Turkey’s leading low cost carrier Pegasus Airlines will fly direct from Ras Al Khaimah International airport from October 28, 2019, this was revealed at a special interview with Haitham Matthar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, stating that this will further enhance tourism arrivals from Europe and Russia via Istanbul. Commencing from October 28, 2019, Pegasus Airlines will operate scheduled flights between Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, and will operate the direct route twice a week every Saturday and Wednesday. The new flight operation will provide outbound and transit travellers from Istanbul a smoother and seamless access to Ras Al Khaimah, one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Middle East. The carrier’s new route will further connect Ras Al Khaimah with 26 European destinations including the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, the Nordics and Russia via Istanbul. Mattar said, “We are pleased to announce our strategic partnership with Pegasus Airlines that will help us introduce Ras Al Khaimah to the Turkish market and most importantly allow us to leverage Istanbul’s proximity and hub connectivity with our key feeder markets within Europe and Russia. This new addition is an important step in our continuous drive to increase accessibility and visibility, attract more high yield visitors, and ultimately boost both first-time and repeat visitation from our source markets.” As per figures last year, Germany, Russia and the UK continue to be the leading international source markets for Ras Al Khaimah, driven by a strong appetite for the destination’s year-round offering. Ras Al Khaimah International Airport now welcomes direct connectivity from various global destinations including Cairo, Islamabad, Jeddah, Lahore, Peshawar, Calicut, Katowice, Poznan, Warsaw, Luxembourg, Prague, …

IHG signed a global partnership agreement with Seera Group, the largest travel and tourism company in the Middle East with a prominent local, regional and international presence. The significant direct connectivity distribution agreement, which was announced at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019, will provide Seera Group (formerly Al Tayyar Travel Group) with access to IHG’s current global portfolio of 15 brands and over 5,600 hotels, in more than 100 countries, for the leisure travel category. Seera Group will also have access to automated real-time pricing and inventory across IHG’s portfolio. Commenting on the signing, Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, IMEA, IHG, said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Seera Group. IHG has ambitious growth aspirations for the region, and the exciting agreement will allow us to connect with a wider audience of leisure travellers. Leisure travel is a growing category amongst the region’s domestic and outbound travellers, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a number of projects initiated under the KSA National Vision 2030. Our global portfolio of well-known brands and hotels, coupled with the partnership, will allow us to be able to bring both greater awareness and choice to the travellers in the region.” The agreement will provide IHG with access to Seera Group’s extensive regional network of retail branches and call centres, as well as the group’s leading consumer travel brand Almosafer and its UAE-focused OTA tajawal, strengthening IHG’s visibility and sales capabilities. Abdullah Al Dawood, CEO of Seera Group, said, “Seera Group is fast becoming the partner of choice for hotel brands looking to harness the power of the Middle East’s travel industry, and with a new partnership, IHG will gain exposure to our …

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) unveiled three new luxury hospitality projects worth AED 130 million at ATM 2019, which are nearing completion and slated for an official launch in the second half (H2) of  2019. Situated in three distinct historical and natural sites across the emirate of Sharjah, the three projects are Al Faya Lodge at Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism, Kingfisher Lodge at Kalba, and finally, the Al Badayer Oasis being developed in the Al Badayer desert. The projects are poised as world-class additions to Shurooq’s growing portfolio of leading cultural and eco-tourism projects in Sharjah. They make up the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, developed and launched by Shurooq and managed by Mysk by Shaza Hotels. Designed to provide guests with comfort, privacy and amazing views overlooking the Indian Ocean and a forest of mangrove trees surrounding its natural location, Kingfisher Lodge is one of Sharjah’s leading eco-friendly hospitality projects. Nestled in central Sharjah, the Al Faya Lodge and Al Badayer Oasis are located in Sharjah’s Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism destination, and the Al Badayer desert, respectively. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, COO of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), said,  “Shurooq is highlighting its stellar portfolio of hospitality and eco-tourism projects such as Al Bait Hotel, Al Faya Lodge, Kingfisher Lodge, Al Badayer Oasis, Mleiha Archaeological and Eco-tourism project, Al Noor Island and many more at ATM 2019, to educate visitors and investors about the emirate’s tourism sector and lucrative investment opportunities it offers”. Shurooq is participating in ATM 2019 as part of the Sharjah Pavilion under the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority’s (SCTDA) in Hall 4 at DWTC.

