Category Archives: Agents

Kuwait Airways participated in the 7th edition of the Bahrain International Airshow held recently, as part of the delegation from the State of Kuwait, represented by the President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and in the presence of Kuwait Airways Chairman, Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan and an accompanying delegation of KAC officials. The airshow was attended by exhibitors and partners from across the aviation industry, including around 223 civil and military delegations representing more than 56 countries and 60 regional and international companies. Additionally, more than 135 local, regional, and international companies showcased exhibits across exhibition halls, airport spaces, chalets and five international pavilions. The Kuwait Airways pavilion during the exhibition witnessed successful participation and attendance from visitors, hosting various officials and aviation enthusiasts. This provided a platform for the company to showcase its latest products and services, in addition to the extent of development of technology and methods adopted in KAC’s fleet. The pavilion also highlighted KAC’s role as a distinguished national carrier with its legacy of notable achievements since 1954 to the visitors and attendees present. The President of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Sheikh Eng. Humoud Mubarak Al-Humoud Al-Sabah emphasized on the importance of the Bahrain International Airshow and its significant role in bringing together large number of aviation companies and experts in the industry from the region and around the world under one platform. At the same time, he congratulated His Majesty King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the tremendous success achieved by the exhibition and attaining the highest levels of excellence, whether in terms of organization, or the presence …

The Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) is all set to host the emirate’s first-ever e-Games Championship from November 21 to 24 2024 at the Ajman Police Sports and Shooting Club. The move comes as part of the Department’s ongoing efforts to embrace technological advancements and ensure the engagement of younger generations – a vital demographic within the community. The championship will bring together leading professional gamers and enthusiasts aged eight or above for three days of gaming competitions, interactive networking, and knowledge-sharing activities, showcasing Ajman as a growing hub for e-sports and digital innovation. The event reflects the ATDD’s dedication to promoting innovative initiatives aimed at ensuring youth participation across diverse age groups. It offers a creative platform for participants to exhibit their skills and talents, and drive youth participation in programs that are in line with their passion and the latest digital advancements. H.E. Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi, Director General of Ajman Tourism Development Department, said: “At ATDD, we are delighted to organise the debutant e-Games Championship in Ajman. This move reflects our goal to offer a dynamic platform that boosts youth engagement, who are key drivers of our mission to shape a prosperous and innovative future for the emirate. We aim to provide young people of all age groups with novel and innovative opportunities that cater to their interests and help them achieve their long-term goals by creating an atmosphere that fosters creativity and development. This championship also demonstrates our steadfast dedication to enhance Ajman’s standing as a vibrant hub for entertainment and technology events and support its tourism sector.” The championship will feature a wide range of competitions appropriate for all age groups, including FIFA25, Tekken, Street Fighter, Assetto …

An exclusive whitepaper produced for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) by Digital Tourism Think Tank (DTTT) has highlighted that only 15% of UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to tourism are on track to be achieved by 2030 according to the body, underscoring the need for more action to be taken across the sector. Based on United Nations (UN) research, in a business-as-usual scenario, by 2050, tourism could generate a 154% increase in energy consumption, a 131% increase in greenhouse gas emissions, a 152% increase in water consumption, and a 251% increase in solid waste, underscoring the importance of increasing investment in sustainable development. Furthermore, Visa and Oxford Economics research has revealed that consumers face insufficient information and a lack of transparency about sustainable travel options. Addressing these challenges, the whitepaper Exploring the Future of Tourism Technology utilised the insights from the ATM Innovation Wall during the 2024 edition of the show. The unique physical platform encouraged industry professionals to share their ideas, concerns and solutions for the future of tourism. Key takeaways proposed ranged from gamified recycling programmes to hyper-personalised travel experiences that emphasise cultural immersion, demonstrating the breadth of creative thinking required. Participants highlighted the urgent need for systemic, collective action to transition tourism toward a circular and regenerative model. Proposed solutions included leveraging innovative technologies for resource optimisation, aligning businesses with local communities to ensure equitable economic benefits, and promoting transformative initiatives like cultural immersion experiences. Nicholas Hall, Founder and CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank, said: “The discussions around sustainability in tourism with people who visited the ATM Innovation Wall highlighted the multifaceted nature of the challenges we face. The path towards a sustainable future requires a multi-pronged approach, …

