Tag Archives: Dubai

OYO debuts its first opulent hotel in Dubai

 

OYO, a global hospitality technology company, has announced the launch of its first luxury hotel in Dubai, the Palette Royal Reflections Hotel and Spa. This move aims to attract the growing number of Indian tourists visiting the Gulf city. The opening of the hotel comes in the wake of Dubai’s recent relaxation of visa rules for Indian tourists, a development that OYO expects will lead to an influx of Indian visitors in 2024.

OYO is anticipating more than 1 lakh Indian tourists to visit Dubai this year. Dubai has always been a favourite destination for Indian travellers, renowned for its luxury shopping, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture.

This launch is part of OYO’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the premium property sector worldwide, particularly in the Middle East. The company currently operates over 700 properties across the UAE, with more than 200 in Dubai alone, demonstrating its robust foothold in the region.

India remains the largest market for Dubai tourism, with 11.9 million visitors in 2023, followed by Saudi Arabia and the UK with 6.7 million and 5.9 million tourists, respectively. OYO aims to meet the increasing demand from Indian tourists seeking luxurious accommodations in the area with this new venture in Dubai.

The Palette Royal Reflections Hotel and Spa is expected to enhance OYO’s offerings in Dubai’s dynamic hospitality landscape, catering to the upscale preferences of Indian tourists.

Source: PTI

‘Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport a good solution for Indian passengers to UAE’

The Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi with an expanded capacity and a new terminal building will be a good “solution” for passengers at a time when footfalls at Dubai airport are expected to breach its capacity, said its MD &  CEO Elena Sorlini.

“Dubai airport has hit its capacity, they will grow a bit more but they will need expansion at Dubai World Centre. But we are here now to cater to the extra demand. I think we are going to provide good solutions until they are going to be ready,” Sorlini told Jagriti Chandra of The Hindu during an online interaction.

India is the largest market for Abu Dhabi, enjoying 21% of the market share with 4.78 million passengers annually. In May, 28% of the total flight movements (arrivals and departures) were to and from India.

Zayed International Airport — one of five airports in Abu Dhabi, recorded 22.5 million passengers last year and expects this to grow to 27 million passengers by the end of 2024. It has a total capacity of 45 million passengers, which can be expanded to 65 million passengers.

“India is the fastest growing market, and therefore the interest that it stays relevant for all of UAE,”. Sorlini said.

Travellers pick Dubai as a top choice for Summer 2024

 

As summer approaches, travellers worldwide are eagerly planning their next adventure, and Dubai stands out as the top favorite destination. According to a recent analysis of Google search data, Dubai has claimed the number one spot on the bucket lists of travellers from 10 countries, solidifying its status as the ultimate summer hotspot.

The survey, which analysed Google search data and keywords related to summer travel, highlighted Dubai as the premier choice for those seeking an unforgettable summer experience. With its unique blend of modernity, luxury, and cultural richness, Dubai continues to captivate the imaginations of travelers globally.

From the iconic Burj Khalifa dominating the skyline to bustling souks filled with treasures, Dubai offers a diverse range of experiences to suit every traveller’s preferences. Whether it’s exploring the vibrant cultural scene, indulging in adrenaline-pumping desert safaris, or unwinding on pristine beaches, Dubai promises an enriching and unforgettable summer adventure.

As Dubai continues to innovate and enhance its offerings, the city remains committed to providing unparalleled experiences that leave a lasting impression on visitors. With world-class attractions, luxurious accommodations, and a vibrant ambiance, Dubai invites travellers from around the world to discover the magic and splendor that await in this extraordinary city.

Tax concerns may make airlines to exit India: IATA

Global airlines fear the complexities of India’s tax system could drive them away from the world’s third-largest aviation market, warned the International Air Transport Association IATA.

During a roundtable discussion on the sidelines of its 80th annual general meeting (AGM), IATA Director General Willie Walsh highlighted concerns over potential withdrawal of international airlines due to tax intricacies, including double taxation risks, reports Anu Sharma for Mint.

“Tax issues and India go hand in hand…we are very concerned that some of the proposals would actually lead to airlines withdrawing from the market because (they would be exposed to) the complexity of tax rules, the extent of taxes, and the risk of double taxation, which most air service agreements set out to avoid,” Walsh said.

