Category Archives: Agents

VFS Global announced the launch of its flagship Visa Application Centre in Dubai’s Wafi City, marking the opening of the largest visa application facility in the world. The centre was inaugurated by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai; and Mr. Zubin Karkaria, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global Group. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism said, “This milestone is more than an infrastructure achievement — it reflects the strategic direction Dubai is taking to enhance global mobility, unlock access to opportunity, and accelerate growth across our visitor and business economy. As we advance the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, strengthening seamless access to and from Dubai remains a priority. Visa facilitation is a key enabler of talent attraction, tourism development, and international partnerships — all essential levers of our strategy to position Dubai as the world’s most connected and future-ready city.” His Excellency Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director General, General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai said, “Today, we witnessed the inauguration of a new milestone in the journey of excellence pursued by the UAE in general and Dubai in particular, with the opening of the world’s largest Visa Application Centre, located in the heart of Dubai, a city that continuously redefines innovation. This achievement embodies a true reflection of the directives of our wise leadership towards strengthening the nation’s position as a global hub for smart services and establishing a unique model for delivering government services with high efficiency and quality. We believe that …

RateHawk announced a strategic partnership with GlobalStar Travel Management . This new partnership gives GlobalStar’s partners around the world access to RateHawk’s extensive inventory. RateHawk’s all-in-one system will provide Global Star’s partners over 2.7 million accommodation options, alongside a number of supplementary supplier sources for car rentals, transfers and train tickets. To assist travel managers in efficiently navigating the wide array of options, the company’s AI-powered tools prioritise recommendations based on the most competitive rates available. “Our collaboration is designed to further empower GlobalStar partners, increasing their confidence in the daily booking routine. We source our diverse range of accommodations from not only 320+ suppliers but also 130,000+ directly contracted properties. This enables us to provide real-time availability status and facilitate faster amendments. Also, our ML-driven pre-book check procedure helps minimise the risk of possible issues, ensuring a smoother experience. Additionally, our dedicated support team is available in 32 languages to assist with any inquiries,” shares Ilya Kravtsov, Chief Commercial Officer at Emerging Travel Group, RateHawk’s parent company. “We are delighted to be partnering with a respected global booking system like RateHawk to complement our existing GDS-based hotel programme. In particular, RateHawk’s ability to provide ‘pre-pay’ and ‘credit’ facilities closes a gap for GlobalStar in supporting our Partners in regions where this feature is a ‘must-have’ to manage hotel bookings. Alongside this, the additional flexibility of API integration provides our Partners with an opportunity for deeper integration where required. Initial feedback from our Partners has been extremely positive, and I look forward to engaging closely with the Network in the coming months to share more information, ” stated Julian Russell, Executive Director, IT and Supplier Relations, at GlobalStar.

Rayna Tours announced the grand opening of its brand-new office in Ras Al Khaimah marking its third branch in the UAE and a significant expansion into the northern emirates. Following the success of its Dubai and Abu Dhabi offices, Rayna’s new Ras Al Khaimah branch is set to be a one-stop shop for all things travel—including holiday packages, cruises, visa services, UAE activities, flight bookings, and hotel reservations. Strategically located on Oman Street, near Al Sindabad Restaurant, Al Araibi – Ras Al Khaimah, the office offers convenience and top-tier service to residents and tourists alike. “Our mission is to make travel more accessible, rewarding, and personal,” said Senthil Velan, CEO of Rayna Tours. “With this new office, we’re bringing the full Rayna experience to RAK and introducing unmatched travel deals with exciting prizes,” added Deepak Hiranandani, CCO of Rayna Tours. Rayna Tours RAK will have some exciting launch week offers during this week. Location: Oman Street, Near Al Sindabad Restaurant, Al Araibi – Ras Al Khaimah Phone: 054 584 8112  

Almosafer announced a partnership with Miral Destinations to promote their leading leisure and entertainment destination Yas Island, among travellers from KSA & Kuwait. The partnership aims to enhance tourist footfall in the UAE capital through Almosafer’s consumer travel platforms. As part of the agreement, Almosafer will leverage its expertise and reach within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and across the region to promote Yas Island’s immersive experiences. This includes its award-winning theme parks – Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, and SeaWorld Yas Island – along with world-class hotels and other attractions. These will be marketed to travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond, in addition to Yas Island’s calendar of world-class events, sporting spectacles, family entertainment, and other leisure activities. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer (part of Seera Group), said: “Our collaboration with Miral Destinations is reflective of our growing clout to drive tourism within the dynamic regional travel ecosystem. Saudi Arabia’s robust presence in the global tourism sector has made it a magnet for both inbound and outbound tourism today. We look forward to further enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global tourism hub by driving more tourists to Yas Island and helping create memorable moments for all who choose to embark on a summer adventure with us and we are confident our digital travel platforms and omnichannel offerings will provide a seamless booking experience.” Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations said: “We’re pleased to collaborate with Almosafer to welcome more Saudi travellers to Yas Island. Collaborations are key to our success across the global tourism stage, and we look forward to providing all our guests with a truly unforgettable experience. This partnership allows us to further …

