Sabre Corporation announced a strategic partnership with Air Serbia as its NDC (New Distribution Capability) IT provider, empowering the airline to deliver a more personalized travel experience and unlock new revenue opportunities. Sabre is a leader in supporting both NDC airline IT and NDC aggregation. This enables Air Serbia to not only create and manage their NDC content but also make it seamlessly available through third-party channels. Sabre’s cloud-based solutions are built for agility and modularity, which means that Air Serbia can easily add new features and functionalities as their NDC strategy evolves. Additionally, Sabre boasts powerful performance with NDC air shopping response times between 0.5 and 1.5 seconds, helping to ensure a smooth shopping experience for travel agencies and travelers. “As we continue to embark on our journey to further modernize our retailing strategies, Air Serbia is proud to partner with Sabre,” said Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia. “We are committed to providing real-time content and personalized experiences to our customers, and Sabre’s innovative technology serves as a foundational enabler of our offer and order ecosystem. With Sabre’s solutions we can extend our reach to third-party channels including travel agencies and aggregators, ensuring seamless access to our products and services. Together, we are shaping the future of travel retailing and delivering enhanced value to our passengers.” Sabre’s NDC airline IT solutions are a fundamental building block of SabreMosaic™, a recently announced intelligent, modular and open technology platform that is built to transform the way airlines retail. Powered by Google’s industry-leading artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, SabreMosaic allows airlines to create and deliver a wider range of content in real-time, unlocking new revenue opportunities. The platform’s modular and open architecture …

Air Astana will be launching new services from Atyrau in western Kazakhstan to Dubai on 26th October 2024, as well as from Astana to Abu Dhabi on 30th October 2024 and from Almaty to Abu Dhabi on 12th December 2024. Each of the services will be operated twice a week using Airbus A321neo and Airbus A321LR aircraft. These new winter season services to the Middle East will add to the existing 20 services a week from Almaty and Astana to Dubai and six services a week from Almaty and Shymkent to Saudi Arabia. “Air Astana is delighted to further boost its presence in the Middle East, with new services to Dubai and Abu Dhabi reflecting the rapid growth in business and leisure traffic between Kazakhstan and the region. In particular, the introduction of a new Atyrau to Dubai service will contribute to wider economic development in western Kazakhstan by enhancing connectivity with important business and tourist centres in the Gulf,” said Yerbolat Baisalykov, Senior Vice-President of Revenue Management and Commercial Planning, Air Astana. “Passengers will also have the opportunity to combine visits to Abu Dhabi and Dubai on one trip, with the possibility of flying from Kazakhstan to one Emirate and returning from the other.” The service from Atyrau to Dubai will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 4 hours; the service from Astana to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with a flight time of 5 hours 1o minutes and the service from Almaty to Abu Dhabi twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays, with a flight times of 4 hours 55 minutes. The cost for round-trip Economy class tickets …

Al Jaber Travel and Tours Qatar announced its latest addition to its portfolio, Al Jaber DMC, delving into destination management as they have the capacity, experience, knowledge and facilities to cater to the inbound travellers to Qatar. Dileep Nair General Manager Al Jaber Travel and Tours shared, ” keeping in line with Qatar’s Vision 2030, we have developed this brand, Al Jaber DMC, a destination management company where we can serve inbound travellers with memorable experiences. Qatar’s Vision 2030 includes economic growth, social development and environmental management, these 3 aspects will boost Qatar’s tourism. Hence, we decided that this will be an opportunity for us to launch this brand now so that we could assist travellers coming from different parts of the world into Qatar to experience Qatar’s true hospitality and enjoy the landscapes of Qatar. Our advantage is that we have two hotels of our own Century Hotel Doha, which is Four Star and Century Marina Lusail which is a five star hotel, this  makes it easier for us to curate packages for different types of travellers coming into Qatar. We are specialists in MICE  and cruise sector and this too adds on to our plethora of offerings to our valuable customers. As we embark on the cruise season in a few weeks as winter this time there are three main cruise lines which would operate and a few others expected, which we will update very soon.”

