Breaking Travel News Arabian Travel Market 2023 - Review Issue

ATM 2023 round-up, featuring the essential news, interviews and insights from the largest travel exhibition in the Middle East

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Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum opens ATM 2023

share knowledge and showcase innovations with the potential to expedite the sector’s journey towards decarbonisation.

Day one of ATM 2023 included 20 sessions across its Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and brand-new Sustainability Hub. In addition to the opening Ministerial Debate, highlights include Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel, Sustainability in the Travel Industry: Who Pays? and Enhancing the Customer Experience Through AI. In addition, the Sustainable Hospitality Alliance is addressing the importance of protecting the locations, livelihoods and communities in which hotels are located as part of the Achieving Net Positive Hospitality session.

The 30th edition of ATM is taking place as part of Arabian Travel Week (1-10 May 2023), a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, marking the start of the 30th edition of the Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition.

He was accompanied at the inauguration by Vasyl Zhygalo, Portfolio Director, RX Global; Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM; and a host of other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway in Dubai.

Exhibitor participation at this year’s event saw a 27% rise compared to ATM 2022, and hosted more than 2,000 exhibitors and representatives from over 150 nations.

In line with its theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’, ATM 2023 enabled global tourism professionals to forge new connections,

ATM 2023 was held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

INTERVIEW: Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director Middle East, ATM CLICK TO WATCH

Climate change top of the agenda as ATM 2023

topic as the UAE prepares to host COP28 later this year.

The UNDRR works closely with governments, the private sector and stakeholders across the globe, including 22 Arab nations, to reduce disaster risk. Building a picture of the current situation, Mohanty said, “Globally, in the last 20 years, there have been $2.97 trillion in economic losses due to disasters. Climate change is leading to more frequent and severe climate-related hazards such as floods, heatwaves, cyclones and hurricanes. In turn, the tourism industry loses enormous amounts of money due to these hazards. Therefore the return on investment is clear – invest now to help protect the future.”

The climate crisis was under the spotlight during the opening session of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The discussion gathered tourism and economy figureheads from across the Middle East region to address how the travel industry needs to adapt to tackle the issue of climate change and meet current regulations by implementing new sustainable policies, funds and support.

Taking place on the Global Stage at ATM, the discussion was moderated by CNN anchor Eleni Giokos, and the line-up of speakers included Sujit Mohanty, Regional Division for the Arab States, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR); Dr Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board; and H.E. Walid Nassar, Minister of Tourism, Lebanon.

According to Sustainable Travel International, tourism is responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions from transport, food and beverage, accommodation and related goods and services. The opening session at ATM looked at the industry’s crucial role in climate change – a particularly pertinent

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME for Arabian Travel Market, said: “The issue of climate change has never been more topical or urgent, and the strategies discussed at today’s opening session provided the perfect launchpad for ATM 2023 as we explore the future of sustainable travel under the theme: “Working towards net zero.”

ATM 2023 was held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner. The show forms an integral part of Arabian Travel Week, a 10day-long festival of travel and tourism events.

Breaking Travel News reports: Day 1 at Arabian Travel Market

As Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, second deputy ruler of Dubai, officially inaugurated Arabian Travel Market, Breaking Travel News was on hand to capture all the action.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was accompanied at the inauguration by Vasyl Zhygalo, portfolio director, RX Global, as they celebrated the thirtieth hosting of the event.

Also on hand was Danielle Curtis, exhibition director, Middle East, ATM, and a host of other VIPs who embarked on a tour of the show floor as the four-day event got underway in Dubai.

Taking place from May 1-4 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), exhibitor participation at the event has seen a 27 per cent rise compared to ATM 2022.

Day one of ATM 2023 included 20 sessions across its Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and brand-new Sustainability Hub.

Take a look at some of the best shots from the show.

Breaking Travel News explores: Day 2 at Arabian Travel Market

Experts say guests no longer see sustainability as a compromise within luxury travel during second day of Dubai event.

Sustainability took centre stage during the second day of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Rather than cost, the luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives, it was argued.

Panellists in Dubai agree that decarbonisation will require significant

financial backing, but warn the luxury travel industry cannot afford to ignore sustainability. Luxury brands were also warned they must also focus on how they can positively impact surrounding communities socially and economically, according to speakers at ATM 2023

Events - including ‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ - offered a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East.

Take a look at the best shots from across the show floor here.

Breaking Travel News explores: Day 3 at Arabian Travel Market

A panel discussion looking at how the airlines can keep pace with a green future and how new aircraft design will play a major role in achieving net zero topped the agenda.

The thirtieth edition of Arabian Travel Market saw crowds gather at the Dubai World Travel Centre on the third day.

On the agenda was the future of sustainable travel in line with the theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the

conference programme explores how innovative sustainable travel trends are likely to evolve, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors, while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

ATM 2023 held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

Take a look at some shots from the show.

INTERVIEW: Richard Haddad, CEO, Ishraq Hospitality CLICK TO WATCH

INTERVIEW: Phil Dickenson, VP International Markets & MICE, Qatar Tourism

Breaking Travel News EXPLORES: Day 4 at Arabian Travel Market

The final day of the leading Middle East event saw deals being concluded across the conference floor, before attention turned to the year ahead.

The thirtieth edition of ATM is taking place as part of Arabian Travel Week, which runs until May 10, a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

Those attending ATM 2023 in person can get involved in the conversation online by using the hashtag #ATMDubai when posting on social media channels.

Take a look at some shots of the final day here.

INTERVIEW: Heinrich Morio, GM, Zulal

INTERVIEW: Rosanna Chopra, Executive Director, Red Sea Global CLICK TO WATCH

INTERVIEW: Sherin Francis, Principal Secretary, Tourism Seychelles CLICK TO WATCH

Emirates and Etihad announce interline expansion

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE.

This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalise on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary.

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travellers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

In the initial stages of the expanded interline, each carrier will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China. The ‘open jaw’ arrangement will allow visitors to cover as much ground as possible when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate, saving time by removing the need to fly home via their arrival airport.

Customers travelling into the UAE also have the option of ‘multi-city flights’, with the choice to travel from one city on both carriers’ networks, and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad.

The MoU was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, Chief Operating Officer, Etihad Airways, in the presence of Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, and Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad CEO, along with other senior representatives.

Sir Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline said: “We are pleased to be working again with Etihad Airways – this time to allow each carrier to offer a new range of seamless travel options in and out of the UAE. Emirates and Etihad are leveraging on our strengths to expand our respective customer offerings and boost UAE tourism. We believe this new agreement provides a strong foundation to develop further opportunities between

both airlines and is an example of our commitment to the UAE’s vision for continued economic diversification.”

Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Emirates in our shared mission to support inbound tourism to the UAE and facilitate travel to our vibrant cities. With two worldclass airlines supporting UAE tourism, our interline agreement will make it more convenient for our guests to experience the best of Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one single ticket while promising to deliver an exceptional flying

experience whether they fly with Etihad Airways or Emirates. It’s a win-win proposition for travellers to the UAE.”

The expanded interline partnership draws upon the commitment of both airlines to support the UAE government’s objective to promote tourism to the UAE and enhance the UAE’s position as a preferred global destination. Tourism is one of the key pillars of the UAE Economy and is expected to contribute to 5.4% of the nation’s total GDP, or AED 116.1 billion (USD 31.6 billion), supporting over 1 million jobs by 2027.*

This is the second time the airlines have announced a collaboration. In 2018, Emirates Group Security and Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen aviation security, including the sharing of information and intelligence in operational areas both within and outside the UAE. Last year, Emirates signed an MoU with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, to boost tourist numbers to the UAE capital from key source markets across the airline’s global network.

More Information

Emirates took the titles of World’s Leading Airline Brand, World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme and World’s Leading Airline to the Middle East at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

Etihad took the title of World’s Leading Airline - Economy Class and World’s Leading Airline Lounge - First Class at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

Tickets can be booked on www.emirates.com , www.etihad.com , with Online Travel Agencies, as well as travel agents.

The carrier has revealed the new interior for its Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

Etihad takes comfort to new heights

The United Arab Emirates flag-carrier will welcome new planes to the fleet in the third quarter of the year, adding to the 39 Dreamliners Etihad already operates.

“Etihad’s new 787 Dreamliner cabin interior showcases further enhancements to our award-winning and industry renowned cabins. Our new Business class takes the guest experience to new heights with the second evolution of the Business Studio which was launched on the Airbus A3501000 last year,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive at Etihad Airways.

Etihad means business

The Business cabin features Etihad’s unique, stylish interior, with a customised version of the Elements seat manufactured by Collins. Etihad is the first airline in the world to introduce the Elements seat on the Boeing 787. The new seats will provide guests with a comfortable and spacious environment with added privacy provided by a suite door.

Each of the 32 Business seats has direct aisle access with the cabin designed in a 12-1 configuration offering comfort, convenience and privacy whether travelling individually or with companions.

Elevating Economy

In Economy, the newest 787 will feature 271 seats which are lighter in weight than the current fleet and therefore more fuel efficient. The seats boast exceptional

comfort and an increased feeling of space created by the smart design and adjustments including a slimmer profile armrest. Guests can also enjoy an extensive range of entertainment.

Both cabins offer a stylish environment and the highest standards of comfort whether guests choose to rest, work or enjoy the award-winning inflight entertainment.

Experience upgrades

Technology throughout: The new 787 Dreamliner provides the latest in inflight entertainment technology from Safran. Exciting new features include Rave Ultra 4K monitors and Bluetooth headphone pairing.

The 787 Dreamliner is fitted with a new connectivity solution from Viasat using Kaband technology which offers high-speed Wi-Fi with streaming capabilities on board as well as Live TV, including news and sport channels.

Etihad’s E-BOX also offers hours of entertainment which caters to a broad range of guests and preferences. Hundreds of blockbuster movies from Hollywood to Bollywood are accompanied by a broad range of Arabic, Asian and European content.

Never miss a moment with free Wi-Fly: In a sweep of product enhancements that arrived on board this year, Etihad introduced new Wi-Fly packages on its wide-body fleet with Chat and Surf packages offering unlimited data. Etihad

Guest members, including those who enrol instantly just before the flight, are rewarded with free ‘Chat’ packages while they fly.

The free Chat packages provide access to popular messaging apps such as What’s App, WeChat, Messenger and more. Generous Surf packages offer unlimited data for the full flight duration.

Dine in Economy with Etihad’s environmentally conscious service: Etihad’s new Economy dining service is not only stylish but also part of a closed loop recycling system, thereby creating a circular economy that removes single-use plastic entirely. The dining equipment has been designed to provide a quality experience for Etihad’s guests, while being functional for Etihad’s crew.

Neves continues: “We remain fully committed to providing industry-leading experiences for our guests and we’re proud to showcase this here at the Arabian Travel Market. This year is about growth for Etihad – as well as enhancing our guest experience and adding aircraft to our fleet, we’ve announced new routes for our network, including Kolkata last month, Lisbon, Malaga and Mykonos this summer and Copenhagen and Dusseldorf in the fourth quarter.”

More Information

Etihad took the title of World's Leading Airline - Economy Class and World's Leading Airline Lounge - First Class at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

Take a look below for the Breaking Travel News interview with Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo with Etihad, during Arabian Travel Market. Find out more about the carrier at www.etihad.com

Etihad is the first airline in the world to introduce the Elements seat on the Boeing 787.

INTERVIEW: Martin Drew, Senior Vice President Global Sales & Cargo, Etihad CLICK TO WATCH

Arabian Travel Market 2023 –News Recap

As the show comes to a close, Breaking Travel News here takes a look at the most important stories from the biggest travel show in the Middle East.

EMIRATES, BAHRAIN TOURISM & EXHIBITION AUTHORITY AND ZAMBIA TOURISM

Emirates signed two memorandums Arabian Travel Market, embarking on partnerships with the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority and Zambia Tourism to boost tourist arrivals to each country. The airline will support Bahrain’s new four-year strategy (2022-2026) for the tourism sector, aiming to attract 14.1 million tourists by 2026. Emirates currently serves Bahrain with 21 weekly flights on its Boeing 777, providing convenient schedules for travellers looking to connect to Bahrain via Dubai.

Emirates and the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibition Authority will explore opportunities to broaden the appeal of the destination in key markets like Japan, Korea, Spain, Hungary and Poland, as well as grow mindshare around it as a short weekend getaway with exciting attractions for travellers coming from Israel and the UAE.

The deals was signed by Adnan Kazim, Emirates chief commercial officer, and Fatima Bint Al Jaffer Al Sairafi, minister of tourism and chairman of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority.

Bahrain offers a diverse range of attractions that cater to the varying interests of tourists. The country is known for its wide selection of accommodation options, ranging from luxurious five-star hotels to affordable boutique hotels and resorts. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of watching high-speed cars at the Bahrain International Circuit or relax on one of the many

picturesque beaches scattered throughout the kingdom. Meanwhile, history buffs can explore the rich heritage of Bahrain, which includes traces of ancient civilizations dating back 5,000 years.

Emirates and Zambia Tourism will jointly explore opportunities to boost visitor arrivals to Zambia by leveraging Emirates’ extensive global network of 140 destinations. Through this partnership, the two parties will explore ways to collaborate on key initiatives to promote experiences in Zambia and increase the visibility of the destination within the Emirates network. Both parties will also consider various advertising and marketing campaigns to drive inbound visitors to Zambia. Emirates launched operations to Zambia in 2012 and has grown the route over the years to offer a daily service with seven flights a week.

Malaysia returns to Arabian Travel Market

Malaysia Tourism joined Arabian Travel Market, working with the “excellent platform” to market and promote the latest attractions and destinations for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoon, luxury holidays and safe travel destinations. As in previous years, the prestigious event sees the participation of a Malaysian delegation from 76 organisations, comprising hotels and resorts, travel agents

Since its full reopening of international borders, Malaysia has recorded a total of ten million tourist arrivals.

MALAYSIA TOURISM AT ATM

INTERVIEW: Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

and tourism products owners, as well as representatives from various state governments, including Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), Penang Global Tourism, Sabah Tourism Board, Sarawak Tourism Board, Tourism Melaka, Tourism Pahang and Tourism Johor.

The mission aims to reinstate and enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region. Deputy tourism, arts and culture minister for Malaysia, Khairul Firdaus, said during the launch: “In line with Visit Malaysia in 2025, Tourism Malaysia will strive to attract more tourists from the Middle East to Malaysia. We are confident that we will achieve our target to put Malaysia as the top destination for Muslim travellers.”

Since its full reopening of international borders, Malaysia has recorded a total of ten million tourist arrivals and AED23.5

billion in tourist receipts in 2022, surpassing its initial target of 9.2 million international tourist arrivals. In 2023, Malaysia is hoping to welcome 16.1 million international tourist arrivals (300,000 tourists from the west Asia) and generate billion AED41.1 billion in receipts.

Jamaica builds tourism resilience

Jamaica minister of tourism, Edmund Bartlett, underscored the need to boost resilience and sustainability in the global tourism industry by engaging players of all sizes in the tourism value chain during Arabian Travel Market. In providing a template, Bartlett outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the ministry

Technology was further highlighted as a major tool being utilised by the ministry of tourism.

JAMAICA MINISTER OF TOURISM, EDMUND BARTLETT

INTERVIEW: Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board CLICK TO WATCH

of tourism and its public bodies to support small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) while “holding them accountable to sustainable business practices aligned with industry standards”.

Speaking during a panel discussion on the margins of the Arabian Travel Market, he said: “The essence of tourism as we know is the small and medium enterprises. They are 80 per cent of the services and the experiences that visitors have when they come to the destination.”

Minister Bartlett also explained how the strategy and policy direction of the ministry have been positioned to bolster Jamaican SMTEs. “We spend a lot on training and developing the capacity of small players to be firstly, more creative and innovative and secondly, to be resourced financially. So, we

established a JM$1 billion window for lending to small and medium enterprises through the EXIM bank in Jamaica.”

Technology was further highlighted as a major tool being utilised by the ministry of tourism in its drive to build resilience and substantiality in tourism and connect the smaller players in the industry to the larger enterprises. Bartlett also emphasized the collective responsibility of tourism stakeholders to protect the environment and renewed his call for the establishment of a global tourism resilience fund.

“Our objective in tourism must not be net zero but net positive. Tourism must now, in COP 28, make its voice heard that it has a plan to mitigate, adapt and enable recovery. So, a proposal for funding is important

and there’s a need for the establishment of a tourism resilience fund voluntarily financed by each individual that travels,” he noted.

Jamaica was named the Caribbean’s Leading Destination in 2022 at the World Travel Awards, taking the title for the sixteenth straight year.

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh

The towering JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh has appointed a new general manager, its second since the hotel opened last year. Long-time Marriott member, Khaled Al Jamal, returns to the group for the role, leveraging his 35-years of experience. He will be working on strengthening the position of the property as a flagship brand in the region.

Al Jamal has spent much of his hospitality career with Marriott, first as a director of restaurants at Budapest Marriott Hotel in 1994. He then continued his journey through the group, taking up roles across countries and across departments. Becoming a general manager in 2003 at Courtyard by Marriott in Moscow, he moved between various Marriott properties, including more recently the Accra Marriott Hotel.

Speaking about his role, Al Jamal said: “I am delighted to join the JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh team which has been recently rebranded and is the first JW Marriott in the kingdom. It is an exciting time for the property, and I am looking forward to working closely with the team to strengthen the position of the brand in the region and provide exceptional experiences to our guests, and share my experience in the industry to contribute to the continued success.”

KHALED AL JAMAL, GENERAL MANAGER, JW MARRIOTT HOTEL RIYADH

Ambitious new target for Abu Dhabi

Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary at Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi, affirmed the start of an ambitious new chapter for the tourism sector in the emirate. The new targets follow a surge in 2022, with hotel occupancy rates and other metrics demonstrating that the revival is well underway. The emirate received a total 18 million visitors representing a 13 percent increase from previous year, while the hotel occupancy rates reached 70 per

cent, which surpasses the Middle East average of 67 per cent.

The emirate welcomed visitors from around the world, with the highest number of international visitors arriving from India, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and the United States, respectively. The improved domestic and international market performance can be attributed to increased destination awareness and consideration of Abu Dhabi’s increased range of year-round entertainment and sporting events, as well as trade events and roadshows.

Al Hosani said: “Our ambitious goal to welcome more 24 million visitors by end of 2023 builds on healthy growth over the past year. This encouraging performance was enabled through powerful collaborations and delivery of memorable travel and business experiences across the whole year, supported by an integrated ecosystem of best-in-class services, infrastructure, and impactful marketing. In Abu Dhabi we are demonstrating the power of partnerships across the tourism sector and the fact that collectively we can thrive.”

ABU DHABI

INTERVIEW: Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer, Erth CLICK TO WATCH

New leadership for Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island has welcomed Bob Suri as its new general manager. A Four Seasons veteran of nearly two decades with more than thirty years of international hospitality experience, Suri was previously resort manager at Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach before spending the past four years as general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Azerbaijan.

“It is a great pleasure to welcome Bob back to UAE,” said Simon Casson, Four Seasons president, hotel operations – Europe, Middle East and Africa. “His total dedication to both his guests and his staff epitomizes our values as a brand, and I’m looking forward to what he will achieve in Abu Dhabi as his Four Seasons career continues to grow.”

Since opening in 2016, Four Seasons has become the preferred luxury hospitality address in Abu Dhabi. With his roots in Four Seasons food and beverage operations, Suri sees great opportunity to further build on the shining reputation as a premier dining destination favoured by locals and visitors alike.

Leading the team of 375 people representing 46 nations in the United Arab Emirates capital at Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Suri notes that the bar has been set very high, and he is confident in its future.

Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island won two awards at the World Travel Awards in 2022 - Abu Dhabi's Leading City Hotel 2022 and Abu Dhabi's Leading Luxury Hotel.

Since opening in 2016, Four Seasons has become the preferred luxury hospitality address in Abu Dhabi.

BOB SURI, GENERAL MANAGER, FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ABU DHABI

Big wins for Saudi Tourism Authority

IHG Hotels & Resorts, a leading global hotel company with more than 6,000 hotels across 18 distinct brands, signed an agreement with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) at Arabian Travel Market. The memorandum provides a framework for both entities to explore methods to increase inbound visitation to Saudi Arabia from key markets across Middle East and Africa region. This includes developing customised promotions, joint marketing campaigns, and promotion through loyalty programs which will showcase Saudi Arabia as one of the most exciting destinations to an international audience.

The deal was signed at the Saudi pavilion at the Arabian Travel Market 2023 by James Britchford, vice president commercial at IHG for India, Middle East & Africa, and Munirah Abanomy, head of marketing partnership for Middle East & Africa at Saudi Tourism Authority.

With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East. The hospitality group aims to support the tourism sector in the country by growing the footprint of its existing brands, as well as introducing new brands from its global portfolio, in addition to running campaigns to promote various destinations within the country. IHG also plans to further support the economic development of the country by investing in developing Saudi talent in the kingdom, with an ambition to hire 6,000 nationals across it’s growing portfolio by 2030.

To expand its presence in key cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Madinah, Makkah, Dammam, Al Khobar and on site at a number of mega projects, IHG Hotels & Resorts is positioned to add over 10,000 additional rooms to its portfolio in the next two-or-three years. This is set to significantly boost the tourism infrastructure in the country and provide a diverse range of accommodation options — across luxury, leisure, religious and business tourism.

With Saudi Arabia targeting 100 million visitors by 2030, the kingdom is a priority market for IHG Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East.

INTERVIEW: Hassan Ahdab, President of Hotel Operations, Dur Hospitality Company CLICK TO WATCH

Family holidays with Miral

Miral Destinations, a leading onestop trade and promotional partner for Yas Island Abu Dhabi, has launched its exciting ‘Kids Go Free’ packages for the summer at Arabian Travel Market. The family offering will allow visitors to extend their stay and indulge in a wide array of leisure and entertainment offerings that appeal to travellers of all ages and preferences.

The Kids Go Free packages are available for purchase now the Yas Island website and offer families incredible added value and unlimited entertainment, allowing children under the age of 12 to stay, play and dine for free all summer long. As one of the fastest growing leisure and entertainment destinations, Yas Island Abu Dhabi has become a coveted locale for travellers from around the world.

From award-winning theme parks and attractions, world-class shopping, top-notch hotels, over 165 dining outlets, a links golf course, exciting water and motor sports, and a year-round line-up of spectacular musical, entertainment and family-friendly events, there is something for everyone.

Yas Island was voted World's Leading Theme Park Destination at the 2022 World Travel Awards.

Interline agreement

Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways have signed a memorandum of understanding to expand their interline agreement and provide travellers additional itinerary options when visiting the UAE. This first of its kind agreement between the two UAE carriers aims to capitalise on opportunities to boost tourism to the UAE from key source

markets by enabling visitors to experience more than one destination in a single itinerary.

This summer, customers of each airline will be able to purchase a single ticket to fly into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with a seamless return via the other airport. The new agreement also provides travellers planning to explore the UAE with the flexibility of one-stop ticketing for their full journey and convenient baggage check-in.

In the initial stages of the expanded interline, each carrier will focus on attracting visitors to the UAE by developing inbound interline traffic from select points in Europe and China. The ‘open jaw’ arrangement will allow visitors to cover as much ground as possible when exploring Abu Dhabi, Dubai or any other emirate, saving time by removing the need to fly home via their arrival airport. Customers travelling into the UAE also have the option of ‘multi-city flights,’ with the choice to travel from one city on both carriers’ networks, and conveniently returning to another point served by either Emirates or Etihad.

The deal was signed at Arabian Travel Market by Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer, and Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer, Etihad Airways, in the presence of Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline, and Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad chief executive, along with other senior representatives.

YAS ISLAND, ABU DHABI

INTERVIEW: Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations CLICK TO WATCH

COP28 UAE at Expo City Dubai to unite world leaders in addressing climate change

As the host of COP28 from 30 November to 12 December 2023, Expo City Dubai is a state-of-the-art destination built to promote sustainability and circularity principles, aligned with the UAE’s commitment to raising ambition in this critical decade for climate action.

As the first country in the region to ratify the Paris Agreement, the UAE is the first to commit to an economywide reduction in emissions, and the first to announce a Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, which sets the timeframe and identifies the mechanisms to implement the UAE Net Zero initiative.

COP28 UAE will be a milestone moment when the world will take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement.

Thought-provoking youth discussions, performances, exhibitions and more will feature as part of Expo City Dubai’s sustainability-themed calendar, culminating in an unrivalled, impactful ‘Green Zone’ public area during COP28.

The first Global Stocktake (GST), will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since adopting the Paris Agreement. This will help align efforts on climate action, including measures that need

to be put in place to bridge the gaps in progress.

The COP28 UAE Presidency will work to ensure that the world responds to the Global Stocktake with a clear plan of action.

The UAE was one of only 29 countries to submit a revised second NDC ahead of COP27. The enhanced target is expected to translate into an absolute emissions reduction of about 93.2 million metric tons of CO2e.

Breaking

Travel News interview:

Abdulla Mausoom, minister of tourism, Maldives

Breaking Travel News: How would you describe the mood in Maldives tourism as we approach the key summer season?

Abdulla Mausoom: Maldives welcomed 2023 with more optimism for jubilance, continuing from the celebrations of Tourism Golden Year 2022, the Golden Jubilee of tourism. Having witnessed a growth of over 20 per cent in tourist arrivals and its economic benefits, the Maldives expects to have a better than average season from the month of May until September. With strong product diversity and loyal global market segments to Maldives, the traditional ‘low-season’ ought to be considered a mid-season.

BTN: This is the thirtieth anniversary of Arabian Travel Market – how will the Maldives delegation be contributing to the celebrations?

AM: Arabian Travel

Market has gained popularity year-on-year. Maldives recognises the importance of matching and capturing other market segments for the rich product diversity that the Maldives tourism portfolio has to offer. ATM is the right marketespecially for businessto-business networking. We wish to congratulate team ATM for their innovative approaches to make ATM a platform for success.

BTN: How has tourism in the Maldives developed over the past three decades – and how has it changed during your time as minister?

AM: The Maldives has become, from an almost unknown archipelago, the leading destination in the world during its 50-years of tourism development. The first two decades were rather slow going compared to the revolutionary transformations during the last three decades.

First, Maldives had snorkellers and divers, soon to be followed by the ideal tropical vacationers.

With its one-island oneresort concept of development, giving unmatchable privacy, the 1990s showed the Maldives become the honeymoon destination of the world, followed by the wellness tourism euphoria of early 2000s. The last decade show the next natural market segment - families.

The last three years were challenging due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. The prime focus was on reviving Maldives tourism, under the leadership of Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, president of the Maldives, in very close cooperation with tourism industry stakeholders, related authorities and agencies and the general public.

The sound policies and strategies were well received, and the

Maldives has been branded as one of the few countries who managed a rapid recovery. The government’s sound foreign policy and international relations, engagement of Maldives’ missions abroad and the strong partnership with international organizations, especially UNWTO, PATA and WTTC played a very important role in the remarkable recovery of Maldives’ tourism.

The government acknowledges the importance of international tourism brands to a destination’s success. Hence creating and improving on an investor friendly environment for both local and international investors is given a strong emphasis, as can be seen form the positive changes brought to tourism legislations in the last two years.

BTN: Maldives took the title of World’s Leading

Having been recognised as the best-in-the-business by the World Travel Awards, Breaking Travel News here finds out the secrets of Maldives’ success

Destination at the World Travel Awards in 2022 –how important are accolades such as these to the success of the destination?

AM: World Travel Awards has been accepted by the travel and tourism community as the equivalent, if not more, of the Film Industry’s Oscar. Winning the title of ‘World’s Leading Destination’ at the World Travel Awards in 2022, for the third year consecutively is indeed a great achievement we treasure. That is a clear indication of the quality of

the Maldives’ tourism product - especially the hospitality, and the love and passion the tourists have for holidaying in the Maldives.

BTN: What developments can expect this year to ensure you defend the title in 2023?

AM: When one reaches the top, defending the position is a challenge. But given the determination and enthusiasm of travel and tourism industry stakeholders for continuous improvement

in related infrastructure, superstructure, facilities and services, with ever increasing tourist base, Maldives is expected to be among the hot picks as the World’s Leading Destination 2023 too.

BTN: Finally, community tourism has been frontof-mind in Maldivian tourism this year – what can you tell us about that?

AM: President Solih’s tourism policy aims to take tourism and benefits to the people through Community-based tourism with small hotels

and guesthouses in the local islands. Community based inclusive tourism, accessibility – especially to those who are differently abled, empowerment of youth and women, and linkage of tourism to island economies are the new focus areas of Maldives tourism development policy.

Maldives’ tourism, like many other destinations are intertwined to nature, environment and the natural resources. Community based tourism will help protect and preserve eco systems by integrating them into tourism products; revive culture and heritage, and give the opportunity for many Maldivians to earn a decent income whilst living with their families.

This also creates a very strong product for the new tourists, especially the youth, digitalnomads, and pensioneers who are more environmentally and community conscious and stay for longer durations.

More Information

Find out more about the Maldives at www.visitmaldives.com or head over to Visit Maldives here at Arabian Travel Market on stand AS6110.

Abu Dhabi unveils new summer tourism campaign

Campaign showcases wide range of experiences to inspire, excite and restore travellers this summer, highlighting three new promotions and exciting events

The Department of Culture & Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has announced ‘One Summer Isn't Enough,’ a campaign that shows the wide range of experiences available throughout the season as part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to attract 24 million visitors by 2023. Launched during the thirtieth edition of the Arabian Travel Market, DCT Abu Dhabi also unveiled three new promotions to inspire, excite and restore this summer.

