Category Archives: Agents

Saudi joined Umrah+ Connect, a leading B2B platform dedicated to the Umrah travel market to share Saudi’s Umrah offering with UK and European trade partners. Taking place during the World Travel Market, where Saudi is this year’s Premier Partner, Umrah+ Connect brings together leading DMC’s, airlines, hoteliers, and Umrah companies. Following the success of last year’s first major B2B Umrah event in London, Umrah+ Connect took place in association with Nusuk, Saudi’s first official integrated digital platform that offers pilgrims and visitors an easy-to-use planning gateway for their journeys to Makkah and Madinah, and beyond. This comes off the back of the recent global launch of Nusuk by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Nusuk is an initiative of the Vision 2030 Pilgrim Experience Program which has seen roadshows taking place in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Egypt and Indonesia. Nusuk will expand the range of choice and enhance the overall experience for Muslims visiting Saudi and enable simpler arrival procedures for visitors to perform Umrah. Nusuk will also offer a new range of services including facilitating visas, permits, booking processes and procedures, along with special packages for Makkah, Madinah and beyond. His Excellency the Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Chairman of the Committee for the Pilgrim Experience Program, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, said, “The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah continues its efforts in cooperation and collaboration with government entities in Saudi Arabia to serve the pilgrims of Makkah and Madinah through Nusuk. We are using the most advanced technology to enrich the spiritual experience of the pilgrim and visitor. Nusuk’s sponsorship of this event is a symbol of our commitment to bringing Nusuk to our partners and to the tens of millions Muslims …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Company for Visa and Travel Solutions (SVTS) for broader collaboration on streamlining travel arrangements. The signing took place during the first day of the World Travel Market in London between Wael Basaffar, SAUDIA’s VP sales, and Abdullah Aljorias, the Chief Business Officer of SVTS. According to the MoU, the two parties will share the use of each other’s office spaces around the world and co-invest in technological solutions for online interconnectivity. The two companies will also explore ways to create, develop, and apply joint services and marketing. In addition, the MoU proposes the possibility of joint operations support bureaus to help run day-to-day activities. There is also a possibility of SAUDIA offering exclusive deals across its international network. Mr. Basafar said that the MoU comes as part of SAUDIA’s commitment to broadening its partnerships with government agencies and the private sector locally and internationally for greater online interconnectivity of services, which supports the Kingdom’s digital transformation agenda and plans to streamline travel arrangements for visitors from across more than 100 destinations in four continents. Mr. Abdullah Aljorias, Chief Business Officer, clarifies that the memorandum was signed to enable the company to reach its long-term objectives. The primary purpose is to provide all new and innovative solutions and digitization services that contribute to simplifying processes for passengers. It also works to benefit from all the service and sales centers across the world that both companies provide. According to Aljorias, SVTS looks forward to ongoing partnerships that encourage a wide range of government, semi-government, private sectors, and individual beneficiaries.

The Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International Middle East (HSMAI ME) is lining up thought-provoking speakers for the 5th Annual ROC Commercial Strategy Conference. The in-person event will be held at the Conrad Dubai Hotel from November 28-29, 2022. Following the success of previous editions that focused on revenue management, this year’s focus will be across multiple disciplines including marketing, revenue, sales, and operational topics from speakers outside the industry to share best practices. The event will also host influential personalities and speakers from various other industries for the very first time. With their knowledge and expertise, HSMAI aims to educate and broaden the perspective of the hospitality industry as a whole. The annual event will open with a fireside chat from Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET). During the session, Kazim will explore what Dubai needs to remain an attractive destination and how to ensure Dubai keeps up with technology trends to stay top of mind. Following unprecedented events and challenges brought about by the pandemic, this year’s event theme is “Accelerate Recovery”. The conference brings together hospitality leaders, delivering expert insights and knowledge to help propel the industry into a new era. Filled with keynotes, panels, fireside chats, and networking, the HSMAI ROC Commercial Strategy Conference promises stimulating conversations across a wide range of topics. A keynote by Scott Livermore, Chief Economist of Oxford Economics Middle East will delve into economic factors – such as inflation and recession fears – and how it’s impacting the travel industry’s speed of recovery.   Debbie Siminser, Vice President of Learning & Development, ME & Africa from Accor, will take the stage to discuss how organizations can Leverage …

