Victor announced its commitment to delivering its pioneering climate action strategy in the MENA region. Together with partner Neste, the world’s leading producer of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), the sector leader is committed to transforming the business aviation landscape in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, by leveraging its learnings from nearly two years’ success in offering SAF directly to private jet flyers worldwide. Focusing on a continued campaign of education and awareness, Victor aims to shift the needle on two core metrics: driving an uplift in voluntary SAF demand from the region’s business aviation flyers and encouraging the adoption of its SAF blueprint by other business and commercial aviation companies across MENA. Having recently relocated its headquarters to Abu Dhabi from the UK, Victor is deepening its commitment to the region and reinforcing its strategic focus on climate action within the MENA markets. The company will build on the success of its ‘Pay Here, Use There’ model, allowing members to purchase Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel™ for every private jet booking – regardless of departure airport. The key learnings from Victor customer behaviour have been encouraging: 1 in 5 private aircraft charterers are willing to pay an additional c.4,500 AED for SAF per booking, providing an average carbon emission reduction of 1.5 tonnes. The average amount of Jet-A fossil fuel Victor customers choose to replace with SAF is 30% per booking. Victor’s aim in 2024 is for at least 1 in 5 MENA customers to buy SAF for their jet charter bookings. This voluntary solution and the SAF purchases it is enabling, is helping to establish a critical new sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, which is necessary …

Emirates and Avianca launched a new codeshare partnership which allows Emirates and Avianca customers to enjoy seamless connectivity on select routes. Emirates customers flying from Emirates’ network via Madrid, Barcelona or London Heathrow, can fly direct to three points in Colombia and enjoy seamless connectivity, in addition to other travel benefits that introduce more convenience. Codeshare flights include Madrid to Bogotá, Medellin or Cali; Barcelona to Bogotá; and London Heathrow to Bogotá. Tickets can be booked immediately on emirates.com, avianca.com, the Emirates and Avianca Apps, contact centres or via both online and offline travel agents, with codeshare flights starting from 4 June. Avianca will place its code on routes operated by Emirates, between Barcelona, Madrid or London Heathrow and Dubai. The Colombian carrier’s customers will fly on Emirates-operated widebody aircraft while enjoying premium dining, lie-flat seats in premium cabins in addition to an abundance of content on Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system, featuring more than 6,500 channels of movies, shows, music and more, including in Spanish. Customers of both airlines will enjoy the convenience of seamless connectivity, hassle-free booking of itineraries on both airlines on a single ticket while reaping the benefit of securing competitive fares, and a single baggage policy checked through to the final destination. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President, and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates said: “We are delighted to establish a codeshare partnership with Colombia’s largest carrier, Avianca to provide seamless connections on select routes to customers of both airlines. The codeshare agreement will enable us to expand our reach and allow our customers to use our services and fly to additional popular points in Colombia.” We are also pleased to offer Avianca’s customers connections through points in Spain …

The importance of the unified tourist visa for the GCC countries, which is scheduled to come into force at the end of this year, and its role in contributing to supporting the process of sustainable and comprehensive economic development, was highlighted at the Regional Committee for the Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organisation in Qatar. The meeting included constructive discussions on tourism investments and means of financing, by stressing that Qatar is characterized by having an attractive investment environment for local and foreign investors, thanks to economic stability capable of withstanding challenges and achieving growth in GDP. Qatar has seen the establishment of more than 800 new businesses and the implementation of 135 FDI projects with a total value of $29.78 billion. In addition, Qatar Tourism is keen to achieve service excellence in all aspects of the tourism sector through close cooperation with public and private sector institutions in the country, which contributed to providing an attractive and exceptional experience for visitors. Qatar Tourism, chaired by HE President of Qatar Tourism Saad bin Ali Al Kharji, is participating in the fiftieth meeting of the Regional Committee for the Middle East of the United Nations Tourism Organization, which was held in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman, and will continue until the 24th of this month. At the end of the meeting yesterday, it was announced that Qatar will host the next meeting of the Committee in its fifty-first edition. The selection of Doha to host the next meeting is an affirmation of Qatar’s role as a regional and global hub in cultural, economic and political exchange, thus enhancing cooperation between countries and contributing to the development of international relations, thus …