The all-inclusive Abu Dhabi Summer Pass provides access to explore over 30 attractions, 600 restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets. Visitors will also benefit from the ‘Stay More, Pay Less’ promotion at participating hotels, offering an extra night of fun for every three hotel nights booked. There are more benefits for families. ‘Kids Go Free’ with a complimentary hotel stay and meals for one child with every paying

adult. That’s not all – kids also get complimentary entry to their choice of Yas Island’s thrilling theme parks.

There’s always more to do in Abu Dhabi, with a mix of fun attractions and exciting events available all summer, including SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, opening soon on May 23rd. The all-new experience opens features interactive family fun and eight themed realms to uncover.

All summer long, visitors can enjoy seamless connectivity via the Experience Abu Dhabi Shuttle Bus – complimentary for everyone. Just hop on and off at indoor theme parks, inspiring cultural venues, and other unique attractions, at your own pace.

More Information

The Department of Culture and Tourism –Abu Dhabi is considered the World's Leading Sports Tourism Destination by voters at the World Travel Awards.

The organisation drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

For more information about DCT Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit tcaabudhabi.ae and visitabudhabi.ae.

The all-inclusive Abu Dhabi Summer Pass provides access to explore over 30 attractions, 600 restaurants, and a variety of retail outlets.

INTERVIEW: Abdullah Yousef, Director of International Operation, Dep. Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi CLICK TO WATCH

AlUla to add three new luxury hotels to offering

The

Saudi heritage destination has announced plans for three properties, all of which highlight its beauty, variety and rich history.

While each of the three properties embody premium hospitality combined with architectural integrity, the showstopper for many international luxury travellers and luminaries will undoubtedly be the eagerly anticipated Sharaan Resort, designed by Jean Nouvel. Sharaan Resort’s construction is inspired by the ancient techniques of the Nabataean inhabitants who crafted their monuments as integral to the local landscape more than 2,000 years ago. The Resort will have 53 keys, divided amongst suites, hospitality pavilions and villas built into the mountain of Sharaan Nature Reserve.

The second hotel is the Chedi Hegra that will be the first hotel to be located in Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hegra. Set to welcome its inaugural guests by quarter four of 2023, the heritage boutique hotel will offer 35 guest rooms, each offering a distinct connection to Hegra’s monumental landscape.

With an opening slated for 2024, upscale ecolodge Dar Tantora by The House Hotel is currently under construction in AlUla Old Town. AlUla is developing 30 guest rooms by restoring and repurposing historical mudbrick buildings using modern engineering in tandem with traditional materials and techniques.

Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer at RCU, said: “With their combination of audacity, authenticity, sustainability and luxury, these

hotels celebrate what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking a distinct blend of comfort and adventure. Such sophisticated properties are intended to deepen the connection between guests and the extraordinary historic landscape of AlUla. These properties also move us nearer towards meeting our goal of 5,000 keys by 2030 to cater to our growing visitor numbers.”

The three hotels will provide roughly additional 120 keys and generate hundreds of jobs for the AlUla region. All of the hotels will emphasise sustainability in accordance with the AlUla Sustainability Charter, which guides the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in its regeneration of AlUla County in north-west KSA as a leading global destination for cultural and natural heritage.

AlUla welcomed 185,000 visitors in 2022 and is forecasting 250,000 for 2023. By unlocking a swathe of opportunities for new employment and career paths for residents, the three properties are anticipated to make a significant contribution to the local economy and further the region’s goals for community development.

More Information

Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in north-west Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Lihyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned.

The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement.

Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE.

Find out more at www.experiencealula.com

INTERVIEW: Melanie Desuza, Executive Director Destination Marketing, The Royal Commission for AlUla CLICK TO WATCH

Accor signals major Saudi expansion at Arabian Travel Market

The hotel giant signed a master development agreement with Amsa Hospitality, the Saudi start-up redefining Arabian hospitality

The deal will see the latter develop and franchise 18 hotels across second-tier cities within Saudi Arabia over the next ten years. Amsa Hospitality develop a range of Accor’s economy and midscale brands, including ibis Styles, Mercure, Mercure Living, Novotel, Novotel Living and the recently launched Handwritten Collection, while also acting as the third-party operator by leasing and franchising the assets.

Speaking at Arabian Travel Market, Mohammad Alathel, Amsa Hospitality chief executive, said: "Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that

set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally. As such, we are attached to the Kingdom's ambitious plan for the development of the country's second-tier cities. Such an enterprising strategy must be accompanied by quality hospitality, offering the best international standards. Committed as we are, we believe that Accor is the finest hospitality company to deliver the high level of guaranteed quality we are looking for, together with their wide choice of brands, giving us the ability to propose the optimum hospitality regarding each city environment.

“This long-term partnership between Amsa Hospitality and Accor will bring first-rate modern hospitality - a know-how Accor is renowned for - together with Amsa Hospitality's commitment to bringing centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity to today's world, true to our 'Hallmark of Arabian Hospitality' motto."

As part of the agreement, Amsa Hospitality will be responsible for hotels in several cities in Saudi Arabia, including Ha’il, Jubail, Taif, Al-Ula, Tabuk and Jazan, among others. Each hotel brand will cater to a different target audience. These include the ibis Styles brand, which focuses on valueconscious business and leisure travellers, with each hotel having a unique and inspired design theme.

The mid-range Mercure is inspired by the local surroundings, celebrating local people and authentic local cuisine, while the Novotel brand has been designed to offer all travellers the opportunity to relax and unwind. Handwritten Collection will provide intimate and stylish hotels with individual personalities.

Duncan O’Rourke, chief executive, MEA & Asia Pacific, premium, midscale and economy division, Accor, said: “Our

strategic partnership with Amsa Hospitality marks a significant milestone in our development strategy for Saudi Arabia, a burgeoning hospitality sector which offers a host of opportunities to leverage our portfolio of hospitality brands. Securing a long-term relationship with Amsa Hospitality underscores our commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s tourism goals while maintaining the focus on the Arabian traditions and Arab culture that Amsa Hospitality is focused on delivering.”

More Information

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5 400 properties, 10 000 food and beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The group has one of the industry’s most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 40 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore.

Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics and integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity and inclusion.

Find out more on www.accor.com

Amsa Hospitality is committed to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 success, a vision that set the path for our development locally, regionally and globally.

Breaking Travel News interview Tim Kelly, managing director, Atlant

With Atlantis, the Palm being joined by Atlantis, the Royal earlier this year, the one-of-a-kind destination is going from strength-tostrength. Here Breaking Travel News joins managing director, Tim Kelly, at Arabian Travel Market to find out what guests can expect this year.

Breaking Travel News: Arabian Travel Market is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary this year –how is the team from Atlantis Resorts joining the celebrations?

Tim Kelly: It’s always an absolute pleasure to be here at one of the world’s leading travel and tourism events. Dubai has been on such a journey over the past 30 years, and it’s pretty remarkable that Arabian Travel Market has been there every step of the way, supporting the growth and development of this great city.

We look forward to celebrating at our annual ATM party!

BTN: How would you describe the mood in Emirati tourism as we head into the key summer season?

TK: 2022 was a staggering recovery year for the tourism industry in Dubai, the emirate surpassed global and regional recovery levels and already 2023 is demonstrating great growth. I think the mood is extremely positive and bookings are already pacing well for the summer months across the board.

BTN: Atlantis, the Palm was recently joined on the Palm Jumeirah by Atlantis, the Royal – how has the second iconic hotel been welcomed by the market?

TK: Following the Grand Reveal of Atlantis the Royal in January of this year, it’s certainly been an interesting and challenging but extremely rewarding first couple of months. We’ve seen great pick up by the muchvalued Dubai resident market, as well as UK, Russia and the USA, with our suite category performing extremely well. All in all, it’s been a great start.

BTN: What does it add to your offering in Dubai that was not previously available?

TK: Atlantis the Royal heralds a new dawn in ultra-luxury travel for Dubai. It subverts the classic stereotype that Dubai + luxury equates to gold and opulence, moving the very definition to something that is hyper-personalised, something that is so special it has to be experienced to be believed.

The reality is that anyone can create a hotel with the most opulent stones or unique materials, but it’s the people who deliver luxury. The future of delivering luxury lies in our ability to anticipate our guests needs before they have even established these themselves.

BTN: Are there any events scheduled for the rest of the year – Beyonce was on hand to celebrate the opening earlier this year, how are you going to stay in the headlines?

TK: Committed to introducing culinary excellence to the region, we will build on this legacy by joining forces with one of the world's most celebrated chefs, Björn Frantzén, to introduce two

tis Dubai

new concepts to the region in quarter four of 2023. With an aim to further enhance the city's reputation as a worldclass dining destination, Atlantis will be home to Studio Frantzén, as well as a fine dining concept and the sibling to both three-Michelin star restaurants, Frantzén in Stockholm and Zén in Singapore.

BTN: Atlantis, the Palm took the title of World’ Leading Landmark Resort at the World Travel Awards last year – a title it has held for a decade.

At the same time, Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, the Palm was honoured with the title of World’s Leading Water Park. How important are accolades such as these?

TK: It was an absolute honour to take home the title of World’ Leading Landmark Resort, a title we have held for a decade and an accolade that means a great deal to us as the Palm Island’s first and leading resort. Last year winning World’s Leading Water Park was also a momentous occasion following our expansion of the park and the addition of Trident Tower making us officially the world’s largest waterpark.

BTN: Atlantis, the Palm has recently completed a series of 3D virtual tours of the

property- how important are such showcases when it comes to driving demand?

TK: We always like to embrace technology when it comes to enhancing the guest experience, and by utilising virtual reality to give prospective guests an immersive, 360-degree walkthrough of our rooms, is a great way to bring the Atlantis experience and product to life from the comfort of their homes.

Not only does this create a highly captivating and interactive experiential piece to the website, but accompanied with a straightforward booking process, we find that more customers are motivated to make direct bookings with us rather than through a third party.

More Information

Located at the centre of the crescent of the Palm in Dubai, Atlantis, the Palm is the first entertainment resort destination in the region. Opened in September 2008, the unique ocean-themed resort features a variety of marine and entertainment attractions, as well as 22 hectares of waterpark amusement at Atlantis Aquaventure, all within a 46hectare site.

It is home to one of the biggest waterparks in the world and the one of the largest open-air marine habitats, with more than 65,000 marine animals in lagoons and displays including the Lost Chambers Aquarium, a maze of underwater corridors and passageways providing a journey through ancient Atlantis.

Aquaventure Waterpark features 23.5 million litres of fresh water used to power 105 thrilling waterslides and attractions, including several world record-breaking slides, and two river rides featuring tidal waves and pools, water rapids and white-water chargers.

Dolphin Bay, the unparalleled dolphin conservation and education habitat, and Sea Lion Point were created to provide guests a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn more about some of nature’s most friendly mammals.

The resort boasts an impressive collection of luxury boutiques and shops as well as extensive meeting and convention facilities.

Atlantis, The Palm is also known as the culinary destination in the region where guests can take their pick from

a collection of 35 worldrenowned restaurants including Bread Street Kitchen & Bar, Hakkasan, Nobu, Seafire Steakhouse & Bar and the award-winning underwater restaurant, Ossiano.

Atlantis is also home to a buzzing nightlife scene with entertainment destination Wavehouse offering something for everyone, while White Beach is the perfect place to unwind with a drink as the sun slips into the Arabian Sea.

The new iconic landmark of Dubai, Atlantis, the Royal welcomes guests to an experience that will completely redefine their perspective of luxury.

Crafted by the world’s leading designers, architects and artists, this is a destination where everything has been designed to challenge the boundaries of imagination.

Atlantis The Royal ignites the horizon with a collection of 795 elegant rooms, suites and signature penthouses.

Featuring stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Sea, 44 of them have private infinity pools.

The resort delivers a curated array of awe-inspiring experiences, inviting guests to swim amongst the clouds in sky pools, be dazzled by fountains that breathe fire or dine at more celebrity chef restaurants than anywhere else in the world.

Guests are taken on a journey of the impossible, with artful masterpieces, iconic entertainment and beautiful craftsmanship at every turn, where the highest level of service will set a new standard in excellence.

Find out more about both properties: www.atlantis.com/dubai

or take a virtual tour of Atlantis, the Royal from Breaking Travel News’ partner Virtual World: www.virtualworldinternet.co m/portfolio/atlantis-theroyal-dubai

Breaking Travel News investigates: New digital ways to explore the world of travel

With more travel options on offer than ever before, inspiration comes in many forms. Here Breaking Travel News explores three new methods of discovery – each of which will lead to the perfect adventure.

While travel agents used to offer paper brochures - and in many cases still do - new, sophisticated ways of finding the ideal destination have also begun to emerge.

Many of us will now be confident following the advice of a social media influencer when it comes to booking a holiday - but there is more!

Here we explore three new methods of discovery – each of which will lead to the perfect adventure.

Virtual World Internet

First up is Virtual World Internet (VWI).

Actually something of a stalwart of the industry, founded over 30-years ago, the brand is a virtual imaging service that delivers interactive solutions for a wide variety of applications in the travel and tourism sector.

The site combines expertise and technological wizardry to create stunning, award-winning virtual tours.

VWI offers the latest technology of 3D virtual tours, including dollhouse view and floor plan.

These 3D experiences are so real they will enable potential guests to fully immerse themselves in a walk-through of a property, giving them an accurate view of accommodations and amenities to make them feel as if they are already there.

This can really help when it comes to deciding where to visit.

These 3D virtual tours can easily be embedded into a website, and are fully compatible with any computer or mobile device.

Using the latest aerial technology, VWI can also capture stunning interactive aerial images of a property.

Captured from a drone, the aerial 360s provide a new perspective of a scene by seeing it from the air.

Combining high resolution virtual tours, Google Earth imagery, digital mapping technology and drone footage, VWI can also create a video flythrough to complement a virtual tour.

More Information

To find out more about Virtual World Internet:

e: info@virtualworldinternet.com

w: www.virtualworldinternet.com

World TV

Next up is World TV.

The service offers over 360 different destination channels, allowing potential holidaymakers to explore many trips before they even take a step out of the door.

On offer are more than 200 countries, as well as 160 of the most significant city break destinations around the world.

For those looking for more inspiration, channels are also broken down by theme, allowing for browsing by cruise, rail, casino or culinary trips, for example, as well as many more.

In total, the site features over 200,000 curated videos to explore.

You are sure to find the trip of your dreams.

More Information

To find out more about WorldTV: e: contact@worldtv.tube

w: www.worldtv.tube

World Social Media Directory

Finally, World Social Media Directory.

According to recent research, an estimated 30 million small businesses in the United States alone use social media to reach potential clients – and that number is growing all the time.

In addition, a whopping 212 million small businesses worldwide are using social media platforms to reach new customers and grow their businesses.

The World Social Media Directory amalgamates the social media channels of these organisations each day and reveals

how each is performing in the market segment.

Want to know what is hot right now in the world of travel?

World Social Media Directory is the place to be!

More Information

To find out more about World Social Media Directory: e: contact@worldinfluencers.social w: www.worldsocialmedia.directory

Aviation looks to net-zero future

The last two years has seen a resurgence in air travel and while this growth trend provides a welcome boost for the aviation industry, the increase in air traffic places a greater burden on the environment.

To explore solutions that go beyond carbon offsetting, a panel of experts on the Global Stage at ATM 2023 to discuss the actions required to futureproof the air travel industry.

Led by Shashank Nigam, Founder and CEO, SimpliFlying, the panel included Brian Moran, Vice President Global Sustainability Policy and Partnerships, Boeing; Yvonne Moynihan, Chief Corporate and ESG Officer at Wizz Air and Dave Rowse CEO of

CarbonClick, with each sharing their take on the strategies and challenges of flying net zero.

The speakers unanimously agreed that the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) plays a key role, helping the industry to meet its longterm sustainability goals. Moynihan said: “From 2025, all airlines will be required to use SAF fuel. In an effort to get ahead, Wizz Air has invested £5 million (AED 22,923,120) in a UK-based SAF

producer called Firefly to support the development and certification of SAF produced from sewage sludge. This agreement gives us the potential to save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-eq. It is essential that airlines get behind SAF production because there is such limited supply currently.”

The experts agreed that the cost of SAF is one of the major barriers in the immediate term. Rowse commented: “Several airlines are working to tackle the prohibitive

cost of SAF, including Etihad airlines which subsidises the cost for those passengers choosing to offset their journeys with SAF. It’s going to take five to 10 years before reasonable volumes are produced. While there is consumer demand for SAF, passengers are not prepared to pay for the full cost of it – therefore subsidies from airlines could help encourage the process and ultimately, drive production along more quickly.”

INTERVIEW: Waleed Al Ahmed, Director of Corp Comms & Spokesperson, flynas CLICK TO WATCH

To strike a balance between short and longterm capabilities, Boeing is focusing on developing today’s fuel-efficient aircraft while investing in technologies that will allow the airline industry to project into the future and ‘de-risk. Last year, Boeing announced the launch of Cascade, a data modelling tool which enables airlines to map out the optimal routes to achieve net zero. In addition, the corporation has teamed up with NASA to build, test and fly a fullscale demonstrator

aircraft and validate technologies aimed at lowering emissions.

Moran concluded: “There are approximately 24,000 planes in the air today and that number is going to double in the next 20 years. These will be conventional airplanes, and to decarbonise and get on the trajectory to net zero by 2050, airlines will have to fly on SAF, so our priority is to make sure that our planes are 100% SAF capable. It is vital that we invest in the here and now.”

The 30th edition of ATM is exploring the future of sustainable travel in line with the theme, ‘Working Towards Net Zero’. Having officially initiated its journey to net zero, the conference programme explores how innovative sustainable travel trends are likely to evolve, allowing delegates to identify growth strategies within key vertical sectors, while providing a platform for regional experts to explore a sustainable future ahead of COP28, which will take

place in November 2023 at Expo City Dubai.

ATM 2023 will run until 4 May 2023 at Dubai World Trade Centre. The event is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

INTERVIEW: Aimen Ahmed Sultan Al Hosni, CEO, Oman Airports CLICK

Human intervention key to leveraging big data

Human intervention remains essential for hospitality providers wishing to derive value from big data.

Big data is having a transformative effect on hospitality across the Middle East and beyond. However, leading hoteliers speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023 emphasised that human intervention remains essential if owners and operators wish to derive genuine value from the information being gathered.

‘Hospitality Debate: What More Can Big Data Unlock?’ featured a range of expert insights into the power of data to improve guest experiences within the Middle East’s hospitality sector.

Moderated by Paul Clifford, Group Editor – Hospitality & Design at ITP Media Group, the session saw Chris Hartley, CEO of Global Hotel Alliance; Tommy Lai, Chief Executive Officer at General Hotel Management Pte Ltd; Sandeep Walia, Chief Operations Officer – Middle East at Marriott; and Nicolas Huss, CEO of Hotelbeds, take to the ATM Global Stage to share their views.

Commenting on advancements in the hospitality sector’s data capabilities over the past decade, General Hotel

Management Pte Ltd’s Lai said: “It used to be you’d need a lot of people for analysis, but now, you can collect data and AI will decipher it for you. Big data and AI are evening the playing field between small groups and larger brands.”

Speaking on the importance of interpretation, Marriott’s Walia said: “This technology can help guests to narrow down the hotels they would like to stay in,” noting that big data – when used in combination with AI – can help to identify the best options for customers. “But ultimately, guests have to connect with us to make the booking, so the balance between AI and the human touch is equally important and can’t be forgotten.”

Reiterating the importance of quality over quantity, Global Hotel Alliance’s Hartley said: “Acquiring data is one thing but that isn’t ‘big data’. It’s what you do with the data that’s critical. We’ve known for years, for example, that credit card companies have a huge amount of data on spend – way beyond the hotel. This tells you a lot more about the customer than they

might reveal to you during a one-off stay.”

Hotelbeds’ Huss agreed but warned that an ethical approach is essential in order to realise the full potential of this information. “I think there are several rules,” he said.

“The first is that everything has to be anonymous. The second is that we must ensure that the data we have adds value to the guest experience. And finally, we must acknowledge that the way we behave when we’re staying at a hotel doesn’t always reflect what we do when we leave that environment. We will only thrive if we have the best data and some form of human care.”

Day one of ATM 2023 featured 20 sessions across the Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and Sustainability Hub. Other highlights from the day included the Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel session, the funding of sustainability and Enhancing the Customer Experience

Through AI. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance also touched on the importance of protecting the locations, livelihoods and communities

in which hotels are based, in the Achieving Net Positive Hospitality session.

The 30th edition of ATM is taking place as part of Arabian Travel Week (1-10 May 2023), a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities

through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

Those attending ATM 2023 in person can get involved in the conversation online by using the hashtag #ATMDubai when posting on social media channels.

INTERVIEW: Tarique Khatri, Chief Commercial Officer, Almosafer CLICK TO WATCH

INTERVIEW: Rehan Ali Syed, CEO, Tawfeeq Travel CLICK TO WATCH

ATM 2023 is being held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

Hilton wins first-ever Sustainable Stand Award at ATM

Hilton was presented with the inaugural Sustainable Stand Award at the 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market.

The hospitality brand was praised by the exhibition’s independent panel of judges for its decision to engage a local supplier in the creation of its stand, as well as its commitment to repurposing

as many materials as possible over the coming three years.

To support its ecologically responsible approach to its stand design, Hilton is measuring its environmental footprint with a carbon calculator and has taken steps to mitigate the impact of its catering activities throughout the show, in line with the company’s long-term sustainability goals.

In addition to Hilton, the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards

judges commended a number of other exhibitors for their sustainable efforts. The panel praised The Royal Commission of AlUla for paying close attention to the sustainable materials used in its stand’s design, and Switzerland Tourism for its ‘sustainability wall’ and the reusable modular system that it adopted.

In the Best Stand Design Award (over 150m2) category, Saudia was selected by the judges for the second year running. The Kingdom’s flag

carrier received praise for its impactful use of digital screens and reflective flooring, which the panel said created a genuine ‘wow factor’.

The Best Stand Design Award (under 150m2) was presented to Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc, whose showcase was inspired by the home of global superstar, Rhianna. The ATM judges commented on the design’s success in representing the feel of Barbados, as well as the innovative integration of digital screens. Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts was highly commended by the panel in this category for its layout and use of recycled materials.

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) was presented with the Best Stand for Doing Business Award, thanks to its impressive threestorey exhibition space. The stand’s comfortable seating, spacious layout and high-

quality hospitality combined to create an inviting environment for visitors, according to the panel. Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority was highly commended in this category for its use of space, success in reflecting the Emirate and eyecatching powerboat centrepiece.

Visit Maldives secured the Best Stand Feature Award, with judges remarking on the impact of its digital floor area. The striking display depicted a marine environment replete with whale sharks and manta rays, conveying the Indian Ocean destination effectively and memorably.

The judges for the ATM 2023 Best Stand Awards included Helen Sheppard, Sustainability Director at RX; Christian Druart, Secretary of the Sustainable Development Working Group at The Global Association of the Exhibition

Industry (UFI); Selina Donald, Chief Sustainability Advisor and Founder at The Bulb; Nadia Ibrahim, Director –Consultancy & Sustainability at Farnek; Kevin Agnew, Global Environment Manager at RELX; Sarah Duignan, Director – Client Relationships at STR; Philip Wooller, Senior Director Middle East & Africa at STR; Matt Gibson, CEO of UpThink; and Marissa Baranoff-Rossine, Editor of TTG Asia.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Our judges were immensely impressed with the quality of this year’s stands, which demonstrated a range of innovative approaches to sustainability, functionality and hospitality. I would like to thank the panel members for their time and effort and congratulate all of this year’s winners for their excellent exhibition spaces.”

VIRTUAL WORLD INTERNET: AT THE HILTON STAND, ATM 3023

SAUDIA wins Best Stand Design Award for the second time

SAUDIA, the national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, has won Best Stand Design Award for the second consecutive year for its immersive and state-of-the-art three-level stand, at Dubai’s 30th edition of Arabian Travel Market, making the airline the first company to win the same award twice in a row.

The airline’s 325 sqm stand stood out among 1,000 exhibiting companies from 150 countries at the global travel and tourism show, displaying a cutting-edge and monumental design highlighting ten activation areas framed by 8-meter tall LED panels and a lighted ceiling comprising of 24,750 fibre optic strands giving a futuristic feel to the visitors journey.

A fully immersive area also displayed the new Business seats for the upcoming Airbus A321 XLR VantageSOLO suite that was revealed on the first day of the ATM, for visitors and customers to discover and trial the experience.

Mr. Shukri Aljudibi, SAUDIA General Manager of Brand and Marketing Communications, commented that, “On behalf of the whole SAUDIA team at the ATM, we are all extremely proud of this award, which is a reflection of all the hard work we’ve been doing to offer the best customer experience possible. We are historical participants at the ATM and to be recognized for our work here is very rewarding, and we would like to thank the organizers, but also our guests and partners for their trust and loyalty.”

Danielle Curtis, exhibition director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Arabian Travel Market is once again proud to celebrate the best of exhibition stand design and event experiences with the return of the Best Stand Awards. A common theme highlighted throughout the exhibition halls this year was the ability to create an immersive experience that offers an engaging and imaginative look into the company’s products and services.”

IMAGES © SAUDIA

Breaking

interview: Azar Saliba, general manager, Jumeirah Al Naseem

Recognised as the best-in-the-world by voters at the World Travel Awards, Breaking Travel News here finds out more about this one-of-a-kind property

Breaking Travel News: How would you describe the mood in Dubai tourism as we approach the key summer season?

Azar Saliba: 2023 has been off to a great start for Dubai, with the emirate welcoming 3.1 million overnight visitors in the first two months of 2023 – almost on par with 2019 figures. We are definitely seeing this reflected across Jumeirah beachfront hotels including Jumeirah Al Naseem, where we have experienced periods of close to 100 per cent occupancy.

As we move into the summer period, we have a great programme of promotions and offers for Jumeirah Al Naseem including our Summer Escapes and staycations offers. We also enjoy consistently strong performance across our award-winning food and beverage outlets, such as KAYTO, Rockfish and our hugely popular

Summersault Beach Club. So overall I would say we are in a good position and expect the optimistic perception to continue as we move into the summer.

BTN: Has the demographic composition of inbound guests arriving in the emirate changed over the past two-or-three years?

AS: At Jumeirah Al Naseem we have always enjoyed strong visitor numbers from the GCC market, and this was particularly true following the initial period following the easing of travel restrictions in the region. As international travel resumed, we saw momentum build from our traditional international markets, in particular Europe.

The reopening of China for international tourism is a promising development for the hospitality industry in Dubai, and indeed

worldwide, and we expect to witness robust growth across the sector from this market as 2023 progresses.

BTN: This is the thirtieth anniversary of Arabian Travel Market – how will the Dubai-based Jumeirah delegation be contributing to the celebrations?

AS: Jumeirah has had a distinct impact on Dubai’s hospitality market over the past two decades, and the group is actually currently celebrating its 25th anniversary since the opening of its first resort, Jumeirah Beach hotel in 1997.

So, we feel we have grown alongside Arabian Travel Market! We will, of course, be celebrating with our famous The Party, the must-attend event for our partners in the ATM calendar.

BTN: How has tourism in Dubai tourism developed over the past three

decades – and how important is the sector today?

AS: Tourism and hospitality have been a key driver of Dubai’s growth over the past 30 years. Dubai is now the world’s busiest international airport and the UAE’s tourism revenue accounted for over $5 billion in the first half of 2022 alone, according to figures release by the government.

This astronomical growth is set to continue under the ambitious United Arab Emirates’ Tourism Strategy 2031, which aims to attract $27.2 billion as additional tourism investments and 40 million hotel guests by 2031.

As the original, homegrown hospitality group in the UAE, Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts has played an integral part in the development of Dubai’s

tourism sector, and we look forward to being among the key players contributing to the continued growth of the local hospitality industry for the next 30 plus years.

BTN: Can you tell me about the property you lead - Jumeirah Al Naseem – this is one of the best beach locations in the emirate?

AS: Jumeirah Al Naseem is one of the four hotels in Jumeirah Group’s Madinat Jumeirah cluster. Meaning sea breeze in Arabic, Jumeirah Al Naseem, is a cool and contemporary beachside retreat offering world-class dining and comfort in spectacular surroundings. We have arguably one of

the best locations in Dubai, nestled along Jumeirah’s unparalleled 2.5 kilometres of pristine, private beachfront set against the backdrop of spectacular views of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, which can be enjoyed from most of the guest rooms, pool and terraces.

Apart from providing guests service beyond expectations and signature dining experiences, the resort is also committed to preserving wildlife, which it does through the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project (DTRP). The resort is home to Dubai’s only state-of-the-art Turtle Rehabilitation Sanctuary including a sea-fed lagoon that

monitors the progress and condition of rescued sea turtles before releasing them back into UAE waters. Run by DTRP, the resort plays a key role in the conservation of sea turtles and hosts regular workshops educating communities and guests on marine biology and the local and global plight of sea turtles.

BTN: The property took the title of World’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards last year – how important are accolades such as those to the success of the property?

AS: At Jumeirah Al Naseem we are continuously innovating and enriching our offering

to provide guests with exceptional experiences, so it was a real honour to be named the World’s Leading Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2022 in recognition of this. Accolades like this are a testament of our unique blend of contemporary design, vibrant dining scene and unparalleled hospitality and help to elevate the resort within the luxury sector.

BTN: What caught the eyes of World Travel Awards voters – what is the secret of your success?

AS: Everything mentioned above! The Jumeirah brand DNA of Stay Different drives us to go above and beyond in crafting experiences that truly resonate with our guests. We consistently strive to turn ordinary experiences into extraordinary ones, crafting unique and memorable touchpoints throughout the entire guest journey.

