Category Archives: Agents

Whilst exhibiting at ITB China Shanghai, Yalago – revealed the latest hotel booking trends and the top destinations with Chinese travellers in 2024. In order of popularity, the choices are Dubai (UAE), Riviera Maya (Mexico), Bali (Indonesia), Singapore (Singapore), and Abu Dhabi (UAE). Yalago is recording the UAE as the most popular country for international hotel bookings from China in 2024 so far, with a 11% growth in booking value this year compared to January – May 2023. With 54% of global bookings from Chinese travellers for five-star hotels, its travel experts attribute this growth to the UAE’s access to luxury properties across a variety of landscapes, close to world-class attractions. Astrid Kastberg, General Manager at Yalago, commented: “China represents one of our fastest-growing source markets for international travel. With the luxury segment prominent, we are finding Chinese travellers booking a more extensive range of five-star hotels, including across the UAE’s cityscapes, islands, and beaches. Through our industry experience and global partnerships, we aim to support worldwide travel companies in offering significant savings to customers, with expertise in destinations including the UAE, and Indian Ocean. We are excited to improve the booking process to the Maldives, as we aim to promote this destination for a standalone stay, or as part of a wider trip.” As luxury beach breaks emerge as on trend, Yalago is launching a new system function to improve the booking process for Chinese travellers seeking to experience the islands of the Maldives in 2024. Yalago’s trade partners can now book a travellers’ hotel stay inclusive of its leading rates, alongside the domestic transfers by seaplane or speedboat required for onward travel, all in one sitting. One of …

With TravTalk ME as media partner ITB China and the ITB China Conference kicks off today in Shanghai. The three day networking event expects over 650 tourism companies gather together this year. ITB China will play a crucial role in reconnecting global travel suppliers with the resurgent Chinese market, forging a collective path forward for the industry. As Chinas premier B2B travel trade show, ITB China will once again reflect the entire travel trade spectrum, with suppliers from around the world covering Leisure Travel, MICE, Business Travel, and Travel Technology. In view of the increasing demand from buyers, MICE will gain in importance as a key topic, and more in-depth presentations and discussions will take place on stage of the ITB China Conference 2024. Furthermore, the China Inbound Tourism segment will be relaunched this year. The rising popularity of Custom-themed Travel in the Chinese market and the profound impact of Travel Technology guarantee a rich variety of content sessions, activities and awards, complemented by insights from experienced travel professionals and forward-thinking opinion leaders.

Sharaf Travel Services and Suha Hospitality officially launched a strategic partnership to enhance travel and hospitality experiences. This collaboration aims to offer customers exclusive packages and premium services, combining Suha Hospitality’s luxury accommodations with Sharaf Travel’s exceptional travel solutions, ensuring unforgettable journeys and superior customer satisfaction. The partnership ceremony, held with great enthusiasm, marked a significant milestone for both companies. Key executives highlighted the mutual benefits and future opportunities this alliance brings. Attendees celebrated the union with a cutting cake, symbolizing the beginning of a prosperous collaboration.

Riyadh Travel Fair 2024 (RTF 2024) will once again be held in the capital Riyadh from 27 to 29 May. The B2C exhibition will host a range of diverse tourism products from a few key markets aiming to support development and sustainability opportunities in the tourism sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The B2C exhibition provides the general public to learn about the latest tourism offers and special deals around the world, as well as providing an opportunity for exhibitors to display and present their products. The Executive Director of Riyadh Exhibition, Mr. Bandar Al-Quraini, said, “The exhibition performs great services to the Saudi tourism market, and a vital role to bring and attract everything related to travel and tourism, and participation in the exhibition revolves around exploring new markets and sectors, marketing products, services and destinations, entering into long-term transactions, identifying the most important international buyers in the region and the possibility of concluding sales deals, getting to know existing customers and partners in areas related to the tourism, travel and hotel sectors, adding new agents and distributors, and launching New products and packages, conduct market testing and get continuous feedback on exhibition performance evaluation. “More than 200 exhibitors will participate in the exhibition under different names such as: government tourism, travel agencies, car rental companies, branded hotels, hotel suppliers, tour operators, online booking systems, tourism companies, medical health tourism, companies, spas and airlines, youth tourism and education abroad, in addition to some new products and activities related to travel and tourists .Riyadh Travel Expo 2024 brings together the most prominent travel and tourism companies and exhibitors representing tourism promotion bodies and tourism companies at the Arab and …

