Author: holidayweekly

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…

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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,…

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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…

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NEW YORK: The national executive committee of Skål International-USA, one of the oldest global organizations of tourism leaders from all Industry segments, has taken a strong stand to combat the proposed zero budgeting for Brand USA, the marketing arm for the United States. “Brand USA has done an effective job growing the inbound travel market to America,” said Holly Powers, President of Skål International–USA. “In the last year alone, we have seen an additional economic impact of $8.2 billion from the travel industry, allowing it to continue as America’s leading export.” Brand USA is funded from private contributions and a…

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DOHA: After Saudi Arabia closed their airspace for Qatar Airways, the airline was forced to cancel all flights from Doha to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Qatar Airways has suspended all flights to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. There are hundreds of more cancellations in the immediate planning for  flights from and to Doha connecting UAE, Bahrain, and Egyptian airports Flight Radar data shows increased traffic over Iran indicating Qatar Airways is working with the Islamic Republic to reroute flights to other destinations over Iranian airspace. The airspace over Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt is closed…

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A breaking news situation with enormous consequences also for international aviation is in progress in Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt. Countries are accusing Qatar of supporting terrorism and sectarianism. According to news reports  Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Egypt have cut diplomatic ties and all land sea and air contacts with Qatar, accusing the Persian Gulf country of supporting terrorism and interfering in their internal affairs. Qatar Airways is in stiff competition with UAE-based Emirates and Etihad Airways and offer frequent flights almost hourly between Qatar and the UAE. Also the Saudi state news agency, citing an official…

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ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines celebrated well the arrival of its 30th Boeing 777-300ER, adding to its ever-growing fleet. The new delivery, welcomed with a traditional water salute, is the first aircraft to feature seats by Turkish Seats Industries (TSI), a complete Turkish brand through a close collaboration with Boeing. TSI, the first locally aircraft seat producer in Turkey, which is a joint venture between Turkish Airlines and Assan Hanil, aims to play a key role in the global aircraft seat market with its innovative, lightweight, quality products. “Three years ago, we partnered in a significant initiative to pioneer another first in…

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DUBAI: Emirates today confirmed that its new First Class product will be showcased at the Dubai Air Show in November, 2017. Making its debut onboard a Boeing 777-300ER, Emirates’ new First Class cabin will feature six private suites laid out in a 1-1-1 layout. It currently has eight private suites in a 1-2-1 layout on its existing 777 fleet. In addition to the redesigned First Class, Emirates’ new Boeing 777-300ER will also incorporate new features in the Business and Economy Class cabins. Emirates have not yet announced the destinations where the new Boeing 777-300ER will be used.

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BANGKOK:The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and the recently established Online Tourism Club (Thailand) are seeking ways to minimise online operators that sell lower-quality tour packages, especially in the Chinese FIT (free independent traveller) sector, to protect the interests of both tourists and Thai tourism-service providers. TAT Governor Yuthasak Supasorn said: “Tourism is vital to Thailand’s economy, so it is the job of the public and private sectors to work together to ensure high standards as well as standardise prices. We must ensure that tourism remains sustainable and fair for everyone, and that all tourists continue to feel welcome and…

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AMMAN – It was announced that the Board of Directors of Royal Jordanian Airlines has appointed Stefan Pichler as President/Chief Executive Officer of the company as of June 1, 2017, succeeding Captain Suleiman Obeidat. Mr. Pichler comes with a broad experience that extends for over thirty years in the aviation industry, as he had previously occupied the position of Chief Executive Officer of Air Berlin, the Chairman and Managing Director of Fiji Airways, the Chief Executive Officer of Al Jazeera airlines, the Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO of the Australian Virgin airlines and the Chief Executive Officer of Thomas…

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