JEDDAH: Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal has been conferred with the Lifetime Achievement Award of the Year by the Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI), in recognition of his significant contribution to the travel and tourism industry and aiding the development of the aviation sector in the country. The award was presented at a ceremony held in Mumbai. The TAAI Travel Awards were part of the two day India Travel and Trade Expo (ITTE) 2010 that was held in Mumbai recently to award the best in the travel and tourism industry. The expo had the participation of representatives from various companies in the travel and tourism sector including airlines, hotels, tourism, technology partners and allied services. “It’s my firm belief that India has tremendous potential to deliver on its promise of being a business and tourism destination of choice globally,” Goyal said. He is the recipient of several national and international awards. He also serves on the International Air Transport Association board of governors for the year 2009-2010. The airline claims to have crossed a milestone of 50,000 fans on its official Jet Airways Facebook page.
 

JEDDAH: Marriott International, Inc. has announced further steps in the company’s global strategy to establish continental divisions in Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa regions with two key leadership appointments. Simon F. Cooper has been named president and managing director, Asia Pacific, and will be responsible for leading the operating performance and growth of the region, which includes more than 130 properties and 70 hotels under development represented by The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. Edwin D. Fuller will lead operations and growth in the Middle East and Africa region in his continued role as president and managing director, Lodging International. Marriott plans to open 42 additional hotels in the Middle East and Africa region over the next three years. Cooper will be based in Hong Kong. “Simon brings strong business savvy and deep knowledge of the emerging markets in Asia Pacific,” said Arne Sorenson, president and chief operating officer, Marriott International. “Edwin is highly respected throughout the industry and brings considerable expertise and contacts to our global operations.”
 

JEDDAH: Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, has added an extra daily connection between its home base of Doha and Dammam, bringing the total number on this route up from 14 to 21 weekly flights. The service has been established in recognition of the increasing demand to and from Dammam, one of the three destinations Qatar Airways flies to in Saudi Arabia, besides Riyadh and Jeddah. “The increase in flight frequency provides added convenience for both business and leisure travelers, and also shows the Qatar Airways’ deep commitment in serving the Saudi Arabian market,” the airline stated. “With the introduction of an extra service, the only Five Star ranked carrier in the Middle East, offers customers greater choice and flexibility when traveling between Doha and Dammam.” The new additional flights are operated with an Airbus A320 in a two-class configuration, with 12 seats in First Class and 132 in Economy Class, and will provide excellent connections via Doha to a host of attractive key business and leisure cities across the airline’s global network. In addition to triple daily flights from Dammam to Doha, the airline also operates daily services from Jeddah and Riyadh
 

JEDDAH: Movenpick Hotels & Resorts offers a choice of many locations around the Kingdom. Both Madinah Movenpick Hotel and Hotel Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick in the holy city, which are within close proximity to the holy mosques, are providing daily iftar and suhur buffets. Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick serves Arabic and Ramadan favorites and a variety of international cuisines, and serves a Ramadan a la carte menu. Movenpick Hotel & Residence Hajar Tower Makkah overlooks the holy mosque, offering iftar and suhur at its Al Diwan Lounge and Al Naim Restaurant & Lounge. Movenpick Hotel Jeddah has set up a special tent at its Shams Ballroom for iftar and Views Restaurant overlooking the pool for suhur. Movenpick Hotel & Resort Yanbu provides live cooking stations serving oriental and Western cuisines that cater for all tastes. Movenpick Resort Al Nawras Jeddah caters for iftar and suhur at its Al Wadaa Restaurant, or at Amwaj Terrace overlooking the Red Sea. Movenpick Hotel Qassim serves iftar and suhur buffets at its Al Nakheel Restaurant. Movenpick Hotel Al Khobar serves iftar buffet at “The Blue”, and a suhur buffet at “The View”.