Dubai Destinations campaign launches new phase celebrating summer season

DUBAI: A new phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign is inviting residents and visitors to create unforgettable memories this summer by exploring Dubai’s vibrant offerings and discovering a wide range of captivating experiences and activities.

A celebration of the city’s unique appeal across all seasons, the Dubai Destinations campaign seeks to spotlight the city’s top-rated attractions, with an emphasis on the unique experiences that set the emirate apart as one of the world’s most captivating destinations. The collaborative campaign, implemented by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), harnesses the power of storytelling to further raise the city’s profile as a leading global destination.

The latest phase of the campaign will capture the essence of Dubai as a unique summer destination by focusing on beach destinations, waterparks, indoor activities, and luxurious hotel pools, highlighting the city’s diverse range of experiences that cater to the tastes and interests of people of all ages and nationalities.

The current season of the Dubai Destinations campaign also brings together a wide range of public and private sector stakeholders to showcase the emirate’s various exciting experiences.

Shaima Al Suwaidi, Director of Brand Dubai, said, “This phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to transform the emirate into the world’s best city to live and visit. By showcasing Dubai’s vibrant summer offerings, we are not only highlighting its unique charm but also reaffirming our commitment to raising Dubai’s profile as a city that offers unparalleled experiences for both residents and tourists.

With the support of government entities, industry stakeholders from the public and private sectors, and the creative media community, the campaign will shed light on unique destinations, hidden gems, and exciting activities that make Dubai one of the world’s most popular destinations. Our goal is to ensure that everyone can experience the beauty, excitement, and warmth that define Dubai, fostering a deeper connection with the city and its offerings.”

Through engaging and interactive content, the campaign will spotlight Dubai’s stunning beaches and water activities, featuring popular spots such as Dubai Ladies Club, Bluwaters, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Beach Residence, The Beach, Jumeirah, Al Mamzar Park, and the unique Night Beach experience.

For those seeking indoor adventures, the campaign will highlight attractions like Ski Dubai, Aya Universe, Chaos Karts, and an array of shopping malls including Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, and Mirdif City Centre. Visitors can also enjoy unique experiences at Deep Dive Dubai, various sports courts, theme parks such as IMG Worlds of Adventure and LEGOLAND, Air Maniax, indoor skydiving at iFly Dubai, The Green Planet, and KidZania.

Dubai’s famous waterparks will also be featured prominently, including LEGOLAND Water Park at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Wild Wadi, and Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm.

The campaign will also highlight Dubai’s luxurious hotel pools, from infinity pools and rooftop pools to private pools and those with breathtaking views, offering the perfect retreat from the summer heat.

Upcoming Dubai Destinations guides, set to be released by Brand Dubai during the campaign, will help people discover many attractions in the emirate covering exciting summer and weekend activities, seaside dining options, and other businesses running exciting programmes during the season. From top-rated summer camps for children to thrilling water activities, enchanting staycations and indoor hotspots, these guides serve as unique resources for exploring the best of Dubai during the summer season.

Furthermore, the campaign will spotlight unique homegrown businesses from the ‘Proudly from Dubai’ network, an initiative launched by Brand Dubai to highlight the success stories of businesses born and initiated in Dubai.

Brand Dubai will also be partnering with several content creators and influencers to develop videos and promotional content that highlight the top activities, experiences and events in the city and where to find them. The latest phase of the Dubai Destinations campaign, which coincides with Dubai Summer Surprises, is being rolled out over digital, broadcast, print and outdoor media to ensure it reaches large sections of local and international audiences.

Source:  Zawya.  

Dubai Emerges as a World-Class Destination for Luxury Yachts

In recent years Dubai has commanded attention for its spectacular architecture, vibrant economy, and allure for luxury travelers. It’s hard to believe that not too long ago this innovative city was a small trading port; now it is a state-of-the-art maritime center as well as a world-class destination and home base for yacht owners. Over the past decade Dubai has strategically developed its amenities and services with the aim of creating a thriving nautical ecosystem. For foreign-flagged craft the introduction to the area begins with a seamless arrival experience.

