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Almosafer unveils luxury travel concierge

ALMOSAFER, the Kingdom’s leading omni-channel travel brand, has unveiled its brand-new luxury travel concierge service at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 – the region’s pioneering travel and tourism event – just in time for the reopening of Saudi Arabia’s borders. Targeting Individuals looking to go beyond and explore far flung destinations, feeding the appetite of wanderlust and trendsetting in travel to their peers, ‘Almosafer Concierge’ is Saudi Arabia’s first holistic luxury travel concierge service catering to the discerned needs of travellers from the Kingdom.

Launched to further elevate the travel and tourism segment of Saudi Arabia post-border reopening, the brand-new service comes in line with the findings of Almosafer’s second extensive consumer sentiment survey examining Saudi nationals’ travel behaviour one year into the pandemic. The findings showed a growing anticipation towards international travel amongst nationals, with over 80 per cent of Saudi respondents planning to travel internationally within the first six months of borders opening. To feed this mounting anticipation for travel, Almosafer Concierge offers an elite customer base their personal travel concierge service.

 

Ascott reveals Middle East expansion plans

THE Ascott Limited revealed its dynamic Middle East, Africa and Turkey expansion plans at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021, adding over 1,856 units across 14 elegantly designed and luxurious serviced residences, all slated to open by the end of 2022. The group’s tenacious growth pipeline puts it on track to achieve its regional target of adding extra 6,000 units to its Middle East, Africa, and Turkey (MEAT) portfolio, to reach a total of 10,000 units by 2025.

Vincent Miccolis, Ascott’s Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa, Turkey, and India commented on Ascott’s diverse expansion plans, saying: “The Middle East source markets have always been a priority for The Ascott Limited and we are proud to share the brand’s expansive MEAT pipeline at ATM 2021. We are on course towards a steady incline in occupancy rates and we are committed to achieving the growth target we set at the beginning of 2021...”

 

IHG in deal to open 7 new hotels across KSA

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a master development agreement (MDA) with RIVA Development Company via its wholly owned subsidiary RIVA Hospitality for Hotel Services Company to open at least seven hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia across IHG’s portfolio of brands.

The announcement was made at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2021 in Dubai. The five-year agreement will add to IHG’s portfolio across key brands in the country in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Eastern Province, Abha, Hail, Qassim and Tabuk. Most hotels under the agreement are expected to be greenfield projects and will represent the best in class products. The agreement also presents the potential to extend the partnership for another five years to develop additional 12 hotels in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

RIVA Development Company has an excellent track record in real estate across multiple sectors including F&B, residential and entertainment.

 

Kids get free access to Yas Island all summer

KIDS are set to have a summer to remember at Yas Island Abu Dhabi this year, with access to the UAE’s best playground free when booking Parks Hopper & Kids Go free Packages. Until September 30 this year, children below the age of 12, when accompanied by a paying adult, can enjoy three world-class theme parks – Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, and Warner Bros.

The Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island Family Package starts from $100 (Dh368.00) for one night and one theme park. The W Abu Dhabi –Park Hopper & Kids Go Free Promotion starts from $142.93 (Dh525) per adult for a one-night stay and with access to all three theme parks over two consecutive days.

The Yas Plaza Hotels Summer Parks ‘Hopper’ & Kids Go Free Promotion starts from $122.52 (Dh450) for a one-night stay with access to all three Yas Theme Parks over two consecutive days. Kids below 12 years old when sharing the same room with parents stay, eat and play for free.

 

Kerten Hospitality beefs up portfolio

KERTEN Hospitality, a mixed-use and lifestyle operator, adds to its portfolio: 2 unique projects in Ras Al Khaimah, in the mountainous area of Jebel Jais and in the sand dunes of AlSawan. While both put the local community at the core of this Ecosystem offering nature exploration, an immersive heritage, and unparalleled experiences, AlSawan will be the place where eco-farming and desert farming will gather agrarian enthusiasts to grow fresh produce. At Jebel Jais, thrill-seekers and hikers will enjoy a glimpse of the mountain views and trekking paths.

Younis Al Dawoodi, General Manager of Kerten Hospitality’s Glamping Projects, said “We are proud to announce our unique projects Cloud7 Camp Jebel Jais and Cloud7 Camp AlSawan which will empower the local community and entrepreneurship and will provide city getaways in 2 exotic destinations revolving around a return to our roots whilst showcasing to visitors a glimpse of the authentic Emirati hospitality and Bedouin heritage. The former, known for its mountainous weather and tranquillity will be the spot for thrill-seekers and camp AlSawan will demonstrate how we can create self-sustainable glamping retreats.”

 

STORY Hospitality launches new lifestyle brand

STORY Hospitality, an integrated and innovative hospitality management platform based in Abu Dhabi, announced the launch of its contemporary 4-star lifestyle brand, CUE Hotels. The hotels under the CUE brand represent a modern, chic and urban ambience that provides an unforgettable and exciting experience to its guests. CentreVille Hotel & Experience is the first hotel that was opened under the CUE brand in January 2021 and rebranded as CUE Podgorica. The second CUE hotel is expected to open in Abu Dhabi by the end of Q1 2022.

Commenting on the launch Claudio Capaccioli, CEO, STORY Hospitality said: “We are pleased to announce the launch of CUE Hotels, a perfect sensory wonderland for today’s aspirational traveller. Our endeavour is to provide our guests with a more close, personal and authentic service that will leave them feeling refreshed and recharged. Today’s explorers crave places with a personality that embraces their surroundings or tells a story, our CUE Hotels offer a unique experience and inspiration that are as rich as the location destination itself and will always be a reference in the cities where they are present.”

 

Standard Hotels showcases new properties

STANDARD Hotels, a collection of landmark properties participated for the first time in the Arabian Travel Market 2021, a leading global event for travel industry in the Middle East.

The Standard shared previews of the brand’s upcoming and recent openings, including The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon, and The Standard, Hua Hin.

“After the recent openings of our stunning London and Maldives properties in 2019, we are excited to open two hotels in Thailand this year,” said Amar Lalvani, Chief Executive Officer of Standard International. “As with our other properties, both hotels will immerse themselves in their communities and showcase the best of each, from Bangkok’s urban vibrancy to Hua Hin’s chill beachside.”

December 2021 will mark the opening of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon and The Standard, Hua Hin.

 

Air Canada reconnects non-stop from Dubai

AIR Canada has announced that it will resume non-stop, direct flights between Dubai and Toronto in June, following a year-long hiatus due to the spread of the coronavirus.

Starting June 1, Air Canada will fly three times weekly offering connections to top destinations in Canada and the US. 

There are promotional fares in all three cabin categories, Economy, Premium Economy & Business class, with Economy class fares starting from Dh3,500.

While Canadian Visit visas are on hold, this is a good opportunity for Canadian citizens, permanent residence (PR) card holders, students and passengers holding Canadian visit visa having an immediate family member living in Canada is either a citizen or PR card holder.

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