Category Archives: Agents

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has successfully concluded its participation in the 43rd World Travel Market (WTM) in London. The three-day event, which attracted thousands of professionals from the global travel and tourism industry, helped SCTDA to reinforce Sharjah’s position as a rapidly growing destination for international tourists. WTM 2024 provided SCTDA with a prime platform to highlight its diverse and rich tourism offerings to a diverse audience of industry professionals, particularly those from Europe, which represents a significant and growing tourism market for Sharjah. His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, highlighted the strategic importance of the EU market to Sharjah’s tourism ambitions. “With almost 350,000 European tourists visiting Sharjah this year, which accounts for 7% increase from last year this shows that the Europe continues to be a vital market for us. We anticipate even stronger growth by the end of 2024, driven by our active engagement in platforms such as WTM.” At a well-attended press conference held at WTM on November 7, SCTDA unveiled significant advancements in the emirate’s tourism infrastructure alongside new hospitality projects that promise to enhance Sharjah’s appeal as a destination of choice for cultural, leisure, and adventure tourism. Key highlights included the Sharjah Safari, the largest safari park outside Africa, and the Moon Retreat, an innovative desert glamping experience, which offers a new concept and style of accommodation experiences amidst nature. “Sharjah Tourism” will also highlight the natural and topographical diversity that characterizes Sharjah’s tourism product, ranging from cultural, leisure, environmental, and beach experiences to adventures, alongside hotel accommodation experiences. These projects underscore the emirate’s commitment to expanding its offerings and products in the fields of eco and adventure …

Almosafer entered into a global strategic partnership with Mandarin Oriental. The significant partnership, announced at World Travel Market London 2024, provides Almosafer exclusive access to Mandarin’s highly rated global property portfolio of 41 hotels and resorts, elevating Almosafer’s luxury hospitality segment. The global direct connectivity agreement with a special focus on Saudi Arabia follows the growing demand for ultra-luxury travel among Almosafer’s clients. It will enable Almosafer’s B2B and B2C customers to gain access to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s global portfolio of 41 properties across 26 countries. Travellers will enjoy direct access to real-time inventory and competitive pricing through Almosafer’s consumer platforms as Almosafer elevates its luxury offerings and enhances its services to high-end customers. The partnership will further enable Almosafer to promote Mandarin Oriental to travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. The partnership will also provide the luxury Group access to Almosafer’s extensive network of agents through their Destination Management Company, Discover Saudi, resulting in greater brand visibility and reach for Mandarin Oriental’s KSA properties. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “We are delighted to elevate our luxury offerings through our newly inked agreement with the prestigious and iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. While enabling the award-winning hotel group greater brand visibility through our omnichannel portfolio, we look forward to enhancing our unique offerings to our discerning clients through this significant partnership. At Almosafer, we’ve always strived to set industry benchmarks, and I’m confident the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will add to the allure of our attractive hospitality portfolio.” Geoffrey Webb, Vice President, Global Sales at Mandarin Oriental adds: “We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Almosafer, which allows us to expand our …

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) signed two memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with Coral Touristik GmbH, a leading tourism services provider, and Vtours, a renowned tour operator, on the sidelines of the department’s participation in the World Travel Market. The new agreements demonstrate the Department’s commitment to expanding its strategic alliances with foreign travel and tourism firms in order to share best practices and methods in the areas of hotel reservations, tourism services, and exchange of expertise and knowledge. The move is set to elevate the Emirate of Ajman’s position on the global tourism and hospitality map. The MoUs were signed in the presence of His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of the Ajman Tourism Development Department, and Ms. Sabine Jordan-Glaab, CEO of Vtours, and Mr. Koray Cavdir, Chief Operating Officer – Central Europe at Coral Touristik GmbH. Commenting on the partnerships, His Excellency Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi said: “We at the Ajman Tourism Development Department are pleased to work with Coral Touristik GmbH and Vtours as part of our efforts to deepen strategic alliances with leading tourism businesses, contributing to the Emirate of Ajman’s standing as a popular tourist destination. We are confident that these agreements will play a pivotal role in developing pathways of communication and facilitating exchange of expertise, thus enhancing our capacity to offer exceptional travel experiences and propelling the Ajman’s tourism industry to new heights.” Among the provisions of the agreements are cooperation in developing promotional plans and strategies, exchange of data and insights, as well as the exploration of new techniques and methods that will improve tourism experiences. The partnerships will also enable the provision of advisory services in support of the department’s objectives …

