Jetsettersblog

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, launched non-stop flights between Washington DC, and Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. The airline launched routes in response to strong demand for government and business travel between the capitals, according to a company statement.

“The UAE is one of the most important political and trade partners of the United States, and this is the first non-stop flight between the two cities,” said James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways. “Government and corporate customers have given us strong indications that the Washington-Abu Dhabi route can support a daily service from day one. We have responded confidently by committing 3,360 seats per week and investing $6.8 million in a purpose-built premium lounge adjacent to our permanent gate in Terminal A at Dulles International Airport. Already, forward bookings on this route are encouraging in both directions.”

Etihad has routes to three other North American cities: New York, Chicago and Toronto. To date, Etihad Airways has carried almost two million passengers between North America and Abu Dhabi. The airline racked up 12.6 per cent growth in passenger numbers last year. Flight EY130 departs Washington at 10:15 p.m. each night for the 13 hour, 30 minute flight to Abu Dhabi. The airline will use Airbus A340-500 aircraft, seating 240 passengers in a three-class cabin – 12 in Diamond First, 28 in Pearl Business and 200 in Coral Economy Class.

MSC Cruises’ MSC Lirica will return to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the 2013-14 winter season. On Nov. 5, MSC Lirica will set off on an 18-night voyage from Genoa, Italy, to Dubai, UAE, after calls in Civitavecchia, Italy; La Valletta, Malta; Piraeus, Greece; Port Said and Safaga, Egypt; and Salalah and Muscat, Oman. From Nov. 23 until March 29, MSC Lirica will offer 18 seven-night cruises from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Khor al Fakkan, UAE; and Muscat and Khasab, Oman, with an overnight stay in Dubai.

“The UAE government’s recent decision to allow multiple entry visas for cruise ship passengers has dramatically simplified visa procedures,” said MSC Cruises CEO Pierfrancesco Vago. “This makes the region even more attractive to cruise lines and ensures that many more travelers can discover this truly unique destination with ease.”

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, unveiled its new bi-level premium lounge at Dulles International Airport with direct boarding access to aircraft. The new lounge is part of an ongoing $50 million investment by the airline to upgrade its premium lounges. Etihad last month introduced daily service between Abu Dhabi and Washington, D.C.

Etihad now has First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi and premium lounges in Dublin, Frankfurt, London, Manchester and Paris. It is planning to build new “state-of-the-art” luxury lounges in New York, Sydney and Melbourne.

The new Dulles lounge features relaxation spaces, fine dining areas, state-of-the-art business amenities, bathrooms with shower facilities and family entertainment areas. “In creating our guest experience we derive our inspiration not by looking at other airlines but by benchmarking ourselves against some of the world’s leading hotels and restaurants,” said James Hogan, the airline’s president and CEO.

Emirates Airlines is offering up to $700 off roundtrip bookings for travel this summer on economy fares to select destinations in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The fares can be used for flights out of seven gateways in the U.S. and a global network of 128 destinations. The airline is offering savings on summer travel on tickets purchased until Feb. 3. Travel dates vary depending on the destination and the special fares are available on selected routes for travel from May to August.

The company is offering flights from Washington, D.C. to Addis Ababa from $1,910; San Francisco to Mumbai from $1,948; Los Angeles to Dubai for $2,268; and Dubai to New York from $1,506.

Emirates Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which have been offering customers the opportunity to redeem miles on each other’s frequent flyer programs since early 2012, expanded the benefits of the interline agreement between the two airlines.

As per the new agreement, Emirates Skywards members now have more ways to book their reward travel. According to Brian LaBelle, senior vice president of Skywards, “With its hub in Seattle, Alaska Airlines’ network offers convenient connections for Skywards members travelling on Emirates’ daily flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles to Dubai and beyond to any of the 128 destinations on our global network.”

To promote the new redemption offer, Skywards is offering bonus miles for return trips between Seattle and Dubai for tickets purchased before the end of January for travel until May. First class passengers can earn 16,000 miles and business class passengers are eligible for an extra 8,000 miles. The total miles earned would be sufficient for a roundtrip in economy class between Seattle and New York, among other destinations.