More Information

Jumeirah Al Naseem is recognised as ‘World’s Leading Hotel’ by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Visit Jumeriah Group here at Arabian Travel Market on stand HC0320 or head over to www.jumeirah.com.

Diriyah Company confirms plans for two new properties

In partnership with pioneering luxury lifestyle brand Aman Group, the destination will welcome two new hotels to Saudi Arabia.

Aman Wadi Safar and Janu Diriyah from Aman sister brand, Janu, are expected to redefine luxury in the Middle Eastern destination.

Located in the exceptional desert landscape near the city of Riyadh, Aman Wadi Safar will feature 78 keys, a collection of up to 34 fullyserviced Aman branded residences and expansive amenities including a vast Aman Spa and an array of dining experiences. Aman Wadi Safar will draw inspiration from its rich cultural heritage, traditional Najdi architecture and uniquely beautiful natural environment. With a resort setting weaving

through the wadis and plateaus of Wadi Safar, the connection between the property and Saudi’s iconic landscape will be constantly reinforced.

Following the successful opening of Aman New York, Denniston Architects has been appointed to bring Jean-Michel Gathy’s extensive experience combining Aman’s renowned design language with the local culture, heritage, and landscape of a destination to the project.

The partnership also announced Janu Diriyah, an additional property for Aman’s sister-brand, Janu. Meaning

‘Soul’ in Sanskrit, Janu has been created and designed in the spirit of Diriyah, to encourage connectedness, conviviality, and shared experiences to rekindle the soul. Janu Diriyah will be located within close proximity to the incredible UNESCO Heritage Site of At-Turaif. Comprising 120 hotel rooms, a Janu Wellness offering, and a multitude of dining and guest experiences, the hotel will create memorable moments which build lasting connections with Diriyah amongst its like-minded community of guests.

Speaking about the two new projects, Vlad Doronin, chief

executive of Aman Group, said: “This announcement marks a continuation of Aman Group’s commitment to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. When I first visited the country, it made an immediate and lasting impression upon me owing to its rich heritage and culture, as well as exceptional landscapes. Aman Wadi Safar and Janu Diriyah will build upon Aman Group’s existing pipeline of properties in Saudi Arabia and reinforce our strategic vision to offer our clients the opportunity to experience the breadth of this fascinating, previously undiscovered country with journeys that encompass city experiences, remote desert

landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.”

Jerry Inzerillo, group chief executive, Diriyah Company, commented: “We are very proud to launch Diriyah’s partnership with Aman, delivering two outstanding projects in Wadi Safar and Diriyah. Diriyah, the City of Earth, will be the world’s largest cultural and heritage destination and these projects will enhance our luxury offerings to guests who come to explore our identity. Aman Group have developed these projects by harnessing our unique setting at the heart of 300 years of Saudi history, while embracing our shared

future as a city and a community. We are delighted to celebrate the beginning of our journey together.”

More Information

Diriyah is set to become Saudi Arabia’s foremost historical, cultural and lifestyle destination. As part of the Kingdom’s 2030 Vision, 14 square kilometres of Diriyah will be transformed into one of the world’s foremost historic tourism destinations.

Find out more at www.diriyah.sa

Dubai sees strongest visitor numbers since before pandemic

Emirate welcomed 4.67 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2023, compared to 3.97 million tourists during the same period in 2022.

The figure marks 17 per cent year-on-year growth and the city’s best quarter one performance since the pandemic. The news places the city firmly on track to becoming the most visited international destination, according to the latest data published by the Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism (DET).

The growth, which sets the city on course to full tourism recovery, contributes to the goal of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 launched by sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Al Maktoum, prime minister of the UAE and ruler of Dubai this January, to consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the world’s top three cities.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin

Rashid Al Maktoum, crown prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, said: “The remarkable growth in international visitation achieved by Dubai in the first quarter of 2023 demonstrates the city’s emergence as one of the key destinations leading the way in the rebound of the global tourism sector. This achievement has been made possible by the far-reaching vision of the leadership to transform Dubai into one of the world’s fastest-growing metropolises and the globe’s pre-eminent hub for travel, talent, entrepreneurship and investment. The Dubai Economic Agenda recently launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum charts an ambitious new path for Dubai to enhance its

contributions to shaping the future of the global economy.

“The tourism sector is not only the strongest pillars of our economy but also a key enabler of Dubai’s distinctive role in the world as a bridge between markets, cultures and regions. In the years ahead, Dubai will continue to introduce new pathbreaking initiatives to offer a distinctive proposition for travellers and achieve its goal of becoming the world’s best place to live, visit, work and invest in.”

The latest industry results - announced at the ongoing thirtieth edition of Arabian Travel Market in Dubai World Trade Centre, positions Dubai as the fastest recovering destination globally, achieving 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels in quarter one of 2023, and exceeding the projection made by the United Nations World Trade Organisation that international tourist arrivals could reach between 80-95 per cent of pre-pandemic levels this year, especially in Europe and the Middle East.

The number of visitors in quarter one of 2023 was just two percentage points short of pre-pandemic volume of 4.75 million tourists that arrived in Dubai in the first three months of 2019, a remarkable achievement since turning the tide in July 2020 by reopening the city to international tourists, and in spite of current global economic headwinds.

Strong rebound

Dubai’s traditional source markets delivered solid tourism volumes during the first quarter of the year with key regions continuing to make an impact on international visitation, further underscoring the success of the city’s diversified multi-geographic strategy. GCC and MENA combined was the top region, collectively contributing to 29 per cent of total volumes, reflecting the city’s continued appeal for travellers from neighbouring markets. Western Europe accounted for 22 per cent of tourism arrivals, while South Asia, accounted for 16 per cent of total international visitation, followed by CIS and Eastern Europe together contributing 15 per cent, Americas (seven per cent), North Asia and SouthEast Asia (six per cent), Africa (four per cent) and Australasia (one per cent).

Hotel sector spearheads growth

Dubai hotels saw a surge in performance during the first quarter of 2023. Average occupancy for the sector during the January-March period stood at an impressive 83 per cent, making it one of the highest in the world, and almost on par with the 84 per cent occupancy recorded in quarter one of 2019. This achievement is particularly notable given a 26 per cent increase in room capacity since then. By the end of March 2023, the city's hotel sector had a total of 148,877 rooms in 814 hotel establishments compared to 118,039 rooms in 717 hotel establishments in 2019. Continued domestic and international investment into the sector helped further boost hotel inventory, with the first quarter of 2023 seeing a 6 % increase in the total number of hotels and rooms compared to the same period in 2022.

Issam Kazim, chief executive of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing, said: “Inspired by our visionary leadership, we have made tremendous strides in our efforts to position the city as a must-visit destination through celebrity-led and digital first global campaigns in parallel with initiatives that increase accessibility, minimise barriers to travel, and make it as seamless as possible for travellers to visit Dubai. We express our sincere appreciation for the steadfast support from all our stakeholders and partners who relentlessly strive to uphold our city's position as a top-tier travel destination globally. Their commitment to our shared vision is instrumental in maintaining our city's global reputation and for the steady inflow of international visitors. We will continue to work with them to develop innovative and unique tourism products and experiences that will further amplify the appeal of our city as the top consideration for both first-time and repeat business and leisure travellers. With global travel undergoing a paradigm shift in terms of visitor expectations and experiences, we are making every effort to ensure Dubai performs even better in 2023 and beyond to remain ahead of the curve in a highly competitive global tourism landscape.”

Spearheading sustainability initiatives

In an effort to fortify its existing and emerging markets, as well as uncover fresh opportunities for growth both in the domestic and international markets, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is ramping up its pursuit of

INTERVIEW: Hoor Alkhaja, Associate Vice President – International Operations, Dubai Economy & Tourism CLICK TO WATCH

non-traditional tourism avenues to attract visitors. This approach is particularly crucial, as the success of Dubai's tourism strategy will largely hinge on the pillars of sustainability, gastronomy, trade, and technology.

As Dubai shifts towards a more advanced, inclusive, long-term approach to sustainable growth, sustainability is becoming increasingly important as an opportunity and driving force for growth, as more and more travellers seek out sustainable destinations. Sustainability is a core component of Dubai's development strategy, and hosting global events like

The remarkable growth in international visitation achieved by Dubai in the first quarter of 2023 demonstrates the city’s emergence as one of the key destinations leading the way in the rebound of the global tourism sector.

COP28 will provide an exceptional opportunity to highlight the Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) initiative designed to enhance the sustainability of the tourism sector and contribute to broader clean energy and sustainable development objectives. DST will also prepare Dubai to cater to global travellers seeking authentic local experiences that promote sustainable practices. A key DST initiative is the Dubai Can campaign, which encourages the use of reusable bottles. The initiative has successfully reduced the number of single-use plastic water bottles by over seven million in just one year since its launch in February 2022.

More Information

Dubai is considered the World's Leading Business Travel Destination by the World Travel Awards.

Find out more on the official website at visitdubai.com

Emirates to offer double daily trip to London Stansted

Dubai carrier has seen increased demand for international travel in recent months.

Emirates now serves London with eleven daily flights, including six daily flights to Heathrow, three daily flights to Gatwick, and two to Stansted. The additional service will make it easier for passengers to connect to popular long-haul destinations from Stansted including the UAE, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Australia, and the Maldives, offering more travel choices and enhanced global connectivity. Customers will also have more flexibility with departure times, with Stansted now offering both daytime and evening flights thanks to the reintroduction of the EK067 and EK068 flights.

Emirates resumes its second daily flight today with EK067 leaving Dubai at 14:15, arriving at London Stansted at 18:45. The returning flight, EK068, departs Stansted at 21:10 and arrives at Dubai International (DXB). The flight is operated by a widebody Emirates Boeing 777 aircraft, and offers a three-class configuration with seats in first, business, and economy class.

Richard Jewsbury, Emirates divisional vice president in the UK, commented: “Since the return of our operations to Stansted in August 2022, we have witnessed growing passenger appetite for international leisure tourism and corporate travel, and

anticipate this will only increase throughout summer and beyond. Scaling up and offering an additional flight to our third London gateway will offer our Southeast-based customers greater choice. We’re also looking forward to supporting local businesses, as the belly hold cargo capabilities will significantly increase for the area, including the growing pharma industry in Cambridge. We are looking forward to welcoming more people to experience and enjoy everything Emirates has to offer.”

As of now, Emirates will be serving the UK with 126 weekly flights, including: six daily flights to London Heathrow; double daily service to London Stansted; three times daily service to Gatwick; three times daily to Manchester; double daily service to Birmingham; daily service to Newcastle; and a daily service to Glasgow. Emirates also has plans to enhance its operations to and from Birmingham, with the return of the iconic A380 aircraft starting from July.

Gareth Powell, London Stansted managing director, said: “The return of Emirates’ second daily flight from London Stansted to Dubai is great news for passengers and a real boost for the airport, London and the East of England. This doubling of flights is a clear demonstration of the airline's confidence in Stansted and reflects the significant demand for long-haul services that exits across the region. With 14 flights to Dubai a week now available, passengers from the region will have access to the airline’s global network, connecting them to popular long-haul destinations such as Singapore, Thailand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Australia, and the Maldives through its Middle East hub. We really look forward to continuing to build our successful partnership with Emirates for what promises to be a busy summer at London Stansted.”

Emirates’ extensive network spans to 140 destinations, across six continents. The airline offers its customers an unmatched culinary experience in the skies with regionally inspired multicourse menus developed by a team of award-winning chefs complemented by a wide selection of premium beverages. Customers can sit back and relax with more than 5,000 channels of carefully

curated global entertainment content featuring movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, games, audiobooks and more with ice, Emirates’ award-winning inflight entertainment system.

Emirates’ home and hub, Dubai, remains a very popular holiday and stopover destination. Visitors from the UK can take advantage of the Dubai Experience platform that enables customers to easily browse, create and book their own customised itineraries including flights, hotel stay, visits to key attractions, and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE.

More Information

Emirates took the titles of World’s Leading Airline Brand, World’s Leading Airline Inflight Entertainment, World’s Leading Airline Rewards Programme and World’s Leading Airline to the Middle East at the World Travel Awards in 2022.

For more information on flying with the carrier, visit emirates.com

The return of Emirates’ second daily flight from London Stansted to Dubai is great news for passengers and a real boost for the airport, London and the East of England.

INTERVIEW: Adnan Kazim Chief Commercial Officer Emirates CLICK TO WATCH

Radisson seeks 150 Middle East properties

The hotel group is looking to grow its portfolio in operation and under development in the region by 2030.

With its nine distinctive hotel brands, Radisson has been making waves across crucial feeder markets in the Middle East, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Oman, Kuwait and Jordan.

Saudi Arabia remains one of the most dynamic markets in the region for the group as it plans on opening seven properties across the Kingdom in 2023. As religious tourism continues to boom, Radisson Hotel Group is planning two new hotels in the Holy City of Makkah set to open in 2023 –the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thaker City East Tower and the Park Inn by Radisson Makkah Thaker City West Tower.

In 2023, the group is further expanding its footprint in the lively capital with the Radisson Blu Al Sahafa Riyadh as well as the Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Azizizya in Al Khobar. In addition to the opening of Radisson Beach Resort Dubai Palm Jumeirah, the two upcoming resorts will further complement the Groups’ diverse portfolio across the region.

Tim Cordon, chief operating officer of Radisson Hotel Group in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), commented: "ATM presents an excellent opportunity for us to connect with industry peers and reveal our latest expansion plans and updates. The region’s travel and hospitality industry is booming. We expect to see exponential growth in countries such as KSA and UAE, and are excited to be part of this growing market. We remain committed in providing exceptional service and experiences to our guests, while offering diverse investment opportunities to our partners in the region.”

In line with its vision to achieve Net Zero by 2050, the Group has reduced its carbon footprint by 30 per cent in the last decade. Additionally, starting February 2023, all meetings or events held at Radisson Hotel Group’s properties worldwide will be 100 per cent carbon neutral. The group has also made it easier for guests to travel and meet responsibly by rolling out EV charging infrastructure in EMEA and India, making for the only hotel company in the list of top 100 Companies in Sustainability that has been featured in the Sustainability Magazine.

This recognition is a testament to a commitment to ESG and ethical excellence. Recently, Radisson Hotel

Group has also signed the Vision for Nature Positive Tourism, which aims to protect biodiversity and convening the industry in leading strategies. Making substantial strides to influence change, Radisson Hotel Group is a proud partner of the WTTC Global Hotel Sustainability Basics and Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality initiatives.

Most recently, the Group has successfully launched the next phase of its comprehensive digital transformation with the introduction of a successful customer-first and innovative digital strategy. Radisson Hotel Group is one of the first hotel groups offering guests immersive and localised experiences including providing online journeys in 29 languages, personalised for more than 60 regions; whilst some hotels including The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa in Manama, Bahrain and the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dubai Waterfront in the Middle East have already rolled out the curated experience driving increased customer engagement and booking conversions.

“We are deeply committed to sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, and we are proud of the progress we have made so far. We will continue to strive for a zero-emission environment and promote sustainable practices throughout our operations in all our properties. We believe that by engaging with industry partners and guests, we can work together to drive sustainable tourism and make a positive impact on the planet,” concluded Cordon.

More Information

Find out more about Radisson Hotel Group at www.radissonhotels.com

ATM presents an excellent opportunity for us to connect with industry peers and reveal our latest expansion plans and updates.

INTERVIEW: Tim Cordon, Chief Operating Officer, Radisson Hotel Group, MEA

Qatar Airways enjoys strong showing at Arabian Travel Market

Showcasing its Formula 1 partnership, the carrier garnered attention around the stand and offered visitors a chance to drive its F1 simulator.

Qatar Airways also provided a relaxing lounge area reflecting the airline’s standards of luxury and comfort, quality and hospitality all on one stand. As recently announced, the airline significantly grew its network to over 160 destinations and focused on expansion in the Gulf region. During ATM, Qatar Airways announced the addition of a new destination, Tabouk, Saudi Arabia, as well as the resumption of service to Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

The airline currently flies to Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah and recently the airline announced its intention to begin services to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE. Qatar Airways currently operates 84 weekly flights to the UAE.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: “We are excited to showcase at this year's Arabian Travel Market. Our commitment to offering our passengers world-class products and services remains steadfast as we continue to grow and

expand our network. With exciting events lined up in Qatar, we are certain that our country will continue to thrive as a tourism hub for years to come.”

The Arab Tourism Organization recently named Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital 2023. This is a testament to Qatar's exceptional achievements in leisure and hospitality, solidifying the country's position as one of the world's most sought-after destinations.

Qatar Airways will highlight its partnership with Formula 1, and its role as the worldrenowned racing series' official airline, demonstrating Qatar Airways’ dedication to supporting top-tier international sporting events and adding on to its sports sponsorship portfolio.

The Global Partner and Official Airline of F1, in partnership with Qatar Airways Holidays, launched travel packages allowing fans to be up-close to highoctane action, and exclusively enjoy unique experiences and special events for each F1 racing event.

This year, Qatar will host the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS Qatar 2023). This event is set to present a

stunning festival highlighting the finest of the automotive industry, hosted by a pioneering and passionate nation with a true affinity for cars. Guests will be invited to navigate the future of the automotive industry while receiving the best-in-class experiences across travel, hospitality, motorsports, and culture.

Qatar Airways continues on the path of growth and success for the years ahead, owing to its industry-leading products and services, innovative approach, and commitment to customer satisfaction.

More Information

Qatar Airways is considered the World's Leading Airline by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Head over to qatarairways.com for more information

Our commitment to offering our passengers world-class products and services remains steadfast as we continue to grow and expand our network.

SaudiA unveils new business class offering

offering is the embodiment of SAUDIA’s dedication to constantly evolving its products and services to deliver a superior customer journey underpinned by the very latest technological developments.”

The new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft will cover destinations across Europe, the Indian subcontinent and Africa including Milan, Barcelona, Brussels, Rome, the Maldives, and Dakar. In addition to the launch of VantageSOLO suite, Saudia has announced its new economy class seat, the z400. The seat will feature a 13” screen and a generous seat recline.

More Information

Visitors to the Saudia booth at the annual event had the opportunity to experience the VantageSOLO suite, which will be fitted on the new Airbus A321 XLR aircraft. The VantageSOLO suite provides significantly more privacy than previous business class seats, with a privacy shield around the back and an additional door at the aisle. The spacious seats can be reclined fully into bed mode, whilst the suite also features an 18”

screen for enhanced viewing, and increased storage space.

Saudia chief executive, Ibrahim Koshy, said: “At Saudia we are deeply committed to finding new and innovative ways to further enhance our renowned guest experience. We firmly believe that the VantageSOLO suite represents the epitome of comfort, privacy and luxury. Our new business class

Saudia is the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Established in 1945, the company is one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. Saudia is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO). It has been one of the 19 member airlines of the SkyTeam alliance since 2012.

Find out more at www.saudia.com

The carrier unveiled its latest state-of-the-art business seat at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.

Emirates Airline highlights a return to growth during ATM 2023

Sir Timothy Clark, President, Emirates Airline discussed the resurgence in passenger numbers across the global aviation sector during a discussion at Arabian Travel Market 2023. Clark, who was speaking on the Global Stage with aviation commentator John Strickland, also highlighted the resilience of travel sector has been resilient in facing the challenges presented by the pandemic.

In the last quarter, Dubai has welcomed five million visitors, already exceeding prepandemic numbers. According to Clark, demand will continue to be as robust as it has been recently, and the leisure and hospitality sectors will see a big uptick in the next five to 10 years.

He said: “We used the period during the pandemic to carefully organise our resources and devise a solid plan which allowed us to kick-start as soon as skies opened again. After 30 years of operating the world’s largest airline and as one of the flagship carriers of the UAE, there simply was no option to sit back and stop.”

As ATM 2023 focuses on ‘Working Towards Net Zero’ Clark touched on the airline’s sustainability strategy: “The fuel from the aviation industry accounts for 2-2.5% of

global emissions. As passenger numbers grow, so must our efforts to mitigate our carbon footprint. Emirates runs a number of sustainability initiatives across the business. Our first flight using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) took to the skies in 2017 and earlier this year we operated a demonstration flight using 100% SAF. We also recycled 500,000 kilograms of plastic and glass over the course of 2022. As far as we can, we try to offset.”

Elsewhere, on the Travel Tech Stage, day three of ATM 2023 opened with a look at the Investment Trends Leading Travel Tech, while Strategic Sustainability Planning was the focus of discussion this morning at The Sustainability Hub. As ATM celebrates 30 years, speakers gathered on the Global Stage today to reflect on the past three decades of tourism in the Emirates during The Success of Tourism for the UAE: 30 Years On.

ATM 2023 is held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

In the last quarter, Dubai has welcomed five million visitors, already exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.

lebua: the world’s first vertical destination

Since Sirocco and Sky Bar first pierced Bangkok’s skyline back in 2003, they have been on everyone’s list of ‘Bangkok’s bestloved destinations’. People from all over the world come to experience romance, stardust and the magic of being in the show.

lebua’s family of ground-breaking designer bars and restaurants has shaken the global culinary and cocktail scene with lebua No.3, Pink Bar and Chef’s Table.

The world’s first vertical destination is a place to wine and dine amongst the stars above the ever-changing lights of the city.

Pink Bar made a grand entrance onto Bangkok’s nightlife scene in 2019 with the mystique of a dusky pink femme fatale and a sexy swish of a Hollywood wiggle. Designer Scott Whittaker of DWP says, “I

wanted this to be somewhere intimate and feminine, somewhere that romance and love mix with the cocktails and bubbles.”

Indeed, Pink Bar features the world’s very best champagnes, like the exquisite, but little known Comptes de Dampierre that Deepak Ohri, CEO of lebua Hotels & Resorts, personally sourced in France. Bathed in pink, the comfortable luxury of rosé velvet loungers embrace you as the double-height champagne cellar glistens invitingly and Bangkok glows seductively below.

Chef’s Table celebrates the art of mastery by blending a state-of-theart kitchen with refined French dishes, bringing a whole new culinary experience in front of guests’ eyes. The first restaurant in the world that resides in the kitchen, each table enjoys a front row view of the craftsmanship, dedication, and artistry that is involved in creating world-class, stunning

cuisine. Within just eight months of opening it earned its first MICHELINstar, demonstrating its distinction within the culinary world, and making lebua Hotels & Resorts the only hotel in Thailand with two MICHELIN-Starred restaurants under one roof. What more could we have asked for than being recognized by a institution such as MICHELIN Guide.

At the very heart of Chef’s Table is its kitchen; this is where magic is made. The stunning Molteni stove is a work of art, and had to be disassembled into four parts in order to be moved to its new home on the 61st floor. An engineering feat – one that was deemed impossible by many – a highly technological ventilation system surrounds the kitchen to keep all smoke and odors

contained. A creating an alluring aesthetic juxtaposition to the romantic Carrara marble that encircles; the champagne-bronze palette makes for a stunning backdrop to the architectural magnificence.

Watch this space for the next reveal! Unforgettable dining experiences at the iconic lebua –

the world’s first vertical destination. Tower Club at lebua, Thailand was voted ‘World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel’ by voters of World Travel Awards whilst Sky Bar and Sirocco @ lebua at State Tower, Thailand was named ‘World’s Leading Hotel Rooftop Restaurant & Bar’.

More Information

To find out more, visit lebua.com

Vietnam seeks immediate rebound in international visitor numbers

Asia destination looks to leverage World Travel Awards titles as market reopens.

Vietnam has unveiled an ambition to more than double tourist numbers in 2023 to around eight million international overnight guests. The news was confirmed ahead of Arabian Travel Market, which returns to Dubai this week.

The projection came as official figures showed more than 3.6 million arrivals in 2022 with a return of inbound travel following the Covid-19 pandemic. The UK was the top European source market for the destination, with a total of 93,794 British visitors recorded last year.

New hotels set to open in 2023 include the Nobu Hotel Danang, Avani Cam Ranh and Mandarin Oriental Saigon, according to a statement from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT).

Vietnam Tourism Advisory Board chairman Kien Tran Trong said: “Strong visitor numbers in 2022 speak for themselves, and are a testament to the quality of product that Vietnam has to offer tourists as we recover from the Covid-19 pandemic. “After a quieter couple of years due to the pandemic, it’s been a pleasure to welcome back such a large number of tourists to the country, so that we can continue to show our visitors all Vietnam has to offer. In 2023, we look forward to continuing to welcome international travellers to our destination, as we continue to focus on improving our tourism offering throughout the year.”

Cruise sector

Vietnam witnessed a significant increase in the number of international tourist arrivals by sea in the first quarter of 2023, showing that cruise tourism has great potential for further development in the south-east Asian nation.

According to the General Statistics Office, in March, international arrivals to Vietnam by sea rose more than 2.8 times, as compared to the previous month. In the first three months of the year, Vietnam welcomed 33,700 cruise passengers.

Since the beginning of 2023, many cruise ships carried thousands of international tourists to localities across

Vietnam. In late February, Spectrum of the Seas, one of the world's top ten most luxurious cruise ships, docked at Tan Cang-Cai Mep port in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

According to the Vietnam tourism development strategy in 2020, with a vision to 2030, the country is giving priority to developing sea and island tourism. Vietnam has a favourable geographical position on the regional maritime route. The country also boasts a coastline of 3,260km, with more than 4,000 islands and many famous scenic spots, as well as time-honoured historical and cultural sites.

More Information

Vietnam took the trophies for World's Leading Heritage Destination and World's Leading Nature Island Destination last year at the World Travel Awards.

To find out more about visiting head over to the official website at www.vietnam.travel.

Luxury operators must view sustainability as a long-term investment

Decarbonisation will deliver long-term benefits that will outweigh costs, experts at ATM argue.

The Middle East’s luxury travel sector should focus on the long-term gains offered by decarbonisation, waste reduction and community initiatives, rather than merely looking at costs. That was the assessment of experts speaking at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2023, Dubai.

‘Sustainable Luxury: At What Cost?’ on the opening day of ATM included a range of insights into how luxury travel is leading the tourism industry’s sustainable charge in the Middle East. Panellists included Nadia Ibrahim, Member of the Board of Directors of the UN Global Compact; Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President Operations – Middle East & Africa at Minor Hotels; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brands at Marriott International; and William HarleyFleming, Vice President of Operations for JA The Resort and Indian Ocean.

Commenting on growing demand for sustainable offerings among consumers, the UN Global Compact’s Ibrahim said: “Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that wants high-end experiences that do not compromise sustainability.

This is why airlines, hotels, travel agencies and tourist destinations are thinking about how sustainability can be integrated into their existing services, and how it can be used to attract more customers.”

Referencing the approach Minor Hotels’ Anantara brand has taken to sustainable luxury, Golbarg said: “Globalisation opened the doors to the world, but I think localisation is now equally important. We took the decision to go indigenous as a lot of the costs associated with sustainability relate to the importation of goods. It’s all about how you are benefitting the communities in which you operate. We need to shift our focus away from shortterm costs towards long-term gains.”

JA The Resort and Indian Ocean’s HarleyFleming emphasised the necessity of

positive action, noting there is a genuine business case for sustainability. “This is not ‘Plan B’,” he said. “It’s not a choice anymore; it’s something we need to do. The cost of not [investing in sustainability] can adversely affect your business and its reputation. And at the end of the day, our industry does generate jobs, so we’ve got to act right now.”

Day one of ATM 2023 featured 20 sessions across the Global Stage, Travel Tech Stage and Sustainability Hub. Other highlights from the day included the Technology: The Enabler of Sustainable Travel session, the funding of sustainability and Enhancing the Customer Experience Through AI. The Sustainable Hospitality Alliance also touched on the importance of protecting the locations, livelihoods and communities in which

hotels are based, in the Achieving Net Positive Hospitality session.

The 30th edition of ATM took place as part of Arabian Travel Week (1-10 May 2023), a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

ATM 2023 is being held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

Luxury and sustainability have not always gone hand in hand, but this is changing. We are encountering a new generation of travellers that wants highend experiences that do not compromise sustainability.

Vipin Khattar multi-property general manager, t Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels b Dubai Investment Park

Breaking Travel News: How would you describe the mood in Dubai tourism as we approach the key summer season?

Vipin Khattar: As we approach the key summer season, the mood in Dubai's tourism industry is optimistic. The city has a lot to offer visitors, from its world-class attractions and shopping to its vibrant cultural scene. As the general manager of Marriott properties in Dubai, I can attest to the positive trends we are seeing in bookings and inquiries for the upcoming quarter. Furthermore, Dubai has a calendar full of events and activities that are drawing visitors from around the region and the world. From music festivals to sporting events and cultural celebrations, there is always something exciting happening in the city. This, combined with the pleasant weather and the city's renowned hospitality, makes Dubai an ideal destination to visit at any time of the year.

The mood in Dubai's tourism industry is positive, and we are looking forward to a successful summer season. With so much to offer visitors and a calendar full of exciting events and activities, we are confident that Dubai will continue to attract tourists from around the world.

BTN: This is the 30th anniversary of Arabian Travel Market – how will the St. Regis and wider Marriott International delegation be contributing to the celebrations?

VK: The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park are thrilled to be a part of the 30th edition of the Arabian Travel Market, of course alongside Marriott International. We are excited to showcase our own contributions to this year’s theme of technology and environmentally-

responsible travel trends. Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park in particular has implemented various sustainable practices since opening in October 2022, including partnering with “AirOWater” (a technology that generates fresh drinking water from moisture available in the air) after meeting at last year’s ATM. We look forward to meeting with new potential partners and industry leaders, learning and sharing insights on the latest trends in the hospitality sector.

BTN: How has tourism in Dubai tourism developed over the past three decades – and how important is the sector today?

