Alaska Airlines and Finnair are teaming up to give members of their frequent flyer programs the opportunity to earn miles/points on both airlines as Finnair expands its wings with new flights from San Francisco. “We’re thrilled to be partnering with European-favorite Finnair, as they launch their first West Coast service from our San Francisco hub to Helsinki on June 1,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines executive vice president and chief commercial officer. “Our Mileage Plan members will be able to fly Finnair to over 60 destinations in Europe from San Francisco, Chicago and New York’s JFK.” Alaska Airlines recently announced a major ......Read More

22th May 2017, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) handled in excess of 2 million passengers in the month of April this year, representing a 5.6% increase in airport traffic compared with April of 2016, which reached 1.9 million.  Key highlights: •    Total arrivals: 1,050,520 up by 6.6%, total departures: 1,019,835 up by 5.8%, and total transfer passengers: 1,311,262 up by 6.1%. •    Traffic to India, one of the airport’s main traffic drivers representing 18% of the total passengers this month, has shown an increase of 1.9% in April this year compared to April 2016.  •   ......Read More

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, May 22, 2017:  As part of its expansion plan, DC Aviation Al-Futtaim, a joint venture between DC Aviation Group based in Germany and Al-Futtaim, has announced that its second hangar located at Dubai South is on course for completion before the end of the year.  The 6,800sqm hangar will more than double the ......Read More

Dubai, UAE, May 21 2017:  With summer just around the corner, it’s time to put those vacation plans into motion. Sometimes though, the logistics of planning a trip can make the process stressful for travellers - but not anymore! Whether you’re flying alone or with family, VFS Global has come up with a selection of innovative, ......Read More

21 May 2017, Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Airports has begun its heat stress campaign advising staff and contractors on how to cope with extreme weather conditions over the summer. The annual campaign will continue over the months between May and September, in line with the Abu Dhabi Occupational Safety & Health Centre (OSHAD)’ Code of Practice 11.0, on guarding against the effects of extreme temperatures in work environments during the hot summer months. The company is holding lectures in Arabic, English, Urdu and Hindi at Abu Dhabi International Airport, Al Ain International Airport and Al Bateen Executive Airport, and displaying multi lingual posters and dehydration awareness ......Read More

World’s Largest Passenger Jet Features Airline’s Award-Winning Three-Room Suite, ‘The Residence’ Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 21 2017:  Etihad Airways today announced the year-round deployment of its award-winning Airbus A380 aircraft on the Abu Dhabi to Paris route. The superjumbo, which features ‘The Residence’ - the world’s first three-room suite on a commercial airliner - will operate from 1 July on one of its twice-daily services from the UAE’s capital city to the capital of France. Paris becomes the airline’s latest A380 long-haul destination following London, Sydney, New York and Melbourne. With the 496-seat aircraft upgrade ......Read More

20 May 2017 Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, has tasted success at the INSIGHTS Middle East Call Centre Awards. The annual competition is now in its 12th year and sets the regional benchmark for remote customer interaction success. The airline collected two prestigious awards at the ceremony held at The Crowne Plaza Hotel ......Read More

                 17 May 2017 (Dubai, UAE) -The International Air Transport Association (IATA), the Joint Inspection Group (JIG), and Airlines for America (A4A) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen and promote Safety and Quality Assurance in global aviation fueling activities.  “Maintaining the quality of the aviation fuel supply and the supporting infrastructure and operations is vital to the safe and efficient functioning of the air transport industry. This MoU, covering all airport fuel storage and handling, puts forward an industry-level program for application of standards and a single global ......Read More

2-day forum discussed key aviation challenges and opportunities Dubai, May 17, 2017: Aviation leaders and experts highlighted key aviation industry issues, challenges and opportunities for the industry worldwide during the 5th Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF), which concluded today.  Held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, the two-day forum, co-located with the Airport Show, was hosted by Reed Exhibitions Middle East and organised by CAPA- Centre for Aviation. Uncertain oil price is one of the major ......Read More

  World’s first virtual reality application for airports launched Exhibitors display devices that enhance passenger safety and comfort DUBAI, May 16, 2017:  The 17th edition of the Airport Show, currently underway at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) with over 300 exhibitors from 50 ......Read More

