UAE – tourismindiaonline.com

BLS International FZE, UAE signs definitive agreement to acquire 100% stake in iDATA

timonline — Sat, 20 Jan 2024 08:05:00 +0000

BLS International Services Ltd. (BLS) has entered into a definitive Share Purchase Agreement through its wholly owned subsidiary BLS International FZE, UAE, to acquire 100% stake in iData Danismanlik Ve Hizmet Dis Ticaret Anonim Sirketi (“iDATA”), a Turkey-based Visa and Consular Services provider and its wholly owned subsidiaries for an Enterprise Value of Euro 50 Million (~ Rs. 450 Crores) and additional milestones based payments. iDATA, a prominent player based in Turkey, specializes in Visa and Consular Services, making it a strategic addition to BLS’s expanding portfolio.

Incorporated in Turkey, iDATA provides comprehensive visa applications and consular services to various governments. The company currently operates more than 37 Visa Application Centres (VAC) across 15+ countries, serving diplomatic missions in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Notably, iDATA has been the exclusive provider of Visa & Consular Services to the Italy Diplomatic mission since 2006 and the German Government since 2012 in certain geographies. As per the audited consolidated financials for the calendar year 2022, iDATA achieved revenues of EURO 19.9 million (Rs. 180 Crores) and EBITDA of EURO 10.4 million (Rs. 94 Crores).

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Turkey, and Lagrange Point Advisors LLP, Mumbai jointly acted as transaction advisors to BLS while Dentons Link Legal, India, and Balcioğlu Selçuk Ardiyok Keki Attorney Partnership (BASEAK), Turkey acted as legal advisors for the transaction.

“Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd., said, “We are thrilled to announce the acquisition of iDATA and its subsidiaries, marking a significant milestone in BLS International’s journey. This strategic move underscores our commitment to becoming a global leader in tech-enabled services for Governments and citizens. This acquisition not only expands our operational footprint but also reinforces our dedication to fostering enduring relationships with Governments. We look forward to the completion of this transaction, which will further exemplify our core values of reliability, transparency, and efficiency while supporting the essential functions of Governments across the world.”

Etihad Airways collaborates with Emirati Chef on special inflight Ramadan menu

timonline — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 16:56:00 +0000

As part of celebrations of the Holy Month and to offer a specially curated inflight menu for the month of Ramadan, Etihad Airways has teamed up with Emirati Chef Khaled Alsaadi. The Abu Dhabi-based Chef has put his signature twist on authentic Emirati recipes, fusing contemporary cooking techniques and local ingredients to recreate popular Ramadan dishes for guests.

Terry Daly, Executive Director of Guest Experience, Brand and Marketing, Etihad Airways, said: “This Ramadan, we wanted to surprise our guests with a special menu that takes a modern approach to traditional, well-loved recipes, to make every iftar onboard Etihad Airways a memorable experience. Our special Ramadan menu in collaboration with Chef Khaled brings our guests the warmth and flavours of family iftars while showcasing the best of modern Emirati cuisine.

The UAE has seen a dramatic rise in the number of talented young chefs who are deconstructing Emirati cuisine and using traditional recipes and ingredients in new ways to create a gastronomic experience that is modern yet deeply inspired by the culinary heritage of the country.

Guests will be treated to Ramadan meals including lamb quzi with black pepper chutney, bulgur salad with a date vinaigrette, and sticky date pudding. In addition, a selection of Chef Khaled’s bespoke recipes will be available online or by scanning QR codes placed at the bottom of the onboard menu, allowing guests to recreate Etihad’s unique inflight meals at home.

Etihad’s Ramadan menu will be available to guests on selected flights that coincide with iftar times. This includes flights to and from the GCC countries and flights catering to Umrah groups travelling to Jeddah and Medina during the month of Ramadan.

The Etihad Ramadan experience starts from the lounges at Abu Dhabi International Airport, which has dedicated prayer rooms and extends to special onboard products and services.

