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volume 65-2021

No Empty Middle Seats | Delta To Sell The Whole Plane From May 1

April 3, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

NEW YORK: The empty middle seat on airplanes, one of the few advantages of pandemics, is about to disappear.

Delta Air Lines, the last remaining US airline to keep middle seats unbooked, has lifted that prohibition as of May 1, the company announced Wednesday. It is another sign of a rebound in demand for air travel and greater willingness of people to resume pre-pandemic activities.

“As vaccinations become more widespread, consumer demand and behaviors show us that confidence in travel is on the rise and customers are ready to reclaim their lives,” said Delta’s statement Wednesday.

Airlines have insisted that even with the planes fully booked, measures they have taken during the pandemic have greatly reduced the threat of Covid-19 being spread among passengers. Those provisions include the frequent exchange of fresh air in the cabin, enhanced cleaning measures, and a requirement that passengers wear masks.

Expanded vaccine availability factored into Delta’s decision. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the company’s research shows that 64% of its pre-pandemic passenger base anticipate having at least a dose of the vaccine by May 1.

“Don’t confuse these actions with a return to ‘normal,'” said Bastian in a memo to employees Wednesday. “We’re still operating in a pandemic, and many of the changes we’ve made over the past year, such as strengthening our cleanliness protocols and eliminating change fees, will be permanent. Importantly, masks remain critical to our ability to safely welcome more people on board our planes, and we remain committed to enforcing these requirements.”

Delta also announced Wednesday that the customers of the credit received for canceling flights last year, which were to expire after 12 months, have been extended through the end of 2022. The same is true of any tickets purchased in 2021 that were later canceled.

In the early days of the pandemic, when demand for flights ground to a near halt, all the airlines were keeping the middle seats open as a way to promote social distancing and increase customer confidence in flying. But most of the other airlines started filling the seats last summer.

Delta’s move regarding middle seats is not a surprise given that the airline previously said it would keep the prohibition in place only through April 30. People booking flights on May 1 and later have already seen the middle seat available for seat selection on the Delta website. The airline has not broken down the cost of keeping the seat open longer than other airlines.

Filed Under: Airlines, Aviation, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Marriott Int’l Rolls Out | Co-Branded Hotel Credit Card

April 3, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

MARYLAND: Marriott International has launched the Marriott Bonvoy ‘The BEST Shinhan Card’, offered exclusively by Visa, enabling cardholders to accelerate the number of Marriott Bonvoy points they earn, which can be redeemed for free nights at the brand’s hotels around the world.

Touted as “the first hotel industry credit card in South Korea”, cardholders can earn Marriott Bonvoy points and enjoy member benefits that come with elite status.

For an annual fee of 267,000 won (US$236), with Marriott Bonvoy ‘The BEST Shinhan Card’, cardholders enjoy rich earn ratios and become a Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite member upon sign-up.

Platinum Elite Status is also more achievable with cardholders enjoying 5,000 bonus points after spending 10 million won, and 10,000 bonus points after spending 20 million won. Cardholders will immediately be awarded Platinum status upon 60 million won spend in an accounting year.

Filed Under: Hotel/Lodges, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Int’l Air Transport Association | Willie Walsh succeeds Alexandre de Juniac

April 3, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

MONTREAL: Willie Walsh has officially taken on the role of Director-General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). He succeeds Alexandre de Juniac.

The former Chief Executive of International Airlines Group (IAG) said: “I am passionate about our industry and about the critical work that IATA does on behalf of its members, never more so than during the Covid-19 crisis.

“IATA has been at the forefront of efforts to restart global connectivity, including developing the IATA Travel Pass.

“Less visible but of equal importance, airlines continue to rely on IATA’s financial settlement systems, Timatic, and other vital services to support their day-to-day operations.

“I am grateful to Alexandre for leaving behind a strong organization and a motivated team.

“Together, the IATA team is absolutely focused on restoring the freedom of movement that airlines provide to billions of people around the world.

“That means your freedom to visit friends and family, to meet critical business partners, to secure and retain vital contracts, and to explore our wonderful planet,” said Walsh.

