Tag Archives: travellers

Hamad International Airport (DOH) welcomes Tajikistan carrier Somon Air, as it begins operations between Dushanbe and Doha. This inaugural charter service reflects the growing demand for tourism and business travel from Central Asia, including Tajikistan, to Qatar. The inaugural flight from Dushanbe to Doha took place recently, marking a significant milestone for both Hamad International Airport and Somon Air. The first touchdown was commemorated in the presence of executive members of Hamad International Airport, representatives from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Somon Air and officials from the Embassy of Tajikistan in Qatar, with a cake-cutting and welcome celebrations. The route is being served by a Boeing 737-800, configured with 189 seats, ensuring comfortable travel for passengers. Dushanbe is an exciting addition to Hamad International Airport’s expanding network, marking the airport’s eighth Central Asian destination, both scheduled and chartered. With a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes from Dushanbe to Doha, this new connection underscores the importance of enhanced bilateral relations between Qatar and Tajikistan. The route is expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, economic, trade, and tourism sectors, further solidifying the ties between the two nations. Hamad International Airport remains dedicated to expanding its global reach, offering travellers new opportunities to experience the best of Qatar and beyond.

Almosafer entered into a global strategic partnership with Mandarin Oriental. The significant partnership, announced at World Travel Market London 2024, provides Almosafer exclusive access to Mandarin’s highly rated global property portfolio of 41 hotels and resorts, elevating Almosafer’s luxury hospitality segment. The global direct connectivity agreement with a special focus on Saudi Arabia follows the growing demand for ultra-luxury travel among Almosafer’s clients. It will enable Almosafer’s B2B and B2C customers to gain access to Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s global portfolio of 41 properties across 26 countries. Travellers will enjoy direct access to real-time inventory and competitive pricing through Almosafer’s consumer platforms as Almosafer elevates its luxury offerings and enhances its services to high-end customers. The partnership will further enable Almosafer to promote Mandarin Oriental to travellers from Saudi Arabia and beyond. The partnership will also provide the luxury Group access to Almosafer’s extensive network of agents through their Destination Management Company, Discover Saudi, resulting in greater brand visibility and reach for Mandarin Oriental’s KSA properties. Muzzammil Ahussain, Chief Executive Officer of Almosafer, said: “We are delighted to elevate our luxury offerings through our newly inked agreement with the prestigious and iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. While enabling the award-winning hotel group greater brand visibility through our omnichannel portfolio, we look forward to enhancing our unique offerings to our discerning clients through this significant partnership. At Almosafer, we’ve always strived to set industry benchmarks, and I’m confident the luxurious Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will add to the allure of our attractive hospitality portfolio.” Geoffrey Webb, Vice President, Global Sales at Mandarin Oriental adds: “We are thrilled to embark on this strategic partnership with Almosafer, which allows us to expand our …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has renewed its strategic partnership with WebBeds expanding its scope to over 30 markets and aiming for a 25% year-over-year increase in the number of hotel guests. This expansion will not only focus on Abu Dhabi City but will also extend its reach to Al Ain, highlighting the emirate’s wide spectrum of tourism experiences. In 2023, the partnership with WebBeds targeted 21 source markets and achieved remarkable success, surpassing targets by reaching 149% of its goal for hotel guests. This success was driven by the collaboration’s joint marketing campaign, which significantly contributed to the increased visibility of Abu Dhabi’s diverse tourism offerings. Continuing the collaborative effort to enhance Abu Dhabi’s global tourism appeal, for the upcoming year the refreshed partnership will focus on key source markets for Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. For Abu Dhabi, the targeted markets include the UAE, India, China, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, the UK, Germany, Russia, the USA, Brazil, Canada, Bahrain, Jordan, South Africa, Singapore, Spain, Italy, and Australia. Al Ain’s source markets will include Algeria, Australia, Bahrain, Belgium, Canada, China, Egypt, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, and several others. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Our ongoing collaboration with WebBeds reinforces the importance and effectiveness of showcasing our wide variety of hotels, resorts and other hospitality offerings through a global platform. We are leveraging our combined expertise and driving innovation in the industry and among our stakeholders, while creating memorable experiences for our travellers.” The expanded partnership will introduce key initiatives such as joint sales engagement, targeted campaigns, and trade initiatives designed …

