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    WTM London 2023 – Day 1, Wrap Up

    The first day of World Travel Market London 2023 – the world’s most influential travel and tourism event – kicked off with some key international gatherings.
    The WTM Ministers’ Summit, now in its 17th year, had 40 representatives present for 2023. This year’s session, in association with the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), was entitled Transforming Tourism Through Youth and Education.Natalia Bayona, Executive Director of UNWTO pointed out, “tourism is more than hotel administration,” stating that 80% of relevant degrees were focused on this subject.
    Among ministers commenting at the summit, the UK’s Sir John Whittingdale said the prospect of good social mobility should be an enticement. “[In the travel industry] there are no ceilings, so you can go in at the bottom and reach right to the top… start on a hotel reception and end up running a group of hotels.”
    Destinations showcased their sustainability credentials on the Discover Stage, with examples of best practice from around the world.
    The German National Tourist Office is encouraging tourists to stay longer to relatively reduce their carbon footprint while the tourist boards of Greece, Italy, Spain and France outlined how they are enticing more holidaymakers to visit during the shoulder and winter seasons, as well as more off-the-beaten-track places to ease pressure on hotspots.ADVERTISEMENTPedro Medina, Deputy Director at Turespaña, the Spanish Tourist Office, said his country also has a focus on slow travel, encouraging holidays by train.
    Brazil’s Embratur, highlighted Bonito, heralded as the world’s first carbon neutral ecotourism destination and Tourism Australia showcased the Discover Aboriginal Experiences collective.
    Jonah Whitaker, UK and Ireland Managing Director at Visit California, said the tourist board has shifted to a “position of stewardship”, to encourage sustainable tourism practices.
    Gilberto Salcedo, Tourism Vice President at Procolombia, said the country is reframing its “violent past” to ensure history won’t be repeated. Caguan Expeditions, for example, employs ex-guerrillas as guides and shifts them “from guns to paddles”.
    Further innovation was celebrated on the Discover Stage when InterLnkd was named winner of the WTM Start-Up Pitch Battle, in partnership with Amadeus.
    InterLnkd’dplatform connects travel and hospitality suppliers with fashion and beauty retailers.
    It has a proprietary matching engine which means that travellers are presented with products from partners that are appropriate to their trip. CEO Barry Klipp said his business fills an ancillary gap and is a new, free revenue stream for the travel industry.
    Simple things such as using easily readable fonts on signs are among easy ways to make neurodivergent people feel more at ease, a session entitled Spotlighting Hidden Disabilities: Successful Strategies for Inclusive Travel heard.
    Neurodiversity Consultant Onyinye Udokporo said searches for the term ‘neurodivergent’ increased 5,000 per cent on Google last year, highlighting the growing importance being attributed to people with hidden disabilities. She said 15-20% of the global population is neurodivergent.
    She said hotel companies, airlines and other corporations should also make changes internally. “If you don’t look after your employees, but look after your customers, it doesn’t make sense,” Udokporo told the audience.
    Hotels could help by incorporating adjustable or dimmable lighting when redesigning rooms. Another suggestion was to offer weighted blankets, which can reduce anxiety.
    “Start by fixing the simple things and take a moment to consider how it may affect people who are neurodivergent,” Udokporo said.
    Former WTM Director Fiona OBE joined a panel session on Empowering Women to Change Travel, in which she discussed founding clean water project Just A Drop.
    She said: “My mission was to try to encourage the travel and tourism industry to give back.” Also on stage was the First Lady of Iceland, Eliza Reid, who said the country is the closest in the world to closing the gender pay gap.
    Several destinations took the opportunity of WTM London to detail their plans for the years ahead. The Balearic Islands outlined how sport and culture were to be a key strategy, partly to help to extend its tourism season. Forty low season events are planned in the next year, one of which is a new triathlon in Ibiza in September.
    Marga Prohens, the islands’ president, said: “One of the first decisions by the new government (elected in May) was to put tourism, culture and sport into a single department.”
    Jose Marcial Rodriguez, Majorca’s tourism minister, said the island had almost reached 100% of 2019 visitor levels and looked forward to a winter with increasing airlift. Together, the four Balaeric islands saw just under 1,200,000 travellers between October 2022 and May 2023, a 24% increase year on year.
    Saudi Tourism Authority chief executive Fahd Hamidaddin detailed its Vision 2030 tourism plan which he said is vital for the country’s future.
    “Vision 2030 is a national transformation agenda,” he said, explaining Saudi Arabia’s population was 60% below the age of 30 and that unemployment was a threat, which tourism could alleviate.
    “To us, Vision 2030 is opportunity on steroids,” he declared, adding tourism was “expected to be our greatest bridge with the world”.
    He was “very hopeful” the country would hit its 2030 target of 100 million visitors this year and had revised the original target to 150 million. A total of $800 billion would be spent by 2030, he revealed.
    The country’s first Red Sea resort opened on November 1, with two more expected next year on the coastline, which stretches 1,700km.
    Greece is on the threshold of a “new era in sustainability”, according to the country’s tourism minister Olga Kefalogianni. Speaking at WTM London she called it, “an integral part of our identity.”
    Despite the pandemic, geopolitical situations and climate change, Greek tourism has demonstrated “remarkable resilience and resurgence”, she added, with arrivals in the year to August up 18% year on year and tourism receipts up 15%.
    “There are solid indications that numbers will surpass the record year of 2019,” she said.
    “Success brings its own challenges, and we are now embarking on a new chapter with sustainability at its core.”
    She said investment in sustainable developments will disperse visitors throughout the country and extend the season beyond the peak warmer months.
    Other developments include the modernisation of ski resorts and mountain refuges; a spotlight on Greece as a diving destination; funding to make marinas more energy efficient and accessible; and initiatives to include local farm produce in the breakfast buffets of big hotels.

