World Travel Awards News
AirAsia X boost Japan cheap flight offering with Osaka departure
Flight D7536 has touched down at Kansai International Airport as AirAsia X launches a new service to Osaka. The third largest city by population after Tokyo and Yokohama, Osaka serves as a gateway to the popular historical city of Kyoto and Kobe, both of which are accessible in less than 30 minutes by the highly efficient local rail network.
Qatar Airways continues operations to Syria despite unrest
Contrary to recent media reports, Qatar Airways has confirmed scheduled passenger flights to and from Syria are fully operational and that reports the airline has suspended services are completely unfounded. Qatar Airways has only reduced frequency from ten flights a week to seven services each week to and from Damascus due to a reduction in traffic.
Sandals teams up with National Geographic Society for dive course
Sandals Resorts has teamed up with the National Geographic Society, a United States-based non-profit scientific and educational institution, to invite guests to dive into its new PADI National Geographic Diver Course. The new specialty programme, scheduled to roll out at all Sandals and Beaches resorts across the Caribbean in the coming months, is a collaborative effort with National Geographic and the Professional Association of Diving Instructors.
Qatar Airways expands China offering with Chongqing flights
Qatar Airways has expanded operations in China with the launch of scheduled flights to Chongqing. The launch is the fifth new Chinese destination added to schedules at the airline this year and the 15th route start-up overall.
Qatar/Korea to host annual UN climate change conference
Qatar and the Republic of Korea have agreed to closely cooperate to make the next major UN Climate Change Conference at the end of 2012 a success. Very much the rising star of the Middle East, Qatar was also recently selected to host the annual World Travel Awards Grand Final.
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort to host Sicilian Open
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Rocco Forte Hotels’ Sicilian jewel, has been selected as the preferred course for the prestigious 2012 Sicilian Open. The tournament, part of the PGA European Tour will be held at the resort from March 29th to April 1st 2012 and will welcome more than 140 European professional players.
RedBall Project visits Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
The acclaimed RedBall Project has appeared at Emirates Palace, the five star luxury destination situated on the beautiful Abu Dhabi coastline. Recognised as the Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Hotel by the World Travel Awards the installation was completed in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Municipality and the National Day Celebration Committee ahead of the 40th UAE National Day.
Change of leadership at Dusit International
Dusit International has appointed Jiri Kobos as vice president, operations with immediate affect.A 30-year industry veteran, Kobos has held senior management positions in Africa, Europe and Asia, including ten years with Hyatt Corporation Worldwide, prior to joining Dusit International as managing director and general manager of the 440-room Dusit Thani Lakeview Cairo in 2010.
AACO 2011: Air Arabia launches Moscow service
Air Arabia and Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority have inaugurated a service to Moscow, Russia. A delegation to Moscow to celebrate the launch was led by the chairman of Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority Sheikh Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi and the chairman of Air Arabia Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed Al Thani.
AACO 2011: Qatar Executive launches new website
Qatar Airways’ corporate jet division, Qatar Executive, has re-launched its website with new features offering an enhanced experience to the company’s private jet services. A new navigation system and homepage layout allows users to quickly locate information with detailed specifications and reviews of Qatar Executive’s wholly-owned fleet of six luxurious Bombardier private jets.
AACO 2011: Etihad to outsource accounting to Kale Consultants
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, has announced it will outsource the accounting of passenger and cargo revenues to aviation accountancy specialist Kale Consultants from April, 2012. The deal was confirmed during the Arab Air Carriers Organisation annual general meeting currently taking place in Abu Dhabi.
Doha continues to grow on world stage following major Marriott investment
Marriott International has welcomed the 257-room Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, 204-room Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center and 123-unit Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center to Qatar. All three properties are located within two 48-storey towers located in West Bay across from Qatar Financial Centre, adjacent to the Doha City Center Mall.