Travel News

Almosafer, Saudi Arabia’s travel company (part of the Seera Group), and Klook, Asia’s premier travel and experiences platform, have launched Almosafer Activities, the first-ever comprehensive tours and activities platform for the KSA market. The launch follows the signing of an agreement between the two travel industry titans in early 2022 to establish the joint venture with the purpose of creating a holistic B2B marketplace for activities in the Kingdom, filling a void in a market that has largely seen fragmented options for bookable ‘things to do’. Almosafer Activities is a one-stop digital platform with end-to-end content and inventory management solutions that enables tourism and leisure activity merchants in Saudi Arabia, as well as distributors around the world, to offer an unprecedented selection of products to visitors to, from, and within the Kingdom. The platform, which will go live for distributors in the third quarter of 2023, will leverage Klook’s position as the foremost global distributor of experiences and services and make it easy for domestic and foreign tourists to book activities. Almosafer Activities will connect Saudi Arabian travellers to global platforms, beginning with Klook. The introduction of Almosafer Activities supports the Saudi Vision 2030 tourism strategy by promoting both international and domestic tourism. Additionally, the platform will support small and medium-sized merchants by providing them with a platform and access to additional distribution channels. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, stated, “Saudi Arabia is at the forefront of global tourism growth. We are enduring a remarkable transformation and experiencing unprecedented growth, positioning ourselves as the world’s largest investor in tourism – this presents an exciting opportunity for both our current and prospective partners. “The inauguration of Almosafer Activities represents another significant step towards establishing world-class standards for travellers and empowering the tourism ecosystem in accordance with Vision 2030’s objectives. Through this cutting-edge digital platform, Almosafer Activities will provide travellers with effortless access to a vast array of activities and one-of-a-kind experiences. Our goal is to encourage visitors from all over the globe to discover the genuine essence of Arabia, our cherished homeland.” The CEO of Almosafer, Muzzammil Ahussain, stated, “We are thrilled to launch Almosafer Activities with Klook. Our new platform functions as a dependable marketplace for activities, tours, events, attractions, and experiences, while providing merchants and distributors with an abundance of opportunities. Almosafer Activities will empower the travel and tourism ecosystem as a whole while supporting the Kingdom’s strategy to continuously improve its domestic tourism offering and expand its inbound tourism footprint. C.S. Soong, Vice President of Corporate Development at Klook, stated, “The launch of Almosafer Activities represents a substantial step forward for the industry and will play a vital role in propelling Saudi Arabia towards Vision 2030. This new platform seamlessly connects the experience sector and promotes the digital transformation of merchants by leveraging Klook’s technological prowess and innovative merchant solutions. Moreover, we are confident that this strategic partnership will inspire and attract a greater number of international tourists to the Kingdom, thanks to our extensive global network.” Almosafer Activities offers a state-of-the-art app for merchants to administer their products and make them accessible to distributors on Almosafer Activities. Distributors will have access to exclusive activities and experiences in Saudi Arabia. The joint venture will reflect Almosafer’s digital-first approach, offering advanced digital solutions to merchants and distributors to help unlock selling opportunities as well as convenient payment cycles and seamless online payments. Source: traveldailymedia

The famed InterContinental Bali Resort, which is well-placed in Jimbaran Bay’s gorgeous setting, has lately undergone a stunning facelift. The InterContinental Bali Resort has raised the bar for luxury and convenience for its visitors with a significant refurbishment that includes 425 rooms and suites as well as the addition of a state-of-the-art convention centre. The InterContinental Bali Resort also offers impressive renovations that emphasise the resort’s top-notch amenities, such as its five fine dining options, swanky lounges, a designated kids club, and the recently launched convention centre with cutting-edge technology.The 425 rooms and suites of InterContinental Bali Resort have been updated to provide visitors with an opulent hideaway. Modern facilities, opulent furnishings, and contemporary decor are all included in the recently refurbished apartments. Each hotel and suite exudes luxury and elegance, offering a peaceful refuge for unwinding after a day of sightseeing or attending meetings. The five exceptional food and beverage outlets at InterContinental Bali Resort complement the updated lodging by providing a gourmet excursion. Visitors can indulge in a wide variety of culinary experiences, from traditional Balinese fare to international gourmet treats. The restaurants in the resort offer stunning views of the surrounding tropical scenery, which enhances the whole dining experience. To get the day off to a good start, the Taman Gita offers a huge breakfast buffet. Sumptuous seafood is available in Jimbaran Gardens, which has the best view of Jimbaran Bay. The Sunset Beach Bar & Grill offers a tranquil environment together with delectable grilled meats and exotic drinks. If you prefer sophisticated dining, Bella Cucina is a classy establishment that serves authentic Mediterranean fare. In the meanwhile, KO Restaurant serves traditional Japanese cuisine. Source: traveldailymedia

