flydubai to operate to five points in Iraq with the restart of flights to Sulaimaniyah
flydubai, the Dubai-based airline, announced today that flights to Sulaimaniyah will resume from 10 May 2018. The carrier now operates to five points in Iraq including Baghdad, Basra, Erbil and Najaf. The decision to relaunch the flights was taken following the Iraqi authorities’ announcement that that the airport reopened in March 2018.
Stay composed: here’s a quick rundown of the new Gmail
Do more without leaving your inbox
Gmail’s new look helps you get more done. Click on attachments—like photos—without opening or scrolling through large conversations, use the new snooze button to put off emails that you just can’t get to right now or easily access other apps you use often, like Google Calendar, Tasks (now available on Android and iOS) and Keep.Get started
You can start using these new updates in Gmail on the web today, with some features appearing within the coming weeks. Go to Settings (the cog wheel in the top right corner of your inbox) and select “Try the new Gmail.” If you want to switch back later down the road, you can go to the same place and select “Go back to classic Gmail.”If you’re interested in learning more about how you can use Gmail in the workplace, check out our G Suite post which has more detail on all of the ways Gmail can help you stay productive.ADNOC to Engage in Non-Speculative Trading to Optimize Crude and Product Flows Across Value Chain and Support Downstream International Growth
Emirates introduces Home Check-in in Dubai
Emirates has introduced Home Check-in, a new service which allows customers to check in for their flights from anywhere in Dubai. The service is available for customers across all classes travelling on Emirates flights.
The new service enables Emirates passengers to complete the security check and check-in from the comfort of their home, hotel or office and have their luggage transported to the airport prior to their flight. An Emirates check-in agent will arrive at the preferred location to weigh and tag the bags as well as check-in the customers and issue boarding passes. Customers can then make their own way to the airport and head directly to immigration, bypassing the check-in desks at the airport. The service is available for AED 350 per trip for up to 7 pieces of luggage. AED 35 will be charged for each additional piece of luggage. Customers can book the service on emirates.com up to 12 hours before flight departure time. This latest initiative is part of the Emirates’ ongoing commitment to provide world class products and services for a more convenient travel experience. Emirates has been running trials for its Home Check-in service since October to ensure that the customer experience and security checks are faultless. The service seals each bag and stores them in a separate hold in the van. Emirates Home Check-in will be operated with a new fleet of vans. The new Home Check-in offering complements other luggage handling services already available for Emirates flights in Dubai. For a seamless travel experience, customers can pay for a concierge service to handle their luggage at the airport, enjoy preferred rates for pre-paid excess baggage, and bag wraps to protect their luggage. For passengers arriving in Dubai, there is a luggage storage facility for those who wish to leave their bags and explore the city. Emirates also offers a Home Delivery service where luggage is retrieved, cleared at customs and delivered to the customers for a hassle free travel experience. More information on these services can be found here.NOBLE and IHG® Announce the Opening of the Dual-Branded EVEN® Hotel and Staybridge Suites® Hotel South Lake Union in Downtown Seattle
Elie Maalouf, CEO of InterContinental Hotels Group, The Americas said: “We are thrilled about growing both the EVEN Hotels and Staybridge Suites brands on the West Coast in partnership with a best-in-class owner like Noble. This project demonstrates the strong momentum for two of IHG’s growing brands and shows our commitment to expanding to high-profile markets.”
Mit Shah, CEO of Noble Investment Group said: “These first-class hotels are the perfect fit for the dynamic and rapidly expanding South Lake Union market that is an international hub and home to a diverse mix of tech, medical and corporate businesses.”
For more information about EVEN Hotels or to book an upcoming stay, please visit EVENHotels.com. For more information about Staybridge Suites or to book an upcoming stay, please visit Staybridge.com. Please find additional images of the EVEN Hotel and Staybridge Suites Hotel South Lake Union in this link. EndsDubai Tourism wins ATM Stand Award
- Popular ‘Best Stand Awards’ recognises Dubai Tourism as best stand for doing business
- Other stands awarded for their creativity include Lebanon, SAUDIA, Turkey and Travelport
The winners of the Best Stand Awards are as follows:
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Best Stand Design: Lebanon
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Best Stand for Doing Business: Dubai Tourism
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Best Stand Personnel: SAUDIA
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Best Stand Feature: Turkey
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Best Stand within the Travel Tech Show at ATM: Travelport
Design-Driven AC Hotels by Marriott® Brand Debuts in New York City with AC Hotel New York Times Square
LAURENT A. VOIVENEL SPEAKS AT THE ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET ON FUTURE OF HOTEL DISTRIBUTION
DUBAI – Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, made a special presentation on the future of hotel distribution at the ATM and GENESYS Digital Futures Summit, Travel Tech Theatre.
