Category Archives: Agents

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) and Miral are bringing the prestigious luxury travel fair LOOP CEE to the Middle East for the first time. Titled LOOP BEYOND BORDERS, the landmark event will be held from 15 to 19 September at Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas in Abu Dhabi and Anantara Qasr Al Sarab in Al Dhafra. The high-end platform aims to gather distinguished local hospitality brands, offering them an exclusive opportunity to showcase their products and engage with ultra-luxury buyers, travel partners, and agents from Central and Eastern Europe. Over the course of five days, each exhibitor will have the opportunity to conduct 62 appointments, each lasting for 15 minutes, alongside numerous other opportunities to connect with over 100 top tour operators and agents from 16 central and eastern European countries – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and North Macedonia. Abdullah Yousuf, Director of International Operations at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “We look forward to hosting the Middle East’s first ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a premier destination for luxury travellers seeking the most refined of experiences. LOOP BEYOND BORDERS not only supports Abu Dhabi’s journey to becoming one of the most prominent, must-visit locations in the world, but provides unparalleled networking opportunities and knowledge exchange, strengthening our ties across central and eastern European markets, and fostering long-term collaboration.” Taghrid AlSaeed, Executive Director of Group Communications and Destination Marketing at Miral said: “We are happy to host the Middle East’s first-ever LOOP CEE event in Abu Dhabi, particularly on Saadiyat Island, …

THE RIG. project has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Helicopter Company (THC), the Kingdom’s leading commercial helicopter operator. This collaboration aims to provide a premium helicopter transport service for visitors traveling to and from THE RIG., the world’s first offshore adventure tourism destination situated in the Arabian Gulf. The agreement signifies a joint commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s tourism and entertainment offerings in line with Saudi Vision 2030, particularly focusing on improving transportation infrastructure and elevating the hospitality sector in the country. Raed Bakhrji, CEO of OPDC, and Captain Arnaud Martinez, CEO of THC, officially signed the MoU, marking the commencement of a strategic partnership centered on operational excellence and innovative visitor transportation. Under this partnership, THC will leverage its expertise to provide specialized helicopter services characterized by high standards of safety, comfort, and efficiency, thereby significantly enhancing the overall visitor experience. Raed Bakhrji highlighted the importance of the agreement, expressing, “Our strategic partnership with THC underscores our dedication to providing an exceptional visitor experience. Through the seamless incorporation of premium helicopter transport into THE RIG.’s services, we are not only improving accessibility but also enriching the Kingdom’s vibrant tourism sector in alignment with Vision 2030.” Captain Arnaud Martinez added, “We are thrilled to collaborate with OPDC on this groundbreaking project. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to delivering top-tier helicopter services that meet the highest standards of safety and quality. By integrating our helicopter services with THE RIG, we aim to contribute to the Kingdom’s ambitious vision for the future. THC is determined to prove that everything is possible in aviation with the right partner.”

Sabre Hospitality announced the renewal of its long-term agreement with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, the world’s largest hotel franchisor with more hotels than any other company in the world. Under this renewed agreement, Wyndham will continue to utilize Sabre’s cloud-based SynXis Central Reservation System (CRS) to manage its operations, reaffirming Sabre Hospitality as their exclusive global central reservation system provider for nearly two decades. SynXis CRS is the leading global hospitality commerce and distribution platform, enabling hoteliers to achieve their strategic goals with streamlined distribution, centralized control, and greater flexibility. With this renewal, Wyndham will continue to benefit from efficient pricing and inventory management, extensive global distribution connectivity, robust bulk upload tools, and a fully integrated guest profile linked to its Wyndham Rewards® program. The platform will also help Wyndham to maintain its competitive advantage while continuing to deliver memorable experiences to guests. “We are thrilled to continue our long-standing relationship with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts,” said Gene Guhne, senior vice president, global managing director, enterprise sales for Sabre Hospitality. “This agreement is a testament to the strength and reliability of the SynXis platform. We are dedicated to supporting Wyndham’s strategy by delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of their global portfolio.” Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, renowned for its extensive global footprint, operates 25 brands comprising over 9,100 hotels across 95 countries. With nearly 70 million transactions annually, Wyndham remains committed to providing industry-leading technology to its global portfolio of franchisees and hotel operators. This extended partnership underscores the enduring power of the SynXis platform, known for its stability, security, and scalability. “Our collaboration with Sabre Hospitality has been instrumental in our ability to offer superior technology solutions …

