Travelers heading to the Maldives from Dubai can now enjoy luxury air travel as all-business class airline Biondo begins flights to the paradisiacal Indian Ocean vacation spot. Etihad Airways has added a fourth destination in Saudi Arabia to its network, and Abu Dhabi's new tourism campaign aims to give visitors some summer travel inspiration.
In case you missed it, here's a round-up of the latest travel and tourism news.
Beond launches first flight from Dubai to Maldives
The world's first premium leisure airline has launched its maiden flight from Dubai to the Maldives.
Beond Airlines aims to provide travelers with an experience closer to traveling on a private jet, rather than traditional airline premium or business class travel.
On Monday, the airline celebrated its first flight in Dubai with an Airbus A319 departing Dubai World Central Airport for the Maldives' capital Male.
All passengers on this flight felt premium, thanks to the aircraft's all-business seating configuration. Designed to provide a private he-jet-like journey, Beond's cabin has 44 stylish seats, all of which come with a flat-height bed.
“With the launch of our Dubai to Male service, we are offering our customers in the region an unforgettable experience to the breathtaking Maldives and a wide range of convenient flight options to choose from. Beond as the ultimate premium travel destination. As we build, we are very pleased with the uptake of our new service so far,” said Tero Taskira, CEO and Chairman of Beond.
The airline will operate four weekly flights from Dubai to the Maldives until July, increasing to six weekly flights thereafter. Flights from Milan to the Maldives will also be launched in July.
Beond currently flies from Munich, Zurich and Riyadh to the holiday paradise of the Indian Ocean. Flights from Bangkok to Male are also being planned, with launch scheduled for this summer.
Starting in July, the company will become the first company in the world to offer travelers an Apple Vision Pro headset onboard a flight. Packed with movies, games and more, it's designed to transform your in-flight entertainment experience.
Etihad Airways announces new route to Saudi Arabia
Etihad Airways operates direct flights from Abu Dhabi to Al Qasim in central Saudi Arabia.
The UAE's national carrier will begin operating four weekly flights from Zayed International Airport to Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz International Airport from June 24. This is the fourth domestic destination in Saudi Arabia served by Etihad Airways, after Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam.
Famous for its dates – Al Qasim supplies dates to over 70 countries. The region is also home to Wadi al-Rumma, the longest valley in the Arabian Peninsula, and the historic village of Misnab, one of the most important ancient sites. Kingdom town.
“Launching new services to Al Qasim this year is not just about introducing a new destination. It is also a celebration of 20 years,” said Arik De, Etihad Airways Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer.
The World Travel and Tourism Council predicts this will be a record year for the sector.
According to WTTC's 2024 Economic Impact Study, travel and tourism's contribution to the global economy is expected to reach a record $11.1 trillion. The report also revealed that this would amount to an additional $770 billion in contributions, more than the previous record, and would generate one in every ten dollars worldwide.
With tourism rebounding above pre-pandemic levels, WTTC expects 142 of the 185 countries analyzed to outperform their previous national records.
International tourist spending is expected to reach $1.89 trillion, nearing its peak in 2019, while domestic tourist spending this year is expected to surpass a record year and reach $5.4 trillion. .
“This doesn't just mean breaking records. We are no longer talking about a recovery. It's a story that will provide a significant economic boost and help millions of people with increased employment,'' said Julia Simpson, WTTC President and CEO.
“But there are also risks. The US and Chinese governments need to support their travel and tourism sectors. The US and China will continue to suffer, while other countries will see international tourists return sooner. It will come.”
Check into a haunted hotel at IMG World of Adventures
Thrill-seekers heading to Dubai's IMG World of Adventures will soon be able to check into a different type of hotel as Dubai's spookiest hotel reopens inside Dubai's largest indoor theme park .
After an extensive renovation, the Haunted Hotel is ready to welcome the public with eight new scenes and spooky new characters. The haunted residence welcomes intrepid visitors ages 15 and up, inviting brave souls to wander its haunted hallways and unravel the hotel's dark history.
Haunted Hotel will begin accepting check-ins on the first day of the theme park's Eid celebrations.
101 things to do in Abu Dhabi this summer
Abu Dhabi Tourism has launched a new campaign listing 101 things to do in Abu Dhabi to encourage travelers to visit the emirate this summer.
A carefully-curated list detailing the experience and revealing top attractions and lesser-known gems, including the best things to do in Abu Dhabi for solo travelers, family getaways, couples' getaways or holidays with friends. Contains inspiration.
Listed alphabetically by location, our list of 101 Dos in Abu Dhabi includes thrilling offers like driving on the F1 track at Yas Marina Circuit, or walking on the world's largest hand-woven carpet at the UAE's largest mosque. Contains cultural suggestions.
Experience the world's largest indoor flight chamber at Climb, discover centuries of technology at the House of Artisans, scuba dive with more than 300 species at the National Aquarium, and more. It's in that proposal. Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi website.
The new campaign follows a tourism plan released by Abu Dhabi's tourism body last week. These include attracting 39.3 million tourists a year and increasing the number of hotel rooms in the city from the current 34,000 to 52,000.
Updated: April 8, 2024, 3:47 p.m.
