JEDDAH: Afriqiyah Airways commenced bi-weekly scheduled services from Tripoli, Libya, to Jeddah effective June 4, with B757-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration. In addition to boosting the traffic of Umrah and Haj pilgrims from Libya, Afriqiyah Airways will also provide convenient connections to many European and African destinations through their established network, Adham Al-Amoudi, general manager of ALRAS.aero, said. A road show has been planned to promote tourism to Libya to coincide with the approaching holiday season.
Malaysia Airlines launches new website
JEDDAH: Malaysia Airlines has launched its new website, www.malaysiaairlines.com, which has more user friendly features to help increase its Internet penetration to 60 percent by 2010. “The new website is more intuitive facilitating browsing, navigation, booking and purchase of air tickets. To make this website even more compelling, the airline will localize the content according to each overseas market,” Dr Amin Khan, Malaysia Airlines’ senior general manager, transition management, said.
IHG hosts leadership skills program for hotel staff
JEDDAH: InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) hosted its first Saudi leadership development program in Riyadh and Jeddah as part of its support for Saudi nationalization. The program has been designed to meet the career development needs of IHG’s selected hotel supervisors and executives across the Kingdom. The program aims to assist and develop management and leadership skills that are essential to acquire expertise in the operations of properties in the hospitality sector.
Air Arabia introduces service to Shiraz, Iran
JEDDAH: Air Arabia, described as the first and largest low-cost carrier (LCC) in the Middle East and North Africa, is launching service to Shiraz, Iran, today (June 25). Flights will initially operate four times per week between Shiraz and Air Arabia’s key hub in Sharjah. Shiraz is Air Arabia’s second destination in Iran, the other being the capital, Tehran. “With flights to both Shiraz and Tehran, Air Arabia serves the commercial and technological centers of Iran, and provides the people of those cities complete access to our comprehensive Middle East destination network, our high quality of service and our competitively priced fares,” said AK Nizar, head of commercial department, Air Arabia. Shiraz, located in the southwest of the country, is a key technology hub for Iran, and a popular tourist destination.
Marriott International expands across China
JEDDAH: Last week, Marriott International announced the opening of a new property in Ningbo, China. When all 18 hotels are opened, the international chain’s portfolio in China will encompass 59 hotels providing a total 22,489 rooms, spanning six lodging brands — JW Marriott in the luxury tier, Marriott and Renaissance in the upscale segment, Courtyard by Marriott for the upper-moderate segment and Marriott Executive Apartments for upscale extended stay travelers. All properties operate under long-term management contracts.
Sri Lanka's beaches attract Middle Eastern tourists
JEDDAH: For the real sun seeker, the ultimate holiday destination this summer is the island paradise of Sri Lanka. An increasing number of tourists from the Middle East region are traveling to Sri Lanka in search of an exotic location with plenty of sun and clean, unspoiled and uncrowded beaches. “A full range of water sports can be enjoyed in Sri Lanka, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, water-skiing and deep sea fishing. Equipment for all sports can be hired and professional instruction is available,” said SLTPB Managing Director Dileep Mudadeniya.
