Tag Archives: travellers

Emirates has deployed its retrofitted Boeing 777 on flights EK656/657 and EK660/661 between Dubai and Malé. Services on the enhanced aircraft, featuring newly configured and refreshed cabins throughout, include the highly-acclaimed Premium Economy offering for an elevated travel experience. Emirates will also deploy its retrofitted four-class Boeing 777 on flights EK650/651 operating between Dubai and Colombo from 18 July, becoming the airline’s second daily flight in Sri Lanka to feature Premium Economy seats. Currently, over 40 destinations in Emirates’ expansive network offer Premium Economy. Travellers from select points offering Premium Economy and planning trips to the Maldives or Sri Lanka can book their entire journey and enjoy the comfort and elevated experience along the way. Emirates’ flight EK656 departs from Dubai at 02:30 hrs and arrives in Malé at 07:40 hrs. The return flight EK657 departs from Malé at 09:15 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 12:15hrs. Emirates’ other daily service to the Maldives with four cabin classes, flight EK660, departs from Dubai at 10:10 hrs and arrives in Malé at 15:30 hrs. The return flight EK661 departs from Malé at 18:25 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 21:25 hrs. Emirates’ flight EK650 to Colombo departs from Dubai at 02:40 hrs and arrives at the destination at 08:35 hrs. The return flight EK651 departs from Colombo at 10:05 hrs and arrives in Dubai at 12:55 hrs. All times are local. Tickets to both destinations can be booked on emirates.com, the Emirates App, or via both online and offline travel agents as well as at Emirates retail stores. Emirates operates four daily flights to Malé, three of which are served with the retrofitted Boeing 777 aircraft. The airline will also now serve customers traveling to Sri Lanka with …

As Europe enters the peak of its summer season, residents across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are already mapping out their holiday plans—many of which are centred around Eid Al Adha and the long school break. Recognising this annual surge in outbound travel, McArthurGlen Designer Outlets, Europe’s leading owner and operator of designer outlet destinations, continues to position its portfolio as an integrated part of the travel experience for Gulf visitors. For GCC holidaymakers looking for a destination that offers rich culture, seasonal climate, accessibility, and award-winning food, Europe continues to be a leading choice. McArthurGlen brings additional value by delivering exceptional price points on luxury brands up to 70% less, conveniently located in areas already planned as part of the traveller’s trip. GCC tourists drawn by heritage, leisure, or family fun options, McArthurGlen designer outlets are an easily accessible location that will flow naturally in the rhythm of their holiday. Every McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is designed to complement the city’s cultural landscape. This commitment to quality and local relevance has earned McArthurGlen Designer Outlets several spots in the Outlet Centre Performance Report Europe (OCPRE) – a respected consumer survey by Ecostra and French Magdus – with Designer Outlet Serravalle topping the list. Visiting Designer Outlet Salzburg, for example, fits neatly into a personalised itinerary if one is celebrating the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, or attending the Salzburg Festival. In Vienna, the museums and historical grandeur create a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, including a cruise on the Danube River. Conveniently located between cultural excursions to Bratislava and nearby wellness retreats, Designer Outlet Parndorf – in the top 10 best outlets in Europe – offers a seamless and …

Almosafer announced a strategic partnership with Landmark Group to deliver greater value and flexibility to travellers across the GCC through Shukran, Landmark’s award-winning loyalty programme. Through this collaboration, Almosafer customers across the GCC can earn Shukran Points on travel bookings made through Almosafer’s online travel platforms. Additionally, customers can transfer their Almosafer Points to Shukran Points, providing them with even more options for utilising their travel rewards. Shukran Points can be redeemed across Landmark Group’s extensive retail network, including Centrepoint, Max Fashion, Home Centre, Splash, Lifestyle, Shoemart, and Emax – creating a seamless connection between travel and everyday lifestyle benefits. Pallav Singhvi, VP of Consumer Travel at Almosafer, said: “Our goal has always been to deliver a seamless and enriching experience for our travellers. This partnership with Shukran allows us to add even more value to each journey booked through Almosafer, while also expanding our benefits ecosystem to include one of the region’s most trusted loyalty programmes.” James Dickson, Chief Product Officer at Landmark Group said; “We’re thrilled to extend Shukran’s reach through our partnership with Almosafer. Shukran is built to reward customers for the lifestyle choices they make every day, and this collaboration is a significant step forward in offering even greater flexibility and value to our members.” The partnership reflects Almosafer’s continued commitment to delivering smarter, more rewarding travel experiences across the region. -ENDS- About Almosafer Almosafer is the Middle East’s leading travel brand offering consumers seamless user experiences for domestic and international travel bookings through its omni-channel offerings across state-of-the-art online platforms, call centre, WhatsApp and retail locations. Providing hotel booking options for over 1.5 million properties around the globe, flight bookings on over 450 airlines, domestic …