Today there are 22 marinas and more than 3,600 berths for boats, including many for superyachts, megayachts, and gigayachts. To accommodate these vessels an array of modern maintenance and repair facilities has opened, along with technical support, specialty marine stores, and, notably, marina-based health and wellness centers that cater to yacht guests and crews.

The warm weather and safe, tranquil seas here, especially from October to April, provide extraordinarily pleasurable cruising conditions, all complemented by Dubai’s land-based attractions. The city is known for its scenic coastline, luxe hotels, cultural fare, and award-winning restaurants. Cruise-in, dock-and-dine opportunities are a new trend, offering the possibility to moor for a few hours while enjoying fine dining at a resort or hotel, a spa treatment, or the amenities of a beach club.

Luxe and well-equipped marinas abound. Among the newest and most popular are the following: 

Dubai Harbour, which opened in 2020 with space for 700 vessels, is in the heart of Dubai, with easy access to tourist attractions and encompassing cafes, shops, VIP lounges, and the Dubai Harbour Yacht Club.

Nakheel Marinas Dubai Islands was launched in 2023 along the city’s north coast, offering easy cruising to the open sea; it can accommodate 13 superyachts at a time.

Luxurious and picturesque P & O Marinas has a total of 1,200 wet berths and 600 dry berths and includes well-known Mina Rashid, which can host a range of pleasure craft, plus superyachts between 25 and 160 meters.

Located on the prestigious Jumeirah Bay Island, along a promenade that resembles a Mediterranean village, Bulgari Marina & Yacht Club is a superyacht anchorage that includes berths for vessels from 10 to 40 meters as well as dock-and-dine services.

Also noteworthy are Bay Marina, Dubai’s first dedicated superyacht marina, with berths for vessels up to 160 meters; Palm View Marina, located on the Dubai Harbour seafront, which boasts a lively shoreside walkway; and Nakheel Marinas on Palm Jumeirah, which welcomes a range of sailing vessels with 261 berths in two marinas plus luxury yacht services.

Dubai’s busy winter-season calendar is filled with international events that appeal to yacht owners and other high-end travelers. The Dubai Desert Classic, Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championships, Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, Emirates Dubai 7s rugby, and Dubai World Cup horse racing are just a few of the must-see tournaments for sports aficionados. On the cultural scene, there are Art Dubai, Dubai Watch Week, DIFC Art Nights, and World Art Dubai. High-profile maritime expositions that showcase the latest in yacht design, technology, and luxury include the Dubai International Boat Show, which celebrated its 30th anniversary earlier this year, and the three-day Gulf Superyacht Summit 2024, coming in November.

As Dubai has grown as a world-class yachting destination, the city has also focused on sustainability of its rich marine environment through collaborations and green marina initiatives with the aim of promoting responsible yachting and protecting the ocean’s biodiversity. Ensuring the health of the seas is a crucial element in maintaining Dubai’s importance to the luxury yachting community now and for generations to come.

Source: Robb Report.

Uganda Airlines Launches Direct London Flights

Uganda Airlines is gearing up to launch direct flights to London, significantly boosting connectivity between Uganda and the UK. This exciting development promises to enhance economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.

The announcement follows a series of strategic meetings held in London by a delegation led by Uganda Airlines CEO, Ms. Jenifer Bamuturaki. From June 11th to 15th, 2024, the team met with UK aviation authorities, business communities, and the Ugandan diaspora in preparation for the highly anticipated launch.

Securing coveted landing and departure slots at London Heathrow Airport marks a major milestone for Uganda Airlines. This achievement follows the acquisition of two Airbus A330-800 Neo aircraft in 2020 and 2021, specifically to service this route. While the wait for the inaugural flight continues, it’s attributed to finalizing certification processes with the UKCAA and EASA.

The demand for a direct Entebbe-London route is undeniable. In 2019 alone, over 84,000 passengers flew between these two cities, making Entebbe the second-largest unserved African market for London flights. This high volume underscores the potential success of the new route.

This expansion into the European market aligns with Uganda Airlines’ broader strategy for international growth. Just last year, the airline launched direct flights to Mumbai, India, and several destinations in West Africa. The London route will be their 13th destination and a significant step towards positioning Uganda Airlines as a major player in African aviation.

