Outletcity Metzingen; Europe’s largest luxury retail outlet has appointed AVIAREPS Middle East as its Destination Marketing & Public Relations Representative in the Middle East. The representation, which comes into immediate effect, will see AVIAREPS promote Outletcity Metzingen to consumers and outbound travel industry professionals located in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman, through targeted marketing and public relations activities. A dream city for fashion lovers, and a trendsetter from its inception, Outletcity Metzingen provides a comprehensive range of services and tourist offerings making it a pioneer of factory outlet centres in Europe. Today it attracts over 4.2 million visitors every year, representing 185 nationalities, with an increasing number of those visitors hailing from the Gulf Countries. In order to support and grow this trend, the decision was made for Outletcity to further commit to the market with an opening of a representative office, located in Dubai, to serve the region and provide real time, on the ground support to its Gulf region travel industry partners. Says Angela Rieger, International Partnership Manager, Outletcity Metzingen: “We are very pleased to work with AVIAREPS Middle East and to finally have a permanent physical presence in the GCC market. We see a huge opportunity and potential to further grow this region and see AVIAREPS as our trusted partner to achieve those goals.” She added: “With over 150 premium and luxury brands, endless selection of styles and reduced prices by up to 70%* throughout the year, Outletcity Metzingen is destined to become a must-visit destination for all shopping and fashion enthusiasts as well as general travellers from the Gulf Countries who are planning a visit to Europe.” Metzingen is based …

Dubai Airports is introducing a comprehensive new programme to ensure the delivery of a sector leading, inclusive, and seamless travel experience for all People of Determination (POD) with hidden disabilities that travel through Dubai International (DXB). As part of Dubai Airport’s shared values ‘We all meet the world differently’, this new initiative will contribute to the UAE Vision 2021 and Dubai Plan 2021 vision for Dubai to be the world’s leading disability-friendly city and barrier-free community that empowers and welcomes all POD travellers. This new programme will roll out in two phases over two years and unite service partners across the DXB community to elevate the travel experience for passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism, chronic fatigue, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). In an effort to integrate recognisable and accessible options for POD travellers, Dubai Airports will be introducing a travel planner for pre- travel preparation and an Autism Friendly Route, with a prioritised route through check-in, passport control, security check point and boarding, which can be availed when wearing the sunflower lanyard. Specially trained staff equipped to support POD travellers will be easily identifiable wearing sunflower pins, allowing for increased visibility, communication and support throughout the airport journey. A comprehensive educational campaign to drive awareness around autism, specifically relating to socially acceptable language and empathy will be undertaken as part of the programme, complemented by the distribution of key training materials across all airport entities, ensuring that POD travellers are met with consistent support and a positive customer experience.  Dubai Airports has been accredited by the Dubai Autism Centre as an Autism friendly environment. The second phase of the roll-out will see additional, innovative solutions, including connected airports, …

Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchising company with approximately 9,100 hotels across more than 95 countries, announces the reintroduction of direct franchising and management rights for its Ramada by Wyndham brand in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, replacing exclusive master licence agreements for the brand in the country. With more than 900 hotels globally, Ramada is Wyndham’s largest brand in Europe, Middle East, Eurasia and Africa (EMEA), with over 200 hotels in approximately 40 countries in the region, of which over 30 in the Middle East and Africa region alone. The move is aligned with Wyndham’s’ strategy to expand the brand in the wider Middle East and Africa region, where the Company’s development pipeline includes approximately 26 hotels, of which nearly 60% are under the Ramada portfolio. Dimitris Manikis, President EMEA, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, said: “Ramada by Wyndham is not only our biggest brand in EMEA but also one of the most well-known brands by travellers around the world. This strategic move marks an important step in helping us further expand in a high-potential market like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where there is a significant need for high quality mid-scale hotels. We are committed to contributing to the development of the Kingdom’s tourism through the expansion of our mid-market and economy presence, to help bring even more accommodation options to suit all visitors to the Kingdom.” As part of the Company’s expansion plan in the Saudi Arabia, Wyndham has recently opened Ramada by Wyndham Riyadh King Fahd Road, its 13th hotel in the country. The new hotel boasts 189 rooms and suites, providing warm hospitality and comfort right in the heart of the city. Alongside contemporary …