Latest data revealed at the China Global Traveller Market update and seminar shared that there are 140,000 Chinese travellers visiting Dubai per month accounting to 1.7million per year. In terms of flight arrivals, there are 13 to 17 daily direct flights with 4000 plus seats a day. Alexander Glos – CEO i2i Group revealed in his opening statement that China is one of the biggest markets in the world, at a special semianr conducted to share how agents and hotels can attract more visitors from China to the UAE. In his comprehensive presentation he shared the various avenues available to conduct business with Chinese travellers. A key statement he made was that the Chinese travellers have evolved from pre-covid times. More on this story in our next TBN.

Almosafer announced the expansion of its partnership with Amadeus into new verticals at the Arabian Travel Market. As part of the broadened collaboration, Almosafer will integrate Amadeus’ NDC (New Distribution Capability) technology, to help drive the industrialization of NDC, ensuring that all actors make the most of the benefits of NDC, through the distribution of new differentiated and relevant content. The collaboration will enable Almosafer to deliver more customized and targeted content and enhanced digital marketing capabilities by leveraging Amadeus’ accurate data analysis. The expansion of the long-standing partnership between the two companies is testimony to Almosafer’s commitment to accelerate travel retailing through innovative technology. By leveraging their IT and distribution synergies, Amadeus NDC [X] programme fosters cross-industry collaboration between airline and travel seller partners, enriching and enhancing customer experience on the travel agencies’ side while allowing airlines to tailor offers using latest merchandising techniques. In keeping with Almosafer’s focus on being future-ready and providing a seamless experience for their customers, the updated collaboration will enable the travel company to further boost their implementation of NDC-enabled Travel API solution to target more personalised products to customers. Tarique Khatri, Chief Commercial Officer of Almosafer, said: “At Almosafer we have always been at the forefront of harnessing the power of technological innovations to drive customer satisfaction. Our holistic association with Amadeus over the years has enabled us to offer travellers a seamless experience across our digital portals and with the addition of Amadeus’ NDC technology we hope to further our ambitions to provide more targeted personalised content for our customers.” Jamel Chandoul, SVP Travel Sellers, Middle East, Africa, Türkiye, and Central Asia at Amadeus: “Our mission at Amadeus is to make the travel …

The allure of European shopping has become an essential component of every traveler’s itinerary from the Middle East, with McArthurGlen Outlets positioned as the market leader in providing unparalleled retail experiences across the continent. In a landmark achievement, Middle Eastern markets emerged as the first market in tax-free shopping at McArthurGlen’s outlets in 2024, signaling a trend of exponential growth in the region’s affinity for European retail destinations. “Shopping in Europe has evolved from a mere activity to a cultural phenomenon for travelers from the Middle East,” remarked Matthias Sinner, Head of Tourism at McArthurGlen Outlets. “We are thrilled to see the growing enthusiasm among tourists from these markets for exploring the diverse retail landscape of Europe, and our centers are committed to delivering exceptional experiences that cater to their unique preferences and expectations.” The peak travel season for Middle Eastern tourists, typically following Ramadan (Eid al Fitr) and during the European summer, coincides with enticing sales promotions across the continent, amplifying the allure of European shopping. Notably, there has been a noticeable surge in autumn breaks, further underlining the year-round appeal of European shopping destinations for travelers from the Middle East. Key European cities remain the focal points for this group, with McArthurGlen’s outlets strategically located near major fashion hubs. Among the most visited outlets are Serravalle, Castel Romano and Noventa di Piave in Italy, Roermond and Parndorf in Austria, and Paris-Giverny in France, reflecting the diverse shopping preferences of travelers from the Middle East. Middle Eastern tourists, renowned for their penchant for luxury items, display a strong preference for internationally renowned brands and upscale establishments. McArthurGlen boasts an exclusive array of premium and luxury brands, featuring coveted names …