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    Amazing Thailand Press Conference at WTM 2023

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    Amazing Thailand Press Conference at WTM 2023

    The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is using the WTM 2023 as a platform to launch its new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept to a worldwide tourism industry audience as well as to celebrate winners of the Responsible Thailand Awards 2023.Present at the Amazing Thailand Press Conference on 6 November were Minister of Tourism and Sports, H.E. Ms. Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol, and TAT Governor, Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, as well as TAT executives. The event was attended by members of the global media and industry professionals.

    Miss Sudawan said “The Thai Government is committed to making the tourism sector become more environmentally friendly and applauds TAT’s establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Goals. The annual Responsible Thailand Awards also reflect our determination and enhance the image of Thailand as a responsible tourism destination.”
    The annual Responsible Thailand Awards recognises the kingdom’s champions of sustainable tourism in six categories comprising 1) Animal Welfare, 2) Nature, 3) Marine and Heritage, 4) Community-based Tourism, 5) Hotel, Eco Lodge/Eco Hotel, and 6) Green Steps. This year, the winners are Mahouts Elephant Foundation, New Heaven Reef Conservation Programme, Kao Thep Pitak Community Restaurant, Devasom Khao Lak Resort, Elephant Hills, and Pattaya Elephant Sanctuary.
    Following the Awards presentation, Ms. Thapanee delivered a media briefing and unveiled a new TVC on the ‘Meaningful Relationship’ communication concept.ADVERTISEMENTMs. Thapanee said “The new ‘Meaningful Relationship’ marketing communication concept is designed to encourage travellers to engage in a meaningful connection whether it is with themselves, the local people, the community, nature, or even with Thailand. When travellers form a relationship with the people they meet and the place they visit, they will have an opportunity of creating lifelong friends, cherished recollections, and enjoyable time.”
    The concept will be incorporated into TAT’s ongoing promotion of Thailand as a sustainable and responsible tourism.
    As well as the annual Responsible Thailand Awards, TAT has developed and implemented its own Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs) in line with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations Development Programme.
    TAT’s STGs encompass the entire Thai tourism industry in a Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STAR) system. Businesses that comply with the goals will attain a corresponding number of stars. Currently, there are 251 businesses with STAR certifications in Thailand.
    Meanwhile, the biannual Thailand Tourism Awards has long signified the quality and excellence in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality operations. In the latest edition, this year awards included a new category of low carbon and sustainability.
    TAT’s partner, the Thai Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Association (TEATA) in collaboration with Tourlink has developed seven carbon-neutral travel routes for travellers wanting to explore Thailand, while helping reduce the impact on the environment. Featured destinations include Bangkok, Ratchaburi, Phangnga, Trat, Phetchaburi, and the three Isan provinces of Udon Thani, Nong Khai, and Loei.
    Along with sustainable and responsible tourism experiences to create meaningful relationships, TAT continues to shape supply and elevate quality in the areas of luxury, wellness, and secondary destinations.  To promote Thailand to be an all-year-round destination for the long-haul market, the ‘Thailand 365 Days’ campaign will be launched to attract the flow of international tourists to explore the diversity of events and festivals as well as destinations nationwide.
    Ms. Thapanee concluded, “TAT is delighted to work with all partners, both in and outside of the tourism industry under ‘Partnership 360.’  For the tourism sector, we will continue to collaborate with strategic airline partners and tour operators to increase air access and stimulate demand. TAT will also span and strengthen joint efforts with other sectors, such as trade, real state, banking, and investment. This way will promote tourism more successfully.”
    For the UK market, TAT will place focus on potential segments with higher spending, a tendency to stay longer, wanting to explore local areas and care for the environment. These segments include luxury, wellness, responsible travellers, and repeater and first-timer – Millennials and new UK cities.
