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The rise of digital technology has revolutionized the travel industry, giving birth to the concept of digital tourism. From virtual tours and augmented reality experiences to AI-powered travel assistants, the digital landscape is reshaping the way we plan, experience, and share our travel adventures. Digital tourism has opened doors to immersive virtual tours, allowing travelers to wander through historical landmarks, iconic museums, and breathtaking landscapes from the comfort of their homes. Augmented reality experiences are also transforming the way we engage with destinations, bringing history and culture to life in interactive and innovative ways. Artificial intelligence is powering a new era of personalized travel experiences. From chatbots providing instant travel recommendations to AI-driven itinerary planning based on individual preferences, digital tools are enhancing the efficiency and personalization of travel planning and assistance. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for digital tourism, enabling travelers to share their experiences and inspire others in real-time. User-generated content, coupled with influencer marketing, has redefined the way destinations are promoted and discovered, shaping travel trends and aspirations. The future of travel is undeniably intertwined with digital innovation, offering endless possibilities for exploration, connection, and discovery. As we embrace the era of digital tourism, let's embark on a journey of transformation, embracing technology as a catalyst for enriching and redefining our travel experiences. #DigitalTourism #TravelTech #Innovation #TravelExperiences #FutureOfTravel #TourismIndustry #DigitalInnovation #ExploreTheWorld #VirtualTours

Ministry of Heritage and Tourism - Sultanate of Oman offers free transit packages in #Muscat in cooperation with Oman Air The Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in the Sultanate of Oman, in #cooperation with #OmanAir, has launched a group of stopover (transit) packages between #flights in Muscat Governorate for those coming from different countries of the world, during the period from September 1 to November 30, 2024. A press release published on the website of the Omani Ministry of Heritage and #Tourism explained that the launch of these #packages comes within the #framework of their joint commitment to highlighting the Sultanate of Oman as a preferred tourist destination, as the Sultanate of Oman has many attractions that make it a tourist country, and this offer also contributes to introducing travelers from different countries to the destinations, sites, and heritage and tourist landmarks that the Sultanate of Oman is distinguished by. Under this offer, #business class travelers will receive a free one-night stay when booking one of the stopover packages in the Sultanate of Oman, while economy class travelers can enjoy two nights for the price of one night only. In addition, travelers can benefit from exclusive discounts on tours, car rentals and other services, making it an ideal #opportunity to explore the Omani capital and its surrounding areas, where travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the heritage and natural diversity that the Sultanate of Oman offers, enhancing Oman’s appeal as a tourist destination worldwide. The launch of this special offer coincides with the winter season in the Sultanate of Oman, giving travelers on board Oman Air the opportunity to explore many tourist attractions in and around Muscat amidst moderate weather and low temperatures, in addition to attending many events that promise unforgettable experiences. Passengers holding a return ticket to any destination within the Oman Air network via Muscat can also benefit from this offer for a limited period by filling out the online application form during the offer period that ends on November 30, 2024. The offer is subject to some terms and conditions, as the free hotel stay includes the room only and is subject to availability upon booking, and a maximum of one stop applies per return ticket. You can discover more and book the package on the Oman Air website. Oman Airports Management Company Visit Oman #oman #hotels #aviation #hospitalty #travel #media #economy

Oman Airports Management Company: 6 new international #airlines operate #flights to #Muscat International Airport #OmanAirports Company has managed to attract 6 international airlines to Muscat International Airport during 2024, including 4 companies that have started operating their flights to the airport and 2 companies that will operate their flights during the coming period of this year. Sheikh Aimen Alhosni, #CEO of Oman Airports, explained that the company has attracted 5 new airlines in 2023, including 2 companies from #Europe and 3 airlines from the rest of the world. According to the Oman News Agency. He pointed out that there are direct #flights from European markets to the Sultanate of Oman and that the "transit" market is currently being searched for, which allows tourists coming from the European market to go to #Asia and vice versa, especially since this market enjoys great and growing interest and competition in the region. He explained that as a result of the efforts made by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism - Sultanate of Oman in #promoting and #marketing #tourism in the Sultanate of #Oman, it is expected that the number of tourists coming from Europe through the airports of the Sultanate of Oman will exceed 500,000 tourists by the end of 2024, compared to the number of European tourists in 2023, which reached nearly 500,000 tourists. The CEO of Oman #Airports added that the company is cooperating with the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and tourism companies in the Sultanate of Oman and abroad with the aim of attracting new #tourism markets during the coming period, and stated that the number of airlines operating at Muscat International Airport reaches 36 companies that connect the Sultanate of Oman with more than 80 regional and international destinations. He stressed that work is underway to search for new markets to reach and evaluate the available #opportunities to determine the destinations to which direct lines can be launched through Oman Air and other airlines. #aviation #media #economy #growth #trvel

