Tag Archives: 2024

Visit Oman, the countries native B2B booking engine for Oman, exhibiting at ITB Asia 2024 showcased Oman’s unique travel experiences to the Asian market. As Asia’s curiosity and appetite for new destinations is growing, Visit Oman has found this the perfect time to showcase the ease of booking Oman, with the destination known for its warm hospitality, offering a safe, comfortable and easy to navigate environment, making it ideal for travellers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Mohammed Al Asmi, Visit Oman Senior Executive shared “Solidifying Oman as a must-visit destination while showcasing at ITB Asia highlights a significant step forward to attract travellers from Asia and the importance of travel technology solutions like Visit Oman in a fast paced tourism ecosystem.” Visit Oman aims to forge stronger partnerships with travel agents and resellers across Asia, educating travel trade on the nation’s blend of rich heritage and vast array of experiences to explore. To attract more visitors in Q4 2024, Visit Oman is launching exclusive travel packages, and immersive itineraries with live booking capability.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) announced a groundbreaking partnership with the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), expanding the business events sector at the 2025 edition of the exhibition. As the official Business Events Partner for ATM 2025, ICCA will lead sessions on the evolving landscape of global business events, including seminars focusing on the sector’s future and addressing key trends such as sustainability, digital transformation, and the integration of AI to enhance event experiences. Furthermore, ICCA will be responsible for facilitating the attendance of key international association buyers, showcasing the region’s diverse offer for event planners, and its capacity to attract large-scale congresses with the long-term outlook of contributing to the region’s economy and development. In addition, the Association will launch an exclusive government meeting ranking report at the show, providing critical data on the Middle East’s growing influence in the business events arena. The organisation has previously highlighted Dubai as the top city in the Middle East for association meetings in 2023 and Abu Dhabi in 2022. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Our partnership with ICCA reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional value to the business events sector, which has always been a cornerstone of ATM. We look forward to leveraging ICCA’s global network and insights to deliver unparalleled value to our exhibitors and attendees as we explore the future of business events, particularly in the rapidly expanding international market.” The latest insights from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) show a strong recovery in the business events sector. Business travel spending is expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels in 2024, reaching a record US$1.5 trillion. Dubai has already secured 175 international business events in …

The official opening ceremony of the 17th edition of ITB Asia, Singapore was graced by Alvin Tan – Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth of Singapore, Mario Tobias- CEO Messe Berlin and David Ruetz – Senior Vice President, Messe Berlin, reported TravTalkME as media partner of the event. Bringing together over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus from across the globe, the 17th edition of ITB Asia promises to be the most expansive and diverse yet. The 3-in-1 show features a 75% increase in African exhibitors and 25% growth from Europe. This year, attendees will gain insights from 160 expert speakers and 100 sessions across three conference tracks, all centered on the theme “Innovating for Tomorrow: Strengthening Future Resilience in Travel and Tourism.” Co-located with MICE Show Asia and Travel Tech Asia, ITB Asia, ‘Asia’s leading travel trade show’ opened its doors today at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. Over the next three business days, travel industry professionals will be able to look forward to the largest and most diverse exhibition event and conference programme to date. Spanning across three massive halls, ITB Asia and MICE Show Asia will showcase a diverse range of exhibitors from destinations, attractions, airlines, hotels, cruises, and the MICE industry. Meanwhile, Travel Tech Asia will host the latest travel technology suppliers and startups in an additional hall dedicated to Travel Technology companies, displaying their most innovative tech solutions. With over 85 tourism organisations and convention bureaus, a 75% growth in African representation, and a 25% increase from Europe, the event will offer attendees unmatched opportunities to explore new markets, build partnerships, and gather key takeaways for business …

Dubai Reef is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure. Leading reef developer HaejooX has been formally confirmed as the official construction and fabrication contractor for Dubai Reef, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can. The signing ceremony for the agreement was attended by His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), a strategic partner of Dubai Reef, His Excellency Ahmed Mohammed bin Thani, Chairman of Regulatory Committee on Fishing of Living Aquatic Resources in Dubai and Director General of Dubai Environment and Climate Change Authority (DECCA), and Sang-Hyun Paik, Chairman of HaejooX. In the contract signed by Yousuf Lootah, CEO of Strategy and Corporate Performance at DET, and Ryan Paik, CEO of HaejooX, it was announced that the company will design and construct 20,000 purpose-built reef modules, which will be deployed across Dubai’s waters over a three-year period. HaejooX, a pioneer in the purpose-built reef industry originating in Korea, has been involved with the Dubai Reef project since its initial proof of concept in 2021. Inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the Dubai Reef pilot stage began in April 2024, and the deployment of the first 1,000 purpose-built reef modules is expected to commence in late November 2024. A citywide collaboration of key partners from across the public and private sectors, Dubai Reef is aligned with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate …

Jannah Hotels & Resorts is ready to unveil its newest addition, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments (JEHA), in Q4 2024. Bringing together a blend of traditional Bedouin charm and contemporary chic design, this property is set to become a preferred destination for both travelers and residents in the heart of the capital. Strategically located in the vibrant heart of the city, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments features 230 elegantly designed apartments, including stylish studios, one-bedroom apartments, and spacious family suites. Guests can choose between stunning sea views and lively cityscapes, with each apartment fully equipped with modern kitchens, providing the flexibility of home-cooked meals and intimate gatherings. The property features an array of amenities designed to cater to diverse lifestyles. A rooftop pool provides a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy panoramic city views, while the gym and sauna provide spaces to recharge and maintain wellness routines. Dining options include a cozy café for a quick coffee fix and an all-day dining restaurant serving a variety of international and local flavors. Located just 10 minutes from the Corniche, 20 minutes from Saadiyat Island, and 25 minutes from Yas Island, Jannah Executive Hotel Apartments offers easy access to Abu Dhabi’s key attractions and business hubs, making it an ideal base for exploring the city’s vibrant cultural and entertainment scenes. The launch of this property is part of Jannah Hotels & Resorts’ ongoing expansion across the UAE and to extend its presence in Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned! For more information or to make a reservation, contact Jannah Hotels & Resorts at book@jannah-hotels.com, visit www.jannah-hotels.com, or call 800-JANNAH (526624).