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, recently concluded a successful visit to Bahrain, where he attended the prestigious Routes Conference, engaged with key travel agents and industry leaders, and held meetings with major regional airlines to explore enhanced connectivity and push for bilateral agreements. This visit is part of the Jamaica Tourist Board’s (JTB) ongoing strategy to strengthen its presence in the GCC market, positioning Jamaica as a premier travel destination while also boosting its attractiveness for foreign direct investments (FDIs). During his visit, White focused on promoting Jamaica as a premier travel destination to key representatives from travel agencies such as Orient Travel, Vacanza Bahrain, Dadabhai Travel, Bahrain International Travel, Akbar Travels, 24×7 Rooms.com, Farhat Tours & Transfers, and Travel Knits. These agencies were specifically selected for their expertise in catering to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and high-spending travelers. In a refined high-tea gathering at Café Segu, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the travel patterns and preferences of Bahrain’s elite, particularly for destinations in the United States and the Caribbean. It also served as a platform to introduce Jamaica’s luxurious tourism offerings, including world-class resorts, exclusive villas, and unique cultural experiences, positioning the island as a top destination for the region’s discerning travelers. “Our goal is to establish long-lasting partnerships with key travel agents in Bahrain and we are committed to working closely with our partners,” said Donovan White. “By understanding the specific needs and travel preferences of its residents and citizens, we can tailor Jamaica’s tourism offerings to meet the growing demand for exclusive and luxurious experiences.” “The Middle Eastern market is increasingly looking beyond Europe for new travel experiences, and Jamaica offers exactly that—a blend …

Travelport and Transportes Aéreos Portugueses (TAP Air Portugal)  announced that they have signed a multi-source content distribution agreement that includes both NDC content and traditional content for Travelport’s agency customers. “This upcoming launch of our NDC content in Travelport+ will be a pivotal moment in our decades-long relationship,” said Mario Cruz, Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer at TAP Air Portugal. “Together, we are looking to deliver a solution that makes it easy for agents to access, sell, and service tailored NDC content and offers from TAP Air Portugal through the Travelport+ marketplace.” TAP Air Portugal and Travelport are actively collaborating to deliver TAP Air Portugal’s NDC content so that agents can easily access its wide range of fares and offers in the Travelport+ platform. Agents using Travelport’s API, Smartpoint Cloud and Smartpoint Desktop solutions will be able to seamlessly view and compare the airline’s NDC offers alongside traditional content and book the best offers for their travelers. Travelport’s comprehensive solutions also enable agents to service NDC bookings for their travelers. “Our updated agreement with TAP Air Portugal highlights our mutual dedication to creating a modern, personalized shopping and service experience for agents and travelers with NDC,” said Damian Hickey, Global Head of Travel Partners at Travelport. “With the future delivery of TAP Air Portugal’s NDC content and servicing in Travelport+, we’re continuing our mission to ensure that agencies can easily shop, compare, book and service the best offerings from leading airlines, all in one place.” Travelport’s AI-powered Content Curation Layer (CCL) helps retailers minimize challenges with viewing and comparing multi-source content offers, enabling agents to easily compare both NDC and traditional content side-by-side in one place. Built into Travelport+, CCL …

As the world convenes once again in London from today with Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority promoting the emirate as a premier global destination. It is taken one step further by adding its offerings for winter where visitors can relax, indulge and explore an unforgettable experience. World Travel Market (WTM) London is a premier global event for the travel and tourism industry, attracting professionals worldwide. It offers networking, partnership opportunities, and insights into industry trends. The event plays a crucial role in shaping future travel strategies and showcasing innovations, influencing global tourism developments. Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority is promoting its special winter campaign where every traveller would find a destination tailored to their sense of adventure, relaxation, and culture. As the emirate proudly showcases its diverse tourism offerings at the World Travel Market (WTM) 2024, visitors are invited to explore Sharjah’s hidden gems during the cooler months, from tranquil eco-retreats to exhilarating outdoor adventures. Whether you’re captivated by breathtaking natural landscapes, seeking adrenaline-packed activities, or eager to immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, Sharjah promises an unforgettable winter getaway for all visitors and residents alike. HE Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), expressed excitement about the emirate’s participation in WTM 2024, saying: “Sharjah’s participation in the World Travel Market this year underscores our dedication to positioning the emirate as a premier global destination, particularly during the winter season. Our unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and eco-tourism initiatives truly shine during this time and we are proud to highlight how Sharjah continues to evolve with sustainability at the core of its tourism offerings. From our meticulously preserved heritage sites …