    From 1 January – 31 October 2023, Thailand recorded over 21.6 million arrivals and generated over 20.61 billion Pounds Sterling (927 billion Baht). The top five markets are Malaysia (3,342,819), China (2,778,595), South Korea (1,313,781), India (1,283,340), and Russia (1,097,361), while the UK market contributed 617,017 tourists.
    By the end of 2023, TAT expects to see around 80 per cent of the overall tourism revenue generated in 2019, or at 52.88 billion Pounds Sterling (2.38 trillion Baht). This includes tourism revenue of 33.33 Pounds Sterling (1.5 trillion Baht) from around 25-30 million arrivals. From the UK market, the expectation is 795,214 tourists and revenue of 1.37 billion Pounds Sterling (62,000 million Baht).
    The 2024 target is set at total revenue of 66.66 billion Pounds Sterling (3 trillion Baht) with 42.66 billion Pounds Sterling (1.92 trillion Baht) coming from the international market. From the UK, the target is 940,000 tourists and revenue of 1.88 billion Pounds Sterling (84,860 million Baht).

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    Qatar Airways Partners with United for Wildlife

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    Qatar Airways Partners with United for Wildlife

    Qatar Airways announces its commitment as the Official Airline Partner of United for Wildlife (UfW), an initiative working to tackle the illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species, founded by Prince William and The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales in 2014.
    This prestigious partnership underscores Qatar Airways’ unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation. Qatar Airways and United for Wildlife will pursue campaigns around their shared mission to fight the illegal wildlife trade and advance the work of the United for Wildlife Regional Chapters.
    Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said: “The illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade threatens our global biodiversity, and poses a risk to health and safety, particularly in marginalised communities. We are taking measures to disrupt this illicit trade in order to conserve biodiversity and safeguard our delicate ecosystems. As the Official Airline Partner, we believe that this ground-breaking partnership with United for Wildlife demonstrates our commitment to the Buckingham Palace Declaration and represents another important step in our commitment protecting wildlife. United for wildlife has brought together various businesses in a unique collaborative approach that share the same mission as ours. We remain committed to collaborating with our stakeholders to raise awareness of the impact on the illegal animal trade, working tirelessly to deliver Qatar Airways Cargo – WeQare Rewild the Planet initiative to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species.”
    Amanda Berry OBE, CEO of The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales, said: “As a founding member of our Transport Taskforce in 2016, Qatar Airways has a longstanding partnership with United for Wildlife and has consistently demonstrated commitment to tackling the illegal wildlife trade around the world. They were the first airline to complete the IATA IEnvA IWT certification and have implemented several initiatives to help prevent wildlife trafficking through their network.
    “Qatar Airways’ enhanced level of support in their capacity as the Official Airline Partner is another example of their dedication to eradicating this harmful trade and preserving biodiversity for future generations.” ADVERTISEMENTQatar Airways Cargo launched its WeQare chapter: Rewild the Planet corporate sustainability initiative in 2020. As a part of the initiative, Qatar Airways Cargo encourages the preservation of ecological balance by providing free transportation services to organisations involved in returning wild animals to their natural habitat. One of the notable milestones of this initiative was the successful transportation of seven lions from Ukraine in 2021. This operation demonstrated Qatar Airways dedication to supporting the efforts of NGOs and conservation organisations in their vital work to rewild the planet.
    Qatar Airways is the official airline to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation. The certification confirms that an airline has procedures, staff training and the reporting protocols that help with better detection of illegal wildlife products. Qatar Airways Group maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards the transportation of illegal wildlife and products, and has implemented employees to undertake the llegal Wildlife Trade Awareness training. This training serves the dual purpose of enhancing knowledge and awareness about trafficking and equipping employees with skills to identify and respond effectively should they encounter trafficking activities.

