Tag Archives: UAE

Royal Gulf Tourism partners with Linkin Reps to strengthen presence in North & East India

Royal Gulf Tourism, a pioneer in the UAE’s inbound tourism industry, has entered into a strategic partnership with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Royal Gulf Tourism’s commitment to expanding its footprint in key regions of North and East India, enabling it to bring world-class travel services to a broader audience.

Royal Gulf Tourism: 25+ Years of Excellence in Destination Management
Founded in 1996, Royal Gulf Tourism has been at the forefront of UAE tourism for over 25 years. As one of the first Destination Management Companies (DMC) in the UAE, Royal Gulf has served more than 1.5 million tourists, translating to over 5 million tourist days. The company is affiliated with over 500 hotels, offering an extensive range of services, including hotel bookings, excursions, professional guides, transfers, and visa processing.

Royal Gulf Tourism began its journey as a specialist in inbound tourism from the Czech Republic and Slovakia and has since expanded its presence to Central and Eastern Europe, India, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa, Greece, and the USA. Its unwavering dedication to delivering flawless and memorable travel experiences has earned the company a reputation as the UAE’s premium and most reliable Destination Management Company.

A Partnership Rooted in Growth and Innovation
Through its partnership with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd., Royal Gulf Tourism aims to solidify its position in the Indian market. Under the leadership of Komal Seth, Director and Founder of Linkin Reps, the collaboration will focus on enhancing Royal Gulf’s visibility and fostering relationships with travel trade partners in North and East India.

The partnership promises to unlock new opportunities, delivering exceptional ground-handling and destination services tailored to the needs of Indian travellers. By combining Royal Gulf’s legacy of excellence with Linkin Reps’ proven track record in strategic sales, marketing, and representation, the collaboration is poised to redefine travel experiences for Indian leisure and MICE travellers.

Statements from Leaders
“We are excited to partner with Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd.,” said a spokesperson for Royal Gulf Tourism. “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to providing world-class travel experiences and forging meaningful relationships with our partners. With Linkin Reps’ extensive market expertise and innovative strategies, we look forward to achieving new milestones together.”

Komal Seth, Director and Founder of Linkin Reps Pvt. Ltd., shared her perspective, “Royal Gulf Tourism has a rich history of delivering exceptional services and curating unforgettable travel experiences. We are honored to represent them in North and East India and are confident that this partnership will open doors to exciting new possibilities for Indian travelers.”

Damascus has seen a history of conflicts impacting air transport.

Damascus Airport resumes international flights

International flights resumed at Syria’s main airport in Damascus on Tuesday for the first time since Islamist-led rebels toppled President Bashar al-Assad last month, AFP journalists said.

Tuesday was the first time international flights have returned to Syria’s major airport in Damascus since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown last month by Islamist-led rebels.

Tuesday was the first time international flights have returned to Syria’s major airport in Damascus since President Bashar al-Assad was overthrown last month by Islamist-led rebels.

A Syrian Airlines flight bound for Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, took off at around 11:45 am (0845 GMT), marking the first international commercial flight from the airport since December 8, AFP correspondents said.
“Today marks a new beginning,” Damascus Airport Director Anis Fallouh told AFP.

“We started welcoming outbound and inbound international flights,” he said, adding that the first flight was bound for Sharjah.

International aid planes and foreign diplomatic delegations have already been landing in Syria, and domestic flights have also resumed.

On December 18, the first flight since Islamist-led rebels ousted Assad 10 days earlier took off from Damascus airport bound for Aleppo in the country’s north, according to AFP journalists. (Source: AFP)

The Chandigarh Airport is the gateway to Punjab and Haryana.

Operations of flights purely a commercial decision by airlines, Centre in reply to HC

In response to a Punjab and Haryana High Court question on why there are just two international flights from the Shaheed Bhagat Singh International Airport in Mohali, the Centre has said that it does not interfere in commercial operations of airlines and that the airlines are free to choose markets and destinations within the ambit of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) between India and another country, reports The Hindustan Times.

“Commercial operations of airlines are deregulated, and the Government does not regulate or interfere with the operational plans of the airlines. Accordingly, the airlines are free to select whatever markets and networks they wish to service and operate within the ambit of BASA (based on which seat capacity etc. is decided),” an affidavit by V Vualnam, secretary, ministry of civil aviation, Government of India, stated.

