Category Archives: Agents

Amsa Hospitality Academy announced a new partnership with King Khalid University for the launch of a joint training program. Launched in November, an inaugural cohort of 20 university graduates has begun vocational training at the soon-to-open Mercure Khamis Mushait, the first internationally branded hotel in the Aseer Province city of Khamis Mushait. The agreement, signed by Dr. Reham Mashat, Dean of the Faculty of Tourism at King Khalid University, and Mohammad Mandili, Chief People Officer at Amsa Hospitality, marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between academia and the private industry. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, providing graduates with hands-on experience. Amsa Hospitality Academy, the vocational training arm of the eponymous Riyadh-based hospitality company, made its debut earlier this year. It was developed in partnership with Luxury Hotelschool Paris, a globally recognized institution known for its pedagogical excellence and collaborations with leading hotel brands. The training materials, certified and reviewed by Luxury Hotelschool Paris, help aspiring Saudi hoteliers develop the skills needed to excel in the hospitality industry. Muin Serhan, Chief Executive Officer of Amsa Hospitality, commented, “We are delighted to pilot our training program with such a prestigious institution as King Khalid University. This partnership demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to nurture Saudi talent and contribute to the goals of Vision 2030.” Through its collaborations with various institutions, Amsa Hospitality Academy aims to train over 400 individuals by the summer of 2025.

marhaba has seen the biggest, 65% growth in passengers travelling to and from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, demonstrating a solid demand from business travellers this year. marhaba is gearing up to assist a record 500,000 travellers at Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC) airports this festive season, offering a range of convenient services to ease their journeys*. Jaffar Dawood, dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President, UAE Airport Operations, said: “As more travellers head home or embark on holiday trips this festive season, demand for seamless airport services continues to rise. Whether reuniting with loved ones or heading off on new adventures, our marhaba team is here to make every journey smoother and more enjoyable with our range of personalised services. Our helpful agents look forward to contributing to a memorable experience for both leisure and business travellers, at every stage of their journey.” In 2024, marhaba has experienced a significant surge in demand for its premium airport hospitality services, with passengers from the UAE, UK, India and USA leading the way in enhancing their airport journeys. Key highlights include a 43% increase in USA passengers choosing marhaba’s Meet & Greet, Lounge, and Chauffeur Services, reflecting a growing preference for convenience among long-haul travellers who prioritise time and comfort. marhaba’s personalised approach to hospitality also continues to resonate with elderly passengers and families, particularly among UAE customers travelling in large groups. marhaba’s services are often booked by relatives eager to provide their loved ones with a smooth airport experience. Key markets for such bookings include India with over 20,000 passengers taking advantage of marhaba’s services every month. marhaba’s services are designed to offer maximum convenience …

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in the growth rate of international tourist arrivals with over 61% in the first eight to nine months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019, according to a press release issued by UN Tourism in December 2024. Through the Ministry of Tourism’s plans and strategies, this consistent performance and continued success in the tourism sector underlines the efforts of all stakeholders in the tourism ecosystem aimed at achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The significant increase in the number of inbound tourists also reflects travelers’ confidence in the Kingdom’s attractive and diverse tourism offering, thereby enhancing Saudi Arabia’s standing as a leading global tourist destination. Earlier, Saudi Arabia had advanced 15 positions in the global ranking of inbound tourist spending, leading the upward movement among the top 50 countries and ranking 12th globally in 2023 compared to 2019. Additionally, the Kingdom led the G20 countries in the growth of international tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

It was announced that The Red Sea EDITION is slated to open by summer 2025 in Shura Island, Red Sea, Saudi Arabia. EDITION Hotels is launching its second outpost in Saudi Arabia with the opening of The Red Sea EDITION. Nestled on the enchanting Shura Island, this new resort is part of the Kingdom’s visionary Red Sea Project, blending cultural richness with modern sophistication. The hotel will feature 240 meticulously designed guestrooms, including an array of spacious suites. Multiple restaurants and bars set the stage for curated lifestyle experiences the brand is known for globally, while amenities including the spa, swimming pool, and state-of-the-art gym create the ideal setting for a serene, relaxing retreat. As the latest addition to EDITION Hotels’ collection of individualised, one-of-a-kind properties, The Red Sea EDITION exemplifies the brand’s commitment to taste-making design, innovation and a new generation of luxury hospitality.