In a bid to attract more visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, has said plans are in progress to review visa facilitation. Speaking at a recent press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, the Minister emphasized the untapped potential of GCC visitors, citing their increasing interest in Caribbean experiences, higher-than-average spending patterns, and tendency toward longer stays. The review will focus on simplifying visa application processes for visitors from the region. “I have been in discussion with our Ministers of National Security and Foreign Affairs to look at more seamless ways for visa facilitation as we recognize the significant economic potential of visitors from the GCC region,” said the Minister during the announcement at a press conference at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. “By removing unnecessary barriers to travel, we are sending a clear message that our country welcomes GCC visitors with open arms.” Currently, United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport holders can get a visa on arrival.  However, ongoing efforts to ease entry requirements for GCC nationals are underway – changes that could further boost arrivals and drive significant revenue growth for Jamaica’s tourism sector. “The GCC is the new frontier for Jamaica as we seek to diversify our source markets. Simplifying this visa arrangement will make it easier for their visitors to seriously consider Jamaica as a vacation option and allow us to tap into this lucrative market,” added Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. Jamaica saw a 29% increase in visitor arrivals from the GCC in 2024. The UAE led with a 37.3% year-on-year growth, followed by strong performances from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Qatar. “We are already …

The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism reaffirmed its readiness for Dhofar Khareef 2025, as part of its integrated national strategy to promote the season in coordination with public and private partners. Dhofar Governorate currently boasts 83 licensed hotel establishments, offering a total of 6,537 rooms, prepared to welcome tourists throughout the season. The 2025 Dhofar Khareef season will officially run from 21 June to 20 September, transforming the southern region of Oman into a lush and temperate destination. Known for its misty climate, rich greenery, and cultural ambiance, the season attracts more than one million visitors annually. The Ministry’s efforts include participation in regional tourism exhibitions and campaigns across traditional media and social platforms. These efforts are further supported through collaborations with travel influencers and content creators, as well as the organization of familiarisation trips for travel agencies and media representatives from the Gulf and Arab regions. The Ministry is also leveraging its official digital channels to promote Oman’s offerings and is working closely with domestic and international travel agencies to design attractive tourism packages. Oman continues to be recognized as one of the region’s most diverse tourism destinations. The country offers dramatic natural contrasts—from towering mountains and sprawling deserts to long coastlines and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Sumhuram, Al-Baleed Archaeological Park, the Museum of the Land of Frankincense, and a number of historical forts. The government remains committed to strengthening tourism infrastructure and visitor services across all governorates. H.E. Dr. Al-Kharousi highlighted that this year’s calendar will launch with the official astronomical start of the season and will include a rich mix of main and accompanying events across both established and newly enhanced venues to deliver exceptional experiences to …

Les Roches unveils its new Master of Science in International Hospitality Management to meet the global demand for highly qualified hospitality leaders. The program will be introduced across its international campuses in a phased rollout: September 2025 in Abu Dhabi, and March 2026 in Crans-Montana and Marbella offering students the chance to experience some of the world’s most dynamic hospitality and luxury tourism hubs. This new one-year full-time or 18-month part-time degree is designed for university graduates and career changers seeking leadership, operational, and strategic expertise to thrive in the ever-evolving hospitality industry. Combining the heritage of Swiss hospitality, experiential learning, and a global perspective, the program bridges the gap between academic rigor and industry demands, preparing students to become innovative leaders in hospitality and luxury tourism. This program launch comes at a pivotal moment for the industry. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s latest Economic Impact Report (EIR) reveals the Travel & Tourism sector is expected to create nearly 126 million new jobs within the next decade. That is one in three of all new jobs set to be created within the industry requiring an estimated 300,000 to 400,000 new managers by 2030, with 400 to 700 managerial positions added each year. “By aligning our curriculum with industry needs, we aim to prepare graduates to seamlessly integrate themselves into leadership roles, thereby addressing the pressing talent shortages and contributing to the industry’s sustainable growth” said, Carlos Díez de la Lastra, CEO Les Roches. “Les Roches’ commitment to academic excellence extends across its global network, bringing Swiss educational standards to diverse cultural and business landscapes. While deeply rooted in Swiss hospitality tradition, each campus integrates local expertise and …