“There is also no explanation from the Chandigarh International Airport Authority Limited as to why there are only two international flights from Chandigarh (UT and capital of two prosperous states) on a daily basis… It is unfortunate to note that even a district headquarter like Amritsar has more than 14 international flights to various countries,” the court had observed while seeking affidavit from the Aviation Secretary.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), pending since December 2015, when it was approached by the Mohali Industries Association, alleging lack of facilities at the airport. Since then, the HC has been monitoring the progress of various projects at the airport.

Inaugurated on September 15, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the new terminal has been built at an estimated cost of INR 1,400 crore. While initially, there were only 40-odd flights, the number has now gone up to 90, including two to international destinations — Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“The Hon’able court may also kindly note than any operation of the international flight from any point in India is purely a commercial decision of the airline on the basis of the economic viability of the route, traffic demand, slot availability and other associated factors,” the aviation secretary said, adding that India has open sky arrangements for bilateral air services with a number of countries including USA and UK, whereby foreign designated carriers may operate to/ from any point in India, which includes Chandigarh.

As per the officer, Indian carriers were asked about plans to start international flights from Chandigarh, but the airlines responded in the negative. The airlines told the Centre that they do not have any immediate plans to add any more international flights to/from Chandigarh in addition to the existing operational international schedule but would evaluate feasibility in the future.

On the issue of steps taken by it for increasing international flights, the Punjab government has said that it had requested Centre in 2019 to include Chandigarh in the list of cities covered under Open Sky Policy for Airlines from ASEAN countries, which liberalises travel to the notified cities without restriction of reciprocatory/ or the need for bi-lateral agreements. However, the Centre has not included the Chandigarh airport in that list. Follow-up letters were also written but the Centre has not yielded.

In one of the letters written in 2022, on the issue in response to the demand raised by the state government in that year, the Centre told the state government that India has an open sky agreement with the United Kingdom, which permits designated carriers to operate seven services per week to and from any non-metro airport and Chandigarh is also in the list of such airports. In the same letter, the Centre also said that Chandigarh is not available as a point of call for Canada and thus, Canadian carriers cannot operate direct flights to and from Chandigarh, the affidavit from Malwinder Singh Jaggi, Secretary, Department of Civil Aviation, said. (Source: Hindustan Times)

 

Dubai makes hotel booking & return ticket mandatory for incoming tourists

In a significant move to streamline the visa process and enhance tourism management, Dubai has introduced new prerequisites for obtaining a tourist visa. Effective immediately, travellers must present proof of confirmed hotel bookings and a return flight ticket to secure approval.

Key Requirements for Tourists
Hotel Booking Confirmation:
Applicants must provide valid proof of accommodation, such as a confirmed hotel reservation. Those planning to stay with friends or family are required to submit additional documentation, including proof of the host’s residency.

Return Flight Ticket:
A confirmed return ticket is now mandatory. Open-ended or one-way tickets will not be accepted and may result in the rejection of the visa application.
Dubai, known as a global tourism hotspot, aims to:
• Prevent overstaying beyond visa validity.
• Manage tourist inflows effectively during peak seasons.
• Enhance the overall travel experience by encouraging pre-planned itineraries.

For more detailed guidelines, travellers are encouraged to visit Dubai’s official visa portal or consult the UAE General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

 

 

Time to Elevate Travel


In an era when travel transcends borders, Jumeirah is redefining luxury by transforming a stay into an immersive journey, where every experience is steeped in the elegance of Arabian hospitality and the vibrancy of local culture.
Since the opening of the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in 1999, Jumeirah has showcased the UAE’s unique warmth and generosity, setting a global standard for refined hospitality. Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, an architectural marvel, not only shaped Dubai’s skyline but also introduced the world to the rich traditions of Emirati hospitality and positioned Dubai as a premier destination.

With a legacy of more than 25 remarkable years, Jumeirah is entering an exciting new era, led by Chief Brand Officer, Michael Grieve. Guided by a fresh brand vision, Jumeirah is embracing the future of travel by crafting elevated experiences that merge the best of local culture with refined and sophisticated global touches. This approach reflects a growing a shift in luxury hospitality catering to travellers craving for meaningful connections, authenticity, and a sense of place.

