Second edition of Luxury Outbound Travel Market will take centre stage on September 6, 2018 at Sheraton Hotel and resorts Abu Dhabi organised by Luxury Connections partnered by Rwanda Tourism and RwandAir with exclusive media partnership by Travtalk Middle East, Tourism breaking news and Travel TV. News. Over 120 decision makers from the leading outbound travel companies of UAE will come together for a powerful day of networking. Among the tourism boards in attendance this year will be Turkey, Thailand, Seychelles and Zimbabwe with hotels from Georgia, hospitality partnership by Raviz Center Point hotel Dubai, event Production partnership by Purple MICE events , transportation partnerships with TLS Limousine and Koi Ride along with Oman insurance as the assurance partner and Hamdan Gallery . Aiming at the outbound travel destinations for 2019, the event promises a wide range of participation this year from Georgia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Azerbaijan. Leading DMCs like Canvas Travels from Georgia, DerTour – Azerbaijan, Southern Breeze – Vietnam are the ones to look out for this year. This year’s event will commence from 2.30pm with registration after which b2b meetings of TOP UAE agents will take place followed by an exclusive presentation by RwandAir and Rwanda Tourism to the buyers . The event will conclude with a Gala dinner which will further enhance networking opportunities between buyers and sellers. Transport for travel agents can be requested to Abu Dhabi from Dubai and return; more details can be obtained by calling the organiser Mario Anthony on 052 3890592 or email mario@luxuryconnectionsdubai.com

dnata has launched passenger handling operations at New York-JFK Airport. Already providing ground handling to over 50 airlines in the United States, this is a natural portfolio extension for dnata in New York. The launch customer is Copa Airlines, the flag carrier of Panama, which operates four daily flights with an annual capacity of 364,000 passengers between New York and Panama City using the Boeing 737 aircraft. Copa Airlines’ choice underlines the demand for dnata’s reliable and quality services and dedicated team. Having been awarded with over 40 new contracts in the United States in the past 12 months, dnata continues to win new business with its attention to meeting customers’ requirements, and its commitment to maintaining the integrity of airline schedules. Including Copa Airlines, dnata’s global ground handling operations now serve over 270 airlines at 75 airports in 13 countries. David Barker, Chief Executive Officer of dnata USA, said, “Commencing passenger handling operations at New York-JFK is an important milestone for dnata in the USA. Expanding our passenger services portfolio is part of our overall strategy to offer a full range of quality ground handling services in all of our 27 airports in the country. With our dedicated team and passion for service excellence, we continue to deliver the promises our customers make, while ensuring the highest level of safety across our operations.”

Etihad Airways has signed an agreement to be the official shirt and main sponsor and partner of the Riyadh-based, Saudi Stars League team, Al Nassr FC. Etihad Airways has built a portfolio of international sports sponsorships which includes the Formula 1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Manchester City FC, and the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. The multi-season partnership was signed at Etihad Airways’ Innovation Centre in Abu Dhabi, and was attended by senior members of both organisations’ leadership teams. Players from the football club were also in Abu Dhabi for the announcement, including Saudi national players, Mohammed Al-Sahlawi; and Ibrahim Ghaleb; and international stars Ahmed Musa and Noureddine Amrabat. Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said, “This agreement signals the start of an exciting new partnership between Al Nassr, one of Saudi Arabia’s best-known football clubs, and Etihad Airways. We look forward to our teams working together to promote the two brands in our home markets as well as across the region.” Commenting on the partnership, Saud Al Sweilem, Chairman of Al Nassr FC said, “We are delighted to have signed with Etihad Airways, one of the world’s leading airlines and a brand that supports football in many markets. I believe that together we can deliver a mutually beneficial partnership as well as present something new and exclusive to Al Nassr fans.” In addition to appearing on players’ shirts on all home and away games, Etihad Airways will work closely with Al Nassr on areas of brand partnership, marketing, customer and loyalty initiatives, social media outreach, inflight programming and travel trade support.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched the first electric service in Dubai Creek, which starts from Al Seef, Baniyas and Festival City as part of its efforts to expand the maritime transport network and enhance the tourism sector in Dubai. Nazem Faisal, Director of Maritime Transport at the Public Transport Agency, said, “The launch of the maritime transport service in Ebraat is achieving several objectives, including expansion of the maritime transport network and revitalizing the tourist side of the Dubai Creek because of its tourism heritage, which attracts more The service was launched in cooperation with a number of developers and strategic partners. Customers can pay 60 dirhams for a half hour trip or 120 dirhams For One piece. He added that the launch of the Ibra electric service enhances the RTA’s directions using clean energy in the city. Transportation, which provides an ideal marine environment, and embodies the fifth strategic objective “Sustainability and Environmental Safety”.

