A delegation led by the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau (ADCB) will attend The Meetings Show – the  event for the inbound and outbound meetings and event industry in the UK – in London on 27th and 28th June 2018, to raise awareness of the emirate as a world-class events, incentive and exhibition hub. The delegation will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with more than 2,300 key buyers on the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau stand over the course of the two days, with the show expected to welcome over 4,800 meetings and events professionals. The UK is the leading European source market and the third largest overseas market for Abu Dhabi, having seen a rise of 13 per cent in UK visitors during 2017, where numbers reached 270,000. Figures for 2018 are looking healthy, with the first four months of the year registering a 13.7 per cent increase compared to 2017. This visit will be the fifth time the Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau has participated in The Meetings Show, which each year generates countless event enquiries and exhibition leads for Abu Dhabi. “Each year we see great results from attending The Meetings Show in London, so we are very pleased to bring our 14 stakeholders to the show this year,’ said Sara Abdullah Al Aslai, the Conferences & Exhibitions Unit Head. “The UK market is an incredibly important one for us, with many leading British companies holding events and incentives in Abu Dhabi. However, we continue to strive to attract further interest from meeting and event professionals, and attending events like The Meetings Show in London enhances our presence within the industry.”

Lucid Pay, a smart settlement platform, has recently integrated blockchain technology into the systems of 5-star resort Atlantis, The Palm, making it the first for hotels worldwide. The smart platform enables guests to pay for their activities and amenities in an efficient, secure and effortless manner. The platform also uses smart contracts that allow the hotel to pre-define guests’ terms and refund conditions, enabling stress-free and frictionless transactions. The cashless-based solution eliminates disputes and fraud, while providing automated loyalty programmes and speedy executions, which hotels can take advantage of. As a platform, Lucid Pay’s goal is to interconnect the hospitality industry and break physical boundaries, by providing guests with the opportunity to experience the city while charging back to the host and settling their bill at checkout. Commenting on the integration, Liquid D founder Jawad Riachi said, “We’re proud to be able to integrate our blockchain-based smart settlement platform Lucid Pay into a world-class brand such as Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai. I’d like to thank the resorts’ IT team, finance, marketing and operation, who supported the initiative and worked hard to make the project a reality. We have focused on ensuring the product is easy to use, with a convenient learning process. The users immediately feel at home when they use our solution. ” Anthony Lynsdale, Vice President, Information Technology, Atlantis The Palm, Dubai said, “We chose Lucid Pay as our partner to deliver a seamless integrated point of sale solution using a Blockchain platform.”

In a move to enhance destination awareness and foster market visibility, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) has appointed VFS Global to promote Zimbabwe as a preferred tourism destination in both India and GCC region, through a collaborative relationship. The agreement was officially signed by Karikoga Kaseke, Chief Executive of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Office Boardroom, Harare in the presence of other eminent dignitaries from VFS Global, travel and trade fraternity. A world of wonders, Zimbabwe prides itself to being home of the Majestic Victoria Falls; one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a World Heritage Site that is the biggest curtain of water in the world in the Zambezi River. As part of the agreement, VFS Global would support ZTA to build a unique identity of Zimbabwe as a potential tourist destination by educating and spreading awareness to tour operators, travel agents, MICE planners and the general traveller based in India or GCC region.

Rotana has signed two new hotel management agreements to further strengthen the company’s presence in its home region and expand its footprint into Europe. Marking its latest offering in Dubai’s thriving hospitality market, Rotana is now officially managing Cayan Tower, the ninth tallest residential high-rise building in the world, under its ‘The Residences by Rotana’ brand. In addition, the company will operate Bosmal Arjaan by Rotana in Bosnia and Herzegovina to make its foray into Southeast Europe. Situated on a prime location in the Dubai Marina district, the Cayan Tower features 490 and 7 retails spanning 73 floors of the award-winning skyscraper. The awe-inspiring architectural wonder with a dynamic twisting shape spirals in a smooth curve by an astonishing 90 degrees to give every apartment a stunning view of the Arabian Sea or Dubai Marina. The property brings Rotana’s existing portfolio of properties in Dubai to 14. Strategically located at the Bosmal City Centre complex in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital city, Sarajevo, Bosmal Arjaan by Rotana will be the second tallest residential tower in the Balkans region when it opens by the end of 2018. Managed under the ‘Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana’ brand, the property will feature 130 two and three-bedroom units, in addition to a gymnasium, two indoor pools, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and multiple treatment rooms. With the opening of the elegant and contemporary hotel, Rotana will increase its portfolio under “Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana” brand to 3,143 rooms.