Travellers breaking their fast prior to departure or just before landing will be provided with takeaway bags containing dates and adorned with an image inspired by one of UAE’s hidden gems.

Chef Khaled Alsaddi, said: “Travelling during Ramadan, travellers long for a cosy family iftar meal. I wanted to bring the essence and warmth of the family iftar in each and every bite that will taste like the one prepared by mothers and evokes pleasant memories. It was an absolute pleasure to team up with Etihad and its culinary design team and it allowed me to present modern Emirati dishes to international guests travelling onboard the UAE’s national carrier.”

The airline’s inflight entertainment system, E-box, will be updated with a selection of Ramadan content including recordings of the Holy Quran as well as a Mecca Qibla pointer.

Mr. GMJ Thampy, CMD of Riya Group, was awarded the prestigious Golden Visa from the UAE Government

timonline — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 20:12:34 +0000

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of the UAE government has presented the prestigious UAE Golden Visa for ten years to Mr GMJ Thampy, CMD of Riya Group, as a credit for his four decades of excellent and value-added services offered to all types of travellers between India and UAE.

Speaking about the privilege of receiving the prestigious Visa, Mr Thampy expressed, ‘It is an absolute honour to be acknowledged and appreciated by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, UAE. We have worked closely with Emirates Airlines for years and they recommended me for the Golden Visa. I was completely overwhelmed on receiving the Golden Visa without any application. The visa is offered only to high-profile individuals such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, medical specialists, and stalwarts in their industry. I am extremely honoured for being able to establish a trustworthy footprint in the travel space in the UAE market and offer extraordinary services to its nationals and travellers.’

GMJ Thampy was instrumental in ensuring that the Riya Group proudly received the UAE visa quota Riya Group is a renowned travel company and India’s largest airline consolidator that has captured 20% of the airline market in India. With a motive to build a strong relationship with suppliers and vendors across the travel and tourism industry, Mr Thampy has sustainably scaled his enterprise to a leading conglomerate with an annual turnover of 15,000 crores. Mr Thampy has set up 8 verticals under the Riya Group: Riya Travel & Tours, Riya Holidays, Riya Business Travel, Riya Marine Travel, Riya Migration Consultants, Riya Institute, Riya Travels, and Riya Study Abroad. The brand has a strong presence in India, UAE, the USA and Canada.

Etihad Airways and EL AL launch strategic cooperation

timonline — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 19:22:47 +0000

Etihad Airways and EL AL Israel Airlines, the national carrier of Israel have launched their joint codeshare network and reciprocal loyalty agreement for frequent flyers. This builds on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) the airlines signed in 2020 following the Abraham Accords signed by the UAE and Israel.

Available for sale for flights from 18 July 2021, EL AL will add its ‘LY’ code to Etihad’s existing twice-weekly service between Abu Dhabi to Tel Aviv. Beyond Etihad’s Abu Dhabi hub, this new partnership will extend further and is planned to include destinations in Australia, Bahrain, India, Korea, Philippines, and Seychelles from 1 August.

In the next phase of extending the codeshare agreement, subject to obtaining applicable governmental and regulatory approvals, Etihad will offer guests an additional 14 destinations across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and the US by adding its ‘EY’ code to EL AL flights.

These codeshare routes will provide guests greater choice, convenience, and flexibility, and further strengthens the ties between the two nations.

In other areas of collaboration, the partners will also establish a reciprocal loyalty agreement. Members of the Etihad Guest and Matmid programmes will be able to earn and redeem miles on flights across both carriers’ networks.

Tony Douglas, Group Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Aviation Group, said: “We are very pleased to be able to announce the launch of our codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with El Al. This partnership will provide additional choice and connectivity for both carriers’ guests, and a range of benefits for frequent travelers between and beyond our respective hubs in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv.”

Avigal Soreq, Chief Executive Officer, EL AL Israel Airlines said: “This is the first commercial partnership that EL AL has established following the Abrahamic Accords. This is an important milestone as this codeshare will bring growing benefits to our passengers and to our respective airlines and countries. The EL AL and Etihad teams have a common goal in this partnership, and we look forward to seeing it grow in the future.”

