Dubai Harbour, the city’s extraordinary seafront district, has welcomed the iconic Queen Mary 2, the world’s only ocean liner, on its Centenary World Voyage . Observing the maiden call of this spectacular vessel, Captain Hashmi met with Dubai Harbour officials in an exclusive plaque exchange ceremony, which is a customary maritime tradition. The call is one of a plethora of international cruise liners that have called at Dubai Harbour during the 2022/23 cruise season, with over 300,000 passengers expected before June, exemplifying its position as the region’s most modern cruise infrastructure acting as a perfect gateway attracting tourists and cruise lines from across the globe. Queen Mary 2 is the world’s only ocean liner offering regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton and remains the largest ocean liner ever built. Queen Mary 2 seamlessly combines classic British heritage with Cunard’s hallmarks of nostalgia, opulence, and style, evident in sweeping staircases, a grand ballroom, and a wraparound promenade deck. She is one of the most spacious ships at sea, with 14 decks of lounges and bars, shops, and sports and even a seagoing planetarium! The ship boasts three pools, Mareel Wellness and Beauty, no fewer than 10 dining options, and one of the largest dance floors at sea .As a manifestation of Dubai’s wider planning, coastline development and tourism strategies, as well as its status as the region’s leading cruise hub, Dubai Harbour continues to play a major role in rekindling the city’s connection to the sea. Designed to process over 3,250 passengers per hour, the highly efficient and modern terminals at Dubai Harbour have recorded exponential growth over the past two years. Angus Struthers, Acting Senior Vice President, …

The first to operate balloon flights in the northern Emirates, ActionFlight, the only permanently based aerobatics operator in the UAE, has launched a brand-new hot air balloon experience in Ras Al Khaimah. The flight will take visitors soaring over the rolling terracotta dunes for awe-inspiring sunrise views of the Emirate’s breath-taking natural landscapes. Operating seven days a week during the ballooning season, the picturesque experience sets afloat in the Al Wadi desert, where guests will board the 450,000 cubic feet balloon standing at a colossal 34.6m. Taking flight just before sunrise, the journey lasts approximately 60-minutes where visitors can marvel at the illuminated desert dunes, majestic Hajar mountains and glistening coastline and if they’re lucky, spot special appearances from the indigenous wildlife. Commenting on the launch of ActionFlight, Wayne Jack, Chief Operations Officer said: “We are excited to launch a brand-new offering in Ras Al Khaimah, taking residents and visitors to new heights for the very first time. Known as the nature-based Emirate and adventure hub of the region, the destination is the perfect location for hot air balloon flights. Passengers will have a truly unforgettable experience with a bird’s eye view of Ras Al Khaimah’s stunning landscapes and majestic wildlife.” The full package includes complimentary transportation from anywhere within Ras Al Khaimah and transfer options from other Emirates with an additional fee. The family-friendly flight has the capacity to carry up to 20 passengers and for those looking for a more intimate experience, private compartment and flight bookings are available on request. Following the breath-taking flight, visitors will be transported to the Majlis for a delicious Bubbly Breakfast as is customary. As the story states, dating back to when …

Barceló Mussanah Resort unveils the launch of its eco-friendly guest programme, VIP of The Day; in partnership with One Tree Planted, a non-profit organisation focused on global reforestation. Aligning with its The Future is Green initiative, Barceló Mussanah Resort will plant over 500 trees by the end of 2023 in the Sultanate of Oman, as part of its innovative programme. Mussanah’s flagship beach resort invites one VIP guest of the day to create a positive impact on their environment. The lucky guest will receive a welcome gift upon their arrival at the stellar beach property; planting an agroforestry tree on their behalf from One Tree Planted. The eco-friendly guest will also receive an e-certificate for their efforts and contribution towards preserving the environment. As part of The Future is Green initiative, the programme enhances the property’s commitment to promoting sustainable tourism in the Sultanate of Oman. The VIP of Day programme will support Barceló Mussanah Resort’s commitment to enhance carbon sequestration, improve soil and water conservation, reserve carbon, and moderate climate change by providing shade. Furthermore, the planted trees will also offer a natural habitat to increase wildlife and refine the land’s capacity to weather climate change. Dermot Birchall, General Manager of Barceló Mussanah Resort, says, “Partnering with One Tree Planted and launching our VIP of The Day programme takes us one step further on our combined journey to help preserve the planet. This represents a significant step forward in our promise to reduce our impact on the environment and engage with our community in such an impactful endeavour. By gifting a tree to our guests, we welcome them to be a part of our commitment, raising awareness and inspiring …

