Category Archives: Agents

As part of its ongoing endeavours to empower national competencies and enhance their skills and experiences in the tourism sector, Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) announced the launch of the first of a kind “Leadership Development Academy” and introduced its programmes (SHIFT & LIFT). The academy launch ceremony was held under the patronage of Al Mutasim Said Al Sariri, OMRAN Group’s Vice Chairman, and witnessed the presence of a number of members of the Board of Directors, CEO and officials from OMRAN Group, subsidiaries, and owned hospitality assets at the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC). The Leadership Development Academy serves as a platform to enhance the leadership skills of the local competencies and foster a motivating professional environment. In addition to providing the tourism sector with qualified leaders who actively contribute to achieving this promising sector’s growth and development. Commenting on this occasion, Dr.Hashil bin Obaid Al Mahrouqi, CEO of OMRAN Group, said: “OMRAN Group is devoted to providing various programmes and initiatives that aim to harness national competencies, equip them with the knowledge, insights, and strategies needed to drive the growth and sustainability of our nation’s tourism sector.” He further added, “We affirm our commitment to investing in our human capital and their development in alignment with the national tourism strategy and our corporate objectives.” The ‘SHIFT’ programme will provide training courses in different management and leadership roles within the sector. Its first phase includes 40 participants from management levels at OMRAN Group and its subsidiaries. On the other hand, the ‘LIFT’ programme involves 20 candidates from hospitality assets, concentrating on developing leadership skills specifically for the hospitality industry. To ensure the high quality of the training …

The world’s first premium leisure airline Beond will debut its operations in  Riyadh and the first inaugural flight will commence from 9th November 2023. Speaking with TravelTV Middle East, Tero Taskila CEO and Founder Beond reiterated that they selected Riyadh as the first destination mainly due to the fact that the luxury market is underserved, hence they wanted to cater to the luxury travellers who seek special experiences onboard. The Munich inaugural departing will be 15th November and the Zurich inaugural departing 17th November 2023. Between today and the scheduled service launch, early bird customers have chartered the aircraft to experience the Maldives. In addition, the airline announced new routes from Dubai and Milan, beginning in late March 2024. With events in Malé, Maldives attended by dignitaries, investors, supporters and employees, and at a global media event broadcast online and in-person in Dubai, the airline showcased its first aircraft, an Airbus A319 seating 44 passengers in a luxurious all lay-flat configuration. “Welcome to Beond. Our aim is simple: to fly our customers to the most unique and unspoiled destinations where they can release their inner explorer on the most memorable vacation of their lives,” said Tero Taskila, CEO of Beond, and a founder. “Today is but the beginning of our vision for our customers, embodied by this beautiful aircraft — inside and out. We could not be more pleased to showcase it in Maldives, our home,d and Dubai. We wish especially to thank the government of Maldives and our supporters there, the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, and SIMDI Group — each of whom believed in our vision for a new airline in Maldives. Our team will do its best to …

According to Phocuswright, an increasing number of companies from outside of travel are entering the online travel agency (OTA) space. This comes ahead of the 2023 Phocuswright Conference, which will be themed around what recent powerful advances in technology could mean for the future of the industry – and how travel businesses must adapt to remain relevant. Although outside players are plugging into online travel companies’ platforms, it is mainly the OTAs that will reap the rewards of this trend, according to Phocuswright: “Historically it was travel suppliers who partnered with the OTAs in a bid to supplement their core products,” said Lorraine Sileo, senior analyst, at Phocuswright.  “However, non-travel brands, such as financial institutions, retailers and loyalty clubs, are now partnering with OTAs to sell travel. “These companies now really want to get into the travel business – and technology is enabling them to do so.  Over the past two years, several have launched travel booking platforms or announced ambitious plans to do so, even though the online travel agency market is already near saturation and uber competitive.  The goal for these companies is not to gain substantial revenue directly from travel, but to keep their customers coming back, for example by encouraging card usage and giving customers more ways to earn or redeem loyalty points.  But, for the OTAs, these partnerships can be directly profitable.” This trend is set to benefit the big brands in the OTA space, as many “outside” companies will simply be tapping into their various plug-and-play models without needing much experience or expertise in the travel sector.  Here are three companies in the finance space that are now tapping into OTAs to drive loyalty …

