The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced the upcoming change in the Billing and Settlement Plan (BSP) Remittance Frequency for IATA accredited agencies from fortnightly to weekly effective January 1, 2024. This change will impact the following BSP Gulf countries: Oman, UAE and Bahrain. The changes, including remittance and settlement dates, will be reflected in the calendar application on the IATA Customer Portal before January 2024. “IATA is committed to supporting the travel agency community during this transition. The change has been communicated to all agencies and the 2024 remittance calendar will be made available by the end of the year to enable them to prepare accordingly,” said Mr. Khaled Al-Eisawi, Area Manager Gulf and Near East at IATA. “The change means that IATA will be billing travel agencies for their airline sales on weekly basis and the travel agencies will be settling their dues to IATA within a week of receiving their invoices.  As the association representing travel and tour agencies in Dubai, we encourage our member agents and corporate customers to take the necessary measures and adjust their billing and payment schedules to effectively manage the impact of this change,” said Mr. Asim Arshad, President DTTAG. IATA remains committed to the facilitation of financial settlement between IATA accredited agents and member airlines under the Passenger Agency Program umbrella.

Cozmo Travel announced the inauguration of its office in Muscat, complementing the existing operations in Salalah. The new office in Muscat has been meticulously designed to serve as a convenient and accessible point of contact for clients, offering a comprehensive array of travel services, including flights, accommodation, holiday packages, visa assistance, and more. Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO of Cozmo Travel, expressed his enthusiasm for this new expansion, stating, “Our objective is to empower individuals and families to turn their travel dreams into reality. The inauguration of our new office in Al Khuwair, Muscat, underscores our unwavering commitment to providing convenient access to expert travel advice and services. We aspire to be the preferred choice for anyone seeking extraordinary travel experiences. Additionally, Cozmo Travel also is a partner of Visit Oman, a subsidiary of Omran Group and the national travel operator of Oman via an MOU signed in Dubai during ATM 2023 with the aim of promoting and developing Inbound tourism within various segments of tourists into Oman from all 11 countries within the Cozmo countries and our partners globally in over 90 countries. With the establishment of this new office, Cozmo Travel continues to make significant strides in revolutionizing travel experiences, ensuring that every journey transcends mere travel and becomes a memorable adventure. Operating across more than 70 branches in 11 countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Iraq, Egypt, Armenia, and India, Cozmo Travel has a dedicated team of over a thousand employees. The company is committed to expanding its team’s reach and services, catering to the diverse travel requirements of individuals and corporate entities. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the presence of His Excellency …

Wego reveals the trending international and domestic destinations for travelers from key countries in the region. As more avid globetrotters are taking to the skies this year and travelers from Saudi are no exception. Wego data found that Cairo, Istanbul, Dubai, Jakarta, and Lahore take the lead as the most popular international destinations from Saudi Arabia in 2023 so far. On the domestic front, Saudi travelers are rediscovering the beauty of their own country. Jeddah leads the way, followed by Riyadh, Dammam, Abha, and Medina. These international and domestic destinations offer a wealth of experiences for Saudi travelers. Whether exploring the treasures of Cairo or enjoying the coastal beauty of Jeddah, each destination has its unique charm. Wego remains committed to helping Saudi travelers discover their dream destinations, providing a seamless booking experience for flights and accommodations. With thousands of flight routes available, the possibilities are boundless for those eager to explore the world in 2023 and beyond. Airplanes leaving and returning to Kuwait once again adorn the nation’s sky as Kuwait travelers are eager to explore the world. Where are most of them travelling to this year? Wego has the answer as our data will reveal the most popular international destinations from Kuwait in 2023 so far. Topping the list of international destinations for Kuwait travelers is Cairo, immediately followed by Istanbul, Amman, Chennai, and Jeddah. All of these destinations offer a blend of modern and historical charms that appeal to Kuwaiti travelers. Wego remains committed to be the go-to travel site and app for Kuwait travelers, as well as the primary source of trip information ensuring that every journey is as memorable as the previous ones. Global travel …

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and JCB International Co., Ltd. (JCB) have reached a historic agreement aimed at boosting tourism in Saudi among JCB cardmembers globally. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signifies a significant milestone in collaboration between the two entities. Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of Asia Pacific Markets at Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), said: “We are thrilled to partner with JCB International, a global leader in payment and technology. This is a great opportunity for our tourism industry, as it will offer more convenience, familiarity, and security for Japanese travelers and other Asian tourists who prefer to use cashless payment methods. We believe this collaboration will enhance the appeal of Saudi as a destination for international visitors and support our vision of becoming a leading global tourism hub.” The partnership with JCB is anticipated to unlock various opportunities for cooperation between Saudi and Japan. Notably, Japan is one of the 57 countries eligible for Saudi’s e-visa and visa on arrival, with special benefits such as a free one-night hotel stay for tourists flying onwards on SAUDIA as part of Saudi’s 96-hour Stopover Visa program. Other key initiatives include VisitSaudi.ja portal in Japanese and joint marketing campaigns with leading travel trade partners to create excitement all year round. Japanese holidaymakers can also take advantage of special hotel offers from local Destination Management Companies (DMC), with attractive deals inviting them to discover the true home of Arabia on their terms. Mr. Yoshiki Kaneko, President and CEO of JCB International Co., Ltd, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “This is a great chance for us to promote exciting travel experiences to Saudi for our cardmembers. Like Japan, Saudi is a truly unique destination, with …

