The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) participated in the World Travel Market (WTM). Bahrain’s delegation was headed by the H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Nader Al Moayyed, Chief Executive Officer of BTEA and included representatives from BTEA, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, the national carrier Gulf Air, Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), as well as a number of leading hotels and travel agents. During this global event, BTEA showcased the Kingdom’s tourism potential as well as the upcoming Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix race, which has been attracting thousands of racing fans from around the world during the past 15 years. BTEA’s participation comes in line with its long term strategy to further develop the Kingdom’s tourism sector and strengthen its position on regional and international levels under the slogan of ‘Ours. Yours.’, which contributes towards the Kingdom’s economy and the 2030 Economic Vision. With the aim of making Bahrain a leading family and business tourism destination, the BTEA has developed an integrated schedule of events in order to attract tourists from around the world to the Kingdom of Bahrain. H.E. Zayed bin Rashid Alzayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, said “We have always been keen to participate in various regional and international exhibitions and events, through which we seek to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain to attract foreign investments and increase tourism numbers. Our strategy at BTEA focuses on strengthening the Kingdom’s tourism sector in order for it to become one of the main contributors to the economy.”

Arabian Travel Awards announced BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana as the ‘Best Contemporary Hotel Apartments’. This award ceremony is a one-of-its-kind event, awarded on a yearly basis and is a platform for the Middle East to recognise those behind the success of the Travel & Hospitality industry. Judging is based on a unique system of jury, judgement and voting, ensuring fair and unbiased awards. Participated by more than 100 hotels, BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana was delighted to take the “Best of the Best” in Hotel Apartment category in the Middle East. The prestigious Arabian Travel Award is the latest recognition BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana has won in the time from its inception till date. The award gala took place on 22nd of October at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi, in a formal and glamorous Black-tie ceremony that has been graced by the who’s who of the Travel & Hospitality industry. Ulrich Hoffmeister, General Manager of BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana and Jumeira Rotana said, “We are honoured and delighted to be recognised by the Arabian Travel Awards for our work and efforts. We are incredibly proud and humbled by the extraordinary dedication of our colleagues, who consistently believed and committed their energy to drive all our initiatives in favour of all our guests and stakeholders.”

Turkish Airlines is giving United Arab Emirates jet-setters an unmissable opportunity to travel to major European cities within its unrivalled global network and pocket a satisfying saving when they book. Passengers from Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah can benefit from generous discounts on Economy Class tickets to Athens, Brussels, Dublin, Marseille, Rostov-on-Don, Saint Petersburg, Samara, Strasbourg, Thessaloniki, and Zurich, and on Business Class tickets to Athens, Barcelona, Brussels, Düsseldorf, Malaga, Munich, and Valencia. The offer is valid for travellers booking a flight any time from now until 25th November 2019, valid for a travel period until 15th May 2020. Turkish Airlines, one of the fastest-growing airlines in the world, provides exceptional service for passengers through its Business Class offering, its new flagship lounges in the Istanbul Airport, and its strong reputation for amazing Turkish hospitality and convenience. There are currently three Turkish Airlines lounges available in the new Istanbul Airport – the Turkish Airlines Business Lounge, Miles & Smiles Lounge, and Domestic Lounge, with two more scheduled to be open before the end of the year.

Radisson Blu Group announced the opening of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View. The hotel has 206 stylish rooms with spectacular views. Continuing the Group’s expansion in key global cities, the new design-focused hotel is the group’s seventh hotel in Dubai. A hotel steeped in soul and design is located within the largest and most impressive waterfront development in the world, boasting spectacular views over the Marina and Downtown Dubai District. The 206 stylish rooms with bright vistas also offer remarkable comfort, unique amenities and showcase picturesque views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown Dubai. Guests can also enjoy free access to the hotel’s fitness center, pool, spa, and kids club. Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, at Radisson Hotel Group said, “We are very proud and excited to open our sixth Radisson Blu hotel in Dubai, one of the world’s most attractive travel destinations and key regional commercial hubs. We are delighted to open another flagship Radisson Blu hotel in this city and contribute to its growth.” David Allan, Cluster General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Canal View and Radisson Resort Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island commented, “We are thrilled to be launching this hotel in an outstanding location in Dubai, with a unique offering and such a talented and passionate team. We have been very creative in our recruitment. Personality was just as important to us as work experience when selecting our incredible team as we wanted guests to feel the difference at Dubai’s new, distinctive, design-led hotel and experience delightful service.”

