UAE reintroduces 90-day visit visa, allowing visitors to stay for up to 3 months

The UAE has reintroduced the three-month visit visa. Previously, the three-month or 90-day visa was discontinued and replaced with a longer-term 60-day visa for visitors planning to stay in the country for an extended period.

A representative from the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) call center confirmed that individuals interested in visiting the UAE for 90 days can take advantage of this opportunity. They advised consulting travel agents who can assist in obtaining the 90-day visit visa.

Experts in the industry have reported that this reintroduction occurred at the end of May 2023, enabling visitors to remain in the UAE for up to 90 days. However, it is possible to extend the visa within the country for an additional fee, which varies depending on the service provider.

Types of entry permits

“There are two categories of entry permits available: tourist visas or leisure visas, and visit visas,”

explained Subair Thekepurathvalappil, senior manager for inbound and outbound operations at Regal Tours Worldwide. He further mentioned that a tourist visa is typically issued for either 30 or 60 days, while a visit visa allows for a 90-day stay. This extended visit visa option complements the existing tourist visa choices, providing travelers with increased flexibility in planning their itineraries.

The 30-day and recently introduced 60-day tourist visas have been popular among visitors seeking shorter stays in the UAE. These visas offer sufficient time to explore the country’s renowned landmarks and enjoy its world-class shopping and dining experiences.

Who can apply?

According to Libin Varghese, sales director at Rooh Tourism LLC, many residents are unaware of the reintroduced three-month visa offered by the authorities. Industry experts have clarified that this visa is open to anyone and is valid for both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Varghese further explained that currently, there hasn’t been a significant number of inquiries about this visa. However, individuals who are particularly interested in this entry permit are often family members of residents in the UAE. They may wish to spend an extended period in the country, such as children visiting during school vacations or parents of residents.

According to Subair, in the past, the UAE offered two types of entry permits: a leisure visa with a validity of three months and a tourist visa with a validity of 30 days. However, recent changes in visa procedures have introduced additional options. Last year, the authorities implemented modifications that allowed for the extension of the three-month visa within the country by paying an extension fee. This change was well-received and gained popularity among visitors.

Visa fee

The cost of a 90-day visit visa can differ based on the travel agent or agency handling the visa application. The fee typically starts at Dh1,500 and can go up to Dh2,000. It is important to note that the specific details regarding visa extensions have not been announced yet since the visa was recently introduced. According to Varghese, further information regarding the extension process will be made available in due course.

Documents required

To apply for the long-term visit visa, Subair explains that the following documents need to be submitted:

  • Recent passport-size colored photograph
  • Copy of the passport

The processing time for the visa application may vary, but Subair mentions that it can take up to five working days. However, in some cases, it is possible to receive the visa within two days.

SOURCE: Focus.hidubai

Tunisia’s Tourism Recovery Emerges as a Bright Spot for Its Troubled Economy

Tunisia is set for a strong tourist season with visitor numbers nearing pre-pandemic levels, a government official told Reuters, bringing some badly needed foreign currency into an economy mired in crisis as bankruptcy threatens state finances.

Tourism typically accounted for around 7 percent of Tunisia’s gross domestic product but visitor numbers collapsed during the COVID pandemic, putting extra strain on an economy that was already in trouble.

However, authorities now expect about 8.5 million tourists this year, 90 percent of the 9.4 million in 2019, the last year before the pandemic, and a big jump from the 6.4 million last year, Tourism Ministry official Lotfi Mani said.

“Indications suggest a good season, with an increase in the number of reservations,” he said. Tourism revenue to the end of May was about 1.7 billion dinars ($550 million), a 57 percent increase from the same period last year.

Even a very good tourism season would only go a small way towards alleviating the massive hole in Tunisia’s public finances, which has led to shortages of some foods and medicine, or to strengthen its overall economy.

Foreign currency reserves have fallen to 91 days of exports from 123 days a year ago and credit ratings agency Fitch has graded Tunisian sovereign debt as junk, signalling market fears it may default on foreign loans.

Donors are waging a last-ditch effort to persuade President Kais Saied to agree terms with the International Monetary Fund for a bailout, but it is far from clear if any agreement can be reached.