The benefits of this new route extend far beyond convenience for Ugandan travelers. It’s expected to attract tourists and business travelers, injecting a much-needed boost to Uganda’s tourism and economic sectors.

As Uganda Airlines prepares for this historic launch, anticipation is high. Direct flights between Entebbe and London promise a new era of connectivity, opening doors to a wealth of opportunities for travelers. With continued expansion and a commitment to excellence, the future of Ugandan aviation appears to be soaring.

Source: Nile Post.

Kenya backs to UN tourism growth agenda

In Summary

•Kenya was elected to chair the UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism Competitiveness until 2027 earlier this year, after defeating strong bids from Thailand and Malta.

•UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili has called for more cooperation within the regions, including joint meetings.

Kenya has committed to supporting the UN Tourism’s growth and sustainability agenda aimed at promoting tourism as a leading economic activity. Tourism is the world’s fifth export earning category as of the close of 2022.

The 121st session of the UN Tourism Executive Council was held in Barcelona, Spain, and chaired by Saudi Arabia Minister for Tourism, Ahmed Al Khateeb.

Kenya called for enhanced collaboration and resource mobilization to strengthen the organization, amidst the global economic strains.

“Global tourism is recovering fully from the effects of the pandemic and many destinations are getting past the mark of the pre – Covid era. The world is alive to the gains of the tourism sector and Kenya is aligned to tap in other global trends” Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who sent a delegation to Barcelona, said.

He said Kenya is committed to working closely with the UN Tourism and member states, to ensure tourism continues to be a key economic driver.

Mutua urged member states to explore innovative ways to raise funds and partner with other UN agencies such as the UN-Habitat and the private sector.

He said Kenya would leverage on the various programmes of UN Tourism in various areas including capacity building, community-based tourism, artificial intelligence, innovation, education, product promotion among others.

The CS further highlighted the need to regularize the election cycle and address non-compliance of membership fees as key to providing predictable budgeting and financing, that allows the UN Tourism to effectively execute its core functions of supporting regional workshops and initiatives.

As chair of the Committee on Tourism and Competitiveness until 2027, Kenya aims to steer other members into leveraging global data, research, case studies and partnerships to enhance global policies, as well as its own tourism policies and strategies.

The country also seeks to ensure the interests and needs of African and developing countries are represented amidst the voices of more established tourism markets on the global stage.

Kenya was elected to chair the UN Tourism’s Committee on Tourism Competitiveness until 2027 earlier this year, after two rounds of voting, defeating strong bids from Thailand and Malta.

UN Tourism Secretary General Zurab Pololikashvili made a call for more cooperation within the regions, including joint meetings.

The Americas and Africa will meet in 2024 and Kenya will be part of the Africa talks slated for July 2024 in Zambia.

Source:  The-star.  

Dubai Tourism signs deal to ease payments

The Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism) and Al Ansari Exchange have signed an agreement to facilitate payments for a range of tourism and travel-related services.

Under the agreement, partners of Dubai Tourism, including hotels, event organisers, tour operators and tourism companies, will be able to make payments for services through 183 branches of Al Ansari Exchange across the UAE.

The agreement was signed by Ahmed Khalifa Alfalasi, CEO of corporate services and investments, Dubai Tourism, and Rashed Ali Al Ansari, general manager of Al Ansari Exchange.

Alfalasi said: “The partnership will take our payment system to the next level of reliability and convenience. This agreement means that our partners no longer need to visit Dubai Tourism offices to make payments.”

Al Ansari said: “We are pleased to collaborate with Dubai Tourism to enable customers to pay the travel and tourism services fees through our wide branch network across the UAE. Under this agreement, all companies, organisations and individuals working in the travel and tourism sector are able now to make payments with ease and convenience.”

Source: Khaleej Times.

Global airlines gather in Dubai to tackle climate goals, supply chain woes and war impact

Global airlines will gather for an annual summit starting from Sunday under the shadow of the Israel-Gaza war to discuss ways to navigate geopolitical instability, turn climate goals into reality and overcome pressures on growth from strained supply chains.

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) will hold its 80th annual general meeting from Sunday to Tuesday in Dubai for the first time, underscoring the city’s importance as a global aviation hub and home to Emirates airline. An influential airlines lobby group, Iata has 300 members from 120 countries who carry more than 80 per cent of the world’s air traffic.