Etihad Airways welcomed the return of its iconic A380 aircraft to Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, enhancing the travel experience between the two capitals. The world’s largest passenger aircraft, measuring 73 metres in length and 24 metres in height, the Airbus A380 marks its return to the Paris route with Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence – the world’s only three-room suite in the sky. The upper deck features The Lobby, an exclusive lounge area for First and Business class guests. Designed and manufactured in Europe, with final assembly in Toulouse, the A380 represents a proud achievement of French aerospace engineering and innovation. The aircraft’s return to Paris celebrates this French aviation legacy. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “As a city celebrated for its style and ambiance, Paris continues to be a key destination in our global network. The return of our A380 strengthens the travel offering between Abu Dhabi and Paris, reflecting our commitment to this important route.” “The return of the A380 to Paris and our broader network expansion plans, including increasing to year-round, double-daily frequencies to Milan, Rome, Manchester, Frankfurt, Munich, Zurich, Barcelona, and Madrid, demonstrate our strong growth momentum in Europe. This enhanced capacity reflects the rising demand we’re seeing in France, with more exciting announcements to come before the end of 2024.” The UAE and France share strong bilateral ties across culture, education, and business sectors. A unique cultural bridge connects the two capitals as the only cities in the world to house a Louvre Museum. The route caters to growing demand from leisure travellers and the strong business ties between the two countries, particularly in the …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has officially launched its comprehensive Event Licensing Manual, a guide that streamlines and standardises the event licensing process across the emirate. Available online, the Event Licensing Manual offers an extensive overview of the Abu Dhabi Events Licensing System (ELS) and provides detailed guidance on the procedures and requirements needed to obtain and manage event licenses across various types of events, including business, leisure and entertainment, cultural, sporting and religious events. The manual outlines the entire event licensing process, covering requirements for securing and managing event licenses, defining various licenses and permits – including those for mega events with multiple performers – while also providing detailed information on regulatory requirements, application procedures, and best practices to ensure efficient and successful event planning and execution in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the manual includes sections on health and safety, sustainability, promotion standards, and cultural sensitivity to align events with Abu Dhabi’s objectives and values. HE Saleh Al Geziry, Director General for Tourism at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “The Event Licensing Manual sets a strong, supportive foundation for our stakeholders as it provides clear and comprehensive guidelines that will help our partners to deliver events that meet the highest standards of regulatory compliance and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s growth as a premier destination for events.” The Abu Dhabi events industry is a cornerstone of the emirate’s economic and cultural growth, drawing travellers, business professionals, investors, and partners to a diverse array of events that attract local, regional, and international attention. The introduction of the Event Licensing Manual is a strategic move by DCT Abu Dhabi to streamline event planning and execution, ensure regulatory …

Emirates has signed two Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, aimed at strengthening connectivity and offering more travel choices between Dubai and its Vietnamese gateways Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. The MoUs were signed on the sidelines of the Vietnam – UAE Business Forum, held at the Hilton Dubai Palm Jumeirah hotel in Dubai on 28 October. Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer attended the signing ceremony along with government leaders, ministers, and business representatives from both countries. Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Senior Vice President Commercial Operations, Far East delivered a keynote highlighting the airline’s commitment to deepening its presence in Vietnam, a market it has been serving since 2012, supporting trade and tourism links between the UAE and Vietnam, as well as offering customers convenient travel options. Adnan Kazim, commented: “Enhancing our cooperation with like-minded partners like Vietnam Airlines and VietJet is integral to our core commercial strategy to better connect customers across points beyond our own network. Vietnam is a market that presents tremendous opportunities to boost tourism and trade as a key hub in Southeast Asia, and Emirates supports the UAE government’s ongoing efforts to elevate its existing economic ties with Vietnam. Our decades-long cooperation with Vietnam Airlines has enabled us to enhance connectivity between Vietnam and Dubai, and we are pleased to have the opportunity to explore further elevating this partnership while also establishing a new strategic cooperation with VietJet. We look forward to growing our footprint in Vietnam and exploring more opportunities to widen the scope of our partnerships in the future.” Emirates and Vietnam Airlines MoU The MoU sets the framework to expand the current cooperation in place between …