Almosafer has announced a strategic partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. The agreement will expand Almosafer’s global hotel portfolio, giving travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond direct access to over 9,300 Wyndham properties across 95 countries. This collaboration strengthens Almosafer’s mission to offer seamless travel experiences in line with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to position the Kingdom as a premier global tourism hub. As part of the direct connectivity agreement, Almosafer will integrate Wyndham’s extensive portfolio of 25 iconic brands into its omni-channel platforms. This includes beloved names like Ramada, Days Inn, and La Quinta, offering travellers a diverse range of accommodations—from budget-friendly stays to upscale resorts. The partnership allows Almosafer’s customers to access real-time hotel inventory, competitive pricing, and streamlined booking through its digital platforms. With the largest and widest collection of hotel experiences in the world, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts’ mission of making hotel travel possible for all aligns with Almosafer’s aim to cater to the travel needs of people from Saudi Arabia and beyond as the Middle East’s leading travel brand. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “Strategic partnerships and collaborations are key to our global reach and resilience. By integrating the offerings of the world’s largest hotel franchising company, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, to Almosafer’s omni-channel platform, we seek to enhance the travel experience for our customers. Hospitality brands are integral to the overall travel experience. Almosafer prides itself on offering a seamless booking process encompassing one-touch access to world-class hospitality and airlines, providing a comprehensive package to customers.” Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said; “At Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, our mission goes beyond making travel possible for all—it’s about …

Sabre Corporation signed a global distribution agreement with Riyadh Air. This strategic partnership positions Sabre as the first global distribution partner to collaborate with Riyadh Air, building on an already strong IT partnership and further solidifying Sabre’s role as a key enabler of the airline’s retailing and distribution strategy. The collaboration will enable Riyadh Air to utilize Sabre’s advanced technology solutions, including its multi-source approach to content distribution, which seamlessly integrates both New Distribution Capabilities (NDC) and traditional content to advance its retailing and distribution strategy. This partnership enables Riyadh Air to deliver dynamic, personalized travel offers, reaching a global network of travel agents, corporate buyers, and customers. By tapping into Sabre’s extensive global marketplace, Riyadh Air gains access to powerful tools for driving efficiency, increasing market reach, and providing customers with tailored, real-time travel experiences. “Sabre is well-positioned to support Riyadh Air’s retailing and distribution strategies,” said Alessandro Ciancimino, Vice President, Airline Distribution, EMEA, Sabre Travel Solutions. “Through our multi-source content approach, which integrates NDC alongside traditional content, we can deliver personalized and scalable solutions that align with Riyadh Air’s ambitious growth plans. Our strategy ensures seamless access to the most relevant content, helping Riyadh Air to modernize the travel experience and meet the evolving expectations of today’s travelers.” Since its launch, Riyadh Air has been at the forefront of innovation in aviation, aiming to become the first native digital airline in the world. This partnership underscores Riyadh Air’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences through advanced technology and seamless retailing strategies. “Collaborating with Sabre is a pivotal step in our mission to redefine travel retailing and distribution,” said Vincent Coste, Chief Commercial Officer, Riyadh Air. “Sabre’s extensive global reach …

Jamaica is making decisive moves to establish a stronger presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett spearheading initiatives to build strategic relationships that could reshape the island’s visitor demographics in the coming years. Jamaica’s Tourism Ministry has identified the GCC region as a high-potential market with visitors seeking premium experiences that align perfectly with Jamaica’s tourism offerings. The initiative comes as part of Jamaica’s broader strategy to diversify its tourism source markets beyond traditional North American and European regions. “The GCC represents one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets with significant spending power,” Minister Bartlett explained during his recent participation at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. “We’re implementing a comprehensive plan to position Jamaica as a premier destination for the discerning GCC visitor.” Recent Developments  Preliminary discussion with dnata Travel Group, one of the world’s largest travel services providers, headquartered in Dubai. DNATA’s extensive network, which includes more than 15 international travel brands, could provide Jamaica with unprecedented access to the Gulf market. In 2024, the JTB appointed Buzz Travel Marketing Middle East as its regional representative. This move reinforces Jamaica’s on-the-ground commitment to building relationships with the GCC travel trade. Trade engagement is a cornerstone of JTB’s strategy to increase regional awareness and Jamaica is developing market-specific strategies to appeal to GCC visitors’ preferences and requirements, including luxury accommodations and experiences, cultural considerations, and air connectivity. Regional Leadership Jamaica’s initiative also positions the country as a regional leader in tourism diversification, potentially creating pathways for other Caribbean destinations to develop presence in the GCC market. The island has consistently demonstrated innovation in tourism development, and this strategic focus on the GCC could …