    The airline’s participation in the United for Wildlife Global Summit in Singapore aligns with its sustainability initiatives and responsibilities and encourages other organisations and individuals to join in their commitment to preserving the planet’s precious biodiversity.

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    EFTA spreads its wings to expand pilot pipeline

    The current batch has 290 – 23 nationalities, 27 women – and there are over 120 graduates who’re now flying full-time for Emirates. All these dreamers and ambitious high-flyers are Emirates Flight Training Academy (EFTA) cadets, who form the new generation of pilots critical to the future of aviation.EFTA, which was started with a focus on the national cadet pilot programme for Emirates, now offers their world-class training to cadets from all over the globe. Besides the staggering success of its graduates – who’ve all been snapped up by Emirates after a stringent recruitment process – the academy is flying high on the integration of three brand-new Diamond aircraft into its training programme.
    Although the majority are students who’ve recently graduated from high school, the cadets range in age from 17 to 26 years. In fact, an Emirates cabin crew is now a cadet at EFTA, having met the academy’s strict eligibility criteria.

    Captain Abdulla Al Hammadi, Divisional Vice President Emirates Flight Training Academy, said; “EFTA is fully focused on establishing a reliable stream of pilots for the aviation industry, which has been staring at scarcity in the short to the long term, and giving aspiring cadets a visionary academy based in an iconic and one of the safest cities that is also one of the largest aviation hubs on the planet. We offer one of the most sophisticated cadet training programmes, delivered by our 50+ highly skilled instructors, and backed by the exceptional standards and governance set by Emirates, the world’s largest international airline. It’s inspiring to see the camaraderie and collaboration among our cadets as they graduate real-world ready with the highest levels of skills and competencies required by commercial pilots.”
    EFTA’s cadets now also fly the Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft, which has successfully introduced multi-engine piston training at the academy. This means cadets train on three different aircraft types – single-engine, twin-engine and multi-engine light jets. This is a rarity among flight training academies that generally train cadets on just one or two aircraft types.ADVERTISEMENTAt the Dubai Airshow, EFTA will be showcasing its Diamond DA42-VI and Cirrus SR22 aircraft with instructors on hand to share information about the Academy’s fleet and cadet training programme.
    Flight deck careers have seen a huge resurgence post pandemic and are riding another wave of popularity. Salaries have increased, airlines are fast tracking career paths and expanding at a phenomenal rate, aircraft are more sophisticated, demand for travel is booming – all these and more have made aviation a sought-after career. According to Oliver Wyman’s latest research, the gap between supply and demand of pilots is currently about 17,000 and it will increase to 24,000 in 2026.
    Emirates launched EFTA in 2017 to train UAE nationals and international students with no previous knowledge of flying. All graduates have the unique opportunity to go through Emirates’ recruitment process.
    The Academy combines cutting-edge learning technologies and a modern fleet of 29 training aircraft – 22 x Cirrus SR22 G6 single-engine piston, 4 x Embraer Phenom 100EV very light jet, and 3 x Diamond DA42-VI light piston twin-engine aircraft.
    EFTA’s state-of-the-art facility, which is spread over 12.5 million sq.ft. (1.2 million sq.m) equivalent to 200 football pitches, currently has 36 modern classrooms, 6 full motion flight simulators, an independent Air Traffic Control Tower, and a dedicated 1,800m runway. Cadets live on campus in fully furnished, individual studio flats with an enviable range of recreational facilities, social activities and top-notch dining.