VK: Over the past three decades, Dubai has transformed into a leading tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. The government's investment in tourism infrastructure,

With a packed events calendar ahead and a number of World Travel Awards victories secured, we find out what guests can expect from the industry leading properties this year.

he St. Regis by Marriott,

including world-class hotels, theme parks, and cultural attractions, has been instrumental in driving the sector's growth. Today, tourism remains a crucial contributor to Dubai's economy, with the sector accounting for a significant portion of the city's GDP. As a global hospitality company, Marriott is proud to be part of Dubai's tourism industry, and we look forward to continuing to contribute to its growth and success in the years to come. And I am very thankful to be a part of this growing and thriving industry and grateful for the opportunities Dubai has granted me

personally in my own career.

BTN: Can you tell me about the property you lead - The St. Regis Downtown Dubai - the property is located in one of the fastest developing areas of the city?

VK: Opening for guests in October 2021, The St. Regis Downtown Dubai is strategically located in the heart of Business Bay, and within close proximity to the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Design District and many of the city’s major business hubs. Located along the Dubai Water Canal, the hotel boasts 298 lavishly appointed guest rooms

and suites and follows the St. Regis brand celebrated traditions, cherished rituals, and bespoke service born at New York’s finest address of 55th and Fifth. The hotel is home to five signature outlets; The Library, BASTA!, Hayal, The St. Regis Bar and Tabu, and features the first St. Regis Spa in the region, with six treatment suites, themed around the six senses.

The 100th Delta globally, opening for guests in October 2022, Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park brings the brand’s seamless travel experience to one of the world’s most important trade centres. Featuring

248 spacious guest rooms and suites, the property brings a clean and purposeful design aesthetic, reflecting the industrial nature of the area. The interior design uses raw materials through exposed craftsmanship and eclectic furniture. Featuring an all-day dining venue, Masian Restaurant & Bar, a coffee shop lounge area, The Hub, a Pool Bar and The Delta Pantry, designed to feel like a residential kitchen that provides 24-hour complimentary premium beverages and snacks to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum, Titanium, Ambassador Elite Members.

BTN: The property took the title of World’s Leading Hotel Service Award at the World Travel Awards – how important are accolades such as those to the success of the hotel?

VK: We understand that accolades and awards play a significant role in the success of any hotel. Winning awards such as the World's Leading Hotel Service Award at the World Travel Awards is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team at The St. Regis Downtown Dubai. These accolades serve as a testament to our commitment to providing exceptional service and experiences for our guests. Furthermore, awards are essential in maintaining and improving our reputation, they provide a benchmark for excellence, and winning them helps us to stand out, attracting new guests and

maintaining the loyalty of existing ones. It is also a source of motivation and pride for our team members, who take great pride in providing the best service possible.

We are proud of the recognition we have received. We will continue to strive towards excellence and deliver unforgettable experiences for our guests.

BTN: Finally, what can we expect to see at the hotel in 2023 to ensure it defends its industryleading place this year?

VK: As the newly appointed Multi-Property General Manager of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, I am committed to maintaining our position as industry leaders in 2023. We will continue to deliver exceptional service, and unforgettable culinary experiences, all while maintaining the unparalleled attention to detail that Marriott is known for. To ensure that we stay ahead of our competition, we will be introducing several innovative and sustainable initiatives. For example, we will be launching AirOWater at The St. Regis, a technology we have successfully implemented at Delta Dubai Investment Park. At The St. Regis, we will also focus on elevating our food and beverage offerings, while at Delta Dubai Investment Park, we will focus on delivering the brand promise of Simple Made Perfect and expanding our sustainability efforts on the property.

More Information

Find out more about the St. Regis Downtown Dubai at st-regis.dubaidowntown.ae or head over to Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park at marriott.com

AI driving investment in tourism technology

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) activities are attracting the highest levels of investment in travel technology at present, according to innovation specialist, Plug and Play.

Experts from the Silicon Valleybased firm shared a range of insights into the latest investment trends on the Travel Tech Stage at Arabian Travel Market 2023, held at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).

Speaking on the third day of the show, innovation specialists explored how travel startups are being affected by macroeconomic headwinds and fears of a global recession as part of the ‘Investment Trends Leading Travel Tech’ session.

Kristie Choi, Early Stage Tech Investor at Plug and Play, noted that venture capital (VC) investment witnessed a “dramatic pullback” in the second half of 2022, a trend that continued into Q1 2023. “While this looks pretty scary, there are still billions of dollars of dry powder out there to be gained,” she told attendees. “Travel tech round dynamics tend to follow similar patterns as the wider tech market, and we are seeing an increased focus on profitability and cash efficiency in this segment.”

Choi said that the travel sector was leading the curve in terms of generative AI investment and adoption. This technology is being leveraged to enhance the customer experience by facilitating trip planning, automating refunds and back-office processes, and supporting content creation. ESG is also a major focus for the travel technology sector, she explained, with sustained investments in transparent data reporting and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) serving to bolster the growth of responsible tourism. The influencer economy, meanwhile, is “driving business away” from online travel agencies (OTAs), according to Choi, as companies look to attract the Gen Z market by integrating direct booking into the channels of content creators.

Following Choi’s presentation, Mike Sung, Director, Partner Success –Travel & Hospitality at Plug and Play, joined Natalie Seatter, Chief Product Officer at OAG on the ATM Travel Tech Stage for a conversation about travel technology investment trends.

Speaking on the growing importance of artificial intelligence to the tourism industry, Sung noted: “It’s going to be very interesting to

see how generative AI is leveraged, especially among travel suppliers in the metaverse. There’s a lot of experimentation happening in the metaverse, and for generative AI, it’s not just about text. It’s also about audio, video and graphics. I think this technology is going to ramp up the velocity of [Web3] solutions, especially for travel and hospitality.”

Commenting on the need for investment in data transparency, Seatter said: “The big elephant in the room is the large cloud-based data warehouses [the industry] is using to power platforms. It’s either really hard to understand the carbon-emission cost of these platforms or no one wants to tell

you how big it is – or maybe it’s a bit of both. I think that’s certainly one of our challenges.”

The day-three session followed the ‘Plug and Play: Sustainable Tech –Startups Pitch Battle’ on day two of ATM 2023, which saw six new ventures compete for a range of industry support and data. Sustainable commercial food waste solutions company, Winnow, beat off stiff competition from CarbonClick, Eilago, Hotelverse, OACIS Middle East Limited LLC and Thrust Carbon to be crowned this year’s winner.

The 30th edition of ATM is taking place as part of Arabian Travel

Week (1-10 May 2023), a festival of events dedicated to enabling industry professionals from all over the world to collaborate and capitalise on market opportunities through exhibitions, conferences, breakfast briefings, awards, product launches and networking events.

ATM 2023 was held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, and its strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as the Destination Partner, Emirates as the Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as the Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as the Official DMC Partner.

INTERVIEW: Mike Ferguson, Commercial Director, Skyscanner

ATM hosts annual ITIC Middle East Tourism Investment Session

The ITIC Middle East Tourism Investment Session presented its annual ATM Investment Summit meeting at ATM 2023. Exploring the economic outlook for regional tourism, the session also delved into the relationship between sustainability and investment in the sector, as well as the growing opportunities for women in the Middle East, focusing on Oman as a case study.

Hosted by Gerald Lawless, Director ITIC Ltd, Invest Tourism Ltd and Ambassador WTTC, the summit opened with Nicolas Mayer, Global Tourism Leader PWC and Nicholas Maclean, Chairman and Managing Director CBRE Middle East. Sharing an optimistic view on the market Maclean said: “One of the key asset classes which is attracting special interest, particularly in the GCC is the opportunity for investors to capitalise on the hospitality industry. The profile of investors in the GCC is much more long term than in other markets around the world.”

Saudi Arabia is a particular growth area for the GCC region with the Kingdom recording 93.5 million tourists in 2022. Commenting on the investment situation in Saudi, Mayer said: “In Saudi Arabia there is an

acceleration of not just hotels and rooms, but the creation of entire destinations which entails a number of different asset classes, be it in entertainment, human capacity building or experiences. The tourism industry is seen as a transformational sector when it comes to meeting sustainability goals and the sustainability aspect is now front and centre when it comes to investment in the Kingdom.”

The sustainability segment of the ITIC session was moderated by BBC Anchor Sameer Hashmi and the speakers for this session included: Amr El Kady, CEO, Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board; Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of Jordan Tourism Board, H.E. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism Jamaica, Raki Phillips, CEO,

In terms of the challenges that sustainability presents to the tourism industry, aligning green policies across the public and private sector was highlighted as a priority. Global cooperation across countries is also vital as industry players work towards a common sustainability goal.

The panel agreed that beyond policy, ‘people’ are the most important consideration when it comes to sustainability in tourism. Bartlett concluded: “Globally, tourism is the fastest recovering industry since the pandemic, but

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority; Maher Abou Nasr, Vice President Operations, KSA, IHG; and Hamza Farooqui, Founder & CEO, Millat Investments.

growth has to be in harmony with sustainability. It’s about building people – because tourism is about people. We want to make sure that the beneficiaries of tourism, are the drivers of tourism. Tourism is about the environment and without the environment there is no tourism, therefore the sector has to be the custodian of climate management.”

According to the UN World Trade Organisation (WTO), women make up 54% of the workforce in tourism globally and almost a quarter of tourism ministers are women. Discussing the opportunities for women in tourism, Elizabeth Maclean, Co-Managing Director, Herdwick Communications

interviewed Dr. Lubna Bader Salim Al Mazroei, Manager Economic Diversification Investments, Oman

Tourism is one of the main industries in Oman which is helping to diversify the economy and create employment opportunities for the local population. As part of its efforts to boost the tourism industry in the region, the Oman government established the Oman Tourism College in 2001. When the facility first opened, there were approximately 80 female students and this number has risen to 400 in 2023. Women now work across several areas of the local tourism industry with roles in hotels, airlines, restaurants and tours.

Concluding the session, Al Mazroei said: “Tourism is a dynamic and multidisciplinary industry with

exciting opportunities to pursue. The nature of the work in the sector gives you the opportunity for personal development, as well as to develop interpersonal and technical skills that will help you with your career growth – and to find your competitive edge.

“When the Ministry of Tourism was established in Oman in 2004, the first Minister of Tourism was a woman. Our target is to create 500,000 jobs in Oman tourism by 2040 and to further strengthen the Oman tourism sector, we are implementing new education, training and employment initiatives. We have a dedicated Human Capital department that is overseeing all of the needs of the sector and this department is managed mostly by women.”

Investment Authority during the ITIC session.

Going above and beyond, the group has invented CORE – a Conjunction of Refined Experiences – as a happening, multi-functional space that perfectly fits into each property’s style to deliver areas to socialize, shop, be entertained, eat and drink, discover artwork and experience the best of both worlds – urban and rural.

In 2023 Domes welcomes its first Reserve, Domes Maison, an authentic preserved 1903 mansion in old town Corfu, one new Domes Hotel on the stunning, whitewashed, and blue stucco roof Aegean Cyclades Island of Milos, Mykonos, Santorini and finally, Sora Lifestyle Beach Club on Corfu’s most famous beach, that combines summer fun, dining, wellness, and childcare.

BTN: How would you describe the Domes experience for a guest who has never visited? What makes the brand unique?

MK: Domes takes a state-ofthe-art approach to hospitality, fully on par with the needs and demands of the contemporary traveller and is considered amongst the fastest-growing lifestyle luxury hospitality groups in Greece.

Domes offer a five-star-plus service inside hotels and resorts that are striking and comfortable and deliver curated spaces, signature experiences, events and activities that stimulate and inspire guests to discover, taste, sample and indulge. From this approach, we have been led to reimagine deluxe

hospitality in coveted destinations across Greece, with each property boasting its own character, informed by local nature and culture.

BTN: Domes Resorts took the title of World's Leading Luxury Resort Brand at the World Travel Awards last year. How did it feel to be honoured in this way?

MK: Domes has been really honoured to receive the award of World’s Leading Luxury Resort Brand at the World Travel Awards. It’s a unique, yet a well-deserved title, that sets Domes as one of the most fast-growing hospitality brands in the Mediterranean. This title positions Domes on global hospitality map, promising many more exciting projects to follow, by always setting as a top-priority our

Brand ethos and commitment to our guests to offering them an exclusive Domes experience.

BTN: A number of Domes properties were also recognised individually –how important are such achievements to the success of the hotels?

MK: At the 29th annual World Travel Awards, Domes has been received 6 different awards in the following categories: Europe's Leading Luxury Resort 2022 for Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu, Greece; Europe's Leading New Resort 2022 for Domes Lake Algarve; Europe's Leading Honeymoon Resort 2022 for Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection, Greece; Europe's Leading Luxury Family Resort 2022 for

Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Greece; Greece's Leading Luxury Resort 2022 for Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, Corfu, Greece; and Greece's Leading All Suite Hotel 2022 for Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection, Greece.

These awards are a statement of Domes’ immense portfolio of resorts that each has its own traits, however yet all share the unique brand identity that make Domes the World’s Leading Luxury Resort Brand.

More Information

Find out more about Domes Resorts on the official website at www.domesresorts.com

we have been led to reimagine deluxe hospitality in coveted destinations across Greece, with each property boasting its own character, informed by local nature and culture.

Rove Hotels launches Rove Home

Rove Hotels is taking its first steps into the branded residential housing market with the launch of Rove Home, an extension of the Rove brand into this increasingly popular space.

The quirky homegrown UAE brand has been committed to catering to the needs of its target guests, and one that has long been associated with extended stays, Rove Home and is a full-fledged step into providing the ultimate comfort-living experience.

With the announcement of this new brand comes its first project – Rove Home Aljada – a residential

development in the heart of Aljada, the community transforming Sharjah. Featuring contemporary design, every apartment in this development will carry the same Rove style. Rove Home is a playful and energetic take on modern living.

While Aljada is the brand’s first location, Rove is targeting the construction of more Rove Home properties in the future.

Paul Bridger, COO of Rove Hotels, said: “We are excited to explore the vast potential of the branded residential sector and to contribute to the creation of welcoming homes designed for contemporary living in true Rove style.

Due to go on sale in the coming weeks, each of the Rove Home Aljada apartments will come with smart home features alongside warm, simple

design and contemporary finishes, and options ranging from 1-, 2-, and 3bedroom apartments. When buying an apartment, residents of a Rove Home will also have the option to avail for add-on services such as housekeeping, in-room dining, laundry, and more.

People staying at Rove Home Aljada will also have plenty to enjoy around the area. Complementing the adjacent Rove Hotel, the neighbourhood masterplan includes extensive hospitality, retail, F&B, and leisure options all within walking distance. Also, the destination is home to an extensive cycling

network, three schools, and a business park. Opposite Rove Home is Aljada’s main park and family entertainment district.

Born in Dubai, Rove Hotels is a joint venture between Meraas Holding and Emaar Properties. The first Rove hotel opened at Downtown Dubai in 2016 and the brand now has over 4,000 hotel rooms and apartments open or under development across the Middle East.

More Information

Fiind out more at www.rovehotels.com

a full-fledged step into providing the ultimate comfortliving experience

INTERVIEW: Paul Bridger, Chief Operating Officer, Rove Hotels

Batumi to host World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2023

World Travel Awards has announced that its 30th anniversary Europe Gala Ceremony 2023 will be staged in the exciting emerging tourism destination of Batumi, Georgia.

The magnificent city has made the headlines in recent years as Europe’s new travel hotspot and tourism investment capital. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the continent will be invited to this must-attend VIP event on 30 September 2023.

Capital of the autonomous Ajara region, Batumi is rapidly establishing itself as one of the world’s most exciting destinations, and enjoys an enviable all-season climate on the shores of the Black Sea, with a backdrop of the magnificent snow-capped Ajara Mountains.

The gala ceremony will take place at Georgia’s most important historical monument, the 2,000-year old Gonio Fortress, one of the world's best-preserved

examples of Roman architecture and a site steeped in myths and legends.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Batumi as the host of our Europe Gala Ceremony 2023. This fascinating destination is one of the rising stars of tourism, and as one of the most talked about locations in the world, is a place that everyone should visit. I am delighted it will form a crucial part of our landmark 30th anniversary Grand Tour.”

He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising and rewarding excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining

the most senior travel industry figureheads from across Europe for what promises to be a fabulous, historic event that will last long in everyone’s memory.”

Tornike Rijvadze, Chairman, Government of Ajara Autonomous Republic, says: “We are honoured to host the 30th anniversary of World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2023, in Batumi, Georgia. It is a privilege to welcome tourism leaders from around the world. We are proud to have you here with us, grateful for the opportunity of building together a greater future for our tourism industry and delighted to share with you the very best of Georgian hospitality.”

Key Dates

•World Travel Awards 2023 nominees announced and voting opens: 9 May

•Close of voting window: 20 August

•World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2023: 30 September

More information

For more information about Batumi visit visitbatumi.com and also head over stand EU1650 at ATM.

For more information about World Travel Awards visit worldtravelawards.com.

It is a privilege to welcome tourism leaders from around the world.

Tornike Rijvadze, Chairman, Government of Ajara Autonomous Republic

Abu Dhabi launches $100 Million culinary investment fund

Authorities hope to bring iconic restaurants to UAE capital in the coming years

The newly-launched Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund (ADCIF) is an incentive for world-class culinary brands to enter the emirate and will further elevate the culinary scene by co-investing with local asset partners and incentivising top chefs, top restaurants and culinary educational institutions, to enter the market and make Abu Dhabi their new home.

Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, director general for Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), said: “The Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund is part of our ongoing commitment to elevate the culinary scene across the emirate and create new dining experiences. There is no better time or place to bring best-in-class chefs, restaurants, and hotel brands to the capital. This fund, in combination with the Culinary School will ensure that Abu Dhabi appeals to even more visitors around the world, who can experience increasingly diverse and high-quality dining in the emirate, centred on our tradition of Emirati hospitality.”

The main requisites for successful fund applicants are brands or chefs recognised by leading awards committees and global culinary guides, with a multi-regional presence – operating in more than one country. Applicants should offer a premium casual, lifestyle, or fine dining experience, without yet having an existing presence in the region and would be making their debut in Abu Dhabi – with a one-year period of exclusivity to the emirate.

Abu Dhabi’s dining scene has recently been making headlines around the world, welcoming the Michelin team to launch the first-ever Michelin Guide Abu Dhabi. The guide details 42 restaurants across Abu Dhabi, awarded three establishments with one Michelin Star for their high-quality cooking and four with a Bib Gourmand, acknowledging culinary excellence and value.

DCT Abu Dhabi is set to announce the first two recipients of the new Abu Dhabi Culinary Investment Fund in the coming months.

Public Art Abu Dhabi

At the same time, Public Art Abu Dhabi has launched with the unveiling of the WAVE Media Art Installation. Using an anamorphic illusion technique, the 2D installation recreates perpetually surging three-dimensional waves and was first showcased at COEX K-Pop Square, Seoul, South Korea.

The wider programmes will reflect the emirate’s intrinsic cultural identity, anchoring a sense of belonging and fostering creativity. Integral to this initiative is its community engagement efforts. Acting as a catalyst for creativity and artistic expression in the public domain, Public Art Abu Dhabi will offer opportunities for everyone to engage with new cultural programming.

An investment of over US$35 million will be dedicated to the initiative annually, to support the emirate’s wider creative industries through public art.

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s public art enriches lives by bringing art to every member of the community, inspiring a sense of civic pride, and advancing the capital’s creative legacy. The emirate has a proud tradition of public art, which we are now elevating with our ambitious Public Art

Abu Dhabi initiatives. These will foster creativity, placemaking and cultural infrastructure and ensure that public art is integral to our emirate’s cultural identity, liveability, and attractiveness to visitors. DCT Abu Dhabi’s promise is to promote, protect and progress the emirate and transform Abu Dhabi into a global centre for culture.”

Public Art Abu Dhabi will contribute toward the conservation of significant architectural and urban spaces, enhancing their historical, aesthetic, social, scientific, and technological value to the community. It will extend the ambitions of DCT Abu Dhabi’s Modern Heritage Conservation Initiative (MHCI), which identifies, safeguards, and maintains sites that narrate the country’s more recent past.

Abu Dhabi will be vying for top honours at this year’s World Culinary Awards. At last year’s event Tori No Su @ Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers was voted ‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Hotel Restaurant 2022’ and LPM Abu Dhabi was voted ‘Abu Dhabi’s Best Restaurant 2022’.

More Information

Visit the Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi at Arabian Travel Market 2023 on stand ME2450/ME2410.

Abu Dhabi’s public art enriches lives by bringing art to every member of the community

Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi

Breaking

Travel News interview:

Omar Khoory, chief assets officer at Nakheel

Nakheel has been instrumental to the development of Dubai as one of the leading tourism destinations in the world. Here we discover more about the past three decades – and plans for the future.

Breaking Travel News: How would you describe the mood in Dubai tourism as we approach the key summer season?

Omar Khoory: We have had an excellent start to the year and are optimistic about the opportunities in Dubai’s tourism sector during the summer season. One of the major events that residents and visitors can look forward to this summer is The View at the Palm's participation in the city’s "Kids Go Free" summer campaign from May to August. This initiative is expected to attract family travellers and stopovers from around the world, adding to the buzz of Dubai’s exciting summer period. Moreover, the reopening of China has brought a steady growth of travellers passing through Dubai and we expect this to continue over the summer season. Along with China, markets such as Australia, South Africa, Israel, Japan and India are

also projected to experience a good travel period, which will result in more visitor stopovers in Dubai.

Overall, the positive trends in the tourism industry, coupled with the exciting initiatives planned for the summer season, indicate a buoyant and optimistic mood for Dubai's tourism sector.

BTN: This is the thirtieth anniversary of Arabian Travel Market – how will the Dubai-based Nakheel delegation be contributing to the celebrations?

OK: Nakheel is excited to be part of the thirtieth edition of Arabian Travel Market, one of the largest travel and tourism events in the Middle East. As a Dubai-based master developer, we are proud to contribute to the celebrations by highlighting our destinations at the Dubai Economy and Tourism

Stand alongside other key stakeholders.

During the four-day event, Nakheel will showcase The View at the Palm, a stunning 360-degree observation deck overlooking Palm Jumeirah, the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, as well as our other destinations, including the Palm Monorail, Palm West Beach, The Club and Club Vista Mare. We look forward to meeting visitors and potential partners to promote these destinations and share our vision for Dubai's future as a premium travel destination.

This year, we are particularly excited to invite over 350 Hosted Buyers to experience The View at the Palm and promote our destinations in their respective markets. We believe that their first-hand experience will showcase the unique features and attractions of our

destinations and further boost the interest of international travellers to Dubai.

BTN: Nakheel itself has been instrumental in the success of Dubai –leading construction on the Palm Jumeirah and a number of other landmarks. What is next on the agenda for the industry leader?

OK: Nakheel's portfolio boasts an extensive array of ground-breaking projects and facilities. While we are most recognised for our masterplan constructions which include multiple tourist destinations such as Palm Jumeirah and the numerous residential offerings we have in Dubai, we also take great pride in our hotel and hospitality offerings. Just recently, we officially opened Cheval MaisonThe Palm, located adjacent to Nakheel Mall, making it the first Cheval Maison outside of the UK and the first in the UAE.

Nakheel also unveiled the masterplan for Dubai Islands, comprising five islands in a prime waterfront location in Dubai, that offers a mix of residential, retail leisure and hospitality services. The islands will be home to more than 80 hotels, including luxury and wellness resorts, as well as boutique, family, and eco-conscious hotels.

We are constantly exploring new opportunities and partnerships to expand our offerings, and we remain committed to delivering innovative developments that will continue to shape the future of Dubai's tourism industry. We also have many projects in the

pipeline within our residential portfolio such as the redevelopment of Jebel Ali Village, the launch of the Canal Front Residences, a new residential community at the Dubai Water Canal and Palm Beach Towers, which will offer elevated beach living with the highest standards of urban infrastructure and facilities.

BTN: How has tourism in Dubai tourism developed over the past three decades – and how important is the sector today?

OK: Over the past three decades, tourism in Dubai has grown exponentially. In the 1990s, Dubai's tourism industry was

primarily focused on business travellers however, over the years, the city has transformed into one of the most desirable destinations for tourists from all over the world.

Research from the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has shown that Dubai’s tourism sector contributed $29.4 billion to the UAE’s economy in 2022, with visitors to the Emirate steadily increasing.

The sector is one of the largest employers in Dubai, with growth expected to increase significantly in the future, driven by factors such as the construction of new hotels and resorts, and the development of highend tourist attractions and destinations. The Dubai government has set ambitious targets, aiming to attract 25 million visitors annually by 2025.

BTN: Palm Jumeirah has previously been recognised as the World’s Leading Tourism Development Project at the World Travel Awards last year – how important are accolades such as those?

OK: Accolades such as the World Travel Awards serve as recognition of our hard work, dedication and innovation in the development of worldclass tourism projects. Furthermore, the recognition not only supports Nakheel as a real estate developer but is also a testament to the growth of Dubai as a leading tourism destination that welcomes millions of

visitors from all over the world.

These awards continue to motivate us to push the boundaries of innovation in our developments and strive for excellence in all aspects of the business. We are also able to use these accolades as a benchmark for future projects and strive to achieve even greater success.

BTN: What caught the eyes of World Travel Awards voters – what is the secret of your success?

OK: The secret to Nakheel's success can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, the company's focus on developing unique and innovative projects that offer worldclass amenities and facilities has been a key factor in attracting visitors and tourists from around the world.

Furthermore, our investment in technology and digital solutions has enabled us to provide seamless and efficient services to our customers. Finally, our strong relationships with our partners and stakeholders have helped to create a supportive environment for the company's growth and expansion.

More Information

Visit Nakheel at Arabian Travel Market on stand ME3010 – alongside Dubai Department of Economy & Tourism. Head over to the website at www.nakheel.com.

AlUla partners with GHM to develop the Chedi Hegra

Surrounded by awe-inspiring human and natural heritage, the Chedi Hegra will be the first hotel to welcome guests to a uniquely authentic luxury experience deep in the ancient Nabataean site in northwest Saudi Arabia. Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has selected luxury hotel management company GHM to operate the hotel as the Chedi Hegra.

Situated within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and opening by late 2023, the Chedi Hegra will offer 35 bespoke guest rooms, each with its own distinct connection to the Hegra landscape, a breath-taking testimony of human expression within the natural environment.

RCU is building the hotel directly into several existing structures, including an old railway station and surrounding buildings, Hegra Fort, and others.

Structural and exterior walls, some with historical mud-brick construction, are being preserved and integrated with modern architecture. The vast majority of the UNESCO World Heritage Site will remain untouched by construction and carefully preserved by RCU to maintain the integrity of Hegra’s human and natural heritage.

RCU has also ensured all design and construction efforts align with the Sustainability Charter for AlUla, including a light-touch tourism approach, imaginative infrastructure, planting of native flora, and an all-electric mobility system. Where possible, the project will use local construction materials and work with local businesses and labour, and the hotel is expected to create at least 120 jobs once fully operational.

The property will feature three finedining restaurants, a café, and a fullservice spa and pool, with many of the buildings connected by an overhead art canopy focused on wind movement and natural light.

Tommy Lai, chief executive officer of General Hotel Management (GHM), said: “GHM is thrilled to introduce this luxurious heritage boutique hotel that will offer authentic, unrivalled lifestyle experience deep within the ancient Nabataean site of Hegra. As the first hotel within Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, we are committed to preserve the site’s integrity while seamlessly integrating modern architecture and comforts. I am certain that guests will recognise and appreciate the value we place in minimising our environmental impact, through the sustainable efforts of the hotel, in addition to our dedication in conserving the

legacy of Hegra – a true GHM hallmark of creating inspired spaces.”

The on-site restaurants will each offer unique experiences for hotel guests and others visiting Hegra. One of the restaurants inside the old railway station will feature an exhibition of carefully preserved artefacts, including a fully-restored train, while another will sit within the Hegra Fort, and a third will feature unobstructed views from a sunken water basin seating area.

John Northen, RCU vice president of hotels and resorts, said: “Sitting at the nexus of AlUla’s living museum, the Chedi Hegra embodies the fulfilment of our Journey Through Time master plan with its deep respect for heritage, sustainable design features, and an authentic luxury experience that celebrates what makes AlUla a special destination for travellers seeking both comfort and adventure.”

More Information

Find out more about all things

Saudi Arabia with a visit to the Saudi Tourism Authority on Stand ME4410/ME4350 at ATM 2023.

The Saudi Arabia royal commission has signed with the luxury hotel operator to build a property within the Hegra UNESCO World Heritage Site

Oman opens largest snow park in MENA

The Sultanate of Oman has become home to another tourist attraction with the opening of Snow Oman, the largest snow park in MENA. Strategically located in Mall of Oman and covering 14,830 square metres, Snow Oman is also the first and only indoor snow destination in the Sultanate.

Developed by Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, the must-visit destination features more than 20 family-friendly rides and attractions including a 430-metre ice rink as well as a penguinarium, which is home to a colony of king and gentoo penguins. Storytelling is integrated into the experience, which has a ‘Desert Blizzard’ theme

and resembles an imaginary world where Oman’s cityscapes and sand dunes are covered in real snow, whilst still reflecting the local culture and heritage.

Ignace Lahoud, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, said: “We are proud to welcome the newest addition to

our ever-expanding portfolio, Snow Oman. Entertainment plays an important role in the growth of the local economies, and the opening of Snow Oman marks another major milestone in our investment strategy in the Sultanate, as well as demonstrating our ongoing commitment to deliver innovative experiences for guests across the region.”

He added, “Entertainment not only impacts the local economy but provides us with a much-needed sense of community, and Snow Oman delivers a unique and immersive way for families to spend quality time together.”

