Tag Archives: Dubai

For the cruise biz, it is important to expand home port deployment: RWC on Arabian Gulf foray

Cashing on the popularity of UAE as a primere short-haul outbound market for the Indian traveller, Resorts World Cruises (RWC) is set to offer shorter two- and three-nights itineraries with Dubai as a home port starting October this year.

The two-year old company unveiled its Arabian Gulf itineraries for ‘Resorts World One’ to the Indian travel trade at a glittering event in Mumbai at the St. Regis.

Upbeat about this new product, Michael Goh, President, Resorts World One, said, “We are really excited about this new development, and are positive that this will be a success story in India. We are giving passengers to sail two or three-nights or combine the itineraries and cruise for five to seven nights. India is going to be our key fly-cruise source market, especially for family travel, couples, MICE and special interest groups. For the cruise business, it is important to expand home port deployment.”

Sharing his views, Naresh Rawal, Vice President – Sales, Resorts World Cruises, stated, “India contributes one third of our cruise passengers out of Singapore. Resorts World One will debut in the Arabian Gulf for October 18, 2024 to April 2025 season, with options of Sunday, Wednesday and Friday sailing with departures at 9pm, allowing convenient fly-in and fly-out choices. This will work well for families since it will give them time to bond during a short vacation to the UAE.”

Resorts World One has the capacity to host 1,854 guests, and onboard announcements will be made in English and Arabic. Adhering to the norms, meat served on the ship will he Halal-certified, and no pork will be available for consumption onboard. The all-inclusive ‘The Palace’ will offer 42 suites with a private butler service for HNIs.

The two-night sailings to the exclusive Sir Bani Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, will give passengers an up-close and personal experience of the wildlife. On a three-night sojourn, port of calls at Muscat and Khasab in Oman will offer the best views of the Gulf of Oman, while the two-night Doha cruise will give a peak into the Kingdom’s evolution as tourism hub.

With regards to visa, Indian travellers wanting to sail from Dubai need multiple-entry visa for the UAE, and land permits for Oman and Qatar sailings.

Resorts World Cruises will continue to engage in India through their PSA network is hopeful that the Arabian Gulf sailings will complement their Singapore deployments.

 

 

Dubai updates fund requirements for Indian visitors

 

Travellers on Dubai visit visas are urged to carry Dh3,000 cash, a valid return ticket, and proof of accommodation before boarding flights to the emirate, tourism agencies told Khaleej Times.
Experts said authorities are strictly enforcing entry guidelines. Some passengers who failed to meet the requirements were stopped at Indian airports and barred from boarding their flights. Others reported being stranded at airports in Dubai.

Requirements for Entering Dubai
• Valid visa with passport having at least 6 months validity
• Confirmed return ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (Dh3,000 cash or credit card)
• Valid address proof of accommodation (relative’s/friend’s home or hotel booking)
Travel agents said this rule has been in place for a long time, but authorities have now tightened monitoring to benefit travellers. Stringent checks provide transparency and prevent discrepancies for people traveling to the UAE.

On May 15, Abin S arrived in Dubai on a Spice Jet flight from Cochin, Kerala. Upon arrival at 2:30am, he was asked to show Dh3,000 which he had, along with a return ticket. However, he could not provide proof of accommodation as his cousin, with whom he planned to stay, was renting a room without accommodation under his name.
Abin had to stay in the airport waiting hall for 4 days before returning home on May 19. He was not informed about the new requirements by his travel agent in India or his cousin in Dubai.
On May 20, Indian tourist Abhishek was denied entry at Cochin airport while trying to board his Dubai flight. The staff said UAE would not allow entry without showing a valid hotel stay or Dh5,000 cash. Abhishek had INR 50,000 but was told to present it in dirhams.
Bijesh, Abhishek’s brother-in-law in Dubai, sent details of Abhishek’s uncle’s Emirates ID and proof of stay, but authorities were adamant. Unable to board, Abhishek lost the money spent on the Spice Jet ticket. The airline said the rules were being strictly enforced and it was the passenger’s duty to check.