The 2020 MOU also provided for exploration of MRO, pilot and crew training, and cargo opportunities, which the parties are progressing.

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Five Hiking Trails with Avani Hotels

timonline — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 12:48:00 +0000

When you can roam the world freely again, where will you go? Beautiful far-flung beaches, medieval towns with storybook castles or your own backyard that is just waiting to be rediscovered? If you are craving exercise and fresh air with a side serving of the best views on the planet after months cooped up indoors, consider striking out into the wilderness and going on a hike. Suitable for both experienced outdoor enthusiasts and those taking their first steps in the field, Avani’s round-up of some of the best places to hike promises views that will have you floored, whether you are in Bali or Busan.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain, Busan, South Korea

From 427 metres up, Busan looks spectacular at any time of the day. And no matter how many times you’ve walked Hwangnyeongsan Mountain’s trails, the panoramic vista from the summit never fails to impress. Located in the heart of Busan, the mountain is a magnet for local nature lovers, especially on weekends, in the fall and during the cherry blossom season (end of March to early April). And it’s not just the view from the peak that’s rewarding: numerous temples lining the hiking paths as well as annual festivals add a cultural element to the experience. If your timing is good, you might find yourself at the very top just as the stars and the moon begin to appear — a magically sublime moment.

Being centrally located, Avani Central Busan Hotel is ideal to stay in Busan that is close to many parks and scenic promenades. It also sits near Subway line 2, making it the perfect base for your exploratory forays.

Young beautiful woman walking on Campuhan Ridge way of artists, in Bali, Ubud. Beautiful calm sunny morning

Campuhan Ridge Walk, Ubud, Bali

To get to know Ubud, Bali’s spiritual heart, head to Campuhan — “the place where two rivers meet”. At just about 1.5 kilometres long, the gently sloping Campuhan Ridge is known as a sacred place to the locals and an iconic walking track to those who come here to drink in the scenery and document it for posterity. The meandering road winds its way up a narrow ridge, deep gorges on both sides, making for incredible views of misty rice paddies and jungle. At the end of the main ridge, a café is perfectly located for weary travellers to cool down with coconut and post those snaps on Instagram for the world to see.

A stay at the chic Avani Seminyak Bali Resort offers the best of both worlds: steps from Seminyak Beach and easy access to the hilly countryside of Ubud, a mere 30 kilometres away.

Nam Ou River, Luang Prabang, Laos

Most Pha Daeng Peak hikers begin their journey in the town of Nong Khiaw before setting off, by boat, towards the village of Ban Don Khoune, where the hike itself begins. The trek is challenging, two to three hours, depending on your speed, but not forbidding. It is moderately trafficked and popular with wildlife enthusiasts. As you climb uphill, a sprawling green landscape marked by picturesque waterfalls builds up the anticipation for what lies ahead: Nong Khiaw in its full glory. The majestic clouds moving information at your feet, limestone mountains framing the valley, Nam Ou river snaking around the town down below. Remember to pack a light meal to enjoy at sunset.

Situated within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel places you right in the heart of the old town. The serene setting, outdoor swimming pool and the Anantara Spa are all you need after a long day out in the mountains or exploring the town and make the stay in Luang Prabang memorable.

Amphitheater of angels statue in Buddha Magic Garden or Secret Buddha Garden. Koh Samui island, Thailand.

Secret Buddha Garden, Koh Samui, Thailand

Another challenging but rewarding trek, the path leading to the Secret Buddha Garden in Koh Samui takes you through the thick tropical forest before revealing a hidden treasure — a beautifully landscaped garden blooming with flowers and trees native to Koh Samui and concealing multiple Buddha statues, a stream and a series of miniature waterfalls. The view at sunrise and sunset is mesmerising, with rays bouncing off the golden figures, creating a shimmering aura all around.

Avani+ Samui Resort with its private pool villas, excellent cocktails, and world-class snorkelling, is your ticket to the best stay in Koh Samui. Tempting as your private villa is, be sure to answer the call of the jungle and venture outside.

