If its a family gathering to break their fast or preparing for suhoor, one of the most unique and must try experiences during this holy month of Ramadan is the Layali Ramadan Tent at Kempinski hotel and residences Palm Jumeirah. In our recent experience at the tent during iftar it was a pleasant surprise to witness a delectable array of traditional cuisine from across the Mediterranean region spread out on a vast area both inside and outside. The whole atmosphere of the tent brings in a feel of the middle eastern traditional life and culture. The scrumptious buffet not only promises but actually delivers the best when it comes to the variety and number of dishes which cater to every tastebud. The Layali Ramadan Tent comes alive for iftar and suhoor as it presents over 100 different dishes to visitors both inhouse and those coming in just to dine. From live cooking stations, to an array of main courses, topping it all with a delectable array of sweets from across the region. From sunset to 9pm will be the special iftar followed by the suhoor celebrations after 10pm. Iftar will be a buffet whereas suhoor will be an à la carte. The live performances by Oud and Tabla players seals the deal for the families as they take back a memorable experience. For more information or to book your table, please call +971 4 444 2000 or email fbreservation.thepalm@kempinski.com.   Listing Information  Iftar at Layali Tent by Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah Date: Daily Time: Sunset – 9:00pm Offer: International & Arabic Cuisine Buffet Price: AED 245 per person – weekdays (Monday – Friday) AED 260 per person – …

Tero Taskila CEO and Chairman Beond Airlines in a special interview with TravelTVMiddle East shared that they are working on creating awareness with the travel agents about their premium flight and they are looking at different compensation structures such as providing their own booking platforms where the agents can book their customers to enjoy a seamless experience which will make them happy as well. “We are the world’s fist premium airline operating from Maldives to 60 destinations. After studying the Middle East market we found Riyadh as the luxury market which is underserved unlike other Middle East destinations where there are many frequencies and travellers have access to the Maldives with the frequencies but not with the product that they want. Most of the travel agents have the same requirements so its about making them aware of the product, strength of the product and also how to package the service, not necessarily how do we package the resort and the flight but how we can create a seamless service for their customers, because as a travel agent you want to make sure your customer  will be happy and satisfied. We are looking at different compensation structures and we are providing our own platforms where you can make bookings much earlier than with the traditional inventories. For example, all airlines apart from us are able to sell seats only 360 days ahead but we can do it three years ahead. When some people want to book for a special event they want to book at least 12 or 15 months ahead so this is helpful.”

Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of the longstanding technology partnership between HotelREZ dedicated to connecting independent properties with bookers worldwide, and Sabre Hospitality. This renewal reaffirms HotelREZ and Sabre’s mutual commitment to leveraging both companies’ strengths, combining Sabre Hospitality’s cutting-edge technology with HotelREZ’s unparalleled representation services. The agreement marks the continuation of the partnership, utilizing Sabre Hospitality’s comprehensive suite of products, including Sabre Global Distribution System (GDS), SynXis Booking Engine, and Channel Connect, to enhance HotelREZ’s extensive range of hospitality solutions across more than 2500 customers. Both companies’ broad portfolio of hospitality solutions empower hoteliers to create and deliver a unique and differentiating guest experience based on their specific brand. “It’s essential to deliver both exceptional technology to our hotel customers to enhance revenue generation opportunities for their properties, whilst optimizing their use and potential through global representation and demand generation,” said Mark Lewis, CEO and founder of HotelREZ. “Sabre’s advanced technology and customer-centric approach aligns seamlessly with HotelREZ’s vision and roadmap solidifying our collaborative partnership.” By leveraging Sabre’s technology solutions, HotelREZ customers will benefit from Sabre Hospitality’s SynXis Platform and distribution technology to promote their content to hundreds of thousands of travel agents globally. In addition, HotelREZ customers will have access to Sabre’s SynXis Booking Engine, which offers a simple booking process to help hotels convert shoppers into guests while maintaining full control of their customer relationships and upselling with merchandising. This collaboration provides hoteliers with solutions that enable them to maximize revenue and operate more efficiently. “Global hospitality providers, such as HotelREZ, require access to robust technology solutions coupled with an expansive network of distribution channels to effectively reach customers and drive conversions,” said Frank Trampert, senior vice president, …

