Arabian Travel Market (ATM) has launched a new series of buyer forums and networking events focused on India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s growing outbound potential, as Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) travel and tourism companies and destinations look to attract a larger share from these major source markets. Following the successful launch of the ‘Arabia China Tourism Forum’ at ATM 2019, these new forums and networking events have been designed to explore the untapped opportunities that India, Saudi Arabia, China and Russia’s expanding tourism markets present. As part of the networking sessions, ATM will be inviting 150 hosted buyers from India, China, Russia, and the Middle East as well as partnering with CBN Travel & MICE once again to bring an additional 84 new buyers from China. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, ATM, said, “Identifying the key players in the top source markets, along with current and emerging industry trends are two of the most valuable insights ATM has to offer. Therefore, the 2020 edition will continue to follow that successful model with a packed agenda, including new forums, networking opportunities, and an engaging seminar program. Over recent years, in particular, the sentiment at ATM has reflected the growth in these tourists to the Middle East and as we look ahead to the 2020 edition of the show we are seeing more hotel and travel professionals than ever before eager to capitalise on the significant opportunities presented by these key markets.” The data predicts an above-average annual growth rate for both Russian and Chinese arrivals to the UAE, with the number of Russian tourists expected to increase at a Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% to 1.6 million and …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) released two new books at the ongoing 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair 2019, which is being held under the theme ‘Open Books, Open Minds,’ to celebrate the Emirates’ title as ‘World Book Capital for 2019.’ The fair kicked off on October 30, 2019, and will run until November 9, 2019, at the Sharjah Expo Center. SCTDA’s participation in the third largest book fair in the world falls in line with its endeavors to further develop the tourism sector, as well as contribute to promoting knowledge and appreciation for culture and heritage across the emirate. The first book titled ‘Sharjah, the Heart of Culture’ talks about the emirate’s rich heritage, culture and sheds light on its vision and strategies to educate the younger generation about local traditions. The second book, titled ‘Visitors from Space’ has been published in collaboration with Kalimat Publishing. The comic book explores various aspects of Sharjah, including trivia, places to see, and destinations to visit for children to understand.   H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, says, “Our participation in the 38th edition of the Sharjah International Book Fair reflects our commitment to accelerating the cultural movement in Sharjah. The emirate is steadily moving forward towards global leadership, in line with the vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. H.H. has laid the foundation for a cultural and intellectual revival in the emirate by sparking the love of reading within the local community.”

The race route and technical partner for the 14th edition has been announced by Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority (RAKTDA). The new race organisers are RCS Sports & Events. The primary sponsors for the 2020 event include Ras Al Khaimah Tourism and Development Authority (RAKTDA), Ras Al Khaimah Ports and the leading Spanish sports brand, Joma, as the technical sponsor. The event will be further supported by media partners, such as Dubai Eye 103.8 FM, Sport360 and Filipino Times.  Taking place on February 21, 2020, the road race’s modified 21.1km route around the event village makes the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon an activity for the whole family and runners of all fitness levels in the UAE. The prize fund has been increased to a total of AED 1,219,000 and will be split and awarded to the front-runners in each of the race categories. Raki Phillips, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, “With the mountain backdrop and stunning beachside location, the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon has become one of the most popular events on the international sporting calendar. In its 14th edition, we are ready to welcome participants, spectators and sports enthusiasts to Al Marjan Island to be a part of the world’s fastest half marathon.” Enrico Fili, CEO of RCS Sports and Events, says, “Ras Al Khaimah Marathon is a popular sporting event on both national and international fronts considering its world record, and partnering with the Spanish leading brand, Joma, ensures top-notch quality athletic apparel for our participants that complements their entire experience.”

Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced a new partnership with Tencent Games to develop ‘The Map’, featuring Dubai within the successful online game application. LEGO Cube is a sandbox game developed and operated by Tencent Games under the license of the LEGO Group, featuring LEGO bricks, mini-figures, and other iconic LEGO properties. The free-to-download-and-play game offers players an inventive platform to creatively explore and develop Dubai’s famous landmarks in a virtual world on command. This unique offering showcases Dubai Tourism’s continued efforts to provide customised, engaging, and interactive campaigns aimed at keeping the city top of mind for Chinese travellers. The Map, developed and published by Tencent Games, projects the emirate on a virtual platform, allowing players to experience Dubai’s many local and cultural landmarks. As a city renowned for its forward-thinking and futuristic programming aimed at offering visitors exceptional experiences, it is an ideal destination to be incorporated into the innovative platform. The interactive ‘Map’ features some of Dubai’s most celebrated attractions such as Atlantis The Palm, Burj Khalifa, Burj Al Arab, Dubai Frame, Dubai Opera, LEGOLAND Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, Green Planet, La Perle, Ski Dubai, and Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Players are encouraged to delve into the game to learn more about Dubai’s diverse destination offering, with the added opportunity to build recognisable landmarks with LEGO Cube. Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), commented, “China continues to consolidate its status as one of the city’s top-performing source markets, and we remain committed to engaging Chinese outbound tourists through innovative and highly targeted marketing activities for their future travel plans. This exciting new partnership with Tencent Games leverages the global trend …

Moscow based Pobeda Airlines joined Dubai International’s (DXB) growing family of 65 international carriers with the launch of its inaugural flight. Pobeda Airlines will operate four weekly flights from Vnukovo International Airport in Moscow to DXB’s Terminal 2, offering greater choice and convenience to customers. Passengers on the inaugural flight were given a warm welcome upon their arrival at DXB.