115 trade partners gathered for the St.Petersburg roadshow in Riyadh. The guests were welcomed by Arbi Abubakarov, Deputy Chairman of the Committee for Foreign Relations of St. Petersburg, Stanislav Yankovets, Trade Representative of the Russian Federation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Deputy General Director of the City Tourist Information Bureau of St. Petersburg Yulia Bondareva. The welcome speeches were followed by the presentation of St Petersburg and the travel partners from St Petersburg, among whom was General Director of the Northern Capital Gateway Company (operator of the Pulkovo airport) Leonid Sergeev. The road show “Visit Saint Petersburg!” ended in Saudi Arabia. The road show program, formed on the initiative and with the participation of specialists from the tourism industry in St. Petersburg and organized by the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg and the City Tourist Information Bureau, included a series of workshops in Riyadh. Participants of the hospitality industry of the Northern capital presented their programs and established direct contacts with Middle Eastern colleagues. There was also a discussion of the possibility of establishing direct air communication between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and St. Petersburg. The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle …

Kanoo Travel, the first IATA member agency in the GCC and prominent force within the Middle East’s travel Industry, has unveiled their key strategic initiatives (2023-2027). The future roadmap builds upon a robust digitalization plan to deploy state-of-the-art technology, utilize cloud-based contact centers, and enable intelligent retailing to provide customers with a highly tailored next-generation travel platform. As the largest travel management company in the MENA region, Kanoo Travel’s new strategy will prioritize key investments in artificial intelligence and digital platforms, data analytics software and cloud based infrastructure solutions to redefine the entire customer travel journey and experience at every touchpoint. This is in line with the company’s mission to provide the most sophisticated travel solutions on a global level, and cater to the needs of the future travelers’ changing behaviors and needs. “Mr. Ali Abdulla Kanoo – President of Kanoo Travel ” The Kanoo Family takes priority in investing in our travel division and its people. Through this investment, we are also strengthening our technological skills to give our customers a fulfilling journey. We are consistently striving to grasp opportunities and reacting by developing and setting best practices, all while responding to the changing marketplace. Our future roadmap 2023-2027 and its outlined strategic initiatives will target the future of travel for both the individual and the corporation.” Zaeem Gama  –  Kanoo Travel CEO, commented, “Kanoo Travel is now entering a new phase, backed by a extensive corporate strategy and full-scale digital transformation master plan that will enable prominent improvements, allowing us to become faster at identifying and addressing shifts in the landscape, exploring diverse revenue stream opportunities, in addition to engaging with new potential global travel management partners.” He …

In Jeddah, more than 100 representatives of Saudi Arabian tour operators took part in the presentation of the first day of the road show. The event was also attended by Consul General of the Russian Federation in Jeddah Yusup Abakarov. In his welcome speech Mr. Abakarov noted: «St. Petersburg is a city of unique history and beauty! I am sure you will never regret or forget St. Petersburg if you visit it, and you can safely recommend it to your clients as a place of cultural rest and unforgettable impressions.” The representatives of the tourist business of the region got acquainted with the novelties of St. Petersburg, classic programs, the new tourist geography of the city on the Neva river. Road show visitors learned about the historical sights of St. Petersburg, architectural masterpieces, the event calendar, educational and religious routes, and much more. Particular attention was paid to the organization of direct flights to the northern capital. The presentation attracted the attention of representatives of tour operators and professional associations, airlines, organizers of MICE events and specialized media from the Middle East. The road show has become part of a unified information campaign of the Tourism Development Committee, which also includes participation in exhibitions and other marketing activities that provide an opportunity to generate interest in St. Petersburg as a tourist destination, and industry representatives to find potential partners and enter a new market. It should be noted that in recent years there has been an increased interest in St. Petersburg among tourists from the countries of the Middle East. Discerning guests from this region are attracted by the comfortable hospitality infrastructure of the city on the Neva river – …

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has announced its participation in the World Travel Market 2022 (WTM), which brings together 51,000 industry professionals from the travel and tourism industry in the British capital from 7-9 November. Through its participation SCTDA will further its strategic goals of promoting the emirate as a popular travel destination on prestigious global events. The entity is leading a delegation of 17 public and private sector entities, namely, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), Sharjah International Airport, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), Sharjah Art Foundation (SAF), Expo Centre Sharjah, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, Sharjah Sports Council, Sharjah Old Cars Club, Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA), Sharjah National Hotels, Golden Sands Hotel, The Chedi Al Bait Hotel, Al Badayer Retreat by Mysk, Sheraton Sharjah Beach Resort & Spa, Coral Beach Resort Sharjah,COSMO Travel, and TravTalk. These entities will showcase their latest developments across the emirate, including key projects taking shape in key sectors of tourism, leisure, heritage, culture, sports and hospitality, along with the steps they are taking to preserve Sharjah’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. Through their participation, SCTDA will also highlight its new developments and projects, tourism offerings and services, staycation options and hotel establishments across the emirate. Sharjah’s pavilion at WTM 2022, managed by SCTDA, will serve as a nexus for  potential businesses, investors, travel professionals as well as visitors and tourists in Europe to look into their areas of interest and learn more new and emerging prospects in Sharjah’s vibrant travel and tourism market. It will also serve as a platform for networking and exchanging experiences, sharing best practices as well as envisioning a way forward for a sustainable and …