Abu Dhabi Airport has announced the opening of Aerotel’s new airport transit sleeping facility at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. The latest addition marks the airport’s second facility that is operated by Aerotel of Plaza Premium Group. Open 24 hours a day, the hotel offers flexible hourly booking slots which gives easy access for transit passengers seeking a quick power rest. Its offers include a 2-hour day package between 09:00 to 20:00 and a 4-hour night package available from 20:00 to 9:00. Aerotel can also be found in Terminal 1, which presents 38 spacious rooms divided into three categories: solo room, double plus and double squared that is ideal for solo to family travelers respectively. Saoud Al Shamsi, Acting Chief Commercial Officer (ACCO) of Abu Dhabi Airports said, “Abu Dhabi Airports’ utmost priority is to ensure a convenient, seamless journey for passengers travelling through the Abu Dhabi International Airport. With more than 20 million people transiting through the airport, the establishment of Aerotel’s new hotel facility cements Abu Dhabi Airports’ position in providing world-class solutions to best accommodate such demand. We look forward to strengthening our efforts with Plaza Premium Group and the rest of our partners to continuously create innovative airport services that redefines travel experiences with Abu Dhabi International Airport.”

Turkish Airlines flying to the most countries in the world, has added Moroni which is the capital city of Comoros Union to its network on June 18. Moroni flights of the flag carrier will be operated three times per week and it will be in connection with Seychelles flights. Comoros Union is consist of three big island which named The Big Comoros , Anjuan and Moholi . Following the addition of Moroni , Turkish Airlines now reaches 122 countries with 304 destinations worldwide ; 53 of which are in Africa. Comoros was named as moon islands by Arabic mariners and also named perfume islands by European countries because of being plenty various scented plant as honeysuckle,orchid and gardenia. Agriculture sector is the biggest share of country economy and the climate of the Comoros is tropical. Moroni flight time schedules are Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (IST) 01:40 and (HAH)13:30 and Monday, Wednesday, Saturday (HAH) 16:40 (IST) 04:10 +1. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Moroni starting at 973 US Dollars (including taxes and fees).

Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) has earned an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ from the Abu Dhabi International Airport (ACI’s) Airport Carbon Accreditation programme. The programme provides a unique common framework and tools for active carbon management at airports, covering operational activities that contribute most to carbon emissions. In 2011, AUH was the first airport in the Middle East and North Africa region to be ACI Airport Carbon Accredited in the “mapping” level, and the achievement of an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ recognizes Abu Dhabi Airports’ continued commitment to helping fight climate change through the management of its carbon dioxide emissions. This year, having fulfilled the requirements of the ‘mapping’ accreditation level during the previous six years, Abu Dhabi Airports initiated its seventh application to the program by providing evidence of its effective carbon management procedures, target setting, and by demonstrating that a reduction in Abu Dhabi International Airport’s carbon emissions had occurred through an analysis of consecutive years of emissions data. Abdul Majeed Al Khoori, Acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports said, “We are proud to be a leading airport operator in the region and to be doing our part in addressing aviation’s impact on climate change. The achievement of an accreditation level of ‘reduction’ is a milestone for us and recognizes our commitment and success in applying comprehensive carbon management in the capital’s airport. Environmental responsibility is something we take very seriously at Abu Dhabi Airports, as we work to develop a sustainable future for aviation and effectively manage the environmental impacts of our operations across our five airports in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.”

