Category Archives: Agents

The number of pre-qualified buyers attending this year’s World Travel Market London increased by 11 per cent compared to last year, with organisers of the world’s most influential travel and tourism event thrilled to confirm 5,049 world class buyers came through its doors, over three-days. Returning to Excel London from November 5 to 7 2024, the 44th edition hosted 5,049 buyers, a substantial increase of 11 per cent, and almost 500 extra buyers, on the 4,560 buyers welcomed to the 2023 show. Bigger and better than ever, overall attendance at the event increased by six per cent to 46,316 individuals, with many travel professionals attending for between two and three days. To accommodate the additional visitors, the show increased in scale by almost eight per cent, adopting new halls within Excel London’s Level-0, where visitors could enjoy large new conference stages and hospitality areas. Aligned to the event expansion, a record number of exhibitors from the private sector were in attendance, with exhibitor participation growing to 4,047, another rise of eight per cent compared to last year. Continuing to deliver measurable value for attendees, confirmed business meetings also rose by a phenomenal 17 per cent in 2024, with 34,082 pre- scheduled meetings facilitated, in contrast to the 29,075 that took place last year. Hunger for change Leading conversations that will shape the travel and tourism industry throughout 2025, WTM London focussed on ‘Travelpower’ and how attendees, including tourism boards, hoteliers, transport services, technology brands, associations and experiences, can use their platforms for positive change. Reflecting this, the show’s exhilarating conference programme saw more than 200 world-class speakers deliver over 70 insightful sessions built around the topics of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI), Geo-Economics, …

Sabre Hospitality announced a new partnership with BookLogic  which marks a significant step in expanding the global distribution and retailing capabilities of both companies, focuses on driving growth in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions, with particular emphasis on United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Turkey as well as Qatar and Saudi Arabia. This partnership reflects both companies’ commitment to regional growth and innovation. The collaboration will begin by connecting up to 1,200 hotels from BookLogic’s portfolio to leading Global Distribution Systems (GDSs) and Internet Distribution Systems (IDS). Future plans include expanding to online travel agency (OTA) integration, BookLogic’s long-tail distribution channels, and comprehensive retail solutions. This layered approach allows BookLogic to scale its offerings and marketing distribution opportunities to meet the evolving needs of the hospitality industry, offering hoteliers a complete ecosystem and landscape for managing optimized operations, distribution, and efficient guest engagement. Sabre Hospitality and BookLogic also share strategic priorities in payment automation, dynamic packaging technology, alternative regional distribution, and guest experience, creating a strong foundation for future growth and innovation. “Partnering with BookLogic will enable Sabre Hospitality to expand its reach in key markets such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey,” said Frank Trampert, Senior Vice President, Global Managing Director at Sabre Hospitality. “By leveraging the power of our SynXis platform, BookLogic will offer best-in-class distribution and retailing services to independent hotels, helping them unlock new opportunities and drive operational efficiency in a competitive market.” Leveraging Sabre’s SynXis Retailing platform integrated with the BookLogic system, the partnership brings a robust set of features and connections to the MEA region, one of Sabre Hospitality’s key growth areas. SynXis, the leading global hospitality commerce and distribution platform, connects hotels to over …

Almosafer Business has become a member of the One Global Community, formed by World Travel Inc and Clarity as a community of world-leading travel management companies.  Almosafer Business is the first travel management company to join One Global from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, showcasing its innovative strategy to lead from the front. Almosafer Business caters to corporate and government entities with cutting-edge travel management solutions designed around innovation and technological advancements. The partnership will enable Almosafer Business to amplify its digital-first services and offerings to benefit its clients and suppliers. Khalid Alyahia, VP of Almosafer, said; “We are excited to join forces with One Global Community to expand our innovative services across our digital platforms. This marks a milestone for Almosafer Business as we embark on a new chapter together, leveraging our best-in-class local expertise in the region and One Global’s network of worldwide suppliers and partners to enhance our offerings to our customers. Collaborations and partnerships are key to Almosafer’s success today, and we look forward to widening our imprint as we deliver even more innovative services.” Jodie Gentles, Managing Director of One Global, said; “Almosafer’s market leadership within the Saudi tourism sphere and their on-ground collaborations with service providers will be an asset for us at One Global. We look forward to enhancing their global reach even as our community of travel management companies will gain from their best-in-class practices.” One Global – a global community of world-leading travel management companies – formed by two of the world’s largest – Clarity Travel Management and World Travel, Inc. – is powered by partnerships. With industry-leading technology supplemented by local experience, One Global offers customers and service providers access …

Khaled Shaker Director of Investment and Strategic Projects at Dubai Developments becomes DDP Face of the Future. He is a visionary leader known for his expertise in investment and strategic project management, specializing in sustainable growth initiatives. With over 15 years of experience across key Dubai government entities, he has a solid track record in driving governance, strategy, and risk mitigation. Focused on redefining real estate and hospitality landscapes through innovation, his mission is to foster impactful change.  