Wadis and Desert Life around Dubai, UAE

Wadi Showka in Ras Al Khaimah, the northernmost emirate of the UAE, is a popular hiking spot thanks to its strikingly rugged landscape and natural pools. The terrain is mostly flat so anyone with a basic fitness level will be able to enjoy the 9-kilometre hike followed by a cooling dip. The Shawka Dam Loop in Fujairah is another well-trodden route that offers a chance to see camels and a variety of birdlife. Hatta, located just an hour-and-a-half’s drive from Dubai, is not to be missed either. UAE’s ultimate outdoor adventure destination, the exclave sits on the border with Oman and benefits from some fantastic natural scenery. Hatta routes span 32.6km and are the longest signposted hiking trails in the country.

Dubai, with its limitless supply of things to do and see, is the perfect base to stay and explore the UAE from. Avani Ibn Battuta Dubai Hotel is a modern, stylish HQ with easy access to all the hotspots and a metro link. Avani Deira Dubai Hotel is close to spice markets, beaches and business. To experience the exclusive JBR neighbourhood and for easy access to Dubai’s renowned Palm Jumeriah, stay at Avani Palm View Dubai Hotel & Suites.

Designed for the millennial-minded traveller whose priorities are style, value and comfort, Avani welcomes guests to over 30 properties in Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Australia, New Zealand, Seychelles, Mozambique, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zambia, the United Arab Emirates and Portugal, with a rapidly growing pipeline across Asia, the Indian Ocean and the Middle East.

UAE capital’s roadmap for the future of travel @ ITB India

timonline — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 12:38:00 +0000

The first edition of ITB India held from 7th to the 9th April was organised with the aim to bring together key travel industry leaders and international exhibitors from various segments, including MICE, leisure, corporate and travel, and technology, allowing trade visitors to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing business relations with the most critical players in India.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has presented a virtual exclusive session as part of the event, where HE Ali Hassan Al Shaiba, Executive Director of Tourism and Marketing at DCT Abu Dhabi, discussed Abu Dhabi’s roadmap for the future of travel and tourism. Addressing the UAE capital’s continuous efforts to overcome the challenges which have been brought on by the pandemic, and focused on the importance of collaboration within the industry and highlights the emirate’s long-term vision to deliver appealing yet distinctive tourism and cultural destination that is ready to welcome the world.

Showcasing the ambitious Go Safe campaign, which has standardised health and safety protocols across the emirate, he has also discussed other pioneering initiatives, real-time trends, and upcoming projects and attractions that will create memorable experiences for travellers in Abu Dhabi.

“We are delighted to participate in the inaugural ITB India. India is a key source market for us and we value the trust that Indian travellers have in us as a destination,” said HE Al Shaiba. “Through our ongoing initiatives to maintain high standards of safety and hygiene, including the Go Safe initiative and a countrywide efficient vaccination drive, we aim to make Abu Dhabi the preferred travel destination for Indian travellers.

“Abu Dhabi boasts a wide range of tourism and MICE offerings, catering to all types of travellers. We look forward to connecting with the trade travel market to work towards building a collective approach that will create unforgettable experiences for our target audiences.”

ITB India has connected stakeholders to the Indian travel market through a three-day, business-to-business, virtual event.

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UAE & KSA top global for intent to travel abroad in 2021

timonline — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 18:17:00 +0000

A recent ‘Global Holiday Intent’ survey conducted by YouGov on behalf of Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), has revealed that residents in the UAE and Saudi Arabia are the most likely to make an international trip in 2021.

The poll, which was conducted during October and November 2020, asked recipients if they were planning to make an international trip within the next 12 months and 48% of those polled in the UAE confirmed their intent to travel, with Saudi Arabia coming in a close second with 46% of respondents confirming their intent to travel abroad in 2021.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market said: “This survey was conducted before the most recent announcements about COVID-19 vaccines, so in many respects, this is even better news for the Middle East’s aviation sector.