By staying true to its roots while innovating for the future, Jumeirah is setting itself apart as a leader in experiential travel. Each property offers a seamless blend of tradition and modern luxury, inviting guests to explore a destination’s heritage while enjoying the highest standards of comfort and service.

Redefined Travel

Jumeirah’s locations go far beyond offering luxurious accommodations; they are a majlis of global culture, conversation, and connection. Inspired by the spirit of ancient trade routes – where travellers once exchanged ideas and experienced warm hospitality – Jumeirah is building a modern platform where cultures intersect, and stories are shared. This new approach centres on elevating the guest experience with carefully curated, culturally rich programmes that honour the heritage of each Jumeirah destination.

Dubai & Beyond

Jumeirah’s rise into a hospitality brand of elegance has been meteoric from creating a name locally to spreading its wings across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. From the pristine beaches of the Maldives to the historic streets of London, Jumeirah’s portfolio is a testament to its commitment to crafting experiences that resonate with the local culture while providing guests with exceptional refinement. Whether it’s the tranquil beauty of Jumeirah Bali or the sophisticated charm of Jumeirah Capri Palace, each property is designed to offer more than just a stay—it’s an invitation to explore and connect with the essence of the destination.

Upcoming Hotels

As part of this reinvention exercise, Jumeirah will bring three new properties across three different locations: Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab in Dubai, Jumeirah Red Sea in Saudi Arabia, and Jumeirah Le Richemond in Geneva.
Adding a new flavour to Dubai, Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab will showcase the cutting-edge advancements in Dubai’s Arabian hospitality. Rounding out Jumeirah’s nautical trilogy on Dubai’s most exclusive beach, this exceptional lifestyle destination stands next to the wave-like Jumeirah Beach Hotel, boasting unobstructed views of the iconic, sail-inspired Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

Set for launch in 2025 on Shura Island in Saudi Arabia, Jumeirah Red Sea will enthral guests with coastal hospitality unmatched in history. Built on the concept of barefoot luxury, crafted by Foster + Partners, the resort’s innovative single-story design blends seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring a unique sand-covered ‘Ribbon Path’ that links its spaces and immerses guests in their surroundings. While indulging into the beauty and rich culture of Saudi Arabia’s coastline, guests have a choice of accommodations, from elegant rooms to private pool villas and beachside retreats.

Set in Europe, Jumeirah Le Richemond in Geneva will introduce the brand’s marquee hospitality. With unhindered views of the Léman and Mont Blanc, this hotel will provide a refined escape in the heart of the city. It captures a timeless story shared by cities around the world, bridging people and culture through art, heritage, and stunning landscapes. This destination enriches guests with immersive experiences that spark inspiration and open doors to new perspectives.

Growing Elevated Travel

With an evolution in time, the future of Jumeirah is rooted into traditional luxury with a generous Arabian touch. Like ancient times when traders were welcomed with immense warmth, Jumeirah will create spaces that offer connections with the natural habitat amid authentic local experiences. Showcasing their hospitality while blending stories and richness of each destination, Jumeirah will create memories to last a lifetime.

to know more https://www.jumeirah.com/en?

IndiGo to connect Pune with Dubai via direct flights from Nov 22

IndiGo is set to launch daily direct service from Pune to Dubai from November 22.

With this new addition by IndiGo, the airline will now operate 383 average weekly flights out of Pune offering direct connectivity to over 25 destinations in India and two international destinations, the Gurugram-headquartered airline said in a statement.

This new route will enhance IndiGo’s international network from Pune by providing direct connectivity to one of the most sought-after tourist and business destinations for Indian travellers in the UAE, it said.

The daily connectivity between Pune and Dubai will enhance accessibility between the two cities and introduce new avenues for business and job opportunities for travellers, IndiGo said.

“With the introduction of these flights, IndiGo will now operate over 100 weekly, direct, flights to Dubai from 13 cities in India, and now offers a wide choice of more than 225 weekly flights into the UAE from 18 cities in India,” said Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo.

The airline has already announced a flight to Bangkok from Pune.