Crystal cruise experiences launched its state-of-the-art booking engine, designed to streamline and enhance the booking experience for travel advisors. This groundbreaking platform went live on 1st August 2024, offering unparalleled ease of use, advanced features and robust support tailored to meet the needs of today’s travel professionals. With the launch of this sophisticated tool, Crystal aims to set a new standard in the cruise industry, making it simpler and more efficient for travel advisors to manage cruise bookings. The booking engine, seamlessly integrated into crystalcruises.com, offers a suite of resources designed to provide travel advisors with the flexibility, speed and reliability they need to serve their clients effectively. Key Features: • Intuitive User Interface: The new booking engine boasts a clean, easy-to-navigate design that simplifies the search and booking process. • Real-Time Availability: Advisors can access up-to-date information on cruise availability, suite categories and pricing. • Personalized Recommendations: The platform leverages advanced algorithms to provide cruise recommendations based on clients’ preferences and optional back-to-back voyage combinations. • Enhanced Support: A dedicated support team and comprehensive training resources ensure travel advisors can make the most of the new system. • Exclusive Promotions: Travel advisors can access special deals and promotions through the new booking engine. “Travel advisors are at the heart of our business, and we are committed to providing them with the best tools and resources available,” said Marett Taylor, Chief Sales Officer of A&K Travel Group. “Our new booking engine is a testament to our dedication to innovation and excellence. We believe it will significantly enhance the efficiency of our valued travel partners, enabling them to deliver exceptional service to their clients.” Training and Support To ensure a smooth transition, …

Philippine Airlines announced the successful conclusion of its inaugural regional sales conference in the Middle East, held in Dubai. This landmark event brought together dynamic sales teams from Riyadh, Dammam, and Doha for a productive session of idea-sharing and brainstorming. Under the theme “Unite to Soar: Driving Success Through Teamwork and Collaboration,” the conference focused on strategies to achieve sales objectives and foster greater collaboration among the teams. The event underscored Philippine Airlines’ commitment to excellence and growth in the Middle East market. By uniting their strengths and insights, the sales teams are poised to drive remarkable success and elevate the airline’s presence in the region.

The travel industry is undergoing a seismic shift, according to leading authority on travel research and events, Phocuswright. A new age of technologies, empowered consumers, and emerging players are redefining how we travel, book trips, and interact with the industry. Phocuswright will tackle these disruptive forces head-on at The Phocuswright Conference, themed “The New Age(nts),” taking place November 19-21 at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Arizona. ‘The New Age(nts)’ has been designed to be more than a theme – a call to action for the travel industry to adapt and evolve. Through a programme of keynotes, panels and thought leadership sessions, the conference will examine four key areas of transformation: 1. A New Age: The dominance of Google at the top of the funnel is challenged by social platforms like TikTok and Instagram, while AI-powered conversational search offers personalized travel recommendations. Airlines are leveraging NDC to regain control over distribution, potentially setting a precedent for hotels to follow suit. Non-traditional players like big-box retailers and financial institutions are also entering the fray, redefining the online travel agency landscape. 2. Customers in Control: Self-sovereign identity, personal data vaults, and secure digital wallets empower consumers to own their data and decide who to share it with. Travel businesses must adapt to this new reality and build trust with consumers to access their profiles and wallets. 3. Emerging Agents: Intelligent agents are already augmenting trip planning and personalization, streamlining tasks for travelers and offering efficiencies to businesses. These tools are not a distant future; they are reshaping the travel industry now. 4. Enduring Agents?: As travelers become more empowered and new tools automate tasks, traditional travel agents must …

Amsaan Accessible Tours (AAT) has launched “Travel with Bova,” a project dedicated to providing guided tours conducted entirely in sign language. This transformative initiative marks a milestone in inclusive tourism and is launched from the UAE, a key destination for AAT. Benefiting both the tourism ecosystem and Deaf travellers while syncing with the UAE government, “Travel with Bova” offers unique guided tours around the world, led by Volodymyr Bozhko, also known as Bova, a senior Deaf tour guide with over 15 years of experience. Bova has guided tourists from various countries using International Sign Language, including the USA, China, and former CIS countries among others, and boasts extensive knowledge of European destinations, exotic islands, and Southeast Asian countries. He has organised long combined tours where travellers can visit multiple countries in one trip. Bova will be joined by another expert guide, Dmytro, who has visited over 50 countries and understands the needs of discerning Deaf tourists. The primary vision behind “Travel with Bova” is to provide accessible travel experiences for the Deaf community, breaking down barriers and allowing travellers to immerse themselves in different cultures through sign language. While the UAE is a favourite destination, the initiative will also introduce tourists to various other destinations. This project meets the rising demand for inclusive tours by leveraging specialists, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to crafting unforgettable experiences for Deaf tourists, addressing the global loss of US$150 billion due to overlooked accessible tourism. Alex Koltsov, CEO, of Amsaan Accessible Tours, commented: “Catering to over 430 million people who have hearing loss, the launch of ‘Travel with Bova’ will set new standards in accessible tourism and not only meet but exceed the expectations …