Travalyst has scaled flight emissions information globally, with emissions data appearing in over 65 billion searches1. The search figure, released by Travalyst – the not-for-profit organisation founded by Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex – aggregates data from a number of its coalition partners2, which include Amadeus, Booking.com, Expedia Group, Google, Sabre, Skyscanner, Travelport, and Trip.com Group. Travalyst’s mission is to align the travel industry behind clear, consistent and credible sustainability information to help people make more informed choices. The Travel Impact Model (TIM), which estimates lifecycle emissions for flights at the individual passenger level, was developed by Google and has been scaled through the Travalyst coalition. Platforms using the TIM present flight emissions information at the time of booking, so travellers are able to choose a flight with an estimated lower-than-typical CO2e footprint3. On some platforms, travellers can also sort flight search results by emissions, alongside standard filter options such as cost and arrival/departure time. For example, the typical CO2e per passenger on a one-way economy flight from London (LGW) to New York (JFK) is 466 kg4. Popular travel booking platforms highlight an option that is 12% (57 kg) lower than the typical CO2e for that route. The difference in CO2e is approximately equivalent to a passenger’s flight from London (LGW) to Dublin (DUB) (typically 56 kg CO2e). The TIM takes a variety of attributes into account including flight origin and destination, aircraft type, cabin class and seat configuration, load factors and average aircraft utilisation. With such granular data comes the ability to see emissions at individual airline level, which could pave the way for airlines to compete on reducing their climate impact, as well as price and service. …

Etihad Airways announced the expansion of its services to Paris, with double daily flights starting 15 January 2025. The new flight schedule will feature the return of Etihad’s iconic Airbus A380 from 1 November 2024, followed by the introduction of the state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the second daily flight from 15 January 2025. All flights will feature Etihad’s renowned three-class service, including First, Business, and Economy cabins, ensuring a premium experience for every traveller. The introduction of double daily flights reinforces Etihad’s commitment to driving tourism to Abu Dhabi, particularly in the premium segment. Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: “Paris is a city that epitomises elegance and sophistication, and we are thrilled to offer two daily flights that provide our guests with a premium travel experience. The return of the A380 to Paris, followed by the addition of our three-class 787-9 Dreamliner, underscores our commitment to providing our customers with the very best in service, connectivity, and convenience, and enhances both business and leisure travel, offering seamless connectivity to our growing network across the GCC, Asia, and beyond.” Both daily flights are conveniently timed for morning and evening departures and arrivals, offering travellers the flexibility to choose the schedule that suits them best. Morning arrivals in Paris give tourists the advantage of early hotel check-ins and more time to explore the city’s attractions, while evening arrivals cater to those seeking a smooth transition after work or other commitments. For business travellers, the schedule allows for full working days at both ends of the journey. The A380 will allow passengers to enjoy Etihad’s most celebrated inflight features, including The Residence, the world’s only three-room …

Qatar Airways announced the expansion of its operations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with the resumption of services to Abha, operating two weekly flights to Abha International Airport, effective 2 January 2025. In addition, it will also increase its flights to NEOM from two to four weekly flights during the winter season. This schedule and network enhancement will provide passengers with greater travel choices and seamless access to Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 global destinations through Doha’s Hamad International Airport, recently voted the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax 2024. Abha, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, marks Qatar Airways’ 11th destination in Saudi Arabia. This addition complements the airline’s existing service to cities of AlUla, Dammam, Jeddah, Medina, NEOM, Qassim, Riyadh, Tabuk, Taif, and Yanbu. With more than 140 weekly flights to the Kingdom, Qatar Airways reaffirms its commitment to enhancing connectivity within the region. Moreover, passengers travelling to NEOM will embark on a unique living experience in the ‘land of dreams’ as they will live and work in harmony with nature. Qatar Airways currently operates two weekly flights, which will be increased to four weekly flights starting this winter. Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “We are proud to resume flights to Abha and increase frequencies to NEOM, further strengthening our presence in Saudi Arabia. This resumption is a testament to our unwavering commitment to connecting our passengers to the Kingdom’s highly coveted destinations. We look forward to welcoming both business and leisure travellers to experience the unparalleled service and connectivity that Qatar Airways offers through our Doha hub, Hamad International Airport.” Saudi Air Connectivity Program CEO, Mr. …

The Ritz-Carlton announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam, debuting a palatial oasis of contemporary majesty in Morocco. Nestled within 440 hectares of forest and lush gardens, just steps away from the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam, this opulent palace promises an unparalleled experience in the heart of Morocco’s capital. “The debut of The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam marks a significant milestone for the Ritz-Carlton brand as we expand our footprint on the African continent and celebrate our first property in Morocco,” said Helen Leighton, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “Our guests can expect the brand’s legendary service, sumptuous interiors, and a stunning natural setting that together create a sanctuary of luxury and serenity in the heart of Rabat.” Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, the vibrant capital of Morocco, Rabat, reflects the rich tapestry of the country’s influences. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012, the city is celebrated as the cultural capital of the country and offers a harmonious blend of historical and modern monuments, including architectural wonders and contemporary art galleries, embracing the Hispano-Moorish heritage. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the historic centre, The Ritz-Carlton Rabat, Dar Es Salam offers an ideal setting to create precious memories in this fascinating place. Upon arrival, guests will be enchanted by the hotel’s grandeur and majestic elegance. The high ceiling showcases meticulous craftsmanship, beautifully embellished with “muqarnas”, an iconic Arab-Andalusian architectural element from the Almoravid era. The richly decorated dome, with geometric and floral patterns, dominates the ceiling with colors of green, gold, and touches of red. At the heart of the lobby, majestic bonsai …