HBX Group launched its Marketing Suite, a combination of marketing services designed to inspire, convert, and drive growth in the travel space. With this launch, HBX Group aspires to become the primary retail media network within the travel industry, serving as a point of reference for hotels, DMOs, airlines, mobility providers and any business seeking to engage with travellers and travel distributors. HBX Group Marketing Suite is composed of two key solutions: Travel Media Solutions and a Digital Marketing Agency. HBX Group’s Travel Media Solutions offers a suite of complete advertising products in an extensive network of hard-to-reach digital spaces, with the potential to reach over 50.000 travel agencies and 3.500 tour operators across 65 countries, as well as travellers from over 100 booking websites and strategic partners. These advertising solutions include digital banners on B2B and B2C websites, social media marketing, bespoke newsletters, email sponsorships, and landing pages. On the other hand, the Digital Marketing Agency is focused on tailor-made strategies developed by expert travel marketers to accelerate business growth within the B2C audience. Services include B2C digital campaign management, marketing advisory, insights, creative services, brand management, and more. HBX Group brings years of experience in the travel sector, giving the company a deep understanding of its unique needs and challenges. This knowledge allows HBX Group to design its services specifically to the demands of travel businesses, ensuring more effective and relevant marketing strategies. Its team of digital marketing experts, specialised in the travel industry, ensure that clients receive thorough, personalised support and guidance, from strategy development to execution and optimisation. The company also has access to the latest technologies to implement and refine marketing strategies. This includes advanced analytics, innovative advertising platforms, …

As travelers from the GCC seek new and extraordinary vacation destinations, Jamaica stands out as a haven of luxury, privacy, and unforgettable experiences. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, pristine beaches, and warm hospitality, Jamaica is the ultimate Caribbean destination for discerning travelers. From high-end resorts offering world-class amenities to exclusive cultural and historical experiences, Jamaica invites GCC travelers to discover a new level of luxury in the heart of the Caribbean. Luxury Stays in Jamaica For those seeking the pinnacle of exclusivity and comfort, Jamaica offers a selection of premier resorts tailored for luxury travelers: Round Hill Hotel and Villas is nestled along the coastline in Montego Bay and boasts of private villas with personal pools, beachfront views, and dedicated concierge service. With a history of hosting international celebrities, Round Hill combines understated elegance with modern luxury. Zoëtry Montego Bay is a tranquil sanctuary renowned for its holistic approach to luxury. This boutique resort offers a blend of modern wellness with timeless elegance, featuring private suites with plunge pools, gourmet dining, and rejuvenating spa experiences. With its beachfront setting and commitment to wellness, Zoetry provides a haven for travelers seeking relaxation in an opulent environment. Half Moon, Jamaica’s highest rated resort spans across 400 acres and offers unparalleled luxury with its beachfront suites, private villas, and championship gol f course. Guests can indulge in spa treatments at the award-winning Fern Tree Spa, take part in a variety of water sports, or simply enjoy the serene beauty of the Caribbean Sea. Unforgettable Cultural Experiences Beyond the luxurious accommodations, Jamaica is a place where travelers get the unique vibe and heritage that the island has to offer: Luxury travelers to Jamaica …

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral are bringing the prestigious luxury travel fair LOOP CEE to the Middle East for the first time. Titled LOOP BEYOND BORDERS, the landmark event will be held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra. The high-end platform aims to gather distinguished local hospitality brands, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their products and engage with ultra-luxury buyers, travel partners, and agents from Central and Eastern Europe. Over the course of five days, each exhibitor will have the opportunity to conduct 62 appointments, each lasting for 15 minutes, alongside numerous other opportunities to connect with over 100 top tour operators and agents from 16 central and eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We look forward to hosting the Middle East’s first ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers seeking the most refined of experiences. LOOP BEYOND BORDERS not only supports Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent, must-visit locations in the world, but provides unparalleled networking opportunities and knowledge exchange, strengthening our ties across central and eastern European markets, and fostering long-term collaboration.” Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral said: “We are happy to host the Middle East’s first-ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Saadiyat Island, …

GACA stated that the total number of complaints submitted by passengers against air carriers in June amounted to 900. The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) issued an index for the classification of air transport service providers and airports based on the number of complaints filed by travelers to the authority in June. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) was the least carrier complained about, with 12 complaints per 100,000 passengers. The state-run airline recorded a timely complaint handling rate of 99%. Flynas ranked second, with 14 complaints and a closure rate of 100%. Meanwhile, Flyadeal came third, with 18 complaints per 100,000 passengers, reporting a timely complaint closure rate of 96%. The most frequent complaints for June were about luggage, boarding and ticketing services. For the same month, King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah reported the lowest complaints, at a rate of 0.4% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive over six million passengers annually. Only 16 complaints were submitted by travelers, with a timely complaint handling rate of 77%. Abha International Airport was the least airport complained about, at a rate of 1% per 100,000 passengers, among international airports that receive less than six million passengers annually. Only eight complaints were submitted, with a timely complaint handling rate of 100%. For domestic reports, Bisha Airport recorded the lowest complaints per 100,000 passengers with one complaint, or 3%, recording a timely complaint processing rate of 100%.