The Ajman Department of Tourism Development (ADTD) is taking center stage at GITEX 2023 showcasing dynamic initiatives which include Digital Mapping of Hotels and Tourist Facilities and Holiday Homes Initiatives, designed to stay in tune with the evolving landscape of the tourism industry, foster dialogue with fellow participants at the exhibition, and share experiences and insights with innovators and experts. In reference to this momentous occasion, Sheikh AbdulAziz Bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman Department of Tourism Development, stated: “Under the visionary leadership of the United Arab Emirates, Ajman Tourism has embarked on a journey of transformation and innovation. These groundbreaking initiatives reflect our dedication to enhancing the visitor experience and elevating government services in the Emirate of Ajman. Innovative initiatives like these underscore Ajman’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of excellence in tourism. Our aim is to create a seamless and immersive experience for visitors while upholding the highest standards of government service delivery.” These pioneering initiatives were unveiled within the Ajman government pavilion at the exhibition, with the presence of His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Department of Tourism Development and several directors and heads of government departments of the Emirate of Ajman. His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi underscored the significance of these services and their potential impact on the tourism sector in the Emirate of Ajman, emphasizing the emirate’s unwavering commitment to participating in this groundbreaking event and its pivotal role in elevating government services through the integration of cutting-edge technologies, best practices, and international standards. Furthermore, Alhashmi highlighted that these initiatives represent a commendable endeavor to augment the tourism sector in Ajman, exemplifying the emirate’s dedication to realizing a smart transformation …

NH Collection Dubai The Palm is pleased to announce the launch of its vegan friendly rooms, the very first vegan-friendly rooms in Dubai. As a leading sustainable hotel, NH Collection Dubai The Palm has strived to minimise its environmental impact since its launch earlier this year. The property boasts an in-house water bottling plant, eliminating the need for plastic water bottles. Additionally, solar panels generate hot water, and condensed water from the air conditioning system is repurposed for irrigation purposes. Taking sustainability to the next level, NH Collection Dubai The Palm will be offering vegan-friendly rooms starting from October 2023. These rooms will feature a wide range of sustainable and vegan amenities, ensuring a compassionate and responsible stay for guests. The vegan friendly rooms will offer duvets, pillow fillings, and mattress toppers made from sustainable materials. Guests will also find a selection of vegan amenities in the room, along with compostable amenities and vegan snacks. The wet amenities are 100% vegan, while the dry amenities are carefully crafted from sustainable products, completely free from animal-derived ingredients and never tested on animals. NH Collection Dubai The Palm goes beyond the in-room amenities and extends its commitment to sustainability throughout the hotel experience. Shower caps and sanitary bags provided are compostable, while pens and pencils are plantable, allowing guests to leave a positive mark on the environment. Furthermore, all dry amenities are thoughtfully packaged in natural, plastic-free materials. To complement the eco-friendly ethos, NH Collection Dubai The Palm exclusively uses vegan-friendly wet amenities in their rooms. These products are free from sulphates, parabens, silicon, and gluten, creating a vegan-friendly and cruelty-free experience for guests. NH Collection Dubai The Palm also embraces innovative …

In a bid to make it easier than ever before to experience the authentic home of Arabia, Saudi Arabia will grant visitor visas to travelers from six newly-eligible countries – Türkiye, Thailand, Panama, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Seychelles, and Mauritius – for leisure, business, and religious (Umrah only) travel. Nationals of these countries can apply for a Saudi visitor visa ahead of their journey via the official e-visa portal at visa.visitsaudi.com. Saudi is reimagining the tourism experience, with the famously warm and generous Saudi welcome –known as Hafawah– at the heart of its plans. The visitor e-visa is valid for an entire year, grants multiple entries, and permits a stay of up to 90 days. Moreover, Visit Saudi offers an online trip planner for visitors to create custom itineraries easily. From visiting Saudi’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, snorkeling and diving in Saudi’s Red Sea –one of the world’s most spectacular undiscovered diving spots– wandering Taif’s world-famous Rose Gardens, shopping like a local in Riyadh’s Deira Souq, chartering the unknown on land in the lush, green Asir region and tasting Saudi’s diverse and delicious culinary scene from fragrant Arabic dishes to internationally-renowned fine dining restaurants, there is something for everyone. Since the launch of Saudi’s visitor e-visa in 2019, Saudi has eased access for millions and accelerated tourism growth on an unmatched scale. The strength of the ever-increasing demand to visit Saudi Arabia has been led by a range of visa initiatives. On September 27, 2019, the Ministry of Tourism launched the visitor visa program, targeting 49 countries, which has now increased to 63 after the addition of further six countries and special administrative regions. In 2022, Saudi extended its …

