This latest announcement forms part of Cruise Saudi’s wider strategy to partner with outstanding sector-leading vendors to ensure that AROYA Cruises offers the highest standard of services and facilities. Supplying more than 50 airlines, operating as wholesalers and retailers in over 90 countries, as well as supplying or operating shops onboard 240 cruise ships and ferries, Gebr. Heinemann is a giant in the travel retail sector. Forming a crucial part of the exceptional offering onboard AROYA Cruises, Gebr. Heinemann will work directly with the world’s best-known luxury brands and its wide range of products extends from perfume and cosmetics to confectionery, fashion, accessories, watches, and jewellery. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “AROYA Cruises will provide our passengers with joyful and memorable premium experiences, and a crucial part of this is the retail offering onboard. We are thrilled to be collaborating exclusively with Gebr. Heineman to deliver such an exceptional high-end retail offering.” Kerstin Schepers, Managing Director for the Cruise Business at Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG: “We are very excited to be on board the AROYA Cruises. On its first ship we want to inspire travelers with our impressive employees and our spectacular assortment. We promise unforgettable shopping experiences to the guests.” The first of its kind, AROYA Cruises will aim to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences, with a vision to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Saudi. The launch of AROYA Cruises marks a significant step in providing new holiday options for Saudi-nationals, expatriates, and regional guests. Due to set sail in 2024, AROYA Cruises will also form a part of Cruise Saudi’s wider goal to provide 50,000 direct and indirect …

RAK National Hotels LLC  has added to its portfolio of hospitality and leisure assets the 300 key Marjan Island Resort & Spa from Manazil Group. The acquisition adds further scale to RAKNH’s portfolio and underlines its investment on Al Marjan Island, especially following RAKHH’s announcement of the group’s joint venture stake in the highly anticipated Wynn Al Marjan Island.  The property is currently operated by Accor Group and will be rebranded as a Pullman, the company’s premium hotel brand. Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism sector has been experiencing a major period of growth, with a multitude of new hotels, attractions and upgraded historical sites cementing the Emirate’s place as the go-to destination for adventure, relaxation and culture. Alison Grinnell, CEO of RAK Hospitality Holding commented: “The acquisition of Marjan Island Resort & Spa underscores our continued investment in Ras Al Khaimah and recognizes the huge opportunities in the Emirate as it positions itself as an international leisure destination. The property is ideally located to capitalise on these opportunities, and working with our partner Accor, we believe we can transform the property into a unique destination for tourists.” Abdul Mohsen Al Hammadi, Chairman and CEO of Manazil Group said: “After being one of the first properties to open on Al Marjan Island back in 2014, Marjan Island Resort & Spa became a stepping stone for our Group to enter into the hotel business and open four more hotels managed by Accor within the UAE, namely Movenpick, Novotel and Adagio in Jumeriah Village Triangle, and Pullman Sharjah.” Paul Stevens, COO Premium, Midscale & Economy Division for Middle East & Africa at Accor said: “We are very pleased to continue our strategic partnership with …

TBO.COM announced a strategic partnership with WebEngage for a comprehensive digital transformation. TBO will harness WebEngage’s cutting-edge automation and AI-ML tools, journey designers, and personalization engines to empower travel agents to serve their customers effectively. TBO is known for its pathbreaking “B2A” strategy in the tourism industry. Acronym for “Business to Agents”, the first-of-its-kind strategy in the region is aimed at empowering agents to maximize earnings by meaningfully catering to travellers seeking customized, hassle-free, and convenience-oriented tourism services. Such innovative B2B strategies, coupled with round-the-clock agent support and acceptance of over 55 currencies, have enabled TBO to expand its purview to over a million hotels and 120 countries globally. “Travel distribution platforms such as ours are ripe for technological adoption aimed at higher conversions and insights-led engagement. A marketing-automation innovator of WebEngage’s calibre as a solutions provider complements the scale of our operations and aspirations. The partnership will enable us to deliver personalized services to our agents and partners and, through them, a multitude of travellers across the globe,” expressed Gaurav Bhatnagar, Co-Founder & Managing Director, TBO.COM Reiterating the need for marketing automation in tourism distribution, Avlesh Singh, Co-Founder & CEO, WebEngage, said that business-facing companies must engage like they are directly dealing with customers. “The next phase of B2B growth will hinge on superior customer experiences. Therefore, in tourism distribution, a unified view of agents, dynamic segmentation, and the ability to automate and orchestrate cross-channel communications at scale will constitute a competitive edge. Our partnership with TBO is built on that objective.” WebEngage’s full-stack Retention Operating System has delivered measurable results for companies across sectors. As a testament to its success, WebEngage has built a portfolio of over 800 …