Kanoo Travel announced its association with Travel Leaders. This strategic alliance amplifies Kanoo Travel’s international reach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to ensure continued premium service to its clientele and paving the way for future expansion opportunities within the global network. This partnership was announced at a gala event which took place at the Museum of the Future in Dubai on October 5. The fusion of Kanoo Travel’s personalized approach with Travel Leaders’ extensive state-of-the-art technology offerings promises an unparalleled travel management experience. As part of the Internova Travel Group, Kanoo Travel will now have access to Travel Leaders’ broad suite of services, including online booking platforms, marketing tools, a global destination marketing company network and exclusive hotel programs. Furthermore, a comprehensive technology suite will bolster the servicing of both international and local clientele, providing tools for profile management, trip authorization, consolidated data analytics, advanced meetings technology and in-depth customer reporting. Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo, Chairman – SBU Trading Divisions, commented, “I believe this partnership with Travel Leaders International will be another milestone step for Kanoo Travel. It synergizes with our recent digitalization efforts and opens new doors, giving us new opportunities to better serve our client base. He added, “Kanoo Travel has taken another step forward, reflecting on our continued dedication to elevate the travel experience. Earlier this year, we introduced Kanoo Travel MORE, expanding our offering with targeted solutions. And today with this alliance, we are even more equipped to provide our clients with an unparalleled travel platform.” “We are thrilled about this collaboration with Travel Leaders, a renowned and revered brand within the Internova Travel Group portfolio. This partnership presents a unique opportunity for Kanoo Travel to …

German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC) and world-renowned artist, Sacha Jafri, came together to spotlight its 51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany campaign. Germany looks forward to welcome GCC travellers by offering an unparalleled journey through time, tradition, and natural wonders, encouraging them to immerse themselves in the country’s rich heritage and vibrant landscapes. The event was held today at Studio Jafri, the Middle East’s jewel in the crown Studio/Gallery, brought GNTO and the global Artist, Sacha Jafri together, to highlight the importance of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Yamina Sofo, Director at German National Tourist Office (GNTO GCC), said: “We are excited to promote our ‘51 UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Historic.Modern.Germany’ campaign. We’ve come together with the incredible Sacha Jafri who worked seamlessly and we were delighted to see the beauty of the Museum Island Berlin on his canvas.” “Recently, at the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee meeting held in Riyadh, Germany was awarded a 52nd World Heritage; a testament to our commitment to safeguarding our heritage while offering travellers a chance to embark on a remarkable journey of discovery.” Yamina added further. Sacha Jafri said: “My vision and inspiration for my UNESCO World Heritage Sites Collection, aims to reconnect Humanity to our cultural past, a more conscious present, towards an inspired and more sustainable future. It has been an honour for me to partner with UNESCO’s in celebration of their 50th Anniversary of World Heritage Sites.” From historic palaces and castles to flourishing natural parks, architectural marvels and quaint towns, Germany encapsulates the essence of cultural preservation and environmental conservation. Whether the travellers are history enthusiasts, nature lovers, architecture aficionados, or simply seeking vibrant cultural …

The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has inaugurated the “Japan Travel House” in Qatar, a pioneering initiative designed to serve as a dedicated contact point and information hub for travel to Japan. This strategic move aims to kindle interest in visiting Japan and encourage travel from the GCC countries, with a particular focus on Qatar. The official launching event took place on Wednesday, 4th October 2023, at the Japan Travel House. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA, Ambassador of Japan to the State of Qatar. Notably, the ceremony was also open to the general public in Qatar, providing them with an opportunity to learn about travel to Japan. Attendees were treated to authentic Japanese cuisine courtesy of Junko Sushi & Japanese Dining, which serves as a contact point. The Japan Travel House will actively distribute pamphlets highlighting various tourist attractions across Japan. Visitors can expect personalized face-to-face travel guidance and prompt responses to their inquiries. Additionally, the facility will feature informative display panels introducing diverse destinations from all corners of Japan. Plans are also in place to host Japanese cultural experience events. H.E. Mr. Satoshi MAEDA commented: “Tourism is one of the important areas for bilateral relations between Japan and Qatar. The government of Japan has introduced various measures to promote tourism from Qatar to Japan. Visa waiver measure for nationals of the State of Qatar based on ordinary passport registration system for Qatari nationals started in April this year, and we began accepting applications electronically from August. Prime Minister Kishida introduced these measures to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar at the bilateral summit …