Addressing the gathering, Laurent said, “Hotel distribution has undergone a radical change over the last few years. For travellers the process of booking a hotel has always included three phases i.e. search, book and stay and it is still the same. The difference today is that this is now increasingly happening online in a mobile world. That is why hoteliers need to start embracing new marketing tactics and technologies, so that they can meet the needs of their potential guests exactly where they are looking for information and win direct bookings from them. Efficient channel management systems, metasearch marketing and online reputation management is essential for optimization, dynamic pricing and better rate yield.”
Highlighting some key areas of concern in the distribution landscape in the Middle East, Laurent stressed, “Over the last few years we have seen disruption in our industry by a number of non-traditional players. Competition is increasing from OTAs, new players like Airbnb and larger, more marketing-savvy hotel brands. Any transformation is virtually impossible without owners having a strong belief in the value of making technological investments. Moreover, the ‘abundance of technology’ available to hotels can be overwhelming. Hence well-trained people with new skills are required and the hospitality industry must find ways to prepare talent for the future.”
Talking about the evolution of hotel distribution in the coming years, Laurent said, “Technology will continue to transform the distribution dynamics. We are today in a shared ecosystem defined by collaboration, quality and consumer value. This change requires a new strategic approach from hoteliers that would enable us to succeed in the new environment. We all have to work more closely together as yesterday’s tourists aren’t tomorrow’s and hotels need to be ready.”
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Swiss-Belhotel International is present at Arabian Travel Market from 22 to 25 April on stand ‘HC1130’ in Sheikh Saeed Hall in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com
About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-behotel.com
*Numbers may fluctuate
SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL RECOGNISES KEY PARTNERS WITH EXCELLENCE AWARDS AT ATM
DUBAI – Swiss-Belhotel International recognised its strategic trade partners and key associates with Excellence Awards at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) that is celebrating its 25th Anniversary this year. The awards were presented by Mr. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International and Mr. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International.
The leading names among the recipients of the award were Gulf Air’s, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s national carrier, Falconflyer loyalty programme, Alpha Destination Management, Hotelbeds Group, Noor Consultancy, Department of Culture – Government of Sharjah – UAE, The Consulate General of United Republic of Tanzania and Air India.
Mr. Faull, said, “The Middle East, Africa and India are key expansion markets for us where we are enjoying tremendous growth. This would not be possible without the support of our esteemed partners and the strong industry network. ATM is the perfect platform to thank our valued partners who are instrumental to our success in the region and allow us to deliver an outstanding experience to our guests.”
Mr. Voivenel, stated, “These strategic alliances demonsrate our commitment to ensuring excellence across every aspect of our business. As we expand our footprint in the region adding exciting new destinations, our focus remains on providing great value to our owners, guests and associates with customised solutions. We are truly grateful to our associates and partners for their valuable support and look forward to building on these precious relationships.”
Swiss-Belhotel International currently has an extremely strong development pipeline in the Middle East and Africa with a portfolio of over 3,500 rooms across 12 cities.
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Swiss-Belhotel International is present at Arabian Travel Market from 22 to 25 April on stand ‘HC1130’ in Sheikh Saeed Hall in Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com
About Swiss-Belhotel International Swiss-Belhotel International currently manages a portfolio of more than 145* hotels, resorts and projects located in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Australia, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Georgia, Italy and Tanzania. Awarded Indonesia’s Leading Global Hotel Chain for six consecutive years, Swiss-Belhotel International is one of the world’s fastest-growing international hotel and hospitality management groups. The Group provides comprehensive and highly professional development and management services in all aspects of hotel, resort and serviced residences. Offices are located in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Australia, China, Europe, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. www.swiss-behotel.com
*Numbers may fluctuate
New TRYP by Wyndham Hotel Boosts Newark’s Recent Renaissance
Rotana crowned ‘Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East’ at Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2018