70 top travel trade agents and influencers were invited for the official kick start celebrating the legacy of Picasso in Dubai. Irina Sanchis Vives, Deputy Head of Mission, Political and cultural affairs, embassy of Spain in UAE graced the occasion and shared that in order to celebrate the 50th death anniversary of Picasso, the government of France and Spain have put together many events to celebrate this great artist’s legacy and from the embassy in UAE they will be working together with the tourism board of Spain in UAE to enable this celebration. The event was held in four parts, of which the first was involving the best Emirati travel influencers with travel trade partners, the Spain tourism Director and Marketing Manager who were engaged in painting an artwork provided for them to celebrate the legacy of Picasso. Second was the presentations by the key speakers, Tourism Director of Spain Tourism GCC, Daniel Rosado shared about the destination and on the celebration of Picasso. Thirdly was the surprise with a unique entertainment based on costumes which depicted the artwork of Picasso and finally was the delectable dinner which included some Spanish dishes enjoyed by all the trade partners. As Spain was one of the first countries to open hence, they received a high number of visitors especially from the GCC. This year was a record year for Spain tourism as they hit the 2019 numbers by GCC and considering worldwide they hit 90 percent of the 83 million received in 2019 which is a great start and a very positive recovery. Spain emerged among the top recovered destinations, as, instead of resting on its laurels, Spain has been proactively working …

New figures from the German National Tourism Board has revealed the number of travellers from the Gulf between January and August 2022 more than doubled* when compared to the same period last year, suggesting the country’s ongoing campaigns focusing on nature and sustainability are hitting the mark and driving post-pandemic recovery. The first eight months of 2022 saw an increase in overall foreign visitors to Germany rise 175 per cent compared to 2021, while the Gulf region led the charge for Asia with an increase of 263 per cent*. While the reopening of international borders and relaxing of stringent travel restrictions clearly plays a part in the rise, the fact travellers are choosing Germany over a range of other countries is testament to targeted campaigning by GNTB, who specifically created its Embrace German Nature and Feel Good campaigns following in depth research into what tourists want. “With the GCC being the second top overseas source market, it’s important for us to ensure that the campaigns we invest in align with market wants” said Yamina Sofo, director at the German National Tourist Office (GNTO), the regional office of GNTB. “We’re also looking at what’s coming up in the next two months, with the ever-popular winter and festive seasons to begin soon, and continuing to drive our ongoing campaigns, Feel Good and Embrace German Nature.” Both campaigns will continue into 2023 as Germany looks ahead to its winter season, with popular resorts including Zugspitze, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Black Forest, Harz Region, Taunus, Ore Mountains, all set to attract visitors to the incredible skiing and snow sports for all ability levels on offer. Festive markets are also set to start from the beginning from November, …

Experience Abu Dhabi, Find Your Pace will feature at World Travel Market (WTM), welcoming visitors and bringing the destination to life alongside 36 stakeholders and partners, from 7–9 November. The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) will sign a number of strategic partnerships during WTM, and delegates will have the opportunity to maximise their business potential by meeting partnering hotels and attractions. Visitors can unwind and enjoy Abu Dhabi’s living culture, with a celebration of Emirati craftsmanship at the House of Artisans zone, including a perfumery experience that introduces visitors to the fragrances of the emirate. There is also traditional Arabic coffee in the Bait Al Gahwa zone and the Abu Dhabi Senses Journey at the stand’s Cultural zone. Abu Dhabi will enable WTM visitors to experience the top sites and attractions throughout Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Al Ain, Al Dhafra region and beyond. Attendees will experience how Abu Dhabi offers something for every visitor, available 365 days a year, at your own pace – with rich cultural history, natural beaches, unrivalled family fun and world-class sports offerings. Enriching destination experiences that excite, inspire and restore are showcased within an immersive stand experience that will host Q&As with global sports partners, including Manchester City and the UFC – with a special guest appearance from Batman, courtesy of Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi. Also on display, Abu Dhabi Calendar has partnered with the world’s best artists, entertainers and sports franchises for a 2022/2023 winter season to remember. Events range from live concerts with international stars Sting and Andrea Bocelli, as well as urban music festival Wireless, making its Abu Dhabi debut in March 2023. Other exciting …