New online research by Sabre Corporation has revealed that 59% per cent of Middle Eastern adults would pay between $101 – $500 on extras that personalise their travel journeys. The report also provided insight into the pain points, trends and opportunities for the Middle Eastern travel industry. The research highlighted a significant retail opportunity for travel providers of the 3,090 people surveyed. The study, which compiled insights from 3,090 people online across five countries in the Middle East (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Jordan and Lebanon) was revealed at Sabre Space Jordan, an industry event that brought together experts and leaders from airlines, travel agencies and government officials from across the Middle East to network and learn about the latest travel and technology trends. Salman Syed, Vice President EMEA at Sabre said, “To align with today’s travellers, airlines, hotels, travel agencies and even corporate buyers must think and behave like true retailers. They need to analyse consumer behaviour and market data to better target future offers and fulfill as many of the traveller’s needs as possible.”  Sabre’s research showed that 43% of the Middle Eastern adults want personalised travel offerings and services around their needs, expectations and previous experiences. When thinking about what this personalisation looks like, the majority (40%) of those surveyed wanted recommendations based on their budget, whilst 30% wanted suggestions of holiday extras that would be of genuine interest to them when asked what they would want airlines to do for them in the next 5 years. Sabre’s report showed a significant opportunity within the online travel space in the Middle East, as 48% of those surveyed would look online for travel inspiration for flights or hotels, which may …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is at the World Travel Market (WTM) London for the 17th consecutive year as part of its intensified campaign to promote Sharjah’s diverse and unique tourist offerings on the world stage. During the event, SCTDA will showcase a range of attractions that make Sharjah one of the region’s favorite family destinations on the world map today. In cooperation with its partners from the public and private sectors, SCTDA will also promote tourism programmes and initiatives designed to attract tourists to the emirate, cultural and eco-tourism products, a wide range of sports, recreational and artistic activities, and adventure packages capable of delivering an enhanced tourist experience. H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, said, “WTM 2019 will allow us to raise awareness about Sharjah’s growing tourism sector. It will enable the Authority to help put Sharjah on the world tourism map and entice more tourists worldwide, including travellers from the UK, Ireland, and other parts of Europe, thus bringing us closer to our goal of attracting 10 million visitors by 2021.”   H.E. Al Midfa concluded, “Our participation at the WTM is part of our response to the directive of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to make Sharjah a global touristic destination. During the event, we will have an opportunity to see the latest trends in the global tourism sector, showcase Sharjah’s beauty and offerings such as events, festivals, and exhibitions, meet and exchange experiences with decision-makers, and learn about the latest practices in tourism, hospitality, and travel.”

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) showcased a selection of its eight luxurious boutique-style projects and eco-destinations and share the latest updates on Sharjah’s booming tourism sector at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2019, to be held from November 4 – 6, in London, UK. The ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand, operated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, will be one of Shurooq’s key highlights for WTM 2019 visitors and industry experts visiting the Sharjah Pavilion led by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA). All three destinations under the brand are now fully operational, and WTM London is an opportunity for global travel buyers and hospitality professionals to take a closer look at each one’s unique offerings. The boutique hotels and eco-retreats promoted under the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand includes Kingfisher Lodge, a 5-star nature retreat and fully-equipped tented lodge that opens out to the pristine mangrove ecosystem at Al Qurm Nature Reserve in Kalba; Al Faya Lodge, a luxury stay built using sustainable and robust materials, set amidst the dramatic desert landscape of Mleiha; and Al Badayer Oasis, a castle-style desert resort featuring luxurious rooms and traditional tents overlooking the sweeping sand dunes of central Sharjah.  Through these three projects, Shurooq seeks to showcase its vision for developing ecotourism projects that are inspired by the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage and designed in a contemporary, stylish setting. Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Chief Operating Officer, Shurooq, said, “At WTM 2019 in London, Shurooq aims to highlight its emphasis on sustainable tourism development, promote responsible tourism, and underscore the potential of ecotourism in the conservation of natural and cultural heritage. By focusing on sustainable tourism projects, we are doubling our efforts …