Through the existing interline agreement between Emirates and Alaska Airlines, Skywards members have seamless connections from 15 U.S. cities, including Portland, Pasco, Spokane, Anchorage and Boise to Dubai via Emirates’ gateways in Seattle, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Alaska Airlines also serves the East Coast of the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Hawaii. Passengers can check-in at either the Emirates or Alaska Airlines counters and their bags will be checked through to their final destination if on a single ticket.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will launch daily flights between the airline’s home-base of Abu Dhabi and Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. The new EY77 and EY78 services will begin on May 15 and carry the KL code of Dutch national carrier, KLM.

The daily flights will complement KLM’s current service between Amsterdam and Abu Dhabi which will increase to daily from the Summer and carry Etihad Airways’ EY code, ensuring that the two airlines can offer a combined double daily service.

Speaking at a press conference in Amsterdam, James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, and Peter Hartman, president and chief executive officer of KLM, also disclosed details of the expansion of the codeshare agreement between the two airlines.

Strong demand for the Etihad Airways service is anticipated from the Dutch community in the UAE which consists of more than 5,000 Dutch nationals and 300 Dutch companies. Bilateral trade between the Netherlands and UAE is currently valued at $3.6 billion.

Etihad Airways will operate a two-class Airbus A330-200 aircraft on the new Amsterdam service, configured with 22 seats in Pearl Business class and 240 in Coral Economy class, offering each week a total of 3,668 seats between the two capital cities. The codeshare expansion will see Etihad Airways placing its EY code on KLM flights to Stockholm, Aberdeen, Barcelona, Bergen, Birmingham, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Gothenburg, Helsinki, Leeds/Bradford, Madrid, Nice and Toronto. This adds to the current codeshare flights to Billund, Cardiff, Newcastle, Oslo, and Stavanger.

In return, KLM will place its KL code on Etihad Airways flights to Baghdad, Basra, Calicut, Cochin, Dhaka, Erbil, Hyderabad, Kathmandu, Chennai, Male, Peshawar, Seychelles and Trivandrum. This adds to the current codeshare flights to Colombo, Islamabad, Lahore, Melbourne, and Sydney. Etihad Airways and strategic partner Air France-KLM unveiled plans to work together on codeshare routes, commercial development and cost synergies in October 2012. The agreement expanded the UAE flag carrier’s network to 337 destinations. These new destinations are part of the airline’s 10-year network growth plan which will see Etihad Airways fly to more than 100 destinations with a fleet of more than 150 aircraft by 2020.

Strategically-located business hotel offers unique amenities for the discerning traveller

Dusit International, a leading Asian hospitality group,has announced plans to open Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, its first property in the UAE capital, in the first quarter of 2013. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, comprising 402 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as 131 deluxe serviced apartments, features a wealth of unique facilities that provide the discerning business traveller with a perfect destination.

Strategically located in the new business and government district, the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is 10 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and only a few minutes away from other city landmarks and major corporate headquarters.

Scott Mawhinney, General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most sought-after business hubs in the region and we see enormous potential for a world-class business hotel in the capital. We are confident that with its superb strategic location, the new Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi will prove a major attraction to local, regional and international business travellers to the UAE capital seeking comfort, security and convenience.”

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi blends modern architecture with an innovative design creating an exquisite and refreshingly new hotel experience. The 37-storey ‘glass tower’ property has been created to respond to the discerning needs of affluent business traveller seeking style, comfort, luxury and personalised service.

Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and apartments comprises a mix of Thai influences and modern lifestyle, featuring well-designed furniture and the latest technology. This includes interactive LED TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and high-speed internet connection, working desk, electronic safe, individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial phone with voice mail, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and hair dryer.

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has also been developed with the rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market in mind. The hotel offers a spacious Conference Centre with a variety of function rooms, including a 785 square metre ballroom that can facilitate all types of events, conferences, exhibitions or social functions that can host up to 2,000 guests.

The innovative design of the pre-function area with its impressive ‘Skydome’, the elegance and convenience of each function room together with state-of-the-art facilities and attentive service make Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi the perfect venue at which to host a memorable event.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi boasts a broad selection of dining outlets with variety of international cuisine served, for socializing in both casual and elegant environment. Authentic Thai food will also be served at Dusit International’s Thai flagship ‘Benjarong Restaurant’. In addition, the recreational facilities include DFiT, a fully equipped fitness centre and urban sanctuary treatment at Namm Spa.

“Our wide range of leisure facilities, complemented by the strategic location close to many of the city’s major attractions such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, is a perfect fit that embraces the expectations of today’s affluent business traveller,” added Scott Mawhinney

WITH THE END OF 2012 APPROACHING, COX & KINGS SUGGESTS THE DESTINATIONS TO WATCH FOR 2013

As the world’s longest established travel company, Cox & Kings has been making New Year predictions longer than most. Looking at the major events, trends and political changes around the world, Cox & Kings’ predictions for 2013 include destinations such as Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Oman and Russia.