Though Tunisia has a wealth of historic heritage from ancient civilisations, Berber tribes, Islamic dynasties and Mediterranean naval powers, tourism there is mostly focused on beach resorts and short-stop cruise ships.

“It’s a very beautiful place,” said Polish tourist Anna Glan in the whitewashed village of Sidi Bou Said overlooking the glittering blue bay of Tunis.

For the village’s many businesses that cater to tourists, their return is good news, even if Tunisia’s overall economic outlook is increasingly bleak.

“We’re eagerly awaiting a good tourism season and we’re very optimistic because the signs are positive,” said Tawfik el-Hakil, frying traditional donuts for visitors in Sidi Bou Said. “Tour ships are coming and hotel reservations are full.”

Source: Reuters

What The New Emirates/Kenya Airways Interline Agreement Means For Passengers

The two flag carriers have signed a crucial interline agreement to increase their reach on the global market. Emirates (EK) and Kenya Airways (KQ) customers will have access to several new destinations on both airlines’ networks within a single itinerary.

The interline, signed today, will increase EK’s footprint in Africa to 148 destinations. It will also provide customers with enhanced travel options, including convenient baggage check-in to their final destinations.

The importance of the agreement

Emirates customers can fly to 28 destinations on Kenya Airways’ network, with Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (NBO) as the gateway into East Africa. From NBO, customers can seamlessly travel to Bangui, Bujumbura, Dzaoudzi, Juba, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, Nampula, and Zanzibar, to mention a few.

Additionally, Emirates passengers traveling through its Dubai International (DXB) hub can book a single ticket to and from Mombasa Moi International (MBA). Mombasa sees a lot of annual arrivals as it is one of East Africa’s most popular tourist destinations.

EK has been flying to Kenya for about 23 years, while KQ has served the UAE for several years. The two carriers have played a pivotal role in strengthening Middle East-Africa travel, and the new interline agreement highlights the importance of these routes. Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim said;

“We are pleased to ink our first partnership with Kenya’s flag carrier. Kenya is a strategic gateway in our Africa network, and this new interline agreement will enhance connectivity for Emirates’ customers and provide them more travel choices across the continent. We look forward to deepening our relationship with Kenya Airways, offering greater network opportunities, and improving connections for both of our customers.”

Flights to Dubai

Kenya Airways passengers traveling through Dubai from Nairobi and Mombasa can access numerous routes on the Emirates network. They can fly to 23 destinations in South and West Asia, the Far East, the Indian Ocean, and the Middle East.

These destinations include Ahmadabad, Bangkok, Beirut, Jakarta, Seoul, Singapore, and Tokyo. In Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, KQ only flies to Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN), Dubai International, Hong Kong International (HKG), and Mumbai Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (MOB) airports.

The new agreement will boost KQ’s presence in the East, in line with its route development strategy. Speaking about the partnership, Kenya Airways Chief Commercial and Customer Officer Julius Thairu said;

“This partnership will provide the ideal gateway for our customers as we seek to increase our connectivity between Africa and the Middle East through Emirates’ hub in Dubai. Partnerships like these are key in aviation as they take advantage of mutual scale and efficiencies to provide customers with more seamless travel options.”

Flights between the UAE and Kenya

East Africa and Kenya have been important destinations for the Middle Eastern carrier over the years. Emirates began its service to Kenya, with flights between DXB and NBO in 1995. Today it operates 14 weekly Boeing 777 flights, having flown over 5 million passengers over the years.

It is also the only Kenya-bound carrier with private, enclosed first class cabins, offering premium customers its elegant and luxurious in-flight experience throughout the journey. The flights are usually about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Similarly, Kenya Airways offers ten weekly B737-800 and B787 Dreamliner flights between NBO and DXB. KQ recently launched four weekly flights between MBA and DXB on the same aircraft. From today, it will provide new schedule choices to 23 eastbound destinations for Emirates.

Kenya-bound travelers can look forward to enjoying Emirates’ comfortable cabins, exclusive services, and its unmissable signature products. UAE-bound passengers can also enjoy Kenya Airways’ exceptional services with its friendly crew.

Source: Simple Flying

Dubai Crown Prince celebrates emirate’s booming tourism industry.