Under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), Ahmed Al Khateeb, the STA launched the country’s summer program for 2024, “Saudi Summer is Next Door.” The program will run for four months until the end of September across seven destinations and includes over 550 tourism products and more than 150 special offers and packages curated for families and children across different segments such as adventure lovers, those seeking luxury retreats, and culture and heritage enthusiasts. The Saudi Summer Program 2024 launch event was attended by World Tourism Organization Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili, over 250 key strategic partners from the public and private sectors, significant media, and key opinion leaders. The summer program will take place in seven destinations: Aseer, Al Baha, Taif, the Red Sea (a new destination), Jeddah, Riyadh, and AlUla. This year, the program will also see the return of the Jeddah Season and the launch of the Aseer Season, featuring numerous family activities and events. Saudi Arabia has a lineup of major events as part of the summer program, notably the Esports World Cup in Riyadh, being held for the first time, an annual eight-week competition featuring the world’s most elite esports athletes, and multiple boxing tournaments in Riyadh and Jeddah. At the event, Al Khateeb highlighted global tourism trends, the growth seen by the Kingdom in the tourism sector, and the record-breaking numbers of incoming tourists, resulting in Saudi Arabia topping the UN World Tourism list and the G20 nations list. Al Khateeb stated, “Saudi Arabia is witnessing a transformative period in tourism, driven by our vision to position the Kingdom as a premier global …

Radisson Hotel Group is proud to announce the opening of Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya, the Group’s 28th hotel in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its 9th in the vibrant city of Riyadh. This new opening marks a significant milestone as the Group continues its expansion in one of the most dynamic regions of the Middle East aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to enhance the country’s economic and tourism landscape. Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital, is a city where history and modernity meet, offering a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary development, with a multitude of attractions like the historic Diriyah, Riyadh Boulevard, and the King Abdullah Financial District. Nestled in the northern Al Yasmin suburb, Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya is a beacon of contemporary urban design, blending neutral colors with coastal accents to create a stylish and elegant atmosphere. With 201 guest rooms and a variety of amenities, the hotel is ideally suited for both business and leisure travelers seeking a sophisticated stay in one of Riyadh’s most prominent neighborhoods. The rooms and apartments showcase a contemporary design with an urban flair, featuring elegant finishes that resonate with the beauty of Riyadh. The hotel boasts a full-service restaurant, a cozy lobby lounge, expansive meeting and event facilities spanning 500 sq. meters, and separate indoor fitness centers for ladies and gentlemen. Additional leisure facilities include a fitness center, pool, spa, and kids club. Separate indoor fitness centers are available for ladies and gentlemen. At Radisson Hotel & Residence Riyadh Olaya, culinary delights await at every corner of the lively RBG Restaurant with its varied à la carte and buffet breakfast options. The restaurant offers an …

The Ministry of Interior is holding the mobile exhibition “No Hajj Without a Permit” in Madinah, between May 20 and 25, 2024, to raise awareness among the residents about safe and secure Hajj practices. Visitors gain insights into the ministry’s use of artificial intelligence to manage crowds during Hajj, but also get familiarized with the Makkah Route Initiative, which is part of the broader ‏Pilgrim Experience Program, which falls under Saudi Vision 2030 and whose goal is to serve pilgrims. This year, the initiative is being implemented for the sixth time at 11 airports in seven countries, facilitating the arrival of pilgrims. Displays at the exhibition highlight the ministry’s efforts to ensure the security and safety of visitors to the two holy mosques. Visitors learn about emergency reporting procedures through the unified security operations centers (911), as well as about the most prominent services offered on the Absher electronic platform.