India to be power house for future airline growth on travel eagerness, growing population: Report

India is expected to be a power house for future airline growth driven by the eagerness of people to travel and growing population, according to a report.

In a report, the Netherlands-based ING Bank NV said India is set to deliver strong structural growth figures, and airlines are preparing for this with historically large orders for new aircraft from carriers IndiGo and Air India.

“The country plans to open a range of new airports, and strategically located countries – such as the UAE, with the world’s second largest airport in terms of passenger traffic in Dubai – are anticipating strong transit passenger growth from Asia,” it said.

The report focusing on the outlook for the global aviation sector also noted that the long-term global growth outlook — 20 years — has generally been tempered in the post pandemic era to a range of 3-4 per cent annually instead of 5-6 per cent, with Europe seeing the lowest growth figure.

Further, it said that one of the main reasons is that flying is set to become significantly more expensive with rising costs of emissions.

Domestic travelling within large countries was the area first to recover, with its average already hitting pre-pandemic levels last year. But differences across regions are prevalent, the report said and added that in the US and China, traffic figures started 2024 beyond pre-pandemic levels.

“Domestic travelling in India and China will continue to push global airline growth (more on this below). But more importantly, lagging international (and intercontinental) travelling is returning with more strength, and this will propel airline mileages in 2024,” it added.

Also, the report said the eagerness to travel combined with a growing population turns “India into powerhouse for future airline growth”.
In little over a year, Air India and IndiGo have announced plans to purchase up to 170 wide-body planes. When narrow-body aircraft orders of Air India, IndiGo and Akasa Air are added to the list, the order book is well over 1,200 planes and that too in less than 14 months or since February 2023.

As per the report dated May 16, just 10 per cent of the global population – in upper-middle and higher income groups – is responsible for almost 90 per cent of passenger traffic.

While mentioning that there is a strong correlation between airline travelling and GDP and household income, the report said that particularly in Asia, it seems a propensity for travelling is on the rise.

“With an expanding middle class and improving household incomes, the customer base for airline travel is swelling. This is even more important than population growth. Despite environmental concerns, younger generations appear to travel more often than older generations, which also adds to the potential in countries such as India and Indonesia,” it added.

India is one of the world’s fastest growing civil aviation markets.

 

ATM Panel emphasises authenticity, personalisation, and guest focus

 

Luxury travel experts convened at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai to delve into strategies for standing out in the Middle East’s bustling luxury travel sector. As the event drew to a close at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), panelists at the luxury summit emphasised the importance of authenticity, personalisation, and elevating the guest experience to set brands apart in a crowded marketplace.

Discussions highlighted the necessity for luxury brands to cultivate common values and genuine experiences across their properties, transcending mere architectural distinctions. From the language employed in brand messaging to the integration of local heritage and culture within each hotel, industry leaders stressed the significance of crafting unique value propositions for guests.

Key figures at the summit, such as Claudia Kozma Kaplan from Raffles, Richard Alexander from The Lana (Dorchester Collection), Michael Grieve from Jumeirah, and Marco Franck from Boutique Group, shared insights on achieving premium status in an oversaturated market. Moderated by John O’Ceallaigh, Founder of The Luxury Travel Edit Limited, the session underscored the trend of luxury brands infusing their establishments with local art, music, and cuisine to create distinctive experiences.

Furthermore, panelists emphasised the importance of effective recruitment and retention strategies in fostering teams capable of delivering hyper-personalised service. Summit attendees were advised on the significance of retaining detailed guest preferences, from favorite dishes to special occasions, to ensure unparalleled guest satisfaction.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, noted the industry’s quest for differentiation in the competitive luxury hospitality landscape. The event witnessed an exchange of diverse insights, empowering brands to redefine modern luxury for their discerning clientele.

