The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) aims to uplift women’s role in the travel and tourism sector with an initiative that combines tourism training and promotes equality through community initiatives. The dates for the training, as part of the women’s empowerment initiative, were announced in conjunction with NAMA Women Advancement Establishment during Women Economic Empowerment Global Summit (WEEGS) 2017, which was held in Sharjah. Through creating a learning programme that advocates for gender equality and women’s economic empowerment as per Goal #5 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, SCTDA shall contribute to the UAE’s efforts towards driving women’s empowerment. The training of first and second batches of candidates will be held from July 7-11; and October 13-17, respectively. By equipping more women with the skills and knowledge needed to address the demands of the sector, the initiative will prepare them to take on challenging roles in tourism and the travel and hospitality industry. Furthermore, the programme is set to have a wider impact and social reach to resonate with the UN-Women Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs). H.E Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said: “Our partnership with Women’s Economic Empowerment Global Summit, which serves as a catalyst for positive change, adds further value to our efforts in this direction.” As part of the initiative, SCTDA has set two main objectives including the promotion of education, training and professional development for women. To achieve this, the Authority has designed a customised women’s empowerment training programme to address the key learning needs identified for 40 Emirati women who are graduates. The promotion of equality through community initiatives and advocacy is also a focus area of the programme. The initiative offers …

Al Murshed Travel and Tourism has inked an exclusive deal with Sabre Corporation to gain continued access to Sabre’s portfolio of innovative technology and its intelligent platform Sabre Red 360, allowing it to effectively harness data and deliver superior content to its travellers.  This unique technology will help enable the travel company to differentiate its offering, compete more effectively and grow faster in the region, as well as expand into the online sector. “As its long-standing technology partner, we are committed to supporting its plans to enter the online space and providing industry leading technology to support its growth. This is aligned with our desire to empower travel companies to become true travel consultants, and to grow and compete with global players,” said Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. As a key part of its goal to leverage the growth of online travel in the Middle East, Al Murshed Travel is investing in the latest technology and solutions to advance the services and content it offers its travellers. “We are working to leverage its expertise and innovations to grow in the online space and serve our customers even better and more efficiently in the future,” said Salah Al Murshed, Commercial Director, Al Murshed Travel and Tourism.  

Dubai International (DXB) welcomed Air India’s inaugural flights from the cities of Indore and Kolkata on the evening of July 15. The thrice weekly service from Indore is the first international flight out of the city, which is the commercial capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh. Air India’s Chairman and Managing Director Ashwani Lohani was among the 150 passengers who arrived on the inaugural flight and was given a warm welcome by representatives of Dubai Airports and its service partners. Air India will operate three weekly flights between Kolkata and Dubai providing needed capacity on the route. Following the new additions, DXB is now served by four Indian carriers operating 382 weekly flights to 20 destinations across India. India is the single largest destination country in terms of contribution to traffic volumes at DXB with 12.3 million passengers recorded in 2018.

OYO Hotels & Homes has announced the launch of its premium offerings for business travellers, Capital O,  in the UAE. With this, OYO has further expanded its growing presence in the Emirates and is on track to achieve its target of offering 12,000 rooms in 150 hotels in all the 7 Emirates by 2020. The first Capital O 187 Action Hotel is located in Ras Al Khaimah and another one – Capital O 167 Moon Valley Hotel Apartment – is in Bur Dubai. Capital O is the ideal choice for new-age corporate travellers, as it offers the perfect amenities for business & leisure stays. These premium hotels are located in prime locations and specially curated to deliver OYO’s quality-assured experience at an affordable price. Capital O hotels are equipped with high-speed WiFi, 24*7 food and beverages with in-room services, buffet-style breakfast and premium amenities, including OYO branded toiletries. OYO has received an overwhelming response to the Capital O offering in India and currently it has 700 hotels in 200+ cities across the country as part of its growing portfolio. With this launch, discerning travels to the UAE can enjoy the same premium and elegant hospitality experience in Capital O hotels.