Dubai has welcomed six million tourists in the first four months of this year, a feat celebrated by the emirate’s crown prince.

During a visit to the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, emphasized the importance of closer cooperation between the government and private sectors. This collaboration aims to achieve the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched earlier this year by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Hamdan praised DET’s projects and initiatives aimed at boosting key economic sectors. Dubai remains committed to creating new opportunities for the private sector to contribute to the emirate’s rise as a global hub for trade, enterprise, and innovation. The city stands on the verge of rapid growth, ready to script new success stories and attract talent and investment.

Dubai continues to embrace global changes and leverage cutting-edge technologies to enhance its future readiness. With its robust infrastructure, business-friendly services, and internationally recognised legislative framework, combined with high levels of safety and security, the city offers an exceptional platform for entrepreneurs and investors.

Dubai Crown Prince’s DET visit

The visit to DET headquarters also involved discussions with Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and senior officials. Al Marri provided an overview of DET’s work, highlighting the significant growth in new business establishments and the issuance of business licenses. The department’s efforts align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to increase government spending and enhance the manufacturing sector’s contribution to the emirate’s GDP.

Dubai’s success as a global tourism destination is also attributed to the continuous efforts of the Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM). Through global marketing campaigns and initiatives, DCTCM has attracted a significant share of international visitors. In 2022, DCTCM’s efforts directly contributed to 57 percent of the total visitation, driving millions of prospective travelers to choose Dubai as their destination. This momentum continues to grow, with Dubai welcoming 6.02 million international visitors in the first four months of this year, an 18 percent increase compared to 2022.

The city has also consistently outperformed major global destinations such as London, Paris and Bangkok in terms of travel bookings across 2022 and so far in 2023.

SOURCE: Breaking Travel News

Record: Ethiopian Airlines Now Has 9 Weekly JFK & Newark Boeing 787 Flights

Ethiopian Airlines now serves New Jersey and New York nine-weekly, its highest frequency yet. On May 29th, it switched JFK’s one-stop from Lomé, Togo, to Abidjan, Cote D’Ivore, reverting to what it had in 2019.

Ethiopian to Newark & JFK

Africa’s largest airline inaugurated Newark in July 2016 and JFK in June 2019. Both are among the world’s busiest long-haul airports. While other aircraft have been used occasionally, they continue to revolve around the 270-seat Boeing 787-8.

The schedule is as follows, with all times local. The same plane, same flight number stopping service from Ethiopia to the US is the definition of a ‘direct’ route, with non-stops on the individual legs.

  • Addis Ababa-Lomé-Newark: 08:45-11:15, 12:45-19:45 (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
  • Newark-Lomé-Addis Ababa: 21:45-11:50+1, 13:00-21:25 (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun)
  • Addis Ababa-Abidjan-JFK: 09:00-12:00, 13:30-20:00 (Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun)
  • JFK-Abidjan-Addis Ababa: 22:00-11:35+1, 12:35-21:40 (Mon, Wed, Sat, Sun)

Addis-Lomé-Newark

Covering 7,761 miles (12,491 km) each way, this routing was first served in June 2016. Between May 2018 and June 2019, it had additional flights via Abidjan before again entirely routing via Togo.

Passengers can transit between Newark and multiple destinations in West Africa on flights operated by Ethiopian’s partner ASKY. According to Cirium data, Ethiopian codeshares to 12 places over Lomé, of which Lagos, Accra, Abuja, and Douala are probably the most important. They can also connect to numerous places over Addis, although for many, a two-stop option is less competitive.

Examining booking data suggests that passengers transiting over fellow Star Alliance carrier United’s Newark hub appear less important than might be expected, partly influenced by the arrival time of 19:45.

Addis-Abidjan-JFK

Some 116 miles (180 km) longer than its Newark routing, Addis-Abidjan-JFK covers 7,873 miles (12,670 km). Given the equipment used, I like the ‘787’ bit.

Flying via Abidjan means that Ethiopian does not benefit from the pretty extensive connectivity afforded by ASKY, but cannibalization with Newark reduces. It also serves Washington Dulles via Lomé.