Qatar Tourism has announced the update of the instructions governing the maritime tourism transport activity, including the licensing of marine tourism transport offices and marine tourism transport in all its categories (A, B and C). In line with international best practices, Qatar Tourism has issued a new classification guide for owners and operators of marine tourism transport, specifying the technical requirements and specifications that must be met by these means that comply with the Tourism Regulation Law No. (20) of 2018. According to these updates, Qatar Tourism confirms that any Class A boat that does not meet the classification requirements and criteria referred to in the Classification Guide No. 1.1 of 2024 will not be allowed to operate, be present or dock in the Doha Corniche area. Categories of tourist transportation include: 1. Class A – includes boats used for short trips only, operating within the Corniche area. 2. Class B – includes boats used for long journeys, operating outside the Corniche area. 3. Class C – includes boats used for long trips that provide accommodation and meals (premium and luxury boats such as yachts). Individuals can operate Category A only while Categories B and C are operated only by licensed tourist offices. Managers of maritime tourism transport offices, boat owners and operators are required to ensure compliance with the new instructions within the allocated time frame as of 25/8/2024, and the means of transport have been given 3 months from the date of issuance of these instructions to abide by them. Qatar Tourism regulates and develops the tourism industry, promotes private sector investment and sets the strategic direction of the sector. Mr. Fahad Hassan Al-Abdulmalik, Director of Tourism Licensing …

Sabre Corporation announced a new collaboration with Philippine Airlines to launch the “Fly with Sabre’s Pal” campaign in Saudi Arabia. The campaign, running from October 20 to December 10, 2024, will reward travel agents using the Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS) with exciting prizes for the highest number of bookings on Philippine Airlines. This initiative aims to foster stronger ties between Sabre and its valued travel agency community in Saudi Arabia, while supporting the growth of Philippine Airlines in the region. The campaign reflects Sabre’s commitment to offering dynamic and rewarding opportunities to travel agents in the Kingdom, particularly in supporting popular destinations. “The ‘Fly with Sabre’s Pal’ campaign is designed to recognize and reward the hard work of our travel agency partners in Saudi Arabia,” said Hasan Qannati, Head of Business Development for Saudi Arabia, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “At Sabre, we believe in creating opportunities that benefit both our airline partners and our agents, and this campaign is a testament to that.” Sabre and Philippine Airline teams with agents from Almatar in Riyadh during the campaign launch Throughout the campaign, the top performers will be recognized and awarded with four key prizes, marking the end of the campaign with a celebration of their achievements.

Speaking with TravTalk Middle East, Suhaib Albakheet – Marketing Specialist – Jordan Tourism Board shared that GCC and Asia are some of the key markets they focus on currently. He further reiterated that Africa is another source market which they are looking at present and they have a diverse portfolio of visitors from these markets. Presenting their unique experiences at ITB Asia, some of the areas they focus on is faith tourism, which brings in a lot of devotees to the destination. Jordan has been in the forefront of promoting itself with all its rich culture and heritage. They have been able to keep their tourist numbers high mainly due to the many efforts to promote the destination to new markets.

Speaking with TravTalk Middle East, Maher Azizia, Managing Director STM Tours shared that their main focus was the expat market in the UAE. STM Tours is a leading travel company specialising in fixed departure tours for groups and individuals travelling from the GCC and the USA to Central Europe and now branching out to the Southeast Asian market too. Azizia explained that the main idea to attend ITB Asia was to find out destinations which will offer different and unique experiences for his clients based out of the UAE especially. “We can cater to a minimum of two persons as we ensure that we provide high-quality, hassle-free journeys that combine the best of culture, history, and leisure. We focus on the expats of the UAE as they prefer to spend on their holidays which will bring them personalised and unique experiences and we provide this every step of the way.”