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 …

According to a statement of the Ministry, as of June 11, visa fees for adults filing a short-term visa application for Slovenia will be €90, instead of €80 as it has been so far, and €45, instead of €40, for children between six and 12 years old, SchengenNews reports. The European Commission adopted a decision to increase short stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees worldwide by 12 per cent. The increase will apply worldwide as of June11, 2024. New Schengen visa fees will be €90 for adults and €45 for children aged 6 to below 12 years of age. Furthermore, nationals of countries who have not cooperated on readmission of their nationals irregularly staying in the EU will be paying a visa fee of €135 or €180, depending on Council’s decision. The European Union’s Commission has not made any announcements yet regarding the date of the increase, but is expected to publish the change on its Official Journal by the end of this week. The decision comes at a time when the EU has revealed the number of visas issued in 2023 has increased by 36.3 per cent compared to 2022, though the same remains down by 39 per cent compared to 2019, when the Schengen states had received 16 million applications.

Riyadh Travel Fair 2024 (RTF 2024) will once again be held in the capital Riyadh from 27 to 29 May. The B2C exhibition will host a range of diverse tourism products from a few key markets aiming to support development and sustainability opportunities in the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The B2C exhibition provides the general public to learn about the latest tourism offers and special deals around the world, as well as providing an opportunity for exhibitors to display and present their products. The Executive Director of Riyadh Exhibition, Mr. Bandar Al-Quraini, said, “The exhibition performs great services to the Saudi tourism market, and a vital role to bring and attract everything related to travel and tourism, and participation in the exhibition revolves around exploring new markets and sectors, marketing products, services and destinations, entering into long-term transactions, identifying the most important international buyers in the region and the possibility of concluding sales deals, getting to know existing customers and partners in areas related to the tourism, travel and hotel sectors, adding new agents and distributors, and launching New products and packages, conduct market testing and get continuous feedback on exhibition performance evaluation. “More than 200 exhibitors will participate in the exhibition under different names such as: government tourism, travel agencies, car rental companies, branded hotels, hotel suppliers, tour operators, online booking systems, tourism companies, medical health tourism, companies, spas and airlines, youth tourism and education abroad, in addition to some new products and activities related to travel and tourists .Riyadh Travel Expo 2024 brings together the most prominent travel and tourism companies and exhibitors representing tourism promotion bodies and tourism companies at the Arab and …

The second day of the Future Aviation Forum 2024 witnessed the signing of 102 memoranda of understanding (MoUs), agreements, and deals, with a total value exceeding SAR75 billion. Held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, organized by the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Riyadh. The forum exceeded expectations, as the agreements encompassed various sectors of civil aviation, such as aviation services, aircraft purchase orders, cargo and logistics services, advanced air mobility, human resources development, information technology, maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The forum continued its proceedings for the second consecutive day with the participation of over 30 ministers, 77 leaders of civil aviation authorities, CEOs of airlines worldwide, and 7,000 aviation industry experts and leaders from more than 120 countries. It focused on human capabilities, the future of the sector, collaboration opportunities, civil aviation organization networks, sustainability, innovation, technology, and business opportunities within the sector. The forum saw the GACA launching the first edition of the Kingdom’s aviation sector report, which highlighted the civil aviation sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s economy, amounting to $53 billion and providing 958,000 jobs across various regions. The GACA also hosted the first aviation investment exhibition aimed at facilitating investment in the Saudi aviation sector, with a focus on the advanced air mobility pavilion being among the exhibition’s prominent pavilions. “The Future Aviation Forum has achieved remarkable success by bringing together aviation industry leaders and experts from around the world to discuss the future of civil aviation and develop innovative solutions to its key challenges,” said Minister of Transport and Logistic Services and Chairman of GACA Board of Directors, Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser. …

As of September 2024, flynas to become the only KSA airline serving the major 4 airports in the UAE. flynas announced a massive expansion plan in the UAE  adding Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai to its network operated from flynas’ main bases in Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Madinah. The routes operated between the two countries will be increased from 4 routes currently to 9 routes, allowing for an exceptional expansion to more than 20 daily flights. Bander Almohanna, Managing Director and CEO of flynas, said: “We are delighted to enhance air connectivity between KSA and UAE, which reflects flynas’ commitment to move further in its growth and expansion plan under the slogan (We Connect The World With the Kingdom), offering new routes to the visitors between the two countries”. Almohanna added: “We take advantage of our operational excellence and doubling our fleet size in less than two years to keep up our remarkable growth to best cater to the growing low-cost travel market in the region, in line with our growth and expansion plans, and in parallel with the National Civil Aviation Strategy to enable national air carriers to contribute to connecting KSA with 250 International destinations and to accommodate 330 million passengers and to host 100 million tourists yearly by 2030 and the objectives of the Pilgrims Experience Program (PEP) to facilitate access to the Two Holy Mosques”. With the latest expansion, the UAE market will be served with flights from the four flynas operation bases around the Kingdom. Operating flights currently to Dubai International Airport from Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam and Madinah, the leading LCC will add flights to Al Maktoum International Airport …

SIHOT launched SIHOT.PAYENGINE, a payment aggregator, to simplify payment processing for hotels and hospitality companies. SIHOT.PAYENGINE can manage multiple Payment Services Providers (PSPs) offering accommodation providers choice rather than being restricted to a single provider. By offering hoteliers a centrally managed payment system seamlessly connected to all SIHOT products and Services through which all data runs, businesses can achieve greater operational efficiencies, cost savings and improved security for finance and account departments. With SIHOT.PAYENGINE, hotels can facilitate the omnichannel payment experience to their customers across physical terminals or through ecommerce and payment apps, with the option to choose from a wide range of PSPs that match their preferences and cater to guests needs. Said Carsten Wernet, Chief Executive, SIHOT: “We created SIHOT.PAYENGINE to enable hoteliers to choose which PSPs they want to work with for their business model. We are one of few PMS on the market to be agnostic to payment providers. By providing this level of connectivity, now PSPs are reaching out to integrate with our payment engine to provide our mutual customers with an elevated level of service and experience that improves business operations. There is an increasing need for hotels to work with a wide range of PSPs today, taking into account a multitude of digital payment channels and regional payment platforms. With our Cloud Native API, PSPs can quickly connect to our payment aggregator to integrate into our complete product suite.” For hotels, the integration of PSPs in the PMS in this way means they can facilitate quicker checkout and billing processes using digital invoices and receipts, and ensure that customer payment data remains secure. SIHOT.PAYENGINE uses tokenistation to disguise credit card details on file …