“Dubai’s world-leading connectivity places it at the crossroads of the planet. And it will soon be the centre of the airline industry’s leadership,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.

Global airlines are riding the wave of a post-pandemic travel boom and enjoying higher fares as demand exceeds the supply of available seats, but this is tempered by plane shortages, faltering supply chains, conflicts and increasing costs.

“Discussions at the Iata annual general meeting will turn to the serious issues airlines are experiencing as a result of shortfalls in aircraft deliveries, restrictions of air routes due to regional conflicts, supply chain disruptions, fuel charges and other immediate constraints on fulfilling travel demand,” Anita Mendiratta, founder of London-based consultancy Anita Mendiratta & Associates, told The National.

“Not to mention … continued labour shortages putting pressure on airline and airport operations, the increasing cost of travel and, of course, destination safety as a result of the enduring conflicts.”

Airline chiefs are also likely to address “underlying passenger concerns” after two recent flights encountered extreme turbulence, said Ms Mendiratta, also special adviser to the chief of UN tourism.

One man died and dozens were injured on Singapore Airlines flight SQ321, while 12 were injured on Qatar Airways flight QR017 that struck severe turbulence last week.

The Iata meeting will start with an updated report on the state of the aviation industry, detailing airlines’ collective financial performance.

In its latest report in December, Geneva-based Iata forecast that the industry’s net profit will surge by more than 10 per cent annually to $25.7 billion in 2024, while revenue is projected to grow 7.6 per cent year on year to a record $964 billion.

High on the agenda for the international airlines summit in Dubai are discussions around how long the prolonged post-Covid travel boom might continue as consumers become more price sensitive due to higher living costs.

A waning of the “revenge travel” phenomenon would deliver a blow to airlines already struggling with higher costs and limited aircraft availability.

Boeing and Airbus talks

Also high on the agenda will be airline bosses’ concerns around the years-long aviation supply chain problems, ranging from delayed plane deliveries to shortage of parts and fewer skilled workers. This has hampered airlines’ growth plans as they cannot ensure additional capacity to meet demand.

Manufacturing woes at Boeing and defects on Pratt & Whitney engines that power Airbus narrow-bodies are limiting the availability of planes, with airline chiefs expressing their frustration with production.

Boeing is currently in the middle of a search for a new chief executive to steer the US plane maker out of its worst crisis in years.

Airlines will use the Iata gathering as a platform for meetings with the troubled manufacturer and with its European rival Airbus to updates on their aircraft deliveries, aviation analysts said.

“Most of the conversations will be the airlines asking Boeing, ‘how are you improving the quality of builds and ensuring safety? And what is the timing for my deliveries? Has the timeline slipped? How realistic is the new timeline?'” George Ferguson, senior aerospace analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, told The National.

The private suites of the JW Marriott Marquis where the Iata gathering will be held will set the scene for these crucial meetings.

Boeing executives attending the summit will “undoubtedly use the opportunity to reinforce business relationships and to reassure airline leaderships that it is fully addressing quality issues as well as attempt to placate them about ongoing delivery delays”, aviation consultant John Strickland said.

While much of these conversations will be around airlines’ need to boost capacity, this is “a two sided coin”, Richard Aboulafia, managing director of US-based AeroDynamic Advisory, told The National.

“Inadequate capacity can push up prices and profits, on routes where demand is sufficient,” he said. However, high ticket prices can put off price-sensitive consumers as they grapple with inflation.

Environmental pressures

Airlines at the Iata gathering, facing pressures from environmental activists, will also need to explain how they plan to meet a target of net-zero emissions in 2050.

Key to this plan in the short-to-medium term is access to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as a more environment-friendly alternative to conventional jet fuel.

SAF is three to five times more expensive than jet fuel, “to the extent it would knock many consumers out of air travel if it was used widely” and the investment case for SAF production plants does not appear compelling enough to attract investments, Mr Ferguson said.

“I would say the plan is on life support already. There will be a lot of conversations at the AGM around where to go from here.”

The Iata meeting will focus on how to “inject more political impetus” from governments to help ensure the aviation industry can deliver on its sustainability goals, Mr Strickland said.