Emirates increases its #flights to 3 countries in Africa.. Details Emirates announced the launch of additional flights to #Entebbe in #Uganda, Addis Ababa in #Ethiopia, and #Johannesburg in #SouthAfrica. Since its inaugural flight to #Cairo, which was the company's first destination in #Africa in 1986, Emirates has gradually strengthened its presence on the continent, with its destinations now reaching 20 passenger and #cargo destinations. Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Emirates, explained that the African region is a high priority for Emirates, and we will continue to work on deepening our strategic focus on expansion and #investment in the continent, as it is an important pivotal point for our #future network. According to the Emirates website. Entebbe Flights Effective October 27, Emirates has increased its operations between #Dubai and Uganda from five flights per week to a daily flight. The airline will operate the two additional flights with a Boeing #B777-300ER, adding 718 seats on the Dubai-Entebbe route each week, providing access to popular destinations from Dubai such as #Canada, the #UnitedStates, #India, the #UnitedKingdom, and other global destinations. This move underscores Emirates’ two-decade-long commitment to Uganda. At Arabian Travel Market 2024, Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Uganda Tourism Board to drive inbound #tourism and increase visitor numbers to Uganda, encouraging international travellers to experience the country’s rich natural and #cultural offerings. These additional flights will support this drive as Uganda continues to invest in building its #tourism offering. #AddisAbaba Flights In preparation for the New Year, Emirates has announced an increase in the frequency of its flights to Ethiopia, with the addition of a daily flight connecting Dubai and Addis Ababa from 1 January 2025. Visitor numbers to Ethiopia continue to grow, with Ethiopia set to be one of Africa’s top 5 tourist destinations by 2025. By increasing its frequency, Emirates will provide more convenient access, particularly for travellers from the Middle East and Far East. Johannesburg Flights From 1 March 2025, the airline will add a fourth daily flight to and from Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest and busiest international airport. The additional flight brings Emirates’ operations back to pre-pandemic levels, with 49 weekly flights to South Africa, one of Emirates’ most popular destinations in Africa. #ConnectingTheWorld #NewFlightRoutes #EmiratesAirlines #AfricaTravel #AviationNews #TravelUpdates #Tourism #Growth #MiddleEast #GlobalConnections #DubaiFlights #Aviation #travel #FlyEmirates #EastAfrica