Cristal Group unveiled Cristal Amaken Hotel, a four-star hotel with 268 contemporary rooms and suites, designed to offer Cristal’s signature hospitality.  It is the first Cristal Hotel in Riyadh, located in the heart of Riyadh’s second Industrial City and the third Cristal property in the Kingdom. The hotel’s facilities include a state-of-the-art business centre, executive club lounge, valet parking, and outdoor pool. You can relax and unwind at the Cristal Spa which includes a health club with jacuzzi, steam & sauna, and a lavish Turkish bath.  The rooms and suites are enhanced with a variety of features including pillow top mattress, premium linen, IPTV, an executive desk, complimentary high-speed WiFi access, tea & coffee facility, and a spacious bathroom with rain shower. Cristal Amaken Hotel boasts three new dining outlets. You can taste Italy’s classic dishes at Alto Italian Restaurant, or indulge in a wide selection of international dishes at Viewz restaurant where a premium Buffet and a la carte meals are served.  You can also relax and enjoy signature desserts, coffees and teas at Blendz lobby café. The hotel also provides solutions to your event needs, be it a conference, business luncheon, workshops, weddings or receptions.  With a capacity of 300 guests, the conference hall is designed for maximum flexibility with modern audio visual equipment providing a comfortable meeting environment.  Outdoor catering services are also available. To commemorate the hotel’s opening, an introductory offer of 25 per cent discount on room rates is available until June 1, 2019.  Cristal Group together with its partners, Staywell Hospitality Group and Prince Hotels & Resorts currently operate across 16 countries with over 122 hotels and resorts.

Revolutionising the aviation sector once again, Etihad Airways unveiled a major Economy transformation programme starting with the cabin upgrade and refurbishment of 23 narrow-body Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. The retrofit programme, which includes new personalised wireless streaming entertainment to smartphone and tablet devices, is scheduled for completion in August this year. The airline is also introducing a new and improved Economy dining concept on all its flights as part of a wider programme of enhancements to its inflight catering. Etihad introduced the new developments at Arabian Travel Market, together with a new advertising campaign, ‘Go Your Own Way’, using Fleetwood Mac’s anthemic classic as its soundtrack. As part of the airline’s overall ‘Choose Well’ brand platform, the campaign will drive greater awareness of Etihad’s commitment to providing its guests with greater control, choice and value by personalising their travel experiences. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “Etihad has always been a challenger brand, shaping the future of travel as the market constantly changes. We are bringing the leadership and innovation to Economy travel which we have long established in our award-winning Business, First and The Residence cabins. As part of our ‘Choose Well’ promise, we are empowering our guests with more control of their travel experiences, through onboard digital transformation, improved choice and redesigned cabins and products.” Etihad is progressively upgrading the Economy cabins of its narrow-body fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft. These are used mainly on short-haul regional services, and further afield to 38 Etihad gateways within five hours of flight from Abu Dhabi. The airline is installing modern and refreshed cabins featuring ergonomic Extra-spatial Design seats by UK based Acro, a …

The cuisine, art, fashion and landscapes of Italy are attracting more visitors from the Middle East in recent years, with figures released today showing visitor numbers increased by 21.97 per cent in 2017 compared to 2016, a rise from 157,000 to nearly 200,000 travellers. The figures were announced during a press conference at the Arabian Travel Market, which was hosted by Filippo Del Corno, Deputy Major for Culture, Municipality of Milan; Lara Magoni, Councilor for Tourism, Territorial Marketing and Fashion of the Lombardy region and Alessandra Zita from the Italian Government Tourist Board (ENIT). Visitors from the UAE are the top Middle Eastern spenders in Italy parting with 180 million euros in 2017, followed by visitors from Saudi Arabia recording 120.3 million euros spend in the same year. ENIT has also revealed that the most popular regions for travellers from the Middle East include Lazio, Lombardy, Veneto, Tuscany, Piedmont and Emilia Romagna. According to ENIT, the Made In Italy brand that is synonoumus with high-quality design, craftsmanship and production, is a driving force behind the increasing tourist figures from the Middle East. The Lombardy region of Italy (an area which covers Milan, Lake Como and Lake Garda), had the privilege to host the eclectic artist, Leonardo da Vinci, for many years of his working life. This year is the 500th anniversary of Leonardo da Vinci’s death and his creative genius, along with the region’s cuisine, fashion and design, is being celebrated during ATM in a dedicated zone at the Italian Pavillion. In addition to the Lombardy region zone, there is a dedicated area demonstrating Italian-style wellness for visitors to enjoy; a virtual reality experience covering art, food and lifestyle all …

