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    Oman Air partners with HSBC to streamline international payments process

    Oman Air has partnered with HSBC Oman on a unique and innovative international payments process, which will dramatically increase efficiency and security.Via a centralised treasury hub in Oman, HSBC’s Global Disbursement solution, developed as a bespoke service for Oman Air, will deliver simultaneous multiple currency payments and an improved track and trace function for every transaction.
    The new service enables Oman Air to process foreign currency payments through a single bank account, using HSBC’s extensive global network and transparent FX rates. This reduces dependency on other third party banks, reducing the costs of processing these payment types and the hours worked in doing so. This strengthens the relationship with HSBC as Oman Air’s bank of choice for international payments.
    “Oman Air continues to invest in innovative financial solutions as a crucial component of our success as a truly global airline,” said Oman Air Chief Executive Officer Eng. Abdulaziz Al Raisi.
    “HSBC’s Global Disbursement solution provides us with simplicity, expediency, and security. We are confident that this partnership will enable us to achieve a more streamlined international payments procedure and ultimately, enhance our guest experience,” Eng. Abdulaziz continued.
    “At HSBC Oman, we are committed to innovating in our technology to make banking easier, more accessible, and more secure for our clients. Our Global Disbursement solution is designed to simplify the cross border payment process by reducing costs, minimizing risk and improving transparency. Our Global Payments Solutions Team has a proven record of providing clients across the MENAT Region with a comprehensive suite of market leading, innovative solutions and products to help them do business every day,” said Melika Betley, CEO of HSBC Oman.ADVERTISEMENTThe Global Disbursement solution will introduce significant reduction in the overall working hours spent on payment creation and reconciliation, as it enables Oman Air to process multiple currency payments at the same time, provides detailed status reports and to track and trace every payment transaction.

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    Qatar Airways and British Airways Partner with IndusInd Bank to Launch Co-Branded Credit Card

    In a first-of-its-kind initiative, Qatar Airways Privilege Club, British Airways Executive Club and IndusInd Bank, announced their partnership, to introduce the unique multi-branded credit card, with two leading international airlines powered by Visa.The multi-branded credit card is slated to be launched and made available to consumers in the first quarter of the financial year 2023 – 2024. Through this proposition, members will soon be able to collect Avios, the rewards currency for British Airways Executive Club and Qatar Airways Privilege Club, by signing up and choosing their preferred loyalty programme.
    This credit card will be available in the Infinite variant of Visa, and will offer best-in-class rewards and benefits to elevate the travel experience of customers. Stacked with multiple attractive benefits suiting the requirements of frequent travellers, at the time of application, this credit card will give customers the flexibility to choose their preferred airline loyalty programme and select their preferred travel destination to collect maximum Avios and enjoy a host of other benefits.
    Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Thierry Antinori, said: “Today Qatar Airways Privilege Club takes another step forward in providing our members with the best offerings in the industry, introducing a first-of-its-kind Visa multi-branded credit card, in India with IndusInd Bank.
    “When adopting Avios as our rewards currency, we promised members that new and exciting opportunities would come, this collaboration with oneworld® partner British Airways is another manifestation of this. We look forward to seeing our members in India availing the extensive benefits of this new partnership, which is designed to enhance their future travels.”Oliver Currell, Head of Financial Partnerships, IAG Loyalty, said: “We are delighted to launch the new British Airways and Qatar Airways credit card with IndusInd Bank; a unique multibrand credit card. The Avios currency will give Indian consumers great value rewards and opportunities to do more when it comes to global travel and experiences.”
    Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Soumitra Sen, Head – Consumer Banking & Marketing, IndusInd Bank, said, “IndusInd Bank has always been a pioneer in bringing forth some of the most innovative propositions through its array of banking solutions and suite of credit cards. We are now delighted to collaborate with Qatar Airways and British Airways, to launch this multi-branded credit card, that aims to transform the way India travels. A credit card thoughtfully designed to meet the expectations of discerning travellers with a value proposition curated around travel and bespoke offerings. With this credit card, our aim is to shift the power of choice completely into the hands of the customers.”ADVERTISEMENTSujai Raina, Head – Business Development, India, Visa said, “With air travel rebounding fast post-pandemic, consumers will seek new destinations to travel to and unwind. At Visa, a key priority for us, thus, is to ensure that together with our partners, we provide a suite of benefits that are aligned to the needs of today’s traveller. We are delighted to partner with Induslnd Bank, British Airways and Qatar Airways to power this unique multi-branded credit card and deliver a seamless and secure travel and payment experience.”