By joining forces, Emirates and flydubai offer customers access to a combined network of more than 225 unique destinations in more than 100 countries. Seven years ago, Emirates and flydubai jointly embarked on a partnership that would give travellers extraordinary access to an unrivalled network, unlocking connections and opportunities, and shaping the future of travel from, to and through Dubai. Here’s seven ways the partnership is paying off for travellers: Emirates customers can explore more than 118 flydubai destinations, while flydubai passengers can access more than 136 Emirates destinations. Top destinations for customers include Baku, Krabi, Naples and Zanzibar. On average, customers can choose from 275 codeshare flights each day which means expanded schedules and more flexibility when choosing departure times. Together, both airlines operated more than 1.5 million flights since 2017, carrying more than 19 million passengers across the joint network. That’s equal to the combined populations of Paris and New York City. Customers continue to benefit with seamless on-ground experiences including a smooth check-in process, efficient baggage transfers, optimised flight schedules and enhanced connectivity at Dubai Airports with access to Terminal 3. More than 300 weekly flights operated by flydubai depart Terminal 3 to popular destinations including Kathmandu, Krabi and Zanzibar. flydubai’s Business Class passengers can also enjoy the new Business Class check-in area at Terminal 2 which offers a unique and smooth check-in experience with a personalised Meet and Assist service, seated check-in and a Fast Track service through passport control and security lanes. Passengers also benefit from access to world-class airport lounges, including Emirates’ signature lounges in Terminal 3. Over the past 7 years, more than 250,000 flydubai passengers have enjoyed access to Emirates’ lounges. Emirates Skywards, the …

In 2023, GCC travellers contributed €2.6 billion to Germany’s economy, marking a 24% increase over the previous year—a testament to Germany’s appeal and deepening ties with the region. Germany has reaffirmed the strategic importance of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries as one of its leading tourism markets following a high-profile media and trade event co-hosted by the German National Tourist Office (GNTO) and visitBerlin. The event showcased exciting developments in Germany’s travel sector, including new flight routes, digital innovations, and a personalised approach to GCC tourists, who comprise Germany’s third-largest overseas tourism market. Germany has recently expanded its direct flight options from the GCC region to accommodate the growing number of tourists, reinforcing its commitment to accessible and convenient travel for GCC visitors. Condor introduced direct flights between Berlin and Dubai, while Eurowings, Germany’s prominent low-cost carrier, launched flights from Berlin to Dubai and Jeddah, alongside new routes from Cologne-Bonn airport and Stuttgart. This enhanced connectivity aims to streamline the travel experience for visitors from the Gulf, fostering seamless access to Germany’s diverse regions, historic sites, and cultural landmarks. Burkhard Kieker, CEO of VisitBerlin, said: “Berlin is more accessible than ever for GCC travellers, thanks to enhanced flight connectivity to the region. These connections allow visitors from the GCC to explore Berlin’s rich cultural heritage, diverse neighbourhoods, and renowned medical facilities. Our goal is to offer seamless, enriching travel experiences tailored to the unique preferences of GCC tourists, strengthening our bond with the region.” In 2025, Berlin will celebrate key anniversaries, including the 200th anniversary of its renowned Museum Island and the reopening of historic sites such as Peacock Island’s Lustschloss. With its blend of modern attractions and heritage …

According to the latest official statistics, for the first six months of 2024 shared by Visit Britain show there were a record 512,000 visits from the GCC to the UK, up 25% on January-to-June last year. Visitors from the GCC also spent a record £1 billion on their trips in the UK in the first half of 2024, up 6% on 2023. As Britain’s national tourism agency VisitBritain gears up to host top travel buyers from across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries on its ‘Destination Britain Middle East and Asia’ trade mission, latest official statistics show travellers from the GCC are visiting the UK in record numbers, and spending more on their trips. To harness this growth and compete for visitors, VisitBritain is hosting 20 buyers from the GCC on its upcoming ‘Destination Britain Middle East and Asia’ trade mission, taking place from 20-to- 22 November in Bengaluru, India. The three-day event sees dozens of UK tourism industry suppliers meet with more than 70 top buyers from China, the GCC, Japan, India and South Korea, to drive business to Britain. Speaking ahead of the trade event, VisitBritain’s Deputy Director Middle East and Asia Carol Maddison said, “With the growing airline connectivity through regional gateways alongside the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme, travel to the UK is now easier and more accessible for GCC nationals. Working with our trade partners including at our Destination Britain Middle East and Asia trade event, we’re harnessing the strong growth we’re seeing, showcasing Britain’s latest tourism products and experiences to drive bookings. “We want visitors to explore outside of London through our regional gateways, staying longer and discovering exciting destinations across our nations and …