Madagascar
Much of Madagascar’s flora and fauna is found nowhere else on earth. Following the BBC documentary last year, bookings for Madagascar holidays increased by 70% and forward sales for 2013 suggest this will continue. The diverse country offers extraordinary natural history, along with stunning scenery, idyllic beaches and a fascinating culture based on a mix of Christianity and ancient spiritual beliefs.

Madagascar Adventure is a 14-day / 11-night private tour priced from £2,895 per person including flights with Kenya Airways via Nairobi, transfers and excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily and most other meals.

Sri Lanka
Recently named the best value long-haul destination by the Post Office, Sri Lanka is rich in cultural, archaeological and natural treasures at prices to suit all budgets. Compared to 2010, Cox & Kings has seen a 60% increase in passengers travelling to Sri Lanka in 2012. From March, British Airways will fly to Colombo three-times per week from London Gatwick.

The popular 14-day / 12-night escorted tour, Sri Lanka: The Enchanted Island will be priced from £2,295 per person, which is comparable with 2012, and includes direct flights from London with Sri Lankan Airlines, transfers, excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Russia
Being outside of the Euro zone is a great advantage to Russia, as it is a more affordable destination for those wanting a short-haul holiday. With a 60% increase in 2012 short break bookings to St Petersburg compared to 2011, and the opening of the new Four Seasons hotel in the spring, the city will only increase in popularity. Cox & Kings’ Russia tours saw a 93% increase in bookings in 2012 compared to 2011 and is one of the company’s bestselling group tours.

Cox & Kings’ 8-day / 7-night Classic Russia escorted tour is priced from £1,295 per person including international flights with British Airways, transfers, escorted excursions and 5-star accommodation with breakfast daily. The luxury version of the same tour is priced from £1,895 per person.

Brazil
As the sporting world looks towards the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the World Cup in 2014, it is predicted that tourism will benefit prior to the events with further investment being made into Brazil’s infrastructure and accommodation. Cox & Kings offers a range of Brazil tours or can tailor-make suggestions to suit any budget.

Cox & Kings’ new 11-day / 9-night Taste of Brazil private tour is a stylish but affordable introduction into the southern highlights of this vibrant country priced from £2,595 per person. The 12-day / 10-night escorted group tour is priced from £2,895 per person including flights from London, transfers, escorted excursions, accommodation with breakfast daily and other meals as specified.

Oman
Oman, known for its hospitality and being a safe and welcoming destination, has seen a 40% increase in advance bookings for 2013, compared with 2012. Combining breathtaking natural beauty with a well-preserved cultural heritage, the sultanate is one of the region’s best kept secrets. Visit nesting sites of green turtles, watch traditional dhow boats being built and explore magnificent forts and palaces.

An Arabian Odyssey is an 8-day / 7-night escorted tour priced from £1,595 per person including international flights with Oman Air, transfers, escorted excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

Greece
Considered the birthplace of modern western civilisation, Greece has had a difficult year economically. However, historic sites such as Olympia, Delphi and Epidaurus, and the many islands are open to welcome tourists, and those that travel now will encounter fewer crowds and better value for money. Hotels have maintained 2012 prices for 2013, or reduced them, in order to attract tourists.

Classic Greece is Cox & Kings’ 7-day / 6-night escorted tour priced from £895 per person, which includes British Airways flights, transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily and some dinners.

North-east Thailand
This region, also known as Isaan, is often overlooked by tourists but offers a chance to discover rural Thailand with its array of colourful festivals throughout the year and some of the best Khmer archaeological remains. Khao Yao National Park is the country’s oldest, and home to wild elephants, deer, tigers, gibbons and more than 300 bird species.

Isaan: Thailand’s Hidden Gems is a 15-day / 13-night private tour priced from £3,395 per person including flights with Thai Airways, private transfers and excursions, and accommodation with breakfast daily and most lunches.

Tasmania
The beautiful island of Tasmania offers a very different and rewarding Australian experience. Cox & Kings has seen interest in the state grow, particularly for second-time visitors wanting to discover rugged coastlines and walking tracks, gourmet cuisine and beautiful national parks. Tasmania’s unique wildlife, from the endangered Tasmanian devil to echidnas, quolls and pademelons, is a further attraction.

