Al Tayer Holidays (a division of Al Tayer Travel) will represent Crystal in the Middle East. This partnership was announced to a selected group of travel agents who cater to the niche luxury cruise market in the UAE at an event where Matthew Boutwell, Senior Director Charter & Incentives of Crystal shared details on the two new ships that will sail in the GCC by October this year. The route will include Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha etc. Speaking with Tourismbreakingnews, Boutwell shared the exceptional offerings especially for the GCC and Middle East region, in terms of  accommodation which will include connecting rooms, larger spaces, more suites, a host of food options from halal and kosher, not just packed food but with a whole kitchen. This partnership will enhance and enrich Al Tayer’s niche cruise offering and a completely new cruising experience to their valued guests. Crystal Cruises has been synonymous with the word exceptional, it is known for its award winning voyages for over three decades and offers some of the most amazing itineraries and destinations around the world. Last year Abercrombie and Kent (A&K) Travel Group acquired the Crystal brand and its two most beloved vessels; Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ushering in a brand new era. Boutwell reiterated that both their ships have been renovated by A&K Travel Group to bring in exceptional design, comfort and a whole set of modern features. One of the most unique features notable would be that the ships have 14 different dining options Crystal Symphony offers nearly one staff member per guest and accommodates 606 guests whereas Crystal Serenity accommodates 740 guests.  

According to Skyscanner’s latest research, in association with OnePoll, a huge 98% of UAE travellers are open to travelling to more alternative or lesser-known destinations with more than three quarters (77%) saying they would be likely to swap their holiday favourites for an alternative option if it meant they were likely to save money.  Ayoub El Mamoun, Skyscanner Travel Expert, says,  “The desire for new and alternative destinations appears to be increasing this year, as in 2022, only 41% of global travellers surveyed said that they wanted to explore new places versus returning to an old favourite. We’re seeing a big uplift in the number of searches for underrated destinations from the UAE, including Hanoi (+373%) and Osaka (+332%) to name a few.  With almost half (48%) of UAE travellers yet to book their summer holiday this year, according to our latest research, and 41% of those admitting that they’re still deciding on where to go, Skyscanner is on hand to help find them find a lesser known and cheaper alternative to their usual holiday hot spot.” Over three quarters (76%) of UAE travellers already prefer alternative holiday destinations versus the more tried and true classic hotspots (20%), citing cost savings (24%) and the ability to escape the crowds (27%) as their top reasons why. Skyscanner data reveals it pays to swap. For example, UAE travellers when looking for a European city break could swap popular Paris (with return flights from Abu Dhabi AED 308 this August) for the lesser-known city of Bucharest (with return flights from AED 171 this August) and save 44% on the cost of their flights alone. Head to the old town in Bucharest to discover …

Emirates celebrated the launch of its Premium Economy offering in Singapore, with a tour of one of its enhanced four-class A380 aircraft. On a four-class Emirates A380, the Premium Economy cabin is located at the front of the main deck with 56 seats laid out in a 2-4-2 configuration. In the cabin, every inch of space anticipates customer needs with a generous seat pitch and width for working and relaxing, and customised features that offer function and convenience like in-seat charging points and a side cocktail table. The experience is rounded off with expertly curated in-flight amenities, an inventive menu, and extensive beverage options. Emirates Premium Economy is deployed on flights EK 354 and EK 355 between Singapore and Dubai. The event kicked off at the Emirates Lounge at Changi Airport Terminal 1, after which guests were given a guided tour of the brand new product, as well as the enhanced interior across all cabin classes on board the Emirates A380. Guests took in the highlights of the exclusive premium economy experience that awaits travellers. Tickets can be purchased on emirates.com, the Emirates App, at Emirates sales offices, and via both online and offline travel agents. Travellers are also encouraged to check the Emirates website for the latest travel requirements.