The shadow of war

The Iata meeting will take place as the Gaza war enters its ninth month in June, while negotiations to secure at least a pause in hostilities have been deadlocked for months. Last week, Israel launched a number of strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah killing dozens of Palestinians, including women and children, and have blocked humanitarian aid into the enclave.

For airlines, the Gaza war and Russia-Ukraine war has forced them to reallocate unused capacity in those regions and avoid the use of air space where regional tensions have flared up.

“I would anticipate significant discussion of the challenging geopolitical context of global airline operations especially in a year with a record number of presidential elections,” Mr Strickland said.

Emirates airline’s succession plans

Dubai-based Emirates will be the host airline of the Iata meeting this year and all eyes will be on its president Tim Clark.

The airline recently appointed its current chief operations officer Adel Al Redha and chief commercial officer Adnan Kazim as deputy presidents.

However, Emirates has not yet named a successor to Mr Clark, a step that the industry will be watching closely.

“The Emirates succession will be talked about extensively. As the most successful super-connector, smart airlines are mindful of where Emirates is going,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Tim Clark has had a strong run at the airline and its recovery from the pandemic is progressing nicely … his successors have big shoes to fill.”

This year’s Iata discussions will also revolve around the use of artificial intelligence in air travel and prospects of air cargo, according to the event programme.

Another focus will be on improving the male-dominated aviation industry’s persistent gender imbalance. The fifth edition of the Iata Diversity and Inclusion Awards will recognise organisations and individuals who are contributing to the 25by2025, an Iata initiative to bring more women into senior aviation leadership positions.

Source:  The National News.

Discover Adwa Zero Park: A Tribute to Heroism and Victory

Welcome to Adwa Zero Park, a remarkable destination located in the heart of Addis Ababa. This park is much more than a beautiful green space; it’s a living monument that commemorates Ethiopia’s historic victory at the Battle of Adwa. Designed to inspire and educate, Adwa Zero Park honors a pivotal moment in Ethiopian and African history, symbolizing national pride and resilience.
Why Visit Adwa Zero Park?

  1. Historical Significance
  • The Battle of Adwa: On March 1, 1896, Ethiopian forces under Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul triumphed over the invading Italian army.
    This victory was not only a defining moment for Ethiopia but also a significant milestone in the resistance against colonialism in Africa.

2. Prime Location and Accessibility

    • Centrally Located: Adwa Zero Park is conveniently situated in Addis Ababa, making it easily accessible to both locals and tourists. Its central location underscores its importance as a national landmark.

    3. Monuments and Memorials
    – Honour the Heroes: The park features numerous monuments and memorials dedicated to the brave figures of the Battle of Adwa, including Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul.

      • Iconic Statue: The centrepiece is a towering statue symbolizing Ethiopian independence
        and unity, serving as a focal point for reflection and commemoration.

      4. Beautiful Landscaping and Design

        • Serene Environment: The park is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, walking
          paths, and seating areas.
          Traditional Ethiopian elements are incorporated into the design, creating a peaceful and
          culturally resonant environment.
        • Educational Layout: The park’s layout provides a tranquil space for contemplation while
          educating visitors about the historical significance of the Battle of Adwa.

        5. Educational and Cultural Activities
        -Engaging Events: Adwa Zero Park hosts various educational and cultural events, including guided tours, historical re-enactments, and exhibitions.
        These activities are designed to deepen your understanding of the Battle of Adwa and its
        impact on Ethiopian history.

          • Special Celebrations: On significant anniversaries, such as March 1st, special events are
            organized to celebrate the victory and honour the memory of those who fought.

          6.Rich Visitor Experience

            • Informative Displays: The park offers a rich and immersive experience with informational
              plaques and interactive displays detailing the battle, strategies, and key figures involved.
            • Museum and Information Center**: A small museum or information centre on-site
              showcases artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Battle of Adwa, providing a
              valuable resource for history enthusiasts.