In 2005, Majid Al Futtaim made the impossible possible by bringing real snow to the desert and launching the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai. Just over 10 years later, it expanded its footprint with the opening of Ski Egypt, which was a first-of-its-kind attraction in the African continent.

At the end of last year, Ski Dubai and Ski Egypt placed first and third respectively in the ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’ category at the prestigious World Ski Awards, a global initiative that recognises excellence in ski tourism.

In 2017, Majid Al Futtaim established

Global Snow, which is the number one international brand for designing, consulting, managing and opening indoor snow entertainment facilities. Later this year, it will continue to expand its portfolio with the launch of Snow Abu Dhabi in Reem Mall.

More Information

Visit www.skidxb.com/enom/snowoman, and to find out more about Majid Al Futtaim visit stand ME3010 at ATM 2023 or go to majidalfuttaim.com.

Countdown to Snow Abu Dhabi grand opening

Snow Abu Dhabi is poised for its grand opening this May, when it will become one of the world’s largest indoor snow parks. It will be located in the $1.2 billion state-ofthe-art Reem Mall on Reem Island, right in the heart of new Abu Dhabi.

The Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment development will feature 12 exhilarating rides and 17 exciting attractions spread over 10,000 square feet.

It maintains a temperature of minus 2°C and a snow depth of 500 mm in external temperatures above 40°C to ensure that visitors of all ages can enjoy its attractions. Guaranteed to be a firm family favourite with rides including two giant slides, The Entry Plaza, Flight of the Snowy Owl, Magic Carpet, Polar Express Train, Crystal Carousel and Ice and Floes Bumper Tubes, The Trolls Bowl, Drifts Downhill Run, and Snow Hares Bunny Hill and The Enchanted Tree. Dining options include The Lodge Restaurant, Grotto Amphitheatre, Ice Café, the Party Room and VIP Room.

More Information

Visit reemmall.ae, and to find out more about Majid Al Futtaim visit stand ME3010 at ATM 2023 or go to majidalfuttaim.com.

Saint Lucia to host World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas

Gala Ceremony 2023

World Travel Awards has revealed that the paradise island of Saint Lucia will host its Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023. The leading travel industry figureheads from across the region will attend the red-carpet reception on 26 August 2023.

The VIP evening will take place at Sandals Grande St. Lucian and form the climax of World Travel Week 2023, a week-long celebration of the global travel and tourism sector, featuring a series of events to unite the industry’s thought-leaders and spark debate on key issues. The week will also feature a President’s Reception on the eve of the World Travel Awards winners’ ceremony.

Graham Cooke, Founder, World Travel Awards, says: “I am honoured to unveil Saint Lucia as the host of our Caribbean & Americas Gala Ceremony 2023, in this our landmark 30th anniversary. Saint Lucia is helping to spearhead the recovery of travel and tourism in the Caribbean, and I am delighted this captivating island will form a crucial part of our anniversary tour.”

He adds: “World Travel Awards has maintained its position as the industry leader for the past 30 years, consistently proving its value as the global benchmark for recognising excellence in travel and tourism. I look forward to joining the most senior travel industry figureheads from across the Caribbean and The Americas for

I AM DELIGHTED THIS CAPTIVATING ISLAND WILL FORM A CRUCIAL PART OF OUR ANNIVERSARY TOUR.

GRAHAM COOKE, FOUNDER, WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS

what promises to be a fabulous event, acknowledging those organisations spearheading the growth of the region’s travel and tourism sector.”

Blessed by nature, Saint Lucia is a destination of breathtaking beauty, with volcanic mountains magically rising from the clear blue sea, paradise beaches, lush forests and rich cultural heritage.

Honorable Dr. Ernest Hilaire, Minister for Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture & Information, Saint Lucia, says: “We are excited to host the prestigious World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony 2023 and join forces with the global travel and tourism industry to

celebrate the 30th anniversary of World Travel Awards. The impact travel and tourism have on our island's economy cannot be overstated.”

Lorine Charles-St Jules, CEO, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, expressed her excitement about the Authority's association with the World Travel Awards brand. She remarked: “This will be an incredible boost to our tourism sector as we continue to aim for excellence in the hospitality industry. We are delighted to welcome leaders from across the world and to immerse them in the hospitality and culture of our stunningly beautiful island.”

Saint Lucia 2023 Highlights

In addition to World Travel Awards, Saint Lucia has a number of key events and activities in 2023:

Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival (5-14 May)

The biggest music event in the Caribbean makes a highlyanticipated return after a three-year hiatus. Headline artists include 17-time Grammy winner Sting and reggae icon Shaggy, plus many globallyrecognised performers. Tickets now on sale.

Saint Lucia Carnival (12-19 July)

Heralded as one of the best Carnivals in the Caribbean, the Saint Lucia Carnival takes place in July, with more than 10,000 visitors expected.

Three Peaks Challenge

New for 2023, the Saint Lucia

Three Peaks Challenge enables visitors to tackle three iconic mountains during their stay: Gros Piton, Petit Piton and Mount Gimie.

C ARIBBEAN & THE AMERIC AS SAINT LUCIA 26 AUGUST

Kabawe Krawl

This new trail of bars (Kabawe is Creole for rum shack) gives you an opportunity to meet the locals, swap stories and enjoy some Saint Lucian hospitality. Book a guided tour or if you’re out and about look for the Kabawe Krawl sign at a participating venue.

Romance Summit

‘Say Yes to Saint Lucia’ is a Global Romance Summit later this year, enabling agents to meet key partners, including villas, hotels and wedding planners. There will also be keynote speakers, a bridalwear fashion show and a digital media strategy workshop.

Further information

Atlantic Rally Cruise

The Atlantic Rally Cruise (ARC) takes place annually and sees a fleet of more than 100 boats set sail from Las Palmas in Gran Canarias to cross the Atlantic Ocean to Saint Lucia.

The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority is the official destination marketing and promotion organization for Saint Lucia. Learn more at www.stlucia.org and follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

The ultimate beach side and lush nature destination in Nosy Be

Located on the north-western coast of Madagascar, the island of Nosy Be with 340 days of sun per year and a constant temperature of between 20 and 34°C, most certainly deserves its reputation as a corner of paradise. The north-western tip of the island hosts the famous Andilana bay, which is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and exclusive beaches of Nosy Be.

In the heart of a tropical garden, delineated by two 1km-long beaches of white sand, lies Madagascar’s largest 4-star hotel and tourist complex: Andilana Beach Resort.

Voted ‘Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Resort 2022’ by voters of World Travel Awards, Andilana Beach Resort offers its guests an exceptional setting for a dream holiday, that successfully gives both privacy and opportunities for social interaction. The resort offers six suites and 204 rooms that give this resort the right size to make the most of a holiday, to enjoy the three restaurants, the two bars and all the high-quality services that over 500 staffs will be happy to deliver with a welcoming smile.

Andilana Beach Resort is undoubtedly the destination of choice. The colours of the sea

that surrounds it, the peaceful atmosphere of its beaches and its stunning sunsets combine to make it the ideal place for all types of holidays. It is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy a break that’s all about sun, sea and relaxation and it is an excellent starting and ending point for your excursions.

More Information

For further info visit andilanaresort.com.

Zurich Airport: Connecting people and places

Since the first flight on 14th of June 1948, Zurich Airport has developed into Switzerland’s most important traffic hub, with numerous direct connections to the world’s major cities. The airport is known for his high-quality service, short transfer distances and the cleanliness of the infrastructure. Thank you for your trust in Zurich Airport year after year.

75 years Zurich Airport

Etihad keeps passengers connected with new data offer

The award-winning national airline of the United Arab Emirates has launched new ‘Chat’ and ‘Surf’ packages

Etihad is making it easier than ever to stay connected, chat with family and friends, and browse the web while flying on its wide-body fleet.

Everyone flying on Etihad will benefit from complimentary ‘Chat’ messaging throughout their entire flight by signing in with Etihad Guest membership or simply enrolling online before flying to benefit immediately. The free chat feature includes access to popular messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger and WeChat to name a few.

Guests wishing to surf, catch up on social media and work while they fly, can also choose to purchase ‘Surf’ Wi-Fly plans available for a flat fee with unlimited data for the duration of the flight. For flights under seven hours, the package is $2.99 or free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $9.99.

For flights over seven hours, the Chat package is $4.99 or also free for Etihad Guest members, and the Surf package is $19.99.

Etihad Guest Platinum and Exclusive tier members as well as guests travelling in Etihad’s FirstClass cabins will benefit from complimentary Surf Wi-Fly access throughout their flight. Etihad Guest

Gold members will receive a 25 per cent discount on the Surf package.

Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer, Etihad Airways, said: “We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected, which is why we’re thrilled to introduce an added complimentary benefit for Etihad Guest members and welcome everyone to sign up before they fly to take advantage of this benefit immediately. Wi-Fly plans will offer unlimited data and will last the duration of the flight, which means our guests can easily catch up on social media, work or browse as they wish.”

“Our fleet of modern wide-body aircraft is fitted with the right technology to enable this service and offer our guests an enjoyable connected experience throughout their journey,” he continued.

Etihad’s narrow-body fleet continues to offer the current mobile connectivity service allowing guests to make and receive phone calls, send and receive text messages and use their data roaming packages as they would on the ground.

Entertained while you fly

As well as connecting to the world through mobile and internet connectivity, guests flying on Etihad can enjoy its award-winning inflight entertainment service, E-BOX, which caters to a broad range of travellers from the youngest ‘Little VIPs’ to the young at heart. E-BOX is available on-demand through the seat-back screens on the widebody fleet or by streaming E-BOX wirelessly to guests’ own devices on the narrow-body fleet.

In addition to hundreds of blockbuster movies from Hollywood to Bollywood, as well as Arabic, Asian and European content, guests can enjoy TV shows, music, podcasts and games. There are also seven live broadcast sports and news TV channels to keep up to date with current affairs or catch a live match while on board.

On any aircraft, guests wishing to switch off and relax will be treated to Etihad’s award-winning comfortable cabins, delicious food and renowned Arabian hospitality from the Cabin Crew.

More Information

Find out more with a visit to the Etihad Airways stand at ME2315/ME2310 at Arabian Travel Market 2023.

World-class hospitality on Yas Island with Yas Plaza Hotels

With six world-class hotels located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's exciting Yas Island leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Plaza Hotels will enjoy a strong presence at this year’s Arabian Travel Market. The group represents Radisson Blu, Park Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridges, Yas Rotana and Centro Rotana located at the heart of Yas Island

All are just minutes away from Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Beach, Yas Links Golf Club, Etihad Arena, and the UAE's biggest global attractions & theme parks: Warner Bros World Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Water World theme parks as well as CLYMB Abu Dhabi, the region’s leading adventure hub.

Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island

The Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island features 397 rooms for business or leisure travelers, complete with free Wi-Fi and inroom coffee and tea facilities.

The hotel is a host of awardwinning dining and nightlife venues offering diverse culinary options and entertainment, you won't have to look far for a delicious meal or a great time. Feast on delicious Italian food and stylish cocktails over views of the Abu Dhabi sunset at Filini Garden. Enjoy authentic Belgian cuisine and craft beverages at the Belgian Beer Cafe. For a broader selection of dishes from around the globe, visit Assymetri, which also serves our Super Breakfast buffet each morning. Cool off from the Arabian sun with a cold beverage by the pool and some light snacks at Shams Pool Bar.

Other on-site amenities such as the spa, fitness center, and kids' play area offer relaxing diversions when guests are not at the beach or exploring Yas Island.

Crowne Plaza Yas Island

At the Crowne Plaza Yas Island, you can drop your worries at the entrance to our inviting lobby lounge, and relax away your cares at the nearby Yas Beach, which is just a short walk away. Leisure travelers and families have Yas Island's attractions at their feet, from Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Waterworld, CLYMB to the shoppers' paradise, Yas Mall, as well as Etihad Arena. However, with the 25-meter outdoor pool, fitness center, Kids Club, and our five popular dining outlets with its brunches, buffets, live music, and shisha garden you'll likely not want to leave.

Successful meetings – directed by our Crowne Meetings Directors in one of 9 state-of-the-art rooms –can be followed by 18 holes of golf, team building and a spectacular reception on our terrace overlooking Abu Dhabi. Wi-Fi is complimentary and the business center is open 24hours.

Yas Island

Rotana

Yas Island Rotana is conveniently located on spectacular Yas Island, a breathtaking sports and entertainment destination that will exceed your expectations. Our 308 spacious rooms and suites exude cosmopolitan flair and are meticulously designed to suit guests seeking privacy, a personalized service and unparalleled quality. Enjoy added benefits and privileges at our hotel-within-a-hotel concept, Club Rotana, with exclusive lounge access part of the service.

For an unforgettable dining experience, our award-winning restaurant Choices, fine-dining steakhouse Blue Grill and Indian venue Rangoli will not disappoint, while casual dining options include the Aquarius pool bar, Island Café, and Y bar. Our 9 fully equipped and flexible meeting rooms, as well as our spacious ballroom with sophisticated décor. From spa and gym facilities to a kids’ club, outdoor pool and kids pool, guests of all ages can enjoy this modern facility designed to promote your wellbeing.

Park Inn

Yas Island

Our modern hotel in Abu Dhabi offers 204 newly renovated rooms and suites with beautiful panoramic views of the lush Yas Links Golf Course and the pristine blue waters of the Arabian Gulf. The rooms feature sleek and modern décor, plush mattresses, Chromecast, 43inch smart TVs, free Wi-Fi, and state-of-the-art headboards with color-changing LED mood lights.

A host of culinary options await you, including Mexican, Italian, and Belgian cuisine. Keep up your fitness routine during your trip to Abu Dhabi at our outdoor swimming pools and health club, which includes a fully equipped gym, spa, and a children's play area. Planning an event in Abu Dhabi? Our hotel features two naturally lit conference rooms with free Wi-Fi and modern audiovisual equipment, with space for 30 conference attendees.

More Information

For further info visit www.yasplazahotels.com or head over to ME2450, ME2410 at ATM 2023

Staybridge Suites

Yas Island

Comfort and convenience for extended stays in the Emirates' playground. More home than hotel, Staybridge Suites® Abu Dhabi Yas Island has all you need for independent living, Yas Island-style.

Business travelers on long stays in Abu Dhabi appreciate the home comforts of our spacious, apartment-style suites. It has complete kitchen amenities and fully furnished living area where you can cook, work, and entertain friends in style. A tasty complimentary breakfast sets you up for the day and free buffet dinners four nights a week help you unwind. Free Wi-Fi throughout means you can browse the web in the Library and check emails wherever you are. When work is over, you can soak up the Yas Island lifestyle in our 25 meter outdoor pool and socialize over coffee in the Hub Kitchen. Fancy a taste of Yas nightlife? Pop next door to Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island hotel for award-winning restaurants and bars, a state-of-the-art Fitness Center and a Kids Club.

Centro

Yas

Island

Centro Yas Island enjoys an idyllic location that is beautiful and fun in equal measures. Defined by a youthful and fresh vibe, Centro Yas Island, is a contemporary hotel with an innovative presentation and an exceptional range of services. This 259-room hotel is designed to meet the requirements of a new generation of traveler, seeking finesse and functionality at reasonable rates. Advanced business facilities and high-speed Wi-Fi Internet access come as standard in every room. Providing unique living spaces in a modern setting, Centro Yas Island offers amenities specifically tailored to the needs of the travelling executive.

These include a restaurant serving three-course meals, bar, 24-hour shop, business center, a meeting room, in addition to a shuttle bus with multiple trips per day to the main attractions on Yas Island and free valet parking.

The outdoor pool, as well as the fully equipped 24-hour gym, offer guests the best of recreation during their stay.

A minimalist Masterpiece: Armani Hotel Dubai

designed vases by Giorgio Armani.

Based on the philosophy that travel is as much an emotional journey as a physical one, Armani Hotel Dubai assigns each hotel guest a personal Lifestyle Manager who will serve as a personal contact and host from the moment they make a reservation to the time they check out and even beyond.

Giorgio Armani’s masterful approach to fashion and lifestyle is perfectly reflected in this minimalism masterpiece. Open your eyes to a different style of hospitality where innovation and refined excellence come together in one of the world’s most exciting cities.

Located in Burj Khalifa, occupying the floors concourse to 8 and levels 38 and 39, the hotel features 160 luxurious guest rooms and suites, seven innovative restaurants, exclusive retail outlets and a spa.

Every aspect of the hotel’s design and service offerings has been designed and planned by Giorgio Armani himself, from the bespoke furnishings to restaurant menus and inroom amenities.

Practicality and elegance, the cornerstones of Armani’s signature style, combine with precious materials and sophisticated finishes to create a highly personalized space.

The choice of restaurants, all hugely popular with guests and walk-in diners, includes a selection of world cuisines ranging from Japanese and Indian to Mediterranean and authentic Italian fine dining. Also popular among guests are the three exclusive retail outlets: Armani/Galleria, the first and only place in Dubai where the Giorgio Armani/Privé collection is showcased; Armani/Dolci, a luxurious confectionary store offering a selection of chocolates, and more; and Armani/Fiori, a floral boutique offering exquisite fresh flower arrangements and exclusively

As part of Armani Hotel Dubai’s continuous commitment to originate value-added features, the hotel introduced Armani/SPA, offering fully tailored sensory experiences that suit individual needs. Each unique space in the Armani/SPA provides a context for personalized treatments, personal fitness and sequential thermal bathing, as well as for private and social relaxation.

Armani Hotel Dubai is located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, described as “The Centre of Now”, and is within walking distance of The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and some of Dubai’s most compelling tourist attractions, including The Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain.

More Information

Find out more about Armani Hotel Dubai and Emaar Hospitality at Arabian Travel Market 2023 by visiting stand HC0220 and also head over to armanihotels.com.

Superbly connected to Heathrow Airport’s Terminal 4 via a covered walkway, Hilton London Heathrow Airport offers excellent links to the capital and convenient air connections to the UK, Europe and beyond.

NEW FRESH LOOK

Following its recent refurbishment in 2021, the hotel launched a new restaurant concept, OXBO, which will have three different outlets at the hotel: OXBO Café, OXBO Bar and OXBO Kitchen, each with different food and drink menus available day and night. The new food outlets have been designed to cater for a wide variety of needs, from food on the go, to informal sharing plates, to hearty, traditional favourites, with the emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients.

The hotel has also extended its options for conference and events. In addition to its existing 15 meeting rooms – which can cater for up to 300 people – the hotel has also created the new Concorde Exhibition space, which has floor to ceiling windows and can comfortably accommodate up 170 people.

Whether staying for business or leisure, Hilton Heathrow Airport Terminal 4 is the perfect location for a great stay.

KEY FEAUTURES

Located just a six-minute walk via covered walkway to Terminal 4.

Award-winning hotel with personalised service and great recognition of regular guests.

Park & fly packages available with fully flexible rates.

Leaders of sustainability initiatives

The new restaurant concept, OXBO has been created under the ethos “bound by nature”, with the emphasis on responsibly sourced ingredients

Red Sea Global achieves sought after Green Key certification

Red Sea Global has become the first Saudi hospitality entity to achieve the prestigious Green Key certification for its Turtle Bay Hotel at the Red Sea

Turtle Bay Hotel is a self-operated property with 90 employees – 50 per cent of whom are Saudi nationals from the local community, and 30 per cent are Saudi females. The hotel was officially opened in September 2021 and is an advocate for training young Saudi talent entering the hospitality sector.

“As we shape the blueprints for regenerative, responsible tourism, we continue to root our efforts in transparency and accountability. The Green Key certification demonstrates we are being true to our word and living up to the expectations we set ourselves for sustainable growth. Such critical evaluations are key to holding us to account, while galvanizing the sector towards a collective journey into a new era of regeneration,” said John Pagano, group chief executive of RSG.

The leading independent certification for excellence in sustainable tourism was awarded to the hotel in recognition of exceptional efforts towards environmental protection, conservation and regeneration, as driven by a pioneering approach to responsible development.

The hotel was independently assessed by the Green Key Global, a leading international environmental certification body, which conducted a rigorous audit that tracked against 77 criteria across 13 applicable categories.

The hotel is powered by a wider vision to run all operations via 100 per cent renewable energy and deliver a 30 per cent net conservation benefit by 2040 through the protection and enhancement of key habitats crucial to biodiversity.

Turtle Bay Hotel makes optimal use of all natural resources. For instance, strategies are in place to ensure zero waste in sent to landfill and we eliminated single-use plastics, replacing non-recyclable packaging work in parallel with circular processes to prioritize recycling and reuse. The hotel also minimises water consumption in every aspect.

These commitments extend to the network of suppliers, who commit to lessening the negative environmental and social impact of their products, including transport to the destination.

Rigorous measures have been implemented towards a procurement structure for goods and services that prioritize ecolabelled and fairtrade sources, where high standards for the protection of workers and the environment are followed. For example, all seafood served at Turtle Bay Hotel is locally sourced and independently certified as responsibly farmed without negative impacts on the environment.

Similarly, the use of toxic chemicals is prevented to protect the health and safety of employees and guests alike, particularly with housekeeping products. All housekeeping chemicals products are locally produced, and 100 per cent ecofriendly.

Three resorts at the Red Sea will open this year along with the first phase of the Red Sea International airport to offer domestic flights. A further 13 hotels will open in 2024, and upon full completion in 2030, the destination will comprise 50 resorts, offering up to 8,000 hotel rooms and more than 1,000 residential properties across 22 islands and six inland sites.

More Information

RSG is a global multi-project developer, seeking to lead the world towards a more sustainable future, showing how responsible and regenerative development can uplift communities, drive economies, and enhance the environment. The protection of natural capital is central to all development decisions, as the organization seeks to create a better future for all.

Find out more at Stand ME5150 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023, or head over to www.redseaglobal.com.

Four Seasons Hotel Doha announces new GM

SHADI SULEMAN

Four Seasons Hotel Doha announces the promotion of Shadi Suleman to Senior General Manager. In his new role, he will continue to oversee Four Seasons Hotel Doha and have additional oversight of the upcoming Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar.

“It is with great pride that we share the news of Shadi’s promotion to Senior General Manager” says Simon Casson, President, Hotel OperationsEurope, Middle East and Africa for Four Seasons. “Beyond striving for perfection, Shadi’s exposure to numerous operations in the GCC and the Middle East, along with his pre-opening experience, will undoubtedly contribute to the further success of Four Seasons Hotel Doha and the highly anticipated debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar.”

A veteran of more than 20 years with Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Shadi has worked his way up in the company. He started his career in August 2002 at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre as Front Office Manager. In the years since, he has risen through the ranks with increasing responsibilities and challenging new assignments. In 2005, he joined the preopening team at Four Seasons Hotel Damascus. In 2007, he joined another pre-opening mission for Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus. In 2008, he made the move to Four Seasons Hotel Doha as Director of Rooms where he advanced to Hotel Manager in 2013. His first General Manager position was at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria, where he honed his leadership skills and oversaw the expansion and the renovation projects of the property.

After achieving tremendous success on the Mediterranean, a move to Doha followed in 2021, where he was appointed to General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Since his return, Shadi has led many successful projects, including FIFA World Cup 2022 activations, the refurbishment of Library Lounge, as well as the opening of Curiosa by Jean-Georges, Makani Beach Club and Le Deli Robuchon coming soon. Moreover, his commitment to exceptional service and quality in employee and guest experience, reflected in the Hotel’s #1 Best Hotel in the Middle East and #5 in the World accolade by Conde Nast Traveler award in 2022.

Moving forward, Shadi is dedicated to use his experience to overseeing the debut of Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl–Qatar and flourishing the identities of both Doha properties. “Four Seasons has been at the forefront of luxury hotel brands in Qatar and a market leader in the capital,” says Shadi. “With our growing portfolio in Doha, I look forward to working alongside General Manager Mehdi Zaanoun and our large family of professionals at The Pearl to position ourselves as the leader for resort guests and private residence owners.”

More Information

To find out more visit www.fourseasons.com or head over to stand ME1310, AZ3C at Arabian Travel Market.

DISCOVER AN URBAN SANCTUARY IN KUWAIT

Where modern Middle Eastern design sparks a genuine sense of wonder. Efficient for business and exciting for weekend getaways.

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Private Luxury - Middle East 2023

26-30 September 2023

Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel And Villas

United Arab Emirates privateluxuryforums.com

World Tourism Day 2023

27 September 2023

Global unwto.org

BLTM Delhi 2023

29-30 September 2023

India ttfotm.com

TIME 2023

29 September -

1 October 2023

Rennaissance Uluwatu Resort & Spa Indonesia time2023.com

World Travel Awards Europe Gala Ceremony 2023

30 September 2023

Batumi, Georgia worldtravelawards.com

October 2023

M&I Americas 2023

1-4 October 2023 United States mi-forums.com

innovate 2023

2 October 2023

Convene 225 Liberty St United States btninnovate.com

Outbound Travel Roadshow Southeast Asia 2023

2-6 October 2023

Global otrsea.com

Horticultural Expo 2023

2 October 2023 - 28

March 2024

Qatar dohaexpo2023.gov.qa

World Spa Awards Gala Ceremony 2023

3 October 2023

Dubai worldspaawards.com

DigiMarCon India 2023

4-5 October 2023

Hyatt Regency Gurgaon India digimarconeurope.com

Formula 1 Qatar Grand Prix 2023

6-8 October 2023

Losail International Circuit Qatar formula1.com

Resort & Residential Hospitality Forum 2023

9-11 October 2023

EPIC SANA LISBOA Portugal randrforum.com

Arival - Orlando 2023

9-12 October 2023

Gaylord Palms United States arivalevent.com

Africa ShowcaseSoutheast Asia 2023

9-13 October 2023

Singapore africashowcase.travel/ markets/southeast-asia

ICC Cricket World Cup

9 October -

26 November 2023

India cricketworldcup.com

m&i Luxe 2023

11-14 October 2023

Montenegro mi-forums.com

World Travel Tech Awards 2023

15 October 2023

Atlantis The Royal United Arab Emirates worldtraveltech awards.com

SITE Young Leaders Conference 2023

15-16 October 2023

United States siteglobal.com/event/site -young-leadersconference

World Routes 2023

15-17 October 2023

Turkey routesonline.com/events/ 244/routes-world-2023

World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2023

16 October 2023

Atlantis The Royal Dubai worldtravelawards.com

Business Travel Trends and ForecastsMinneapolis 2023

16 October 2023

United States businesstravelnews.com/ Business-Travel-Events

Site Nite North America 2023

16 October 2023

United States siteglobal.com

GITEX GLOBAL 2023

16-20 October 2023

Dubai World Trade Centre United Arab Emirates gitex.com

Africa Showcase - Latin America 2023

16-24 October 2023

Argentina africashowcase.travel

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Beijing 2023

17 October 2023

China china-ute.com/en

IMEX America 2023

17-19 October 2023

Mandalay Bay United States

imexamerica.com

Advertising Week New York 2023

17-20 October 2023

The Market Line United States advertisingweek.com

FUTR Summit - Asia 2023

18-19 October 2023

Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Singapore futr.today

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Shanghai 2023

19 October 2023

China china-ute.com/en/

Caravan Camping Lifestyle Expo - Canberra 2023

20-22 October 2023

Exhibition Park Australia caravanexpo.com/ canberra

Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix 2023

20-22 October 2023

Circuit of The Americas United Kingdom formula1.com

BITAC® Purchasing & Design West 2023

22-24 October 2023

Arizona Biltmore United States bitac.net

MCE South Europe 2023

22-24 October 2023

Spain europecongress.com

m&i Europe Autumn 2023

22-25 October 2023

Lake Como, Italy mi-forums.com

World Golf Awards Gala Ceremony 2023

23 October 2023

Yas Island, Abu Dhabi worldgolfawards.com

HICAP Hotel Investment Conference Asia Pacific 2023

23-25 October 2023

Fairmont Singapore & Swissotel The Stamford Singapore www.HICAP conference.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Chengdu 2023

24 October 2023

China china-ute.com/en/

ITB Asia 2023

25-27 October 2023

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands Singapore www.itb-asia.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Guangzhou 2023

26 October 2023

China china-ute.com/en/

Formula 1 Gran Premio De La Ciudad de México 2023

27-29 October 2023

Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez Mexico formula1.com

CTC Shanghai Corporate Travel Summit 2023

30 October 2023

China hk23.corporatetravelcom munity.com

November 2023

WTTC Global Summit 2023

1-3 November 2023

Rwanda www.wttc.org

CAPA Asia Aviation Summit & Sustainability Awards 2023

2-3 November 2023

Malaysia centreforaviation.com

Global European Marketplace (GEM) 2023

2-3 November 2023

United Kingdom etoa.org/events/gem

Formula 1 Rolex Grande Prêmio de São Paulo 2023

3-5 November 2023

Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, Brazil formula1.com

Strategic Meetings Summit - Chicago 2023

6 November 2023

United States businesstravelnews.com/ business-travel-events

World Travel Market 2023

6-8 November 2023

ExCeL London United Kingdom wtm.com/london

Business Travel Tech Talk - London 2023

7 November 2023

United Kingdom btngroup conferences.com

ASTA Premium Business Summit 2023

7-9 November 2023

United States asta.org

CLIA Expedition Showcase 2023

7-10 November 2023 Online cruising.org.au

Advertising Week LATAM 2023

8-10 November 2023

Online advertisingweek.com

Skift Aviation Forum 2023

9 November 2023

United States live.skift.com/skiftaviation-forum

Adventure Travel Show 2023

11-12 November 2023

Excel London United Kingdom adventureshow.com

ICCA Congress 2023

12-15 November 2023

Thailand iccaworld.com

Africa ShowcaseMitteleuropa 2023

13-17 November 2023

Global africashowcase.travel

DigiMarCon Las Vegas 2023

16-17 November 2023

Wynn Las Vegas

United States digimarconlasvegas.com

FUTR Summit - North America 2023

16-17 November 2023

United States futr.today

Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix 2023

17-19 November 2023

United States formula1.com

Business Travel Trends and Forecasts - New York 2023

20 November 2023

United States btngroup conferences.com

ETOA European Travel Marketplace - Asia Pacific 2023

21 November 2023

Online etoa.org

BTN CALENDAR

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Taiyuan 2023

21 November 2023

China china-ute.com/en

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Xi'an 2023

23 November 2023

China china-ute.com/en/

CTC Sydney Corporate Travel Summit 2023

23-24 November 2023

Australia hk23.corporatetravel community.com

Formula 1 Etihad Airways

Abu Dhabi 2023

24-26 November 2023

Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island

United Arab Emirates formula1.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Fuzhou 2023

28 November 2023

China china-ute.com/en/

CAPA World Aviation Summit & Awards for Excellence 2023

28-29 November 2023

United Arab Emirates was19.capaevents.com

IBTM World 2023

28-30 November 2023

Spain ibtmworld.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Kunming 2023

30 November 2023

China

china-ute.com/en/

COP 28 - 2023

30 November - 12 December 2023

United Arab Emirates unfccc.int

December 2023

ILTM Cannes 2023

4-7 December 2023

Palais des Festivals et des Congrès

France iltm.com/cannes/home

THE BEAT LIVE 2023

5 December 2023

United States thebeatliveevent.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Hangzhou 2023

5 December 2023 China china-ute.com/en/

Business Travel Trends and Forecasts - Dallas 2023

6 December 2023 United States btngroup conferences.com

m&i Luxe 2023

6-9 December 2023

Mexico mi-forums.com

Universal Tourism Exhibition - Shenzhen 2023

7 December 2023 China china-ute.com/en/

World Cruise Awards Gala Ceremony 2023

8 December 2023

worldcruiseawards.com

World Culinary Awards Gala Ceremony 2023

9 December 2023

worldculinaryawards.com

Business Travel Trends and Forecasts - San Francisco 2023

11 December 2023

United States btngroup conferences.com

Skift Global Forum East 2023

12-14 December 2023

United Arab Emirates live.skift.com/ skift-global-forum-east2023

HOTELEX Shenzhen 2023

14-16 December 2023

Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center China www.hotelex.cn

January 2024

CES 2024

9-12 January 2024

United States ces.tech

ALIS Law 2024

21-22 January 2024

Courtyard/Residence Inn

United States

burba.com/ALISlaw

The Americas Lodging Investment Summit 2024

22-24 January 2024

JW Marriott/Ritz-Carlton United States alisconference.com

February 2024

NBAA Leadership Conference 2024

6-8 February 2024

United States nbaa.org

OTM Mumbai 2024

8-10 February 2024

Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai India otm.co.in

Conventa 2024

21-22 February 2024

Ljubljana Exhibition and Convention Centre Slovenia

www.conventa.si

Hungexpo 2024

22-25 February 2024

Hungexpo Budapest Fair Center

Hungary

utazas.hungexpo.hu/en

March 2024

HOSTEX 2024

3-5 March 2024

Sandton Convention Centre South Africa hostex.co.za

ITB Berlin 2024

5-7 March 2024

Messe Berlin Germany itb-berlin.com

HOSTELCO 2024

12-14 March 2024

Recinto Gran Via Spain hostelco.com

April 2024

Azerbaijan International Travel & Tourism Fair 2024

3-5 April 2024

Baku Expo Centre Azerbaijan aitf.az

ILTM AfricaInternational Luxury Travel Market Africa 2024

7-9 April 2024

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens

Cape Town, South Africa iltm.com/Africa

AERO Friedrichshafen

17-20 April 2024

Friedrichshafen Germany aero-expo.com

Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF) 2024

24-26 April 2024

Atakent International Exhibition Centre

Almaty, Kazakhstan kitf.kz

Breaking Travel News

Travel Calendar is the world’s leading travel events calendar

CLICk the screenshot below to VISIT the BTN TRAVEL EVENTS CALENDAR, then Click on any event to find out the full lowdown.