Rooted in its mission of providing signature wellness programs that empower guests to regain control and enhance their well-being when they need it most while traveling, Westin Hotels & Resorts – part of Marriott Bonvoy’s® portfolio of 30 extraordinary brands – has reimagined its Gear Lending program, featuring the latest in high-tech recovery and total body strength training equipment. Rolling out at the brand’s over 230 properties globally beginning this month, the next generation WestinWORKOUT® Gear Lending program will encompass a library of kits allowing guests to borrow the equipment they need – whenever they want – to optimize their stay and feel their best. The program is available to guests at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and will be rolled out at The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina in February. Over the past decade, through both operational and consumer feedback, Westin has evolved and enhanced its Gear Lending program to meet consumers where they are today. The acclaimed, on-demand program focuses on helping guests maintain their workout routines, wherever they go, without the added bulk of packing fitness gear. Westin tapped fitness powerhouses for the first two kits of its re-energized Gear Lending program, providing guests with high-quality fitness essentials in-room, on-demand. Global high-performance wellness brand Hyperice features its game changing massage and compression recovery products that are ideal for post-workout recovery, as well as soothing stiffness and tension from long travel. Additionally, direct-to-consumer fitness accessories brand Bala features its beautifully designed and highly versatile total body fitness pieces, providing opportunities for guests to move well both in their guest room and outside, wherever the day takes them. Whether an avid runner that …

Faced with increased disruptions, baggage mountains, and staff shortages, airports and airlines are ramping up their investment in technology to digitalize their operations and speed up the passenger journey by offering more self-service options. SITA’s 2022 Air Transport IT Insights report, published reveals that with the post-pandemic recovery CIOs want to ensure operations are as agile and resilient as they are efficient, with IT solutions seen as central to their success. This has spurred an acceleration of digitalization, with airlines and airports looking to key technology solutions to fortify their operations against disruption while automating the passenger experience. The industry’s IT spend is projected to continue its steady year-on-year growth trend since 2020 to support this push for digitalization, with a full 96% of airlines and 93% of airports expecting their IT spend to stay the same or increase in 2023 compared to 2022. Last year airline and airport IT spend rose to an estimated 37 billion USD and 6.8 billion USD respectively. David Lavorel, CEO, SITA, said: “Air travel has recovered faster from the pandemic than anyone in the industry had initially expected, particularly in Europe and the US. While the recovery is welcome, airports and airlines have found themselves on the back foot with staff and resource shortages. This has put strain on operations, resulting in an increased risk of congestion, delays, cancellations and mishandled baggage. Digitalization is seen as key to addressing these challenges, providing more scalability and flexibility.” Airlines are placing great emphasis on IT tools to manage irregular operations and provide the best passenger experience possible even amid staff shortages. Over the next three years, 90% or more of airlines are investing in IT service …

Singapore Airlines (SIA) launched its latest global brand campaign, which will run on television, print, digital, out-of-home, and social media platforms. Titled Welcome to World Class, the campaign reflects the Airline’s commitment to deliver an exceptional customer experience across the end-to-end travel journey. This is epitomised by SIA’s iconic cabin crew in the 90-second campaign video, which highlights their varied and personal experiences with people and cultures from around the world. The inimitable connection that they have with the Airline’s customers, along with their distinctive combination of empathy and confidence, enable SIA to deliver its world-class in-flight service on a daily basis. Mr Lee Lik Hsin, Executive Vice President Commercial, Singapore Airlines, said: “At Singapore Airlines, service excellence is deeply ingrained in our DNA and our customers are at the heart of everything we do. This campaign highlights our unwavering commitment to deliver a world-class travel experience, no matter the duration of the journey. Our award-winning cabin crew are central to this promise, with their rich and diverse experiences, as well as their dedication to customer service, having a positive impact on everyone around them.” Directed by filmmaker Liz Murphy, the uplifting video was filmed in Singapore, Auckland in New Zealand, Barcelona in Spain, Mumbai in India, and Shanghai in China. The Airline conducted in-depth research to measure its global brand perception, and used the findings to create a campaign that aims to resonate with customers around the world. SIA’s Welcome to World Class campaign video  and brand advertisements are available at https://bit.ly/3XU6kdJ.