Still, Ethiopian codeshares with Air Côte d’Ivoire to six places via Abidjan in July, including Accra and Lagos. However, the wait time in Abidjan from JFK is often many hours, raising the question of how popular this would be. It is much quicker and more competitive on the way back.

It seems it is happy to offset this by targeting the NY-Abidjan-NY point-to-point market, which booking data shows to have approximately 26,000 passengers in 2019. It is meaningfully larger than Lomé. And, like Newark, passengers can transit from JFK to multiple places over Addis, but, again, with two stops.

Six North American airports

Ethiopian’s North American passenger network is July sees Washington Dulles (10 weekly), Newark (five weekly), Toronto (five weekly), JFK (four weekly), and Atlanta (four weekly). The latter was inaugurated in May.

To overcome Addis Ababa’s high elevation – the airport is at 7,657 feet and more than a mile high – which limits aircraft performance on takeoff, all flights to North America stop en route. Most do so in Dublin. The exceptions are Lomé for Newark, Abidjan for JFK, and Dublin and Lomé for Dulles.

SOURCE: Simple Flying

How An AI System Called EMMA Is Optimizing Operations At Doha’s Hamad International Airport

Airports are bustling hubs of activity, with passengers, flights, and cargo passing through their gates every day. Efficiently managing operations and ensuring a seamless travel experience for passengers is a complex task.

In Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH), the second-best airport in the world (according to SKYTRAX), a revolutionary AI system called EMMA – Environmental and Movement Monitoring for Airports – is transforming the way the airport operates, optimizing efficiency, and enhancing safety.

What exactly does EMMA do?

EMMA’s CEO and co-founder, Wisam Costandi, identified a crucial issue that airports around the world face: a lack of efficient communication between airports, airlines, and air traffic controllers. This leads to ineffective processes, which in turn, results in a loss of time and revenue.

Thus, EMMA was born – a futuristic platform powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) that utilizes advanced algorithms and real-time data to manage the movement of aircraft, vehicles, and personnel on the airport’s apron and taxiways. By harnessing the power of AI and ML, EMMA has revolutionized Hamad International Airport’s operations and ushered in a new era of efficiency and productivity.

In a statement shared with Simple Flying, Costandi said:

“EMMA brings improved coordination and provides greater visibility into all airport operations for all stakeholders, increasing efficiency and resulting in more on-time arrivals and departures, while decreasing CO2 emissions considerably.”

Unrivaled benefits for airports

One of the most significant advantages of EMMA is its ability to adapt and learn from real-world operations. Through continuous data collection and ML, the AI system becomes increasingly intelligent over time. It can fine-tune its algorithms, improve predictions, and adapt to changing airport dynamics. This flexibility ensures that EMMA remains a valuable asset, capable of meeting the evolving needs of the airport and accommodating future growth.

These capabilities reap benefits for airports in the form of efficiency, better decision-making, better planning through increased predictability, improved accuracy and timeliness, better slot performance and resource utilization, and reduced ground delays. All in all, these advantages contribute to reduced operational costs and decreased carbon emissions.

Growth and expansion

The implementation of EMMA at DOH has set a new standard for airport operations worldwide. By harnessing the power of AI and ML, the system has transformed how the airport manages its operations, optimizing efficiency, enhancing safety, and improving the passenger experience.

As other airports around the globe witness the success of EMMA, it is expected that AI systems will play an increasingly vital role in shaping the future of aviation, leading to smarter, greener, and more passenger-centric airports.

In fact, EMMA is expected to expand to the US in view of the increased taxi time at 30 of the country’s largest hubs. As reported in The New York Times, a 2019 study from Airlines for America found that from 1990 to 2018, taxi time increased by 19% at these hubs and 24% at 31 medium-sized airports. With the advent of EMMA, this could very well change for the better in the near future.

SOURCE: Simple Flying

Astral Aviation Boeing 757F Operates Nairobi’s 1st Direct Cargo Service To Tel Aviv

Africa’s leading cargo carrier is expanding its international operations with a direct service between Kenya and Israel. Kenya-based Astral Aviation has launched the first direct service between Nairobi and Tel Aviv. The flight was operated on a Boeing 757 freighter, transporting 27 tons of Pineapples and Nile Perch fillets to the Middle East.

