Category Archives: Agents

Air France-KLM has selected Amadeus as its technology partner for native order capabilities. With Nevio, Amadeus’ next-generation solution, the Group aims to pursue the broader transformation of its retailing capabilities. Air France-KLM will work closely with Amadeus to define the needs for modern airline retailing transformation. Customers stand to benefit from a best-in-class traveller-centric retailing and servicing experience. “We are pleased to welcome Air France‑KLM as the latest customer to subscribe to Amadeus Nevio. This new generation of airline technology helps airlines deliver the best possible retailing experience to customers across all their operations, and at every touchpoint. We are dedicated to supporting Air France‑KLM in its retail transformation and, more generally, to accelerating the pace of the industry’s move to customer‑centric retailing.” Maher Koubaa, Executive Vice President Travel Unit and Managing Director EMEA, Amadeus. Air France-KLM and Amadeus have signed a landmark agreement to bring airline retailing into a new era through Nevio, Amadeus’ next-generation solution for” Offer and Order” native capabilities. At the heart of this transformation is the adoption of the IATA “ONE Order” standard, which will elevate the customer experience to meet the evolving needs of digitally savvy consumers. Today, customers typically need to juggle multiple documents such as the Passenger Name Record (PNR), the Electronic Ticket (ETK), and Electronic Miscellaneous Documents (EMDs) for each booking. The partnership with Amadeus, based on Modern Airline Retailing principles, will simplify operations and the customer experience by putting in place a single, streamlined source of truth – the Order – much like how e-commerce operates today. This partnership advances Air France-KLM’s ambition to update its current systems and move to a modern,” Offer and Order” native system. This multi-year effort will be orchestrated …

Emirates has unveiled an exciting new offer for travellers planning a trip to Dubai this winter. Travellers flying from select regions who book a return ticket in First Class or Business Class to Dubai, or with a stopover in the city, will receive a complimentary stay at the luxurious JW Marriott Marquis. Travellers flying in Premium Economy or Economy Class can enjoy a complimentary one-night stay at either Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira or Holiday Inn Festival City. Furthermore, those flying to Dubai from select regions with Emirates can also get complimentary access to Sky Views Observatory with access to the Sky Glass Slide and Fountain boardwalk. * This offer is available on emirates.com, Emirates contact centre, retail and ticketing offices or travel agencies. Located just minutes away from Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Opera, the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel offers an exceptional base to experience the best of Dubai. As a bustling and dynamic 5-star property, this iconic hotel is among the tallest in the world, featuring two towers, 1,608 luxurious rooms, and breathtaking views of the water and city skyline. Guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool, energise at the state-of-the-art fitness centre, or unwind with a soothing massage at Saray Spa. The hotel also offers 12 restaurants and lounges, offering Japanese, Italian, Indian, and Thai cuisine. For travellers in Premium Economy or Economy, Crowne Plaza Dubai Deira provides a comfortable stay in the heart of Dubai’s vibrant Deira district. The Deira district is home to traditional souks, modern malls, and cultural landmarks all within walking distance. Alternatively, the Holiday Inn, Festival City is situated in one of Dubai’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment hubs, and …

HBX Group  and Minor Hotels have announced the global expansion of their preferred distribution partnership. The expanded partnership builds on the success of Minor Hotels and HBX Group’s existing collaboration in Europe and the Americas. Under the agreement, Minor Hotels will add 181 properties from Asia, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East to its distribution partnership. The group will also designate HBX Group as a preferred B2B distribution partner, enabling streamlined distribution, optimised operational costs, and greater control over rates and inventory. HBX Group’s global network, which connects 60,000 travel distributors across over 190 source markets, will now have access to over 560 Minor Hotels properties across 58 countries. These include renowned brands such as Anantara, Avani, Elewana Collection, Tivoli, NH, NH Collection, nhow and Oaks. Looking ahead, Minor Hotels announced its intent to add nearly 300 properties to its portfolio over the next three years, which will also join the preferred distribution partnership. Carlos Muñoz, Chief Commercial Officer at HBX Group, commented: “This global partnership represents a significant milestone in our collaboration with Minor Hotels. By consolidating distribution efforts and reducing operational complexity, we are enabling Minor to streamline its strategy and focus on reaching high-value markets where we can add real value. HBX Group becomes an extension of Minor’s commercial arm, bringing their brands to markets and customers that would otherwise be out of reach. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for what a true partnership between a hospitality group and a distribution tech platform should look like.” Ian Di Tullio, Chief Commercial Officer of Minor Hotels, added: “Our partnership with HBX Group has been instrumental in maintaining our agility and efficiency, allowing us to leverage best …