Emirates and Bahamasair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish an interline partnership benefitting customers travelling to The Bahamas. The partnership enables Emirates to expand its reach in the Caribbean, allowing customers to utilise the services of The Bahamas’ national flag carrier from Florida to one of three destinations on the island country. Under the unilateral agreement, customers traveling on Emirates to Miami or Orlando will be able to connect to Bahamasair flights to Nassau, Freeport or San Salvador, with the added convenience of booking itineraries with both airlines on a single ticket. Additionally, Emirates’ customers will enjoy generous baggage allowance when flying on Bahamasair to the three destinations. Commenting on the new interline partnership, Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “We are pleased to establish an interline partnership with Bahamasair to expand our reach to new and exciting destinations and offer travel options for our customers planning journeys to the Caribbean nation. The interline partnership offers customers the convenience of connecting in Florida for travel onwards to points across the islands of The Bahamas, while enjoying competitive fare pricing, the convenience of booking the entire journey on a single ticket and a generous baggage policy.” “This partnership also supports our agreement with The Bahamas’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs to promote the Caribbean destination across our network.” As part of the MoU, both carriers will also explore opportunities to enhance their cargo interline cooperation and potential partnerships under their frequent flyer programmes. Bahamasair Managing Director, Tracy Cooper said: “This partnership significantly elevates Bahamasair’s global profile and opens access to invaluable expertise and new markets. By aligning with one of the world’s most respected airlines, we strengthen our capabilities and …

A new research report by Wyndham Hotels & Resorts reveals that Saudi Arabia’s Generation Z is driving the country’s tourism landscape—fueling a surge in domestic travel rooted in cultural exploration, digital engagement, and sustainability. Conducted in partnership with YouGov, the study shows that over half (54%) of Gen Z Saudis have taken a domestic leisure trip in the past six months, with 29% of respondents planning to continue travelling locally in the future. The emerging trends from the research underscore how travel has become a meaningful part of everyday life for young Saudis, not a luxury, but a lifestyle, a result which is driven by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals to increase domestic tourism to 55 million trips annually by 2030 and raise tourism’s GDP contribution to 10%. “What we’re witnessing is a generational shift,” said Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Gen Z travellers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly choosing to explore their own backyard, not just out of convenience, but because they’re proud of what the Kingdom has to offer. They’re driven by a desire to connect with local culture, contribute to the economy, and travel more sustainably. At Wyndham, we’re proud to support this transformation by offering stays that meet their expectations for value, comfort, and digital ease, while helping them engage more deeply with Saudi Arabia’s nature, heritage, and communities.”

Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Malta Tourism Authority to bolster inbound tourism through collaborative marketing efforts. The MoU was signed by Thierry Aucoc, Emirates’ Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations (West) Europe and Americas and Carlo Micallef, Chief Executive Officer, Malta Tourism Authority, during ITB Berlin, Germany’s premier travel trade exhibition. The signing ceremony was also attended by senior executives from both organizations. Under this strategic alliance, Emirates will leverage its expansive global network to promote Malta as a premier leisure destination. Key initiatives will include organizing media familiarisation trips from key target markets to showcase Malta’s unique appeal as a Mediterranean gateway. The two entities will further explore joint advertising campaigns and collaborations with tour operators and travel agents to develop compelling promotional packages. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer said: “Malta has been a key destination in our European network for over two decades, and we’ve witnessed its growing popularity as a sought-after leisure gateway over the years. This agreement reaffirms our commitment to supporting Malta’s tourism industry by leveraging our global reach to further boost inbound travel. Our daily service, operated by a Boeing 777-300ER—the largest scheduled passenger aircraft serving the destination—ensures that travellers enjoy our award-winning products and services, while local businesses benefit from the significant cargo capacity we offer on the route.” Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Hon. Ian Borg said: “This agreement will continue strengthening the long-standing collaboration between Malta and Emirates, while helping us reach out to more travellers, as we spread the word about the Maltese Islands’ unique attractions and experiences. By joining forces with international airlines and other key industry …

Emirates and Expedia Group have expanded their long-standing partnership through the airline’s full integration of its New Distribution Capability (NDC) API with Expedia Group’s brands, establishing a direct connection that delivers Emirates’ complete portfolio of fare products and services to Expedia Group’s global customer base. This latest enhancement will empower millions of travellers to unlock a wider range of options and benefit from streamlined booking capabilities on Expedia Group’s brands when planning their journeys to any point on the airline’s global network. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “We are proud to expand our partnership with Expedia Group, allowing travellers on the platform to personalise their booking experience with Emirates. Looking ahead, our enhanced collaboration will provide travellers with seamless access to Emirates’ NDC content while expanding booking possibilities across all elements of their journey.” Greg Schulze, Chief Commercial Officer, Expedia Group said: “Our expanded partnership with Emirates marks a significant step in elevating the travel experience. This collaboration gives our global travelers more customised options and easier bookings, allowing them to create unique trips that suit their needs. Ultimately, it’s about making every journey a lasting memory for our travelers.” The full integration will enable Expedia Group to offer Emirates’ NDC fares, products and ancillary services including extra baggage and seat selection, along with other improved features and flexibility in their booking journeys. In addition to customer personalisation, Emirates and Expedia Group will explore deeper collaboration on loyalty programmes to enhance travel rewards for both companies’ customers. They will leverage market data insights to drive business growth and inform joint marketing initiatives. The partnership will also focus on creating end-to-end booking experiences by leveraging …