It is a significant milestone for the airline and all stakeholders involved. The new service is essential for Kenya, Israel, and the global trade industry, as it facilitates the efficient transportation of goods and sets a precedent for more mutually beneficial partnerships.

A route celebrated by all

Kenyan President William Ruto formally announced the direct service from Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) at last month’s investor roundtable in Israel. It is a significant step toward strengthening Africa-Middle East trade.

The inauguration was celebrated by various stakeholders, including Astral CEO Sanjeev Gadhia, Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) Managing Director Alex Gitari, Kenya Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Mithika Linturi, and Israel in Kenya ambassador Michael Lotem. The ambassador said,

“Nairobi is the cargo hub in Africa. We Israelis thank Astral Aviation and Sanjeev Gadhia and look forward to enjoying more Kenyan products. Hope to see this followed by passenger flights. Bravo, Astral, for your vision and business skills.”

Kenya’s imports and exports contribute to about 30% of the GDP. Agricultural products, which include fruits and vegetables, tea, coffee, and tobacco, are the most exported. Other exports include textiles and raw materials, so this new route will be essential for the country’s export earnings.

Enhanced cargo operations

In addition to Nairobi, Astral has other hubs in Dubai, Johannesburg, and Leige. From there, it operates more cargo flights than any other African carrier with 767-200F, 757-200F, 747F, 727-200F, DC-9 Freighter, and Fokker 50F aircraft. In 2023, it won the Africa All Cargo Carrier of the Year award.

Earlier this year, at the Air Cargo Africa event in South Africa, a new carrier Suid Cargo was launched. It would begin operations from Johannesburg Or Tambo (JNB) with Astral’s Boeing 727F. Astral would also offer Suid Cargo its 747-400F, 757F, and 767F on a charter basis to allow the startup to cover operations in South, West, and East Africa.

The Kenyan carrier also plans to launch three subsidiaries to increase its presence in the global market. Sanjeev Gadhia disclosed plans to divest about 70% of shares in Astral to invest in new AOCs in Australia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Taking advantage of partnerships

According to ch-aviation, the European AOC would come in 2025, with Ireland and Malta as potential markets. This will be followed by the Middle Eastern AOC and potentially Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Asia. Astral is also looking at a potential AOC in Lomé, Togo, which already operates as its West African hub.

February’s Air Cargo Africa Expo introduced a new cargo carrier, expected to launch in Q2 2023. Astral Aviation was at Air Cargo Europe last month and will attend AviaDev Africa next week to continue taking advantage of these partnership opportunities.

Partnerships are essential as African aviation stakeholders are launching various initiatives to increase connectivity and enhance aviation’s contribution to Africa’s socio-economic development.

SOURCE: Simple Flying

Dubai DET Commits to Sustainable Global Tourism Status

As the world yesterday united on 5 June to commemorate World Environment Day and encourage awareness and action for the protection of the environment, Dubai has reiterated its pledge to advancing efforts to promote sustainability and responsible tourism.

In the bustling metropolis of Dubai, which is home to a thriving and vibrant tourism industry, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) has established itself as a prominent entity leading the charge in environmental conservation. With a resolute commitment to sustainability, the Department has spearheaded a multitude of pioneering strategic initiatives aimed at protecting the environment and forging a greener and more sustainable future for the city’s tourism sector.

Dubai Can

One of the unique initiatives DET has launched to reduce single use plastic consumption is the Dubai Can. Since its launch in February 2022 by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, the citywide sustainability movement has achieved extraordinary success. The transformative programme empowers communities to reduce their reliance on single-use plastic bottles and embrace sustainable alternatives. To date, the collaborative efforts of Dubai Can and its partnership with Talabat have yielded extraordinary results, with a reduction of over 10 million 500ml single-use plastic water bottles. This remarkable achievement stands as a testament to the resounding success of the initiative and the unwavering dedication of the local community, stakeholders and partners involved.

By encouraging simple changes such as adopting the culture of using refillable water bottles and utilizing public water stations, residents and visitors alike are urged to adopt a ‘refill for life’ mindset, as well as implement this practice in their households and offices. With 50 strategically placed public water fountains across the city, Dubai is leading the charge in championing a refill culture, resulting in a substantial reduction of millions of single-use plastic water bottles.

