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…
Author: holidayweekly
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
BERLIN: Airbus and China have signed a memorandum of understanding on aviation and aerospace, further enhancing a spirit of cooperation. The deal was signed in Berlin by Fabrice Brégier, Chief Operating Officer and President of Commercial Aircraft, and He Lifeng, Chairman of the National Development and Reform Commission of China. The memorandum strengthens and deepens mutually beneficial collaboration between Airbus and Chinese aviation industry in various fields. Based on an already established solid foundation, Airbus and China will support the development of engineering skills and technology innovation in China and also promote the integration of Chinese suppliers into Airbus’ global…
President Donald Trump on First June made his final call to pull the United States out of the Paris climate agreement.The deal was hammered out over weeks of tense negotiations in December 2015 and weighs in at 31 pages,Signed by all but two countries (Syrian and Nicaragua), is a broad framework designed to nudge nations to prevent catastrophic climate change.Though 195 countries have agreed to it. But there’s also no defined punishment for breaking it. The idea is to create a culture of accountability. The backbone is the global target of keeping global average temperatures from rising 2°C (compared to…
KARACHI: The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has planned to initiate the organizational transformation process with an objective to transform itself into one of the leading aviation organizations in the world. In a bid to implement international best practices of the industry and vision of the federal government as outlined in the National Aviation Policy, the CAA has decided to enhance its organizational capabilities in terms of safety, security, efficiency, capacity building and environment, etc. It is also intended to upgrade the technological infrastructure including adoption of best industrial practices and implementation of modern business and information technology concepts. In…