Adding yet another accolade to its growing trophy cabinet, Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region with hotels across the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, was named the ‘Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East’ at the prestigious Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2018. Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO and Guy Hutchinson, COO from Rotana accepted the award on behalf of the company at a glittering awards ceremony held in Dubai, UAE, on the opening day of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2018, which is taking place until 25 April 2018 at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. “We are pleased to be named the ‘Best Hotel Brand in the Middle East’ for a second consecutive year and accept this honour on behalf of our entire team with a deep sense of gratitude and humility. Receiving this coveted recognition further strengthens our commitment to delivering genuine hospitality experiences that ensure our guests enjoy a home-from-home experience each time they step inside a Rotana property. Our dedication to creating unforgettable memories for our guests, our utmost attention to detail and intuitive service have been the key pillars of our success, and we look forward to continuously defining and building on our operations through our core values that have made Rotana the leading brand it is today,” said Guy Hutchinson, COO of Rotana. Now in its seventh year, the ‘Business Traveller Middle East Awards’ are hosted by ‘Business Traveller’ to celebrate the region’s best companies in business travel and hospitality sectors. The awards are voted for by the magazine’s readers, with all votes, both paper and online, independently counted and cross-referenced by the awards entity’s independent official votes processing partner, Jacobsons Direct, a leading UAE-based provider of data-driven marketing solutions. Rotana currently operates 60 properties across 13 countries in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey, and is gearing up to open nine new properties before the end of 2018, adding a further 2,315 keys to the company’s existing inventory of 16,161 rooms. Rotana’s plans for expansion include the opening of 18 hotels in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Oman and Iraq in the next two years |
IHG signs double hotel deal in Egypt with Arabia Hotels
Pascal Gauvin, Managing Director, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG said of the signing:“We are delighted to be partnering with an esteemed developer, Arabia Hotels SAE to bring our brands Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites to Giza. Egypt is an important market for us and we have a strong presence in the country with over 2000 rooms, and robust pipeline across our brands. He added – with this signing, we are happy to be a part of Sun Capital, the upcoming commercial and entertainment hub in Giza, and have a strong presence with our two brands – Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suite, that are already well known in the country. ””
Eng. Tarek Shoukry, Chairman and CEO of Arabia Hotels commented: “We are excited to be working with a global player such as IHG and bringing their world class brands, Holiday Inn and Staybridge Suites® into our portfolio. The hotels have an advantage of a fantastic location which will give guests an easy access to surrounding tourist attractions. We are confident that a great location coupled with top-notch amenities that both brands are associated with, will make Holiday Inn Giza Sun Capital and Staybridge Suites Giza Sun Capital a popular choice amongst the travellers visiting Giza.”
Ends
For further information please contact:THE ELIZA JANE HOTEL DEBUTS IN NEW ORLEANS
- Couvant – Opening this summer, the hotel’s signature restaurant, Couvant, is housed within the building’s original bitters factory that manufactured the famed Peychaud Cocktail Bitters, among others. The restaurant will combine classic New Orleans style and French flair with an industrial space. Upon entering, guests will be met with a charming black-and-white tiled floor in the front lounge with bar-style seating along historic windows looking out onto Magazine Street. The classic brasserie will unfold into a more modern space, with concrete flooring throughout the main dining area. A sweeping 300-square-foot bar made of oak and repurposed newel posts rounds the corner and will connect the two spaces.
- The Press Room – Now open, the hotel’s intimate living room-inspired lounge features nods to the building’s ties to The Daily Picayunenewspaper with sourced antiques and books, typewriters, and other accessories filling the numerous shelves and paneled walls within the space. Leather and multi-hued velvet seating are positioned around a marble fireplace, under a large custom brass light fixture, complemented by the deep cranberry color from the bar front.
GRAND HYATT XI’AN CELEBRATES ANCIENT CITY IN NORTHWEST CHINA
HYATT PLACE AND HYATT HOUSE BRANDS REVEAL FINDINGS FROM BUSINESS TRAVELER SURVEY
The brands teamed up with entrepreneur, restaurateur and New York Times best-selling author Bill Rancic for a launch event alongside the winners of #WhySettle Spirit Awards
- The 24/7 MVP – business travelers who always manage to make the meeting, make dinner and make it all look easy
- The Inspiring Innovator – business travelers who have taken charge of their careers and follow their own passions to pave the way
- The Road Warrior – business travelers who have logged so many miles that even flight attendants know their name
- 77 percent of U.S. business travelers believe business travel has helped them to communicate more successfully with different types of people, and that percentage is even greater in China (88 percent) and India (95 percent)
- 68 percent of U.S. business travelers say business travel has inclined them to be more empathic towards others, and this number increases in China (88 percent) and India (90 percent)
- 59 percent of international business travelers identify themselves as someone who sees obstacles not as challenges but as opportunities to grow. More importantly, 92 percent of employed U.S. business travelers are motivated to advance their career and the percentage is even higher in China (96 percent) and India (96 percent)
- Among those motivated international business travelers, more are driven by creating a better life for their families (48 percent) than receiving praise or recognition at work (33 percent)
- 77 percent of U.S. business travelers believe being on the road has taught them skills they can use when facing challenges in their personal life and that number is even higher in China (88 percent) and India (90 percent)
- 22 percent of business travelers think wearing pajamas on conference calls is a major benefit of taking business trips that require hotel stays
- 27 percent of business travelers admit they binge watch shows that they haven’t been able to watch at home while traveling
- 26 percent of international business travelers indulge by having a stiff drink at the bar while traveling