SAUDI AIRLINES launches the trial version of the artificial intelligence virtual assistant for travel services #SaudiAirlines launched the trial version of (the #virtualassistant with #artificialintelligence #technology), which is its latest digital platform that enables customers to plan #travel and complete all procedures, including exploring, booking, and purchasing all travel requirements, not only with regard to #aviation, as it can be linked with many platforms. And other means of #transportation, #restaurants, etc., according to a mechanism characterized by customizing an independent experience for each customer according to his preferences. A press release published on the Saudi Airlines website explained that this launch represents the first stage, and this will be followed by several stages of development and modernization according to a strategic plan that will last for two years until all integrated services are provided for the customer’s travel journey. The platform, which is being launched in cooperation with Accenture, a global management consulting and professional services company, aims to redefine the standards of #digitaltravel and enhance ways of interacting with the #airline. The new #technology is characterized by the fact that its results are supported by images, in addition to obtaining search results from reliable and specific sources. The services also include various operations related to #aviation, which include reviewing prices, completing reservations, purchasing tickets, as well as after-sales services, including refunds and the possibility of modification. It is possible to benefit from The service is available in Arabic and English via written chat currently or via voice chat in the #future. This comes within the framework of the implementation steps of the digital transformation program initiatives, which aim to enhance, develop and enrich the travel experience through innovation in services, as this technology will redefine the concept of travel in the world by facilitating the discovery of the best destinations and enjoying many diverse travel options and activities that suit different customer segments. . The Director General of the Saudia Group, Engineer, Ibrahim AlOmar , explained that one of the pillars of the new police strategy is to move forward in relying on digital #transformation initiatives in systems and services, especially since it is one of the main factors for competitiveness among airline companies, as well as its direct contribution to enhancing customer satisfaction and winning their loyalty. #ai #airports #investment #transport #aviation #saudiarabia #ports #marinas #marinas #airlines #tourism #saudiarabia #development #abudhabi #media #tourism #culture #saudiarabia #airlines #tourism #aviation #umrah #covid #covid19

Emirates #Airlines expands its interline agreement with flynas to provide #flights between #SaudiArabia and the world Last Tuesday, #Emirates Airlines concluded a #memorandum of understanding with #Flynas, on the sidelines of the Arabian Travel Market 2024, to expand the #interlineagreement between the two companies with plans to open new connecting flights and provide more #travel options for Flynas customers via #Dubai. The current interline agreement between Emirates Airlines and Flynas provides customers with #enhanced #connectivity services through the four Emirates gateways in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, including #Riyadh, #Jeddah, #Medina and #Dammam, to more than 15 domestic destinations in the #KSA. It also allows customers to book flights with one ticket, ensuring that their travel bags reach their final destination directly. According to the Emirates Airlines website. With the expansion of the agreement, Flynas customers can now book connecting flights through any of Emirates’ gateways in the Kingdom to a selected list of destinations on the company’s network in the #FarEast, #WestAsia, the #IndianOcean and #Europe, via Dubai. The signing of the agreement took place in the presence of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Supreme Chairman and #CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flynas, Ayed Al Jaeed, and a number of senior officials from Emirates and Flynas. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Adnan Kazim, Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Commercial Operations at Flynas. Emirates Airlines, with Bander Almohanna , CEO and Managing Director of Flynas. Emirates Airlines is working with its partners in Saudi Arabia to support the Kingdom’s Saudi Vision 2030 plans, which include attracting #tourists and promoting tourist destinations. In 2022, Emirates Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Tourism Authority | الهيئة السعودية للسياحة to #enhance inbound tourism to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and attract new segments of travelers through the carrier’s extensive global network. Emirates Airlines has been contributing to #facilitating tourism and trade in the KSA since 1989, and its four gateways currently serve Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina and Dammam with 73 weekly flights, which include an Airbus #A380 aircraft to Riyadh and Jeddah. GACA - General Authority of Civil Aviation - Saudi Arabia UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) #airports #investment #transport #aviation #saudiarabia #ports #marinas #marinas #airlines #tourism #saudiarabia #development #abudhabi #media #tourism #culture #saudiarabia #airlines #tourism #aviation #umrah #covid #covid19