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    TUI Care Foundation tracks sea turtles’ journey across the Mediterranean with GPS satellite device

    Sea turtles cover extraordinary distances as they journey between their nesting and feeding grounds and migrate to warmer waters for the winter. Together with Turkish NGO Dekamer, the TUI Care Foundation is tracking the journey of two sea turtles across the Mediterranean Sea with a GPS transmitter in order to receive vital information about their feeding sites and migration routes, which helps to safeguard their habitats.
    Both turtles were rescued from injury and rehabilitated by TUI Care Foundation’s partner Dekamer in Turkey. Tuba is a Loggerhead sea turtle and was released back into the sea in 2019 and Talay, a Green sea turtle, in 2021.
    As part of the TUI Turtle Aid programme the turtles are tracked via GPS satellite transmitter as they journey between their nesting and feeding grounds and migrate to warmer waters for the winter. So far, Tuba has swum an incredible distance of 18,000 km and is now relaxing in the South Adriatic, having visited Greece, Malta, Italy, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia over the last three years! Talay has swum considerably less – over 500 km over the last 18 months and is spending the winter holiday season in the southern Aegean.The progress of the turtles as they meander through the Mediterranean Sea on their maritime journey can be seen on the website of TUI Care Foundation here.
    The sea turtle tracking is part of TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Turtle Aid programme, which protects endangered and vulnerable sea turtles, especially around nesting beaches. By working with local NGOs and beachfront tourism businesses, it also creates turtle friendly beaches and engages tourists by teaching them about turtles and how to protect them. Since its establishment the TUI Turtle Aid programme has contributed to the protection of over 2 million sea turtles.

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    COVID-19 Testing and Travel Restrictions for China Proven Ineffective

    “Several countries are introducing COVID-19 testing and other measures for travellers from China, even though the virus is already circulating widely within their borders. It is extremely disappointing to see this knee-jerk reinstatement of measures that have proven ineffective over the last three years.Research undertaken around the arrival of the Omicron variant concluded that putting barriers in the way of travel made no difference to the peak spread of infections. At most, restrictions delayed that peak by a few days. If a new variant emerges in any part of the world, the same situation would be expected.
    That’s why governments should listen to the advice of experts, including the WHO, that advise against travel restrictions. We have the tools to manage COVID-19 without resorting to ineffective measures that cut off international connectivity, damage economies and destroy jobs. Governments must base their decisions on ‘science facts’ rather than ‘science politics’.
    While China has significantly eased border measures, I urge the Chinese government to remove the need for pre-departure COVID-19 testing for those traveling to China.”Willie WalshIATA Director General

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    dnata Breaks Ground on New 20,000 sq m Cargo Warehouse at Erbil International Airport

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    dnata Breaks Ground on New 20,000 sq m Cargo Warehouse at Erbil International Airport

    dnata, a leading global air and travel services provider, has broken ground on its new, 20,000 m2 cargo warehouse which will add significant expansion to its operations at Erbil International Airport (EBL). The facility represents an investment of US$ 14 million and will create up to 50 additional, direct jobs with dnata in Iraq.
    The foundation stone for the cargo warehouse, which is scheduled for completion in September 2024, was recently revealed by dnata’s Senior Vice President for UAE and Iraq Airport Operations, Jaffar Dawood.
    “We are delighted to expand our operations in response to the growing demand for our reliable and safe cargo services in Erbil,” said Jaffar. “Our new facility will incorporate cutting-edge technologies and the latest carbon reduction initiatives in design and operation, ensuring the highest level of operational and environmental efficiency for our customers. We stay committed to the Iraqi aviation industry and continue to invest in our operations to contribute to the development of Erbil as a regional cargo hub.”
    dnata’s newest cargo facility will be capable of processing 100,000 tonnes of cargo annually, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and dangerous goods. dnata will also implement its advanced ‘OneCargo’ system within the facility, digitising processes and maximising efficiencies across its cargo operations in Iraq.
    The facility will be equipped with the latest technologies, including thermal insulation to reduce the building’s environmental impact by maintaining low CO2 manufacturing emissions and operating costs. Additional, environmentally sustainable features include a water harvesting system, which recycles condensed water, low energy skylighting, and an all-electric forklift fleet.ADVERTISEMENTdnata’s latest expansion follows the opening of a new, advanced cool chain facility and a bus maintenance facility in 2022 at EBL. The company currently provides ground handling and cargo services to over 25 airlines with a team of over 400 aviation professionals.
    In recent years, dnata has also made strategic investments in new cargo facilities in London and Manchester (UK), Karachi and Lahore (Pakistan), and additional cargo capacity and infrastructure in Brussels (Belgium), Sydney (Australia) and Toronto (Canada). In addition, last January the company announced an investment of over €200 million in one of the world’s largest and most advanced cargo facility, dnata Cargo City Amsterdam, at Schiphol Airport in The Netherlands.
    As one of the world’s leading air and services providers, dnata provides quality and reliable ground handling, cargo, catering and retail services at over 120 airports in 19 countries.