Working with local schools, autism groups and key stakeholders, Emirates and Dubai International Airport (DXB) are focused on improving the travel experience for neurodivergent passengers, facilitating ‘travel rehearsals’ where children can practice their journey through the airport and onboard aircraft, as well as working directly with families to delight superfans like Humza, age 11, on his first flight with Emirates. Humza Dabab recently flew from Melbourne to Dubai with his mother and two siblings and was treated to a VIP experience from Emirates – his favourite airline. This was his first flight with Emirates, though his parents advised he is already very familiar with all facets of Emirates through his own studies – from the aircraft itself, to the inflight entertainment ice, the cabin crew uniform and the safety video. Humza bought his own safety belt to simulate and act out the safety advisory, to which he has memorised all the words, and has a collection of Emirates aircraft models to practice the take-off and landing experience. Humza’s mother Lamees said ‘The plane is Humza’s happy place. The destination is not even the most exciting part of the journey, I can wholeheartedly say it is the plane ride itself. He is so excited to be finally travelling with Emirates.’   Humza is autistic and being on time is a crucial requirement for his particular needs. The potential of running late or missing the flight would cause significant anxiety which must be alleviated in advance. Emirates and Dubai International Airport employees are trained and prepared for these requests and can facilitate priority boarding for neurodivergent passengers, referred to as People of Determination in the UAE, as well as offering a support …

Saudia Group announced its participation at the upcoming Dubai Airshow 2023, held at Al Maktoum International Airport Dubai from November 13th to 17th. The Group will take over the largest pavilion at the event marking its first international presence following the recent rebrand, which signifies a new era for the group. Through this participation, Saudia Group reinforces its position as a prominent global aviation leader, underpinned by its ever-expanding capabilities and an array of enhanced services and products dedicated to catering to the needs of the MENA region across the aviation industry spectrum, encompassing manufacturing and comprehensive training. Visitors and aviation enthusiasts can expect a world-class experience at the Saudia Group’s interactive pavilion, where it will showcase its industry-leading aviation services and solutions that ultimately contribute to the realization of Vision 2030. This includes demonstrating the Group’s efforts around the localization of services in the Kingdom, as well as Saudia Group’s plans to capitalize on its Jeddah Hub. The Group will also highlight its latest digital transformation services and introduce the world to an AI ChatGPT, named ‘Saudia,’ a groundbreaking innovation in customer service. The Group is set to display two aircraft that visitors will have the opportunity to explore; a Saudia Boeing 787-10 featuring the new brand livery and a flyadeal Airbus 320neo. The B787-10 aircraft will showcase Saudia’s latest amenity kits and offer food samples that reflect the essence of the rebrand. The pavilion will also feature the latest innovations by Saudia Groups’ other rebranded Strategic Business Units (SBUs) including, Saudia Technic, formerly known as Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI), Saudia Academy, formerly known as Prince Sultan Aviation Academy (PSAA), Saudia Private, formerly known as Saudia Private Aviation …

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International – Middle East (HSMAI ME) announced the 6th ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference with TravTalkME as media partner. This year’s event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28 to November 29, 2023 to boost the Middle East’s hospitality sector. With the finest leading industry leaders under one roof, this year’s conference aims to take the Middle East hospitality sector to the next level where attendees can expand their network by connecting with trailblazers and peers, gain insights from seasoned professionals and learn about the latest trends and strategies. “The 6th annual ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is a unique gathering of industry pioneers, where competitors unite to shape the future and elevate their skills. It’s the pulse of innovation in the hotel industry, bringing together all the commercial thought leaders from sales, marketing, revenue management, distribution, hotel brands, and owner groups here in the region to share current and future trends. The conference will feature a range of topics, discussions, and best practices, led by world-class regional and international experts,” said Mona Faraj, Managing Director of the Middle East chapter of HSMAI. “This year’s ROC Middle East Commercial Strategy Conference is more than just an event; it is a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in the hospitality industry with global standards in mind. Here, we break down competitive barriers and come together as a community, committed to setting new standards of excellence and driving the future of hospitality forward,” added Robert A. Gilbert, CHME, CHBA, President and CEO, Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI). “We at Atomize are honored to be the Platinum Sponsor and delighted …