Hospitality technology solutions providers WorldVue® and Infrateq have announced they have signed an agreement that will mark the entry of WorldVue’s full tech stack into the EMEA region powered by Infrateq. Nearly 50 years in business, WorldVue (formerly known as World Cinema) has been a trusted provider of video, digital infrastructure, wireless connectivity and professional services to hotels, residential properties and enterprises across the world. A family-owned business headquartered in the United States, WorldVue has offices in the Americas, UK, Netherlands, Mexico City, Dubai, Singapore and Australia. Michael Vargosko, Managing Director International Operations at WorldVue commented: “This agreement couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. As we close in on managing a million rooms installed globally, the business has been focused on strategic international growth with EMEA as a top priority, which was cemented by the appointment of Julian Daniel as Vice President of Operations EMEA earlier this year.  Through our alliance with Infrateq our full offering, including IPTV, ISP and wired and wireless network solutions, will be available in EMEA and we will work closely with the team to ensure smooth and seamless operations with the goal to fully integrate the business.” Specialized in IT infrastructure project design, deployment and management for the hospitality industry, Infrateq designed solutions are approved by leading vendors and international hotel chains, using decades of industry experience of their team plus a network of over 50 verified local partners. Infrateq has extensive coverage in the EMEA region through its hubs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Europe and the UK. “This is a very exciting milestone for the company,” said Gary Carscadden, CEO & Founder of Infrateq. “WorldVue will bring its North …

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts is embarking on an exciting new chapter with the launch of an extensive global brand evolution. As part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle portfolio, InterContinental is set to yet again reimagine the luxury travel experience, striking a harmonious balance between freedom and familiarity. This transformative journey is driven by the brand’s long held belief that travel can expand minds and connect cultures, enhanced by cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and the exceptional talents of InterContinental’s diverse team members. InterContinental aims to captivate the imaginations of modern luxury travellers by satisfying their desire for knowledge and culturally rich experiences. This holistic evolution includes new offerings and experiences, a fresh brand culture, unique brand differentiators, and a game-changing food and beverage and hotel design strategy tailored to the traveller of tomorrow. With InterContinental hotels in the world’s finest cities from Rome to Shanghai, and 93 new hotels and resorts in the pipeline, these concepts will shape the future of InterContinental. Tom Rowntree, Vice President of Luxury Brands at IHG Hotels and Resorts, said: “This isn’t a rebrand or repositioning; rather, it’s a comprehensive transformation from start to finish of InterContinental, ensuring we stay at the forefront of crafting a luxury experience for the modern luxury traveler. Collaborating with our 215 hotels worldwide, we are committed to delivering precisely what todays and tomorrows guests, owners and colleagues require. “At its core, this brand evolution revolves around our exceptional team members globally. Alongside a new brand service platform, we’re introducing a fresh brand culture and a range of programmes aimed at attracting and retaining the finest talent in the industry. Our colleague brand culture is grounded in InterContinental’s …

According to Phocuswright, an increasing number of companies from outside of travel are entering the online travel agency (OTA) space. This comes ahead of the 2023 Phocuswright Conference, which will be themed around what recent powerful advances in technology could mean for the future of the industry – and how travel businesses must adapt to remain relevant. Although outside players are plugging into online travel companies’ platforms, it is mainly the OTAs that will reap the rewards of this trend, according to Phocuswright: “Historically it was travel suppliers who partnered with the OTAs in a bid to supplement their core products,” said Lorraine Sileo, senior analyst, at Phocuswright.  “However, non-travel brands, such as financial institutions, retailers and loyalty clubs, are now partnering with OTAs to sell travel. “These companies now really want to get into the travel business – and technology is enabling them to do so.  Over the past two years, several have launched travel booking platforms or announced ambitious plans to do so, even though the online travel agency market is already near saturation and uber competitive.  The goal for these companies is not to gain substantial revenue directly from travel, but to keep their customers coming back, for example by encouraging card usage and giving customers more ways to earn or redeem loyalty points.  But, for the OTAs, these partnerships can be directly profitable.” This trend is set to benefit the big brands in the OTA space, as many “outside” companies will simply be tapping into their various plug-and-play models without needing much experience or expertise in the travel sector.  Here are three companies in the finance space that are now tapping into OTAs to drive loyalty …