Visit Qatar is launching a first-of-its-kind desert activation at Ras Abrouq, a new premium destination set to run from 18th December until 18th January that caters to the entire family, offering adventure, relaxation and cultural enrichment. Situated on the edge of the UNESCO-protected Al-Reem Biosphere Reserve in north-west Qatar, these activations present a new desert experience for visitors and residents alike. The Visit Qatar activation at Ras Abrouq offers a collection of immersive zones. Families can enjoy a harmonious blend of adventure and tranquillity, complemented by premium offerings that are accessible at affordable prices. Highlights include Our Habitas Resort, The Desert Escape, Film City, Wildlife Park, and the Glamping Zone. Ahmed Hamad Al Binali, the Director of Festivals and Events at Visit Qatar, said, “At Visit Qatar, our goal is to diversify our offering ensuring that every visitor, regardless of age, can enjoy a range of interactive and engaging experiences. From entertaining activities at the Film City zone, to the excitement of the Desert Escape with hot air balloon rides and a wide range of activations, every element is tailored to offer something for everyone.” He added, “We’ve also incorporated cultural installations, live performances, and educational workshops and daily camel parades enabling families to connect with Qatar’s heritage while immersing themselves in its desert landscapes. This activation reflects our commitment to offering premium experiences that create unforgettable memories for families.” The Film City zone will offer a variety of family-oriented activities, including a coffee shop, a gift shop, and an exhibition in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Visitors can also enjoy wildlife park rides, camel, pony, and horse rides, as well as a unique photo activation. …

Celestyal marked its maiden call in Dubai this week entering the emirate’s waters with a dhow escort, the line’s newest ship, Celestyal Journey, hosted a plaque exchange ceremony and a star-studded party to kick off the ship’s first week-long ‘Desert Days’ itinerary, which includes sailing roundtrip from Dubai and calling at Bahrain, Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. The result of a collaboration between Greek company Celestyal and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) that aims to share the region’s extraordinary offerings with the wider world, Celestyal Journey will homeport from the city for the next three years, with passengers already able to book trips. Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season sails until March 2025.

Key industry trends – including innovation, connectivity and customisation – will be front and centre at the 32nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025. Each year, ATM addresses issues reshaping the international travel landscape, and 2025 will be no exception. In line with its theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’, ATM 2025’s extensive conference programme and exhibition will explore how contemporary shifts in technology and traveller behaviour can both contribute to and benefit from enhanced connectivity. Commenting on the changing face of global travel, Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “Connectivity through technology is obviously a key growth area in travel and tourism, but it is also about the seamless flow and interaction of people, goods and ideas, which support businesses worldwide. So, if you are looking to engage with the global trends, cultural shifts and traveller behaviours shaping the future of the tourism sector, there is no better place than ATM.” One of the trends expected to shape the market in 2025 and beyond is so-called nostalgia travel. From remakes of 1990s films to early 2000s music acts on tour, the pull of the past is strong for the Millennial generation. Many of today’s travellers, including those from the UAE, are seeking to reconnect with their youth by recreating special trips or childhood dreams. Some are also looking to connect with their own children by sharing nostalgic experiences in familiar places, providing myriad opportunities for enterprising travel companies. Sports and music tourism is also experiencing significant growth, with the former expected to be worth $1.33 trillion …