His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, inaugurated the MT Unified Platform, which is the latest government service platform in the Kingdom, during the Digital Government Forum 2022 themed “Towards a Promising Digital Horizon.” The forum was organized by the Digital Government Authority recently in Riyadh, while several government agencies participated in the presence of Their Excellencies, as well as experts, specialists, and decision-makers in the field of digital government locally and internationally. In its first edition, the forum aims to showcase digital government achievements and success stories locally and internationally. It also seeks to enable digital community elites to meet, communicate, exchange experiences, build partnerships, discuss challenges and best modern technological practices, review future digital governments directions, and discuss investment opportunities within the Saudi digital sector. The forum also included a presentation of the most prominent digital government products, in addition to several new publications, most notably MT’s Unified Tourism Platform. The platform aims to attract investors and provide services to job seekers and tourism service providers as part of MT’s efforts to activate the Digital Tourism Strategy launched by His Excellency the Minister at the beginning of this year. The Unified Platform has an attractive design and a smart user interface that provides MT’s various services in a user-friendly fashion. It also provides information on each service as well as step-by-step explanations to ensure the users get the best experience. The Ministry was also keen on supporting the platform with the best technological services and allocated a technical support team for it to provide assistance. The Unified Platform development is part of MT’s efforts to enhance the digital transformation process in the Kingdom and contribute …

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, launched the 3rd edition of the “World’s Coolest Winter” campaign during the UAE Cabinet meeting, which was held in Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman. The meeting was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance and H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum affirmed that tourism is a major component of the Emirati economy, where all federal and local entities partner to support this vital sector, stressing that the sector development needs cooperation between government and private sectors. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Today, I chaired the UAE Cabinet meeting at Al Zorah Natural Reserve in Ajman during which we launched the new season of the domestic national tourism campaign, ‘World’s Coolest Winter.” Highlighting Ajman as the starting point for the new season of the World’s Coolest Winter, His Highness noted “Ajman witnessed a tourism, economic, and urban transformation under the direction of my brother Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid. We are proud of the dedication of Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid and his brothers.” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added: “The World’s Coolest Winter campaign, sparked an increase in domestic tourism by 36 percent in 2021, reaching 1.3 million domestic tourists. This year’s theme is “Our heritage” will focus on spreading the Emirati values.” The current edition of the campaign aims to support domestic tourism within the UAE and attract tourists from around the world to enjoy the warm winter by …

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Tourism Ministers Committee held its sixth joint meeting chaired by His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Ahmed bin Aqeel Al-Khateeb, Chairman of the current session of the Committee, and in the presence of Their Excellencies the ministers in charge of tourism affairs in the GCC countries, alongside GCC Secretary General, Dr. Nayef bin Falah Al-Hajraf. HE Al-Khateeb welcomed HE Dr. Al-Hajraf, and their Highnesses, Excellencies, and delegation heads partaking in the meeting. His Excellency also expressed his gratitude to the Council General Secretariat for its efforts and distinguished work to achieve member countries’ aspirations. Moreover, His Excellency stressed that the tourism sector was essential in bringing together the peoples of the Gulf countries as emphasized through the expressed joint interest of their leaders in their unity and common destiny. Their Highnesses and Excellencies reviewed cooperation and partnership prospects for a purposeful and sustainable tourism sector among the countries of the region, thus contributing to the advancement of Gulf tourism and sustaining unprecedented growth and prosperity in this vital sector. Meanwhile, many issues were discussed, including the development of joint work between the tourism and culture sectors in the GCC countries, and the final version of the Gulf Tourism Strategy 2023-2030, initiated by the Kingdom to work on preparing its general framework in cooperation with the member countries and the GCC Secretariat. The meeting also recommended adopting the tourism guide in GCC countries, and thanked the Ministry of Tourism in the Kingdom of Bahrain for taking the initiative to prepare the guide. HE Al-Khateeb stated that the Gulf region was teeming with natural resources, including more than 17 sites registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. …