DXB Snow Run was launched in 2020 and was one of the first snow sports competition s in the world to take place postlockdown.

Ski Dubai and Dubai Sports Council to host DXB Snow Run

Ski Dubai in partnership with Dubai Sports Council have announced that the fourth edition of the DXB Snow Run will take place on 21 May. The unique running experience is open to anyone between the ages of 15 and 70 and will see participants navigate the slopes of Ski Dubai in -40C.

DXB Snow Run was launched in 2020 and was one of the first snow sports competitions in the world to take place post-lockdown. Due to popular demand, it has become an annual event and last year a record 500 athletes from various nationalities took part.

Mohammad El Etri, Vice President, Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment & Cinemas, said, “Ski Dubai is delighted to partner with Dubai Sports Council once again to host this unique event, which enables members of the community to stay fit and active as the weather heats up. We’re also excited to introduce a team’s category this year for added camaraderie. DXB Snow Run is just one of many events we host throughout the year as part of our commitment to improve community wellbeing by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Ali Omar Al Balooshi, Director of Sports Events, Dubai Sports Council, said, “We are always delighted to partner with Ski Dubai on initiatives such as the DXB Snow Run. Our partnership is built on our shared commitment to bring the community together through sport. We are confident that by hosting regular community events and sport initiatives, we can improve the overall health and wellbeing of Dubai residents.”

The first race starts at 6.30am and runners can choose from two distances – 3km (3 loops) or 5km (5 loops). A new teams category has been added this year which allows groups of five people to take part in the race where they will be competing against other teams. Each person that crosses the finish line will receive a commemorative medal. Registration is now open (until 18 May) and participants can secure their spot on PremierOnline.

Ski Dubai was awarded ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort 2022’ at World Ski Awards.

More information

To find out more about Majid Al Fattaim visit stand ME3010 at ATM

Mandarin Oriental’s Greece debut with Costa Navarino resort

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino will bring the Group’s unparalleled legendary hospitality to Greece for the first time when it opens in this summer. The luxury retreat is located in the southwest Peloponnese and is part of Costa Navarino, a sustainably driven destination.

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is infused with the long-held traditions and cultural heritage of this exceptional region. The resort, which cascades down a landscaped hillside nestled on a beachfront overlooking one of the most unspoiled landscapes in the Mediterranean, offers a back-to-nature experience with mesmerising views of the surrounding countryside, the azure sea, and dramatic sunsets.

Design and interiors

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino features 99 elegant, light-filled suites and earthsheltered villas with private pools and spacious terraces. Blending luxurious serenity with the traditional Messenian style of the region, the resort is the perfect backdrop for guests seeking to create memorable moments with family and loved ones.

The resort's essence embraces the natural beauty of Messenia and the relaxed ambience of Costa Navarino with accents featuring local Mediterranean plants, earthy undertones, and gentle splashes of colour. The decor celebrates aspects of 19thcentury Greek design and reflects the surrounding historical sites.

The resort and its environs feature more than 2,700 replanted olive trees and over 500,000 planted native shrubs, while the overall project has been built to the developer’s rigorous sustainable specifications in keeping with Mandarin Oriental’s deeply ingrained corporate responsibility ethos.

Dining Concepts

Creative, exciting, and delicious dining is a key feature of the resort experience. The five restaurants and bars redefine authentic Greek traditions, honouring local culture while also providing a wide variety of original flavours from international cuisines.

Wellness, relaxation, and sport experiences

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino is a rejuvenating sanctuary offering wellbeing and beauty treatments inspired by the Group’s traditional rituals from the Far East and the abundant flora of Greece. In addition to a variety of private treatment rooms, heat and water experiences, the Spa features a 25-metre swimming pool that flows indoors to outdoors.

Wellness experts are on hand for tailormade fitness experiences, with yoga, nutrition advice, tennis coaching and intelligent movement programmes included.

A wide variety of water experiences, from paddle boards to water skiing, are available from the beach club, which also features an expansive swimming pool with relaxation decks, just steps from the beach.

Golf aficionados will also appreciate the 18-hole designer golf course that surrounds the resort, as well as three further designer golf courses across Costa Navarino, with access to elegant golf clubs, affording exceptional views of the surrounding coastline.

Costa Navarino was voted ‘World's Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at World Golf Awards 2022.

Mandarin Oriental’s guests will also have access to a wide array of activities offered across Costa Navarino’s extensive sites, such as tennis, biking, hiking, yachting, a watersports hub and a variety of dining venues.

For more information and reservations, visit www.mandarinoriental.com and for Costa Navarino vist www.costanavarino.com

Costa Navarino was voted ‘World's Best Emerging Golf Destination’ at World Golf Awards 2022.

Aman Resorts expands luxury portfolio

Aman Resorts is increasing is global portfolio with a series of new openings in the luxury pipeline

Aman Nai Lert Bangkok (opening 2024)

Amid the skyscrapers of central Bangkok, Thailand’s first urban Aman hotel and residences will rise from the verdant sanctuary that is Nai Lert Park. Here, history and nature will come together to tell a new Aman story, one entwined with the exceptional legacy of Thailand’s revered Nai Lert family.

The legacy

Known as Thailand’s first and foremost developer, Nai Lert founded his eponymous company in 1894. From revolutionising Thai daily life with the introduction of ice, to establishing the first five-star hotel in Bangkok, Nai Lert was a visionary in every way.

Your sanctuary in Bangkok

An emerald jewel amid the embassies of central Bangkok, Nai Lert Park rests in green seclusion on Wireless Road. Here it has flourished since 1915, when the founder of Thailand’s pioneering Nai Lert Group acquired the land to preserve its natural beauty in perpetuity. Nai Lert, as Lert Sreshthaputra was known, built a home, now a museum, and a legacy still growing today.

Amid the leafy embrace of Nai Lert Park, Aman Nai Lert Bangkok will offer guests and residents a peerless experience of the Thai capital. Designed with wraparound views, open-air terraces and an innovative central atrium by Jean Michel Gathy of Denniston, the 36-storey building will house the 52-suite hotel, no more than 50 residences and unparalleled leisure and entertainment facilities.

Amanvari (opening 2025)

Tucked away where the sea, the wild desert and farmland meet, Aman’s new destination in Mexico will offer a peaceful escape and private oasis at the edge of the Sea of Cortés.

Located in Baja's East Cape, Amanvari, which takes its name from the Sanskrit-derived words for “peace” and “water,” features a resort, private Aman Residences, multiple dining venues, Aman Spa, and its own stretch of white sand beach.

A home away from the everyday

A naturally inspiring setting in harmony with the landscape. An unparalleled standard of design and architecture. Aman Residences represent a complete immersion in the Aman lifestyle – an opportunity to discover the world, and your own sanctuary to retreat to whenever you need it.

Where art and nature meet

An organic, contemporary design aesthetic permeates Amanvari, with spaces that flow seamlessly from indoors to out. Pavilions and homes rise from the surrounding landscapes, commanding enviable views over the Sea of Cortés.

Under the Baja sky

Internal courtyards and lounge areas, expansive floorto-ceiling glass walls and playful screening allow homeowners to enjoy Baja's blue skies and aweinspiring views.

Aman Niseko (opening 2026)

Hokkaido is Japan’s untamed northern wilderness, as famous for its summer flower fields as for its legendary ski resorts. On the slopes of Mount Moiwa, Niseko’s finest gem, lies Aman’s fourth Japanese property.

Hokkaido is Japan’s untamed northern wilderness, as famous for its summer flower fields as for its legendary ski resorts. On the slopes of Mount Moiwa, Niseko’s finest gem, lies Aman’s fourth Japanese property. The only development on the mountain, it encompasses the country’s first destination wellness retreat and 31 exclusive Aman branded Residences, all set within a nature reserve.

Harmonious design

On nature’s doorstep, this new Aman destination will provide unrivalled access to seasonal outdoor pursuits, from skiing and snowboarding in winter, to hiking, mountain biking and river rafting the rest of the year. Befitting the onsen capital of the world, both indoor and outdoor onsen – Japanese hot spring bathing pools –will be a feature of the Aman Spa and every Residence.

Designed by the late Kerry Hill to complement its pristine natural setting, the property epitomises Aman’s devotion to detail while embodying the renowned thoughtfulness of Japanese hospitality. The architectural concept was deliberately contemporary, with subtle references to traditional design motifs of Hokkaido’s indigenous people, the Ainu.

A personal playground

The gracious main pavilion houses a living room, two restaurants and a private dining room, a bar, whiskey and cigar lounge, library, ski retail area, ski lockers, a boutique and a gallery. The resort’s 30 suites are housed in a separate pavilion, all with mountain views.

Unparalleled service

While Aman hotels and resorts promise guests unparalleled opportunities to unwind, explore and discover, Aman Residences offer their owners complete immersion in the Aman way of life. The free-standing, two-storey Residences will all have a calming linear aesthetic yet will be customised to suit individual preferences. Extensive entertaining areas, terraces and dedicated ski rooms will complement one to three bedrooms and a loft-like mezzanine level.

Aman Miami Beach (opening 2025)

A catalyst for culture and connection, Miami Beach’s vibrant Faena District will soon be home to Aman’s fourth destination in North America.

In a prime oceanfront site on Collins Avenue, Aman Miami Beach will follow in the footsteps of Aman New York as a torchbearer for Aman’s urban evolution, encapsulating the inimitable energy of its dynamic setting.

Sanctuary restored

Occupying an iconic Art Deco tower on the mid-beach skyline – the former home of the Versailles Hotel –Aman Miami Beach's hotel will be the product of a meticulous restoration by John Michel Gathy of Denniston, re-establishing the site as a visual landmark while embracing Aman’s ethos of uncomplicated serenity.

Between ocean and city

Wraparound terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows will frame Atlantic Ocean views from Aman Miami Beach’s 56-guest suites, where the Aman way of life is to be fully realised in urban form. Where the tropical island environment, juxtaposed with the buzz of the hotel’s revolutionary neighborhood, will create a truly unique guest experience.

For a select few, Aman Miami Beach will also become home, with a new standalone residence-only building resting alongside the hotel as a new addition to the landscape, designed by Kengo Kuma and offering no more than 22 branded residences.

As part of this new community, guests and residence owners alike will enjoy direct beach access, the services of a comprehensive Aman Spa and nightly dining and entertainment in several new venues. The hotel will also house an exclusive Aman Club, providing members with the opportunity to reconnect in this culturally stimulating setting.

Savour Vietnam with SAIGONTOURIST GROUP

With a long history of 48 years of establishment and development, Saigontourist Group is proud to be the leading hospitality group in Vietnam. The Group currently manages more than 100 hotels, resorts, restaurants, travel agencies, amusement parks, hospitality college, exhibition and convention center, golf course, cable television…

SAIGONTOURIST GROUP

Culinary Culture

Cuisine is one of Saigontourist Group's strong service areas and the Group manages more than 70 restaurants belonging to hotels, resorts, tourist areas and a number of independent restaurants and F&B centers. The restaurant specializes in introducing a wide range of cuisines, events, weddings, conferences... with a variety of Asian, European and Vietnamese culinary styles. In particular, Saigontourist Group has experience in organizing large-scale culinary and cultural events such as the "Saigontourist Group Culinary Culture, Delicacies Festival 2022". The event was voted by the World Culinary Awards as "Asia's Best Culinary Festival 2022".

Visit

Breaking

Travel News interview:

Slim Zaiane, General Manager, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates

BTN: How would you describe the mood in Dubai tourism as we approach the key summer season?

Slim Zaiane: Our outlook for the upcoming summer season is positive, and we eagerly anticipate hosting our guests at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Dubai's standing as a cosmopolitan city with world-class amenities and attractions further enhances its appeal to travelers. Moreover, the government has introduced various initiatives to promote tourism, including many indoor attractions and Dubai Summer Surprises festival, which offers attractive retail offers. In addition to our renowned dining venues, luxury spa, private cinema and luxury rooms, suites and chalets, we are in the heart of Dubai. Directly connected to Mall of the Emirates boasting over 600 retail outlets, including highend luxury brands, and

the city’s main attraction

Ski Dubai, we are a popular destination for both tourists and residents of Dubai, all year. We have already observed a surge in bookings, particularly from the GCC markets, and we anticipate this trend to continue throughout the summer season.

BTN: This is the thirtieth anniversary of Arabian Travel Market – how will the Kempinski delegation be contributing to the celebrations?

SZ: As a leading luxury hotel brand in the region, Kempinski is proud to be part of the Arabian Travel Market's thirtieth anniversary celebrations. We will be showcasing our portfolio of hotels and resorts, highlighting our commitment to delivering personalized experiences that reflect the culture and heritage of the destinations we operate in. Our team of experts will be available to

provide information about our properties and answer any questions from ATM attendees. We are looking forward to connecting with industry professionals and promoting Kempinski as the leading luxury hospitality brand.

BTN: How has tourism in Dubai tourism developed over the past three decades – and how important is the sector today?

SZ: Dubai's tourism industry has come a long way over the past three decades. The government's visionary leadership and proactive approach to developing tourism infrastructure have made Dubai a world-renowned destination attracting millions of visitors every year. The sector is a key contributor to the economy and supports a diverse range of businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and retail. Today, Dubai is

known for its world-class events, business tourism, medical tourism, and cultural tourism offerings. This is an important year for Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates as we celebrate our 17th anniversary and mark our continued dedication to service excellence and creating memorable experiences that keep our guests coming back. We are committed to continuous improvement, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of guests' needs and preferences, and our ongoing efforts to remain a leading player in Dubai's luxury hospitality industry.

BTN: Can you tell me about the property you lead - Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates –this is one of the few places in the world where the sand meets the snow?

SZ: The Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a luxurious property located in Dubai's popular

shopping and entertainment district. Its unique feature is Ski Dubai, which is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy winter sports in the desert. This makes it a truly distinctive property and one of the few places in the world where sand

meets the snow. The hotel's location and amenities make it a popular choice among both leisure and business travelers looking for an exceptional and unforgettable experience in Dubai.

BTN: The property took the title of World's

Leading Shopping Mall Hotel at the World Travel Awards – how important are accolades such as those to the success of the property?

SZ: Accolades such as World's Leading Shopping Mall Hotel at the World Travel Awards are extremely important to

the success of the property. Winning such recognition demonstrates the quality of services and facilities that we offer and make us stand out in a vibrant city. Such recognition attracts our discerning travellers who seek exceptional experiences and motivates us to continue to raise the bar and provide the best possible service to our guests.

BTN: Finally, what can we expect to see at the hotel in 2023 to ensure it defends its industry leading place this year?

SZ: To maintain our position as an industry leader, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is constantly striving for innovation in its services. In 2023, the hotel plans to enhance its offerings by adding two state-of-theart F&B concepts, expand its wellness offerings and upgrade its digital capabilities to provide guests with a seamless and personalized experience. We aim to provide more sustainable options to support our commitment to environmental responsibility and continue to attract discerning travellers from around the world.

More information

To find out more about Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates visit stand HC0663 at ATM 2023.

Doha recognised as Arab Tou Arab Tourism Organization f

Ministers, ambassadors and leaders from Arab nations attended the commemoration event today in Katara Cultural Village which honoured Doha with the prestigious title

Doha has been officially recognised as the Arab Tourism Capital 2023 by the Arab Tourism Organization for Tourism at a commemoration ceremony. Held under the patronage of His Excellency the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Khalid bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al-Thani at the Katara

Cultural Village. The event was attended by tourism ministers, ambassadors and prominent leaders from the nations that are represented by the Arab Tourism Organization, as well as Visit Qatar’s brand ambassadors Nasser Al-Attiyah and Mutaz Barsham.

In addition to an official key handover ceremony which saw Doha being crowned the title Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, the event also featured spectacular performances by Dana Alfardan, as well as a Arda and fireworks show.

Commenting on the occasion, Chairman of Qatar Tourism and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, said: “It is an honour to see Doha being named as the Arab Tourism Capital 2023 by the Arab Tourism Organization. One of the industry’s most prestigious accolades, the Arab Tourism Capital award is a testament of our exceptional achievements in leisure and hospitality. I am proud of our city’s tireless efforts that have culminated in this honourable recognition and look forward to

urism Capital 2023 by the for Tourism

further cementing Doha’s position as one of the world’s most sought-after leisure destinations.”

The Arab Tourism Organization declared Doha as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2023, in its 25th session at the Arab League General Secretariat Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. The session was chaired by Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Nayef Fayez, amongst other prominent Arab leaders. Cities were evaluated based on a selection of

criteria including tourism management, infrastructure and resources, safety and security, diversity of tourism activations, and preservation and protection of the environment.

By continuing to host internationally renowned events, investing in hospitality offerings and expanding into more specialised areas of tourism, Qatar is in a perfect position to meet its goal of welcoming six million visitors a year by 2030.

More Information

Visit Qatar Tourism at Arabian Travel Market 2023 on stand ME1310, AZ3C and also head over to visitqatar.com

INTERVIEW: Mujahid Mohammed, Events, EXPO 2023 Doha CLICK TO WATCH

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS ™ WINNER WALL PLAQUE

The World Travel Awards™ Winner Wall Plaque is perfect for display outside premises, in hotel lobbies, receptions, sales counters in fact anywhere you want the public to see that you have been voted the best of the best within World Travel Awards, the most comprehensive and recognised travel awards programme in the world.

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The wall plaque is produced from a base of 30 pound High Density Urethane (HDU) which is then coated with a cold applied, real metal coating. This patented LuminOre® Metalizing Process is up to seventy-five percent real metal and is in use worldwide as an architectural and industrial coating. LuminOre® is well established, reliable and extremely durable. After application, it has all the properties of cast or sheet metal but without the limitations.

DIMENSIONS

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25.4 x 26.7 centimetres

OPTIONS

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PRICING

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SHIPPING

The Winner Wall Plaque is made to order. Delivery can be expected approximately six weeks from receipt of payment.

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St. Regis Downtown Dubai appoints new GM

The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park have appointed Vipin Khattar as the new Multi-Property General Manager.

A passionate hotelier, Khattar brings with him more than two decades of illustrious experience in luxury hotel operations, primarily in the UK, Middle East, and Africa. As Multi-Property General Manager of The St. Regis Downtown Dubai and Delta Hotels by Marriott, Dubai Investment Park, he will oversee the properties’ overall operations, cultivate bespoke guest experiences, further enhance its F&B portfolio, improve employee satisfaction and more.

Vipin Khattar has held various significant and career-defining roles including General Manager of The Hyatt Regency Dubai Creek Heights, where he launched and operated the most successful and highest revenue-generating F&B outlet; Eve Penthouse and Lounge.

An alumnus of Hotel Management and Catering Technology from IHTTI School, Neuchatel, Switzerland with a specialisation in Hospitality Operations, he is known for his exceptional sales and marketing skills and effective leadership style. He has filled the role of Raja Zeidan, who is now the Chief Operating Officer at RDK Group.

Commenting on his new appointment, Vipin Khattar said, “I am honoured to be at the helm of two incredible properties and be part of the Marriott International brand. I look forward to work alongside both teams to continue crafting and elevating exquisite guest experiences, whilst aspiring for both hotels to lead in their luxury and premiumselect segments.”

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To find out more visit marriott.com or head over to stand ME3050 at ATM 2023.

Ras Al Khaimah: it’s a journey

The fastest growing destination in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah offers a wealth of new experiences across its mountain, desert and beach landscapes, waiting to be discovered at the RAKTDA stand ME3410.

The Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority is aiming to develop its tourism infrastructure and establish the naturebased Emirate as a world-class destination for leisure, business and adventure travel, announcing sustainable investment opportunities and enhancing the quality of

life for its residents. Known as the fastest growing destination in the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah has hosted several prestigious international and regional events over the past years and is set to become the regional leader in environmentally conscious tourism by 2025.

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Head over to stand ME2210 and visit visitrasalkhaimah.com.

Our location in the thriving Msheireb area makes Alwadi Hotel MGallery your preferred location

General manager, Ramsey Saarany

Alwadi Doha –MGallery Hotel Collection makes a splash in Qatar

Offering boutique luxury with 213 luxurious rooms and suites, Alwadi Hotel MGallery has redefined travel to Doha

Located in the landmark smart city of Msheireb, Alwadi Hotel MGallery offers guests unparalleled convenient access to historic Souq Waqif, Doha’s iconic Corniche and world-class museums.

Located just 15 minutes from Hamad International Airport and ten minutes from West Bay, the hotel is ideally situated to meet the needs of business and leisure travelers alike.

General manager, Ramsey Saarany, said

the hotel had established itself as a leading force – from its stunning rooms and suites to the restaurants and cafes. “Our location in the thriving Msheireb area makes Alwadi Hotel MGallery your preferred location to enjoy this truly immersive and unique experience in Qatar. You can either experience an indulgent well-being break, enjoy a lively dinner in one of our esteemed restaurants, or use the hotel as a base to explore Qatar’s rich cultural landscape.”

With a design steeped in history and culture, Alwadi Hotel MGallery rooms and suites have thoughtful amenities, stunning Arabic-inspired patterns, and a vibrant colour scheme to bring a touch of Qatar’s rich heritage to its contemporary design. The best-selling Souq Suites and the Royal Suite offer balconies overlooking Souq Waqif, while the Superior, Deluxe, and Executive rooms offer spectacular views of the West Bay skyline.

All rooms feature the hotel’s unique cocoon MyBed concept, as well as special products and amenities for female travelers chosen as part of the brand ‘Inspired by Her’ concept, which includes medium-and small-sized bathrobes, emergency kits, a sleep menu, and ‘Inspired by Her’

Alwadi Hotel MGallery has led the market with its innovative food and beverage outlets offering unique and memorable experiences for each diner. The centrepiece is its popular Le Colonial, which offers guests a trip through Qatar's history while enjoying breakfast overlooking Souq Waqif.

Cila Levantine Cuisine, with its design meant to evoke Qatar's famed maritime heritage, wooden dhows, and highlights the region's flavours. Meanwhile, alfresco O'Glacée, located next to the hotel's pool and with views across Msheireb, is a much sought-after place to chill and relax.

Located on the hotel's rooftop, Infinity has unparalleled views of Doha's skyline and a menu of innovative drinks and bites inspired by the pages of Around the World in 90 Days.

AtTEAtude, on the hotel's ground floor, enables guests to enjoy the creative masterpieces of Alwadi Hotel MGallery's pastry chefs while admiring the view of Souq Waqif and Msheireb.

Alwadi Hotel MGallery's team strives to provide each guest with their own memorable moment, an exclusive experience that inspires lifelong memories,” Saarany concluded.

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beverages. To be more inclusive, ten guest rooms have been specially designed to accommodate guests with special needs, including braille communication tools.

Alwadi Hotel Doha is home to the awardwinning M|Spa, which houses five treatment rooms, a steam room, a sauna, and a relaxation area for rejuvenation and comfort. Alongside, M|Fit, the hotel’s fitness centre, is furnished with the latest Technogym equipment.

Alwadi Doha – MGallery Hotel Collection has been nominated for the titles of ‘Middle East’s Leading Hotel Service Award’ and ‘Qatar’s Leading City Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards. Find

Breaking Travel News’ partners Virtual World Internet.

Yas Island Abu Dhabi to host World Golf Awards 2023

Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island and Yas Links

ABU Dhabi will play host to the 10th annual World Golf Awards on 23 October 2023.

Leading names from the golfing world will join VIPs and figureheads from the golf travel industry for what will mark the third World Golf Awards visit to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.

The prize-giving evening at Radisson Blu Hotel Yas Island will form the climax of an exclusive golfing itinerary, which will include golf at the 18-hole, championship Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

The ceremony will bring together market leaders from more than 65 nations across Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Latin America, North America and Oceania.

Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards, said: “We are delighted to be hosting World Golf Awards 2023 on Abu Dhabi’s incredible Yas Island, with its amazing golf and exquisite hotels. With every continent represented, the event will be a truly global gathering of the golf tourism industry as we find out which brands are shaping our future.”

Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island is set amidst the extraordinary beauty of the Abu Dhabi. Enjoy the best of Arabian island life: swim in the blue waters of the gulf at Cyan Beach, enjoy concerts at Etihad Arena, or visit some of the UAE’s biggest attractions and theme parks.

The 18-hole championship Yas Links Abu Dhabi is a golfing masterpiece, combining visual glory with the thrill of golf’s ultimate test. Home to the 2022 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the Kyle Phillips designed course is set alongside the water’s edge, against dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf.

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For more information about Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island visit radissonhotels.com

For more information about Yas Links Abu Dhabi visit stand ME2450 and ME2410 at ATM 2023, or click on www.viyagolf.com.

The event will be a truly global gathering of the golf tourism industry

Chris Frost, Managing Director, World Golf Awards

World-class links golf in the heart of Abu Dhabi

Home to the 2022 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the Kyle Phillips designed course combines visual glory with the thrill of golf’s ultimate test.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi is the first true links golf course in the Middle East, perfectly located on the western shores of Abu Dhabi’s entertainment hotspot, Yas Island. The par 72, 18-hole championship links course opened in 2010 and takes in rolling hills and seaside greens, and currently ranks #34 in Golf Digest’s world golf rankings.

Hosting the golf element of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games, Yas Links Abu Dhabi has also hosted DP World Tour’s season opening Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, a Rolex Series event.

Alongside championship golf, the resort also offers a luxurious clubhouse and golf academy, gym, swimming pool, male spa and worldclass floodlit practice ranges with state-of-the-art Toptracer technology. Dining options include Hickory’s

restaurant with stunning views over the mangroves and Abu Dhabi skyline, and Japanese restaurant MATSU.

Yas Links Abu Dhabi will play host to the 10th annual World Golf Awards on 23 October 2023.

More Information

To find out more about Yas Links Abu Dhabi visit stand ME2450 and ME2410 at ATM 2023, or click on www.viyagolf.com.