According to recent data from Royal Caribbean International, 64% of Brits agree that being on vacation makes them feel more courageous to attempt new activities. Therefore, the cruise company has partnered with freestyle football world champion Liv Cooke for a truly exceptional world record attempt onboard Symphony of the Seas in Barcelona, in the spirit of being daring and breaking personal travel objectives. The freestyler broke the previous record by successfully landing 76 alternating reverse crossovers in 30 seconds. All of this takes place in front of the breathtaking AquaTheater on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas. Liv is urging everyone to push themselves beyond their comfort zones as a special way to celebrate her first voyage on board. Her accomplishments come in the wake of a recent survey* conducted by the cruise line, which revealed that 44% of Britons use travel to experience new things. The top five travel objectives for individuals this year were as follows: Travelling to a new nation(29%) Eating strange and novel meals (28%) Fitness improvement (23%). Learning a new language or culture (22%) A theatre performance (22%) Source: traveldailymedia

The Airbus A350 has been in flight for ten years today, and the aviation analytics company Cirium has released data demonstrating the success of the Airbus aeroplane. A350 Cirium Data There are currently 495 Airbus A350s in operation worldwide, with 91 carriers including the aircraft in their fleets. The success of the aircraft is demonstrated by the fact that 435 more A350s are currently on order and will be delivered in the upcoming years. There are now only 46 A350s in storage. Over 8.9 million seats are expected to be filled on 28,388 flights by A350 aircraft in June. The month’s most A350 flights will depart from Singapore, followed by Doha, Hong Kong, Tokyo-Haneda, and London Heathrow. Source: traveldailymedia

The promotion will offer 50% cashback (up to 1,000 yen) on train, bus, and ferry fares when using JCB Contactless payment with JCB cards issued outside of Japan. This announcement is made by JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., Japan’s only international payment brand. From June 15, 2023, through September 30, 2023, this promotion will be active. Through this programme, foreign JCB card holders traveling to Japan can save money and have a hassle-free trip utilizing JCB Contactless payment for things like the train from Kansai International Airport to Namba, the bus to Mount Kya, a World Heritage Site, and the boat to Tokushima. A first-of-its-kind programme in Japan is the cashback offer using JCB Contactless payment that is only available to international JCB cardholders. To take advantage of this benefit, JCB cardholders should to tap their JCB Contactless cards over the designated card reader at the train ticket gate or while entering or exiting (whether boarding or disembarking trains, buses, or ferries). As a Japanese company with a welcoming culture, JCB offers services that improve the travel experience for JCB cardholders. For helpful promotions and practical services in several languages, go to “JCB Global”, the official YouTube channel, and the JCB Special Offers website. Source: traveldailymedia

Jirawat has been a mainstay of the Thai cultural scene for nearly 20 years, and he effortlessly transitions between fine art, commercial photography, and fashion runways. Jirawat is a vital source of new ideas. He is a cultural outlaw who produces photos that highlight his personal sense of style and provide visual impact to fashion campaigns. By offering contemporary interpretations of well-known terms, he seeks to study and recreate the art of Thai typography and calligraphy in his “Thaipology” project. The Standard, Hua Hin is inviting visitors to stay, play, and sashay with a series of LGBTQ+-friendly Love Fest events beginning on June 2 with the unveiling of Jirawat Sriluansoi’s art installation titled “Your Own Pride,” which is a tribute to Thai fashion icon Jirawat Sriluansoi. The specially commissioned works of art celebrate diversity by utilising terms that were previously derogatory but are now accepted by the queer community.Jirawat has been a mainstay of the Thai cultural scene for nearly 20 years, and he effortlessly transitions between fine art, commercial photography, and fashion runways. Jirawat is a vital source of new ideas. He is a cultural outlaw who produces photos that highlight his personal sense of style and provide visual impact to fashion campaigns. By offering contemporary interpretations of well-known terms, he seeks to study and recreate the art of Thai typography and calligraphy in his “Thaipology” project. The month of June at The Standard, Hua Hin will be devoted to building a safe environment where the local queer community may assemble after the inaugural event on June 2. Bohemian Rhapsody will be shown on June 3 as part of the poolside movie night with free popcorn; on June 15, Not Your Standard Bingo – Pride Edition will be held in Praça from 6.30 to 7.30 pm; and on June 17, visitors are invited to Pride Talk with GIRLxGIRL, an online community that promotes connection and empowerment among women who love women, to celebrate LGBTQ+ diversity, explore body positivity, and gain new perspectives on identity in a secure environment. The presentation will be held in the Courtyard from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. From 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on June 24, Hyper-Pop Princess DJ Peachji will be playing some queer classics and Y2K bubblegum sounds poolside. Source: traveldailymedia