Dubai Sustainable Tourism

Driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Sustainable Tourism (DST) is another initiative of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism that is at the forefront of positioning Dubai as a leading sustainable destination. Aligning the tourism sector with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy, DST is pioneering a transformative journey towards a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible tourism sector.

Yousuf Lootah, Acting CEO of Corporate Strategy and Performance sector, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, said: “World Environment Day serves as a powerful catalyst for global action, and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is proud to lead the charge in promoting sustainability and responsible tourism. The remarkable achievements of the Dubai Can initiative are a testament to our unwavering commitment to protecting the environment and shaping a greener future for Dubai’s tourism industry. The initiative’s recent figures display the transformative power of Dubai Can and the collective efforts of our community in embracing sustainable alternatives. Beyond Dubai Can, we are actively driving change through innovative strategies and partnerships. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative serves as another shining example of our unwavering dedication to fostering sustainability within the tourism sector.”

“As we commemorate World Environment Day, let us celebrate Dubai’s remarkable achievements in sustainable tourism and renew our collective dedication to building a better and more sustainable world for future generations. By embracing responsible tourism practices and making conscious choices, we have the power to make a profound and lasting impact on our environment, not only on this special day but every day,” Lootah added.

Dubai’s commitment to sustainability extends far beyond World Environment Day, as the city gears up to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. As 2023 has been designated as the ‘Year of Sustainability’ in Dubai, the city is poised to showcase its dedication to addressing the pressing challenges of climate change on a global stage. COP28 will bring together world leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the globe to engage in crucial discussions and negotiations to shape the future of our planet. As Dubai assumes this pivotal role, it underscores the city’s determination to lead by example and drive impactful change through sustainable practices, innovative technologies, and collaborative partnerships. With COP28 on the horizon, Dubai is not only showcasing its sustainability initiatives but also facilitating a platform for international cooperation and knowledge exchange to tackle the pressing environmental issues of our time.

Dubai Carbon Calculator

Central to the Dubai Sustainable Tourism strategy is the ground-breaking Dubai Carbon Calculator, an innovative system that measures and tracks the carbon footprint within Dubai’s hospitality sector. Launched in 2017, Dubai Carbon Calculator empowers hotels to accurately assess their carbon emissions, enabling them to identify cost-saving opportunities and manage their energy, water and waste consumption more efficiently.

DST’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond carbon footprint measurement. The initiative has mandated hotels in Dubai to comply with the 19 Sustainability Requirements, encompassing sustainable management approaches, performance metrics, energy and water management plans, guest education and employee training initiatives. By embracing these requirements, hotels not only contribute to environmental conservation but also enhance their brand value, resource efficiency and overall competitiveness.

Recognising that collaboration is key to achieving sustainability goals, DST aims to establish partnerships with various stakeholders, including Etihad ESCO, Emirates Environmental Group, and Emirates Green Building Council, Goumbook and Emirates Nature WWF. Through comprehensive training programmes and educational initiatives, the initiative ensures that hotels and resorts have the necessary tools and knowledge to implement sustainable practices and contribute to Dubai’s sustainability goals. By fostering strong partnerships and sharing best practices, Dubai is setting an example for destinations worldwide and inspiring a collective commitment to sustainable tourism.

World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for collective action in safeguarding the planet. With its strategic approach to sustainability and responsible tourism, the Dubai Sustainable Tourism initiative positions the city as a leader in the global movement. Driven by innovation, collaboration, and the vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai remains unwavering in its commitment to shaping a greener and more sustainable future for the tourism industry.

SOURCE: Breaking Travel news

​​IAFCAC, AASA Join Forces with IATA on Focus Africa

The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) “Focus Africa” drive is gaining momentum, spurred on by the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and the Airlines Association of Southern Africa (AASA) as its newest partners. Focus Africa will strengthen aviation’s contribution to Africa’s economic and social development and improve connectivity, safety and reliability for passengers and shippers.

It will see private and public stakeholders deliver measurable progress in six critical areas: safety, infrastructure, connectivity, finance and distribution, sustainability and skills development.