#Qatar launches an initiative to accelerate licensing procedures in the #tourism and #hospitality sectors.. Details The Tourism Licensing Department at Qatar Tourism, in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, announced the launch of a joint initiative aimed at simplifying and accelerating the procedures for granting specific licenses for #hotel and tourism establishments. #QatarTourism stated that facilitating specific licensing procedures for hotel and tourism establishments includes seasonal discounts, special #festival discounts, discounts for loyalty customers, #promotions and special #offers, and the initiative adheres to all #regulations and #legalprocedures in force, to ensure the safety and smoothness of the license issuance process. According to Qatar News Agency. The initiative aims to simplify and accelerate the procedures for granting licenses, in order to stimulate the tourism sector in the country, as well as alleviate the challenges that these establishments face when applying for licenses related to promotional offers and price reduction offers, in addition to the procedures for licensing participants in tourism seasons and #festivals. Visit Qatar, the main arm of Qatar Tourism, will undertake the task of applying for a single license on behalf of all participants in tourism seasons and festivals, which will contribute to simplifying procedures and #enhancing #cooperation between the various entities working in the tourism sector. Hassan Al-Ghanim, Assistant Undersecretary for Consumer Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, explained that launching this initiative in cooperation with Qatar Tourism comes within the framework of the third national development strategy of the State of Qatar 2024-2030, and pointed out that one of the most important main elements of the economic development model in this #strategy is #developing... The role of the government to enable the #privatesector to lead and drive #economic #growth. For his part, Omar Aljaber , Acting Head of the Tourism Development Sector at Qatar Tourism, said that the initiative aims to enhance the tourism offers provided by establishments operating in the tourism sector, so as to provide flexibility for the sector to redouble its efforts by launching #promotional campaigns that stimulate their work and provide tourists with attractive #opportunities to enjoy the special offers launched by it. sector, it also provides the necessary #protection for the #activities of these #facilities and #enhances the visitors’ experience. #investment #airlines #development #media #tourism #culture #tourism #umrah #covid19

#Dubai receives 17.2 million tourists during 2023, an increase of 19.4%...the highest number of international visitors to the emirate The Emirate of Dubai in the #unitedarabemirates received the largest number of international visitors ever in 2023, with a total of 17.15 million international visitors, an annual increase of 19.4% compared to the number of visitors in 2022, which reached 14.36 million visitors. It also exceeded the previous record for the number of visitors, which was 19.4%. 16.73 million visitors in 2019, according to the latest statistics issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism. The strong performance of the #tourism sector in Dubai is consistent with the objectives of the 33D #economic agenda launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at the beginning of 2023, which aims to strengthen Dubai’s position to become among the top 3 economic cities in the world, and achieve the ambitious vision. To make it the best city to live, work and visit. According to the official website of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Rashid, Crown Prince of Dubai. The performance of the number of international visitors in Dubai exceeded the sector trends globally, as the latest data from the United Nations World Tourism Organization showed that the number of international visitors reached 88% of levels before the #covid19 pandemic by the end of 2023. The #middleeast region topped the scene of recovery in relative terms. To be the only region to exceed pre-pandemic levels of visitor #growth in 2019 by 22%. The tourism sector's performance witnessed momentum in 2023, which contributed to consolidating Dubai's position as a prominent travel destination for visitors from major traditional as well as promising markets. Visitors from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and the Middle East and #northafrica regions together constituted 28% of the total visitors to Dubai from around the world, which reflects Dubai’s position as a reliable and preferred destination for visitors compared to neighboring markets. By the end of 2023, the hotel capacity in Dubai reached 150,291 #hotel rooms distributed among 821 hotel establishments, compared to 146,496 rooms in 804 establishments for the same period in 2022, and 126,120 rooms distributed over 741 establishments in 2019. This reflects the arrival To more than 150,000 hotel rooms last year, the growth and success witnessed by the #hospitality sector. Ministry Of Economy, UAE Issam Kazim Mohamed E. Abdulla Bin Touq Abdulla Alsaleh Mohamed محمد Alzaabi الزعابي Government of Dubai Media Office #airports #investment #transport #aviation #saudiarabia #ports #marinas #marinas #airlines #tourism #saudiarabia #development #abudhabi #media #tourism #culture #saudiarabia #airlines #tourism #aviation #umrah #covid #covid19 #cruisenews #dubai #cruiselines #cruiseindustry #cruisetravel #cruisevacation #hospitality #hospitalitynews