“Nearly half of those polled confirmed that they intended to travel in 2021 and once vaccines have been rolled out around the world, those numbers can only increase.

“In terms of outbound travel, many expatriates will be looking for a relaxing holiday or hoping to travel home to see family and friends.

“In terms of inbound travel, it was welcome news that almost a third of Germans polled said that they intended to travel internationally – Germany is one of largest European feeder markets to the GCC, 1.8 million overnight stays in 2018. Indeed, over 316,000 Germans visited Dubai between January and June 2019.”

Denmark, Norway, and Germany rounded off the top five places with 36%, 34%, and 31% respectively, with intent to travel overseas, while Japan at 5%, China at 10%, and the US on 14% were the least likely to travel internationally in 2021.

In terms of domestic travel, Thailand came out on top with 68% of residents confirming their intent to travel, with Indonesia (61%), Australia (59%), China (55%), and Malaysia (54%) making up the rest of the top five.

“Much of the domestic travel in Asia will no doubt be linked to Chinese New Year, which is due to take place on 12th February,” added Curtis.

Singapore was at the bottom of the domestic travel poll with just 14% of respondents saying that they intended to travel in 2021, followed by Canada (27%), UAE (35%), KSA (37%), and Germany (40%).

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ATUM installed in Sharjah

timonline — Fri, 11 Dec 2020 17:51:58 +0000

ATUM, the world’s first integrated solar roof, sees its first international installation in Sharjah, UAE

Visaka Industries Limited has installed ATUM, the world’s first integrated solar roof at the Mosque in Khor Fakkan Corniche, Phase 1, Sports Beach and Central Plaza., in Sharjah, UAE.

ATUM solar roof generates electricity and is a completely integrated, seamless solar roof made with poly or mono-crystalline solar cells and cement boards – a highly durable roofing material making it the world’s first solar panel which can be directly used as a roof.

ATUM does not need any roof underlay like many conventional solar tiles available in the market. As a roof, it has mechanical properties that are far superior to tiles/ shingles/conventional panels. ATUM provides 20-40% higher capacity in a given area which makes it a go-to product for utilizing the roof area for generating solar power. It also generates 20- 40% more power compared to the traditional solar roofs. Atum also looks aesthetically appealing and gives an additional floor space which is not possible with the traditional systems. This makes the ROI with ATUM less than 4 years and a highly attractable investment. Therefore, a consumer can expect to break-even in less than 4 years and enjoy free power for the next 25 years. The solar roof at the Khor Fakkan Corniche has spread over 1804 Sq ft and generates 26.24 kW of electricity. It took the team from Visaka Industries Limited approx. 5 days to fix the 82 integrated ATUM solar panels.

Earlier in the year, Visaka Industries Limited was granted a 20-year patent for its ATUM Solar Roof. The patent was granted for the invention titled “Eco-Friendly Energy Generating Roof.” ATUM secured the prestigious UL Certification as per the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards. ATUM has also been certified by the Campbell Corporation, to take a uniform load of 780 lbs per sqft, a snow load of 2200 lbs and the jointing mechanism is a patented leak-proof system as per American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) standards. It is a roof that is a class A fire rated and designed to take wind speeds of over 150kmph making it hurricane proof. ATUM uses GreenPro Certified material which makes it a highly sustainable, reliable, and safe solar roof.

Speaking about achieving this milestone, Mr. Vamsi Gaddam, Joint Managing Director, Visaka Industries Ltd, said, “ATUM – the world’s first solar roof that generates power, has seen widespread usage in India. The installation of ATUM at the Khor Fakkan Corniche is the first instance of the ATUM being installed outside India. Today, we are extremely proud that we have a true “Made in India” product being used beyond our shores. The installation of ATUM in Sharjah further strengthens our vision to innovate and focus on sustainable and green technologies.”

Compared to a conventional rooftop, which has a lifespan of 15 years, ATUM has a lifespan of 30 years. ATUM has already been successfully installed across many locations in India including Chennai, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.

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