“Focus Africa is all about establishing a coalition of partners committing to pool their resources and delivering a set of African air transport solutions that let the continent, its people and economies play a greater, more meaningful and representative role in the global economy.  The combined contributions of AFCAC and AASA will be critical to Focus Africa’s success. Africa accounts for 18% of the global population but less than 3% of global GDP and just 2.1% of air passenger and cargo transport activity. With the right interventions those gaps will be closed, and Africa will benefit from the connectivity, jobs and growth that aviation enables,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“The ability to access, serve and develop intra-African markets is crucial as the continent’s populace is set to increase by over a billion people by 2050. For this to be sustainable, economic opportunities must be created. As other regions have demonstrated, air transport connectivity unlocks broad prosperity. As the African Union’s civil aviation agency, we will support Focus Africa through our work developing a set of harmonized rules and regulations designed to make this connectivity a reality and drive our strategic objectives,” said AFCAC Secretary-General, Adefunke Adeyemi.

“Time is not on our side as AASA’s members and the communities they serve face rising costs, unprecedented unemployment, obsolete constraints on trade and market access, inadequate infrastructure and a looming skills shortage. These demand urgent action, so we do not get stranded on the runway. It is why we have no hesitation standing with IATA and other Focus Africa partners,” added AASA CEO, Aaron Munetsi.

Leaders and decision-makers from airlines, airports, air navigation services, government agencies, aircraft manufacturers, industry suppliers and other stakeholders will convene at the IATA Focus Africa Conference, hosted by Ethiopian Airlines, in Addis Ababa on 20-21 June, to address the six priority task areas in detail.


SOURCE: Breaking Travel News

LATAM Brasil And Airlink Announce Interline Agreement

On Wednesday, LATAM Brasil and the South African carrier Airlink announced the signing of an interline agreement that will allow the travelers of the South American airline to access over 40 destinations in Africa. The new travel options will be available once LATAM restarts its route between Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) and Johannesburg Tambo International Airport (JNB) on September 2, with three weekly flights.

A new interline agreement.
LATAM Brasil and Airlink have inked a new interline agreement in which one company may sell flight segments of the other using its own code. LATAM will begin to gradually sell Airlink’s flights as of Tuesday, May 23, on its website. It will offer over 40 destinations in Africa operated by the new partner.

The new routes under LATAM’s interline agreement with Airlink are available starting on September 2. On that date, LATAM will restart flying to Johannesburg from Sao Paulo after a pause of more than three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The route between Brazil and South Africa will last nine hours. It will be operated by the airline’s Boeing 787-9 fleet, which seats 300 passengers (30 in premium business, 57 in premium economy, and 213 in economy).

Where does Airlink fly?
The South African carrier based in Johannesburg has a fleet of 62 aircraft, composed mainly of Embraer jetliners, according to data from ch-aviation. Through the new interlink agreement, LATAM passengers will be able to access more than 40 destinations across Africa. This includes sixteen destinations in South Africa, six in Mozambique, three in Zimbabwe, one in Tanzania, one in the Democratic Republic of Congo, three in Botswana, one in the island of St. Helena, one in Angola, three in Zambia, one in Lesotho, one in Kenya, two in Madagascar, two in Namibia, and one in
Eswatini.

Rodger Foster, CEO and Managing Director of Airlink, said the airline “is very proud of this partnership with LATAM as it enables connectivity between Latin America and all of Southern Africa, creating wonderful corporate and leisure opportunities.”

Meanwhile, Aline Mafra, LATAM Brasil’s Director of Sales and Marketing, added, “This is yet another example of how we have thought of a borderless airline network to bring Brazil closer to the world in a sustainable manner. This agreement makes our flights to South Africa even more attractive and full of possibilities. The new connectivity options from Johannesburg expand the offer to LATAM customers, who will now be able to reach important destinations on
the African continent such as Luanda, Nairobi, and Cape Town.”

This is Airlink’s second partnership announcement this year. In February, British Airways and the South African carrier announced a new codeshare agreement connecting British’s passengers with over 15 destinations across Southern
Africa. This includes destinations such as Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Skukuza in South Africa via Johannesburg and or Cape Town, and Windhoek and Walvis Bay in Namibia via these two South African cities.

SOURCE: Simple Flying