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Lebanon’s has enjoyed consistent tourism growth during the economic downturn, as evidenced by launch of additional flydubai flights during Eid Al Fitr. The lastest World Economic Outlook Report released by the International Monetary Fund forecasts a 3 per cent GDP growth in 2009 and four per cent GDP growth in 2010. The Lebanese government expects 6 per cent GDP growth this year. The tourism industry…
The Address Dubai Mall, a five star premium hotel directly linked to the Dubai Mall opened for its doors for guests today. The Dubai Mall is the world’s biggest shopping and entertainment destination. The Address Dubai Mall has a magnificent elliptical design that stands high near the mall and provides direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road. The Address Dubai Mall is the third address property in The Address Hotels +…
Air Arabia has partnered with an Egyptian company to launch a new budget carrier, allowing it to open a third hub, expanding outside of its home market. Air Arabia is the world’s biggest airline by market value Shares shot up nearly 4 per cent higher on news Air Arabia had set up a joint venture company with Egypt’s Travco group. Air Arabia is the world’s biggest airline by market value. The company said…
Air India’s low cost subsidiary Air India Express announced it is expanding services from Abu Dhabi with new flights to Amritsar in northern India. This will connect the UAE capital with nine India destinations on 36 weekly flights. The new service will operate three times a week and continue to Delhi after stopping in Amritsar. Abu Dhabi Airports Company Vice President of Operations said “India is one…
Under an agreement with Emirates, the Harbor Hotel & Residences at Dubai Marina will partner with Marriot International Portfolio on 15 September. The 52 story property will be rebranded the Dubai Marriot Harbor Hotel & Suites later this year. This is the second contract Marriot has finalized with Emirates, following an agreement to operate the 1,614 room JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai, which is currently under…
Raddison Blu Hotel, Riyadh won a best business hotel award at the Middle East Business Travelers Awards. District director and general manager for the hotel said they are extremely proud to receive this recognition and it will help propel them to greater success. Mohamed Benamar said “Amid challenging times in this period of global recession, this acknowledgement confirms that we truly deliver our promise with…
Sharaf Travel is launching an online travel portal to tap into the increasing popularity of the UAE online travel business. Chairman of Sharaf Travel said they have gone the extra mile in “revamping the design and content of our online portal to make it user friendly and ensure it provides real value for money to our customers.” Salah Sharaf said UAE travelers can log onto the website, search for the best…
Accor Hospitality managing director for the Middle East said they plan to operate 44 hotels in nine Middle East countries by 2011. Christophe Landais, speaking at an iftar event at the Suitehotel Mall of the Emirates, hosted by the group said “We intend to further strengthen our position in the region by developing our core brands. The iftar even helped Accor promote the newly opened Suitehotel Mall, which has…
A Japanese embassy official said Qatar Airways may begin daily flights to Tokyo early in 2010, and a new runway is scheduled to become operational at Narita in March of next year. Deputy head of mission at the Japanese Embassy said Qatar Airways “currently operates daily flights to Osaka, but this new move will further develop aviation relations between Qatar and Japan.” Qatar Airways now flies to Kansai…
Germany’s Bavarian Hotels International (BHI) said they still plan to expand in the Middle East despite a delay in opening the regions biggest all suite hotel. The launch of the 2,100 Bavaria Executive Suites Dubai was postponed to March 2010 due to “prevailing market conditions”. The luxury hotel is billed as the largest all suite hotel in the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe. It was originally…
Flights from India to Dubai hit 300 because more than 300 pilots working for Jet Airways staged a sick in to protest the firing of two colleagues. All India radio reported at least 120 flights were affected including flights to Dubai, Singapore, Columbo, and Kuala Lumpur. Jet Airways called the staged sick in action by the pilots a “planned sabotage of operations.” The National Aviation Guild and Jet…
During Ramadan Makkah bustles with sleepless activity and life and traversing the streets can become almost impossible at peak times. The crowds are fuller at places with popular foods and treats people eat to break their fast at Maghreb – including ful (mashed fava beans, tameez (popular Afghani flatbread) and sobia (a traditional drink made from either raisins or bread). When the call for Maghreb prayer…
Flydubai will add more flights to Beirut during Eid Al Fitr, giving a boost to one of its busiest routes. Flydubai has scheduled extra flights on September 17, 18, 19, and 25 departing from Terminal 2 at 7:40 pm. The flights will arrive in Beirut at 10:15 pm local time. A return flight to Dubai will depart from Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut at 11 pm local time. The flight will land in Dubai at…
The EID break is expected to boost air traffic, which has been slow during Ramadan with more people choosing to stay at home. The slow traffic has moved airlines to offer lower fares and special promotions for the holidays. Ramadan is usually a slower month for travel, and September is also a slow month – this year they coincided. Travel manager of Sharaf Travel said “Compared to last year there has…
The first Fairmont hotel in Abu Dhabi will open in Abu Dhabi next month, increasing the capitals portfolio of luxury hotels. The 369 room hotel will feature the first Marco Pierre White Steakhouse and Grill outside the UK, and a Frankie’s Italian Restaurant and Bar. The hotel will be located in the “between the bridges area”. The restaurants will open by the end of the month. The regional vice president…
Air India has set up a panel to investigate a fire in an engine of one of it Boeing 747 aircraft. The fire began while the Saudi bound plane was on the ground getting ready for departure. Air India said the panel will investigate “the cause of the fire and fix accountability”. The plane was preparing to fly to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and carrying 213 passengers and 16 crew members when it caught fire…
Etihad Airways announced several key appointments in Japan as it prepares for launch of new services to Tokyo in 2010. Masatsugu Nishiyori (Nick) has been named the airlines vice president – general manager in Japan and Juan Torres will be the commercial manager. Beginning in March 2010, Etihad will begin five flights a week service from its home base in Abu Dhabi to Tokyo, Japan. They also may start flights…
Dubai hotel staff are increasingly accepting jobs in Yas Island hotels in Abu Dhabi as the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix event approaches. Seven new hotels will be opening and Dubai hoteliers report many staff are leaving for pre openings at the new Yas Island hotels. HR director at the Mina Sehayi Beach Resort and Marina complex said “We’ve certainly lost people to Yas Island; while it’s an element of the…