China Visitors Summit kicked off in Dubai with TravTalk Middle East as media sponsor. The first day saw 100 plus buyers with 80 suppliers attend and network with each other. Alexander Glos, CEO of China i2i Group – Shanghai, Creators of the China Visitors Summit 2024 in Dubai opening the session shared, “The China Visitors Summit (CVS) is the premier global workshop where Chinese travel buyers come to learn about destinations, experience travel products firsthand, and network with potential partners. Since its inception in China in 2008 and its expansion to the Middle East in 2013, CVS has become the essential meeting point for travel suppliers—hotels, destinations, attractions, shopping centers, airlines, destination management companies, and more—to connect with Chinese travel industry buyers.”  

Abu Dhabi gained the title of the world’s top destination for weddings in 2024 at the Event Management Federation (EMF) Ace Global Awards, the flagship gathering for India’s leading weddings and entertainment industry. The Awards were held as part of the EMF Global Conference, which was hosted in Abu Dhabi on 26 and 27 July in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau (ADCEB), part of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. The EMF Global Conference brought together 685 leading figures from the international events industry, including Bollywood Celebrities, renowned International Wedding Planners and service providers from the entertainment industry as well as luxury hotels and resorts, with a focus on the rapidly growing weddings and celebrations sector. At the end of a two-day schedule, which saw high-profile events held at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island and the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, the UAE capital was officially presented with EMF’s award for ‘Best International destination of the year for Weddings & MICE ‘during a ceremony at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. Mubarak Al Shamsi, Director of Abu Dhabi Convention and Exhibition Bureau at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “It is a great privilege for Abu Dhabi to be named as EMF’s number one choice for couples looking to host an incredible destination wedding in 2024. This title celebrates the diverse and comprehensive landscape of services, offerings, and experiences available to couples who choose to tie the knot in the emirate. As we work towards further solidifying Abu Dhabi’s status as the go-to location for stunning weddings in a spectacular and welcoming setting, accolades from important industry leaders such as the EMF Global Conference help to prove that we …

Branded residences, one of the fastest-growing sectors in hospitality, will take center stage at FHS World (30 September to 2 October), with a dedicated, full-day conference led by one of the sector’s leading innovators Accor One Living. Debuting at FHS World on 2 October, The Branded Residences Forum will feature workshops and conference sessions exploring the sector’s rapid growth in the Middle East and across the world. The event will examine key topics related to the development and operation of branded residences, including value creation opportunities, the growing array of branding options available to developers, the emerging trend towards standalone branded communities, and the arrival of non-traditional players such as luxury automotive and fashion brands in the sector. Sustainability strategies, legal structuring, design and sales & marketing case studies are also on the robust agenda, along with the exploration of sector-related topics including co-working concepts, the evolution of shared living and the rapid growth of private clubs as places to work. According to Savills Residential Development Consultancy, the branded residences sector has grown by 160 per cent globally over the last decade. By the end of 2023, there were approximately 1,300 projects around the world, with hotel branded residences accounting for 82 per cent of them. Savills data also shows that the Middle East – which is rapidly emerging as a global hub for the sector – currently has 45,000 residential units in 200 branded developments across 80 brands. With a staggering 500 per cent increase in branded residences in the last decade – from 10 in 2014 to 50 in 2023 with another 50 in the pipeline – Dubai is the most active market worldwide and now rivals Miami, New York …

flyadeal announced that during the first six months of 2024, they posted over 5 million seats marking a 9% increase when compared with the same time last year. In terms of new routes, at present they operate 75 routes, representing 8% rise, with 33 aircraft, an increase of 12% and on-time performance which peaked at 91% and ordering a record 51 narrowbody aircraft. In terms of training, the 50th batch of cabin crew was inducted into flyadeal’s training with graduation of first pilots under flyadeal’s new cadet training programme. Key milestones included a landmark order for 51 Airbus narrowbody aircraft, including 12 further A320neos – the model being the backbone of flyadeal’s current fleet – and first-time customer of 39 bigger A321neos with deliveries scheduled from 2026. In anticipation of continued growth, flyadeal has been busy hiring more flight crew. During the first half of 2024, flyadeal inducted its 50th batch of cabin crew and also launched a cadet programme for aspiring Saudi pilots with the first group having successfully completing their training. flyadeal was also recognised for its pioneering work in the development and adoption of digital technology being named Saudi Arabia’s Ecommerce Innovator of the Year at the Middle East Retail and Ecommerce Summit. Steven Greenway, flyadeal Chief Executive Officer, said: “flyadeal’s first half performance in 2024 underscores our ongoing commitment to develop as the airline of choice in the Kingdom and beyond with a focus on service excellence and introducing more digitally enabled products to improve the customer experience. Our on-time performance which measures punctuality peaked at 91 per cent, an incredible achievement and among the highest in the industry. “These impressive accomplishments were only possible with the …

Dubai maintains its position as business event hub winning 175 international events in H1, 2024 as business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth. The city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond, which is an increase of 24% compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years. The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in. Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’. Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said: …