Turkish Airlines brought in the much-anticipated Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup tournament for the seventh time on November 4–5, 2019 to Antalya. They offered corporate teams exceptional networking opportunities, tournament entrants receive first-class Turkish Airlines hospitality and golf at the finest golf courses around the world. Over eight thousand players from around the world, all VIPs invited by Turkish Airlines, have competed in more than 100 tournaments across the globe with the winners securing places in the Grand Finals in Antalya. This year the competition has been played out in 101 destinations across 70 countries. M. İlker Aycı, Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Turkish Airlines said, “The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup is an event that we are very proud of and it continues to grow and improve year on year. We are delighted to have held this event, which has already become a key date in all golfers’ diaries, in Antalya.” This year Turkish Airlines moved to its new home at Istanbul Airport, a state-of-the-art structure from which the global carrier will continue on its path of expansion. The Star Alliance member airline currently operates to 316 destinations across 126 countries, and from its hub at the center of global aviation, Turkish Airlines allows its valued guests to explore more of the world, as well as Turkey’s impressive golf courses.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR was named as the Best Family-Friendly Hotel at Arabian Travel Awards 2019. It is the property’s first accolade since its launch in September this year. Located at one of Dubai’s most popular tourist destinations, the hotel features 188 spacious rooms and apartments which are ideal for families who are on holidays or staycation. Binu Varghese, Hotel Manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Dubai JBR, commented, “Our team is honoured to receive its first award and we thank the organiser, DDP, for picking us amongst the other family-friendly hotels in the UAE. We will continue to create reasonably-priced packages for families, and deliver top-notch standards of services to ensure that our guests, especially the ones travelling with children, will have a convenient and comfortable stay.”

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled the exhibit that showcases Abu Dhabi’s best offerings to visitors at World Travel Market (WTM) participation in London. The show saw a hive of activity that took place on the DCT Abu Dhabi stand, including a visit from His Excellency Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE Ambassador to the United Kingdom, as well as numerous stakeholder meetings occurring throughout the day. In the evening, DCT Abu Dhabi representatives and a number of stakeholders attended the inaugural UAE Ambassadors dinner at the Bulgari Hotel London, to forge closer relationship amongst the emirates. The annual DCT Abu Dhabi on-stand breakfast was also held on Tuesday morning, with many trade and media representatives in attendance. The exhibition involves 36 of DCT Abu Dhabi’s key partners, such as Etihad Airways and Experience Hub, showcasing the diverse portfolio of attractions the city has to offer across the culture, entertainment and luxury sectors. Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications at DCT Abu Dhabi said, “WTM is a great opportunity for us to promote Abu Dhabi as a premium tourism destination to travel trade stakeholders across the globe.” Abu Dhabi stakeholders participating in the event includes Etihad Airways, Experience Hub, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Qasr Al Watan, Qasr Al Hosn, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, Park Hyatt, The Ritz Carlton, Rotana Hotels and Resorts, The Westin Abu Dhabi and Yas Marina Circuit.

Saudi Arabian travellers are leading the global demand for high-tech travel according to the findings of Travelport’s 2019 Global Digital Traveller Research, which surveyed 23,000 people from 20 countries with the following findings; 74% of Saudi Arabian travellers require concierge services such as local maps and restaurants on their smartphones (60% globally); 71% prefer in-room technology such as smart TVs and Bluetooth speakers from accommodation (60% globally); Nearly 74% of Saudi travellers consider it important whether an airline offers a good digital experience when booking a flight; Like global peers, 76% of Saudi Arabian travellers prioritise value over cost (86% globally); Customer service was however highlighted as the top priority to travellers in Saudi Arabia (78%) Technology, however, is not always the answer with two fifths (40%) of Saudi Arabian travellers saying they find, not being able to speak to a human frustrating. This is similar to the feedback from 42% of global respondents. Commenting on the findings of the research, David Gomes, Head of the Middle East and Africa, Air Travel Partners, said, “Saudi Arabian travellers want a digitally-savvy travel experience which is as engaging as the experience provided by best retailers. At Travelport, we will continue to accelerate developments in all these areas, to help the industry keep pace with the rapidly evolving needs of the modern traveller.”

Dubai has stepped up its drive to attract more cruise travellers to further strengthen its position as a leading ‘cruise hub of the region’. The upcoming 2019-2020 season is expected to welcome more than 200 ship calls and an estimated one million cruise visitors. The upcoming season will see an increased efforts to promote cruise tourism in the region by the Dubai Cruise Committee which is comprised of leading industry partners; Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), DP World UAE Region, operator of the Mina Rashid, Emirates Airlines, The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai, and Dubai Customs. Mohammed Al Muallem, CEO and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said, “Cruise tourism is steadily increasing its contribution towards making Dubai a multi-faceted leisure destination for international travellers. DP World, UAE Region is committed to developing Dubai’s cruise industry to its maximum potential.” Mohammed Abdul Aziz Al Mannai, CEO-P&O Marinas & Executive Director, Mina Rashid, said, “Mina Rashid’s status as the premier cruise port of the region is reflected in not just the number of tourists sailing in on an annual basis, but more importantly, the rising number of cruise liners making this their preferred homeport.” Hamad Bin Mejren, Senior Vice President, Dubai Tourism, said, “Dubai has continued to strengthen its position as the leading cruise hub in the region, and is now the preferred destination for cruise travellers looking to experience the diversity of Dubai’s tourism offerings including the Arabian hospitality, culture and heritage. We anticipate successful season ahead with the arrival of TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 5, marking a significant step in our efforts to promote Dubai as a ‘must-visit’ cruise destination.”