Abu Dhabi-UAE: 15 May, 2017 – Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is marking an emphatic participation at the 2017 edition of Worldwide Exhibition for Incentive Travel, Meetings and Events (IMEX), the largest European trade show for the international congress, conference and events sector, currently underway at Messe Frankfurt in Germany. The delegation from ADNEC is attending various co-located events including the International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) Sales & Marketing Summit, International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) General Assembly, ICCA Venue Sector Meeting, ICCA Middle East Chapter Meeting and IMEX Association Evening. As ......Read More

  Sheikh Ahmed: Aviation industry expansion in the Middle East continues to surpass average global growth rates World’s largest annual dedicated airport event has over 300 exhibitors from 50 countries  Germany celebrates 17 years of participation at Airport Show Women in Aviation Middle East hold 2nd General Assembly ......Read More

15th May 2017 His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saqr Al Qasimi gives royal approval to new Sailing Club of Ras Al Khaimah during official opening at Al Hamra Marina; The venue has already hosted a number of leading events, including the Asian Youth Sailing Cup Final The latest addition to Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning leisure scene, the ......Read More

Industry leader showcases smart airport technologies for landside, airside and in the terminal                  DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 15, 2017 – Honeywell (NYSE:HON), a trusted provider of intelligent airport solutions worldwide, will demonstrate that the sky is not ......Read More

UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman’s aviation infrastructure to help fuel travel and tourism sectors and accelerate the economic growth of the region The total estimated value of 152 aviation-related projects in the GCC exceeded US$57 billion (Dh210 billion) in the first quarter of 2017, according to BNC Intelligence Around 46 ......Read More

May 2017, Dubai - After announcing the addition of eight hotels in Cuba to enhance the quality of inland tourism in the country, the company has now signed 15 hotels worldwide The company aims to improve returns to shareholders by increasing the pay-out ratio on 2016 results to 30% The "Easter effect" penalises results in the first quarter compared to the previous year, and will benefit results in the second quarter Business performance:   Total revenues increased by 5.4% Global RevPAR grew by 8.3%, of which 83% can be explained by price increases Growth continues in Spain, where hotels saw a 12.5% average ......Read More

11 May 2017 The Procurement and Supply Management team at Etihad Aviation Group (EAG) were the overall winners at the Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply (CIPS) Middle East Awards, winning three awards including the prestigious accolade of the ‘MENA Procurement and Supply Team of the Year’. The winners were announced ......Read More

International visitors up 7% ATM records 71% growth since 2012 Over 100 new exhibitors debut at ATM 2017 Responsible tourism to be key theme of 2018 event  Dubai, UAE, May 9, 2017:  This year’s Arabian Travel Market witnessed a 10% increase in visitors from the GCC and a 7% increase in international visitors to the event, which was held in Dubai World Trade Centre from April 24-27. For the second year in succession, visitor numbers smashed through the 28,000 mark – the show saw a 71% increase in visitors over the last five years.  Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, said: “The continued growth of ATM is testament to the strength ......Read More

  Partnership between Etihad Rail and Al Safa Transport to enhance intermodal transportation capabilities   Abu Dhabi, UAE, 9 May 2017: Etihad Rail, the developer and operator of the UAE’s multi-billion dollar national rail network, has today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Safa Transport, a trucking and transportation services provider with operations across the Middle East.  Signed by Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Rail, Eng. Faris Saif Al Mazrouei and Managing Director of Al Safa Transport, Nabeel Chaudhry, the agreement will pave way for efficient movement of cargo using the UAE’s vast railway network across ......Read More

8 May 2017 Abu Dhabi, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – The Etihad Aviation Group Board of Directors today appointed Ray Gammell as interim Group CEO, and confirmed that James Hogan, current President and Group CEO, will leave the company on 1 July 2017.   Consistent with the company’s leadership transition plan, Gammell will assume ......Read More

13 Airport Specialists Exhibiting on the French Pavilion United Arab Emirates, 7th May 2017:  Business France, the national agency in charge of the international development of the French economy will gather 13 companies on the French pavilion at Airport Show Dubai. The tradeshow is held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin ......Read More

Guest Experience in the Middle East report reaffirms Abu Dhabi’s place in top spot for UAE Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, 6 May 2017: Abu Dhabi has maintained its position as the number one destination in the UAE for guest satisfaction in a report by travel and hotel data specialist organisation, Olery.    The ......Read More