    Ground school (52 weeks): All 36 classrooms are equipped with two 86” touchscreens, running bespoke training software created specifically for EFTA. Cadets undergo at least 1,100 hours of ground-based training, and access the material via their own devices, which are digitally interconnected, creating an interactive training environment.
    Flying Phase (52 weeks, 272 hours): Cadets train on simulators and the three types of training aircraft.
    Here’s what two EFTA graduates, currently Emirates’ Cadet Pilots, had to say:
    Thomas Saunders, Cadet Pilot at Emirates, Australian national
    “From a very young age, I’ve been fascinated by how these big machines could stay in the sky, and that has led me down the most amazing career path. Emirates Flight Training Academy is a great route to work at the best airline in the world. I also felt that an airline that has such sky-high standards and is so quality conscious will quite naturally impart the best training and mentorship in aviation. My instincts were proved right.
    “Our cadet community at EFTA is very tight knit and collaborative. The training gets the best out of us and sets us on our way to a long, enjoyable and successful career. The facilities and infrastructure are absolutely stunning, and everything you need is right at your doorstep.
    “My first flight was the most surreal feeling. It was just me at the controls, nature at its best, the incredible Dubai landscape below me – it’s something I had only dreamed of. I advise potential cadets considering a career in aviation to keep at it, enjoy the turbulence, and twists and turns as the experience builds character, and the outcome is way better than you can ever imagine!”
    Jordan Engeler – Cadet Pilot at Emirates – Australian national
    I’ve always had a deep fascination for the aviation industry and the sense of freedom it offers. The idea of being in control of a sophisticated aircraft, navigating the skies, and experiencing the world from a unique perspective was incredibly appealing to me.
    World class training facilities, experienced and supportive instructors, and a diverse and inclusive community were the top three things I loved about EFTA. Emirates is renowned for its exceptional commitment to safety, innovation, and excellence in the aviation industry. EFTA shares these values and offers a world-class training programme that aligned perfectly with my aspirations to become a highly skilled pilot. EFTA’s state-of-the-art facilities, modern fleet of aircraft, and experienced instructors made it an ideal environment for me to learn and thrive.
    The feeling of my first solo flight was extremely exhilarating. As I accelerated down the runway, there was a mix of nervousness and excitement, but as the wheels left the ground, it was like a dream come true. I could feel the aircraft responding to my inputs, and the realisation that I was solely responsible for this flight was both empowering and humbling.

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    Dubai Airshow 2023: Boeing to showcase innovations in sustainable aviation