Discover Saudi has been appointed the first DMC from KSA to become a valued member of the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), the global community and knowledge hub for the international association and governmental meetings industry. The move will enable Discover Saudi to leverage its status as the Kingdom’s Destination Management Company (DMC) of choice and further enhance Saudi Arabia’s thriving MICE sector, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030. As a member of the International Congress and Convention Association, Discover Saudi will gain access to a global network of event organisers, enabling them to boost KSA’s flourishing convention and congress industry. Discover Saudi will also leverage Almosafer’s digitally advanced and integrated platforms to further engage ICCA’s extensive network of partners and collaborators to provide various opportunities for travel and tourism services. The membership will help amplify Discover Saudi’s leading position as a DMC and promote the Kingdom as the destination of choice for MICE tourism. Senthil Gopinath, CEO, ICCA said about the partnership; “We are delighted to welcome Discover Saudi (part of Almosafer) as the newest member of ICCA in Saudi Arabia. Their commitment to enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a premier business events destination aligns perfectly with ICCA’s vision of fostering global collaboration and industry growth. As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its MICE sector, we look forward to supporting Discover Saudi in leveraging ICCA’s global network, resources, and expertise to drive impactful and sustainable business events.” Muzzammil Ahussain, CEO of Almosafer, addressing the significance of this partnership, stated; “With our membership in ICCA we aim to redefine the landscape of interconnected businesses through collaboration and innovation, to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s ever-growing conferences and conventions sector. Supporting Saudi Arabia’s …

In January 2025, Qatar Stopover programme recorded more than 10,500 visitors, compared to 6,651 in January 2024. The number of visitors in the stopover programme increased an impressive 165% from April 2024 to January 2025 – as compared to the same timeframe in the previous year. Discover Qatar, the destination management arm of Qatar Airways Group, has achieved a significant milestone, welcoming over 10,000 stopover visitors in a single month for the first time since the Qatar Stopover Programme’s relaunch in August 2021. This achievement reflects Qatar’s growing appeal as a world-class destination and the programme’s growing popularity. The programme has also driven exceptional growth in hotel bookings, with over 100,000 room nights sold so far this year – doubling the figures from the previous year. Qatar Airways Holidays is driving this success as the largest contributor to the programme’s sales, delivering over a third of all bookings, leveraging the marketing strength of Qatar Airways around the globe. Stopover is proving incredibly popular with Qatar Airways frequent flyers too, with 20% of customers using the popular loyalty currency Avios to pay for their bookings, with logged in Privilege Club members earning Avios and Qpoints with every transaction. Discover Qatar Senior Vice President, Mr. Steven Reynolds, said: “Qatar Stopover Programme is central to positioning Qatar as a leading global destination, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030. By leveraging Qatar Airways’ extensive network of over 170 destinations and the outstanding travel experiences we offer, we have firmly established Qatar as a must-visit destination. At Discover Qatar, we are committed to delivering tailored packages that combine cultural discovery, world-class hospitality, and unforgettable experiences for travellers from around the world.” The growth of the …

Akbar Travels, through its medical tourism division, TravoCure, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thumbay Medical Tourism (TMT), a unit of the renowned Thumbay Healthcare Division. This collaboration aims to strengthen medical tourism services and provide seamless healthcare solutions for international patients. Thumbay Medical Tourism has been a leading provider of affordable and high-quality healthcare to patients from over 175 nationalities, offering top-tier medical services through its network of hospitals and specialized healthcare facilities in the UAE. TravoCure, owned by Akbar Travels, is dedicated to facilitating medical travel for patients seeking advanced treatments and wellness solutions globally. Under this partnership, Thumbay Healthcare will extend exclusive benefits to TravoCure-referred patients, including an exclusive discount on medical treatments. Additionally, the agreement covers the promotion of Thumbay University Hospitals’ services, organization of medical check-up camps, and collaboration on academic and clinical research initiatives. “This partnership marks a significant step in enhancing medical travel services for international patients,” said Ms. Ashiya Nazar, Chief Executive Officer of Akbar Travels. “Through this collaboration, we aim to provide world-class healthcare solutions with seamless travel arrangements for patients worldwide.” Mr. Akbar Moideen Thumbay, Vice President of Thumbay Medical Tourism, emphasized, “Thumbay Healthcare has always been at the forefront of medical tourism in the region. Partnering with Akbar Travels will further expand our reach and enable patients to access high-quality and affordable healthcare with greater convenience.” A dedicated collaboration committee will oversee the implementation of this agreement, ensuring the smooth activation of joint projects and services. The MOU is reinforcing the long-term commitment of both organizations to developing the medical tourism sector.