In line with the drive for global connectivity, Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku has partnered with Amadeus to implement its core airport management systems, and the national flag carrier Azerbaijan Airlines is implementing Amadeus Altéa Passenger Service Systems (PSS) and Revenue Management solutions. With regards to Heydar Aliyev International Airport, Amadeus’ Airport IT technology include all its core airport management systems such as an operational database, resource management and flight information display systems. The airport will also deploy its key passenger processing systems using Amadeus’ cloud-based Airport Common Use Service. The move represents the first time an airport has relied on the cloud to deliver all its core systems. The move to Amadeus’ cloud-based Airport Operational Database (AODB) will ensure real-time awareness of airline schedule changes thanks to automated updates to the system. Azerbaijan Airline’s signature for the Amadeus Altéa PSS will allow the airline to streamline its reservation, inventory, departure control and ticketing systems. The Amadeus Altéa Suite will enable the airline to deliver a more consistent and personalised customer service, pursue additional revenue generating opportunities, and improve operational efficiency. In addition, the airline has signed for Amadeus Altéa Revenue Management, a solution which draws on real-time data from multiple sources and AI-based forecasting techniques in order to provide faster, more accurate and intelligent recommendations on the best price and packaging of airline offers. Jahangir Asgerov, CEO of Azerbaijan Airlines QSC, Azerbaijan Airlines, said, “We are eager to accelerate travel growth in Azerbaijan and technology allows us to do just this. Our partnership with Amadeus will help us develop new revenue streams and improve operational efficiencies.”    

Consistently striving to increase the overall travel comfort of its passengers, the national flag carrier of Turkey now offers new travel kits specially designed by Versace, one of the leading representatives of fashion world, and Mandarina Duck specialised in travel products. Increasing its market share and number of passengers in the global aviation sector every year, Turkish Airlines has now started to welcome its Business Class passengers on intercontinental flights with the elegant and sophisticated designs of Versace sets as from July 2. Socks, earplug, sleep mask, warning stickers, Versace lip balm, hand lotion, facial mist and hairpin (in women’s sets only) are all placed within the sets in order to meet passenger’ needs in this respect during their travel. The other travel set offered for economy class passengers on intercontinental flights of the carrier as of July 3, is designed by Mandarina Duck, which is renowned for bringing innovative and functional solutions to travellers with its smart and unique designs. This set includes sleep mask, socks, earplug, lip balm, toothbrush and toothpaste. Attentive to present natural and high-quality dermocosmetic products to its passengers, Turkish Airlines also offers the products of Atelier Rebull, who has a deep rooted past dating back to 1895, in its new travel kits.

The 22nd edition of Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) is offering residents and visitors exciting events, sales and endless entertainment until August 3. In order to get the most out of what DSS has to offer, the all-new Dubai Pass gives pre-paid access to the best attractions, tours and sightseeing experiences across the emirate, for up to 60 per cent off. With three passes to choose from, everyone can curate their own Dubai adventure. Dubai Select  — Save up to 50 per cent on a choice of three must-see Dubai attractions and experiences. Whether it’s Desert Safari, Splash Tour, Kidzania, Motiongate, Burj Khalifa or Etihad Museum, there’s more than 40 activities to choose from. During the summer months, the pass, which is valid for seven days, costs AED 389 for a child and AED 399 for an adult. Dubai Unlimited — The Dubai Unlimited Attractions Pass allows adventure-seekers to visit all 48 selected attractions during a three-day consecutive period. Battle heights at Aventura, enjoy the thrill at IMG Worlds of Adventure, taste delicious dishes whilst sailing on the Creek Cruise Dinner or revel in the majestic fountains at the Dubai Boardwalk. Throughout the summer period, the three-day pass starts at just AED 846 for a child and AED 899 for an adult. Dubai Theme Parks Pass —  With a choice of either the three, five or all-park pass, park-goers can visit the theme and water parks during a five, seven or 14-day window, saving up to 50 per cent on entrance fees. Make a splash at Wild Wadi Waterpark, be dazzled at Motiongate Dubai or spend an awesome family-friendly day at Legoland  Dubai. Passes start at just AED 424 for the …