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    Malaysia Airlines and MHholidays Offer Up to 45% Off

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    Malaysia Airlines and MHholidays Offer Up to 45% Off

    Malaysia Airlines and MHholidays are offering up to 45% off on airfares to all domestic and selected international destinations within its network and hotel packages from 4 until 18 January 2023 for immediate travel up to 31 August 2023, allowing customers to plan their holidays ahead and enjoy significant savings. Enrich members will also earn an additional 888 Bonus Points when they book within this campaign period.
    The airline invites customers to reconnect with their loved ones for the upcoming festivities or explore new places and experiences from RM88 within Peninsular Malaysia, RM118 and RM178 to Sarawak and Sabah respectively, all-in one-way. Holidaymakers can also secure great airfares to Bangkok from RM388 all-in one-way, Hong Kong from RM1,388 and London from RM3,088 all-in return.
    These Economy Lite fares include 20kg of free check-in baggage, cabin baggage allowance of 7kg, complimentary snacks or meals and beverages, and inflight entertainment or access to MHstudio* that gives guests complete control and flexibility to stream content and truly enjoy a wealth of entertainment from preferred TV programmes, movies, podcasts, music and reading materials using their own device. (*for selected routes only)
    Along with the amazing discounts, customers can also book flight and hotel packages from MHholidays for a well-deserved vacation, with 3-day and 2-night packages to Langkawi, Penang, Kuching, or Kota Kinabalu starting at RM339 per person or 4-day and 3-night packages to Bangkok, Bali, or Phuket starting at RM1,109 per person. Also offered at unbeatable prices are other incredible packages to Incheon, Narita, Hong Kong, Taipei, and London. Customers who book through MHholidays can benefit significantly from the 30kg baggage allowance, complimentary inflight meals, and free seat selection, in addition to earning Enrich Points for flights.
    Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Aviation Group, Captain Izham Ismail said, “We are pleased to extend our new year offerings to our customers to have quality family time or uncover new experiences with great discounts by Malaysia Airlines and MHholidays for the upcoming festive season and long holidays. As we are seeing strong demand for air travel, especially during the Chinese New Year with load factor of 65% for Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu and Kuching route, we highly encourage cost-savvy travellers to plan their trip and enjoy the best rates. In addition to our signature Malaysian Hospitality service, we assure a safe, seamless and convenient end-to-end travel experience from the moment guests book their flights and board our aircraft. We look forward to welcoming our guests onboard soon!”ADVERTISEMENTCustomers flying Economy Class can upgrade their experience with an 18% discount on travel perks including seat selection, extra baggage, access to the Golden Lounge, a premium bundle, or a value bundle. Guest travelling in Business Class will also enjoy an 18% discount on extra baggage.
    For more information and to book your next holiday, visit the official Malaysia Airlines website at www.malaysiaairlines.com or download the app to get the latest promotions conveniently at your fingertips anytime and anywhere! Sign up to become an Enrich member for free at https://enrich.malaysiaairlines.com/signup and start earning Enrich Points today

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    Explore the World’s Last Great Frontier on Your Next Great Adventure