Rail Europe announced the addition of the Berner Oberland Regional Pass to its comprehensive range of products on Rail Europe’s B2B website and API, allowing travel professionals to easily access and book this pass. Rail Europe’s commitment to extending its product offerings remains unwavering as it introduces the Berner Oberland Regional Pass. This pass showcases the unique and captivating Berner Oberland region, renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming towns, and unparalleled alpine experiences. With the pass, travellers will gain the freedom and flexibility to explore this enchanting region at their own pace. “As Rail Europe continues to expand its product range, we are delighted to offer the opportunity to introduce our B2B partners’ customers to the Berner Oberland Regional Pass, one of the most visited areas in Europe. This pass provides an unlimited access to the captivating Berner Oberland region, allowing travellers to make the most of its breathtaking landscapes and iconic activities. We are fully committed to supporting our partners in delivering exceptional experiences to their customers and are very excited to further collaborate with them to promote this unique pass and region,” says Björn Bender, CEO & President, Rail Europe. One of the standout features of the Berner Oberland Regional Pass is its seamless integration with other train travel across Europe. Travellers can easily combine this pass with their European itinerary, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to discover multiple destinations in one trip. As Switzerland remains a top destination for travellers from all over the world, the Berner Oberland Regional Pass is also an ideal addition to the Swiss Travel System tickets and passes offered by Rail Europe. Beyond convenience, the Berner Oberland Regional Pass …

Possibilities of granting nationals from Kuwait visa-free access to the Schengen Zone have been discussed during official talks held between Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Salem Abdullah Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Both countries’ authorities also discussed new opportunities that would further enhance their collaborative relations, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports. Italian Foreign Minister reiterated Italy’s support for the abolishment of Schengen visa requirements for citizens of Kuwait, emphasizing Rome’s ongoing efforts on the matter in the European Union and European Parliament. At the same time, Sheikh Salem Abdullah affirmed keenness regarding boosting the friendly relationship between both states. Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has intensified the efforts so citizens of the Asian country can travel without additional requirements such as visas to the Schengen Area. Sheikh Salem Al-Jaber Al-Sabah recently held talks with Hungarian counterpart, Peter Szijjarto, during the Kuwait delegation’s official visit to Hungary’s capital. Among the main topics discussed in the meeting was the exemption of Kuwaiti citizens from visa requirements and also rallying European support for such a move. Last month, authorities in Kuwait also called on the European Union to abolish visa requirements for their citizens in a bid to facilitate the travel process, especially during the peak summer season. The request came in a meeting that Kuwait’s Minister of Foreign Affairs held with European Union ambassadors, during which he stressed that the country should no longer be subject to Schengen visa requirements. “The minister, during the luncheon held at the Foreign Ministry headquarters, called upon the diplomats to act to ease off difficulties facing the Kuwaiti nationals seeking the Schengen visa, facilitate procedures to apply for the visa, set …

Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA) continues to implement its operational plan for Summer 2023 by providing over 7.4 million seats for domestic and international routes during July and August, a 10% increase compared to the same period in 2022. The airline will operate more than 32,400 flights, reflecting a 4% increase. These measures aim to meet high demand during peak seasons and ensure smooth operations, efficient reservations for scheduled and seasonal destinations, and streamlined processes at airports. For international flights, SAUDIA is providing more than 4.2 million seats, achieving a 16% increase. Additionally, the airline is introducing over 14,800 flights , reflecting a 15% increase. On domestic routes, over 3.2 million seats will be available through 17,600 flights. The operational plan for the summer of 2023 is continuously monitored by dedicated teams to evaluate its performance. Captain Ibrahim Koshy, CEO of SAUDIA, emphasized the airline’s extensive experience in managing operations throughout the year, especially during peak seasons. The plan includes increasing flights, seat capacity, and introducing seasonal destinations to meet guests’ needs while providing excellent services. He also acknowledged the various challenges in the aviation industry. One upcoming challenge is managing the departure of Hajj pilgrims from Makkah. The airline has implemented comprehensive procedures and prepared the necessary facilities to ensure a successful summer season and Hajj pilgrimage. SAUDIA relies on its young fleet and dedicated team from Saudia Aerospace Engineering Industries (SAEI) to maintain on-time performance of the aircraft. Earlier this year, SAUDIA Group announced the addition of 25 new international destinations, expanding its network to over 100 destinations. This expansion aims to provide more options for travelers and to connect the world with Saudi Arabia. As part of the …