Arabian Adventures, a leading UAE-based destination management company, tour and safari operator, is expanding its camp accommodation and service offering to further improve its popular ‘Overnight Safari’ experience. Also known as the brand’s ‘Luxury Desert Camping’, the popular experience in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR) offers permanent tented accommodation with wooden decking amidst a natural green enclave, with a communal dining area, gazebo and bonfire set-up for gatherings at the centre. Now open for the winter 2022/23 season, new accommodation options are located at a nearby viewpoint higher on the dunes. From here, guests can access from their deck panoramic, uninterrupted desert views for the ultimate Arabian sunrise and sunset, and an additional element of privacy amongst the tranquil surroundings. Food and beverage options as part of the all-inclusive desert camping experience are also expanding for the new season. New menu items have been added to the line-up prepared for guests by the in-house culinary team, including unlimited soft drinks and premium beverages at a private bar, alongside a BBQ dinner and breakfast on the grill. Mohanad Malhas, General Manager at Arabian Adventures, commented: “An Overnight Safari in the Dubai desert offers a back-to-nature experience like no other. In the pristine surroundings of the protected DDCR, our guests can get up close to local wildlife and be assured that everything will be taken care of by our team of destination experts. We are witnessing increased demand for our full range of UAE experiences this winter, and a stay in the desert remains high on the wish list of residents and visitors alike.” Arabian Adventures’ camp now has a total of eight deluxe tents. Each accommodation can be booked by …

Valor Hospitality Partners Middle East recently announced their highly anticipated partnership with the Hospitality & Leisure vertical of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), the principal investment arm of the government of Dubai, which manages a portfolio of commercial companies and investments. With the joint venture firmly in place, Valor Hospitality has commenced operational transition of 800+ keys across popular and established hotels in the Emirate, including Dubai’s first five-star property, the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek and 3 Wyndham Deira hotels. These properties which will retain their existing brands,will be added to the portfolio of operating and pipeline properties Valor have in the region. Valor Hospitality operate 85+ properties globally and enjoy preferred status or close partnerships with global hotel brands, working closely with owners to develop their assets. “We feel honoured to manage these hotels that have been part of the Dubai landscape for varying degrees of time. We feel sincere accountability towards our hotel guests, hotel teams, and hotel brands during the transition processes” said Euan McGlashan, CEO and global co-founder of Valor Hospitality Partners. “We have a strong history of retention of team members during the process of assuming operational management and remain committed to growing employee culture, in addition to ensuring personal and professional growth” McGlashan continued. A spokesperson for ICD said “Valor Hospitality bring global knowledge of a business model unique to the region that we are excited to see unfold and develop. The agreement will help Valor expand in the region, strengthen its operations and implement its strategies with the addition of the 4 properties in the ICD portfolio.” “The Middle East, and Dubai in particular, continues to lead when it comes to …

Sabre Corporation  celebrated the opening of a new office in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last week in the presence of representatives from travel companies and partners.  “We are excited to continue delivering our investment plan in Saudi Arabia and celebrate the opening of the second new office in the Kingdom this year,” said Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, vice president, Sabre Travel Network Middle East. “This reflects our commitment and continuous efforts to expand our operations and team to support the increasing needs of our customers in the Kingdom. We have invested in building a knowledgeable and diverse team to give our customers the support they require.” “We believe our efforts in the Kingdom are aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy. We provide the technology and infrastructure to equip travel companies with the tools and solutions they need to help maximise their potential, provide exceptional customer experience and attract travellers from all around the world,” added Iyer.

Sabre Corporation and Conferma Pay announced a new partnership with Mastercard to accelerate the use of virtual cards for business-to-business (B2B) travel payments. The announcement builds on Sabre’s August 2022 acquisition of Conferma Pay.  The collaboration with Mastercard is the next step in advancing Sabre’s goal to create an open and independent travel payment ecosystem. Digitization of travel payments with virtual cards helps address the historic challenges associated with B2B leisure and corporate travel payments.  The securely generated, single use card numbers provide a link between booking and associated payments to third party suppliers.  Travel buyers and suppliers are therefore able to easily track and reconcile payments, as well as benefit from flexible pricing, financing options, and enhanced security through card payment guarantees. “The payments industry is in the midst of a revolution and there is an increased need for travel companies to better manage the whole payment experience,” said Roshan Mendis, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Sabre Travel Solutions.  “Companies in the travel space – including travel management companies, travel agencies, corporations, issuers and technology partners – need sophisticated solutions and seamless connections.  Sabre is taking strategic steps to fulfill the needs of our industry, beginning with the acquisition of Conferma Pay.  Now, the new partnership with Mastercard will help Conferma Pay to build new and enhanced digital capabilities in virtual cards, transforming the payment experience for issuers.” As part of the agreement, Mastercard has agreed to make a minority investment in Conferma Pay, which will continue to operate independently and serve the entire travel industry and beyond. “A combination of experience, technologies and capabilities will accelerate travel payment innovation and drive inclusive and sustainable growth for …