According to the latest report from Skyscanner ahead of the Oman national day long weekend it was revealed that India emerged as the top destination country, with Mumbai leading as the most popular city. This trend is driven by the strong cultural and familial ties between Oman and India, as well as the diverse attractions that Mumbai offers. Oman itself ranked second, with Muscat being a favored destination, reflecting the growing interest in domestic travel and the rich cultural heritage of the capital city. The UAE, particularly the city of Dubai, continues to attract travelers from Oman due to its proximity and the allure of its luxury shopping, entertainment, and modern architecture. Thailand, with Phuket as a key destination, appeals to travelers seeking exotic beaches and vibrant street life. Türkiye and Egypt, with Istanbul and Cairo respectively, are seeing increased interest for their historical sites and unique cultural experiences. Italy and the United Kingdom round out the top ten, being perennial favorites for their rich history and cultural offerings. Based on the orders of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, Wednesday and Thursday, November 20-21, 2024, have been declared official holidays for public and private sector employees to commemorate the 54th National Day. The data, collected from January 1, 2024, to November 1, 2024, highlights the most popular destinations and significant year-over-year (YoY) increases in search and redirect volumes, providing valuable insights for travelers planning their holiday getaways. Emerging travel hotspots with remarkable YoY search increases include Giza (1241%), driven by its iconic pyramids and historical significance, and Mopa (369%), likely due to new travel routes and increased accessibility. Yangon (268%) and Pristina (220%) are gaining popularity for their unique …

Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector continues its impressive growth, advancing 15 positions in international tourism receipts and leading the Top 50 ranking in upward movement. According to the UN World Tourism Organization, Saudi Arabia ranked 12th in 2023, making a significant improvement from its 2019 ranking. Saudi Arabia has led G20 countries in growth on the UN Tourism Barometer, achieving a 73% increase in international tourist arrivals and a 207% rise in international tourism receipts based on the latest data from the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019. These impressive gains reflect the Kingdom’s success as a leading tourism destination. The steady increase in international tourist arrivals further underscores the trust visitors place in Saudi Arabia’s rich and diverse attractions. Globally, international tourist arrivals reached 96% of pre-pandemic levels in the first seven months of 2024, totaling an estimated 790 million tourists – an 11% increase over the same period in 2023. The Middle East maintained the lead as the strongest-growing region, with international arrivals rising 26% over 2019 levels.

As Saudi Arabia continues to make tremendous strides towards becoming one of the world’s most attractive tourist destinations, the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the industry. This was highlighted by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dusit International. The MoU will see TDF work closely with Dusit International to develop a range of world-class hospitality projects in the Kingdom. In line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Tourism Strategy, the partnership is fully geared towards setting Saudi Arabia apart as a must-visit destination — a go-to tourism hotspot — distinguished by a first-class array of luxury hotels and resorts. The MoU marks the latest step taken by TDF to transform the Kingdom into a global hub of immersive tourism experiences, reiterating the Fund’s focus on effective and truly aligned partnership-building to advance the Saudi tourism sector and fulfil the Kingdom’s potential as a leading player on the international tourism stage. Renowned for its rich traditions, stunning landscapes, proud heritage and diverse range of spiritual landmarks and historic sites, Saudi Arabia is home to some of the most engaging tourist attractions in the world. Together with Dusit International, TDF aims to call attention to these places of interest and attract more visitors and travelers to embark on rewarding journeys and tourist experiences across the Kingdom. Mr. Qusai Al-Fakhri, TDF’s CEO, said: “This MoU is a pivotal milestone in our strategy to attract world-class partners and create distinctive and sustainable tourism destinations in Saudi Arabia. We are pleased to be collaborating with Dusit International, whose expertise in hospitality aligns perfectly with our ambition to unlock the full potential of the Kingdom’s tourism sector. Together, we aim …

Kuwait Airways announced the strengthening of its partnership with Amadeus, which specializes in providing technology, innovation services and solutions to airlines, to develop a streamlined booking process for passengers travelling on Kuwait Airways. Captain Abdulmohsen Salem Al-Fagaan, Chairman – Kuwait Airways stated, “Kuwait Airways is pleased to announce the strengthening of the partnership with Amadeus, one of the leading providers of technology and solutions for airlines in the global air transport sector. Through this partnership, Amadeus will enhance the booking mechanism to provide our valued customers with a simplified and streamlined process.” Al-Fagaan added, “Kuwait Airways customers can now book their flights in just three simple steps. This enhanced booking process has been designed to assist customers in the best possible way, providing them with essential information needed to make informed decisions quickly, while eliminating unnecessary complexities.” Al-Fagaan further stated, “Kuwait Airways is committed to providing its valued customers with an exceptional and comfortable travel experience and in facilitating the booking procedures for all our passengers. Through close collaboration with Amadeus, we can rely on their expertise and professionalism to significantly enhance the transformation of the digital experience for all our customers and Oasis Club members.” Maher Koubaa, EVP Travel unit and Managing Director, EMEA, Amadeus stated, “At Amadeus, we are proud to support Kuwait Airways on this transformative journey. Our ongoing dedication to enhancing the customer experience for Kuwait Airways passengers will continue to drive new innovations and improvements and providing them with diverse options.“