Solartrip is setting a new standard for how travelers plan and experience their journeys, designed with advanced technology, intuitive design, and a unique reward system, Solartrip caters to the modern, tech-savvy traveler seeking convenience, personalization, and innovation.  According to the recent report, technology plays a significant role, with 60% of UAE travelers trusting AI for seamless trip planning. This trend spans generations, from Gen Z to Boomers, indicating a widespread adoption of tech for convenience and personalization. Immersive digital experiences, such as AI-enhanced dining, are also gaining popularity. As travel continues to evolve and web3 industries flourish, Solartrip brings the future to the present, streamlining the entire journey planning process into a seamless, enjoyable experience. The platform integrates AI-driven personalization, cryptocurrency payment options, and gamified loyalty rewards to elevate global travel for UAE residents and visitors. “Our mission is to make global travel effortless and accessible, leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide a seamless booking experience”, – says Michael Sokolov, CEO & Co-founder, Solartrip. “We fuse travel and tech to push the boundaries of self-discovery. With our recent launch in Dubai, we’re bringing this vision to one of the world’s most vibrant hubs, connecting travelers to innovative tools that enhance their journeys.” Redefining Neo Travel with Innovative Features: ● Effortless Booking with One-Click Simplicity: Solartrip’s design and machine-learning algorithms simplify the booking process, reducing the number of steps and required information, making travel planning faster and more efficient. ● Endless Travel Possibilities: With access to over 2.5 million accommodations and 800+ flight routes worldwide, Solartrip provides a wide range of options at competitive prices, helping travelers find the right choices for their needs. ● 24/7 AI-Driven Support: Solartrip offers continuous support …

Sabre Corporation announced that it has started distributing New Distribution Capability (NDC) offers from Emirates. This collaboration marks an expansion of Sabre’s footprint globally and offers travel agencies enhanced access to real-time, personalized content based on offers and orders. By seamlessly integrating and normalizing NDC offers, Sabre empowers travel agencies and corporate buyers with a streamlined platform for comparing, booking, and managing Emirates’ NDC offers alongside traditional options. Leveraging advanced application programming interfaces (APIs), Sabre’s flagship booking application for travel agencies, Sabre Red 360, and its online booking tool, GetThere, enable agency and corporate customers to shop, book and service Emirates’ NDC offers. This content comprises personalized travel choices, enriched with dynamic pricing, ancillaries, and tailored solutions that adapt to the evolving preferences of travelers. “We are excited to introduce Emirates’ NDC content within our travel marketplace, affirming our dedication to meeting our customers’ ever-changing demands with scalable, inventive solutions,” said Kathy Morgan, Vice President, Product Management – Distribution Experience, Sabre Travel Solutions at Sabre. “This initiative underscores our dedication to driving innovation and operating a dynamic travel marketplace that offers efficient access to multi-source content, including NDC. The availability of Emirates’ NDC content will significantly enhance travel options for agencies and corporate buyers, providing personalized offers and streamlined booking experiences.” Sabre has been at the forefront of adopting and implementing NDC standards, consistently pushing the boundaries of travel technology. Recently, Sabre announced the distribution of NDC content for numerous airlines, including Air Canada, Etihad Airways, and Hawaiian Airlines. By developing a robust NDC infrastructure, Sabre has empowered airlines to deliver richer, more personalized travel experiences through third-party travel sellers. “By partnering with Sabre to distribute our NDC content, we …

Hamad International Airport (DOH) welcomes Tajikistan carrier Somon Air, as it begins operations between Dushanbe and Doha. This inaugural charter service reflects the growing demand for tourism and business travel from Central Asia, including Tajikistan, to Qatar. The inaugural flight from Dushanbe to Doha took place recently, marking a significant milestone for both Hamad International Airport and Somon Air. The first touchdown was commemorated in the presence of executive members of Hamad International Airport, representatives from Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, Somon Air and officials from the Embassy of Tajikistan in Qatar, with a cake-cutting and welcome celebrations. The route is being served by a Boeing 737-800, configured with 189 seats, ensuring comfortable travel for passengers. Dushanbe is an exciting addition to Hamad International Airport’s expanding network, marking the airport’s eighth Central Asian destination, both scheduled and chartered. With a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes from Dushanbe to Doha, this new connection underscores the importance of enhanced bilateral relations between Qatar and Tajikistan. The route is expected to strengthen cooperation in cultural, humanitarian, economic, trade, and tourism sectors, further solidifying the ties between the two nations. Hamad International Airport remains dedicated to expanding its global reach, offering travellers new opportunities to experience the best of Qatar and beyond.