Zealous, the first digital networking app in the United Arab Emirates, is excited to announce a strategic alliance with Creative Zone, a top supplier of company setup services. By providing a cutting-edge platform for seamless connections, meaningful conversations, and enduring partnerships, they hope to revolutionise networking experiences in the UAE’s entrepreneurial community. Zealous was created with the specific intent of empowering goal-driven people in the tech industry by giving them the resources to locate, connect with, and stay connected at their preferred time and location. Zealous minimises the ambiguity, awkwardness, and hassle typically associated with traditional networking by utilising smart technology and human-centric design concepts. Zealous will offer Creative Zone-affiliated businesses and startups an exceptional and unrivalled networking experience thanks to the relationship with Creative Zone. By making tech networking deliberate, simple, and rewarding, the cooperation hopes to encourage and promote it. Members of the Creative Zone will have access to a wide range of services through the Zealous mobile application, enhancing their networking chances and enabling them to make the most of their time, build meaningful connections, and continue to participate long after events and programmes have ended. By receiving personalized connection ideas based on their location and preferred meeting times, members of Zealous can network and cultivate relationships while on the road. By automating administrative activities like monitoring referrals and organizing meetings, the app efficiently frees up time and improves the effectiveness and enjoyment of networking. The co-founder and CEO of Zealous, Maryam Ahmed Hassani, highlighted her excitement about the collaboration with Creative Zone, saying, “At Zealous, we’re on a mission to rethink networking such that it’s intentional, simple, and meaningful. Nowadays’ digital environment makes networking feel impersonal and daunting. Zealous is dedicated to bringing back the human touch by giving our members the freedom to interact, contribute, and succeed in their local tech communities whenever it’s convenient for them. We are excited to cooperate with Creative Zone since they share our aim for maximising tech networking. Source: traveldailymedia

In celebration of the nation’s National Day this year, the well-known music and entertainment extravaganza AZIMUTH is scheduled to make a triumphant comeback to the gorgeous oasis city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. The third iteration of the musical festival, which is eagerly anticipated, will take place in AlUla, a city renowned for its remarkable fusion of natural and cultural heritage, on September 21 and 22. In due course, the full programme for this two-day extravaganza—featuring a combination of international superstars and outstanding local talent—will be revealed. The third edition of AZIMUTH promises an extraordinary weekend to focus on Saudi National Day, and attendees can anticipate nothing less than an explosive environment, thrilling live performances, and awe-inspiring art installations. Building on its prior successes, AZIMUTH is still dedicated to supporting and developing the Saudi entertainment sector. The festival not only turns the picturesque desert into an immersive stage but also aims to promote up-and-coming Saudi musicians and strengthen the region’s thriving music sector. With breathtaking nightly performances by well-known international icons like Jason Derulo, DJ Snake, and Damian Lazarus, AZIMUTH enthralled spectators in 2022. In addition, the event featured well-known local artists including Vinyl Mode, Kayan, Dish Dash, and Solskin. These artists delivered an unparalleled combination of Eastern and Western melodies and inspirations through vivacious performances and breathtaking large-scale art works. A diverse spectrum of emotions will be evoked in attendance at AZIMUTH by the compelling variety of musical styles that will be played, from pounding techno to upbeat melodies and soothing tunes. This musical variety not only enhances the appeal of the event but also honours the wide range of cultures for which AlUla has long been known. It is evidence of the seamless blending of music, culture, and the alluring spirit of AlUla. Visitors to AZIMUTH will have the chance to discover the mesmerising sites in AlUla, including Hegra, Elephant Rock, the Old Town village of AlUla, as well as its thriving surrounding communities of AlJadidah Arts District and AlUla Oasis. A wide range of thrilling outdoor activities, including ziplining, rock climbing, dune buggy tours, enormous swings, mountain stairways, and more, will tempt thrill-seekers. The AZIMUTH music festival serves as the official relaunch of the AlUla Moments calendar, a series of flagship festivals and major events that will soon be announced for the remaining months of 2023 and 2024. Source: traveldailymedia