As part of Kuwait Airways’ continuous endeavours to expand its network and in preparation for the upcoming summer season of 2023, the company announced the operation of its scheduled commercial flights to the Republic of Greece with two flights per week, consisting of one to Athens and the other to Mykonos from 14 June 2023. Kuwait Airways customers can make their reservations to Greece from 18 January 2023. Kuwait Airways Chief Executive Officer, Eng. Maen Razouqi stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the launch of its scheduled commercial flights to the Republic of Greece, specifically to the destinations of Athens and Mykonos, in preparation for the 2023 summer season. These two destinations are among the important destinations for our valued customers based on their choice and because of its touristic attractions, diverse ancient heritage, as well as historical and cultural sites.” Razouqi pointed out, “Selecting the destinations of Athens and Mykonos coincides with the plans established by Kuwait Airways under the directives of the Board of Directors to expand its network of routes around the world to new and sought-after markets that meet the requirements of its valued customers. These two destinations were selected after systematic research of their feasibility, profitability, and their impact, in addition to the popularity of these routes.” Razouqi indicated that Kuwait Airways has a young fleet of diverse types of aircraft with the latest technology and features. Moreover, the Airbus A320neo aircraft with its advanced characteristics has been designated for passengers travelling to and from Athens and Mykonos, so that customers enjoy a comfortable journey. He added that Kuwait Airways was steadily progressing towards digital transformation and reaching beyond excellence. Moreover, he explained that …

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority announced plans to organise the 12th Sharjah Light Festival from 8 to 19 February 2023. The festival covers locations all around the Emirate of Sharjah over the course of 12 days, offering a busy agenda packed with light shows, art displays, and entertainment activities that cater to all visitors, individuals and families of all ages from the UAE and abroad. The Authority revealed details of this year’s edition of the Sharjah Light Festival in a press conference held last night at the Light Village, opposite University City Hall in Sharjah, in the presence of His Excellency Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, along with officials and representatives of various government entities, and reporters from local and international media in the UAE. Speaking at the conference, H.E. Al Midfa asserted: “Over the years, the Emirate of Sharjah has established itself as an exceptional family destination with an enormous and diverse range of tourist attractions and activities that cater to varying tastes and anticipate the aspirations of visitors to Sharjah from around the world. Guided by the forward-looking vision and directives of H.H. Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the tourism sector in the emirate is moving steadily towards a bright future and sustainable economic growth.” “By constantly renewing and reinventing itself, the Sharjah Light Festival has become a leading destination of its own and a staple event on the emirate’s annual agenda,” H.E. Al Midfa added. “Every …

With February being the peak time for travel planning, world leading travel site Skyscanner responds to heightened travel demand* and increasingly cost-conscious travelers**, with guidance on how to make their money go further. Comparing two key – and often shared – travel hacks: when to book & when to travel, Skyscanner is able to reveal how booking and travelling at the right time can save UAE travelers on average 349 AED for optimum booking timing and 311 AED for travelling on the cheapest day per person. Currently, the overall best time to book flights from the UAE is on average 21 weeks before departure and the cheapest day of the week to travel from the UAE is a Friday. However, the global travel site has data crunched millions of flight bookings over the last year across its most popular destinations and the results reveal this doesn’t in fact tell the whole story. Not only do these hacks change depending on the destination but also, travelers will find differing results for the same destination but a different month i.e.: From Dubai, the cheapest day of the week to travel to Doha in December is a Tuesday vs Sharjah which is a Wednesday The best time to book a flight from Dubai to London in July is 27 weeks ahead vs Abu Dhabi to London which is 23 weeks The cheapest day of the week to travel to Malé from Dubai in December is a Wednesday but in April it is a Thursday   Flight pricing algorithms have long been the source of much fascination, but this new data reveals that post-pandemic, the science behind pricing is more complex than ever. Travelers …

Etihad Airways is showing it means business by increasing services to Frankfurt, Germany. From 1 May, the airline will add an extra four services a week to its current daily frequency, bringing the total number of flights to Frankfurt up to 11 weekly. The additional flights will be operated by one of Etihad’s ultra-modern Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft, designed with customer comfort in mind, boasting 28 seats in Business and 262 in Economy. The jump in flights underlines Etihad’s commitment to the important German market and comes days after it announced the start of flights to Düsseldorf from 1 October.  Arik De, Chief Revenue Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “We are pleased to offer our guests more flights to Frankfurt, one of Europe’s most important airports. The increase in frequency also means greater connectivity to our growing network and the opportunity to welcome more visitors to Abu Dhabi where they can enjoy our world-renowned hospitality, culture, leisure activities and cuisine.” Although famed for its financial activities, Frankfurt has a rich cultural history too and the old town with its half-timbered houses, the cathedral, the museum embankment and the Goethe House are popular with the thousands of tourists the city welcomes each year. Customers flying to or from Frankfurt with Etihad can use the airline’s Rail & Fly service to travel by train from any station on the Deutsche Bahn or SNCF network. Tickets are currently on sale on Etihad.com and the airline’s mobile app.