    Luxury travel company The North introduces the ultimate Arctic exploration, The Arctic Horizon, taking place July 16 to August 4, 2024
    Thoughtfully curated by the luxury hospitality industry veterans of HL Adventures and led by the Arctic’s foremost experts and guides, The North’s bespoke, three-week itinerary for the Arctic Horizon will cover seven wonders spanning the Arctic Circle. An intimate group of just 50 like-minded adventurers will explore the edge of the world to destinations normally beyond our boundaries. Together they will take in vast landscapes, view majestic wildlife and partake in rare, authentic experiences with local indigenous communities.
    “As a lifelong explorer of the Arctic, my vision is to make the last frontier accessible to a select few who share my passion and respect for these rarely experienced, untouched regions,” said Founder Jón Olafur Magnussen. “What I am sure will be a life-changing adventure for our guests is the culmination of my life’s work. I am confident our team’s meticulous eye for detail will ensure an unrivalled level of service throughout these most extraordinary destinations.”
    Typically holding well over 300 passengers, a fully customized Boeing 757-200 has been privately chartered from Icelandair and refitted with 50 lie-flat seats for a more relaxing and restful environment. A personal chef will prepare destination-inspired dishes, while accommodating dietary preferences, requests and restrictions. A dedicated concierge team and on-board hosts will attend to guests’ every wish and desire. Explorers will receive personalized iPads, detailing the day’s schedule, offering an in-flight entertainment system and showcasing a gallery of photos provided each day by The North’s professional photography team.
    Armed with more than two decades of destination management experience, the leaders behind this all-new, once-in-a-lifetime adventure have called upon their elite partners to bring together the finest experiences of each destination. This journey to the last great frontier often only exists in the wildest imaginations of even the most adventurous travelers, but through the expertise and experience of The North’s hand-selected partners, The Arctic Horizon will bring this dream to fruition, without compromising on comfort or service.ADVERTISEMENTItinerary:Day 1 – Reykjavik, IcelandDays 2 – 3 – Ilulissat, GreenlandDays 4 – 6 – Sonora, CanadaDays 7 – 10 – Anchorage, AlaskaChampagne Toast Over the North PoleDays 11 – 14 – Longyearbyen, SvalbardDay 15 – 17 – Alta, NorwayDay 18 – 21 – Reykjavik, Iceland
    The trip will conclude with a festive farewell gala dinner at the Arctic Explorers’ Club’s expedition lodge and luxury camp. Founded in 2015, this members-only group of explorers, travelers and friends are a collective of like-minded individuals who have a lifelong interest in the Arctic. In addition to supporting a foundation to educate children around the world about the Arctic, the Club serves as an opportunity for guests to continue their journey together and to create new opportunities each year to further develop knowledge and understanding and explore this world beyond the horizon.
    The price of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure is 187,000 USD per person (based on double occupancy; 10 percent supplement applicable for solo travelers). This all-encompassing journey includes travel by privately chartered air, first-class accommodations, all meals, all ground transportation, an extensive selection of excursions and activities, special events and private access, as well as all gratuities.
    For more information, visit https://thenorth.is/arctic-horizon or contact your travel advisor.

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    CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi hosts The CLYMB Games and welcomes international skydiving teams from overseas

    CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi hosted international skydiving teams from overseas who arrived at the UAE’s ultimate indoor adventure hub to compete head-to-head in The CLYMB Games. Winner of the World Travel Awards 2022 category for Middle East’s Leading Adventure Tourist Attraction 2022 and situated on Yas island which boasts an incredible lineup of award winning theme parks and it too was voted World’s Leading Theme Park Destination 2022 at the World Travel awards.
    The competition took place last week of 2022, where teams of skydivers put their talents together to craft the most formations possible within a set time. Each team was also required to create a 16-way belly formations and earn the most points over eight rounds for a chance to claim the first place.

    The O’Jala team was crowned winner of the competition with 116 points following neck and neck contests, which landed them the first spot on the podium and a gold at The CLYMB Games. Team No Name came in second with 99 points and earned the silver medal while Snuggles team was placed third with 89 points and took the bronze.
    The CLYMB Games is a unique opportunity for worldwide talents to come together and showcase their skills at CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, where guests of all ages and skill levels can enjoy endless action-packed fun and experience two record-breaking experiences, starting with the world’s largest indoor flight chamber and the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall, The SUMMYT™.ADVERTISEMENTFor more information on CLYMB Abu Dhabi, please visit: https://www.clymbabudhabi.com/
    Located on Yas Island, CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi the UAE’s ultimate adventure hub. It is just minutes away from, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, home to a variety of family- friendly rides and attractions, Yas Waterworld, the world’s first and only Emirati-themed waterpark and Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi, an incredibly immersive indoor theme park.

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