    Boeing will show its market-leading commercial, defense and services portfolio at the 2023 Dubai Airshow, with its new wide body 777-9 jet appearing in the flying display. The company also will demonstrate the state-of-the-art F-15QA (Qatar Advanced) fighter, the first time the digitally advanced Qatar Emiri Air Force F-15 has performed at an air show.
    As a strategic sponsor of the airshow’s Aerospace 2050 conference, Boeing will highlight its commitment and actions towards a more sustainable aerospace future and support of the aviation industry’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
    “We’re proud to again join the Dubai Airshow and share some of our most advanced products and services with customers, suppliers, partners and aviation enthusiasts attending from around the globe,” said Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global. “We will also focus on our investments in technology and other actions to reduce industry emissions ahead of the U.N. Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 28) in Dubai.”
    For media planning, Boeing will offer these events during the airshow:
    Boeing Commercial AirplanesADVERTISEMENTFrom November 13-15, Boeing’s widebody 777-9 flight-test airplane will perform in the flying display and be on static display. The world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, the 777-9 is based on the industry’s most successful twin-aisle family – the 777 – with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. The jet can seat 426 passengers with a range of 13,510 km (7,295 nautical miles).Customer displays will include 787-9 Dreamliners from Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways, an Emirates Airlines 777-300ER (Extended Range), a SAUDIA 787-10 Dreamliner and an Air India Express 737 MAX.Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest carrier, will display a Boeing-owned 787-9 in its new indigo livery, inspired by the colors of the sky at dusk.On Nov. 14, Darren Hulst, vice president of Commercial Marketing, will present the 2023 Middle East Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) and a product overview. The Boeing CMO is the industry’s most comprehensive market analysis.Boeing Defense, Space & Security
    The superior capability of Boeing’s Advanced F-15QA fighter jet will be on display as the aircraft performs in aerial demonstrations.Boeing will feature the T-7A Red Hawk Advanced Pilot Training System simulator, giving visitors a glimpse into the revolutionary ground-based training system, connecting simulators to real training jets.Global defense customers will display several Boeing aircraft including the F-15E, KC-46A Pegasus, P-8A Poseidon, AH-64 Apache and CH-47F Chinook.Boeing Global Services:
    Boeing will showcase services for government and commercial customers including digital, sustainment, modifications, parts and training solutions.The company will highlight in-country partnerships providing on-the-ground support for defense platforms as well as digital capabilities enabling the future of efficient commercial aviation operations.Sustainable Aviation:
    On Nov. 13, Sheila Remes, vice president of Environmental Sustainability, will join a panel at the Aerospace 2050 forum to discuss Boeing and industry efforts to decarbonize aviation.On Nov. 14, Brian Moran, vice president of Global Sustainability Policy & Partnerships, and Jim Hileman, chief engineer and vice president of Sustainability & Future Mobility, will discuss Boeing’s Cascade Climate Impact Model, a data-modeling tool that provides actionable insights towards decarbonization.Innovation and Technology
    Boeing-led Aerospace Xelerated is a strategic partner of the Vista 2023 startup hub at the Dubai Airshow and plays a key role in mentoring emerging aerospace technology companies. Its participation includes:Highlighting 10 portfolio companies supported by the UAE’s Tawazun CouncilBoeing’s Applied Innovation team, which is dedicated to bringing startup innovation and technology of startups into Boeing products and services, and seven portfolio companiesVisit the Boeing Exhibit 1005 to learn more about the company’s capabilities through the lifecycle of several customer-focused products

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    Riyadh Air and IBM Sign Collaboration Agreement to Establish Technology Foundation

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    Riyadh Air and IBM Sign Collaboration Agreement to Establish Technology Foundation

    Riyadh Air and IBM have announced the signing of a strategic agreement in which IBM Consulting will be the lead systems integrator to support creating, building and orchestrating the technology foundation that can help the digitally native airline offer exceptional and seamless travel experiences.Together, Riyadh Air and IBM Consulting have already created the airline’s digital and technology strategy. Now, Riyadh Air has selected IBM Consulting to support building the key business and technology capabilities that underpin the strategy. That includes implementing and integrating more than 50 airline industry solutions and core technology capabilities, including security, infrastructure, integration and data platforms, using a hybrid cloud approach. IBM will also orchestrate the work of over 40 partners by providing program and technical governance, project management, quality assurance, change and communications management and training.
    The collaboration is expected to help position Riyadh Air strategically within the broader ecosystem to offer digital innovations and exceptional experiences for travelers and guests. Riyadh Air aims to create a world class airline with personalized and seamless guest experiences powered by AI and state of the art digital technology, taking obsessive care for details that create memorable micro-moments across the traveler journey. It also includes empowering employees with data-driven insights and new ways of working to help Riyadh Air better serve their guests.
    “Our ambition is to launch our first flight in 2025 and put Riyadh Air at the cutting edge of digital technology and innovation within the aviation industry, adopting the best international sustainability and safety practices to deliver an exceptional travel experience, for our guests locally and internationally,” said Adam Boukadida, Chief Financial Officer, Riyadh Air. “IBM Consulting will be our principal partner driving us towards our vision with their deep expertise in managing large complex systems and integration programs as well as their expertise in the travel industry.”
    “We’re proud to be Riyadh Air’s partner and help them bring this new era of the Kingdom’s aviation industry to life,” said John Granger, Senior Vice President, IBM Consulting. “A technology foundation built with an open, hybrid cloud approach and AI can help them achieve the flexibility and agility needed to support their goal of delivering an exceptional travel experience for their guests.”
    IBM Consulting will also establish and maintain Riyadh Air’s hybrid cloud integration platform. With IBM CloudPak for Integration and Red Hat OpenShift, this platform will provide integration tools to connect applications and data within a unified and simple user experience.ADVERTISEMENTRiyadh Air’s digital and technology strategy supports its mission and is aligned to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 to lead the aviation industry by transforming Saudi Arabia, given its unique strategic location, into a global aviation and trade hub.
    IBM Consulting helps accelerate business transformation for our clients through hybrid cloud and AI technologies, leveraging our open ecosystem of partners. With deep industry and business expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology, and operations, we have become a trusted partner to the world’s most innovative and valuable companies, helping them modernize and secure their most complex systems. Our 160,000 consultants embrace an open way of working and apply our proven co-creation method, IBM Garage, to scale ideas into outcomes. As the only major global systems integrator inside a technology company, we don’t just advise—we invent and build what’s next together with our clients.