EGYPTAIR announced that it will operate to Manchester, England, starting from 15th July, in light of its continuous efforts to stimulate tourism and travel, and to upgrade its airline network. The new route represents additional expansion points to EGYPTAIR’s network in Europe and serve new customers of the company around the world. It will operate 5 weekly flights to Manchester, England, starting from July 15, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with its B737-800NG , The outbound flight is at 10:00 am , Cairo time  , Flight No. MS781, arrives at 1:30 pm , Manchester time. EGYPTAIR customers can book their tickets on the two new routes through the EGYPTAIR website, Egyptair.com , EGYPTAIR offices around the world or travel agents.

Iraqi Airways has added Abu Dhabi to its network started flights between Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Flights will operate on Saturdays in a two-class configuration (Economy and Business Class) by modern Boeing 737-800. Iraqi Airways is planning to add more frequencies soon.

IHG Hotels & Resorts announced the signing of a franchise agreement with DIA SARL to debut IHG’s premium brand, voco, in the Lebanese capital. A conversion property, voco Beirut Central District is scheduled to be rebranded by the end of this year, adding 123 rooms to IHG’s portfolio in the country. Globally, with 46 open hotels and over 50 hotels in the pipeline, voco continues to be a key driver of IHG’s overall growth in the conversion space. The distinctive brand, voco offers a premium experience to guests and combines the informality and charm of an individual hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. Since launching globally in 2018, voco has enjoyed rapid growth with multiple signings across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia (EMEAA), including markets such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Egypt. The signing of voco Beirut Central District marks the brand’s debut in the Levant region. Located in one of the most prominent areas in the Lebanese capital, voco Beirut Central District will offer proximity to various popular attractions including the high-end F&B strip of Zaituna Bay, Beirut Waterfront, and Beirut Souks.  In addition to best-in-class guest rooms, the hotel will feature an outdoor pool, a rejuvenating spa and a well-equipped gym for guests looking to unwind. voco Beirut Central District will also house a business center and a dedicated theater area, as well as four meeting rooms including a banquet-style room. For guests looking to indulge in exceptional culinary experiences, the new hotel will offer three dining options and a destination rooftop bar, catering to diverse preferences. voco Beirut Central District will also benefit from the strength of IHG’s …

Sabre Corporation announced the integration between Nuvola, its task management and guest engagement software, and the renowned messaging platform WhatsApp. Hotels using Nuvola’s Guest Chat module now have the option to choose between SMS messaging or WhatsApp to power their real-time communications with guests. With over two billion users across 180 countries, the integration with WhatsApp provides hoteliers with a powerful tool to offer a differentiated and seamless guest experience. Additionally, Nuvola recently launched a two-way integration with Sabre’s property management system, SynXis Property Hub. This new integration allows hotel staff to have a more holistic view of the traveler and run operations on-property smoothly. “Properties using Nuvola’s Housekeeping module and Property Hub can send real-time updates to ensure the front desk has accurate room status information, such as if the room is cleaned, and can seamlessly check in guests upon their arrival,” said Juan Abello, Vice President of Product Management at Sabre Hospitality and founder of Nuvola. “Furthermore, if the hotel incorporates Nuvola Guest Chat or the Angel guest app, the information exchanged between the property management system (PMS) and Nuvola has the potential to improve the guest experience and increase the hotel’s guest satisfaction score.” Abello added. SynXis Property Hub is the latest PMS addition to Nuvola’s list of PMS integrations. Nuvola already offers integrations with prevalent PMS providers such as Oracle Opera, SMS Host and Maestro, making it an attractive option for the global hospitality industry. Furthermore, Nuvola currently supports user’s interface in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese languages, enabling each staff member to pick the language they feel most confident using. Additionally, Nuvola is set to release French, German, and Japanese languages next …