At the China Global Traveller Market update and seminar Elaine Sun, Regional Director MEA, Trip.com shared that there are 3 most important factors to drive in Chinese inbound visitors; focus on content, service and dynamic offerings. She reiterated that hotels should first focus on getting their content to showcase their USP by showcasing the property with 5 to 10 second short videos and good images to draw the interest of the Chinese travellers. When it comes to service, there should be fact sheets and other material translated and shared with Chinese elements such as wechat, alipay so that there is a purpose to select the hotel as against others as it shows that the hotel would take an interest in accommodating Chinese travellers. The last point mentioned was the tailormade and bespoke experiences on offer, early bird deals, amenities, offerings such as early check-in and late checkouts as flight timings are different to provide that feeling you are welcomed in the hotel is most important to the Chinese travellers.

Kempinski Hotels announced the appointment of Barbara Muckermann as Chief Executive Officer. Muckermann previously was responsible for leading Silversea Cruises (part of Royal Caribbean Group), the world’s largest ultra-luxury and expedition cruise line. She joins the iconic global luxury hospitality brand with 82 hotels in 36 countries at an exciting time, as Kempinski prepares for impressive growth in new regions worldwide and more spectacular properties on the horizon. Kempinski is proud of its 127-year tradition and the associated high standard of quality which the group has introduced into new upwardly-mobile markets. The group intends to add another 34 hotels and residences to its portfolio in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa in the coming years and to further secure Kempinski’s legendary global position and standing. “I could not be more thrilled to be joining Kempinski Hotels as CEO during such a pivotal time for the brand”, says Muckermann on her appointment. “I am delighted to play an integral role in this incredibly iconic brand’s next chapter while honouring its rich history, and very much look forward to working in tandem with amazing colleagues globally to continue to make the Kempinski name synonymous with individual luxury.” “Barbara has always been at the forefront of luxury, and her proven ability to elevate the guest experience while simultaneously maximising profitability for leading travel brands made her the ideal choice to lead Kempinski Hotels,” said René Nijhof, Chairman of the Board of Directors Kempinski Hotels S.A. “Her dynamic, forward-thinking approach will be vital as we continue to usher in a new era of luxury for our brand. As Barbara takes the helm, she will be the first woman in the company’s 127 years …

Novotel unveils the latest addition to its portfolio in Saudi Arabia, Novotel Riyadh Sahafa. This marks the ninth Novotel property across the Kingdom and is being led by Accor’s first female hotel General Manager in Saudi Arabia, Hessa Al Mazroa. Strategically located in the vibrant Al Sahafa district, this contemporary property is the ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers seeking a blend of comfort, convenience and wellbeing. Novotel Riyadh Sahafa is set in close proximity to King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh Exhibition Center and Riyadh Boulevard, the city’s largest entertainment centre. The hotel is only 15 km away from King Khalid International Airport. The Novotel Riyadh Sahafa showcases a combination of modern design and traditional Saudi elements. The four-star property features 232 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, complete with stunning views of Olaya Street, one of Riyadh’s bustling arteries. The state-of-the-art facilities are designed to provide a tranquil retreat for business travellers seeking to rest after a busy day and families looking to spend quality time together. Spearheading the team at Novotel Riyadh Sahafa is the trailblazing Hessa Almazroa, the group’s first female hotel general manager in the country, who emphasized the importance of this launch. “This is a significant milestone for Novotel as we strengthen our presence in the dynamic and transforming Saudi market. We are dedicated to merging international hospitality standards with local culture to create uniquely enriching moments for our guests inspiring them to reconnect with their friends, family and colleagues.” Almazroa emphasised the rise of Saudi women and the positive impact of Saudization on the hospitality industry. “It is a great honour to lead a team of such talented and committed professionals. We are …

Latest data revealed at the China Global Traveller Market update and seminar shared that there are 140,000 Chinese travellers visiting Dubai per month accounting to 1.7million per year. In terms of flight arrivals, there are 13 to 17 daily direct flights with 4000 plus seats a day. Alexander Glos – CEO i2i Group revealed in his opening statement that China is one of the biggest markets in the world, at a special semianr conducted to share how agents and hotels can attract more visitors from China to the UAE. In his comprehensive presentation he shared the various avenues available to conduct business with Chinese travellers. A key statement he made was that the Chinese travellers have evolved from pre-covid times. More on this story in our next TBN.