Kuwait Airways participated in the Travel Madness Expo (TME) 2024, which was organized at the SMX Convention Center, Manila, Philippines from 12-14 July 2024. The exhibition was launched under the title ‘Revolutionizing Travel to Create Magical Experiences’ with the participation of numerous airlines, tourism, and travel offices around the world, showcasing various offers and promotions related to the travel and tourism sector. The Kuwait Airways pavilion witnessed successful participation and attendance during the exhibition providing a platform for the company to showcase its products and services, highlighting its role as a distinguished national carrier in the region with its legacy of notable achievements since 1954 to the visitors and attendees present. Kuwait Airways stated that its participation in this exhibition comes within the framework of its keenness to participate in prominent events and arises from its objectives to be present in exhibitions such as the Travel Madness Expo (TME) which is an important venue that hosts well-known and leading tourism and aviation companies in the world under its platform. The company added that its participation at the exhibition gives it the opportunity to discuss new partnerships and agreements with companies and to benefit from the latest advancements in the world of aviation and tourism in terms of the latest technology, entertainment systems and advanced services, in addition to examining upcoming projects and future plans related to aviation. Moreover, Kuwait Airways’ participation at this exhibition gives it the opportunity to showcase its services and development which has been achieved in terms of its fleet, including the latest passenger services and customer centric enhancements which are in pace with the latest international standards of the air transport sector and meets their requirements. The …

SEVEN  announced its plans for global franchise expansion. Since its inception in 2019, SEVEN has become synonymous with redefining the wellness experience through its integrated approach. Nestled in the heart of Dubai, SEVEN Wellness Club distinguishes itself by seamlessly blending physical fitness, mindfulness, relaxation, lifestyle, beauty, nutrition and recovery into a unified experience. SEVEN transcends traditional gym and spa concepts, offering a comprehensive and personalised approach that fits effortlessly into everyday life. Global Franchise Expansion: In a strategic move to share its unique wellness concept with the world, SEVEN has partnered with Francorp Middle East, a leading franchise development firm renowned for its expertise in expanding brands globally. Established in 1976 in Chicago, Francorp has been instrumental in the success of over 6,000 brands worldwide through its robust franchise development programme. Imad Charaf Eddine, Chairman and CEO of Francorp Middle East, expressed his enthusiasm for this partnership, saying, “SEVEN Wellness Club presents a distinctive concept in the wellness industry. Their comprehensive and innovative approach to wellness, coupled with their exceptional business model, makes them a standout. We are excited to support SEVEN in their journey to bring their unparalleled wellness experience to a global audience.” Invitation to Prospective Franchisees SEVEN is extending an invitation to potential investors, wellness enthusiasts and aspiring entrepreneurs to join their growing family through this exciting franchise opportunity. With a proven track record and a reputation for excellence, SEVEN offers franchisees the chance to lead a thriving business while making a significant impact on the wellness industry. Prospective franchisees will have the opportunity to be part of an innovative and proven franchise model, enjoying substantial returns on investment while championing a transformative approach to wellness. The …

South America’s Latam Airlines announced that it is now available on the APG platform, APG’s NDC portal. This enables full ticketing solutions to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. The network further allows to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding service capabilities. Richard Burgess, President of APG Network and Sandrine de Saint Sauveur, President & CEO of APG Inc, along with Mohamed Jassim Al Rais, Prem Sagar, and members of the APG GULF team at their office in Dubai. “We are delighted to start this new collaboration with LATAM. It will offer a lot of new opportunities to our client agents by opening up for them the entire LATAM network. By adding this airline content, we are making available one of the top ranked airlines in the world. 100% of LATAM’s product offering is available through our NDC Platform and more functionalities will be coming soon.” said Richard Burgess President of APG Association. Under this agreement, APG Platform and LATAM Airlines provide a full ticketing solution to thousands of travel agencies in more than 120 countries, including the possibility to add ancillary services, such as bags, during the booking process. “We are excited to announce this agreement that deepens our relationship with APG and marks an important milestone in our distribution strategy. The implementation of NDC by LATAM through the APG network allows us to offer a more personalized and efficient purchasing experience with better fares, improving transparency and expanding our service capabilities. With APG as a partner, we are confident that we will …