Under the expanded codeshare agreement, passengers can now travel on Oman Air flights from Muscat International Airport and connect to Madrid, Brussels, Vienna and Prague from Lufthansa’s Frankfurt and Munich hubs. The agreement offers travellers even better connectivity and an extended range of services between Muscat and Europe. Guests of both airlines will benefit from the greater convenience and the agreement is the latest step in developing closer links between Oman Air and Lufthansa, both of which share a commitment to deliver excellence in customer service. Lufthansa will continue to codeshare with Oman Air on Oman Air-operated services from both Frankfurt and Munich to Muscat vice versa, allowing their guests to experience the hospitality and service of Oman Air. Oman Air guests will be spoilt for choice as they will be able to fly onwards to Brussels Airport (BRU), Vienna International Airport (VIE), Vaclav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) and Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and Barcelona (BCN) in Europe. Both Oman Air and Lufthansa offer outstanding choice for customers and the new codeshare between the two airlines will maximise the travel opportunities offered to passengers through their extensive networks. Engineer Abdulaziz Al Raisi, CEO, Oman Air said, “Strategic codeshares are a crucial way for us to broaden customer choice. Our continued relationship with Lufthansa is very important for Oman Air, and we are delighted to offer our valued guests even better connectivity in Europe.”

Al Raid Group has announced that the construction of Al Araimi Boulevard (ABLVD) mall is well underway and will open in September. Al Araimi Boulevard is a venture of the Al Raid group, one of the leading pioneers in developing futuristic shopping malls and leisure destinations in Oman. This one-of-a-kind mall combines cutting edge technology, design and emerging concepts, to create a world-class, state-of-the-art facility. Classified among the top 25 new malls in the world, Al Araimi Boulevard draws inspiration from the beauty and diversity of Oman and has been designed for families and those young at heart. With 70,500 sqm of space to be leased out, Al Araimi Boulevard will accommodate fashion stores of all kinds offering something for everyone-trendy, ubercool and everything in between. The finest collection of labels from around the world will keep shoppers coming back for more. Entertainment options at this mall will be of another level, with its cine screens, a unique interactive wall and mesmerizing kinetic lighting displays, not to mention the largest Kid’s World of its kind in Oman. Sheikh Raid Abdullah Al Araimi, Vice Chairman of Al Raid Group said, “Al Araimi Boulevard will set new standards in the retail sector. It is being built on a completely futuristic design and concept, that will redefine the way people shop, relax and get entertained. The mall has plenty of room for more fashion brands to make their presence felt. Al Araimi Boulevard is expected to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect job opportunities to the local workforce and will be a one-of-its-kind experience for anyone and everyone.”

