center. The categories that the Maldives has won for this year are: Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are widely regarded as one of the most respected and popular awards in the world of travel and tourism. Symbolising the most outstanding endorsement in tourism, and the travel industry, the awards aim to recognize and reward achievements in all aspects of travel and tourism on a global scale. The event held earlier today at the World Travel Awards Winners Hub at ATM, honoured distinguished individuals from the Maldives. Mr. Ibrahim Faisal, Minister of Tourism, accepted the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2024 while Ms. Ayesha Nurain Janah, Chairperson of the MMPRC Board, proudly received the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2024. Additionally, Ms. Fathmath Thaufeeq, accepted the award for Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2024 on behalf of Maldives. The Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2024 award was received by Mr. Mohamed Khaleel, Advisor to the President on Tourism Development. The significance of these awards highlights the Maldives’ standing as an unparalleled tourist destination, showcases the country’s commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences to visitors from around the world, and reinforces the continued efforts of MMPRC in promoting and developing the nation’s tourism sector. MMPRC is thrilled to announce that since the introduction of the …