May 2, 2017—The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), works hand-in-hand with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to exempt Filipino expats from paying the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC), or the Terminal Fee, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Filipino expats flying with Cebu Pacific to their job site do not need to pay NAIA Terminal Fee, which is worth around AED 40.  Passengers who booked through CEB’s ticketing offices or travel agencies have to present valid documents at the time of purchase. For bookings made through the Cebu Pacific Reservation Hotlines or via the website, valid documents must be ......Read More

Mӧvenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives will offer contemporary elegance in Noonu Atoll. BANGKOK, Thailand, 27 April 2017 – Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement to manage its first resort in the Maldives. The planned 105-unit resort, Mӧvenpick Resort & Spa Kuredhivaru Maldives, will be situated on the remote Kuredhivaru Island in Noonu Atoll, providing a desirable sanctuary surrounded by pristine natural beauty in the exclusive northern part of the Maldives. It is scheduled to open during the second quarter of 2018. The contemporary tropical resort will combine comfort and style, with 33 Beach Villas and 72 Over Water Villas. While ......Read More

  After years of tough competition with Online Travel Agents (OTAs), traditional agencies are re-gaining popularity as travellers seek out bespoke service and specialist advice over discounted deals 27 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: Traditional travel agencies have an opportunity to re-capture the market share previously lost to OTAs by converging operations to digital and social media platforms, delegates at the Arabian Travel Market 2017 Digital Transformation Summit have learned.  Addressing the summit on 25 April, 2017, Benjo Van Laar Hoven, Chief Executive Officer, Prizm, advised traditional agents to meet their clients online and on social media in order to safeguard ......Read More

DCTCM outlines plans to combine Dubai’s rich cultural and latest attractions to build on Q1 2017 visitor numbers of 4.57 million 27 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: GCC countries must marry the very latest attractions with their rich cultural offerings to maximise their tourism potential, according to panellists at the latest seminar session ......Read More

Dubai, April 26, 2017:  Tourism can be a key driver of the growth and economic diversification for the Middle East and North Africa region concluded the 2017 Ministerial Forum organized by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of ......Read More

  From the 1980s into the future – Amadeus discussed the past, present and future of travel at Arabian Travel Market Dubai, UAE, 26 April: Amadeus celebrated its 30 year anniversary and showcased innovative solutions, at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). As one of the leading providers of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry, Amadeus has been a driving force in the sector’s innovation for 30 years and has a strong vision for the future.  Founded in 1987, Amadeus has been committed to delivering the most innovative solutions for the travel market. As the leading investor in Research and Development (R&D) in 2014 and 2015 in the ......Read More

26 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, and strategic partner Jet Airways, India’s full-service premium international carrier, have signed a ground breaking agreement with the Government of Maharashtra to promote tourism to the western Indian state. The partnership will enable ......Read More

Airline targets 25% growth from GCC countries this year  26 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: With comprehensive and structured expansion plans in place, SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld airline alliance, is set for a takeoff to fresh growth across some of its most valued global markets. SriLankan Airlines' has reinforced its existing services to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and China, while targeting fresh destinations in Australasia, according to plans revealed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. With increasing demand being experienced from the countries of the GCC, SriLankan Airlines will boost capacity on the ......Read More

26 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of the Etihad Aviation Group, and Vice Chairman of Alitalia, said:  “We deeply regret the Alitalia staff vote outcome, which means that all parties will lose:  Alitalia’s employees, its customers and its shareholders, and ultimately also Italy, for which Alitalia is an ambassador all over the world.   “Alitalia’s shareholders, including Etihad Airways, have provided vast amounts of financial and commercial support during the past three years. Jointly with the Italian shareholders, Etihad had reaffirmed its strong commitment and principal willingness to support the airline ......Read More

The region’s largest low-cost carrier will support Sheraa’s initiatives through mentorship and funding new businesses that cater to the industry Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, April 25, 2017:  Coming on the heels of its successful inaugural accelerator showcase day, Sheraa - a launch pad for aspiring entrepreneurs in the United ......Read More

RAKTDA CEO Haitham Mattar highlights commitment to continue emirate’s drive towards sustainable tourism during the UNWTO and ATM Ministerial Forum 2017 Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 25 April 2017: Haitham Mattar, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has reaffirmed the emirate’s commitment in promoting a sustainable tourism industry during this year’s United Nations World Tourism Organization and Arabian Travel Market Ministerial Forum. Held under the patronage of H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, the forum focused on tourism’s contribution to sustainable and inclusive economic growth and ......Read More