            7.Entrance fee USD20
            8.Closed on Tuesday’s
            Adwa Zero Park is more than just a park: it’s a testament to Ethiopia’s enduring spirit and the
            triumph of its people.
            Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a tourist, or a local resident, a visit to Adwa Zero Park
            offers a profound and inspiring experience.
            By commemorating the Battle of Adwa, the park connects the past with the present and
            reminds us of all the power of courage and determination.
            Visit Adwa Zero Park and be part of a legacy that celebrates Ethiopia’s resilience, unity, and
            pride.

            Learn more about Ethiopian holidays here : https://www.ethiopianholidays.com/

              Dubai’s Department of Economy & Tourism Roadshow – East Africa, Nairobi Edition 2024

              The annual Dubai Tourism Roadshow in East Africa is back, and this year, it promises to be an even more remarkable experience for the travel and tourism industry professionals in Kenya. Scheduled for June 10th, this event comes hot on the heels of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai, amplifying the momentum and engagement opportunities for participants who attended the prestigious expo.

              As the world emerges from the challenges of the pandemic, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) is taking a strategic approach to positioning Dubai as a premier travel destination in the new age of travel. This year’s Roadshow presents a unique platform for players to strategically position themselves as experts in selling the allure of Dubai to their clients.

              A Diverse Showcase of Dubai’s Offerings

              One of the highlights of the Dubai Tourism Roadshow is the diverse range of participants from Dubai’s vibrant tourism and hospitality industry. Airlines, hotels, destination management companies, entertainment providers, and hospitals have all come together to showcase their offerings, giving participants a comprehensive understanding of the breadth and depth of experiences available in Dubai.

              For those seeking to curate unforgettable Dubai experiences for their clients, this event is a treasure trove of opportunities. From discovering the city’s luxurious accommodations to exploring the breathtaking landscapes and indulging in world-class entertainment, the Roadshow offers a one-stop-shop for crafting tailored itineraries that cater to every traveler’s desires.

              Networking and Collaboration Opportunities

              Beyond the exhibitor showcases, the Dubai Tourism Roadshow also presents a platform for networking and collaboration. Participants have the chance to connect with industry experts, share ideas, and establish valuable contacts that could lead to potential partnerships and joint ventures.

              As Dubai continues to invest heavily in its healthcare infrastructure, becoming a medical tourism hub, the Roadshow also provides an opportunity for exploring the cutting-edge medical treatments and services available in the city. Healthcare professionals and institutions in Kenya can leverage this event to explore potential collaborations and partnerships with Dubai’s renowned hospitals.

              Exciting Raffle Prizes and Giveaways

              To add an extra layer of excitement to the event, Dubai’s partners are offering fantastic raffle prizes and giveaways. Attendees have the chance to win flights, accommodation, activities, and much more in Dubai. This enticing rewards underscore Dubai’s commitment to making dreams come true for East African travelers and provide an added incentive for you to attend and engage with the exhibitors.

              Dubai awaits with open arms, and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism is ready to make the connection happen. Don’t miss this chance to unlock the magic of Dubai and embark on a journey filled with endless possibilities.

              KATA News.

              Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism hails transformative 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market

              Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has celebrated a successful week at the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which took place from 6-9 May 2024 at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). DET was joined on the Dubai stand by 129 key partners and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, who held business meetings with delegates from around the world, showcasing the emirate’s diverse and innovative tourism offering to thousands of industry leaders attending the global travel trade exhibition.

              This year’s ATM was held under the forward-looking theme ‘Empowering Innovation – Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’. During the four-day event, DET highlighted the pivotal role played by entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the city, and how Dubai’s travel and hospitality sectors have nurtured innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainability to create new pathways for growth beyond traditional tourism. This strategic approach is inspired by the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business and leisure.

              ATM 2024 provided a platform to build and consolidate relationships across the travel industry, and DET signed several strategic partnership agreements, including one with Emirates which will see the two entities work together to intensify international efforts and bolster Dubai’s mindshare as a hub for trade, tourism and investment. During an action-packed show at DWTC, DET made a number of major announcements, including the launch of the inaugural ‘Dubai Sustainability Industry Report’. Contributing to the ATM Conference Programme, DET spokespeople also delivered keynote addresses and took part in a range of panel discussions, including ‘The Potential of Cruise: Creating Swell in the Middle East’ and ‘Educating Young Entrepreneurs: Building a Career in Travel’.