Passengers travelling through Dubai International (DXB) can now virtually explore Dubai and experience the wide array of offerings available, as a new, technologically-advanced digital installation has been set up in Terminal 3, Concourse A, that creates and sends to passengers a tailor-made two-day Dubai itinerary based on the passengers’ interests and preferred experiences via email. Launched by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), in collaboration with Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline, the activation, titled ‘MyDubai Experience’ in reference to the emirate’s hugely successful local advocacy movement, is designed to provide a futuristic and innovative way for travellers to discover and learn more about the city without setting foot outside the airport. The ultimate goal is to inspire the millions of transit passengers passing through DXB to revisit Dubai in the near future by showing them everything they can experience during a holiday in the city. Located in one of the busiest parts of the terminal and measuring an impressive 6 metres in height and 4 metres in diameter, the new installation comprises state-of-the-art LED tiles positioned to create five 360-degree rings, each exhibiting a variety of photographic, video, social media and user-generated content that has been carefully curated to draw the attention of passers-by and optimally showcase the Dubai proposition. The rings can either work together to produce a single large visual, or operate independently to create a collage depicting a multitude of different Dubai experiences and offerings.

Etihad Airways has implemented new features enhancing its chauffeur services in the UAE which will enable customers to book and manage Etihad’s chauffeur services directly through the airline’s upgraded mobile optimised website without calling Etihad’s Contact Centre or a travel agent. Customers can now book and confirm their chauffeur service up to 12 hours prior to their flight’s departure. The new system, created in partnership with Vxceed Technologies, also allows guests to amend or cancel their chauffeur booking, thereby giving them greater control of their travel requirements. The new features will enable customers to receive SMS and e-mail confirmation for their scheduled pick-up. Moreover, customers can also connect with their chauffeur prior to being collected. Jamal Ahmad Al Awadhi, Etihad Airways Head of Guest Experience Commercial, said, “This new service enhancement provides a seamless transportation experience for our guests, and enables them to be in direct contact with their chauffeur at all times. It is important that our renowned Etihad experience exists across the entire customer journey, from home to the airport, from the gate to the aircraft, and then upon arrival at their destination.” The optimised chauffeur service, operated with Mercedes-Benz E-Class luxury sedans, will facilitate timely pick-up and drop-off for customers, and enable them to provide their live feedback after each trip, helping to always ensure the highest level of service in line with customers’ needs. Future system enhancements will enable Etihad Guest members to use their miles to book a private transfer for themselves within the UAE, irrespective of which cabin they are travelling in.

Emirates has launched a new daily service from Dubai to Auckland via Bali, reflecting increased interest in the attractive Indonesian island destination and improving connectivity to New Zealand. The new service offers global travellers a total of three daily services to New Zealand, complementing Emirates’ existing non-stop daily A380 service between Dubai and Auckland and its current daily A380 service between Dubai and Christchurch via Sydney. Travellers will now also enjoy a choice of three daily services between Dubai to Bali in the summer (northern hemisphere), as the new flight adds to Emirates’ two existing daily services which are currently operated by a Boeing 777-300ER in a two-class configuration. On board the inaugural flight, which was welcomed at both Denpasar and Auckland airports with a water cannon salute, was a group of special guests and media. Emirates’ new Dubai-Bali-Auckland flight provides the only year-round non-stop daily service between Auckland and Bali, giving passengers an opportunity to visit and/or stop over in one of the most popular islands in Indonesia. The airline is operating a 777-300ER on the route, offering eight seats in First, 42 seats in Business and 304 seats in Economy class, as well as 20 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity. The new service will also be the first Emirates Bali flight to offer passengers the airline’s award-winning First Class product. Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, said, “We are very pleased to see the interest this new route has created since it was announced in mid-February, reflected in strong bookings from Auckland to Bali and beyond, as well as southbound from our global network.”