Author: holidayweekly

ISLAMABAD: The privatization of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) faces new challenges as pre-qualified bidders demand full ownership of the airline, according to recent reports. This comes shortly after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured that PIA’s privatization would be completed within the year. Initially attracted by a 60% stake offer, the six interested parties are now calling for complete control, citing concerns over financial liabilities, fleet age, and operational difficulties. The bidders have expressed unease over several critical issues, including the airline’s ageing fleet and substantial debt, which are threatening the success of the sale. PIA is currently burdened with approximately…

RIYADH Riyadh Air, poised to become one of the most forward-thinking airlines globally, has entered into a strategic agreement with Sabre Corporation, a global leader in software and technology powering the travel industry. Through this partnership, Riyadh Air will adopt comprehensive SabreMosaicTM, that Offer Optimization technology that provides the intelligence to enable the airline’s ambition to be the first carrier to operate on offer- and order-based technology across the entire retail spectrum from its first day of operations in 2025. With a bold vision to create personalized offers across a broad range of customer touchpoints, Sabre and Riyadh Air are…

BERLIN: Germany’s decision to impose border controls on all its land frontiers has triggered concerns about the future of the Schengen Agreement, one of the European Union’s most significant achievements. The controls were introduced last month as part of a broader set of law-and-order measures following a deadly terrorist attack in Solingen, where a suspected ISIS operative from Syria killed three people. The move has sparked a ripple effect across Europe. France quickly announced plans to follow suit, with Prime Minister Michel Barnier confirming that the country could expand its own border controls “as permitted by European rules, just as…

DUBAI: Emirates Airlines has banned pagers and walkie-talkies onboard its planes following sabotage attacks in Lebanon, and extended flight cancelations for Middle East destinations due to regional escalation. “All Passengers traveling on flights to, from or via Dubai are prohibited from transporting pagers and walkie-talkies in checked or cabin baggage,” the carrier said, weeks after a wave of exploding communication devices used by the Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which blamed Israel for the attacks. In a statement posted on its website on Friday, Emirates said that “such items found in passengers’ hand luggage or checked baggage will be confiscated by Dubai…

Pakistan joins the global community to celebrate the World Tourism Day under the patronage of the United Nations Tourism Organization. This year’s theme “Tourism and Peace” truly reflects one of the important aspects of tourism. Indeed tourism brings people together and plays a vital role as a catalyst for fostering peace, harmony and empathy amongst nations and diverse cultures. Tourism has emerged as a dynamic sector in an increasingly multicultural world. Nations around the globe have benefitted from tourism’s vast potential to expand people-to-people contacts, remove misconceptions and stereotypes and promote a positive image through social interaction, build relations, and…

Today, on World Tourism Day 2024, we celebrate the theme “Tourism and Peace.” Tourism serves as a powerful bridge that connects nations and promotes understanding among people from diverse cultures around the globe. As tourists explore different countries, they come across diverse cultures and traditions that help promote peace, harmony and goodwill worldwide. Pakistan has enormous tourism potential as it is blessed with spectacular landscapes,majestic mountains and peaks, vast deserts, and beautiful coastlines. This part of the region has a rich historical heritage as well as has been home to the Indus and Gandhara civilizations, making Pakistan an attractive destination…

World Tourism Day: Advancing the Cause of Peace Through Tourism in Pakistan As the globe marks World Tourism Day on September 27th, this year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” resonates profoundly with the ethos of Pakistan—a nation endowed with extraordinary natural beauty and a rich cultural tapestry, yet often misunderstood. At Holiday Weekly, we see it as our mission not merely to celebrate this day but to champion the transformative power of tourism in fostering peace and mutual understanding, particularly within the context of Pakistan. Tourism: A Beacon of Peace Tourism, when cultivated with foresight, transcends the mere exchange of currency…

KARACHI: Pakistan Hotels Association annual elections were held during July to September, 2024 and Election Results were announced at its 60th Annual General Meeting held on September 30, 2024 at Pearl-Continental Hotel, Karachi. Following Office Bearers and Executive Committee Members have been elected for the term 2024-2026: 1. Mr. Shakir Abu Bakar Bhura – Chairman Mr. Shakir Bhura is a seasoned Project Management and Finance Executive with over 32 years of diverse multi-industry experience in Hospitality, Real Estate, Sustainability, Construction, and Petroleum Organizations. Currently, he is serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Division of Hashoo Group,…

KARACHI: As the world prepares to celebrate World Tourism Day on September 27, 2024, the theme “Tourism and Peace” resonates more than ever, calling for greater understanding and collaboration across cultures. In Karachi, renowned bicycle groups partnered with the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation for a week-long celebration, culminating in an inspiring exploration ride from Clifton to the historic Choukhandi Graveyard. A Vibrant Start On a crisp morning, cyclists gathered at Clifton, a lively coastal area known for its picturesque views and bustling atmosphere. Among them was the “Pedal for Peace” group, consisting of cycling enthusiasts, community leaders, and history buffs…

DADU: Preparations are in full swing for the upcoming off-road bike rally at Gorakh Hill Station, Dadu, where renowned bikers from across the country will race their bikes at an elevation of 5,500 feet. According to details, after a long wait, the thrilling Gorakh Bike Rally is scheduled to take place from September 29 to October 1. Organized in collaboration with the Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and Green Tourism, this rally is set to become a major attraction for both bikers and tourists. The Sindh Tourism Department stated that the event will span three days, offering participants an exhilarating…