In parallel sessions, ATM attendees shared knowledge with aspiring travel professionals at the Network with Future Leaders session, while the Sustainability Summit explored pressing topics such as COP 28 Unpacked and leveraging sustainability in luxury markets. The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion on The Top Trends to Tap in 2024, underscoring the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

RezLive connects with trade partners at ATM

 

RezLive.com stood out at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2024 in Dubai, captivating attendees with its enthusiasm and steadfast commitment to building strong partnerships.

With the rallying cry of “Get More with RezLive.com” echoing through the event halls, RezLive.com made a bold impression at ATM 2024. The gathering provided a stage for the company to showcase its innovative solutions and reaffirm its dedication to empowering travel professionals globally.

The vibrant spirit of ATM 2024 was palpable at the RezLive.com booth, where Travel Agents, Service Providers, Hoteliers, Tech Partners, and Channel Managers gathered to explore synergies and seize new opportunities. The dynamic atmosphere reflected the lively energy of the event.

On May 7, 2024, RezLive.com elevated the excitement by hosting a special cocktail party for its esteemed preferred partners at “The Den McGettigan’s” Dubai. The evening wasn’t just about business; it was a celebration of the invaluable partnerships that underpin RezLive.com’s success.

Jaal Shah, Group Managing Director, RezLive.com, expressed, “We are thrilled to have been part of the Arabian Travel Market 2024 and to have connected with our valued partners. Our cocktail party was a token of appreciation for their continued support and dedication. Together, we are shaping the future of travel.”

The event attracted a remarkable turnout from attendees across the region, fostering a sense of camaraderie and anticipation. It marked a pivotal moment to celebrate past achievements, forge new connections, and collectively envision the limitless possibilities in the ever-evolving travel industry.

ATM records 15% yoy growth; 2025 edition from April 28 to May 1

 

More than 46,000 industry professionals from over 160 countries – including 33,500 visitors – attended the 31st edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which concluded yesterday in Dubai, UAE.

This represents a 15% year-on-year increase in attendees compared to ATM’s landmark 30th edition, setting a new record for the show and demonstrating the strength, resilience and momentum of the global travel and tourism sector.

ATM 2025 will take place from April 28 to May 1.

In line with ATM 2024’s theme, ‘Empowering Innovation: Transforming Travel Through Entrepreneurship’, over 2,600 exhibitors gathered at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) to explore the drivers behind industry growth and identify future opportunities within the global tourism sector.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said, “My colleagues and I are delighted that so many industry professionals from around the world were able to join us in Dubai to explore how innovation and entrepreneurship are shaping a more efficient, profitable and sustainable tourism sector for future generations. We are thrilled to have set a new show record, underscoring our position as the travel and tourism exhibition of choice as we continue to drive global growth within the industry.”

ATM 2024 welcomed His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, who chaired a meeting of The Executive Council during the show. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approved a series of major transport and tourism-related projects in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

This year’s opening session saw policy-makers from across the region explain how Gulf nations are working together to streamline the GCC’s tourism offering. The panel discussion, which took place following opening remarks from H.E. Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy, featured insights from H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority; H.E. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO of the Saudi Tourism Authority; H.E. Azzan Al Busaidi, Undersecretary of Tourism at the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism in Oman; and H.E. Sarah Buhijji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority.

Experts on the Indian outbound market shared key insights during the session ‘Unlocking the True Potential of Indian Travellers’. Virendra Jain, CEO and Co-Founder of VIDEC, a travel, tourism and hospitality boutique advisory and analytics firm, provided details surrounding market opportunity assessments, channel and distribution analysis, characteristics and behaviours of Indian travellers, and projections of the market’s outbound travel trends over the next decade.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2024’s strategic partners included Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) as Destination Partner, Emirates as Official Airline Partner, IHG Hotels & Resorts as Official Hotel Partner, and Al Rais Travel as Official DMC Partner.