KlasJet is continuing its expansion into the Middle East region as KlasJet Boeing 737 has recently obtained the approval from the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia to operate Domestic and International flights. With the Middle East being one of the fastest-growing business aviation markets in the world, KlasJet has identified a potential niche. Recently the company began to operate a luxurious Boeing 737 featuring 68 business-class seats from a base in Dubai. To cater to the growing demand for exclusive private and corporate air travel in the area, now KlasJet is adding another aircraft that will be based in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft will be operated by Horizon Aviation on an ACMI basis. Justinas Bulka, CEO at KlasJet, emphasizes the importance of this new chapter for the company: “One of our main long-term strategic goals at KlasJet is to cater to a variety of regions worldwide. Being able to provide services in two countries in the Middle East region will make us even more attractive to possible future partners. We are confident in delivering an all-encompassing experience that surpasses our clients’ expectations, while paying attention to even the smallest details, both inside and outside the private jet. Everyone choosing KlasJet is getting a personalized and exceptional travel experience.” Currently, KlasJet operates a 14-aircraft fleet consisting of 5 Classic Boeing 737 and 1 BBJ Boeing 737 with capacities ranging from 23 to 68 seats, and 8 Boeing 737-800 NG with a capacity of 186 or 189 passengers for ACMI leasing. KlasJet is part of the Avia Solutions Group family, the world’s largest ACMI providers (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance), operating a fleet of 212 aircraft. The group …

ATM 2024’s sold-out Travel Tech space will be 56% bigger than last year with 33% more exhibitors participating this year, thanks to unprecedented demand from companies looking to showcase their innovations in front of a global audience. More than 100 of the world’s leading travel technology companies will be exhibiting at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024, which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the UAE from Monday 6 to Thursday 9 May. Sponsored by Sabre, the ATM Future Stage – formerly known as the Travel Tech Stage – will host over a hundred expert speakers from across the global travel and tourism industry, plus a diverse selection of cutting-edge innovations designed to improve efficiency and profitability within the sector. Delegates will explore how advanced tech can be leveraged to drive improvements across a range of segments, including payment, professional development, accessibility, sustainability and more. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “My colleagues and I are delighted to introduce the ATM Future Stage, which will harness the ever-increasing levels of innovation our industry is witnessing while building on the long-standing success of our Travel Tech offering.” The global travel technology market was valued at $9.4 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $21 billion by 2032, according to Allied Market Research. The ATM Future Stage will host a selection of presentations and sessions designed to highlight opportunities within this space. These include; Navigating the Future: A Futurist’s Prediction, Strategic Capabilities and Implications of AI within Business, Putting the Traveller First with AI and Unlocking the Value of Travel: Harnessing Technology for Enhanced Traveler Journeys, which will be held in association with Amadeus. This …

At a special interview with TTME on the sidelines of Saudi Travel Mart it was revealed that Hdb Hotels is on the way constructing the highest hotel in the Kingdom. The project has just started off and is slated to be completed within the next two years. A new brand in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Hdb hotels have their presence in Riyadh and Al Khobar. In Riyadh, they are located in the financial district as a business hotel whereas in Al Khobar it is a resort with all key features especially for leisure guests. Speaking with TravelTV Mohamed Morsi – Revenue Manager – Hdb Hotels and Resorts reiterated, “We are a new group in Saudi Arabia, its called Hdb and we have now 2 hotels and one resort. One in the financial district and another in Safa district, they are four star hotels. Our owner is looking at making Hdb – local group of hospitality a popular one and also build the highest tower in the region with 700 rooms offering luxury and unique experiences for the guests.”