These initiatives, which are being overseen by the integrated Coastal Resources team of the Okaloosa County Tourism Development Department (TDD), are committed to preserving Northwest Florida’s natural splendour, safeguarding local species, and creating famous coastal tourism experiences. Please find additional details about the area’s Artificial Reef Programme, its yearly Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament, and its initiatives to enlighten the public about sea turtle protection through the Gulfarium C.A.R.E. Centre below: A NEW HOME FOR SEA LIFE AND A DIVE DESTINATION The artificial reef programme in Destin-Fort Walton Beach is a part of a broader five-year effort to improve the local marine ecosystems and pique interest in nearby water sports. The artificial reefs, which can be anything from concrete pilings to specially designed modules and even substantial shipwrecks, provide habitat for more than 150 different fish and invertebrate species that are both recreationally and commercially significant. As a result, they make excellent locations for fishing, diving, and snorkelling. The artificial reef programme claims several ecological advantages, including the increase in the possibility that juvenile fish, who depend on reef structure for sections of their development, would survive. This is in addition to lowering adverse effects on naturally-occurring reefs by spreading out diving and fishing trips. It should come as no surprise that artificial reefs increase fish breeding potential, support the local fishing economy, and guard against overfishing. Each new reef is overseen from procurement to deployment by coastal resource manager Alex Fogg, who also manages a maritime contracting team that transports and meticulously cleans each vessel to prevent any negative environmental repercussions. Since 2019, around 1,500 concrete structures and 10 vessels have been installed at Destin-Fort Walton Beach. Recent vessel deployments include the R/V Manta (180′ x 38′ steel hulled research vessel), R/V Dolphin (192′ x 39.9′ steel hulled, bottom cable research vessel), and the RMS Cyclops (105′ x 24′ steel hulled, offshore supply vessel). These deployments were done in collaboration with Starborough Wines, Destin High School, Emerald Coast Reef Association, and Saltwater Restaurant Group. The RMS Atlantis and The Deep Stem are the next in line for this summer and the beginning of the autumn. Source: traveldailymedia

After years of reduced activity, international air travel has restarted, and people are eager to take to the skies once more. In 2024, there will be more than 4 billion travellers worldwide, reaching pre-COVID-19 levels. In Asia Pacific (APAC), travel is anticipated to quickly recover, with travel search volume rising by 50% year over year in Q4 2022. However, airports and airlines are now finding it difficult to keep up with the recovery after cutting employees owing to the protracted slowdown in travel demand. Since the summer of 2022, we have witnessed airports and airlines in Europe struggle to meet the rising demand, which has resulted in dissatisfied passengers and an increase in flight delays and cancellations. Flight cancellations and delays annoy travellers In Australia, during the fiscal year that ended in June 2022, the average on-time arrival rate for airlines was just 77%, while the average departure rate was 76%, and the annual cancellation rate was 8.3%. There is little doubt that flight cancellations and delays will increase the volume of insurance claims, which unintentionally causes longer wait times and low Net Promoter Scores (NPS), which have historically plagued the airline business. The average NPS for the aviation industry in 2020 was -1, which is 13 points lower than the average for all industries. The travel sector is still anticipated to be on track to recover to profitability in 2023 despite decreasing consumer satisfaction, as they continue to cut losses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects on their business in 2022. Travel companies may increase traveller confidence by providing embedded security Airlines are bearing the burden of irate and frustrated travellers as stories of flight delays, cancellations, and misplaced luggage scream for media attention. There are choices easily available, nevertheless, to assist passengers in controlling their travel hazards. Although trip protection is nothing new, more passengers are now looking for protection from their preferred travel companies to defend their interests. In the Embedded Insurance Travel Report, which Momentive.ai and Cover Genius commissioned, it is revealed that 45% of travellers worldwide prefer to purchase insurance directly from their travel agency, airline, or travel provider. The ability to offer clients “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) protection should encourage travel companies to act as intermediate agents and close any protection gaps that passengers may experience. Travellers can book their flights through CFAR with the assurance that they will get a full refund if they need to cancel for any reason, including illness, a disruption in public transport, or bad weather. Travel companies can use embedded protection to provide their customers with customised solutions that can address these issues in advance of better resourcing and operations anticipated for the rise in demand. Giving customers the proper protection at the moment of booking may help businesses create additional auxiliary income. The addition of a straightforward baggage protection or flight delay option for clients can ensure that travellers are immediately compensated should there be any baggage delay or disasters as airlines struggle with lost and delayed bags. You eliminate the cumbersome second step of looking for and buying third-party travel insurance after purchasing airfare by providing your consumers with incorporated protection during the booking process. Source: traveldailymedia