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, tours ATM, the Middle East’s leading travel and tourism event as it celebrates 24 years of industry milestones His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was joined by dignitaries including HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed ......Read More

Boost in services to Middle East & Asia Pacific  25 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: With comprehensive and structured expansion plans in place, SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld airline alliance, is set for a takeoff to fresh growth across some of its most valued global markets. SriLankan Airlines' has reinforced its existing services to the Middle East, Indian subcontinent and China, while targeting fresh destinations in Australasia, according to plans revealed at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. With increasing demand being experienced from the countries of the GCC, SriLankan Airlines will boost capacity on the ......Read More

New programme offers baby essentials on-demand, healthy children’s menus, family-friendly services, locally-inspired activities and special room discounts     Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 24 April 2017 – Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has launched “Mövenpick Family” a new global programme designed to ......Read More

•    Chinese outbound tourism market currently growing 6.7% year-on-year; India experiencing average growth of 7% •    Indian visitors to Abu Dhabi up 15% in 2016 •    Oman has seen an increase of 60% in Indian visitors over the last five years •    Over half-a-million Chinese tourists visited Dubai in 2016 24 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE: Major tourism destinations in the GCC will increase efforts to target Indian and Chinese inbound tourists, as regional and international guests from Europe continue to feel the acute financial pressures of the challenging global economy.  The findings were ......Read More

Dubai maintains the strong growth in visitation since the start of 2017 from key feeder markets across the world, with standout performance from China, Russia and India Dubai, UAE; 24 April 2017: Dubai’s tourism sector sustained the momentum of its strong 2017 start, with the emirate’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) reporting a stellar 11 per cent increase in overnight visitation in the first three months of the year compared to the same period in 2016. January to March 2017 saw 4.57 million travellers visit the city, reflecting more than double the growth achieved in the first quarter of last year. Among Dubai’s top 20 source markets ......Read More

RAS AL KHAIMAH TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES PLANS TO ENHANCE AND EXPAND JEBEL JAIS VIA FERRATA AS PART OF EXPERIENTIAL TOURISM PUSH AT ATM  Due to popular demand for experiential tourism products in the Middle East, the UAE’s only commercial Via Ferrata’s inaugural season will extend until the end of May, re-opening in October with a renovated product and increased capacity Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, 24 April 2017: Due to popular demand, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) is investing in the expansion of the its highly-successful Jebel Jais Via Ferrata (Iron Path) adventure challenge in the Hajar Mountains, the only commercial product of its ......Read More

24 April 2017 - Dubai, UAE:  The International Air Transport Association (IATA) urged aviation safety stakeholders to reinforce their commitment to a safety framework based on global standards, cooperation and dialogue, and effective use of data. “Safety is the top priority for all involved in aviation—and aviation is the safest form of long-distance travel. Last year there were over 40 million safe flights. That’s an achievement that we can all be proud of. And it was made possible by a framework that incorporates respect for global standards, cooperation and the value of data,” said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Director General and ......Read More

Dubai, April 23, 2017:  SriLankan Airlines, the National Carrier of Sri Lanka and a member of the oneworld airline alliance, is looking to gain further impetus from the Middle East, even as the Indian Ocean island nation increasingly reaps the positive dividends of rapidly growing tourist numbers. The airline will be making fresh forays into ......Read More

Over 40,000 industry professionals expected from more than 152 countries throughout four-day event Dubai, April 23, 2017:  Travel trade professionals from across the world’s hospitality industry will descend upon Dubai today (Monday 24th) for the opening of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, the region’s leading travel industry ......Read More

FROM TAILORED SERVICES TO EXPANDED VILLAGES, THE COLLECTION OF VILLAGES BY CHIC OUTLET SHOPPING® OFFER  GUESTS SOMETHING EXTRAORDINARY EVERY DAY™   New partnerships, tailored services for Middle Eastern guests and an expanding Bicester Village are unveiled at this year’s ATM Dubai, April 22, 2017:  Chic ......Read More