With the global events industry projected to register a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% during the period 2024-35. According to Allied Market Research, the global events industry looks set to register impressive growth over the coming decade, with the total market value on course to pass $2.5 trillion by 2035. Conferences, trade shows and exhibitions are indispensable for many businesses, offering a vital opportunity to increase their visibility and meet clients and partners face-to-face. Research shows that corporate events, in particular, continue to support millions of jobs worldwide, delivering a staggering $1.6 trillion in global GDP annually. In Dubai alone, the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) segment grew by 25% in 2023, making ATM 2025 the ideal launchpad for IBTM@ATM. IBTM@ATM will provide a gateway to the lucrative business events sector throughout 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. Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “This year’s theme of enhanced connectivity is particularly relevant to the evolving business events sector, which thrives on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation. Through IBTM@ATM, we are strengthening our commitment to adding value to our exhibitors and attendees by creating a dynamic community where suppliers and buyers can engage in meaningful networking, business exchange sessions, and a high-impact content programme. By leveraging our unique insights, we aim to facilitate connections and unlock new opportunities that drive long-term growth within this thriving market segment.” IBTM@ATM will bring together suppliers and buyers from across the business events sector, connecting meeting planners, association buyers, professional conference organisers, incentive buyers, destination management companies (DMCs), …

Visit Qatar successfully concluded its first roadshow in Kuwait, held in partnership with Go Beyond, the leading representative agency supported by Gulf Travel. The tour provided an exclusive platform to promote Qatar as an exceptional destination for leisure and business tourism, highlighting its distinctive offerings, including short breaks, winter vacations and stopover experiences. The tour brought together several key partners in Qatar’s tourism sector, including Qatar Airways and some of Qatar’s finest hotels. along with 150 industry leaders from prominent tour operators and travel agents in Kuwait. Attendees participated in productive networking sessions that contributed to building strategic working relationships. Attendees also witnessed a personalized presentation that showcased Qatar’s diverse tourism landscape, world-class attractions, and its growing role as a major travel hub in the region. To add to the excitement, the tour also included a special draw, where the winners received two nights at the participating hotels. Kuwait is one of the main markets for Visit Qatar, with Doha welcoming more than 170,000 visitors from Kuwait in 2024, looking for a world-class tourism experience with a family-friendly atmosphere. Qatar welcomes visitors arriving by land, air or sea, where citizens of 102 countries can enter without a visa. Just a short trip can allow visitors to enjoy Qatar’s winter season, spend time in luxury resorts and keep up with vibrant cultural offerings and experiences, all in close proximity to the heart of Doha. GCC travellers can also take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on a variety of services and offers through the ‘Visit Qatar Pass’, available on the Visit Qatar app. Visit Qatar Pass offers its users discounts ranging from 30-50% across a wide range of categories, including food …

SNTTA announced the renewal of its General Sales Agency (GSA) Agreement with Emirates Airline. The renewal marks a significant milestone in SNTTA and Emirates’ longstanding collaboration, aimed at delivering innovative and customer-centric travel solutions across Sharjah. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulla Al Thani, Chairman of SNTTA and musafir.com, commented: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Emirates, reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in travel services. Together with Emirates, we look forward to delivering superior travel experiences that meet the evolving needs of our customers.” This partnership renewal reaffirms SNTTA’s exclusive role as Emirates’ General Sales Agent in Sharjah, building on a relationship that has consistently delivered exceptional service and connectivity. Both organizations are committed to leveraging their combined expertise to offer innovative solutions that cater to the diverse needs of travelers in the region.

Akbar Travels now becomes the first and only travel portal to go live with NDC Direct with SAUDIA as they successfully launched with its NDC integration. The partnership, which began as a pilot project, has now established a significant milestone for both organizations, marking a new era of technological advancements in airline distribution. From the inception of the project, SAUDIA and Akbar Travels worked closely to build a strong foundation, developing the NDC integration from scratch. The journey highlighted their commitment to enhancing travel booking experiences for travel agents and customers while fostering a collaborative spirit. The collaboration was further strengthened by the technological expertise of Benzy Infotech, the technology arm of Akbar Travels. With its state-of-the-art solutions and an unwavering focus on efficiency, Benzy Infotech played a crucial role in ensuring the seamless execution of the NDC integration. From Akbar Travels, the collaboration was met with enthusiasm and determination. The project aligns with their mission to leverage technology to enhance their services and strengthen their position as a leader in the travel industry. Ashiya Nazar, International Division Lead at Akbar Travels, said: “The launch of the NDC platform with SAUDIA represents a significant step forward for Akbar Travels. SAUDIA’s support and our team’s dedication made this initiative a reality. Together, we are reshaping the way travel services are delivered, making them more dynamic and customer-centric.” Ahmed Kasim, General Manager of Akbar Travels Middle East, shared his thoughts: “This partnership with SAUDIA has been a transformative experience for Akbar Travels. This success not only enhances our offerings but also strengthens our bond with one of the region’s most prestigious airlines.” The SAUDIA-Akbar Travels NDC integration enables agents to access a …