Zayed Airport in #AbuDhabi, #UAE, receives the first British Airways #flights after a 4-year hiatus Zayed International Airport received the first British Airways flight to the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi, which landed last Sunday, at 09:14 am, after a 4-year hiatus. This new destination, linking the cities of #London and Abu Dhabi, is added to the growing list of destinations of international #airlines, which operate their flights today from the passenger terminal equipped with the latest facilities at Zayed International Airport. According to the Emirates News Agency, WAM. The creation of this destination comes in response to the #growing #demand for more flights linking the global #tourism and #business destinations in London and Abu Dhabi, in a step aimed at strengthening #commercial and tourism ties between the UAE and the #UnitedKingdom. Heathrow london Airport is one of the top 5 destinations in terms of the number of passengers traveling to it from Zayed International Airport, with 290,000 passengers choosing it as a travel destination in the first quarter of 2024. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and CEO of Abu Dhabi Airports, explained that Abu Dhabi received today the first #BritishAirways #flights, which began operating daily flights to and from Zayed International Airport, to facilitate #travel between the UAE and the United Kingdom and #enhance the tourism and business sectors in the two countries. The new passenger terminal at Zayed International Airport, equipped with the latest facilities and winning prestigious international awards, provides travelers with the #opportunity to get to know the capital of the UAE, which is famous for its warm reception. For his part, Calum Laming Laming Laming Leeming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways, said that the launch of the company’s new route to Abu Dhabi and the #connection of the new daily flight of British Airways contributes to linking the capital, Abu Dhabi, with #HeathrowAirport in London and other cities, thus providing our customers with a destination. Others within our vast global network and we contribute to enhancing connectivity options with the United Arab Emirates. He added that British Airways will provide its passengers on this flight with 4 cabins to choose from, including first class, and pointed out that the launch of daily British Airways flights between Zayed International Airport and London Heathrow Airport will contribute to continuing to strengthen #relations between the two countries, including It strengthens the #cultural and #economic ties between them. Abu Dhabi Media Office Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) Ministry Of Economy, UAE Abdulla Alsaleh Mohamed E. Mohamed محمد Alzaabi الزعابي #airports #investment #transport #aviation #saudiarabia #ports #marinas #marinas #airlines #tourism #saudiarabia   #tourism #aviation  #covid19

Etihad #Airways to launch flights to #Warsaw and #Prague from June 2025 #EtihadAirways is preparing to expand its network of destinations with the addition of Warsaw in #Poland and Prague in the #Czech Republic, marking the first time the airline operates direct flights to these two countries. A press release published on the Etihad Airways website explained that starting from June 2, 2025, Etihad Airways will operate four weekly flights to Warsaw and Prague, allowing business and leisure travelers to easily access these two important European capitals. This important step comes within the framework of Etihad’s ongoing efforts to expand its European network. These flights will be operated on Etihad Airways’ modern Boeing #b787 Dreamliner aircraft, providing maximum comfort with 28 seats in #Business Class and 262 seats in #Economy Class. Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways’ Chief Executive Officer, explained: “We are excited to add Warsaw and Prague to our network, reflecting our commitment to expanding into new markets.” He added that these routes not only expand our network of destinations, but also provide an important opportunity to strengthen ties with these two countries and attract more visitors to Abu Dhabi. We consider this step as a key part of our #growth strategy, supporting #tourism and the UAE’s vision for the #future. Poland and the #CzechRepublic are important sources of tourists for the #UAE, and the direct flights from Warsaw and Prague provide travellers from both countries with more convenient and smooth #travel options to explore Abu Dhabi’s stunning attractions, from its beaches to its #cultural #heritage and world-class entertainment facilities. Thanks to its strategic and global hub location, Abu Dhabi provides a connection to Etihad Airways’ growing network, with the new flights opening a direct route to key destinations across the #MiddleEast, #Asia, the Indian subcontinent and #Australia. Whether travelling for business or leisure, travellers will be able to easily access major cities such as #Sydney, #Mumbai, #Bangkok and #Riyadh. Zayed International Airport, with its innovative services and Etihad’s services, enhances the travel experience, making Abu Dhabi an important gateway between #Europe and a number of key global markets. Customers who book via etihad.com can take advantage of the Abu Dhabi Stopover programme and enjoy a complimentary two-night stay in the vibrant #UAE capital. Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) Abu Dhabi Media Office UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) #india #aviation #hotel #media #economic #tourism #abudhabi