Healthtrip has expanded its presence to the Middle East with fully operational offices in the UAE and Saudi Arabia to serve the rapidly growing demand of healthcare tourism services in the region. The expansion aligns with the region’s increasing focus on becoming the world’s leading health travel destination, attracting millions of tourists annually. The current health tourism market, generating over $1 Trillion each year, caters to those seeking superior and advanced treatments abroad. With a rapidly aging global population and wealth concentrated in the silver age segment, the sector is experiencing 18% annual growth, fuelled by increased access to information and awareness on improved health spans. Healthtrip is the fastest growing company in the global health tourism space backed by leading UAE based VC funds like Humania Capital, D-One investments and NB Ventures. The company offers a wide-reaching network through partnerships with 1,500 hospitals and sanatoriums in the US, UK, Germany, UAE, Saudia Arabia, Thailand, India, Singapore and Egypt. The company has served over 65,000 customers from 38 countries, through an AI driven platform that provides personalized and intelligent care by connecting individuals with providers based on treatment type, rating, cost, and location. The company also provides extensive destination services, including hotel bookings, airport transfers, concierge services, and interpreters. Danish Ahmed, CEO and Cofounder, Healthtrip, stated, “Our recent expansion into the Middle East aligns with the region’s mission to advance health, wellness, longevity, and anti-aging experiences for global travellers. Treatments such as longevity and aesthetics are rapidly growing in demand in the region’s destinations, complementing its well-established medical offerings. With its accessible travel options, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and streamlined processes, expanding our international network to the Middle East was a strategic …

stc Group signed a strategic partnership agreement with New Murabba  to leverage a wide range of innovative digital solutions provided by stc Group in the future. Through these types of agreements, stc Group aims to drive digital and technical transformation across major projects in the Kingdom more broadly, enhancing infrastructure and digital services within its real estate sector by leveraging the most advanced solutions. stc Group CEO Eng. Olayan Alwetaid said: “This strategic partnership reflects stc Group’s excellent digital ecosystem and its ongoing commitment to driving digital transformation and being a key enabler of national development. New Murabba represents a major national initiative, and we are deeply committed to supporting it by providing the latest digital technologies.” New Murabba CEO Michael Dyke said: “Our strategic partnership with stc Group will position New Murabba as a pioneering urban development that enhances the quality of life and serves as a global example of innovation and sustainability. This collaboration will further establish New Murabba as one of the world’s most transformative, modern downtowns”. The partnership between stc Group and New Murabba will boost innovation and improve the quality of life in alignment with the Kingdom’s objectives. It will also enable New Murabba to benefit from the most advanced technological solutions, offering a unique experience for residents, workers, and visitors. This strategic alliance covers the potential implementation of all communications and information technology infrastructure projects. It also includes utilizing stc Group’s diverse and innovative digital solutions, which are supported by their expertise in smart city development. These solutions will encompass key elements such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud services, and cybersecurity. New Murabba is shaping new standards for urban development in …

Dubai’s popular destination promotes themes of responsible tourism and wildlife conservation while introducing visitors to diverse range of wildlife species across 6 distinct zones as they announce its opening for its sixth season on 1 October 2024. Dubai Safari Park invites Dubai residents and visitors to undertake an immersive journey into the animal world, offering unique encounters with species from across the globe. Having undergone extensive enhancements during the off-season summer months, the new season promises a remarkable new experience amidst exotic wildlife species from across the world right in the heart of Dubai. Guests can explore the park on foot or by using the shuttle train, which connects the six distinct themed zones where visitors can enjoy intimate encounters with a diverse range of wildlife species. Each zone features educational and immersive activities that emphasise the importance of animal welfare and highlight the park’s conservation efforts to protect wildlife. The popular Live presentations conducted by expert zoologists are also back and will vividly showcase the many wonders of the animal world. This season, Dubai Safari Park is committed to providing a premier edutainment experience for guests from Dubai and beyond. Dubai Safari Park is home to over 3,000 animals representing 78 mammal species, 50 varieties of reptiles, and 111 kinds of birds, and continues to build on its reputation as a premier wildlife destination in the UAE. Guests can look forward to exploring the park’s vast landscape and engaging with the diverse range of animals in an environment carefully designed to meet the needs of each its inhabitants. “We pride ourselves on reimagining the way people experience wildlife in Dubai, enabling guests of all ages to connect with animals in …