Mobile exhibition unit provides delegates with unique experience of cabin product and services Middle East showcasing follows highly successful 18 month, 60,000km, tour of Europe Mobile exhibition unit is part of Etihad’s strategic objective on innovation Etihad will also host fashion model, Halima Aden, and UAE ice hockey player, Fatima Al Ali Dubai, April 22, 2017:  Etihad Airways will debut its innovative mobile exhibition unit at next week’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, providing delegates with a first-hand experience of its award-winning cabin products and inflight service.   The 16m long mobile exhibition unit, weighing approximately 22 ......Read More

Abu Dhabi on target to reach record 4.9 million guest arrivals during 2017 Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Department for Economic Development, Tourism Police and Department for Residence and Foreign Affairs attend ATM for first time Abu Dhabi, April 22, 2017:   Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) is leading the largest delegation it has ever taken to the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) later this month in a bid to capitalise and increase on record numbers of guest arrivals into the emirate. The Authority will be joined by 67 stakeholders representing 115 products at the region’s biggest travel and tourism fair, which is being held in Dubai, United Arab ......Read More

The number of books per capital in Turkey was 8.5 in 2016; most acclaimed Turkish literary works displayed in Abu Dhabi Book Fair With 2,312 literary works being sold in 66 countries and translated into 59 languages, Turkey’s literary industry has become the world’s 11th largest publishing market. Some of these literary works will be displayed at Abu Dhabi’s upcoming International Book Fair, along with many other international counterparts. “Turkey has always been a center for culture and the arts,” said Mr. Hamdi Tursucu, Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism and General Manager of Libraries and Publications. “Bringing our most important works to ......Read More

Dubai-based The First Investor group, a subsidiary of Al Fardan Group, aims to increase its hospitality inventory of rooms by 51% in 2020. Carlton Hotel Management is targeting to add 683 new rooms over the next three years that will take its total count to 2000 rooms from the current 1317. Out of the existing keys in operation, 1142 rooms are in Dubai, 85 in Jordan and 90 in the Czech Republic. With an aggressive expansion strategy, Carlton Hotel Management has quickly emerged as a major player in the hospitality sector with a total investment of over AED 2.2 billion in various hotel projects. This investment is set to reach AED 2.7 billion by 2020. Hotels currently owned by the company ......Read More

HMH – Hospitality Management Holding unveiled today at the Arabian Travel Market ‘Bahi Hotels & Resorts’ – a new 5-star hotel brand designed for luxury seekers. Making the announcement, Mr. Brett Schafer, Chief Executive Officer of Faisal Holding, stated, “We are proud to launch ‘Bahi Hotels & Resorts’ that is a fantastic addition to our impressive portfolio of existing brands serving varied market segments. Reflecting the highest level of service, attention to detail and refinement, Bahi has been conceptualised to provide both business and leisure travellers unforgettable experiences. We are confident it will uniquely position us to ......Read More

Focus on growing ‘Halal Tourism’ trade with new standards for hotels to better serve Muslim travelers, at Dubai’s ATM exhibition Dubai – The Turkish Culture and Tourism Office in the UAE has confirmed its participation at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai this month with a 750 meter-square stand. The announcement comes as Turkey sets its focus on ‘Halal Tourism’ as the country introduces new Halal standards for hotels to better server Muslim travelers. “According to recent studies[i], by 2020, more than 160 million Muslim tourists are expected to travel globally, spending upward of US$200 million,” said Salih Ozer, Attaché of ......Read More

HMH - Hospitality Management Holding is all set for a strong presence at Arabian Travel Market 2017 (ATM). Mr Ferghal Purcell, COO of HMH, said, “We have a number of strategic announcements lined up for ATM this year that is the MENA region's largest B2B travel and tourism show. It gives us the perfect opportunity to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business with the global travel trade. Twenty-three years in the running, ATM 2017 promises to be bigger and better bringing together travel professionals from 86 countries and regions to Dubai, and we are proud to be part of it again - for the 14th year in a row.” Experiential Travel, encompassing the adventure, ......Read More

The Malaysian Minister of Tourism and Culture Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz will be leading a delegation of 142 Malaysian sellers from 71organizations to participate in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM), scheduled from April 24 to 27, 2017 in Dubai. The Malaysian delegation will comprise a concoction of different hotels, resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners, and Malaysian states tourism offices representatives. During the 4-day event, they will be highlighting their respective tourism products and services that are tailored carefully to cater for the Middle Eastern market. It is noteworthy that Malaysia’s tourism industry has recovered fast in 2016 from the ......Read More