Dubai: Capitalising the expected growth in Iran Air, German Carrier, and Lufthansa is currently in talks with Iran Air over providing catering services as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul services. “We are in intense discussion with the technical services of Iran Air. Also, LSG, our catering company, is in quite intense discussions in the Iranian market because they all see huge potential in that market,” said Heike Birlenbach, Senior Vice President of sales for Lufthansa Hub Airlines and chief commercial officer. Lufthansa already flies to Iran, and the airline is planning to expand its presence outside of commercial flights…
Author: holidayweekly
DUBAI: Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has expanded its footprint in Pakistan after finalising an agreement to operate its third property in the country. The Swiss hospitality firm has signed a deal with the Orient Group of Companies to manage the 310-key Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Lahore, part of a new mixed-used development the government has earmarked as the city’s new commercial hub. Set to be one of the tallest buildings in Pakistan when it opens in 2021, the property will be the focal point of the high-profile Finance and Trade Centre project in Johar Town, an up-and-coming district earmarked for…
DUBAI: The UAE is hosting this week two mega events, the Ministerial Forum of UNWTO, and the 42nd UNWTO Commission for the Middle East on 24th April, on the sidelines of the Arab Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai. The ministerial forum of UNWTO and ATM Forum will be held under the patronage and attendance of Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansouri, Minister of Economy, and will see the participation of several world renowned personalities of travel & tourism trade, tourism ministers of Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon and of course Mr. Taleb Al Rifai, the Secretary-General for the World Tourism Organisation, as…
DOHA: Qatar Airways has become the first airline to achieve compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Resolution 753 at its hub in Hamad International Airport (HIA), the airline said. The resolution requires the airline to track every piece of baggage from the start of the journey all the way through to its finish. The certification has been achieved thanks to the airline´s Baggage Management System (HAQIBA) developed in-house, as well as real time integration with the Qatar Airways website and mobile app. Qatar Airways offers real time updates on checked baggage through the “Track My Bags” feature on…
KARACHI: Easter this year has uniquely fallen on the same Sunday for all sects, the Christians, the Catholics, the Greek Orthodox (who follow a lunar calendar) and the Protestants, whereas it was usually celebrated on different days by them. The occasion definitely called for a special celebration and the new General Manager, Mr. Azeem Quraishy of Beach Luxury Hotel, rising to the occasion, arranged a festive Easter Brunch. The inaugural tape was cut by the Chief Guest Consul General of Switzerland, His Excellency Philippe Crevoisier accompanied by his wife. Other prominent guests present were the Consul General of the Russian…
LAHORE: Pakistan Rangers and India’s Border Security Forces are set to replicate Wagah border’s elaborate military drill in one of three border openings between the two countries, to draw more tourists. Amid frosty ties between Pakistan and India, Pakistan Rangers and the Indian Border Security Force plan to open a new front of bonhomie on the Punjab border. The security forces of the neighbouring countries plan to develop the Sulemanki- Sadiqi joint check post (JCP) as a tourist spot on the lines of the Attari-Wagah JCP soon. “Sulemanki and Sadiqi have tourism potential so both nations have made up their…
ISTANBUL: Turkish Airlines has now added Samara to its extensive international network, with the Star Alliance member beginning three times weekly (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays) flights from Istanbul Atatürk (IST). Inaugurated on 11 April, the Turkish flag carrier will serve the 2,115-kilometre sector on its 737-800s according to OAG schedules, with Atlas global providing the direct competition with its twice-weekly operation. Onur Air is set to become the third carrier to connect the two airports in May. With this launch, Turkish now serves 10 cities in Russia with 62 weekly flights, with Samara joining Ekaterinurg, Kazan, Moscow Vnokovo, Rostov-on-Don, St.…
BANGKOK: Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports says the total economic impact of spending during the Songkran 2017 holiday was 45.428 billion Baht (US$1.3 billion), representing a 14.40 percent increase over the same period last year. In addition, several destinations nationwide were reportedly recording noticeable tourism growth during the Thai New Year period. During the Songkran 2017 holiday period from 11-17 April, Thailand attracted 695,894 international tourists and generated about 36.941 billion Baht (US$1 billion), up 10.9 percent and 16.40 percent, respectively. Meanwhile, domestic tourism resulted in 3.03 million trips and 8.487 billion Baht (US$242 million) revenue up 3.36 percent…
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has changed its IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) concerning the shipping of lithium batteries. Since January 1, 2017 lithium batteries that were previously not covered by labelling requirements have become partially subject to them. Hereafter the FBDi summarizes the most important changes: Labelling requirement. They require a label even where not more than 2 batteries or 4 cells per shipment are contained per shipment item.. Instructions for shipment of Section II lithium batteries. Since 1 January 2017, the Dangerous Goods Regulations (Section 1.6.2) contains an exact definition of ‘sufficient instructions’ as required in the…
MUSCAT: Oman Air has announced that passengers can now take their golf bag on board flights to and from Muscat free of charge.The new policy came into effect on April 9 and demonstrates the carrier’s commitment to encouraging golf tourism in Oman. One golf bag per person will be allowed free of charge on all flights to and from Muscat. Guests flying with Oman Air on all other routes may replace one bag within their baggage allowance with a golf bag. This means that guests flying in Economy elsewhere on Oman Air’s network may replace their 30kg bag with a…