Author: holidayweekly

DUBAI: The United States has emerged as the preferred destination for individuals seeking immigration aiming to gain a second passport due to economic, education, business, and travel reasons, a new report has revealed in a comprehensively analysed global migration movements between 2020 and 2023. Canada and the UK have come up as the second and third choice respectively, according to ‘The Annual Global Immigration Trends 2023’ by Ace Luxury Immigration Solution, a leading immigration and citizenship by investment firm. The report revealed the most favourite destinations, the origin of migrants, and where the rich migrate. The survey highlighted that the…

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ISLAMABAD: The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has acknowledged Pakistan’s outstanding performance in tourism, marking a remarkable 92% recovery to pre-pandemic levels in 2023. The country experienced a 115% surge in foreign tourist arrivals compared to the previous year, signaling a robust comeback post-Covid-19. Attributing this success to concerted efforts in tourism promotion, Managing Director-PTDC Aftab Rana said that the Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) last year actively engaged in six major global events such as World Travel Mart London, ITB Berlin, New York Travel and Adventure Show, Arabian Travel Mart Dubai, Seoul Travel Mart Korea and Travel Mart…

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MONTREAL: IATA has launched an upgraded system for travel document verification in a bid to promote contactless travel and enhance the overall passenger experience. Passenger traffic is expected to double by 2040; hence, such an automated system is considered a necessity. Several providers are already collaborating with IATA to improve the new system Timatic AutoCheck. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has introduced a new travel documentation and verification system, designed to facilitate contactless travel and enhance the overall passenger experience. So far, the entire document checking process has been automated, offering personalised instructions for every individual passenger, SchengenVisaInfo.com reports.…

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RIYADH: The aviation sectors of the UAE and China are poised to improve efficiency through a new agreement signed by Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier Etihad Airways. The memorandum of understanding, inked with China Eastern Airlines, seeks to strengthen commercial and operational ties. This strategic cooperation agreement is designed to provide travelers with expanded choices, higher-quality services, and increased value, while contributing to sustainable aviation practices. The MoU is expected to establish a robust platform for China-UAE air traffic and serve as a launchpad for enhanced connections between the Asian country, the Middle East, and Africa. It represents a crucial milestone…

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ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels and Telenor have formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to get on a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing the ‘S TEL’ services within the hospitality domain. This partnership is specifically geared towards the expansion of S TEL services at Faisalabad and Peshawar Serena Hotels. The signing ceremony was attended by key representatives from Serena Hotels and Telenor. Among the distinguished attendees, Mr. Imran Hasan, Director Sales & Marketing of Serena Hotels and Mr. Magnus Muller, Chief Business Officer (CBO) of Telenor officially signed the MOU. Serena Hotels and Telenor took the first step in their collaboration…

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DOHA: Qatar Airways Group CEO Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer has been elected to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA’s) Board of Governors. In this role, he will support the association in shaping the growth of safe, secure and sustainable air transport. Al-Meer will work with members of the trade association, representing some 320 airlines or 83% of total air traffic, to connect and enrich the world through air travel. He was also appointed Member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organization (AACO) on the strength of his strong aviation sector experience. AACO is the regional association of…

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MADRID: International tourism is on track to recover almost 90% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of this year. According to the latest data from the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), an estimated 975 million tourists travelled internationally between January and September 2023, an increase of 38% on the same months of 2022. World destinations welcomed 22% more international tourists in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the same period last year, reflecting a strong Northern Hemisphere summer season. International tourist arrivals hit 91% of pre-pandemic levels in the third quarter, reaching 92% in July, the best month so far…

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KARACHI: The sales agreement between Gerry’s DMC UK and TSL Pakistan (Travel Port) signifies a strategic partnership. Gerry’s will now be selling its UK and UAE products in Pakistan through Travel Port Galelio. This collaboration aims to provide a diverse range of travel products to customers in 8 cities across Pakistan. With a dedicated team of 50 sales staff, the partnership is well-positioned to offer personalized and efficient services, enhancing the overall travel experience for customers in those regions. The unmatched products mentioned likely refer to a comprehensive array of travel services and offerings, providing travelers with a broader and…

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DUBAI: Dubai-based carrier, flydubai, is offering passengers from the UAE a selection of destinations this winter – from the ski slopes to sun-kissed shores and urban landscapes. Flydubai promises magical winter escapes this holiday season with special return fares. Georgia: At the heart of the Caucasus Mountains are Georgia’s pristine slopes in Bakuriani and Gudauri that promise an exhilarating skiing experience. The streets of Tbilisi are known for their historic architecture and vibrant culture. Salzburg: In the Austrian Alps, travellers have a chance to explore the birthplace of Mozart, and discover world-class ski resorts like Obertauern, and take a stroll…

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RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has launched the unified national visa platform – KSA Visa – that links more than 30 ministries, authorities, and private sector to facilitate the visa application process including those for Hajj, Umrah visits, business visits, tourist and work visas. The new KSA Visa platform was unveiled at the second edition of the Digital Government Forum today (December 19) upon the directives of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and the follow-up of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reported SPA. The Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs…

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