Easier than ever to visit Saudi Arabia with new stopover visa

The free-ofcharge option is open to a wider number of countries than ever before

The Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), the Ministry of Tourism (MT), the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MOHU), Saudia and flynas, has welcomed the launch of a new Stopover Visa. The free-ofcharge stopover visa is open to a wider number of countries than the historic tourism eVisa and is Saudi’s latest move to make the destination more accessible. The visa will allow passengers to stay in the country for up to 96 hours, enabling more visitors than ever to explore Saudi’s incomparable historical, cultural and spiritual sites.

Travelers will also be able to use the Stopover Visa to perform the spiritual Umrah ritual. Spiritual travellers can book flights through Saudia and flynas, but must also register for Umrah through the Nusuk platform.

Even more exciting for visitors, Stopover Visa holders will be eligible for a complimentary one-night hotel stay during the stopover when booking through Saudia. To help visitors make the most of their stopover, custom 24, 48, 72 and 96-hour itineraries have been developed to inspire visitors to stroll through Jeddah’s Al-Balad, or visit the Al-Turaif district in Diriyah, one of the six UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Saudi Arabia.

Visitors can also use the Stopover Visa to break up long-haul flights or book a bonus trip to experience Saudi’s burgeoning entertainment and seasonal events calendar or even extend a business trip on the way to their final destination.

Ahmed Al Khateeb, minister of tourism of

Saudi Arabia, said: “The new Stopover Visa is yet another proof point is Saudi’s commitment to developing and encouraging growth in the tourism sector. We will continue to work together across government and across the tourism ecosystem as Saudi transforms into a leading global tourism destination.”

The stopover visa application will be automatically available through the airline booking platforms for all passengers traveling to their final destination on SAUDIA or flynas airlines. A stopover can be made through any airport in Saudi. For many, the application process can be completed in under three minutes and can be applied for up to three months before travel.

The visa provides yet another flexible option for visitors to experience the authentic home of Arabia and will contribute to Saudi’s vision of reaching 100 million visits annually by 2030.

Fahd Hamidaddin, chief executive of the Saudi Tourism Authority, said: "This

announcement of Saudi’s inaugural Stopover Visa is a landmark example of integrated public and private sector cooperation as we continue to share our country and the places we call home with the world. Saudi is committed to a seamless visitor experience. In partnership with our national air carriers, SAUDIA and Flynas, we are using digital innovation to provide an instant Stopover Visa, which only enhances Saudi’s accessibility and our world-class destination offering.”

More Information

Visit the Saudi Tourism Authority here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 on stands ME4410 and ME4350 – or head over to www.sta.gov.sa for more information.

Saudi is committed to a seamless visitor experience.

FAhd Hamidaddin, chief executive of the Saudi Tourism Authority,

INTERVIEW: Peter Fitzhardinge, Acting Head Tourism, NEOM CLICK TO WATCH

Forte Village unveils sustainability push in Italy

Award-winning property is seeking to drive home eco-tourism message with new campaign

Forte Village is seeking to plant 1,000 trees by the end of 2023 and collect 1,000 kilograms of waste plastic by the end of May. The two targets are the main objectives that see Forte Village at the forefront of achieving sustainability in full compliance with an added commitment to honour the sea, the territory, the nature and the local community of majestic south Sardinia.

Forte Village has always been strongly committed to sustainable development, and this is most evidently seen through an introduction and implementation of a wide range of sustainable and proactive initiatives. These include the recycling of water, a commitment to reducing energy consumption, protection of the biodiversity of its park, waste and procurement management, as well as support for local economic development.

This year began with an even more declared commitment towards sustainable development with two non-profit environmental projects.

‘One Year, 1,000 Trees’ was launched in collaboration with the Destination Management Company FA Travel, a historical partner of Forte Village instrumental helping guests discover the wonders of southern Sardinia.

The goal of this collaboration is to plant 1,000 trees by the end of 2023. So far, the first 200 trees have been planted by Forte Village and FA Travel team in the countryside of Ussana. The trees are a mixture of carob, wild olive, pear and almond trees and act a symbol of this incredibly important initiative that will help create a green lung for the benefit of future generations.

Secondly, ‘Fishing for Litter’ has launched in partnership with Ogyre.

This initiative, which began in May last year, sees direct involvement of local fisherman all working towards the same goal.

The goal of this collaboration is to collect 1,000 kilograms of marine litter before the end of May. The project is part of an international campaign, which sees the commitment of fishermen around the world to recover the waste that remains in the nets during fishing activities on the high seas, sorted on

board and delivered to the port to be placed in the disposal.

These are the numbers that motivated Forte Village to launch their own project and make a valuable contribution to preserving the beauty of its surrounding sea. The water from which is harnessed for their renowned thalassotherapy circuit, which has no equals in the world.

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Forte Village is considered the World’s Leading Resort by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Forte Village will be present at Arabian Travel Market on the Leading Hotels of the World stand at HC0730.

For more information, head over to fortevillageresort.com

INTERVIEW: Sonia Proietti Checchi, Head of Sales Italy and Middle East, Forte Village CLICK TO WATCH

Discover London, its history, architecture, shopping, museums, nightlife, luxurious hotels and spas, wonderful restaurants and of course its people. Let Discover London take you on daily tour to understand and learn more about the sights, sounds and the culture of one of the greatest cities in the world.

London is one of the most visited cities and is a diverse cultural hub — responding to this, Discover London brings you the news in eight languages. Whether it serves tourists or Londoners themselves, there will be a language for almost everyone. Check our ‘About’ section to discover more about this beautiful city.

Georgia-based real estate developer Next Group offers outstanding 5-star branded residences in partnership with Radisson Blu and Wyndham. Next Group has developed premium infrastructure and hospitality services on the Black Sea coast in Batumi Gonio, which boosted the profile of this location among tourists and investors worldwide.

Those projects give customers a unique opportunity to become co-investor and hotel room owner of Radisson Blu and Wyndham. Besides branded residences, the company develops and manages aparthotels and villas.

Next Collection – the company's new aparthotel with 5-star infrastructure and services on the first coastline next to Batumi Botanical Garden, significantly increased the demand for the location.

Georgia’s Next Group goes from strength to strength

The company’s eight large-scale hospitality projects, featuring 3,500 hotel rooms, elevated Batumi's real estate and hospitality industry to the next level, which is a proof of its excellence in hospitality development.

Next Group is going international and soon will launch a project on Dubai's first coastline.

Visit

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

WITH THE RETURN OF INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL, THE GEORGIAN CITY OF BATUMI IS RAPIDLY ESTABLISHING ITSELF AS ONE OF EUROPE’S MOST EXCITING DESTINATIONS.

Batumi enjoys a delightful setting on the shores of the Black Sea, with a backdrop of the soaring snow-capped Ajara Mountains.

The capital of the autonomous Ajara region is home to a delightful belle époque old town, which has been restored to its original glory. It also offers a scintillating mix of old and new thanks to a construction boom that is transforming its skyline, with new hotels and glistening towers.

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For more information about Batumi visit visitbatumi.com and also head over to stand EU1650 at ATM.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

1 ENDLESS SUMMER

Famed for its summer season, Batumi is a fascinating destination in spring and autumn. Visitors can sunbathe or swim from May, whilst sea temperatures are still ideal for bathing into October due to the long Indian summers. As well as the sea, visitors can also trek to the amazing mountains of Ajara, which soar up to 2,500 m above sea level.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

2 OLD MEETS NEW

Batumi is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, and the initial settlement “Batus” dates back to the 4th century BC. The city’s unique history has contributed to its vast architectural diversity. In the 19th century, during the “Porto Franco” period, European architects completed a number of interesting architectural projects.

During the Soviet era, Batumi was developed into a popular seaport and tourist destination.

3AJARIANCUISINE&WINE

Georgian cuisine offers an amazing array of cooking techniques. In mountainous Ajara, dairy products are common ingredients in many dishes. Boat-shaped Ajarian khachapuri is one of the most famous Ajarian dishes. Sweets also play an important role in Ajarian cuisine. Viticulture is an essential component of Georgian culture, with around 50 different grape species in Ajara that are still used in wine production to this very day.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

4 BEAUTIFUL BOTANICAL GARDENS

For the scent of plants and flowers in an incredible coastal setting head to Batumi Botanical Garden. The garden features a thousand species of astonishingly beautiful and unique flowers. The plants derive from completely different climatic and landscape zones yet grow together in harmony. For example, the garden has Canary Palms growing side by side with Japanese Sakuras.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

5 GEORGIAN HOSPITALITY

Exceptional hospitality and the goodwill of the Georgian people is the hallmark of every trip to Batumi. As a guest in Georgia, you will not only experience unparalleled hospitality, but will also be enchanted by the genuine kindness of the Georgian people.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

6 WANDER AROUND THE OLD TOWN

The Old Town in Batumi is a charming place to wander around. Many of its building date back to the 19th century when Batumi was an important port along the route from Europe to the Caspian Sea. Now the Batumi Old Town was recently restored and can enchant you easily.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

7 THE BOULEVARD

The construction of Batumi Boulevard was started in 1881 by a Prussian gardener and landscape architect and later completed by a French architect. Today the boulevard is one of the world’s longest, stretching for eight kilometres long and is distinguished by its broad walking and bicycle paths, magnolia and palm trees, fountains, café-lounges and children’s attractions.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

8 MIX THE MOUNTAINS AND SEA

The combination of seaside and mountains makes Batumi an ideal year-round tourist destination.The mountain resorts have excellent conditions all four seasons and are also ideal for romantic weekend getaways. In addition, the protected areas in Ajara and the region’s other natural treasures offer unforgettable experiences for ecotourism.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

9 GEORGIAN CULTURE

Georgia is one of the oldest Christian countries in the world, leading to a significant influence on Georgian culture.

Gonio, one of the oldest settlements in Georgia, is located in Ajara.The region is famous for its stone-arch bridges, religious monuments and monasteries. Gelati and Bagrati are located just a few hours’ drive from Batumi.Tbilisi, Mtskheta and other parts of Georgia are also very rich in unique and diverse cultural monuments.

TEN REASONS TO VISIT BATUMI

10 A GEORGIAN FEAST

The backbone of Georgian social culture, the Supra is a traditional feast. The “Tamada” or toastmaster leads the Supra, and is considered to be the most honourable member of a traditional Georgian Supra, and entertain guests with poems, songs and interesting stories. New courses of food are always served to the guests first, and toasts are made each time, with guests expected to empty their glass with each toast.

Discover New Zealand with Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer

Inspired by one of the greatest and most iconic adventurers of our time, The Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer offers an epic 13-day journey by rail and luxury coach throughout the majestic South Island of New Zealand.

Experience the postcard perfect vistas and dramatic alpine scenery on the “Sir Edmund Hillary Explorer” tour which includes the ‘Big 5’ rail journeys of the South Island – TranzAlpine, Kingston Flyer, Taieri Gorge, Coastal Pacific & Marlborough Flyer.

The guided journey begins in The Garden City, Christchurch, where you board one of the world’s great train journeys, The TranzAlpine and traverse the majestic Canterbury Plains and Southern Alps via Arthur’s Pass. Luxury coaches await in Greymouth to escort you to the glacial beauty of Franz Josef and some well-deserved pampering at the Hot Pools.

The journey then heads inland to take in the wonders of Queenstown, Te Anau and Milford Sound. Cruise on the steamship TSS Earnslaw and ride the iconic steam train, The Kingston Flyer, the icing on the cake for railfans and historians. Onward to Dunedin where guests enjoy another iconic rail journey with Dunedin Railways through the remote and rugged landscape of the world-famous Taieri Gorge, an epic rail journey over white wate rapids, towering viaducts and historic tunnels.

The departure from Dunedin continues with Dunedin Railways along the coastal route to Oamaru, then detours inland to “mountain country”, staying in Aoraki Mount Cook and the prestigious Hermitage Hotel and Sir Edmund Hillary Alpine Centre, where you will banquet after a keynote address from a Hillary family

member. Back to Christchurch to join The Coastal Pacific Scenic Train, one of the most picturesque journeys on New Zealand’s railways.

Throughout this scenic experience, you will meander along the Pacific coast across remote beaches, between mountains and sea, on a timeless journey of breath-taking beauty to Kaikoura. From Kaikoura through to Marlborough, saving the best for last, the grand finale of epic proportions, sees you hauled under a full head of steam by the glorious Marlborough Flyer. This historic WW1 memorial steam locomotive Ab608 Passchendaele, named in honour of our fallen soldiers at The Battle of Passchendaele in 1917. This is a locomotive fit for kings, having hauled royal trains on two previous royal visits in the early 1900s. A journey to end all journeys from a bygone era. The final day continues with one of the most scenic and picturesque ferry crossings in the world, as we weave our way from Picton through the Queen Charlotte Sound and cruise across the Cook Strait to the harbour city of Wellington, where your journey ends.

Oman Air marks three-decade legacy in the skies

Oman Air is passing a major milestone with the occasion of its thirtieth anniversary, a journey which began in March 1993.

The carrier debuted with a single flight between the cities of Muscat and Salalah. The route, operated by Boeing 737300, marked the launch of the airline’s domestic network, which was followed shortly after

with its first international flight between Muscat and Dubai. Over the past three decades, the airline has gone from strength to strength and now flies to over 45 destinations as far as Europe and the Far East, with a strong international presence and a reputation for providing high quality products and outstanding customer service.

“Thirty years as Oman’s national airline is a milestone to be proud of,” said Abdulaziz Al Raisi, chief executive officer of Oman Air. “In that time, Oman Air has grown from a small regional carrier connecting Omanis across the country to an award-winning airline connecting visitors from around the world to Oman’s diverse natural beauty and rich culture. Despite the challenges of the last few years, our goal continues to be to serve our country by enabling Oman’s Vision 2040 ambitions, whether through job creation, supporting the tourism and logistics industries, or increasing inward investment. With three decades of experience and

expertise to build on, we’re looking to the future with renewed optimism.”

A cornerstone of Oman’s socio-economic development, since its maiden flight, Oman Air has carried millions of passengers into the country, providing them with an authentic introduction to Omani hospitality and culture. It has laid the foundations for a tourism industry that has increased ten-fold over the last 30 years, contributing to the creation of hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It has transformed the local aviation industry, not least by bringing training in-country with its state-of-the-art Flight Training Centre, as well as running a number of successful graduate training programmes. Meanwhile, it has maintained a steady rise in Omanisation, which now stands at 94 per cent (excluding female cabin crew).

As it looks to the coming years, Oman Air is working towards joining the oneworld Alliance, which will see it broaden its network’s global reach and provide guests with huge benefits and greater travel options, while further strengthening its leading position in the Middle East by focusing on agility, efficiency, and new market opportunities.

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Oman Air took the titles of World's Leading Airline - Business Class, World's Leading Airline - Customer Experience and World's Leading Airline Lounge - Business Class at the World Travel Awards last year.

Find out more about Oman Air on stand ME1410 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023, or head over to www.omanair.com.

RoyalJet becomes largest Boeing Business Jet operator in the world

RoyalJet Abu Dhabi, an award-winning global leader in premium private aviation, has added yet another Boeing Business Jet to its fleet taking the total number to 13. RoyalJet had also acquired a BBJ early this year, which made it the largest BBJ Operator in the world. The latest BBJ boasts 19 passenger VVIP interior with a forward crew rest area, a master bedroom with a private lavatory and shower, and a first-class lounge.

Finished with custom-made materials and state-of-theart design configuration, the BBJ is designed for the best functionality and maximum comfort. The first-class lounge area is equipped with a custom liner system, CMS-controlled electric window shades, VIP-style custom carpet, LED reading, table lights and wash lighting with customised mood pre-sets among others. It also has a 32-inch monitor, cabinets with two pull-out tables on each side, hanging storage, and active emergency exits on both sides. The master bedroom is fitted with CMS-controlled electric window shades, VIPstyle custom carpet, wash lighting, and a 42-inch monitor.

RoyalJet chief executive, Mohammed Husain Ahmed, expressed his delight at the purchase of the new aircraft: “Over all of last year, demand exceeded supply in the premium aviation industry across the region. The overall health of the global private jet market has been going strong, and this growth is expected to reach greater heights as we move into a very busy period packed with events and conferences. The leadership of the UAE has committed itself to supporting tourism and global trade by investing in building a strong logistics sector. In line with the UAE leadership’s vision, we are actively looking to expand our operations to serve our premium clientel.,”

More Information

RoyalJet is considered the Middle East’s Leading Private Jet Charter by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Find out more on the official website at www.royaljetgroup.com.

Private jet operator continues to build fleet in response to growing demand for luxury travel in the United Arab Emirates

Buoyant travel sector recoups losses, says WTTC

11 jobs worldwide. Spending from overseas visitors grew by a record 82% to reach $1.1TN in 2022, showing that international travel is firmly back on track.

The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR) shows the travel and tourism sector is closing in on its 2019 peak, recovering by more than 95%. In 2023, the sector is forecast to reach $9.5TN, just 5% below 2019 pre-pandemic levels when travel was at its highest. 34 countries have already exceeded 2019 levels.

According to the research conducted by WTTC in collaboration with Oxford Economics, the global tourism body also forecasts that the sector will recover to 95% of the 2019 job level. Last year, despite the economic and geopolitical difficulties, the travel sector’s recovery continued at pace, growing 22% year-on-year to reach $7.7TN.

This recovery represented 7.6% of the global economy in 2022, the highest sector contribution since 2019, although its global GDP is still

22.9% behind its 2019 peak. In 2021 the global sector grew 24.7% year-on-year, and last year it grew a further 22% to reach a GDP contribution of $7.7TN.

The research shows that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and prolonged travel restrictions imposed by a number of countries such as China had a significant impact on the global recovery. But the recent decision by the Chinese government to reopen its borders from January will propel the sector and see it recover to pre-pandemic levels next year.

From a pre-pandemic high of more than 334MN, the COVID19 pandemic ravaged employment in the sector which saw losses of more than 70MN to bring the total number employed in 2020 to just 264MN. Following the recovery of 11MN jobs in 2021, the sector created 21.6MN new jobs in 2022 to reach more than 295MN globally – one in

Julia Simpson, WTTC President & CEO, said: “The Travel & Tourism sector continues to recover at pace, demonstrating the resilience of the sector and the enduring desire to travel. By the end of the year, the sector’s contribution will be within touching distance of the 2019 peak. We expect 2024 to exceed 2019. Travel & Tourism will be a growth sector over the next ten years. The recovery will speed up this year as Chinese travellers re-enter the market. Travel & Tourism provides 300 million jobs worldwide.”

What does the next decade look like? The global tourism body is forecasting that the sector will grow its GDP contribution to $15.5TN by 2033 representing 11.6% of the global economy and will employ 430MN people around the world, with almost 12% of the working population employed in the sector.

The latest EIR also reveals that 34 of the 185 countries analysed in the EIR have now recovered to pre-pandemic levels in terms of GDP contribution.

WTTC forecasts that by the end of 2023, nearly half of the 185 countries will have either fully recovered to prepandemic levels or be within 95% of full recovery.

Located

Mauritius News

Payen appointed Chairperson of MTPA

Donald Payen has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “I am honoured and humbled by the continued trust placed in me. I have been a member of the Board of the Tourist Office on several occasions since my first appointment in 2003 and look forward to carrying on with the work done to build back (tourism) better.

He added: “In this context, I would like to pay tribute to my predecessors and to all those who have worked, and equally those who are currently working so hard for their contribution in making tourism an important pillar of our economy, a pillar we can all be proud of. Our priority remains returning to the level of activity we had prior to the pandemic. We will focus on delivering on this objective in the true spirit of public/private partnership (including ALL partners) spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, which remains the cornerstone of our modus operandi at the MTPA.”

Mauritius selected as a Shortlisted Nominee in the 30th Annual World Travel Awards

Mauritius has been selected as a shortlisted nominee in the 30th annual World Travel Awards:

Indian Ocean’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Beach Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Cruise Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Dive Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Green Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Nature Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Sustainable Tourism Destination 2023: Mauritius

Indian Ocean’s Leading Tourist Board 2023: Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority

Indian Ocean’s Leading Wedding Destination 2023: Mauritius

In order to vote, visit www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.

More information

Head over to stand AF2220 and visit mauritiusnow.com

Donald

Air Mauritius celebrates Delhi return

The carrier organised a networking gala evening at Hotel Imperial in Delhi in association with the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority.

Krešimir Kučko, chief executive of Air Mauritius, stated: “We are excited to resume our operations to Delhi after three years of absence. India and Mauritius share a special relationship that is built on the foundation of people-to-people ties. Both India and Mauritius are united by culture, ancestry, language, and geography. This April, Air Mauritius is proudly commemorating its 50 years of presence in India. New avenues are being explored with Air India to offer seamless connectivity via Delhi as well as Mumbai to/from several destinations in India.”

The event ended with an exciting lucky draw, where Air Mauritius offered multiple return tickets, and hotels offered stay vouchers to the winners, through a lucky draw, in their endeavour to encourage other trade partners to make efforts to increase sales of the destination as a leisure, MICE and wedding destination.

Air Mauritius, the flagship carrier of Mauritius, will resume its direct operations to and from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi from the May 3rd. Biweekly flights will use the Airbus A330 aircraft in a business and economy class configuration with a capacity of 254 seats. The duration of the flight is seven hours and 30 minutes. Air Mauritius currently operates six weekly direct flights to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai.

The event was graced by the presence of H. Dillum, high commissioner of the republic of Mauritius to India, Krešimir Kučko, chief executive of Air Mauritius, Laurent Recoura, chief commercial officer of Air Mauritius, Arvind Bundhun, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority and other dignitaries from the travel trade, top media persons and other delegates.

Arvind Bundhun, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, while talking to the guests, mentioned: “The long-awaited flight from Delhi to Mauritius is a major milestone facilitating travellers from the northern part of India to commute. We are thankful to Air Mauritius for this initiative which will boost demand. We foresee a steep rise in the footfalls on our land.”

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Air Mauritius is considered the Indian Ocean's Leading Airline - Economy Class by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Head over to stand AF2220 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 to find out more about Mauritius, or discover more on www.airmauritius.com.

Magical experiences with Diamonds Resorts

Diamonds Resorts are luxury all-inclusive resorts situated in unique, magical and idyllic locations. The brand’s philosophy is to listen to the individual needs of guests in order to offer personalised services, exquisite culinary experiences and exclusive services to make each stay extraordinary and unforgettable.

Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Kenya

Set in fabulous botanical gardens, Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort is a haven to relax and rejuvenate. Situated on 38 acres of beachfront property, it features an 18-hole golf course overlooking the Indian Ocean. The resort also offers a casino, spa and outdoor swimming pool.

Each air-conditioned room and suite comes with modern African-inspired décor, satellite TV and a safety deposit box. The en-suite bathroom includes complimentary toiletries.

Guests can relax on Diani Beach or with a massage at the Lotus Health & Relaxation Centre. They can also enjoy activities such as scuba diving or a round of golf.

Leisure Lodge is located just 10 minutes’ drive from Colombus Trust and 15 minutes' drive from the Kaya Kinondo sacred forest. Likoni Ferry is 21.7 miles away and Mombasa

International Airport is 26.1 miles from the resort.

Diamonds Athuruga, Maldives

Boasting elegant beach bungalows, junior suite and beautiful over-water villas, Diamonds Athuruga is a paradise located at just a 20 minutes scenic flight away from Malé International Airport.

The wellness centre offers a variety of treatments and Ayurvedic massages and a well-equipped diving centre provides enthusiasts with the very best underwater experiences.

Athuruga is the ideal resort to discover the Maldives from a centre of excellence, where attention to detail will make your journey unforgettable. Let yourself be charmed by one of the most unique, enchanting well known coral reefs in the Maldives and discover its secrets thanks to the marine biologists on the island.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the resort’s philosophy. In partnership with Parley Maldives, waste segregation, PET 1 plastics are collected from the resort, water ways and sent for repurposing and recycling plastics into clothing and accessories. The Olive Ridley Project identifies turtles with a resort made database which adds to the larger ORP database.

Diamonds Thudufushi Beach & Water Villas, Maldives

The Diamonds Thudufushi resort is situated just a 20 minute scenic seaplane flight away from Malé International Airport. Thudufushi is the ideal resort to start discovering the Maldives in a centre of excellence, where every detail has been carefully selected to make your journey unforgettable.

The island resort features elegant beach bungalows and luxury over water villas. A

wellness centre offers ayurvedic treatments and a diving centre caters to the underwater experience of our guests.

Dives and excursions are conducted with experts, from biologists who reveal the secrets of the reef to qualified personnel who make stays unique and unforgettable.

Sustainability is key to the resort’s approach, including its

partnership with Parley Maldives, for repurposing and recycling the plastics. A new state-of-the-art marine laboratory has been inaugurated at Diamonds Thudufushi, between Planhotel Hospitality Group and the University of MilanoBicocca, Italy. The partnership will ensure ongoing coral restoration and coral conservation activities.

Diamonds Dreams of Africa, Kenya

Diamonds Dreams of Africa is where the enchanting force of nature melds with the exotic IndoArabic architecture to create a hypnotic charm, which, in Swahili, is known as bembeleza.

Sit yourself down on the Balinese armchairs on your room’s terrace and listen to the sound of the wind and the rustling of the palm trees, enjoy the music of the waves and let your heart dance in silence: your dream of total relaxation is finally a reality.

The Resort is located along the silver sand beach of Malindi, a twohour drive from Mombasa International Airport and 15 minutes from Malindi Airport.

Sandies Tropical Village, Kenya

Sandies Tropical Village in Malindi has been built according to Kenyan tradition but features all modern comforts. An oasis of tranquillity, the Resort features 109 garden rooms built in two levels semi-circle structure with private balconies at first floor and terraces at ground

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floor. All rooms are designed in Lamu or English style with large bathroom with walk-in shower.

Let the sound of the ocean gently cuddle you and be amazed every day by the wonderful colours of the sunsets that make Kenya a place famous and unique in the world.

To find out more about Diamonds Hotels & Resorts and Plan Hospitality Group visit www.planhotel.com.

Oman Airports launches Maseer training programME

The new scheme is designed to provide job seekers with employment in the fastdeveloping Middle East destination

Oman ground handling organisation Transom Handling, a subsidiary of Oman Airports, has celebrated the launch of its Maseer training-foremployment (TFE) program, which is associated with the employment of young Omani job seekers in aviation and ground services, and which assists them to achieve their goals and build their future career. The Maseer inauguration ceremony was held at the Training Centre of the Civil Aviation Authority under the auspices of Sayyid Salem bin Musallam Al Busaidi, undersecretary of the ministry of labour for human resources development.

Alongside the inauguration, Al Busaidi affirmed the Ministry of

Labour endeavours to implement national visions and projects that serve job seekers and overcome any obstacles hindering the realisation of their career goals.

Al Busaidi explained: “Through this partnership, we seek to strengthen the private sector institutions’ efforts, and support their endeavours and national contributions to offer greater opportunities for job seekers to improve their individual career standings. We also seek to support a trained and skilled generation of job seekers that can deservedly join the market. This comes in line with our efforts to achieve the vision laid out by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq – May Allah protect and

preserve him.”

Sheikh Saud Al-Azizi, Transom Handling executive director, stated: “We are delighted to collaborate with the Ministry of Labour to introduce the Maseer program, which harmonizes with our company's vision to support and empower Omani youth to further achieve their goals and create a suitable work environment for their future careers. Our youth should be aware of the importance of education in terms of how it relates to their future professional success, as well as to the nation of Oman’s development plans. They should be ambitious, passionate to learn, and responsible with regards to continuing building their country,

while deriving their determination and passion from the renewed renaissance.”

Sheikh Al-Azizi concluded by emphasizing that efforts are continued through many training and employment programs in all fields of the ground handling sector to enhance the government’s efforts in securing employment for job seekers.

The Maseer program, which will last for two years and target 100 job seekers in its current phase, is one of the most prominent elements of the company's strategy, as Omani manpower rehabilitation programs in private sector institutions are one of the strategic options that are

highly relied upon in terms of linking service works to youth employment. Transom Handling pays close attention to conceptualizing and enhancing aviation, hospitality and logistics services in the airports of the Sultanate of Oman, while being the nexus between these vital, value-adding sectors.

To a large extent, this is achieved by investing in employees, and supporting them with expertise and training opportunities. This is to help them keep pace with the aspirations that the company seeks to achieve within its vision to provide the highest-level ground handling service and hospitality for clients from various commercial airlines at all airports in the Sultanate,

including Muscat International Airport, Salalah Airport, Suhar Airport, Duqm Airport, as well as Oman’s oil field airports. Transom Handling also works to guarantee its customers and passengers comfortable and safe flights at all airports.

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Find out more about Oman

Airports at www.omanairports.co.om or head over to stand ME1410 for a chat with the Oman Ministry of Heritage & Tourism.

Jamaica poised to continue recovery during summer 2023

Sandals Resorts unveils new investments as award-winning Caribbean destination welcomes growing number of holidaymakers

said Donovan White, director of tourism, Jamaica.

Last year, Jamaica welcomed 3.3 million visitors and registered a remarkable recovery of earnings compared to pre-COVID earnings of 2019, with total estimated revenue of US$3.63 billion. As the destination recovery has outpaced earlier projections, there is a high possibility that full recovery could be realized a year earlier than predicted.

Sandals Resorts

Sandals Resorts

On the heels of a strong recovery from the Covid19 pandemic, the 2023 forecast for Jamaica shows the destination is on track to achieve 11 per cent growth. Gross foreign exchange earnings for the 2023 calendar year are also forecasted to reach US$4.12 billion, an estimated 13 per cent increase on the previous year’s earnings.