Cox & Kings offers Tasmania: The Forgotten Coast, an 11-day / 10-night non-exclusive group tour priced from £4,025 including transfers, excursions and accommodation with breakfast daily.

For more information, please contact Katie Parsons on 020 7808 5694 or email katie.parsons@coxandkings.co.uk

RESERVATIONS: 020 7873 5000 / www.coxandkings.co.uk
PRESS INFORMATION: Katie Parsons
PRESS OFFICE: 020 7808 5694 / katie.parsons@coxandkings.co.uk

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NOTE TO EDITORS
Cox & Kings is the world’s longest established travel company. Its history stretches back more than 250 years to 1758 when Richard Cox was appointed regimental agent to the Footguards (later the Grenadier Guards). The company’s fortunes grew hand in hand with the British empire and by the early 20th century the company was acting as agent and banker throughout the armed forces and as a shipping agent. In 1922 Cox & Co merged with the Henry S King bank, which had strong connections with India. The bank became part of Lloyds and the shipping agency grew separately, evolving into the modern travel company.

Today, built on the high quality service and attention to detail established by Richard Cox in the 18th century, the company continues to flourish as an independent tour operator, with operations in London, the US, Japan, Australia and throughout India. Cox & Kings organises escorted small-group tours and private tailor-made travel in the Indian Subcontinent, Latin America, the Middle East, the Far East, Africa, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific, and the Caribbean.

eawings Launches “Higher Learning” An Innovative Educational Fight Programme
26 Nov 12
Email: shweta@seawings.ae
Seawings launches “Higher Learning” – An innovative educational flight programme

Dubai, UAE: Seawings, the UAE’s own seaplane tour operator, announced the launch of Higher Learning – a new education programme which harnesses a bird’s eye view of the city along with the thrill of a Seawings seaplane flight to create a memorable educational experience.

Higher Learning consists of a 40 minute flight over Dubai in a Cessna 208A seaplane, preceded by a 30 minute briefing. The briefing has been designed by professional educators to provide the background information necessary for the students to derive the greatest educational benefit from the flight.

Students on the Seawings Education Programme gain a distinct perspective on the history, development, architecture, economy and ecology of Dubai. They have the opportunity to gather data and analyze patterns on a city-wide scale. Academically, the flight promotes essential understanding of the historic development of the city, infrastructure required to support the city and human impact on the environment.

An Open Day event was organized at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa to introduce this programme to leading schools in Dubai. The event got an overwhelming response from various schools and the guests also got to experience Seawings firsthand with a 40 minute seaplane ride.

Announcing the launch, Dr Nigel Rea, Chief Operating Officer of Seawings said: “We are delighted to make the inspiration and insight that comes from a Seawings flight accessible to students in Dubai. We have specially designed this Programme to combine curriculum relevant teaching with the thrill of a seaplane flight which will make for an unforgettable educational experience for each student.”

The Programme has been developed in such a way that it can be incorporated into a variety of different international curricula in the UAE.

Commenting on its cross curricular links Peter Milne, a former teacher and now environmental education consultant, who helped produce the programme said: “Although strongly linked to geography, the Seawings Education Programme opens up many opportunities, through its unique and stimulating experiences, to support other subjects like language, mathematics, art, history and environment.”

Gourmet Abu Dhabi to take place from 5 – 20 February 2013

New culinary initiatives, a focus on traditional Emirati dining and local ingredients and a re-energised programme of events underpin the landmark fifth showing of Gourmet Abu Dhabi – the UAE capital’s annual haute cuisine festival – when the 16-day extravaganza rolls out across 20 of Abu Dhabi’s leading restaurants from 5-20 February 2013.

To mark its fifth anniversary, a series of revamped events, highly-focussed masterclasses and extensive culinary demonstrations and promotions will be driven by more than 14 international masterchefs, celebrity chefs and dozens of special guests.

Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the festival organiser believes the refreshed format will take the fortnight-long culinary odyssey to the next industry level, whet domestic appetite for all-things fine dining and lure increased international participation.

“This is evolution not revolution,” said Noura Al Dhaheri, Leisure Products Development Manager, TCA Abu Dhabi. “After four successful showings, the new-look Gourmet Abu Dhabi will ensure this culinary extravaganza continues to raise the bar and drive our hospitality sector forward. Gourmet Abu Dhabi has played a pioneering role in heightening industry standards in the emirate’s fine dining sector and we look forward to these enhancements pushing existing standards to the next level of culinary excellence.”

