Category Archives: Agents

With a target to attract over six million international visitors a year by 2030, Qatar Tourism (QT) has opened its first representative office in Tehran, Iran earlier this month, adding to QT’s vast and growing network of offices around the world. Marked as QT’s13th global opening, the office will lead various promotional activities, including tour operator partnerships, travel agent destination training, media visits and campaigns, all of which will serve to highlight Qatar as a cosmopolitan and culturally rich destination for travellers from Iran. Qatar makes for an attractive and convenient destination for tourists from Iran, owing to weekly direct flights from the Iranian cities of Tehran, Mashhad, Shiraz, and Isfahan to Doha in less than three hours and visa-free entry for Iranian citizens. In addition, both countries follow Islamic calendars and can see synced holiday seasons, allowing visitors from Iran to travel to Doha for a last-minute getaway or luxurious city break. Chief Operating Officer of Qatar Tourism, Berthold Trenkel, said: “Qatar Tourism’s choice in the location of its latest office opening is a testament to the decades-long cultural and trade ties between the two countries. Iran is one of 15 target markets identified by Qatar Tourism as a primary source for tourists looking to relax, rejuvenate and soak in some culture. Opening a representative office in Iran will help support Qatar Tourism’s strategic goals to increase the number of visitors to Qatar by threefold, increase spending by 3 to 4 times, and grow the GDP contribution of the tourism sector to 12% by 2030.” In addition to holidays in which Qatar is the end destination, the country makes for an excellent stopover retreat for Iranian travellers set to …

Global Village guests will have the opportunity to experience a stunning new attraction when Season 27 opens on October 25, 2002. The ‘’Global Village Big Balloon’’, accommodates up to 20 people of all ages and is also suitable for people of determination. The helium balloon, which is as high as a six-storey building and measures 65 feet in diameter, will give guests the chance to experience spectacular 360-degree views across Global Village and the wider surroundings. The huge balloon is to become a new landmark in the sky, visible from miles around the multicultural destination. Naveen Jain, Director – Business Development, Global Village, said: “Every Season we make sure our guests are able to experience new and exciting attractions. A balloon ride experience is on many people’s bucket lists, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer this opportunity to our guests. Closer to the season opening, we will be revealing more fun experiences that can be enjoyed by all the family.” The massive balloon has been designed to exceed the high safety standards that have been established by Global Village in recent years. The park once again received a 5* rating for the 4th consecutive year by the British Safety Council and was also awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour for the past 3 years.

Jamal Travel Agency, a fully-fledged travel and tourism service provider based in the United Arab Emirates, is working together with Amadeus to launch its B2B and B2C ecommerce platform. The new agreement sees Jamal Travel Agency adopting Amadeus’ advanced technology solutions to help achieve the company’s strategic objectives for greater efficiency, increased profitability and its drive to enter new markets. Jamal Travel Agency has built its solid reputation and customer base since its inception in 1988. By working with Amadeus, Jamal Travel Agency plans to offer a wide range of new technology-driven solutions with customer service at the core. Its goal is to make travel experiences more integrated and frictionless. Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Managing Director, Amadeus Gulf, adds: “We are primed to help Jamal Travel Agency grow its position as a leading travel agency by helping the company launch its exciting new B2B and B2C ecommerce platform. Jamal Travel Agency will use a variety of Amadeus solutions ranging from ecommerce (Amadeus web services API), to increasing its non-air content revenues, automating processes by means of robotics and adopting the latest payments technology. Our aim at Amadeus is to help travel agencies navigate through the current challenges and help renew travel by delivering what customers need.” Sainulabdeen Salim, Founder and Managing Director, Jamal Travel Agency said: “Our partnership with Amadeus is focused on increasing productivity, streamlining customer service and giving our commercial teams access to more markets. We will also be able to offer customers greater control in managing their travel bookings and process payments seamlessly and securely through our ecommerce platform. We are confident this new alliance with Amadeus will reinforce our position as a trusted and favorable travel partner …