“Jamaica’s tourism is back, and our recovery continues to outpace our earlier projections. We are now in growth mode and to achieve this in double digits for this year is huge. It will mean more jobs and more earnings for

workers and the island’s economy. Tourism is Jamaica’s lifeblood and driver of economic growth and the industry’s growth means the country’s growth," said Edmund Bartlett, minister of tourism, Jamaica.

The projected growth is based on Jamaica's primary markets registering growth over the previous period, with Canada strengthening its position to deliver 38 per cent growth, the United States showing steady growth of seven per cent, and UK/Europe primarily demonstrating growth of 5.3 per cent through the Eastern European

markets.

“We could not achieve these successes without our partners. Our airline partners, tour operators, travel agents and so many more have contributed to the destination remaining top of mind and accelerating our recovery.

The Jamaica Tourist Board’s focus on an integrated sales and marketing strategy, which is embedded in the pervasive use of new technologies along with a focus on new and emerging markets, has allowed the destination to leapfrog its own projections for growth,”

International (SRI) is expanding Sandals

Halcyon Beach Resort in Castries, St Lucia, and family resort Beaches Negril in Jamaica, with new rooms and suites opening in 2023.

A favourite among families for its intimate vibe and quintessential island hospitality, Beaches Negril will add 12 new and expansive butler suites, bringing its total room count to 197. The new additions include six Firesky Reserve Villas –nestled on the beach at the northern end of the resort and inspired by the destination’s captivating technicolour sunsets.

Each will offer four bedrooms spanning three storeys at 3,700 square feet. Well-appointed living areas, stylish kitchens, private oceanfront plunge pools and rooftop decks with dining terraces which give way to views of the Caribbean Sea. The Firesky Reserve Villas accommodate up to ten guests and are perfect for larger, multige nerational families. On the opposite end of the resort’s coastline, the Eventide Penthouse Collection will give a nod to the calm waters and minimal change in tides along Negril’s famous seven-mile beach. Comprising six suites with three to four bedrooms each, these can accommodate up to 18 guests. Spacious kitchens and thoughtfully designed living areas indoors give way to expansive balconies and walkout terraces. Guests will also have access to a rooftop terrace, ideal for stargazing and sunbathing.

Located next to some of St. Lucia’s calmest and brightest blue seas, Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort is opening 25 new butler suites. The expansion includes 20 Joli Beachfront Suites built right on the edge of the shore, offering a combination of luxurious rooms with walkout beach access and private pools, and second-storey accommodations with balconies featuring Tranquility Soaking Tubs. Offering an open-air layout, the suite interiors are outfitted in natural woods, hues of blues and soft island floral touches, with king-sized beds perfectly positioned to take in direct sea views from sunrise to sunset. The suites are framed by bright pink bougainvillea and are named ‘Joli’, the Creole word for ‘beautiful’, because of their stunning setting.

Five new Koko Rondoval Villas, named after the Creole word for coconut to celebrate the fruit’s abundance on the island, will be intertwined among

the resort’s lush landscaping, just mere steps from the sea. The Rondovals are a first for Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort, with their rounded walls and thatched roofs considered one of Sandals’ most forwardthinking designs. These new suites will focus on ‘bringing the outside in’ with windows that span nearly the entire wall, giving the illusion that the villa extends onto the private patio complete with a plunge pool.

The expansion will bring the total number of rooms and suites at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort to 194, complementing the property’s lush gardens, six gourmet restaurants, a variety of water sports, access to golf, as well as an additional 21 eateries at the two other nearby, award-winning Sandals Resorts in St. Lucia.

“Our guest experience drives everything we do, and these new suites are emblematic of our unrelenting move across

the brands as we challenge ourselves to reimagine every facet of the business,” said Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International. “We wanted to go beyond traditional luxury and these new suites are stunners; it’s about design and amenities that make connecting with each other more comfortable and more fulfilling.”

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Sandals Resorts is considered the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company by voters at the World Travel Awards, while Jamaica took the trophies for World’s Leading Family Destination and World’s Leading Wedding Destination last year.

Find out more about visit Jamaica at www.visitjamaica.com, while there is more about Sandals Resorts at www.sandals.com.

Las Vegas tourism industry hits record high in 2022

A fast-paced recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic has seen the city reclaim its former glory in record time

A new report from the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA) has revealed economic output related to visitor spending reached a record $73 billion in 2022, a 24.7 percent increase from the previous record set in 2019.

The annual Economic Impact of Southern Nevada’s Tourism Industry report outlines economic impacts associated with the region’s tourism industry and convention travel, including visitor spending on rooms, dining, shopping, sports, local transportation and other activities and amenities.

Las Vegas, as a tourist destination, has experienced dramatic growth in recent

years with the addition of new resort properties, expanded convention and meeting space, professional sports teams, and new venues such as Allegiant Stadium. Following the disproportionate impacts suffered by tourist destinations like Las Vegas during the pandemic, Las Vegas demonstrated a strong rebound as a favourite location for pent up travel demand.

Visitor spending in 2022 hit an all-time high of $45 billion, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Total spending by visitors in 2022 outpaced the prior year by 24 per cent and the 2019 total by 22 per cent.

“These results are a powerful testament

that what we do in concert with our resort partners to market this destination has an undeniable impact on our community," said Steve Hill, chief executive and president of the LVCVA. "We're proud of this city and this industry and know that the upcoming offerings in the destination will add to that success."

The report also notes that Southern Nevada’s tourism industry remained the largest regional employer in 2022, directly employing an estimated 229,440. With direct and indirect impacts included, total impacts reached an estimated 358,880, a 21 per cent increase over the prior year.

“As we emerged from the pandemic, our consumer research made clear it was the perfect moment for us to capitalize on pent up travel demand,” said Kate Wik, chief marketing officer of the LVCVA. “We’re thrilled to see not only the strong rebound in visitation, but also the significant impact our visitors have on our state’s economy.”

Other key findings include the total economic output related to visitor spending in 2022 (including direct, indirect and induced impacts) reached an all-time high of $79.3 billion, equivalent to about half of the region’s gross economic output.

Despite 2022’s 38.8 million visitation tally falling 3.7 million visitors short of the 2019

visitation total, overall spending increased dramatically due to a 33.4 percent rise in per-trip visitor spending compared with 2019.

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The LVCVA is charged with marketing Southern Nevada as a tourism and convention destination worldwide and with operating the 4.6 million square-foot Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC).

With 150,000 hotel rooms and more than 14 million square feet of meeting and exhibit space in Las Vegas alone, the LVCVA's mission centres on attracting leisure and business visitors to the area. The LVCVA also owns the Las Vegas Convention Center Loop designed and operated by the Boring Company and also owns the Las Vegas Monorail, an elevated 3.9-mile system with seven stops throughout the resort corridor.

Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority took the title of ‘North America's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2022’ at the World Travel Awards.

Find out more about visiting Las Vegas at www.visitlasvegas.com.

We’re thrilled to see not only the strong rebound in visitation, but also the significant impact our visitors have on our state’s economy.

Kate Wik, chief marketing officer, LVCVA

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Qatar Airways welcomes first passengers to Al Mourjan Business Lounge – the Garden

The airline has opened the new location at Hamad International Airport

The lounge overlooks ‘the Orchard,’ surrounded by renowned retailers and restaurants, while offering uniquely designed relaxation spaces and areas to socialise and indulge in a scenic masterpiece.

An exclusive sanctuary available for Qatar Airways Premium Passengers, the Garden stretches over an area of 7,390 square metres, and can accommodate up to 707 passengers. It features 24 quiet spaces, each designed to offer optimum relaxation available free of charge for the first six hours, and also features seven spa treatment rooms.

Accessible for passengers travelling in Premium cabin, the new lounge offers a range of premium facilities that fulfil the needs of business, leisure and family travellers with numerous dining options, relaxation rooms, a fitness studio, pedicure & manicure stations, spa facilities, dedicated private spaces, recreational areas and a nursery. The lounge has been influenced by modern aesthetics incorporating natural light in its distinct design, providing passengers with an immersive experien ce reflecting The Orchard below.

Qatar Airways Group chief executive, Akbar

Al Baker, stated: “At Qatar Airways, excellence is embedded in the core of our brand, and as we continue to evolve our offerings, we choose to provide our passengers with the very best experiences in aviation and hospitality. Passengers can now enhance their journey to a new level at our newly opened Al Mourjan Business Lounge – the Garden at Hamad International Airport. This world-class lounge showcases a sophisticated way of travel, centred in comfort, wellness and nature. I welcome our premium passengers to experience this spectacular addition to our signature lounge portfolio.”

Located in the Northern expansion of Hamad International Airport, Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden is set to captivate premium passengers with its luxurious facilities it offers, making it a landmark within the award-winning airport

Al Mourjan Business Lounge – The Garden serves as an extension to the iconic Al Mourjan Business Lounge, exclusively available to Qatar Airways First and Business Class passengers. Together, both lounges can accommodate up to 1,600 passengers at once, offering luxurious facilities that include showers, dressing rooms, business areas and spaces to unwind at the Northern and Southern parts of HIA.

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Qatar Airways is considered the World's Leading Airline by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Join Qatar Airways here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 on stand ME1210 or head over to www.qatarairways.com for more information.

Emirates Group joins the United Nations Global Compact

The voluntary global initiative promotes responsible business practices and the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Advancing its sustainability efforts, the Middle East carrier has joined with dnata to enter the scheme.

Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chief executive, Emirates Airline and Group, said: “In the United Arab Emirates’ Year of Sustainability, we are pleased to join the United Nations Global Compact, which is another step forward in the Emirates Group’s efforts to embed sustainable and responsible business practices across our operations.

“Emirates and dnata have always taken a balanced approach to growth. Reflecting Dubai and the UAE’s long-term vision, we are tireless in our pursuit of excellence and progress, and we embrace the values of tolerance and respect. We will continue to invest in technologies, people, and partnerships to improve our business performance, expand our positive impact on the communities we serve, and minimise our environmental impact,” he added.

As participants of the UNGC, Emirates and dnata commit to implementing the Ten Principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, and to report its progress on these efforts annually. The Group will benefit from access to the UNGC’s extensive tools and resources to engage with its employees across the globe and improve their learning and training in Sustainability.

The Emirates Group’s ongoing environmental initiatives focus on three areas: reducing emissions, consuming responsibly and preserving wildlife and habitats. Among recent initiatives, Emirates in January successfully operated a milestone demonstration flight using 100 per cent sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in one engine, supporting collective industry efforts to enable a future of 100% SAF flying. In June 2022, dnata pledged US$100 million to be invested over two years to enhance environmental efficiency across its global operations.

The group is committed to gender balance. It is a signatory to the UAE Gender Balance Council’s pledge which aims to increase female representation at middle to senior management positions by 2025; and dnata has signed up to IATA’s 25by2025 initiative to strengthen and improve female representation within its organization. Enriching and supporting communities, Emirates and dnata regularly mobilise resources for humanitarian relief efforts which in 2022 included initiatives for the floods in Pakistan, and earthquake in Turkey-Syria.

Committed to ethical and responsible practices, the Group has cross-functional internal committees that govern and monitor critical strategic, operational, financial, and reputational areas.

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Emirates is considered the World’s Leading Airline Brand by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Find out more about Emirates on www.emirates.com or head over to stand ME3210 here at Arabian Travel Market.

Write your own story in Sharjah

From the bustling capital city on the Arabian Gulf, through the interior desert and over the Hajar Mountains to the pristine beaches of its east coast enclaves, Sharjah boasts some of the UAE's most diverse landscapes – each with its own unique appeal and exciting attractions.

Before you embark on your adventure, look through the next few pages where you’ll find essential information and helpful resources to ensure your visit to Sharjah is memorable for all the right reasons.

Sharjah is home to an endless list of astounding architectural gems and worldclass developments that span the ages of the emirate's growth and transformation into a bustling centre of culture, tourism and commerce.

From the 19th century coral stone Sharjah Fort to the lively and modern Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah’s landmarks are top destinations for learning and leisure.

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Head over to stand ME3410 and visit visitsharjah.com.

Saudi Arabia tourism goes from strength to strength

Saudi Arabia is continuing with its incredible ascent as the world’s fastest-growing tourism destination in the G20. With an extraordinary +121% increase from prepandemic international tourism levels, Saudi achieved 93.5 million visits in 2022 and is outpacing global tourism sector recovery as recognized by the UNWTO. As the world’s biggest investor in tourism, Saudi has committed $550bn to new destinations by 2030.

Preserving heritage and history, a $50.6 billion masterplan will transform Diriyah, a 300-year-old city and birthplace of Saudi, into one of the world’s most exciting cultural sites. In 2023, Red Sea Global, the world's most ambitious luxury tourism development, will debut its first hotel openings: Six Senses, St. Regis, and Nujama - a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, a monumental development in Saudi’s sun and sea offering.

Saudi’s participation at ITB Berlin is a commitment to the European market as STA increases its presence to facilitate trade development. There are unparalleled opportunities in the German market for initiatives like Nusuk, an integrated digital platform to facilitate seamless Umrah journeys. At the Saudi stand, visitors will hear from the STA CEO during Saudi Talks, in conversation with the world’s largest independent travel agency, Lufthansa City Center, and will be able to experience a taste of authentic Saudi hospitality, or “hafawah,” at a Saudi coffee and date pairing session.

Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Member of the Board of Saudi Tourism Authority said: “Saudi is growing at the speed of light, transforming at a scale and pace the world has never witnessed before.

“Last year, we recorded 93.5 million domestic and international visits and in January this year achieved a record number of inbound overnight visitors. We continue to gain momentum on this growth journey and it is critical that we inspire and engage our

partners to join us as we reinforce our commitment to the sector globally. Our first participation at ITB Berlin is our biggest presence at an international event to date, bringing the best of our dynamic tourism offering to showcase what is unexpected about Saudi while also highlighting the diversity, beauty, hospitality and energy of the destination.”

Saudi is reimagining tourism to welcome 100 million visits by 2030. Driving forward ambitious tourism goals, the destination has already celebrated key milestones including the official opening of Bujairi Terrace and AtTuraif late last year.

Saudi aims to increase international air connectivity from 140+ cities to 250+ cities by 2030. Through exceptional partnerships, Saudi is creating increased travel options and competitiveness to expand consumer choice and drive down costs. An exceptional partnership with Wizz Air launched 24 new routes from Europe to Saudi, and in January 2023, the first-ever free 96-hour stopover visa was launched through national carriers SAUDIA and flynas.

In 2022, Saudi extended eVisa regulations to GCC countries and visas on arrival to holders of valid US, UK, and Schengen visas.

Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), launched in June 2020, is responsible for marketing Saudi’s tourism destinations worldwide and developing the destination’s offering through programs, packages and business support. Its mandate includes developing the country’s unique assets and destinations, hosting and participating in industry events, and promoting Saudi’s destination brand locally and overseas. STA operates 16 representative offices around the world, serving 38 countries.

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To find out more about Saudi Arabia Tourism Authority visit stand ME4410 and ME4350 at ATM.

Saudia sees passenger numbers take off

Flag-carrier is celebrating a positive start to the year as tourism figures boom in fast-growing Middle East hotspot

Saudia, the national flag-carrier of Saudi Arabia, has released its operational performance report for the first quarter of 2023, which revealed a 35 per cent increase in the number of guests carried across its flight network compared to the same period last year. The airline transported seven million guests, including 3.2 million domestic guests and 3.8 million international guests, which represents a significant 94 per cent increase. The carrier said the figures reaffirm the objective to connect the world with Saudi Arabia.

During quarter one of 2023, aircraft flew over 42,000 flights across four continents, representing a five per cent increase, which accumulated to over 127,500 flight hours, and a 26 per cent increase. Internationally, the airline operated over 18,300 flights with an increase of 40 per cent and recorded 87,300 flight hours with an increase of 55 per cent. Additionally, 23,600 domestic flights were operated by Saudia across a total of 40,100 flying hours.

Ibrahim Koshy, chief executive of Saudia, said: “The growth achieved during quarter one of 2023 comes in line with Saudia’s operational plan to increase its flights and seating capacity, considering the operational efficiency and maintaining ontime performance. This was evident in the

services provided that enhanced the travel experience and earned the loyalty of more guests from all over the world.

“Saudia’s flight network and quality services have been contributing to the kingdom's comprehensive development in all fields, including transporting visitors, tourists, and organizers to attend various events, exhibitions, and conferences held in the Kingdom. SAUDIA has designed an ambitious plan to transport more pilgrims as part of the Pilgrim Experience Program and connect the world with Saudi Arabia,” he added.

Saudia’s operations are expected to grow over the upcoming period. The airline will soon receive its first Airbus A321neo, with more deliveries expected of the same aircraft, as well as the A321XLR model. Additionally, Saudia completed its previous order for Boeing 787 aircrafts, aiming to add 38 new aircraft to its fleet by 2026. The airline also recently announced a new agreement with Boeing to deliver 39 new B787s, with an option to add another ten aircraft.

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Find out more about Saudia on stand ME4310 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 or head over to www.saudia.com.

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Wizz Air takes next steps on sustainability journey

The carrier has announced a £5 million investment in a biofuel company, Firefly.

The agreement with Firefly and investment in new SAF technology represents the latest milestone in Wizz Air’s broader sustainability strategy, including its ambitious fleet renewal plan and already efficient low-cost operations with the latest technology aircraft and high seat density and load factors. This will further strengthen Wizz Air’s position as an industry leader in sustainability and drive its commitment to reducing its carbon emissions per passenger/km by 25 per cent by 2030.

The investment is the first from the carrier in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) research and development. The partnership with Firefly will allow the airline to supply SAF to its UK operations from 2028, up to 525,000 tonnes over 15 years. The agreement has the potential to save 1.5 million tonnes of CO2-eq.

Firefly specialises in a process, which converts sewage sludge, a low-value waste product available in large quantities, into SAF. More than 57 million tonnes of sewage sludge are produced in the UK each year, with the potential to produce 250,000 tonnes of SAF.

Michael Berlouis, head of strategic projects at Wizz Air, said: “In addition to fleet renewal and operational efficiency, SAF is crucial for reducing carbon emissions from aviation. However, feedstock availability remains the key challenge for the industry. Our investment in Firefly and its sewage sludge SAF technology is a major step forward for Wizz Air in securing its long-term ability to provide low-cost fares to its customers in an ever more environmentally sustainable way. From 2028, we are aiming to procure 525,000 tonnes of SAF from Firefly over a period of 15 years. This has the potential to reduce our emissions by 100,000 tonnes CO2-eq per year, which is equal to the emissions of over 12,000 return Wizz Air flights between London and Budapest.”

More Information

Wizz Air Abu Dhabi can be found on stand ME2450 and ME2410 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 – or head over to www.wizzair.com.

SriLankan Airlines Shines a Light on Seagrass Conservation

The event was carried out alongside training arm, SriLankan Aviation College, and in partnership with the ministry of environment, Lanka Environment Fund and Blue Resources Trust. The workshop was preceded by a free public webinar on the potential of blue carbon ecosystems toward sustainable economic growth by Dr Milica Stankovic, an eminent scholar on seagrass research from the Prince of Songkla University in Thailand.

Seagrass meadows are patches of flowering plants that grow in shallow ocean waters and can capture carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making it a Blue Carbon sequestering ecosystem with incredible

ability to mitigate climate change. Seagrass meadows, however, are currently under serious threat from human activity.

“SriLankan Airlines hopes to bring about a positive change in seagrass conservation by advancing the scientific study and research of this vital natural resource. We hope our seminal work will also lead to accelerated progress in establishing Sri Lanka as a prominent South Asian research hub on blue

carbon ecosystems,” stated Richard Nuttall, chief executive officer of SriLankan Airlines. For SriLankan Airlines, the decision to support seagrass conservation efforts was easy and fitting. The aviation industry has been grappling with carbon emissions for years and member airlines of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) including SriLankan Airlines, have committed to fly net zero carbon by 2050.

“Seagrasses are responsible for 11 per cent of the organic carbon buried in the ocean and is important to the equilibrium of the planet. SriLankan Aviation College is proud to play its part in facilitating national training in conservation of seagrass Blue Carbon ecosystems by creating knowledge, addressing learning gaps in the latest research techniques and creating awareness about the importance of this indispensable resource,” commented Primal De Silva, general manager, SriLankan Aviation College.

SriLankan’s steady support for a sustainable future is illustrated through the airline’s many, often novel initiatives and the workshop and webinar were also a celebration of United Nations recently adopting the Sri Lanka sponsored resolution to declare March 1st as ‘World Seagrass Day’.

More Information

SriLankan Airlines is considered the World's Leading Airline to the Indian Ocean by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Find out more about the carrier on the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau stand here at Arabian Travel Market at stand AS5110 – or visit www.srilankan.com.

Award-winning airline hosts a workshop for local scientists and professionals on mapping local seagrass meadows using drone-imagery.

Kuwait eyes tourism sector expansion

promising signs for activating tourism activity by highlighting the media and promotional events. Kuwait pays great attention to revitalizing tourism through many regional and local agreements, projects, activities and events capable of being attractive in various artistic, cultural, commercial, sports and other fields.

He indicated that the tourism sector in the Ministry of Information, under the directives of the Minister of Information and Culture and the Minister of State for Youth Affairs, Abdul Rahman Al-Mutairi, seeks to converge wills, harmonize policies, and integrate efforts between the state and the private sector to encourage local investment by establishing tourism projects, as it is an industry that works to develop more than 30 related economic sectors, which constitutes a great opportunity to provide job opportunities for national competencies.

The Kuwaiti Association for Festivals was established last April and specializes in the field of festivals, tourism and entertainment, and seeks to be one of the specialized associations in this field at the Gulf and Arab levels.

Kuwait and Saudi Arab ink cooperation

The Kuwaiti Ministry of Information and the Saudi Ministry of Tourism have a memorandum of understanding for boosting tourism cooperation.

Kuwait is building its tourist industry with the Ministry of Information signing an agreement with the Kuwait Association for Festivals, to establish ‘Discover Kuwait ‘an electronic platform project to display tourism, cultural and sports events and activities. This platform will shed light on official and unofficial events in various fields, to be a guide for tourists from inside and outside Kuwait.

The platform enables many diverse tourism elements and is considered one of the

The MoU, inked by the Kuwaiti Minster of Information, Culture Minister of State for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi and the Saudi Tourism Minister Ahmad AlKhatib, aims for the two sides to bolster cooperation in the tourism sector, regarding relevant legislations concerning hotels, leisure facilities, statistics, exhibitions and other sections.

The two sides will cooperate regarding permits for tourism installations, developing tourist sites and at various other levels.

Kuwait Airways launches new upgrade bidding system

Carrier continues to refine services for luxury travellers.

As part of Kuwait Airways' continuous efforts to provide various services to its valued passengers, the company launched the ‘Just Upgrade’ travel service through a bidding system, where customers can offer the best price to upgrade the seat, from Economy Class to Business Class, or from Business Class to Royal or First Class.

Director of network and planning at Kuwait Airways, Shorouk Al-Awadhi stated: “Kuwait Airways is pleased to launch its latest distinguished service, which is the Just Upgrade service, allowing customers to obtain the best price to upgrade their travel class through bidding. Here the customer can submit a bid before the departure of their flight through the available electronic payment methods. This is followed by a confirmation email being sent to the customer stating an upgrade in the promotion, for which the customer has offered the highest price to reserve the seat.”

Al-Awadhi added: “This will provide the passenger with an upgrade from Economy Class to Business Class, or from Business Class to Royal or First Class and offer several privileges, including priority check-in, boarding and baggage handling, access to premium class lounge, and varied selection of meal choices. Moreover, Kuwait Airways is also keen to design seats to keep pace with the best in the world and believes in the comfort and relaxation of the passenger during the flight and until the passenger reaches their destination, which is one among the company's important priorities. Kuwait Airways' on-board experience also includes ample spacious seats, international in-flight entertainment, local and international meal options to suit varied preferences and requirements.”

Director of corporate communication, public relations, and marketing at Kuwait Airways, Mr. Khalid Al-Bustan continued by saying, "The launch of this service comes within the framework of Kuwait Airways' continuous programs directed towards launching new and diverse services in an effort to develop its system, provide service diversity, comfort, as well as entertainment to its passengers, and is within the framework of the company's approach to achieve the highest levels of service excellence."

More Information

Find out more about Kuwait Airways on www.kuwaitairways.com.

Bahrain tourism ascends to new heights

Bahrain’s tourism sector continues to exceed targets set under its 2022-26 tourism strategy.

The nation has recovered during the year 2022 by 90% compared to pre-pandemic levels, outperforming the international recovery rate, which was estimated by the World Tourism Organization at a rate of 65%.

The number of tourism visitors reached 9.9 million in 2022, up by 19% over the target of 8.3 million visitors. The average daily

expenditure of tourists exceeded the target number by 10%, with a record of BD76 per visitor, compared to a target average expenditure of BD69. The average duration of stay for tourists exceeded the target number of 3.3 days, recording 3.5 days, which represents an increase of more than 6%.

More Information

To find out more about Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) head over to stand ME2210 and visit bahrain.com.

Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre

The new Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre is the Middle East's largest Exhibition & Convention Centre. Located in the heart of Arabia, the spectacular new centre aims to place a spotlight on Bahrain as the region's newest destination to attract the world’s most prestigious exhibitions, conventions, entertainment, concerts and gala events.

Bahrain is the only island in the Middle East. A diverse island rich in culture, heritage and entertainment. An island to experience and feel rather than visit.

Gulf Air seeks to boost regional connections

Bahrain-based carrier is drawing closer to regional partners as it seeks to widen route network.

Aiming to boost long-term relations with partners in its main markets, Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, held its annual Ramadan Ghabga in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and the Kuwaiti capital.

Gulf Air chief executive officer, Waleed Al Alawi, valued the annual opportunity to network with the airline’s travel and tourism agents in its popular GCC destinations, as Gulf Air started flying to the region in the fifties and still sees strong passenger demand that translates to adding more daily frequencies in the future.

Al Alawi also highlighted the adaption of several ambitious initiatives aimed at digital transformation and the application of green principles that are environment-friendly, briefing the audience on the airline’s expansion plans and the qualitative additions of Gulf Air’s beach destinations, the latest of which was the launch of direct

flights between Bahrain and the city of Goa in the Republic of India.

Boutique strategy

These expansion plans come in line with the airline’s boutique strategy to offer passengers customised services and Gulf Air’s renowned Arabian hospitality. Al Alawi concluded by thanking and appreciating all partners in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait who had the greatest impact on the success of Gulf Air’s operations in those neighbourly countries and beyond.

More Information

To find out more about Gulf Air head over to the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority stand here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 at ME2110.

Or visit the official website at www.gulfair.com.

Air Arabia to take off for Baku this autumn

Capital of Azerbaijan to be served to three-times weekly from SeptembeR.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi continues to enhance global connectivity to and from the capital of the UAE, serving a total of 32 destinations directly from Abu Dhabi International Airport.

Air Arabia Abu Dhabi has starts direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Baku in Azerbaijan. The direct flights will connect Abu Dhabi International Airport to Heydar Aliyev International Airport with a frequency of three flights per week, starting from September 13.

Adel Al Ali, group chief executive officer, Air Arabia, said: “We are excited to start our direct flights between Abu Dhabi and Baku, a city which offers a unique blend of Europe and Asia. Baku is a significant route in our expansion plans from United Arab Emirates’ capital and reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with more choices, convenience, and enhanced connectivity, while supporting both countries’ aviation sector and tourism industry.”

Air Arabia operates a total fleet of 68 Airbus A320 and A321 neoLR aircraft, the most modern and best-selling single aisle aircraft in the world. The cabin configuration across Air Arabia’s fleet provides added comfort with one of the most generous seat-pitch of any economy cabin. The aircraft is equipped with ‘SkyTime’, a free in-flight streaming service that will allow passengers to stream a wide selection of entertainment directly to their devices. Customers can also enjoy a variety of delicacies between snacks, meals, and sandwiches from the onboard ‘SkyCafe’ menu at affordable prices.

The otherworldly city of Baku is a must-visit destination, offering travellers anthropological sites, modern boulevards and panoramic views, as well as sizzling lakes and mud volcanos for the more adventurous.

More Information

Find out more about Air Arabia on stand ME2210 here at Arabian Travel Market 2023 or head over to www.airarabia.com.

flydubai expands route network in Italy

other points in Italy, will give passengers the opportunity to enjoy convenient direct operations to some of Italy’s most attractive regions. We look forward to welcoming passengers from Italy onboard to Dubai and beyond onto the growing flydubai network.”

Bergamo, a historic city in northern Italy, has been designated alongside Brescia as the Italian Capital of Culture for 2023.

The

marks the start of flydubai’s fivetimes weekly operations to the city, growing its network in Italy to four points including Catania, Naples and Pisa. Flights to Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) is now a daily service. Emirates will codeshare on these routes and the flights will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International (DXB), offering travellers more seamless connections through Dubai’s international aviation hub.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, chief executive at flydubai, said: “We are pleased to see our network in Italy grow to four points since our first entry to the market in 2018 with the start of flights to Catania. There is a large demand for travel from Dubai and the region and our flights to Milan-Bergamo, as well as the

Emilio Bellingardi, managing director of SACBO, said: “The start of flydubai's operations is of great importance as it further expands Milan Bergamo Airport’s network and offers direct access to Dubai International Airport. Passengers can not only access the heart of one of the most popular and attractive tourist destinations in the world, they can also benefit from a large network of connections.”

More Information

Find out more about flydubai here at Arabian Travel Market on stands ME2510 and ME2580, or head over to www.flydubai.com.

arrival

The carrier earlier touched down in Milan Bergamo Airport to a water cannon salute and warm welcome by airport officials.

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WORLD SPA AWARDS GALA

2023

3 October 2023