With the Michelin star-studded roster of international masterchefs, exclusive dinners and one-off events due to be unveiled in coming weeks and months, Gourmet Abu Dhabi strives to highlight the emirate’s leading hospitality partners’ culinary prowess – some 21-plus restaurants will participate in next year’s larger-than-ever anniversary bill.

“This festival lets our stunning hotels and resorts put their world-class culinary attributes in the spotlight like no other event in Abu Dhabi’s social calendar,” added Al Dhaheri. “Gourmet Abu Dhabi demonstrates the extensive breadth of quality in the emirate’s fine dining scene and, ultimately, rewards domestic and international diners by creating a benchmark that is subsequently reflected in the year-round quality of the emirate’s F&B portfolio.”

According to recent TCA Abu Dhabi statistics, F&B income for Abu Dhabi’s hotels sector has recorded double-digit growth since Gourmet Abu Dhabi’s inception in 2009. In the first nine months of this year, sector revenue amounted to GBP211 (AED 1.23 billion) – a rise of 11% on the same period last year.

Vitally, the burgeoning sector has renewed vibrancy with the upgrade of existing high-end outlets – such as traditional seafood hot-spot, Sayad, at Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, which has been transformed by the hotel’s new Executive Chef Sandro Gamba into a classical brasserie serving seafood favourites with a modern twist – and the imminent arrival of glitzy newcomers, including British celebrity Chef Gary Rhodes’ first Abu Dhabi restaurant at The St. Regis Corniche and three Super Potato-designed restaurants at the soon-to-open Ritz Carlton Grand Canal Abu Dhabi.

“Gourmet Abu Dhabi has a significant legacy factor,” added Al Dhaheri. “In addition to highlighting our existing world-class culinary offerings, the festival is also a high-profile platform for leading chefs from across the culinary map to explore expansion possibilities in the emirate.”

Strategically-located business hotel offers unique amenities for the discerning traveller

Dusit International, a leading Asian hospitality group,has announced plans to open Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, its first property in the UAE capital, in the first quarter of 2013. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, comprising 402 luxurious guest rooms and suites as well as 131 deluxe serviced apartments, features a wealth of unique facilities that provide the discerning business traveller with a perfect destination.

Strategically located in the new business and government district, the Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is 10 minutes drive from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and only a few minutes away from other city landmarks and major corporate headquarters.

Scott Mawhinney, General Manager at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, said, “Abu Dhabi is emerging as one of the most sought-after business hubs in the region and we see enormous potential for a world-class business hotel in the capital. We are confident that with its superb strategic location, the new Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi will prove a major attraction to local, regional and international business travellers to the UAE capital seeking comfort, security and convenience.”

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi blends modern architecture with an innovative design creating an exquisite and refreshingly new hotel experience. The 37-storey ‘glass tower’ property has been created to respond to the discerning needs of affluent business traveller seeking style, comfort, luxury and personalised service.

Each of the hotel’s spacious rooms and apartments comprises a mix of Thai influences and modern lifestyle, featuring well-designed furniture and the latest technology. This includes interactive LED TV with satellite channels, Wi-Fi and high-speed internet connection, working desk, electronic safe, individually controlled air conditioning, direct dial phone with voice mail, tea and coffee making facilities, mini bar and hair dryer.

The Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi has also been developed with the rapidly growing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) market in mind. The hotel offers a spacious Conference Centre with a variety of function rooms, including a 785 square metre ballroom that can facilitate all types of events, conferences, exhibitions or social functions that can host up to 2,000 guests.

The innovative design of the pre-function area with its impressive ‘Skydome’, the elegance and convenience of each function room together with state-of-the-art facilities and attentive service make Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi the perfect venue at which to host a memorable event.

Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi boasts a broad selection of dining outlets with variety of international cuisine served, for socializing in both casual and elegant environment. Authentic Thai food will also be served at Dusit International’s Thai flagship ‘Benjarong Restaurant’. In addition, the recreational facilities include DFiT, a fully equipped fitness centre and urban sanctuary treatment at Namm Spa.

“Our wide range of leisure facilities, complemented by the strategic location close to many of the city’s major attractions such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Abu Dhabi Golf Club, is a perfect fit that embraces the expectations of today’s affluent business traveller,” added Scott Mawhinney.