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    Miral Destinations showcases latest developments for Yas Island and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi at WTM

    Miral Destinations, a subsidiary of Miral, and the trusted one-stop trade and promotional partner for Saadiyat Island and Yas Island Abu Dhabi, took part in World Travel Market 2023, a leading travel and tourism platform held in London from 6 – 8 November.With over 35,000 industry professionals from 184 countries in attendance, Miral Destinations highlighted key milestones for Abu Dhabi’s award-winning destinations at the three-day event, further expanding its portfolio of leisure, culture and entertainment offerings with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with industry players in UK market. The business collaborations aim to promote Yas Island Abu Dhabi in UK market to generate bookings, where travelers can stay longer at Yas Island Abu Dhabi and experience the variety of world-class theme parks, myriad entertainment options, sporting facilities, shopping, dining and upmarket hotels.
    In addition, the 30 winners of the ‘Take ME To The Best Beach’ competition were recently announced at World Travel Market 2023, and all 30 top agents will fly to Saadiyat Island in April 2023 for a three day trip. The competition underlines the partnership between Miral Destinations and luxury tour operator IF ONLY signed earlier in May, which aims to inspire future travels to Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi based on their shared passion for luxury travel and bespoke experiences.

    Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said: “As with every year, we take pride in being present amongst key industry players at WTM 2023, extending our achievements for Yas Island Abu Dhabi and Saadiyat Island Abu Dhabi on a global travel and tourism platform. As we continue to connect with our international travelers, we remain focused on presenting tailored experiences and family-friendly packages that resonate with every preference. Likewise, we are pleased to be signing strategic partnerships further extending our offerings to key source markets that enjoy our award-winning offerings year-on-year.”
    ADVERTISEMENTHe also added: “We are delighted to have seen the growing success of our international campaigns for this year, with Yas Island’s CIO campaign with Jason Momoa, and we look forward to reinforcing Saadiyat Island’s position on the global map of culture and leisure, following its recognition as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Beach Destination’ for the 12th consecutive year.”

    Miral Destinations stresses its pivotal role and contribution to the UAE’s travel and tourism industry, presenting visitors and international travelers with world-class offerings and fully inclusive stays across two leading destinations. Following the opening of SeaWorld® Yas Island, Abu Dhabi in May of this year, Yas Island continues to raise the bar for travelers with exceptional leisure and entertainment experiences at its world-leading theme parks, in addition to year-round live entertainment and luxury accommodations at every corner of the island. Visitors of WTM 2023 experienced a first-hand view of Yas Island’s top-notch attractions, featuring renowned entertainment venue Etihad Arena and Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island’s crown jewel which plays host to the annual F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    Neighboring beach destination Saadiyat Island has rapidly become an unbeatable hotspot for luxury, culture and arts fanatics, fast gaining international acclaims with a wide array of comprehensive experiences that entertain every adventurer and culture-seeker. With tons of unique attractions to delight every guest, Saadiyat Island’s participation at WTM 2023 featured award-winning offerings including the world-acclaimed museum Louvre Abu Dhabi, and leading luxury hotels and resorts such as Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort and Nurai Island.