Saudi Airlines (SAUDIA) has initiated the next phase of an ongoing agreement with Saudi Falcons Club to become a Strategic Partner and the Official Carrier for the International Saudi Falcon and Hunting Exhibition. SAUDIA’s presence at the 10-day expo, which kicked off in Riyadh on Thursday, Aug. 25th, comes as part of the airline’s effort to be present at a variety of events and activities that enhance cultural development and promote Saudi Arabia’s rich falconry tradition. Guests attending the exhibition will have the opportunity to redeem a promotional up to 20% discount on a wide range of travel packages through SAUDIA Holidays. Guests can plan the perfect holiday getaway that includes a wide range of flight, accommodation, and service options, including vehicle rentals and tours. Moataz Alandijani, General Manager of Partnerships and Sponsorships at SAUDIA commented “We are very pleased with what was achieved last year with Saudi Falcons Club and we are proud to extend the strategic partnership for the next 3 years, and our participation comes as part of SAUDIA Group’s contribution to supporting all heritage, culture and sports event. The CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, Hussam bin Abdulmohsen Al-Hazaimi, affirmed the club’s endeavor to expand the agreements with all strategic partners to serve those interested in falconry. He stated, “The Saudi Falcons club is proud to sign the partnership agreement with SAUDIA Group and contribute to supporting and serving the cultural and local heritage of Saudis.” The strategic partnership signed at the exhibition marks the three next years of the on-going agreement between SAUDIA group and the Saudi Falcons Club. The agreement encompasses additional sponsorships and official carrier status for various other events as well as …

Zamzam.com, the online platform facilitating Umrah booking services in the region, enters a strategic partnership with Merit Incentives to deliver on its brand promise ‘Umrah Simplified’. As part of this collaboration, Merit Incentives’ clients in the banking sector and its marketplace will equip their customers to redeem their loyalty points for Zamzam gift cards, providing all customers with the opportunity to gift their loved ones an Umrah experience. Registered users can redeem their loyalty points for a Zamzam gift card to plan their travel to Umrah and Hajj effortlessly and conveniently. In addition, customers can redeem their loyalty points on Zamzam.com to plan their pilgrimage to Mecca or visit Madina. Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Zamzam.com, Omar Seraj Akbar, said: “Delivering a seamless Umrah experience is paramount to our business. Our platform acts as a gateway to effective Umrah planning and is designed to help customers enjoy a seamless booking experience. Our alliance with Merit Incentives fulfils our strategic goal of expanding our network and providing a  religious tourism experience to a wider audience. Through this partnership, we aim to make Umrah travel accessible and more shareable than ever for everyone in the region and beyond.” At Merit Incentives, we are focused on providing the best customer and employee engagement technologies & strategies with new innovative ideas, said Julie Barbier-Leblan, CEO of Merit Incentives. Our main objective is to offer complete freedom of choice to our millions of programs’ end-users and personalise redemption options that match their personal, cultural or even religious preferences. Partnering with ZamZam.com to offer the Muslim community – in the MENA region and globally – an opportunity to redeem their points for Umrah packages was …

It was disclosed recently by Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “With FIFA World Cup approaching, travelers have started planning their trips and booking their tickets. With that, they are also searching for nearby hotels in the UAE, where they can see the best of both countries. And Dubai hotel searches are on the rise in the period between November and December 2022. If we were to look at the hotel daily rates in November and December 2021, they were around $225 and 240$ simultaneously. Recently, the daily rate on average for November 2022 is $345 and for December 2022 $410. We may still see change in prices as we approach the event dates, but these are the current numbers based on the searches from September to December 2022. The hotel and flight searches to Dubai, around the period of the event recorded over 96,900 on our platform and we expect to see an increase in searches and bookings as we get closer to the event date.”

As part of its endeavours to enhance cooperation with various stakeholders and achieve comprehensive tourism development objectives, the Oman Tourism Development Company (OMRAN Group) signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Office of Al Dakhiliyah Governor to develop several tourism projects in numerous tourist destinations in the governorate. The agreement was signed by H.E. Hilal bin Saeed Al Hajri, Governor of Al Dhakiliyah, and Eng. Mohammed Abu-Bakar Al Ghassani, Vice Chairman of OMRAN Group, in presence of senior officials from both parties in dusitD2 Naseem Resort, Jabal Akhdar. OMRAN Group continues to explore tourism development prospects in collaboration with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and various stakeholders. As part of the National Tourism Strategy 2040, ongoing efforts are being made to increase the tourism offerings in the Sultanate and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. By introducing novel experiences offered by Al Dakhilyiah governorate through various projects, OMRAN Group continues to foster the tourism sector in the governorate since it is considered as one of the main tourist destinations. Furthermore, it strives to promote qualitative experiences in the group’s projects and investments in the governorate, including Alila Al Jabal Al Akhdar, dusitD2 Naseem Resort Al Jabal Al Akhdar, Nizwa fort, Al Hoota Cave, Harat Al Bilad and Bahla Fort and Oasis.  