Walsh was confirmed as IATA’s eighth director-general by the 76th annual general meeting in November. He joins IATA after a 40-year career in the airline industry.

Walsh retired from the IAG in September after serving as its chief executive since its inception in 2011. Prior to that, he was Chief Executive of British Airways (2005-2011) and Chief Executive of Aer Lingus (2001-2005)

He began his career in aviation at Aer Lingus in 1979 as a cadet pilot.

Walsh is deeply familiar with IATA, having served on the IATA board of governors for almost 13 years between 2005 to 2018, including serving as Chairman Board of Governors for years 2016-2017.

He will work from the association’s executive office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Filed Under: Aviation, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Oman Air Extends | Complimentary Covid Coverage to December 31

April 2, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

MUSCAT: Oman Air, the national carrier of the Sultanate of Oman, has extended its complimentary Covid-19 coverage until December 31, 2021.

The complimentary coverage is for expenses incurred by medical treatment or quarantine related to the pandemic and is applicable to those tickets issued for travel after October 1, 2020, until December 31, 2021.

It will also cover Oman ex-pat residents who are required to present medical coverage for their destination and return to Oman if travel is completed within 31 days.

As per the directive issued by Oman’s Supreme Committee for Covid-19 safety, Omani and GCC nationals have been exempted from Covid-19 insurance.

Oman Air said it will maintain its comprehensive safety program throughout all elements of the travel journey. Masks are required when guests are onboard the aircraft and in Oman’s airports.

“Distancing is maintained while guests board and exit the aircraft, which are carefully cleaned after each flight and at the end of every day. Cabin crew all wear a full set of personal protective equipment, meal service has been modified to further ensure safety and a number of other steps have been taken to ensure that the airline’s guests and crew are safe at all times,” said a company spokesman.

“Guests who are planning to travel to Muscat should visit the Civil Aviation Authority website to ensure they are prepared to comply with requirements to enter the Sultanate,” he added.

Filed Under: Airlines, Aviation, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Projecting Hospitality Growth | Saudi Arabia Leads The World

April 2, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s hospitality sector is the fastest-growing among the 50 most populated countries in the world, reporting 73,057 rooms across the three phases of the hotel pipeline, and projecting a 67.1 percent increase in room supply over the next three years, according to STR’s AM: PM platform.

Of the total rooms in the pipeline as of March 11, 16,965 were scheduled to come online over the duration of 2021. The 67.1 percent increase assumes completion of all projects in construction, final planning, and planning.

“Saudi Arabia’s growth aspirations, along with the strength of other Middle East hospitality markets such as Qatar and the UAE, is further validation that the region continues to emerge as a global tourist destination,” said Philip Wooller, STR’s area director for the Middle East/Africa. “Such growth is a testament to the strength and prospectus of the nation’s strong cultural and economic resources.”

While a significant portion of Saudi Arabia’s pipeline activity is concentrated in Makkah (28,052 rooms under development), several other submarkets across the country are expected to increase hotel supply by 50 percent or more.

  1. Makkah: 28,052 rooms (+81 per cent)
  2. Saudi Arabia Regional: 13,996 (+80 per cent)
  3. Riyadh: 13,165 rooms (+75 per cent)
  4. Jeddah: 11,198 (+97 per cent)
  5. Al Khobar & Dammam: 5,418 (+47 per cent)
  6. Madinah: 1,228 (+7 per cent)

Filed Under: Hotel/Lodges, International Tourism, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Pak Ambassador Meets | Minister of Culture Of Belarus

April 2, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

BELARUS: Ambassador of Pakistan to Belarus Mr. Sajjad Haider Khan held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Anatoly Markevich, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Belarus. The meeting was also attended by Ms. Viktoria Ratobylskaya, Head of the International Cooperation and Information Management Department of the Ministry.

Underscoring the diversity of culture, ethnicity, and religion of Pakistan, which has been a melting pot of civilizations for thousands of years, Ambassador Sajjad highlighted the significance of promoting people-to-people contact for the creation of greater awareness in the general public.

