JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — The Iraq crisis and worldwide economic depression have forced Lufthansa to change its schedule to Saudi Arabia during the next six weeks. The changes: Dammam is now being served three times a week with nonstop flights; from May 2, the Eastern Province city will be served three times a week with one stop via Kuwait. For a temporary period until the end of May, Jeddah is being served three times a week with one stop via Riyadh. Riyadh is being served three times a week with nonstop flights. “By combining our flights to and from Riyadh and Jeddah, a slight modification of arrival and departure times has become inevitable,” an airline spokesman said.

BA Resumes Direct Services

JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — British Airways (BA) resumes direct services to and from Saudi Arabia today. Previously, flights passed through Larnaca in Cyprus. The decision follows a change in the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice and builds on the airline’s plan to resume its full flight schedule between the Gulf and the UK. This includes the reintroduction of direct services between London and Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Bahrain last week. BA has also reintroduced services between Kuwait and London. “We remain committed to resuming our full flight schedule between the Gulf and the UK as soon as possible. The decision to reintroduce direct services from the Kingdom, combined with the other changes we have made to our schedule throughout the region recently brings us a step closer to achieving this,” BA manager Chris Phipps said.

Gulf Air, Swiss Take Part in ATM

JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — Gulf Air, the national airline of Bahrain, Oman and the UAE, and Swiss International Air Lines, Switzerland’s national airline, are participating in the Arab Travel Mart to be held at the Airport Expo in Dubai from May 6-9. Gulf Air is planning a big presence featuring the airline’s launch as an all-economy, full-service carrier. As part of its new corporate identity, Gulf Air will be showcasing a range of new products and services, which have been designed with both business and leisure travelers in mind. “Changes are taking place throughout our airline due to its three-year strategic recover program,” said James Hogan, the airline’s president and chief executive. Swiss is to reveal at its new-look stand its strong commitment to the Middle East.

ICTA Confers Fellowship on Travel Executive

JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — Fayyaz Siddiqui of the Jeddah-based Alfaisaliah Travel & Tours has been given a fellowship by the Institute of Certified Travel Agents (ICTA). Since its inception in 1964, the Boston-based ICTA has been educating and certifying travel industry professionals through all stages of their career. It aims to enhance professionalism in the travel industry, and create and raise the standard of excellence through its various programs. Siddiqui is said to hold the distinction of being the first such ICTA certified travel associate.

Le Jeddah Meridien’s First Saudi Trainee

JEDDAH, 26 April 2003 — Waddah Mohammed Al-Turki, a Saudi national, is the first management trainee at Le Jeddah Meridien Hotel. Waddah is to undergo extensive in-depth functional training over a three-year period in front office, sales and marketing, human resource management and training, accounting and purchasing, operational and production management, engineering operations, etc. “After successful completion of the program that is equivalent to a hotel school education, Waddah will be offered a full-fledged department head position with all privileges and benefits that such a position entails,” Dietmar Kielnhofer, general manager of the 284-room hotel, said. “We provide a conducive environment for young, enthusiastic Saudis who want to pursue a career in the burgeoning hotel and tourism industry.”

Inter.Continental to Reopen in Paris

CAIRO, 26 April 2003 — Inter.Continental Le Grand Hotel Paris, an institution of Parisian society since 1862, is to reopen its doors this month, following a multimillion-pound renovation project. The renovation project included refurbishment of 479 guestrooms — 280 of which will open before the monthend, a new club floor opening next month and three floors of ‘Prestige Suites’ with views of L’Opera Garnier.