Sabre Hospitality shared plans to release SynXis Pay, its new solution that eases payment pain points for travelers and hoteliers alike. For travellers, SynXis Pay integrates with over 250 alternative payment methods, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Klarna, WeChat Pay and more, adding much needed flexibility when it comes to checking out on their favorite hotel websites. Additionally, it enables a new express checkout experience in SynXis Booking Engine if the guest selects Apple Pay or Google Pay. Those integrations are just one part of the equation. For hotels, SynXis Pay greatly reduces the complexity of managing multiple payment types in one place. SynXis Pay’s orchestration layer – powered by CellPoint Digital, the leader in payment orchestration –optimizes global payment acceptance by seamlessly connecting to multiple gateways and dynamically enabling the most relevant payment methods based on the guest’s location. In collaboration with other payment partners within the ecosystem, hotels can customize payouts in their local currency, converting from the guest’s preferred currency. This minimizes exposure to foreign exchange rates and simplifies reconciliation. Plus, the enhanced guest experience contributes to increased conversion rates. “At Sabre Hospitality, we love to solve complex travel challenges in ways that benefit both our customers and travelers,” said Juan Abello, Vice President of Product Management at Sabre Hospitality. “SynXis Pay is a prime example of that mission, offering travelers the flexibility and personalization they desire, while simplifying the resulting output and payout for our hoteliers. For some time, both sides of hospitality transactions have been hungry for improved payment processes. This is the truest definition of a ‘win-win’ scenario.” SynXis Pay will be released in phases over the coming months.

In partnership with AIMS Holding, IHG Hotels & Resorts is set to bring its ultra-luxury brand, Regent, to the holy city of Makkah, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s evolving hospitality landscape. IHG and AIMS have signed an agreement to brand and operate a property that is strategically located just steps from Al Haram Al Sharif. With construction already underway, the hotel is moving ahead of initial timelines, reinforcing IHG’s commitment to expanding its luxury portfolio in the region. Regent Makkah will offer breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Holy Mosque, Masjid al-Haram and Al Kaaba, offering an exceptional retreat with world-class comfort for travellers visiting Islam’s holiest city. The hotel will redefine opulence in Makkah, ensuring an exclusive, serene, and refined experience in one of the world’s most spiritual destinations. The hotel will house 330 meticulously designed rooms and suites, each featuring state-of-the-art technology, thoughtfully curated wellness experiences that cater to both relaxation and spiritual well-being, ensuring a truly elevated stay. Adding to its grandeur, the property will feature an expansive presidential suite on a high floor, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Haram and Al Kaaba, setting a new benchmark for luxury accommodations in the city. The Regent Makkah will offer a supreme culinary journey with specialty restaurants led by acclaimed chefs. Additionally, a world-class spa and wellness centre will enrich the experience with rejuvenation and relaxation offerings in a setting of unparalleled comfort. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG Hotels & Resorts, said: “We are excited to launch Regent Makkah, a brand that embodies the pinnacle of luxury and hospitality. This property will not only elevate the guest experience in Makkah, but also …

Emirates has unveiled an exciting new offer for travellers planning a trip to Dubai this winter. Travellers flying from select regions who book a return ticket in First Class or Business Class to Dubai, or with a stopover in the city, will receive a complimentary stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis. Travellers flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at either Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira or Holiday Inn Festival City. Furthermore, those flying to Dubai from select regions with Emirates can also get complimentary access to Sky Views Observatory with access to the Sky Glass Slide and Fountain boardwalk. * This offer is available on emirates.com, Emirates contact centre, retail and ticketing offices or travel agencies. Located just minutes away from Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Opera, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel offers an exceptional base to experience the best of Dubai. As a bustling and dynamic 5-star property, this iconic hotel is among the tallest in the world, featuring two towers, 1,608 luxurious rooms, and breathtaking views of the water and city skyline. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool, energise at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, or unwind with a soothing massage at Saray Spa. The hotel also offers 12 restaurants and lounges, offering Japanese, Italian, Indian, and Thai cuisine. For travellers in Premium Economy or Economy, Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira provides a comfortable stay in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant Deira district. The Deira district is home to traditional souks, modern malls, and cultural landmarks all within walking distance. Alternatively, the Holiday Inn, Festival City is situated in one of Dubai’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment hubs, and …