Tourism & Aviation
Tourism and aviation news — covering travel technology, airline updates, Saudi tourism developments, and hospitality innovations in the Kingdom and the region.
From Bad to Worse: January Passenger Demand Falls Further
2 March 2021 (Geneva) — The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that passenger traffic fell in January 2021, both compared to pre-COVID levels (January 2019) and compared to the immediate month prior (December 2020). Because comparisons between 2021 and 2020 monthly results are distorted by the extraordinary impact of COVID-19, unless otherwise noted all comparisons are […]
Kiwi.com partners with Sabre to expand its reach
Sabre’s robust technology and innovation roadmap to drive sustainable long-term growth for the global OTA BRNO, Czech Republic, and LONDON – March 1, 2021 – Kiwi.com, Europe’s fastest-growing* online travel agency (OTA), and Sabre Corporation (NASDAQ: SABR), a leading software and technology provider powering the global travel industry, today announced a new strategic partnership. The agreement will see Kiwi.com leverage Sabre’s well-established […]
More space and privacy for Emirates Economy Class customers with new option to purchase empty adjoining seats
Airline also introduces generous discounts on excess baggage rates to support demand from customers flying on essential trips Dubai, UAE, 01 March 2021 – Emirates’ Economy Class customers can now enjoy even more personal space and privacy onboard with the ability to purchase up to three empty adjoining seats on their flight. These seats will be offered […]
Hoteliers must embrace digital technology, says TIME Hotels’ Corporate Director of IT
An increase in digital-savvy travel consumers has underscored the importance of interacting with customers across every touchpoint of their digital journey Dubai, United Arab Emirates, February 28, 2021: Contactless technology, upgraded hotel software systems, integrated guest applications, and smart guest rooms are just some of the top technology trends Middle East hoteliers must adopt to attract […]
OAG and IATA Strengthen Data Partnership to Combat Market and Schedule Volatility
Comprehensive data supplied by OAG’s new cloud platform will help power IATA’s Airport IS market intelligence tool. BOSTON–(BUSINESS WIRE/AETOSWire)– OAG, the world’s leading provider of travel data and insight, has agreed to a partnership with International Air Transport Association (IATA) to provide a schedule and reference data via its new cloud platform. As part of the strengthened partnership […]
Emirates and Dubai Health Authority to create seamless digital verification of COVID-19 medical records for travelers
Dubai to become one of the world’s first cities to implement digital verification of passenger medical records relating to COVID-19 testing and vaccination Dubai, UAE, 25 February 2021 – Emirates and the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which aims to position Dubai as one of the world’s first cities to […]
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HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman announces Soudah Development Company (SDC) #SoudahDevCo
Investment of USD 3 billion in tourism infrastructure and attractions to create a world-class mountain destination in the Asir region. Planned developments include 2,700 hotel rooms, 1,300 residential units, and 30 unique commercial and entertainment attractions by 2030. The company aims to attract over 2 million visitors annually and create 8,000 direct and indirect permanent […]
COVID-19 HAS CHANGED THE IT SPENDING PRIORITIES FOR AIRPORTS AND AIRLINES IN 2020
SITA’s Air Transport IT Insights reveals a sharper focus on safety, automation, and efficiency GENEVA – 24 February 2021 – The COVID-19 pandemic has refocused IT spending priorities for airlines and airports in 2020 as revenue plunged and the industry faced new health and operational requirements needed to keep flying. The key finding from SITA’s 2020 Air Transport IT Insights, published today, was an accelerated investment in automated passenger processing focusing […]
Braira Hattien Villas Resort – Riyadh’s Gem in Luxury Travel
Ready for a royal escape? Looking for something extraordinary in its appeal? A destination where culture, history, tradition and ancient way of life weaves its fine thread through to what it is today… Riyadh, the prosperous and affluent capital of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is where it’s at. A fresh breath of life is […]
Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai Staff Vaccinated Against Covid-19
As part of the United Arab Emirates extensive Covid-19 vaccination drive, which is one of the fastest in the world, the Millennium Plaza Hotel Dubai has accomplished vaccination among its staff with both shots of vaccine. It is the outcome of the hotel’s rigorous approach to conducting business in a responsible and safe manner. Mr. […]
ALMOSAFER SIGNS A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH THE COMMUNITY COLLEGE AT PRINCESS NOURAH BINT ABDULRAHMAN UNIVERSITY AS PART OF ITS ONGOING COMMITMENT TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE KINGDOM’S TOURISM SECTOR