Andy Cuthbert General Manager at Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and Madinat Jumeirah Conference & Events was recognised as the DDP Gourmet Tourism Ambassador. A distinguished chef and industry leader, he has spent decades elevating the culinary arts in Dubai and beyond. Founding member and past president of the Emirates Culinary Guild, he was recently elected President of the World Association of Chefs Societies for 2024-2028.

Founder, Chairman and CEO of Satguru Group of Companies, Anil Chandirani enters the Gallery of Legends at Arabian Travel Awards 2024. A visionary and dynamic leader, his company was set up in 1989. They allows their clients to prepare their own itinerary. Through a corporate booking tool they provide automated solutions to clients. In this way they offer a hassle-free method to complete their travel booking process. With a presence of 140 branches in 80 countries, his company has left no stone unturned to provide a host of facilities under one roof for the convenience of the travellers.

General Manager of Travco Gulf Region, Ms Jyoti Panchmatia was recognised as the DDP Gamechanger. A seasoned travel and tourism professional with over 40 years of experience, she excels in Destination Management, Cruise Handling, MICE, and Travel Agency leadership. Known for strategic thinking and effective people management, her efforts transformed loss-making units into profitable ventures, positioning key industry players in the Gulf.

Qatar Tourism announces, the number of visitors by the end of October 2024 has reached a new high of 4 million, matching the total visitor count for 2023.  This year-to-date total represents a 26% increase in international visitors compared to the same period in 2023. This is a positive indication that we will reach even higher numbers by the end of 2024, especially with the kick-off of the winter season and the array of activities that has been planned for this period. GCC nationals make up 41.8% of visitors, with the remaining 58.2% from international markets. The top 10 visitor markets include Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Republic of India, United Kingdom, Kingdom of Bahrain, United States of America, State of Kuwait, Sultanate of Oman, Federal Republic of Germany, United Arab Emirates, and People’s Republic of China. To date, 56.2% of visitors arrived by air, 37.84% by land, and the remaining 5.96% by sea. Additionally, Qatar’s hospitality sector has grown significantly, surpassing 40,053 hotel keys (as of September 2024) as part of Qatar’s enhanced tourism infrastructure.  

Discover Saudi and the Muslim Golf Association (MGA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the world’s first Golf Umrah, Race to Makkah, in the Kingdom. As part of the MoU Discover Saudi will customise, promote & distribute a dedicated Golf Umrah package in collaboration with the Muslim Golf Association, combining the classic pilgrimage experience with premium golf activity for inbound and domestic golf enthusiasts. Participants will embark on an extraordinary journey, harmonising their passion for golf with the profound religious experience of Umrah. This event marks the launch of MGA’s World Championship, The Race to Makkah, an exclusive three-day golf tournament at the prestigious Royal Greens Golf & Country Club — celebrated as one of the Kingdom’s premier golf destinations, which has hosted several high-profile tournaments including the PIF Saudi International and LIV Golf Jeddah. Following their spiritual pilgrimage to Makkah and Madinah, participants will engage in this unparalleled golfing experience. Founded in 2020, The Muslim Golf Association is the world’s first dedicated golfing platform catering to modern, professional, Muslim male and female golfers of all abilities. It has also recently launched a groundbreaking initiative in collaboration with the European Disabled Golf Association (EDGA) to train new volunteers and deliver dedicated sessions for disabled Muslims. The partnership draws on Discover Saudi’s extensive on-the-ground expertise and vast network of local tour operators, and access to hospitality partners to elevate the travel experience for the tournament participants and attendees. Saudi Arabia’s growing clout in the international sporting arena, with the Kingdom playing host to a range of sporting events, attracting tourists and fans from around the world, gets a further boost with the Race to Makkah event expected to enhance …

Emirates has introduced Chauffeur-Drive Services (CDS) in Riyadh, further elevating the travel experience for discerning premium passengers arriving at and departing from King Khalid International Airport. Emirates customers travelling in First and Business Class will enjoy a stress-free, comfortable journey with a door-to-door experience that reflects the airline’s exceptional onboard experience and premium services. First and Business Class customers can request for CDS on any of the airline’s three daily flights to and from Riyadh. The exclusive service is complimentary for customers within a 100-kilometre radius of the airport. Excess Mileage will apply for areas beyond the served radius*. Emirates Chauffeur-Drive Services are currently offered in over 70 cities within the Emirates’ network. Emirates’ Chauffeur-Drive service can be booked through Manage My Booking option on www.emirates.com or Emirates’ call centres as well as through travel agents. Bringing a new level of comfort and luxury to Saudi Arabia. Emirates’ recent investments in its operations to the Kingdom underpin the airline’s commitment to bringing a new, heightened level of service and hospitality, both in the air and on the ground, for customers flying to and from one of Emirates’ most important markets globally.This includes a new dedicated lounge at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The US$5.4 million, 900-square-metre lounge located in the airport’s newest Terminal 1 welcomes 190 guests at any one time, with seating tailored to the needs of business and leisure travellers. In early October, Riyadh became Emirates’ first GCC destination to welcome the airline’s refurbished Boeing 777, offering passengers an all-new Business Class cabin and highly acclaimed Premium Economy seats. The four-class Emirates Boeing 777 offers 24 Premium Economy seats, giving customers the opportunity to treat themselves to a more spacious seat …