Travelport is using new cloud technology for the onboarding and management of new car rental content, provided through Travelport’s new partnership with AutoEurope. Travelport’s cloud-based platform enables quicker content acquisition, with AutoEurope’s content available through Travelport’s commerce platform within six months of the agreement being made. This increased speed and partnership approach will become the benchmark for future content addition, as well as providing a model to enable Travelport to grow and evolve with its customers. Commenting on the use of cloud technology, Travelport’s Chief Architect, Mike Croucher, said, “We’re constantly looking at how the deployment of new technologies can improve the way our platform delivers for our customers. Through using cloud-based management, we’ve significantly decreased the time-to-market for our new rental car content, bringing increased choice to our customers and their customers faster than before.” On Travelport’s partnership with AutoEurope, VP and Global Head of Rental Car and Ground Transport Sourcing, Steve Matise said: “The growth of our car business is a key pillar of Travelport’s content strategy and we’re delighted to have partnered with AutoEurope, who are a global leader in supplying rental cars. The ability to pre-pay for rental cars is common in many parts of the world, meaning this new partnership offers real choice for our customers and their customers.” AutoEurope provides car rental services at over 20,000 locations in 180 countries, globalizing Travelport’s bookable car content and increasing choice and flexibility for Travelport’s agency partners. Travelport’s XML solution for car enables the display of car providers content in the way they prefer to sell it.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has signed an agreement with ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’, developed by Emaar Properties which aims to support RTA’s Ferry service through promoting the sale of Dubai Ferry tickets amongst Dubai visitors, residents and tourist groups received by Emaar. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency, signed the agreement on behalf of RTA and Ahmed Al Falasi, Executive Director of Group Operations, signed on behalf of Emaar, in the presence of officials from both parties. “The agreement is the first phase of an ongoing scheme between RTA and ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’ to improve the marine transit network and enhance the experience of customers using water transport. According to the agreement, ‘At the Top, Burj Khalifa’ will promote the Ferry service amongst visitors and residents of Dubai as well as the tourist groups. The promotional campaign will highlight the mesmerizing features of the Ferry along with the cruise services provided, besides supporting ticket sale at the ticket booths within Ferry stations. RTA has six Ferry boats in operation and three others as standby for any surge in demand or private chartering. The Ferry has made 3700 voyages used by 105.5 thousand riders during the first half of this year, which warrants supporting the service. The Ferry shuttles between eight stations namely Ghubaiba, Marina Mall, Jaddaf, Water Canal, Sheikh Zayed Road, Water Front, Marasi and the Dubai Design District.

Jazeera Airways has announced a partnership with Amadeus that will open up increased fare options and availability for travel agencies. Serving more than 2.2 million passengers a year and flying to 26 destinations, Jazeera Airways strives to be the seamless connection between its customers and their sources of inspiration. By adopting Amadeus’ Global Distribution Services (GDS) solutions, the airline will be well-positioned to provide the best value to customers and agents who book through the Amadeus system, while enjoying streamlined processes throughout several aspects of its operations. This partnership adds to the airline’s agreement with Navitaire, an Amadeus company, to use its customer-centric reservation platform to help drive higher revenues.

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) is providing various options for students this year with its innovative programme of vocational education offered at its Dubai College of Tourism (DCT), that was established to lay the groundwork for talented Emiratis and expatriate residents in the UAE to join the city’s rapidly evolving tourist-facing workforce. The college will commence its range of courses on September 9, 2018 and admissions for the new intake are still open. The vocational courses offered by DCT have been designed to bridge the gap between hands-on training and a conventional university degree, preparing students for exciting and rewarding career opportunities. DCT’s courses are focused around five core programme areas – Tourism, Events, Hospitality, Retail and Culinary Arts – and will help young people learn from established professionals in the industry. The programmes also include internships in the industry to provide students with valuable real-world skills and practical applications. Essa Bin Hadher, General Manager of DCT said, “Students are often faced with grave academic pressures during this nerve-wracking period around results day, with some often finding themselves in a predicament about the future of their careers. As such, it is crucial to remember that there is no right way or shortcut to success – especially in Dubai’s fast-paced tourism and hospitality industries. Dubai College of Tourism is committed to helping students develop their practical skills, industry talents and self-confidence by supporting and empowering young talent. This forms the basis of our practical courses and active industry collaborations, both aimed at providing students with a transformational educational experience that is tailored to meet the needs of future employers”.