Red Sea Global (RSG) is now a destination partner of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). WTTC is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel and tourism. It promotes sustainable growth for the sector, working closely with governments and international institutions to create job opportunities, drive exports, and generate prosperity. RSG will work with the member organization to highlight the potential of responsible travel and regenerative tourism. “This year we are welcoming our first guests to The Red Sea destination. Our partnership with WTTC helps us to open the eyes of the world to the beauty, diversity, and cultural heritage of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea coast,” said Tracy Lanza, Group Head of Global Brand and Marketing at Red Sea Global. “At both The Red Sea and Amaala, we have chosen to go beyond sustainability and seek to make a positive, regenerative impact on the environment and on society. This partnership also allows us to show the industry what we have achieved, to demonstrate that there is a better way to develop and operate, and to encourage others to pursue regenerative tourism for the benefit of people and planet.” This collaboration allows RSG to exchange knowledge and best practices with an impressive network of industry leaders and experts who share its vision for a more sustainable future in tourism. Other WTTC destination partners include DGDA, NEOM, AlUla, as well as ATOUT France, Brand USA, Visit California, Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Visit Rwanda and TURESPAÑA, among others. With this partnership, RSG also benefits from WTTC’s annual Economic Impact Research for more than 185 countries and 26 regions around the world. Additionally, RSG will be able to …

Canal Central Hotel Business Bay announces its outstanding achievements in reducing carbon emissions during the first half of the year. Using Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism Carbon Calculator to measure and guide its efforts in achieving environmentally responsible operations during this period, Canal Central Hotel Business Bay has achieved substantial reductions in carbon emissions across various key performance indicators (KPIs), marking a significant step toward its sustainability goals. The results are as follows: Electricity: The hotel achieved an impressive 1.07% decrease in electricity consumption which is attributed to a series of energy saving initiatives implemented by the property including the installation of sensor-based lights in guests’ corridors, the implementation of a guest room power-saving mode via a Room Management System, the transition from conventional CFL lights to energy-efficient LED lights throughout the property, and the introduction of an auto shut-off mechanism for operational equipment. Water: Canal Central Hotel Business Bay proudly reports a reduction of 1.16% in water consumption. The hotel’s commitment to responsible water management is evident in its adoption of best practices, including the utilization of aerators in washroom faucets to regulate water flow and mitigate wastage. District Cooling: An impressive 0.67% reduction in carbon emissions related to district cooling has been accomplished by utilizing a central air conditioning system that efficiently cools the entire building. This technology allows the property to maintain comfortable temperatures while minimizing energy consumption. Liquefied Petroleum Gas: The hotel has effectively managed LPG consumption by optimizing food service operations. Buffet offerings are meticulously planned based on the in-house nationality mix and expected guest numbers, reducing excess food production. Additionally, the hotel has replaced buffets with set menu options during periods of decreased …

The Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority announced its participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition, which will be held from 02 – 08 September 2023 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), organized by the Emirates Falconers’ Club under the theme “Sustainability and Heritage… A Reborn Aspiration ” The reserve’s participation in the twentieth edition of the Exhibition reflects its interest and focus on supporting environmental, cultural, and heritage values, as well as promoting traditional sports and sustainable hunting. The CEO of the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority, Eng. Mohammad Al-Shaalan said: “Our participation in the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition will be an opportunity to showcase the experience of the Northern Reserve for Sustainable Hunting as the first sustainable hunting reserve in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to shed light on the development of the pioneering program for sustainable hunting, which allows hunting in limited numbers to avoid harming wildlife and minimizes illegal hunting through providing sustainable alternatives, reducing the impact on wildlife in nature, reviving the traditional hunting heritage through traditional methods, all under the regulations and organized standards.” Eng. Al-Shaalan explained: “The reserve will highlight its efforts to develop the skills of local communities, support entrepreneurship and the handicraft industry, and the development processes in preserving and sustaining environmental resources.” “The Reserve will dedicate a corner in its booth for participants in the beekeeping season to showcase various types of Saudi natural honey, and a performing folklore band will provide cultural performances, including Saudi traditional “Samri” dances.” He added. Throughout its participation, the reserve will showcase its vision to become a global sanctuary and an …

As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Oman Air has replaced the plastic used to wrap blankets and mattresses in its premium cabins with an eco-friendlier paper-based alternative. All duvets and mattresses across the airline’s fleet will now be presented to the guests with slim, branded paper bands, resulting in the reduction of up to 21.6 ton of plastic per year. The initiative is the latest step for Oman Air as it continues to work towards phasing out the use of single-use plastics on board. Captain Nasser bin Ahmed Salmi, Acting Chief Executive Officer at Oman Air, said: “In a concerted effort guided by our in-house experts and bolstered by collaborations with partners and vendors, we have successfully achieved another milestone in our sustainability efforts. This pivotal step aligns seamlessly with our corporate strategy to reduce waste and choose more environmentally friendly products, reflecting our commitment to national sustainability goals.” Oman Air has been making steadfast strides in reducing its on-board plastic consumption over the last few years, including removing the plastic sleeves used to load cutlery and reducing plastic water bottles and cuplets by up to 50% on certain routes. This year, it has also replaced 80% of its in-flight service carts with lightweight alternatives, providing a considerable boost to fuel efficiency. Meanwhile, Oman Air’s continual efforts to minimise its environmental impact is demonstrated through a range of initiatives that underscore its dedication to promoting sustainable aviation practices.