Cebu Pacific  hosted a thanksgiving dinner for their travel agency partners and Philippine government officials in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the airline’s 10 years in Dubai. The event, held at Doubletree by Hilton M Square, is a celebration of CEB’s long-standing history of servicing the Dubai-Manila route and its partnership with the travel trade. It is also CEB’s way of expressing gratitude to its travel partners and Philippine government stakeholders for their support in the last 10 years. Philippine Consul General to Dubai Renato Dueñas Jr. graced the event along with representatives from the Al Rais Travel & Shipping Agencies LLC, and CEB’s General Sales Agent in Dubai and Northern Emirates. CEB flew its maiden Dubai-Manila flight on October 7, 2013, making it the airline’s first ever long-haul flight. It was also the first local carrier to land in Dubai in 15 years. “Cebu Pacific remains committed to continuously provide our kababayans in the UAE the easiest and fastest connectivity to the Philippines, and link tourists from all over the world to the best destinations in our country,” said Xander Lao, CEB President and Chief Commercial Officer. Arlene Tena, CEB Director for Passenger Sales and Distribution, recalled how the airline’s operation in Dubai has helped thousands of Filipinos to find greater pastures in the UAE and be reunited with their families and loved ones in the Philippines. “Indeed, Dubai holds a special place in our hearts. It is a city that embodies the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of dreams, and Cebu Pacific is proud to be a bridge that connects people to our beautiful homeland,” Tena said. CEB currently flies twice daily between Dubai and …

Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed more than 200,000 visitors between the months of June and August 2023, reporting a record peak in summer visitation since the museum’s opening in 2017, reaffirming its position as an internationally renowned cultural institution. Abu Dhabi welcomed 2.4 million hotel guests in the first half of 2023, a 34 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, according to figures shared by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. As one of the UAE’s main cultural attractions, the visitor and community experience has remained a key priority for Louvre Abu Dhabi. The museum saw a surge in attendance numbers compared to previous summers, as individuals and families alike engaged with artworks, explored immersive exhibitions, and sought inspiration from the museum’s architecture. To engage the community over the summer period, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened its latest Children’s Museum exhibition Picturing the Cosmos to the public on 20 July inspired by the human fascination with the cosmos. As part of the exhibition’s programming, the museum also hosted an interactive live call from space with Emirati astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi, in partnership with Mohamed Bin Rashid Space Centre, on 3 August. In just two months, the exhibition welcomed over 30,000 visitors. The museum’s summer offerings also focused on participatory learning and engagement, as young adults took part in the Art Lab, where they collaborated with UAE-based artists in engaging workshops. Using the theme of In with the OId and Out with the New, participants explored sustainability through the lens of the museum. In anticipation of the new school year, Louvre Abu Dhabi also welcomed teachers and children for a free exploratory visit of the …

As part of its successful ‘Hospitality Qatar’ programme, the country’s first national tourism training programme, Qatar Tourism has launched a new ‘Beach Expert’ training course, which aims to provide beachfarers who come directly to visitors with the expertise needed to visit Qatar’s growing beaches, desert camps, hotels and resorts with beach views and open beaches that are frequented by many in Doha and beyond. The course, which allows applicants to choose the times that suit them, is available in Arabic and English and takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. Upon completion, participants receive a certificate from Qatar Tourism stating that they have acquired the necessary knowledge and experience regarding the latest information about Qatar’s pristine beaches. Commenting on the new Beach Expert course, Ms. Moza Al Maadadi from Qatar Tourism said : “Qatar has beautiful coastlines and crystal clear waters that are admired by residents and many of our international visitors. The Beach Expert course is an opportunity to highlight the refreshing atmosphere that Qatar offers to its visitors, such as the bright sun, clear sea water and soft sand, especially as new beaches are being developed and included in Qatar’s growing hospitality offerings. We are delighted with the success and growth of the Moyadaf Qatar programme, and invite beach staff who interact directly with the public to explore the latest training courses and be provided with the latest relevant information.” The flagship program, Medyaf Qatar, is part of Qatar Tourism’s Academy of Service Excellence and has accredited more than 35,000 customer and visitor professionals, including hotel concierge staff, shopping mall security staff, restaurant staff, taxi drivers and service workers. The recent expansion of the Modyaf Qatar programme reflects Qatar …

Visa and Etihad Guest have renewed their exclusive cobrand deal in the UAE for another 7 years. This partnership enables Etihad Guest to further grow its’ cobrand card portfolio with key financial partners in the UAE and drive innovation in the country’s payment ecosystem. Visa’s global platform, digital first approach, and unmatched card benefits will further augment the growth of the Etihad Guest programme. As global and UAE travel trends continue to be on the rise, this partnership will further provide Etihad Guest customers with market leading customer value propositions including a secure payment product with benefits of earning miles and enjoying rewards such as global lounge access. At the same time, cardholders benefit from convenient services like concierge and insurance. Etihad boasts six banking partnerships in the UAE which are enabled through its cobrand partnership with Visa. As a result, Etihad Guest cobrand cardholders can earn rewards through everyday spending on their credit cards, making travel even more attractive. The partnership complements Etihad’s current growth journey as the airline continues to expand its network, offering Etihad Guest members an even greater choice of destinations when spending their rewards. Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer, Etihad, said: “With more than 9 million members globally, the Etihad Guest programme offers our members and guests a richly rewarding travel and lifestyle experience. As two leading and trusted global brands, we’re proud to renew our exclusive partnership with Visa, giving us further ability to enhance and evolve the Etihad Guest programme for our members in the UAE both locally and as they travel the world with Etihad. These are part of the exciting array of offerings we are adding as we further cement Etihad …