Tourism Malaysia has outlined its ambitious plans for growth today during an event held at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019 in Dubai. The organisation’s participation is designed to support the objectives of the Visit Malaysia 2020 initiative, which aims to attract more than 30 million tourists and around AED 89 billion in tourist receipts. More than 50 representatives from key stakeholders in Malaysia’s travel and hospitality sectors have travelled to the UAE for the event, where they showcased the latest news and updates on the country’s tourism offerings. The GCC remains a key market for inbound tourism to Malaysia, with total arrivals from West Asia standing at 315,733 during 2018, an increase of 25% on the previous year. The number of visitors from Saudi Arabia increased by 11.7%, while UAE travellers increased by 9.7%. Oman recorded the biggest rise in visitor numbers, at 36.9%. During the same period, visitors from the region contributed more than around AED 2.7 billion to Malaysia’s economy, with tourism receipts rising by 33% compared to 2017. Travellers from GCC countries also recorded the highest average expenditure per person, with visitors from Saudi Arabia spending around AED 10,300, United Arab Emirates around AED 8,300, Oman around AED 7,500, and Kuwait around AED 7,400. Y B Datuk Mohamaddin bin Ketapi, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Malaysia commented, “It is particularly relevant for us to be here during the national Year of Tolerance, which highlights the common values of our two countries by emphasising on the importance of diversity and harmonious coexistence. We look forward to further building on our shared legacy of cultural exchange and extend a warm invitation to travellers from the Middle East to …

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will to showcase its latest innovative guest experiences and global expansion plans at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2019 in Dubai. Building on its long history of constantly enhancing guest experiences through its innovative approach to luxury hospitality, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will be highlighting the recent launch of ‘Take Your Time: Daily Discoveries’, a collection of on-property experiences that invites guests to celebrate the culture of each destination. The experiences are designed to encourage guests to truly connect with the world and the people who matter most in their lives. Simon Casson, President – Hotel Operations—Europe, Middle East and Africa, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said, “At Four Seasons, we have a long legacy of innovation – not only in terms of how we leverage technology to enhance our offering and services, but also in the way we embrace and celebrate innovation as a way to constantly elevate the guest experience. Whether it is by inviting guests to connect with Four Seasons people and destinations in more meaningful ways, such as through ‘Take Your Time’, or providing real-time assistance through the Four Seasons Chat service, innovation has always defined our approach to creating unforgettable luxury hospitality experiences for our guests.” “While technology clearly has a vital role to play in shaping the future of the hospitality industry, we recognise that the human touch remains key to delivering authentic personal care that makes each and every guest feel treasured and understood. We will continue to evolve our services in line with the changing needs of travellers, but without compromising on our fundamental belief in the power of deep personal connections, which remains at the heart of …

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation, has inaugurated the 26th edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM). He was joined by Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), plus other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway at DWTC. Taking place from April 28 to May 1, this year’s event has 400 main stand holders with representation from over 150 countries. With more than 40,000 visitors expected to attend the event, ATM 2019 will showcase over 2,500 exhibiting companies – of which 100 will be making their show debut. The 26th edition of ATM will form part of the inaugural Arabian Travel Week, as well as ILTM Arabia, CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa – a new route development forum launching this year and new consumer-led event ATM Holiday Shopper. Other highlights will include the debuts of Arabia China Tourism Forum and Hotel Industry Summit, as well as the return of Global Halal Tourism Summit. As this year’s main theme, cutting-edge technology and innovation will be integrated across all show verticals and planned activities.

Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments Dubai is set to reveal updates on its four new upcoming properties at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) currently underway. The introduction of new living concepts was inspiration behind the foundation of Two Seasons Hotel Management Company — the one that reflects the ever-changing trends towards the specialisation of hospitality products catering to a variety of travellers including corporate guests, business and leisure groups, families and children, long-term guests and independent travellers. The Two Seasons brand represents deluxe hotels and guarantees guests fine accommodation, excellent services and unique atmosphere. The creation of the home-grown brand will certainly enhance guest interaction by offering personalised services and quality standards to guests. Following the same concept and guideline as the first hotel of the brand, Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments in Al Barsha boasts of 188 stylish lifestyle hotel rooms and is expected to open by 2021 with a swimming pool, all-day dining restaurant and a health club. New Seasons Resort and Spa in Dakhla City, Morocco boasts of a beachfront location and will house 120 supreme luxury rooms and suites, along with 24 villas of two-, three- and four-bedrooms. The resort is expected to open by 2022 and falls under a new concept of luxurious, trendy and charming that echoes a new season of lifestyle hotel start up. New Seasons Boutique Hotel, Rabat City, Morocco is a lifestyle property that will have 24 elegant and stylish units and suites with an organic farm is located in the capital of Rabat. Expected to open by 2022, this hotel also falls under a new concept of luxurious, trendy and charming that echoes a new season of lifestyle hotels start-up.