NEOM announced JLS Yachts has been appointed as a ‘key partner superyacht agency’ for Sindalah, NEOM’s luxury island development. Rising out of the crystalline waters of the Red Sea off Saudi Arabia’s northwestern coast, Sindalah will define a new dimension of exquisite bespoke travel. Set to open during 2024, Sindalah will be NEOM’s first tourism destination, offering visitors an idyllic luxury lifestyle experience. Sindalah is one of NEOM’s 41 islands, which will be home to a world-leading yachting ecosystem with more than 5,000 berths. NEOM’s partnership with JLS Yachts will support Sindalah’s vision of becoming a global yachting destination, with the island located just 17 hours’ sailing from the Mediterranean. The agency’s office within the island’s marina will provide a comprehensive range of world-class services for the comfort and pleasure of the yachting community, including berthing, provisioning, bunkering, customs clearance, transportation and travel arrangements. The appointment of JLS Yachts as NEOM’s second official yachting partner, follows the June 2023 announcement that Monaco-based BWA Yachting would be establishing an office at the Sindalah marina. Leveraging its service excellence and its established presence in the Arabian Gulf region and Indian Ocean, JLS Yachts will bring its regional expertise to Sindalah as it prepares to welcome the world’s most discerning superyacht clientele during 2024. With a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of the Middle Eastern marine environment and an unwavering commitment to going the extra mile for their clients, JLS Yachts has uniquely positioned itself as the ‘one-stop’ agency for all marine requirements, in the process setting a new benchmark of excellence in the Arabian Gulf region. Antoni Vives, Chief Urban Development at NEOM, said, “Sindalah will demonstrate to the world another level …

Almosafer has partnered with MoEngage, a marketing automation and customer engagement platform, to drive meaningful engagement with its travellers using an insights-led strategy. Almosafer’s consumer travel platform offers travelers seamless experiences for domestic and international travel bookings through its omnichannel offerings. Currently catering to KSA and other GCC audiences, the brand will leverage MoEngage’s platform to create personalized messaging, ensuring continuous customer engagement at the right place and time. “We understand the importance of trust when it comes to booking travel services. Our customers can rely on us to deliver on our promises, ensuring they receive the services they booked with confidence and peace of mind. Additionally, we also realize the research that goes behind booking a service, and we intend to provide assistance there as well with the help of MoEngage”, said Pallav Singhvi, VP Consumer Travel – Almosafer. Apart from meaningful customer engagement, Almosafer will leverage MoEngage’s capabilities, such as advanced segmentation, automation, and personalization capabilities. This will enable the brand to craft highly relevant and impactful campaigns whilst delivering the right messages to the right customers, maximizing the effectiveness of engagement efforts. Almosafer joins the growing list of 1200+ global companies across 35 countries, such as Azadea Group, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Landmark Group, Apparel Group, Airtel, Ola, Oyo, and Mashreq, that trust MoEngage to deliver a consistent experience across multiple devices and touchpoints. “We are excited to join hands with a leading brand that focuses on engagement across the customer journey lifecycle. Establishing a sound customer customer engagement strategy can lead to a long-term relationship and MoEngage will be more than happy to assist Almosafer in doing so”, said Sweta Duseja, Director of Customer Success, META …

As the aerospace and defence industries continue on their pathways to net zero, this year’s Dubai Airshow will be the ultimate platform for players from across these industries to convene, bringing the latest solutions that will help advance these crucial economic sectors towards a sustainable future. The industries have taken bold steps towards decarbonisation, with innovation accelerating at an exponential rate. As Dubai Airshow leads up to the United Nation’s annual global climate change conference, COP28, which is also taking place in Dubai towards the end of the year, industry stakeholders will take the opportunity to showcase their latest solutions towards net zero emissions, discuss collaborations and gain new insights. The aviation industry contributes approximately 2% to 3% of all global CO2 emissions but with a constant increase in passenger demand, this could rise to 25% to 30% by 2050 if no actions are taken, according to a new report by Frost & Sullivan titled ‘Sustainable Technologies in Aviation’, which raises the urgency on manufacturers, airlines and airport operators to undertake sustainability initiatives. Additionally, global production capacity for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) needs to exceed 30 billion litres by 2030 and 450 billion litres by 2050  for airlines to be able to achieve net zero targets. In 2020, SAF production was just 450 million litres, according to IATA, which is less than 0.05% of the global demand of jet fuel. However, several initiatives are already underway in the Middle East region. Recently, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company (Masdar) signed an agreement with Airbus, to support the development and growth of the global SAF market. The agreement will also see the entities collaborate on Green Hydrogen, and Direct Air Capture technologies. …