The Minister welcomed the initiative, highlighted the importance of cultural collaboration, and assured to provide required support for meaningful engagement. He particularly wished to see closer cooperation between the cinematographers of the two countries.

The two sides reaffirmed the mutual intention to bolster Pakistan-Belarus relations with a focus on cooperation in culture. Series of activities will be planned to bolster full spectrum cultural cooperation between the two friendly countries.

Filed Under: Cultural Festivals, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

UAE Continuing To Update | Residence And Tourist Visas

April 1, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

ABU DHABI: The UAE is continuing to update and enlarge the scope of available residence and tourist visas, by introducing a range of new and innovative types of visas, according to the needs of various segments of the community.

These updates are also in line with the progress achieved by the UAE in the area of global competitiveness and are expected to attract more investors, entrepreneurs, talents, and scientists, as well as boost the country’s status as an international tourism destination, reported state news agency WAM.

Since the start of 2021, the UAE introduced three new updates to residence and tourist visas, which are a Remote work Visa, multi-entry tourist visas for all nationalities, and a resolution enabling foreign students to bring their families to the country.

Moreover, the UAE recently introduced a medical treatment visa, a five-year residency visa for retirees according to specific conditions, and a 10-year golden residency system.

In detail, in January 2021, the UAE Cabinet approved an amendment to its residency laws allowing foreign university students to bring their families to the UAE, as long as they can afford suitable accommodation and have the financial means to support them.

During a meeting of the UAE Cabinet held recently, a virtual employment permit was approved, the first of its kind in the region, enabling foreigners to enter the country without sponsors, stay for one year, and work remotely according to specific conditions.

At the same meeting, a multi-entry tourist visa was approved for all nationalities, which boost the UAE’s tourism sector and its status as one of the best destinations for tourism in the world. This visa will allow tourists to enter the country multiple times within a period of five years for a duration of up to 90 days for each visit, renewable for a similar period.

Filed Under: International Tourism, Latest News, News, Travel Tagged With: volume 65-2021

Hashoo Group to Open | Another ‘Hotel One’ In The City Of Nawabs

April 1, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD: To recreate the charm of travelling to a contemporary city with a royal past, the new Hotel One will be opening its doors soon to travellers in Bahawalpur, the City of Nawabs.

In this connection, a ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Mr Haseeb Gardezi, Chief Operating Officer – Hashoo Group Hospitality Division, Mr Waqar Qureshi, Director Development – Hotel One, and Mr Makhdoom Murtala Muhammad, the franchisee of Hotel One in Bahawalpur.

Hashoo Group is the leading and largest chain of hotels in Pakistan that own and operates the five-star Pearl-Continental, Marriott and the select-service Hotel One brands in Pakistan.

Located on Ahmedpur Road, this will be the second Hotel One in the City of Nawabs and will feature 50 elegant rooms, offer all-day dining at an in-house restaurant and cater to banquet and conference facilities at multi-purpose halls. Moreover, the upcoming hotel will be located in the business district of Bahawalpur. Upon construction, the hotel will reflect the historic architectural heritage that the iconic city of Bahawalpur is famous for.

Bahawalpur was once a princely state of Pakistan located in Punjab, famous for its timeless grandeur and was the city of residence for the royal families. Bahawalpur is now known for its monuments dating back from that glorious era. The city lies at the edge of the Cholistan Desert and serves as the gateway to the nearby Lal Suhanra National Park and to various desert motorsports events such as the famous Cholistan Rally.

History buffs, adventure enthusiasts, and travellers can explore the city for its rich heritage, comprising royal palaces such as Noor Mahal and Darbar Mahal, Derawar Fort, Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, and Abbasi Jamia Masjid Qila Derawar and much more.

The launch of this hotel will not only contribute to domestic employment but will also provide tourists’ quality lodging facilities within their reach.