Emirates will be hosting the International Air Transport Association (IATA) inaugural Global Accessibility Symposium, taking place in Dubai from November 5-6, 2019. The IATA Global Accessibility Symposium furthers the commitment of the resolution on passengers with disabilities which was made at the IATA Annual General Meeting in Seoul in June 2019. The resolution aims to improve the air travel experience for the estimated one billion people living with disabilities worldwide by encouraging governments, airlines, airports, and stakeholders across the aviation industry to work together to ensure access to a safe, reliable and dignified travel experience. The invitation-only event will include keynotes, panel discussions and fireside chats that will tackle a wide variety of accessibility topics. Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline said, “Emirates employs every effort to make air travel as comfortable and as seamless as possible for our customers, especially for those with special needs and disabilities. It is apt for the first IATA symposium on this important issue to be held in Dubai, as it’s the city’s aim to become one of the world’s most accessible cities for People of Determination and Emirates is proud to play a role to help advance this dialogue.” Alexandre de Juniac, Director General and CEO of IATA said, “The unanimous resolution by our airline members in June was a clear indication that the industry is committed to improving the air travel experience for passengers with disabilities. The Global Accessibility Symposium marks a renewed and stronger dialogue between industry, advocacy groups, regulators and the travellers themselves.” As the host city of the first IATA Global Accessibility Symposium and the hub for Emirates Airline, Dubai is moving forward with its mission in becoming …

Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina is all set to open by the end of 2019. With an enviable central location on the Marina Waterfront, the hotel is likely to become the centre for the modern business traveller seeking inspiration and energising experiences for downtime. The hotel is in close proximity to important business hubs such as JLT, Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Investment Parks, and Jebel Ali, The hotel boasts of 273 stylish upscale modern designed rooms and suites. Designed with the modern business traveller in mind, the hotel seamlessly marries functionality with design, to offer guests a meaningful stay experience with a wealth of options for work and play. With state-of-the-art meetings and conference amenities in addition to technology-driven rooms with features such as a sleep advantage program and a wake-up service, the hotel is designed with the connected, tech-savvy traveller in mind. This is in addition to the fitness facility, the property is providing for its guests to promote their work-life balance and help them achieve harmony and wellness during their stay. Crowne Plaza Dubai Marina offers a more social take on traditional business hotels, boasting a variety of food and beverage options including it’s signature Thai restaurant, Charm Thai and five other unique dining concepts to provide a holistic approach to business travel, allowing guests to unwind after a long day of work.

Riyadh launches the Riyadh Season, one of the biggest cultural and entertainment programs in Saudi Arabia’s history. The 66-day season is already underway and will run until December 15, 2019, offering over 100 exciting activities and allowing residents and tourists the opportunity to explore, experience and embrace Saudi Arabia in a different light. Riyadh Season will offer unprecedented opportunities for locals, residents, and visitors to enjoy world-class entertainment and activities across 12 themed zones spread around the city. The season commenced under the supervision and leadership of His Excellency Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al-Sheikh, Chairman of General Entertainment Authority (GEA) and President of Riyadh Season. The event is set to welcome more than 5 million visitors to the Saudi capital, boosting tourism and further enhancing the Kingdom’s status as an attractive destination for travelers from around the world. Eng. Faisal Bafarat, CEO of GEA and Head of Riyadh Season says, “Riyadh Season is not just an event, it is a blockbuster initiative to truly introduce Riyadh and Saudi Arabia to the world and put the spotlight on its rich heritage, culture, and diversity. The hospitality, traditions, talent, and opportunities in the Kingdom are second to none, and we are excited to showcase this to the world.” More than 60% of tickets for the BTS concert at the 67,000 capacity King Fahd International Stadium were snapped up within few hours, with fans travelling from all corners of the globe to witness the K-pop stars in action. Meanwhile, opening weekend performances from Egyptian singer Tamer Hosny and Lebanese star Nancy Ajram sold out in less than six hours. Events such as poetry evenings are also drawing large audiences, considering the diverse entertainment preferences …