The fifth edition of the Gulf travel show will be held on 28th and 29th September 2022 with Tourism Malaysia as platinum partner. Sunway City Kuala Lumpur hotel is among Tourism Malaysia’s list of partners for the fifth consecutive time. Ahmad Faizal Iskandar – Director of Sales – Sunway City Kuala Lumpur Hotel, “This is going to be the 5th participation in Gulf travel Show since 2020, and it is a potent and important channel and platform to promote Sunway as a preferred and highly sought holiday destination in Malaysia. SUNWAY CITY KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA; In a bold drive to seal its position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination, Sunway Resort located in the amazing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur unveils phase one of its once-in-a-generation transformation. Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s transformation of its flagship property, Sunway Resort, began early 2020 – the most extensive renovation in its 25-year history. Phase one of our US$60 million project is now complete, and guests are welcome to experience eight (8) brand new rooms and suites.  We need to make this participation with this edition of Gulf Travel Show to make the most exposure and awareness of our latest transformation of the integrated resort as preferred and highly sought family destinations in Malaysia. The next phases of Sunway Resort’s dramatic transformation will be progressively revealed in 2022, where guests can expect more themed suites, dedicated family spaces, exciting new dining destinations, reimagined leisure facilities including the swimming pool, health club and more, securing Sunway City Kuala Lumpur’s position as Asia’s leading fully-integrated premier hospitality and entertainment destination.”  

It was shared by the Saudi Tourism Authority that it welcomes the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduction of a new multi-entry visa to Saudi, available to visitors holding the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Hayya Card. The Hayya Card is required for all World Cup attendees and provides entry into Qatar and the stadiums. Saudi is a gateway to the World Cup and home to destinations waiting to be explored. Holders of the Hayya Card will be able to apply for the new visa online and book a trip to the authentic home of Arabia with confidence, before, during and after the World Cup. Visas will allow a 60-day stay in Saudi beginning 10 days before the tournament. The announcement encourages first time and returning visitors alike to explore destinations in close proximity to the World Cup. Saudi is a short hop away making it a practical and convenient destination for World Cup attendees to visit or make a home base during the games. Saudi is expecting to welcome football fans from around the world. Beyond proximity, travelers are looking to visit Saudi for authentic Arabian culture, adventure and to round out their experience while in the region. Saudi will be hosting a dynamic programme of entertainment events including MDLBeast, Red Sea Film Festival, Riyadh Season and Winter at Tantoura in AlUla, all of which take place during the World Cup. To increase air connectivity, Saudia will be operating 40 shuttle flights daily to Doha from both Jeddah and Riyadh, increased to 60 daily flights on the Saudi team’s match days. Doha is only a 90-minute flight from Riyadh. The Salwa Border Crossing between Saudi and Qatar will also …

This season is no exception and Global Village as guests can look forward to a wide range of enhancements, additions, and upgrades across the destination when Season 27 opens on October 25, 2022. Improving guest experience is a fundamental part of every season’s planning and preparation for the region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment. The introduction of a third entrance, Happiness Gate, will give guests an alternative to enter the venue helping traffic flow and ensuring shorter distances from car parks. Guests will also welcome the return of valet parking, which will be situated at the new Gate. The highly popular Premium self-parking option will still be available at Gate of the World and revamped signage will support improved traffic flow. Aligned to Happiness Gate, the ever-popular Happiness Street is getting a facelift and has been both extended and enlarged. The new layout has been designed to give guests plenty of room to discover the vast street food offering available at the Global Village fan favourite. Global Village is also introducing a range of new premium experiences for Season 27. Beautifully designed Cabanas will be available to book for friends and family groups of up to 8 people. Guests can relax in style as they watch the world go by with their private butler on hand to cater to their every need. For those who enjoy the thrill and excitement of the much-loved Global Village stunt shows, guests can now upgrade to Star Seating to ensure the perfect spot to watch the award-winning, death-defying performances that have come to be a hallmark of the destination. Mohamed Sharaf, Chief Operating Officer of Dubai Holding Entertainment, said: “We …