Category Archives: Agents

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 …

Connecting local car owners and travelers has become more efficient than ever. With operations in Dubai earlier this year, the expansion of the car-sharing service GetRentacar.com in the Turkish market provides more attractive offers and a more convenient procedure to get a car for a period of time. The core advantage of the innovative service depends on cutting-edge algorithms. Enhanced by AI technologies, the platform provides passengers with the offers that will be most suitable to them. Using the service, travelers can choose the location and date of their future journeys and set the price they are ready to pay for rent and the type of car they need. The offer is personalized for every customer so they can find the one that suits them best. Another good thing about the service is its internationality. Turkey is one of the world’s top travel destinations and the country is getting more and more popular every year. Even with the influx of travelers from around the globe, the language barrier should not be a huge problem for users of GetRentacar.com. The interface is available in 20+ languages besides English. Communication with the car owner is carried out through the online client service, so any negotiations are simple and mediated. The accessibility of the service is also highly valued both by car renters and car owners. It takes just a couple of clicks to get a car, including the owner’s offer, vehicle characteristics and parameters, and service fees covered by the system. The newly launched mobile app assists travelers from around the planet with renting cars in an even more convenient way by using phones. – Our approach to work is based on …

TBO Holidays announced the grand prize winner of BMW x2 car following the final raffle draw of its ‘Book n Win Bonanza’ mega promotional campaign for travel agents in the region. Launched in April earlier this year, the ‘Book n Win Bonanza’ campaign gave away over 1229 prizes across 387 bookers during the first 60 days of the promotion, with a total of over 1,500 winners and 6,000 rewards distributed during the 120 days of the campaign period, with lucky agent Sarah Raouf from Family Tours, Egypt walking away with the BMW x2 grand prize. The campaign saw 1,200 travel agents win TBO+ Reward Points, allowing them to buy any products of their choice on TBO.com platform. Two lucky agents won cruise packages from MSC Cruises, bookers also had the opportunity to Spin the Wheel on TBO Holidays’ online platform winning some of the outstanding prizes including iPhones, iPads, iMacs, large screen television sets, shopping vouchers, cruise packages, and 5-star hotel and resort vouchers from exotic locations in Thailand, Malaysia & UAE. Neeraj Gera, President for International Business of TBO Tek Limited said: “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the lucky winners of our mega campaign for travel agents across MEA, which saw significant success. The Book n Win Bonanza was GCC’s biggest promotion designed exclusively for travel agents and partners and is our way of thanking them for all the support they showed us during the tough pandemic years. TBO Holidays will continue on its mission to deliver the best of products while simplifying travel ecosystem for all travel agents.” “Dubai continues to deliver to its residents, tourists and visitors the best of local and global …

For the fifth consecutive time Tourism Malaysia joins the Gulf Travel Show 5.0, this time as Platinum partner. The event is set to kick off on 28th and 29th September 2022 under the theme of sustainable tourism. Gulf Travel Show (GTS) is the only event which was built in with a purpose. When it first started out just after the pandemic whilst most borders were still closed, it gave the travel, tourism and hospitality fraternity an opportunity to ensure that confidence is restored in the minds of the people passionate about the industry. It was also a tool which connected online GCC buyers with exhibitors from across the globe. The fifth edition or GTS 5.0 demonstrates its commitment to uphold its social responsibility to ensure less carbon emissions yet bring all players to the table and learn and study the stakes, the many opportunities to make things right after a bout of almost two and a half years of pandemic era. Mirza Ghalib – Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia – Dubai, “Malaysia is thrilled to welcome back Middle East tourists to visit and experience our country again. It is a timely opportunity for us to network with travel agents and tour operator partners from the Gulf region. As the platinum partner of GTS 5.0, Tourism Malaysia is having its own virtual pavilion with 15 booths of Malaysian delegates consisting of tour operator partners, hotels, and product owners.” Some of the partners from Tourism Malaysia expressed their comments as well. Sam Poh Choo, Director of Business Development & Marketing, The Taaras Beach Resort & Spa and Berjaya Tioman Resort “We look forward to creating awareness in the Middle East market for The …

Wego and Visit Greece announce an agreement to take travelers on an inspiring travel experience this summer. Through Wego and Visit Greece, travelers can grab the best deals and get all the information they need to plan their perfect stay in the country. Wego and Visit Greece will be shedding the light on the best of Greece through tailored content, and guides encompassing all the happenings and things to explore. From the adventurous activities, wild landscapes, the tranquil beaches to the Greek architecture and history, people have a lot to discover in this serene country. Among the top destinations from MENA searching for a stay in summer 2022 in Greece are Saudi Arabia and UAE, with 42% and 11% simultaneously. Egypt ranks third followed by Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey, and Oman.  The trip duration is also longer and ranges between 4 and 7 days. Solo travelers dominate the searches with 64%, followed by couples 19% and then families 11%. And roundtrips account for 74%. Mamoun Hmedan, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director, Middle East, North Africa (MENA) and India of Wego, said: “We are excited to partner with Visit Greece. We see an increased demand for this vibrant cosmopolitan hub from the MENA region. We continue to provide our users the best destinations to explore, and Greece is a must see for all travellers.” Dimitris Fragakis, Secretary General of Greek National Tourism Organization, said: “We are extremely happy to work with Wego one of the most influential platforms for the Arabic audience! Our aim is to promote Greece as a destination ideal for couples, for solo travelers, but also for family vacation. Greek mainland and islands are top of mind choices …

With the world’s most anticipated football event taking place in Doha this year, Capital Travel, a Travel Management Company and subsidiary of Tourism 365 as part of the ADNEC Group, have revealed exciting travel offers in partnership with Etihad Airways for fans visiting Qatar. Available in limited quantities, football fans can purchase economy class return flight tickets as well as purchase packages, which include flights and accommodation. Flight tickets are available at a fixed rate of AED 2,830 per person for economy class return flight tickets with Etihad Airways while a package which includes return flight tickets and hotel accommodation for a one-night stay during the world’s most popular sporting spectacle starts at AED 8,300 per person. Terms and conditions apply.