Accor recently opened Ibis Jeddah and Adagio Jeddah at Malik Road. A hub for business, leisure and socialising; the complex offers 178 hotel rooms at Ibis, 77 serviced apartments at Adagio and a raft of shared facilities including Hadiqat Laila a 24-hour café along with innovative meeting rooms, a gym, an extensive fitness and wellbeing centre an outdoor swimming pool with a 12-hour coffee shop. Mohammed Farajat, General Manager, Ibis Jeddah and Adagio Jeddah, said, “Our stunning new complex showcases two of Accor’s leading hospitality brands which are located in one of Jeddah’s most sought-after districts, offering guests multiple flexible accommodation options and a comfortable and cozy home-away-from-home environment during their stay with multilingual staff.” “We are proud to partner with Al Mohammadia Al Motahda Company to bring Ibis and Adagio brands for the first time to Jeddah. With close to 60 hotels in the Middle East & Africa under the Ibis family, the opening of Ibis Malik Road represents the strength of the brand within the economy segment, alongside Adagio, our apartment offering with functional spaces in prime city locations,” said Sami Nasser, Chief Operating Officer, Accor Middle East & Africa. Khalid Alturki, Deputy Executive Manager, Al Mohammadia Al Motahda Company, said, “As a fast-growing regional business and tourism hub, Jeddah requires world-class hospitality solutions for its transformation into a fast-growing local and international business and tourism platform. and Ibis and Adagio, the first two established brands operated by one of the world’s leading hotel groups – Accor”

The Health Tourism Department announced its participation at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019 in London as part of its continuing efforts to promote Dubai’s leading position as a globally recognised destination for health and wellness treatments. Dubai has maintained a steady growth in health tourism and continues to enhance the experience for patients and wellness tourists. According to the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the emirate attracted 3,37,011 medical tourists in 2018 alone, who spent a combined value of AED 1.163 billion on treatments in the top leading specialties: Orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology and skin care, dentistry and fertility treatments. The Health Tourism Department is promoting its 70 plus Dubai Health Experience (DXH) group members’ healthcare facilities in the key source markets including GCC, Europe, Africa, Russia and China. Dubai integrates tourism activities, health & healing relaxation services in the safest and most secure environment. The Health Tourism Department has created the first tourism portal DXH.ae in the Middle East, which enables tourists or travel partners to find relevant and latest information on their entire health holiday. Linda Abdullah, Consultant at Health Tourism Department, Dubai Health Authority said, “Our participation in the latest edition of WTM forms part of our strategic efforts to further raise awareness on Dubai’s capabilities as a health destination in the travel and tourism sector. The combination of tourism, health and wellness offerings is set to increase the contribution of tourism sector to the economy. Further enhancing patient safety & experience and availability of international talent for the delivery of world-class health services are among the key pillars of Dubai’s health tourism strategy. This will help Dubai attract even more health tourists in the coming years.”

VFS Global has been named as an official ticket reseller for Expo 2020 Dubai to be held in the UAE between October 20, 2020 and April 10, 2021. Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group, signed the contract on October 20, 2019 in Dubai. VFS Global will be offering a range of packages with suggested itineraries that include single and three-day passes to visit Expo 2020 Dubai. Customers who opt to submit their visa application through the premium lounge, or hold a VFS Global Privilege Program membership, can also enjoy discounts on the packages they purchase. Zubin Karkaria, CEO, VFS Global Group said, “We have enjoyed a long-standing relationship with the UAE, one that has grown to strength over the years. We are proud to be an official ticket reseller for Expo 2020 Dubai and look forward to extending our new, special range of packages to customers.” Sanjive Khosla, Chief Commercial Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Having VFS Global on board puts us in a great position to meet our ambitious targets and draw 25 million visits through the gates of the world’s greatest show. Expo 2020 is going to be the greatest celebration of human brilliance and achievement, and VFS Global will help make sure everyone in the world has the opportunity to experience it.”

Cozmo Travel opened its 35th branch in Ruwais Mall in the city of Ruwais, UAE. A ‘new town’ with a diverse population, Ruwais is around 250 km west of Abu Dhabi. Mr Khalid Majid Al Bedwawi, Community Management Department Manager, ADNOC was present as the chief guest in the inauguration ceremony. Cozmo Travel has been expanding their reach in the market with its strong presence for the past 9 years and consistently delivering excellence through their services and continue to satisfy its customers needs in the best way possible. Mr Jamal Abdulnazar, CEO, Cozmo Travel said, “We are happy to be a part of the first stepping stone on the path towards actualising our parent company’s vision through a new partnership”

Etihad Airways announced its partnership with Tourism Malaysia to attract visitors from Europe and the Middle East to Malaysia, via the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub. The agreement was signed at the World Travel Market in London, attended by representatives from both organisations and trade partners. The agreement between the two organisations will support the tourism board’s Visit Malaysia 2020 marketing campaign which has been developed to encourage tourism from Europe and the Middle East to Malaysia. Etihad Airways began flying to Kuala Lumpur in 2007 and has since flown 2.7 million passengers to the Malaysian capital. Today, Etihad Airways operates a daily flight to Kuala Lumpur which is operated by the airline’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Hareb Almuhairy, Senior Vice President Destination and Leisure Management, Etihad Aviation Group commented, “Tourism Malaysia has been a proud partner of Etihad for many years and Kuala Lumpur remains one of the most important destinations in our global network. The Southeast Asian country continues to be a popular choice for travellers in the UK and Europe as well as the Middle East, and visitors will benefit from the convenient connection through Abu Dhabi.” Datuk Musa HJ Yusof, Director General, Tourism Malaysia, said, “The campaign aims to welcome tourists from Europe, Middle East and beyond to Malaysia as well as to promote the Visit Malaysia 2020 initiative, which seeks to attract 30 million tourists and around RM 100 billion (GBP 18.56 Billion) in tourism receipts by the year 2020.”