The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is reasserting its commitment to sustainable development across the entire spectrum of travel and tourism with a renewed pledge to support the Paris Accord within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Embedded within this PATA advocacy theme is an acknowledgment and recognition that tourism must play an influential role in preserving the planet’s natural resources by adopting effective, sustainable practices. “Our members, both public and private sector, are leading by example. They recognize that responsible business practices must embrace practical measures to offset the potentially irreversible damage to our planet caused by…
Author: holidayweekly
MUSCAT: National carrier Oman Air is upping capacity to Doha after a diplomatic row between Qatar and some of its neighbours resulted in the immediate suspension of flights to the state, said a report. Last week Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the UAE, and Egypt announced the severing of diplomatic ties with Qatar. Oman Air will fly larger capacity planes to the Doha from June 8 to 14 and has also dedicated three charter flights to Qatar Airways to operate sectors Muscat/Jeddah/Muscat A connecting Qatar Airways flight will then transport passengers onwards from Muscat (Oman) to Doha, the report said. Passengers are…
FRANCE: Fresh off launching the previous largest cruise ship in the world last year, Royal Caribbean just floated its newest mega ship Symphony of the Seas out of dry-dock in France on Friday for the first time, marking the (very short) maiden voyage of the 1,188-foot, 230,000-ton vessel and upcoming record-holder. When it officially sets sail in 2018, the Symphony of the Seas will spend its first summer visiting several Mediterranean ports of call before coming back across the pond for a winter of Caribbean cruises. But there’s a lot of work to be done between now and then—it may be sea-worthy, but…
HUNZA: The students of Hasegawa Memorial Public School & College cleaned wastes from the Karimabad Bazar, urging the shopkeepers, tourists, locals and hoteliers to respect nature and keep the area pollution free. An exhibition of paintings made by the students was also held. The students made presentations, highlighting the importance of nature and natural habitat. They also shared their views on how to protect our earth. All these events were organized by Hunza Serena inn to celebrate the World Environment Day. Mr. Rehmat Karim, Vice Principal of Hasegawa Memorial Public School & College, expressed his view on different environmental issues how to protect our nature, and…
RIYDH: Saudia Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has received the highest level of certification for its digital merchandizing of the airline’s onboard product and features available to travel retailers. This now means that when travel agents and retailers are making air travel booking for Saudia guests, they will be able to see images of the seats and layout on board. In addition, passengers can purchase additional services when available. With this new capability, Saudia will have the ability to provide IATA-accredited Travel Agencies a full view, displayed through rich media content that includes fare family products and dynamic pricing as listed on…
ATHENS: The Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO) announced that it expects a record-breaking 30 million international visitors to Greece for 2017. This represents a growth rate of 7%, or an additional 2 million additional visitors over the previous year. 900,000 US travelers are expected to visit the country this year. For the last two years, Greece’s growth has been nearly twice the global industry average of 3.9 percent, as reported by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) in January 2017. The World Travel & Tourism Council estimates that tourism in 2017 will help boost the Greek economy by 6.9 percent, and…
KARACHI: Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will offer one night’s free accommodation at the Radisson Blu hotel on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, to all guests travelling in Economy Class from Pakistan, the Middle East, and Africa. The offer is valid till 15 September 2017. Mohammad Al Bulooki, Executive Vice President Commercial – Etihad Airways, said: “Etihad Airways is delighted to invite guests to experience Abu Dhabi for themselves. The capital of the United Arab Emirates has so much to offer all types of travelers, whether they look forward to experiencing culture, a beach break or…
ABU DHABI: As the conflict between Qatar and some of its Gulf neighbours intensifying, UAE national carrier Etihad has declared that Qatar’s nationals as well as its expat residents will not be allowed to travel to or transit through UAE airports. This announcement follows instructions by relevant authorities in the UAE, said a report in Reuters citing a statement released by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier. “This ruling applies to all airlines flying into the UAE, including Etihad Airways,” the airline said. The move follows UAE severing all diplomatic relations with Qatar, in a coordinated decision with Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and…
DOHA: In the days following the shock split between Qatar and the surrounding Middle Eastern countries, Qatar Airways has remained fairly quiet despite the concerns over how the new ban will affect travellers. [huge_it_slider id=”49″] But in a statement, it has broken its silence over how the diplomatic conflict will impact its airline services. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Egypt have all cut ties with the country, banning land, Air and sea travel between the nations.. Qatar Airways posted on its website on Monday that it had “suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UAE,…
GENEVA: Geneva has been nominated by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA), for the 2017 European’s Leading Destination Award as well as the European’s Leading City Break Destination Award, regarded as the “Tourism Oscars” in the industry. [huge_it_slider id=”48″] Ideally located in the heart of Europe and known as one of Switzerland’s most spectacular landscapes, Geneva is a dream of a city thanks to a unique setting on the shores of Western Europe’s largest lake and with a dazzling view on the Mont-Blanc. In 2016, Geneva experienced over 250,000 guest nights from GCC visitors, making it the most popular Swiss…