In October 2023, the Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) conducted extensive searches at the Indian offices of foreign airlines including Etihad, Emirates, Saudi Airlines, Qatar Airways, Air Arabia, Oman Air and Kuwait Airways, as part of an investigation into alleged tax evasion linked to services imported from the airlines’ overseas headquarters to their Indian branches.

This year, DGGI summoned the Indian staff of Thai Airways, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and British Airways, among others, over allegations of non-payment of goods and services tax (GST). According to the agency, services like aircraft maintenance, rentals and crew salaries, overseen by an airline’s overseas headquarters, are subject to GST in India.

“I go back to my time as airline CEO. There has always been a debate about application of tax rules in India, which appear to be far more complex than anywhere in the world. These investigations will continue,” Walsh, a former Chief Executive of British Airways, said.

“We argue very strongly that there is a global tax structure in place, which works and works well, and changing that tax structure does not necessarily represent an opportunity; some people believe that through this they will generate additional tax revenues which may not be the case because as a result of this, you could see is an exit from the market.”

“In areas where airlines have not been able to repatriate their money, they eventually say ‘I got to stop serving this market’. (Subsequently), normally they reduce their services, and then, if they are not being able to repatriate, and is it significantly impacts profitability, and if there is double taxation, the risk is a negative impact on the network it serves,” Walsh said.

“So, India and taxes are always complex, we will wait and see what happens,” he added. (Source: Mint)

Global travel & tourism to hit USD 15trln over next decade: WTTC Chief

The global travel and tourism industry is a significant contributor to job creation, employing 348 million people, said Julia Simpson, President & CEO, WTTC (World Travel & Tourism Council), adding that the sector is poised to hit USD 15 trillion over the next decade, growing at twice the rate of global GDP growth.

This growth must align with sustainability efforts, said Simpson, lauding the UAE for their efforts in utilising travel and tourism to promote sustainable development.

She stressed upon the global significance of the travel and tourism industry, noting that it sustains one in every ten jobs worldwide and contributes to one in every ten dollars of global economic growth.

Simpson was speaking to the media on the last day of the 80th IATA Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit held in Dubai.

The UAE recognised early on the impact of tourism in fostering a thriving economy, she stated.

Simpson specifically commended the UAE’s involvement in the WTTC’s Hotel Sustainability Basics programme, which ensures that hotels adhere to basic sustainability standards, enabling travellers to make informed decisions based on a hotel’s environmental commitment.

Regarding sustainability in travel and tourism, she underlined it as a universal challenge across all sectors, including travel and tourism.

She emphasised the importance of government support in producing sustainable aviation fuel and called for policy measures that encourage and commit to its production.

Furthermore, utilising renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is significant, as energy consumption accounts for 25% of greenhouse gases in the travel and tourism sector. (Source: TradeArabia News Service)

IATA AGM to be held in Delhi next year; IndiGo to play host

IndiGo will host the annual general meeting (AGM) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2025 from June 8 to 10, in New Delhi. In the past, India hosted the IATA AGM in 1983 and 1958.

“With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly on the trajectory to become the world’s third largest aviation market within this decade. With such bright prospects, it’s the perfect time for the IATA AGM to return to India and witness these exciting developments first hand,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“IndiGo is proud to be host airline for the 81st IATA AGM and looks forward to welcoming the global aviation community to Delhi in 2025. India, becoming the third largest economy within the next few years and leading the fourth industrial revolution with the use of AI, is a nation on the move. India’s rise in the global aviation landscape over the last years has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Pieter Elbers, CEO, IndiGo, said, taking over as Chair of IATA Board of Governors at the valedictory session of the IATA AGM in Dubai yesterday.

Civil Aviation Minister Jotiraditya Scindia termed IATA’s decision to hold its next AGM in Delhi as a “proud moment for Indian aviation”.

“Under PM @narendramodi Ji’s leadership, the sector has grown tremendously with a record passenger count, development of world-class infrastructure, enhanced regional connectivity and historic aircraft orders. Certain that this will provide national and international stakeholders a platform to further explore the Indian aviation market and open new avenues for collaboration and sustainability,” Scindia said in a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).