Sav has joined forces with Musafir.com to bring a groundbreaking approach to travel savings. This transformative partnership is set to reshape the travel landscape, making it more accessible and affordable for UAE residents. In an era where financial responsibility and smart spending are paramount, Sav and Musafir.com introduce an innovative paradigm shift—”Save Now, Buy Later for Travel”. This trailblazing feature empowers users to embark on a journey of financial discipline while planning their dream vacations. Sachin Gadoya, CEO and Co-Founder of musafir.com said, “At Musafir.com, our mission has always been to make travel dreams a reality. Through this partnership with Sav, we aim to empower our customers to save effortlessly for their dream vacations. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to providing unforgettable travel experiences while making the journey towards them more accessible and convenient.” Unbeatable Travel Discounts Musafir.com commits to contribute to users’ goals across hotels, holidays, domestic and international Visas, which will redefine their travel experiences: 10% Off on UAE Visas: Seamlessly apply for UAE visas and enjoy an unprecedented 10% contribution from Musafir.com. 50% off on International Visas: Explore the world with ease and save significantly on international visas. 5% contribution on Hotels: Secure your stay at top-notch hotels with an unbeatable 5% contribution from Musafir.com. AED 300 contribution on Booking Holidays: Plan your dream holiday and save AED 300 on your booking. This partnership epitomizes Sav’s unwavering commitment to helping users save on their travel aspirations. Musafir.com joins this mission as one of the pioneering companies promoting sustainable affordability in the travel category.     A Unified Vision for Financial Empowerment This partnership between Sav and Musafir.com is about fostering sustainable financial practices in …

Amadeus entered strategic partnership with Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC to enrich Bahwan Travel Agencies’ product portfolio and elevate customer experience in Oman market. The partnership will see Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC integrating cutting-edge solutions from Amadeus, including Amadeus Web Services, Selling Platform and Productivity Suite. These state-of-the-art tools enhance operational efficiency, streamline booking process, and empower travel agencies to provide more personalized and seamless services to customers. Key solutions Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC will implement is Amadeus All Fares for shopping and Amadeus Robotics for fare optimization. These will enable agency to offer travelers comprehensive and optimized fares suited to needs of traveler, ultimately enhancing their overall journey planning experience. The partnership also delivers Amadeus Ticket Changer for faster, automated ticket re-issue and refund capabilities, Quality Control Smart Scripts, and other tools to ensure smoother and hassle-free operations. Biju Antony, General Manager of Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, said: “At Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC, our commitment is to provide exceptional travel experiences for customers. Partnering with Amadeus aligns perfectly with our vision, as the their solutions are renowned  for innovation and reliability. We believe this collaboration will help us take our customer service to new heights and deliver seamless and personalized travel experiences.” Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director of Amadeus Gulf, expressed his excitement about partnership, stating, ” As an industry, we only progress by working together. That’s why we are thrilled to collaborate with Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC in bringing latest Amadeus travel technology to take travel experience to next level. Our solutions are designed to drive efficiency and elevate customer service, and we are confident that Bahwan Travel Agencies LLC will greatly benefit from implementing these state-of-the-art tools, reinforced …

Christopherson Business Travel and Travelport jointly announced an industry first: being the first travel management company (TMC) to successfully issue a ticket on the revolutionary Deem platform since its integration with Travelport+. The move signals a significant advancement in corporate travel management and marks the dawn of a new era in modern retailing. The integration of Deem with Travelport+ demonstrates Christopherson’s commitment to providing its customers with the most efficient and advanced travel booking options. New distribution capability (NDC) technology allows for more personalization, flexibility, and transparency in booking and servicing travel, ultimately enhancing the customer experience. As longtime partners of Travelport, Christopherson was one of the first North American TMCs to upgrade to Travelport+, enabling the agency to deliver the modern retailing experience their customers expect. Travelport+ simplifies access to multi-source content and generates value for agents and travelers, with advanced retailing capabilities, sophisticated cloud-based point of sale solutions, and tools that make operations easier. “Adopting Deem with Travelport+ is a game-changer for our clients,” said Mike Cameron, CEO of Christopherson Business Travel. “This successful implementation not only positions us at the industry’s forefront, but it ensures our customers benefit from a consumer-like booking tool with multi-source content, including NDC, displayed in a modern storefront, all powered by Travelport+.”

Kanoo Travel and Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) have signed a travel services agreement. The agreement will provide ADDC employees, and their families access to Kanoo Travel’s comprehensive travel services, including flights, hotels, car rentals, and travel insurance. Aubrey Heldt, Divisional General Manager in Operations of Kanoo Travel, said, “We are delighted to partner with ADDC, one of the most important government entities in Abu Dhabi. This agreement is a testament to our commitment to providing our clients with the highest quality travel services and our strong relationships with leading companies in the region.” Kanoo Travel Divisional CEO Zaeem Gama, commented, “The service agreement is a significant milestone in our pursuit of innovation and consumer experience. Our partnership with ADDC adds a distinct and compelling dynamic as we unlock an exceptional potential to serve our high-profile clients with unique opportunities for travel suited to their specific needs.” “We are forging an innovative path in the sector by leveraging our skills to push the boundaries of travel management and provide remarkable experiences that exceed expectations. This agreement highlights our dedication to staying ahead of changing industry trends and cements our position as a leader in the field of travel management”, Gama added.