    For more information on Miral Destinations, please visit https://miral.ae/destinations/

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    Gold-Standard Luxury Travel Provider Officially Launches in the UK

    Luxury Escapes, one of the world’s fastest growing travel companies, is launching into the UK giving Brits unrivalled access to the world’s best travel deals for less
    • After dominating the Australian luxury travel space for more than a decade, Luxury Escapes is expanding its presence onto UK shores • The Luxury Escapes’ team of global experts curate and unlock exclusive travel offers across the world’s best resorts, hotels, tours and cruises • Luxury Escapes has a growing membership of seven million+ global members – all enjoying up to 70% savings, a wealth of curated add-ons and the assurance 24/7 customer support
    London: Luxury Escapes, one of the world’s fastest growing travel companies, has announced its entrance onto UK shores, ushering a new era of unparalleled travel opportunities to millions of Brits.
    Founded in Australia in 2013, Luxury Escapes is a global leader in offering the world’s best travel experiences for less, with an intuitive and user-friendly website, app and dedicated 24/7 call centre. Luxury Escapes offers a gateway to the world via tailor-made experiences on everything from world class accommodation to excursions, flights, travel insurance and car hire.
    After dominating the Australian luxury travel space for more than a decade, Luxury Escapes already has more than seven million global members enjoying its exclusive offers in sought-after locations like the Maldives, Dubai, Bali and Thailand.ADVERTISEMENTWith Luxury Escapes, customers get more with every booking. Every booking is laden with more value, granting travellers up to 70% savings, a wealth of curated add-ons, and the assurance of round-the-clock customer support.
    Adam Schwab, Global CEO Luxury Escapes, states, “We are confident the expansion of Luxury Escapes into the UK market is not only an exciting moment for British consumers, but the UK travel industry as a whole.  Our team of experts curate and unlock exclusive offers consumers won’t find anywhere else – allowing every traveller to experience the exceptional.”
    Schwab continues, “What sets Luxury Escapes apart is that we are far more than a standard travel booking provider. It is our unwavering commitment to provide our members with more – more luxury, more expertise, more value, more service and more hand-picked inclusions than anyone else – enabling our members to unlock incredible travel offers at unbeatable prices”.
    Nicolaj Munch, Luxury Escapes VP Europe commented, “We understand that organising a trip can be stressful and doesn’t always go to plan – which is where our team comes in. With one of the highest Trust Pilot ratings of any travel business anywhere in the world, our members know that they can access incredible customer service and support day or night, wherever they are.”
    Luxury Escapes is free to join, with members getting access to a global team of industry experts.  To book your next escape, or to find out more information, visit https://luxuryescapes.com/gb.
    Just a few of the incredible travel offers available on Luxury Escapes now:
    Aleenta Phuket Resort and Spa – Five-Star Phuket Beachfront Retreat with Daily Breakfast, Nightly Dinner & Massages – save up to 76%Mai Khao Lak Thailand – Khao Lak Beachfront Bliss with Daily Breakfast, Nightly Dinner & Nightly Drinks Plus Two Kids Stay Free – save up to 74%COMO Maalifushi Maldives – COMO Maldives Boutique Private Island Retreat with Daily Breakfast, Nightly Cocktails & Roundtrip Domestic Seaplane Transfers – save up to 46%Double Six Seminyak – Bestselling Seminyak Double-Six Beachside Bliss Returns with Indulgent Dining, Massages & Daily Rooftop Free-Flow Cocktails – save up to 57%Grand Hyatt Bali – Bestselling Grand Hyatt Nusa Dua Luxury with Daily Breakfast, Nightly Dinner, Exclusive Lounge Access & Nightly Free-Flow Drinks – save up to 51%

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