Filed Under: Hotel/Lodges, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

The Winners Awarded | First Derajat Off-Road Jeep Challenge Race Concludes

April 1, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

PESHAWAR: A top official said on Monday, March 29, that more cultural festivals and traditional games would be organized in Dera Ismail Khan to attract domestic and foreign tourists to the area and boost tourism in the province.

Speaking at the awards distribution ceremony of the first Derajat off-road jeep and motorcycle challenge race, Secretary Sports, Tourism, Archaeology, Culture, Museums, and Youth Affairs Department Abid Majeed said that the second leg of Derajat Festival was postponed owing to the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic.

He said that the cultural festival would now be held in the upcoming September.

“The government is taking tangible steps for the promotion of local cultures, traditional games, and boosting tourism in every nook and corner of the province to lure more tourists and visitors,” the official said, adding that it would help create employment opportunities for the local populace as well.

Federal Minister Ali Amin Gandapur was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony.

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Culture and Tourism Authority (KPCTA), Frontier 4×4 Club, and Dera Ismail Khan District administration had jointly organized the three-day event.

Sahibzada Sultan was declared the top winner of Derajat off-road jeep challenge race followed by Zain Mahmood and Nadir Magsi.

In the Women’s category, Tushna Patel clinched the first position while Maheem Sheraz stood second and Salma Marwat third.

Trophies, medals, and cash prizes were given away to the positions of all categories.

Twenty-eight racers, including Jaffar Magsi, Nadir Magsi, Babar Khan, Salma Khan Marwat, Maheem Sheraz, Laila Akhunzada, Irshad Kakakhel, Zain Mahmood, Raza Saeed, Asif Fazal Chaudhry, Faisal Khan Shadi, Bewarigh Mazari, Awais Khakwani, Malik Qadir Nawaz, Shahab Haider, Asad Khan, Nauman Saranjam Khan, Saud Majeed, Umar Iqbal Kanju, Sheryar Khan, Zafar Khan Baloch, Nasir Khan, Gohar Sangi, Tushna Patel, Jamila and others participated in the pre-peered category and covered 118 kilometers track from Yarak to Gloti.

The racers performed well during the 118km race on the track from Yarak to Gloti after passing through Paniala, Rahmanikhel, and Abdulkhel.

Twenty-nine drivers participated in the stock category while 22 racers performed in the professional pre-peered category.

Filed Under: Cultural Festivals, Events, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

‘Nowruz’ Celebrations | Serena Hotels Organizes The Event

April 1, 2021 by holidayweekly Leave a Comment

ISLAMABAD: Serena Hotels held a colorful Nowruz celebration event in collaboration with the diplomatic missions of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the banner of its Cultural Diplomacy Initiative.

Nowruz – which means ‘new day – is an ancient celebration of spring dating back to around 3000 years; today is celebrated by around 300 million people belonging to different faiths and ethnicities across the world. In 2010 the United Nations adopted a resolution to officially recognize the International Day of Nowruz.

The event included beautiful cultural performances as well as stalls by the participating countries featuring their local handicrafts and heritage products. The First Lady Mrs. Samina Arif Alvi was the Chief Guest at the occasion. A number of notable dignitaries from the Diplomatic Corps, Government, and Corporate Sector also attended the event.

CEO Serena Hotels South and Central Asia Mr. Aziz Boolani thanked the First Lady and the collaborating countries as well as the attendees for their participation. “At Serena Hotels, we believe in creating positive linkages that can bring value to the society, and our various Diplomacy initiatives follow this overarching mission. The Nowruz event at Serena Hotels has become a yearly feature and a unique platform for the Nowruz celebrating countries to come together to celebrate this UN-recognized festival collectively,” he said.

“Nowruz, a spring festival that has been celebrated across different regions for centuries, reminds us of what we have in common,” said H.E. Atadjan Movlamov, Dean of Diplomatic Corps and Ambassador of Turkmenistan, thanking the First Lady Mrs. Samina Arif Alvi for her participation. “Today’s event shows that Pakistan stands for peace, development, and progress.”

Filed Under: Events, Hotel/Lodges, Latest News, News Tagged With: volume 65-2021

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