AMMAN: Full-year 2020 passenger numbers in the Middle East (to/from/within) are forecast to reach only 30% of 2019 levels, down significantly from the 45% that was projected in July, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said. In absolute numbers, the Middle East is expected to see 60 million travelers in 2020 compared to the 203 million in 2019, said IATA in a news briefing. In 2021, demand in the Middle East is expected to strengthen to 45% of 2019 levels to reach 90 million travelers to/from/within the region, said IATA, adding that a full return to 2019 levels is not…
Author: holidayweekly
MADRID: The next edition of the International Tourism Fair, FITUR 2021, will be held from the 19 to 23 May next year as decided by IFEMA and the FITUR Organising Committee. This decision arrives following a meditated decision that, exceptionally, makes the event essential to the recovery of the tourism industry, at a time that will still preserve its high international impact as well as promote the professional reunion of companies, countries, and destinations. It will also provide a much-needed boost to the worldwide tourism activity. The exceptional change of dates aims to facilitate the participation of all the main…
ABU DHABI: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, will become the first GCC carrier to operate a commercial passenger flight to and from Israel, to bring Israel’s top travel and tourism leaders to the UAE. The historic flight, flown in partnership with the Maman Group, will depart Tel Aviv on 19 October, operated by an Etihad Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft for the three-and-a-half-hour journey from Israel to the UAE. The return journey will depart Abu Dhabi on 21 October. As a travel trade mission, the flight will bring a group of tourism industry leaders, key corporate decision makers,…
KARACHI: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has made special arrangements for the convenience of its passengers and will operate flights to London and Manchester from October 30, 2020, a statement issued by the national flag carrier said on Saturday, October 17. The airline will operate state-of-the-art aircraft with in-flight entertainment availability, spacious flatbed business class seats, and comfortable economy seats with improved food menu and taste, it added. Initially, the flights will be operated on Islamabad-London, Lahore-London and Islamabad-Manchester routes. The bookings on these flights had already been started. PIA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Air Marshal Arshad Malik, sharing his views…
By Ms. Munaza Kazmi Resulting in the outbreak of COVID-19, industries have been troubled by ambiguities & uncertainties, & this scenario is quite evident in the tourism & hotel industry, which is based on human mobility & interaction. It can be said the hotel & tourism industry is the main receiver of the catastrophe & its consequence. The Impact of COVID-19 on Pakistan’s Hotel Industry: Coronavirus attacked Pakistan on late February 2020, from onwards its hotel industry has confronted with damaging consequences from mainly lockdowns & quarantine. These results have affected each & every stakeholder in the hotel industry. Resulting…
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in cooperation with the concerned authorities, has begun implementing the second phase of the gradual resumption of performing Umrah and visiting, as it received Umrah performers (citizens and residents) from inside the Kingdom. The second stage allows obtaining four types of permits, namely performing rituals of Umrah, performing prayers within Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifah (the area between Prophet Muhammad’s grave and his pulpit), performing prayers inside the Mosque of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) and greeting the Prophet and his companions, said a Saudi Press Agency report. This comes in implementation of…
PESHAWAR: Under the auspices of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority, a tour of the historical sites of Peshawar, the oldest residential city in South Asia, was organized. The event was attended by women members of the Provincial Assembly, singer Laila Khan, Pashto actress Shazma Haleem and families. [huge_it_slider id=”583″] Pashto singer Laila Khan took part in a historic visit to Peshawar as a tourist ambassador who not only spent time with families but also toured all the historical places with them. The tour of the flower city of Peshawar started from the Museum Peshawar. The families were given a…
MUSCAT: Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, and international luxury fragrance house, Amouage are collaborating to recognise and honour Omani Women. On the occasion of Omani Women’s Day, 50 Sindbad female members were received at the Amouage Factory and Visitors Centre for a special and personal ceremony to thank them for their loyalty to Oman Air. The airline also recognised a number of its Omani women staff who have delivered exceptional contributions and worked with great confidence by presenting them with special kits from Amouage. This latest collaboration is added to a long list of successful…
KARACHI: After the span of 7 months the festivities and flavors return to Beach luxury in the shape of famous sea food festival at their renowned sea food restaurant ’Casbah’. The event was organized by the GM of the hotel Mr. Azeem Qureshi. Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shallwani, Administrator Karachi along with His Excellency Toshikazu Isomura, Consul General of Japan, His Excellency Totok Prianmoto, Consul General of Indonesia, Mr. Arif Suleman Hornaday Trade Advisor Thai government and Her Excellency Birgit Nicole Kuhlmann, Deputy Consul General of Germany inaugurated the festival. [huge_it_slider id=”581″] The fresh lobsters resting over ice chips in the…
SOUTHLAKE-TEXAS: Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology company that powers the global travel industry, and American Airlines have renewed their long-term, worldwide distribution agreement. Under the renewed agreement, Sabre will continue to distribute American Airlines flights and services through the Sabre travel marketplace, ensuring that Sabre connected-agencies will continue to have access to the same American Airlines content, including branded fares, ancillary products and services. “It’s been a challenging year for the travel industry, and it is critical to us that we support our agency community well,” said Alison Taylor, chief customer officer of American Airlines. “Sabre remains important…