BEIJING: As quoted by the official news agency of China, Beijing is planning to set a deadline for the Chinese auto industry to stop selling vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel, according to an industry minister. The official didn’t specify when the ban would be implemented. However, the news boosted stocks in China’s new energy auto firms. Shares of BYD, the country’s largest electric vehicle maker surged 7.2 percent, while Guoxuan High-Tech, a manufacturer of batteries for electric vehicles gained as much as 5.3 percent. China produces more cars than any other country and is the latest to join the…
Author: holidayweekly
DUBAI: The internet has been crazy with the Apple rumors for the last few weeks, which usually means one thing: a new iPhone launch is imminent. In fact, it’s just hours away. At 10am Pacific Standard Time the curtain will rise at the new Steve Jobs Theatre in Cupertino. Gulf News will be reporting live from the event. It’s the first time Apple has hosted a launch event at its new headquarters, commonly dubbed the “Space Ship” due to its unusual design. Previous launches were held in either San Francisco or in nearby San Jose. Typical of any Apple launch,…
NEW YORK: Etihad Airways and renowned British designer Julien Macdonald OBE officially launched a promotional fashion film on the opening night of New York Fashion Week. Featuring over 17 couture outfits by the celebrated designer, and WME | IMG models, the short inflight film draws parallels between the production of a high-end fashion show and the preparation that goes into ensuring a safe and comfortable flight. The film was at a high-profile press event in the Etihad Airways VIP Lounge at NYFW: The Shows with an archive presentation and appearance by Julien Macdonald. With participation by members of Etihad Airways’…
MADRID: Besides many other issues there is an important decision for the upcoming General Assembly is the application by the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Tourism for a full membership into UNWTO. The application for Palestine was submitted last year. The full General Assembly has to agree with a two third majority to accept Palestine as a new country to join the organization. The full General Assembly is getting together in Chengdu, China next week. Palestine became a full member of UNESCO in 2011. Tourism is an important revenue channel for Palestine and also Israel. However, Israel is indirectly in control…
GERMANY: This year’s summer holidays are coming to an end all over Europe. Flight cancellations and delays over the summer months make European travellers eligible to some 5.5 billion euros, based on regulation (EC) 261/2004. refund.me strongly recommends to file compensation claims. Passengers are often unaware of their rights in case of flight cancellations and lengthy delays; missed connections and overbookings also entitle to claim compensation. Passengers very often get blocked when they try to file their claims with the airline directly. However, they would gain real money pursuant to EU legislation. If a flight is delayed for more than…
KARACHI: Mr. Andy Hao-General Manager Pakistan Air China, Mr. Eason Wang-Sales Manager Air China and Mr. Saad Ahmed Siddiqui-Sales & Marketing Representative Air China visited Bukhari Group Chairman Office last week. Bukhari Group Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Rafiq Khan & his team, Sardar Zubair Hussain-Group CEO, Sayed Muhammad Tariq-Group COO and Kazmi Syed Shams-Group AVP warmly greeted Mr. Andy Hao-GM Pakistan Air China and his Sales Team to discuss business development in a very friendly atmosphere. Mr. Shakil Ahmed, Executive Director UIG was also present in the meeting. Team Air China briefed about their increase in flight frequency in near future…
MANAMA: Gulf Air has announced that the airline will increase its Moscow service from four weekly to daily flights with a new operating schedule that will come into effect in the last week of October. The boost in flights to Moscow coincides with the airline’s three-year anniversary of direct, nonstop service to/from Domodedovo International Airport in the Russian capital. Commenting on this latest development, Mr. Ahmed Janahi, Gulf Air Chief Commercial Officer, said: “By adding frequencies and enhancing our product offering we are making Moscow more accessible than ever for our customers travelling from across the region, providing them with…
NEW YORK: United Airlines has partnered with three world-class design and apparel companies; Brooks Brothers, Tracy Reese and Carhartt to inspire and create a new line of uniforms for the carrier’s more than 70,000 front-line employees. United will also partner with Tumi, the leading international brand of premium travel, business and lifestyle accessories, to be the official luggage provider for all 24,000 flight attendants. “The partners we’ve selected uniquely match what our employees asked for in a uniforms program – style, comfort and durability,” said Kate Gebo, Senior Vice President of global customer service delivery and Chief Customer Officer of…
WELLINGTON: New Zealand could introduce a tourist tax of $25 to enter the country. The New Zealand Labour Party has stated that they would introduce the tax by the end of their first term if they got into power. The proposal will create a “Tourism and Conservation Infrastructure Fund” which will invest $75 million back into the tourism economy.This will be funded by a $25 entry fee for travellers entering the country. However, with tourists already charged $22, this is almost doubling the price that is put to holidaymakers. The $22 fee was added in 2015, broken down by $16…
MUSCAT: Oman Air announced it has signed a code-share agreement with Kenya Airways in a deal that will cover services between Muscat and Nairobi effective August 28, 2017.The deal will allow connectivity to Kenya Airways customers in accessing Muscat directly from Nairobi. Oman Air launched flights to Nairobi in March this year. Oman Air said the code-share comes as trade between Kenya and Oman grows, while Kenya Airways said the deal will help increase competitive offerings. Oman Air signs codeshare deal with Kenya Airways Oman Air has implemented a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways covering services between Muscat and Nairobi.…