Boutique Group  marks its first independent participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) highlighting its commitment to redefining the luxury hospitality experience by transforming some of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic former royal residences, among other cultural and historic landmarks, into ultra-luxury hotels. Boutique Group also announced details of a new Memorandum of Understanding signed with ALTANFEETHI luxury concierge service to cooperatively exchange knowledge and expertise to develop and enhance guest experience at airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Boutique Group’s portfolio includes the stunning Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah, known for hosting some of the world’s most prominent international public figures, the Red Palace in the heart of old Riyadh, which adorned the SAR 100 bank note and served as the home to the Council of Ministers for three decades, and the Aga Khan Award-winning Tuwaiq Palace, an architectural masterpiece inspired by Saudi Arabia’s iconic forts, tents and oasis landscape. Across its palaces, Boutique Group is dedicated to designing bespoke modern luxury offerings rooted in a strong sense of place, backed by strong partnerships and an authentic representation of Saudi’s vast heritage. “This year’s ATM theme explores gateways. This is particularly poignant for Boutique Group, because our properties are in essence a gateway to a new model of hospitality, and a more sustainable future. Inspired by Saudi Arabi’s rich heritage and powered by its talent, we are creating a gateway to a more resilient and diversified economy,” said Mark De Cocinis, Chief Executive Officer at Boutique Group. “We are also delighted to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with luxury concierge provider, ALTANFEETHI, and look forward to exploring more ways to collaborate on this remarkable new model of Saudi hospitality,” …

The Jamaica Tourist Board has ambitious tourism plans, focused on expanding its reach in the GCC market. Recognizing the growing interest in Caribbean travel among GCC residents, the JTB is actively investing in targeted developing and growing the market to increase visitation figures. Travelers from the GCC can easily reach Jamaica through convenient flight connections via major airlines linking through the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Canada. This connectivity provides seamless travel options for citizens and residents of the GCC looking to experience the beauty and culture of Jamaica. The residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are renowned as some of the most well-traveled individuals globally, constantly seeking new destinations and experiences fueled by their healthy disposable income. Their adventurous spirit and eagerness to explore make them ideal candidates to appreciate Jamaica’s allure. Passengers from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have several airline choices for flights to its main airports in Montego Bay and Kingston. Emirates, Etihad Airways, British Airways, and Air Canada offer routes with convenient connections. Qatar Airways also provides suitable connections to major US airports such as New York, Miami, and Chicago, offering additional options for travelers from the GCC region. Other GCC countries can access Jamaica via connections through the UAE, enhancing accessibility to the island. “As part of our strategic vision, the Jamaica Tourist Board is committed to investing in the GCC market and enhancing awareness of Jamaica’s attractions among travelers in this region,” said Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica. “We believe there is immense potential for increased visitation from the GCC.” “Jamaica is an ideal destination for citizens and residents of the GCC countries seeking a …

Bahwan Travel Agencies Oman, and Sabre Corporation announced the renewal of their strategic technology agreement at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. This renewal marks a significant milestone in the continued collaboration between the two companies, further solidifying their commitment to leveraging latest technology to drive business growth in Oman and the wider region. Under this renewed agreement, Bahwan Travel Agencies will continue to access Sabre’s portfolio of innovative technology, including its intelligent platform Sabre Red 360. This access enables Bahwan Travel Agencies to harness more data and content, providing clients with an expanded choice from over 400 airlines, 1.6 million lodging options, and numerous tour operators, rail, car, and cruise providers. The extensive marketplace empowers Bahwan Travel Agencies to curate and offer personalized travel packages from suppliers around the globe, significantly enhancing the overall travel experience for its customers. “The agreement renewal with Sabre endorses the robustness of our enduring partnership,” stated Sheikha Amal Suhail Bahwan, Vice Chairperson, Suhail Bahwan Group. “As a pioneer in the travel industry with 50 year’s presence in Oman, we ensure our travel business is empowered by latest technology, innovation and enhanced customer experience. Choosing Sabre as our technology partner is not only a strategic decision but also a logical choice to facilitate the growth of our business, enhance operational efficiency, and consistently add significant value for our customers.” Additionally, Bahwan Travel Agencies will deploy Sabre Automation Hub, Sabre APIs, Automated Exchanges and Refunds, and the Sabre E Ticket Report. These advanced technologies will empower Bahwan Travel Agencies to enhance its online presence, differentiate offerings, and provide customers with a more personalized and seamless travel shopping experience. “Bahwan Travel Agencies commitment to a strong and enduring …