              Dubai’s successful participation at ATM 2024 follows a record-breaking year for its tourism sector, after welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors in 2023. As announced by DET at the show, this momentum continued in the first quarter of 2024, with 5.18 million international overnight visitors from January to March, an 11% rise over the same period in 2023.

              His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market was the most successful yet for Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, yielding strong outcomes as we connected with industry leaders to discuss the future of travel and the latest trends transforming our sector. Guided by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and the goals of the D33 Agenda, we have a clear objective to further advance tourism’s economic impact, including by leveraging innovation and entrepreneurship. At ATM we had the opportunity to develop a number of new partnerships, which are an important part of the strategy to make Dubai the best city to visit, live and work in. These partners, as well as all our travel and tourism stakeholders, play a critical role in achieving these goals, and we thank them for their support as we build on the knowledge shared at ATM.”

              DET organised the largest ever ATM Hosted Buyers Programme, promoting Dubai’s unparalleled hospitality and offerings to a record participation of more than 540 buyers from 47 different markets and countries. With the support of stakeholders including DMCs, hotels, venues and attractions, the hosted buyers were able to enjoy a range of experiences and iconic locations in the city, including evenings hosted by Expo City Dubai, Real Madrid World, and Dubai Creek Harbour.

              In addition to meeting DET and stakeholder representatives, visitors to the stand also had the opportunity to play ‘Dubai Pinball’, an interactive and engaging gaming experience that enhanced players’ familiarity with attractions and landmarks around the city, offering prizes for the highest scores.

              Strengthening Dubai’s position as a global hub for business and MICE events, ATM 2024 was the biggest edition to date, welcoming over 46,000 attendees and more than 2,600 exhibitors from over 160 countries across four days at DWTC. Growth was recorded across all event verticals with exhibitor participation increasing by 26% YoY.

              Source:  Hotel News

              KQ resumes flights to Kinshasa after detained staffer released.

              Kenya Airways Monday announced the resumption of flights to Kinshasa after an employee who had been detained there was released.

              KQ Chief Executive Officer Allan Kilavuka reiterated their staff are innocent in the saga that led to the suspension of flights to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

              “We want to reiterate that our employees are innocent and were only carrying out their duties in strict adherence to the laid-out procedures. We stand by their innocence and will continue to support them.”

              “With the necessary ground support in place, we are pleased to announce that Kenya Airways will resume flights to Kinshasa on 8 May 2024. We look forward to serving our valued customers once again,” he said.

              The suspension of the flights to DRC had badly affected many operations in the country.

              The Kenya Airways employee who had been detained by the Democratic Republic of Congo Military Intelligence Unit was finally freed on Monday after a two-week detention.

              Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei made the announcement Monday evening after negotiations.

              According to the PS, Lydia Mbotela, a KQ manager working in the DRC, was released after negotiations facilitated by Kenya’s Military Attaché and Charge d’affaires.

              “Deeply grateful to inform that Lydia Mbotela, KQ Manager in DRC, has just been released by the authorities in Kinshasa,” Sing’oei wrote on social platform X on Monday.

              “I commend the team at our Mission: our Military Attaché, the FRO and the Charge d’affaires, for this incredible work of negotiating our compatriot’s release.”

              Kilavuka said the two were apprehended by the Military Intelligence Unit in Kinshasa for “missing customs documentation on valuable cargo.”

              Kilavuka, on the other hand, faulted Kinshasa authorities for arresting the duo, claiming that they were being held in violation of a court order and that the cargo in question had not been uplifted or accepted by KQ.

              As the situation deteriorated, KQ suspended its flights to Kinshasha, stating in a statement that it was unable to provide its services effectively without its employees.

              The KQ boss thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs staff led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi for the release.

              It has emerged the borne of contention was about USD8 million that was to be flown to Kenya from DRC, according to investigators.

              The money belonged to a bank.

              But the money allegedly went missing from the airport before it could be admitted into the airline as cargo and before the military officials arrived.

              This prompted the move to detain the two workers.

              Kinshasa gave in to the demands to release the workers before the flights were resumed even as the investigations into the claims went on.

              The security officials there suspected the money was being used to fund resurgence there.

              Source:  The Star.