At a special media gathering it was announced by Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO Miral that the recently opened Sea World Abu Dhabi becomes the 20th Guinness World Record added to their accolades as it wins the title, “Largest indoor marine – life theme park in the world” this was truly an amazing achievement. In his address he reiterated, “In July last year we had the highest number of attendance in our theme parks, usually its December as its Christmas time and school breaks but last year because of the master plan and the indoor facilities we have in Yas island and how closely located they are to each other including the hotels we managed to achieve a great numbers last year. In August, also Warner Bros achieved 93% occupancy in the whole month of August which was never heard of before in Abu Dhabi and also we have achieved a daily rate of 1200AED that is the result of the vision we put in 2007 to make Yas island as the international entertainment center to come and create memorable experiences with their families. As you know we have achieved 19 Guinness World Records over the last 12 years so this year we add one more, Sea World has received the Guinness Record for the “largest marine life theme park in the world”

American Express Global Business Travel (“Amex GBT”) announced it entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CWT  in a transaction that values CWT at approximately $570 million on a cash-free, debt-free basis, subject to certain assumptions and purchase price adjustments. The transaction will be funded by a combination of stock and cash and is expected to close in the second half of 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. CWT serves 4,000 customers and is expected to generate approximately $850 million of revenues and $70 million–$80 million of Adjusted EBITDA in 2024. Paul Abbott, Amex GBT’s CEO, said: “Bringing CWT onto the proven Amex GBT software and services model will create more choice for customers, more opportunities for people and more value for shareholders.” After the acquisition closes, CWT customers would have access to Amex GBT’s proprietary software and services for travel and expense, including Neo1, Neo and Egencia, in addition to Select, which enables customers to integrate with leading technology partners. Customers would have access to the broadest portfolio of professional services, including meetings and events, consulting and sustainability solutions and Amex GBT’s marketplace would provide access to the most comprehensive and competitive content in the industry. CWT CEO Patrick Andersen said: “Joining forces with Amex GBT helps accelerate our vision of a tech-enabled future for business travel, where people and technology combine to deliver an exceptional customer experience. We are highly confident in the value creation of the combined company.” Significant Shareholder Value Highly attractive valuation and financial return: Based on CWT estimated 2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $70 million–$80 million and $155 million of identified synergies, Amex GBT acquiring CWT for …

At the TravTalk ME International Women’s Day celebration, CEO Dar Alhai tourism Maitha Gobash delivered an insightful message to the audience of striving to achieve what you set your sights on.  She reiterated, ”as an avid traveller, I started my own business five years ago as I loved to travel around the world, although it was covid time, I managed to take many groups and travel to explore different destinations and provide unique experiences. There are different experiences by various ladies and families who have been travelling with me and its always a pleasure to create new and unique experiences according to the clientele.”  From her experience she shared that today travel has changed so much that the customers know what they want but yet they expect the agent to recommend unique experiences which will be memorable to them.

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project. With 38 custom suites carved into sandstone mountains, comprehensive wellness facilities, family-friendly amenities, diverse dining options, and unique panoramic views, the resort embodies tranquillity, luxury, and an immersive engagement with AlUla’s unparalleled beauty. The initial excavation symbolises the start of a mission that combines Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues’ engineering expertise. This milestone is an important step forward in AlUla’s evolution into a premier destination for sustainable luxury tourism. Nestled within the ancient geological wonders of the Sharaan Nature Reserve, the Sharaan Resort will offer an experience unlike any other. RCU and its contractor partners have developed construction techniques that take the ancient Nabataean practice of creating spaces within rock, and then apply modern engineering methods to create habitable spaces that are more aligned to modern-day expectations. Part of the project’s uniqueness lies in having excavated areas one on top of the other. Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the AlUla Sustainability Charter, this project represents RCU’s dedication to pioneering sustainable development practices. It serves as a model for visionary planning, innovative construction techniques, and operational strategies designed to minimise environmental impact while enhancing the luxury tourism experience in north-west Arabia. Furthermore, the collaborative effort between RCU’s strategic direction and French expertise, particularly through the contributions of Jean Nouvel and Bouygues Construction, underscores the value of international cooperation in the sustainable development of AlUla. RCU’s commitment to this project underlines its resolve to safeguard AlUla’s natural beauty and historical importance for generations to come. It also cements RCU’s ambition to transform …