With the Muslim travel market forecast to reach $225 billion by 2028, the Philippines’ government announced that boosting foreign arrivals from the Middle East and Muslim-majority nations was among its priority goals. “Miss Universes’ trip to the Philippines would be a big boost for our country that would hopefully influence the global Muslim community to visit the archipelago nation, which is home to white sand beaches, famous diving spots, lively entertainment, diverse cultural heritage and distinctive wildlife,” says Tourism Undersecretary Myra Paz Valderrosa-Abubakar. Recently crowned Miss Universe Queens Miss Universe Bahrain 2023 Lujane Yacoub and Miss Universe Pakistan 2023 Erica Robin, showed their commitment to promoting halal and wellness travel in the Philippines, following the country’s win of the Emerging Muslim-Friendly Destination Award earlier this year. Led by Dubai-based Filipino Josh Yugen, Founder Yugen PR & Events, the two Miss Universe queens arrived in Manila this weekend to collaborate with the Philippine Department of Tourism in promoting its ‘Halal and Wellness Tourism’ campaign inviting more travelers from Arab and Muslim countries to experience the Philippines, starting with eco-luxury holistic wellness resort The Farm at San Benito. The multi-awarded resort is at the forefront in showcasing the Filipino brand of wellness, offering halal-experiences for global travelers. Since the past two decades, The Farm has been championing a way of life that prioritizes self-care, holistic healing, cultural inclusivity, while promoting the country’s serene beauty and the heartfelt Filipino service and care. “We are delighted to initiate this alliance with the beauty queens representing Arab and Muslim countries to further spread awareness of our country’s offering. It brings a greater opportunity to attract travelers, not only from the Gulf, but also from the …

Sofitel Dubai The Palm unveils its ultra-luxury Signature Collection of bespoke suites and villas. This boutique hotel experience promises exceptional stays, seamlessly merging the French Riviera charm with the allure of Dubai. Ready for reservations from November 1, 2023, the Signature Palm Suites cater primarily to guests aged 12 and above; making them a dreamy escape for couples enjoying their honeymoon or those celebrating special occasions. Sofitel Dubai The Palm’s pivotal expansion marks a significant milestone in the resort’s unwavering commitment to world-class sophistication, propelling it into unparalleled luxury hospitality. The journey of personalised luxury and exquisite art de vivre begins at the enticing Signature Palm Suites and continues to the majestic Eden, Palm, Riviera, and Beach Villas. Each bespoke space is an impeccable sanctuary of serenity and seclusion. The prestigious hotel has a pipeline of captivating projects set to launch before the year’s end. Christophe Schnyder, Managing Director at Sofitel Dubai The Palm, commented, “We are always determined in our vision to provide unparalleled luxury experiences for our guests. Recognising the evolving landscape of luxury hospitality, our introduction of the Signature Collection suites and villas signifies thoughtful diversification. By curating an exquisite adult-only sanctuary alongside our esteemed family offerings, we aim to elevate and cater to the desires of our discerning clientele, solidifying our commitment to redefine regional hospitality benchmarks”. The newly unveiled Signature Palm Suites epitomise luxury. Designed with precision for the cultured traveler, these suites have elegant interiors, offering a realm of uniqueness with an exclusive check-in experience. The suites have access to a dedicated butler service and bespoke honeymoon amenities as well as privileged access to The Premier Lounge, Sofitel FITNESS, the tranquil retreat of Sofitel …

Saudia announced the sponsorship of the fourth edition of Riyadh Season as the Platinum Partner and Official Airline of this mega event, commencing on 28th October. This event is one of the most anticipated entertainment seasons globally and aligns with the airline’s commitment to its new brand. The airline’s mission is to enable the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by flying guests both within and outside the Kingdom, while ensuring the delivery of top-notch services to enhance the travel experience. Guests flying with Saudia during Riyadh Season will be treated to a multitude of surprises and exclusive offers. This aligns with the airline’s launch of a new era and brand which places meticulous attention on the various touch points during the guest’s travel journey. Furthermore, Saudia will play a significant role in the grand event as the Presenting Partner for many global events and activities, igniting the excitement of visitors while garnering extensive media coverage. Khaled Tash, Saudia Group Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the significance of the airline’s participation in Riyadh Season with its new image. Riyadh Season continues to shine brighter year after year, captivating the world and attracting visitors from various corners of the globe. The importance of the national carrier’s partnership lies in connecting the world to the Kingdom through its extensive flight network, serving over a hundred destinations across four continents. Tash also highlighted the past successes achieved through the partnership with Riyadh Season. This year is particularly remarkable as it follows the launch of the new brand and era of Saudia. This transformation enables the airline to execute numerous strategies to support ambitious Vision projects, deliver premium services to guests, and embed Saudi culture in …