The German National Tourist Office-Gulf countries (GNTO) hosted a B2B travel trade networking lunch in the Kingdom of Bahrain in partnership with Lufthansa Airlines. The aim of GNTO’s series of B2B events is to promote Germany as a year-round travel destination and to highlight the latest tourism attractions for the year 2020. The event was attended by the German Ambassador to the Kingdom of Bahrain His Excellency Kai Boeckmann together with selected Bahraini travel trade professionals, key opinion leaders, and media. His Excellency Kai Boeckmann said, “Diversity is a key element that Germany offers and I’m delighted to invite Bahraini tourists to visit my homeland to enjoy a memorable visit.” Mark Pey, General Manager Sales, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain & Yemen, Lufthansa Group said, “Today’s networking event has been one of huge importance to us, year on year we’re seeing an increase in Bahraini nationals visiting Germany and choosing Lufthansa as their airline of choice. Lufthansa first started operating to Germany from Bahrain on April 2, 1985, and is proud to continue connecting the countries by offering customers premium products and services.” Nicole Zaspel, Sales & Marketing Manager for the Gulf countries at GNTO, an affiliate of the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) shared, “The GCC market, is the third-largest non-European source market behind China and the United States and is very important to us. We’ve seen incredible growth with 1.8 million overnight stays by GCC nationals in 2018 compared to 7,70,000 overnight stays in 2009, which demonstrates that the annual number of overnight stays has grown by 130% over the past decade.”

The iconic Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace sits within the walls of a 19th-century royal palace in the beautifully preserved imperial city of St. Petersburg. The city has become an attractive destination for Bahraini nationals with the introduction of the e-Visa portal in October. The Bahraini citizens can now enjoy the benefits of the fast and simple online visa process. Applications can be sent within 20 days of travelling, and up to four days before arrival. The visa is valid for stays up to eight days in St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Region. The palace is located in the upmarket Admiralteysky district, where the opulent stylings of imperial Russia are alive and well. Originally constructed in the early 19th century for Prince Alexander Yakovlevich Lobanov-Rostovsky, the storied Hotel provides the perfect base for discerning travellers who wish to explore this magical city in style. Felix Murillo, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg says, “The introduction of the e-Visa portal offers a new level of convenience for international travellers, making it easier than ever for Bahrainis to arrange a trip to our wonderful city. Our concierge team takes great pleasure in highlighting St. Petersburg’s historical and cultural visitor attractions and will be happy to arrange anything our guests may require to turn every trip into an unforgettable experience.”

M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, Makkah, wins the ‘Best 5 Star Hotel in Makkah’ at the Gala ceremony of the Arabian Travel Awards (ATA) 2019. The Gala ceremony of the ATA held on October 22, 2019, took place at the Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in the presence of top regional hoteliers, renowned public figures, and tourism and hospitality key players. M Hotel Makkah by Millennium hosts thousands of pilgrims and Umrah performers every year and is the first-choice hotel for many international and regional celebrities. It is a modern multi-storey building comprising of 15 floors with 12 guest elevators and 6 service elevators, 785 rooms and suites, elegantly designed and equipped with the latest technologies and amenities, individually controlled air-conditioning. The hotel has two ballrooms that can accommodate more than 500 guests for any event and three meeting rooms. It also has three restaurants, Tasneem, Al Multaqa and M Café. Mohamed Abdel Fattah, General Manager at M Hotel Makkah by Millennium, says, “It is a great honour to receive this prestigious recognition at the Arabian Travel Awards, one of the most regionally respected extravaganzas in the tourism and hospitality sectors. I would like to extend my deep thanks to the organisers of this grand event and to every member of our team who contributed to this success. The award crowns our dedication and continuous efforts in providing exceptional services that go beyond the expectations of independent travellers and aim to create a memorable experience for every guest.”

Travelport announced a new distribution agreement with Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines). Under the agreement, Travelport will continue to support Saudia by providing more than 68,000 Travelport-connected agencies servicing hundreds of millions of travellers around the world with real-time access to search, sell, and book its content and inventory. As the first global distribution system to manage the live booking of flights using the International Air Transport Association’s New Distribution Capability (NDC) technical standard, Travelport will further help Saudia by giving it the opportunity to display NDC-based airline content on its platform. Richard Nuttall, VP Sales at Saudi Arabian Airlines, commented on the new deal saying, “Travelport has been a valued partner to Saudia for many years. By continuing to work with Travelport’s global network, we will provide our loyal customers with greater access to our flights and open up significant new growth opportunities for our business.” David Gomes, Head of Middle East, Africa, Turkey and Pakistan, Air Travel Partners, Travelport, says, “With Saudi Arabia newly opened to tourism and visitors for growth, we are delighted that Saudia has chosen to expand its partnership with us. We are fully committed to supporting them with our travel commerce platform.”    

The 12th Annual World Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Congress was held in the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for the first time outside of the USA. International buyers from various countries including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), China, Russia, Germany and the USA visited prominent medical and healthcare providers in Abu Dhabi.  The hospital visits prompted discussions about key partnerships in a collective aim to transform the business of healthcare and medical tourism.