UAE residents can look forward to exciting holidays in the Philippines through Cebu Pacific’s seat sale on July 15 and 16, offering tickets for as low as AED 130. This offer enables UAE-based residents to enjoy summer and Yuletide holidays by booking tickets in advance and travel anytime between November 1, 2019, to April 15, 2020. Meanwhile, families eyeing the Philippines as a potential holiday destination have another reason to rejoice. Those travelling from Dubai to Manila with a pre-purchased baggage allowance of 40 kg can avail the additional 25 kg free baggage allowance. Passengers can avail baggage offer till November 30, 2019. Cebu Pacific is the only low-cost carrier (LCC) flying directly between the Philippines and the UAE, having seven flights weekly. In keeping with Cebu Pacific’s motto to always ensure a hassle-free travel experience, travellers flying with the Philippine’s largest carrier can process their payments for flight tickets at any branch of Al Ansari Exchange and UAE Exchange located across the UAE, thus, ensuring a seamless and convenient travel arrangement and payment solutions. UAE travellers who prefer to use cash as the mode of payment can pay through the over-the-counter facilities at any of the Al Ansari Exchange or UAE exchange, for reservations they have made through Cebu Pacific’s website or mobile app, and phone bookings, within 24 hours. Cebu Pacific currently offers flights to a total of 37 domestic and 27 international destinations, operating a widespread network across Asia, Australia, the Middle East and, the USA.

Raki Phillips, an award-winning hospitality veteran, has been named as the new CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), with the authority saying that his appointment marks the commencement of a new phase of tourism development for the Emirate. Phillips, who has worked for some of the world’s most renowned global brands, including Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and Universal Studios Orlando and who was named one of the ‘Top 20 Most Powerful Hoteliers,’ will be responsible for delivering the authority’s recently announced Destination Strategy 2019-2021, which aims to attract 1.5 million visitors to the Emirate by 2021 and 3 million by 2025. Phillips takes over the reins from Haitham Mattar, whose four-year tenure as CEO of RAKTDA is credited with repositioning Ras Al Khaimah to become one of the fastest growing destinations in the world and exceeding the target of one million visitors in the first three years. His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, thanked Mattar for his commitment to the role and for his efforts in positioning the Emirate as one of the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. RAKTDA’s first tourism strategy was launched in January 2016 and was responsible for accelerating visitor growth, increasing visitor satisfaction and raising the contribution of the tourist sector to the Emirate’s GDP. The strategy introduced new tourism demand generators, including the world’s longest zip line and the Middle East’s first via ferrata, both of which helped position Ras Al Khaimah as the region’s nature-based adventure hub. As the new CEO, Raki Phillips will supervise a number of key projects, with notable development projects on Jebel Jais including multiple zip lines, adventure park …

Almost half (47 per cent) of MENA nationals who visited Thailand during 2018 chose to travel during the green season. This season, also described as the ‘rainy season’, runs from June to October and is one of the most vibrant times of the year in Thailand, bringing with it picturesque tones of blues and greens. During the rainy season, the temperature ranges from 89º F (32º C) to 78º F (25º C). Although the green season in Thailand brings with it unpredictable weather, there are still plenty of activities that travellers can do during the rainy season such as temple visits, exploring Thailand’s incredible food scene, museums, malls and famous markets. Travelling to Thailand during the green season also has the added bonus of being much cheaper than during high season, with flight fares costing less and many hotels and retreats offering discounts. Alongside cultural and ecological excursions, visitors to Thailand can also spend time at hundreds of wellness retreats, which focus on physical and mental wellbeing. Specialised meditation and healing yoga sessions can all help to re-energise the mind as well as the body. For those looking for something more hard-core, Thailand’s famous Muay Thai retreats can help you get into shape fast in a fun, social and supportive environment.