As per the MOU, Almosafer Academy trainers will offer academic and practice-based training for students specialising in studies related to tourism, to sharpen their skill set and knowledge in the field The partnership is part of the brand’s strategy to serve the Saudi Vision 2030 through further empowering the next generation of female Saudi tourism […]
Emirates SkyCargo to work with UNICEF for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Under UNICEF’s Humanitarian Airfreight Initiative, Emirates will prioritize transport and delivery of COVID-19 vaccines and related supplies Initiative in support of COVAX facility for equitable distribution of COVID-19 vaccines Dubai, UAE, 16 February 2021– Emirates SkyCargo has signed an agreement with UNICEF to prioritize the transport of COVID-19 vaccines, essential medicines, medical devices, and other […]
Shaza Riyadh introduces Shaza Gourmet Basket
Two signature Gourmet baskets are made available through renowned food delivery apps (United Arab Emirates, Dubai – February 16, 2021) – Shaza Riyadh Hotel Residences, the contemporary luxury hotel residence in the heart of the Saudi capital announced its launch of Shaza Gourmet Basket that can be delivered to your doorstep from the master chefs of Midan […]
SITA INJECTS SMART LOW-TOUCH SOLUTIONS INTO BAHRAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AMIDST COVID-19 RECOVERY
Bahrain International Airport’s new Passenger Terminal includes SITA Smart Path biometrics, SITA Flex, and a sophisticated airport management system MANAMA – 11 February 2021 – Backed by SITA’s state-of-the-art technology, Bahrain International Airport’s (BIA) newly opened Passenger Terminal is better prepared to respond to the changing demands of travel during the COVID-19 pandemic. The ultra-modern […]
HRH Crown Prince launches stunning nature-inspired designs for gateway island
The visionary ‘Coral Bloom’ plan will protect and enhance Shurayrah Island’s pristine natural state Riyadh, (10 Feb 2021): His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince, Chairman of The Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), has launched the Coral Bloom concept, which was created by architectural firm Foster + Partners, and designed to blend in with […]
2020 Worst Year in History for Air Travel Demand
04 February 2021 (Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced full-year global passenger traffic results for 2020 showing that demand (revenue passenger kilometers or RPKs) fell by 65.9% compared to the full year of 2019, by far the sharpest traffic decline in aviation history. Furthermore, forward bookings have been falling sharply since late December. […]
SITA launches Health Protect, a secure way for airlines to share health information during the pandemic
The proven solution seamlessly integrates with multiple travel pass schemes (such as AOK, CommonPass, IATA, SimplyGo) GENEVA – 09 February 2020 – SITA today announces the launch of Health Protect – an industry solution, to help airlines, airports, governments, and passengers safely and securely share information on health tests or vaccinations needed during travel. Successful […]
The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport branch in Sharjah commences the Spring semester
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, the Academy has ensured a safe and secure environment for the students to thrive Dubai, UAE, 4 February 2021: The Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport branch in Sharjah (AASTS), a leading education institution in the field of maritime education, recently kickstarted their spring semester. While maintaining all […]
Shaza Makkah gears up for Umra and internal winter tourism
Hotel launches “It’s time to travel” campaign (United Arab Emirates, Dubai – January 31, 2021) – Shaza Makkah, the 5-Star hotel among the first in line hotels in Jabal AlKa’bah to Al Masjid Al Haram, is gearing up to receive the Umra pilgrims as the Kingdom eases travel restrictions. The lovely winter weather is also attracting local […]
Emirates enhances smart contactless journey with touchless self check-in kiosks
Dubai, UAE, 3 February 2021 – Emirates’ self-check-in and bag drop kiosks at Dubai International (DXB), which made its debut in September last year, have now gone touchless further enhancing the smart contactless journeyfor passengers travelling from Dubai. The 32 self-service bag drop machines and 16 check-in kiosks can be controlled completely by personal mobile devices without touching […]
Riyadh Marriott Hotel launches “Because We Care” Campaign
Riyadh – February 2, 2021: The Riyadh Marriott Hotel management celebrated launching “Because We Care” campaign with attendance of many invitees from companies and government sector over a period of three days, from Monday January 18 to Wednesday 20, with the aim of presenting and demonstrating the extent of the Riyadh Marriott Hotel’s care for all […]
Shaza Riyadh welcomes corporate travelers as businesses recover in the capital
Great business deals need great places to make them happen successfully. (United Arab Emirates, Dubai – January 31, 2021) Shaza Riyadh Hotel Residences, the contemporary luxury hotel residence in the heart of the Saudi capital, is gearing up for businessmen’s return with several offers and bespoke spaces catering to the businesses as the economy recovers. The Saudi […]