About Me

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I have a long career spanning over 28 years in the Travel and Tourism industry, holding managerial positions at Airlines, Travel agencies, Tour operators in Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, but still a long way to go and explore the Industry.

Friday, April 13, 2012

New Hub in Dammam


Bahrain Air’s New Hub in Dammam
Bahrain Air, the second national carrier in the Kingdom of Bahrain, is excited to announce its new HUB in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Bahrain Air will operate direct flights from Dammam KFIA (King Fahad International Airport) to Beirut and to Khartoum from the 13th of June 2012.
Bahrain Air CEO Mr. Richard Nuttall, stated “This is a great moment in the history of Bahrain Air. The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia has been a very important market for us, ever since we started operation. But we can now truly call it our second home as we open up our second HUB in Dammam. Our thanks and appreciation goes to the Civil Aviation Authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their far sighted support in this venture as we look to better serve the needs of the communities in the Eastern Province”.
Bahrain Air will operate four flights a week to Beirut on Saturdays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays departing from KFIA (King Fahad International Airport) Dammam at 11:20  a.m. and reaching Beirut International airport at 2:05 p.m.
Bahrain Air will also operate three flights a week to Khartoum International Airport on Tuesdays Wednesdays, and Sundays departing from KFIA (King Fahad International Airport) Dammam. On Tuesdays and Sundays Flights will depart at 09:45 a.m. and reaching Khartoum International Airport at 13.15 p.m. and on Wednesdays flights will depart at 11:55 p.m. and reach Khartoum at 03:30 am next day.
Bahrain Air Sales Manager Eastern Province KSA Mr. Ifthard Sheriff stated “Bahrain Air will operate with Airbus A320/A319 aircraft with a Business and Economy Class configuration, and he stated that the new Flights Schedule will give Bahrain Air passengers better convenience flying out from KFIA (King Fahad International Airport) and eliminate delays on the Saudi, Bahrain causeway”.
Bahrain Air currently operates flights to two major cities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh and Jeddah.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

EK's 'Hello Tomorrow'


Emirates Launched Global Brand ‘Hello Tomorrow’
New branding captures passion for connecting peoples hopes, dreams and aspirations 

Emirates launched a new global brand platform and direction, themed "Hello Tomorrow,” which positions the global airline as the enabler of global connectivity and meaningful experiences. Emirates is embarking on an integrated marketing communications campaign with a new brand promise as the company continues its evolution from a travel brand to a global lifestyle brand.

Designed for the age of consumer engagement and empowerment, “Hello Tomorrow” is about inspiring people to greet tomorrow’s unlimited potential, now. “Hello” is a greeting, an invitation to a person, a place or an experience. “Tomorrow” is a time, a place, a state of mind – the unlimited possibility of the future.  Emirates is extending an invitation to try the unfamiliar, create new ideas, and form new visions. The theme encapsulates life’s potential and embracing the future with all the possibilities it holds.

"Our new corporate image and global marketing campaign both underline the confidence we have in our existing products and services, and the vision we have for the future growth of the airline," said Sir Maurice Flanagan, Vice Chairman of Emirates Airline & Group. “Emirates is not just offering a way to connect people from point A to point B but is the catalyst to connect people’s hopes, dreams and aspirations.”  “Emirates is connecting people and cultures creating relevant and meaningful experiences that are shaping the world,” he added. 
Emirates airline has grown from its early days in 1985, when it launched with just two aircraft, to its current status as one of the world’s fastest growing airlines with 171 wide-body aircraft including the world’s largest fleet of Boeing 777s and A380s.  A brand synonymous with luxury and innovation, Emirates was the first to offer inflight telephony across all classes, individual TV screens on every seat, First Class suites and an onboard Shower Spa on its A380 aircraft.  From its home base in Dubai, Emirates is geographically located within an eight hour direct flight of 75 per cent of the world’s population – more distant routes like the Americas are connected to the Dubai hub with long range aircraft that fly the distance direct. 
s the world becomes more interconnected, borders are being blurred and people are more mobile and globally focused than ever before; they are connecting, creating and sharing ideas that are propelling the world forward.  Emirates, slated to become the world’s largest airline by 2015 ,  represents these global individuals who we call ‘globalistas’ – they are our customers and also our multi-cultural work force which is made up of more than 45,000 people from over 165 different nations.
Globalistas represent individuals who are looking and living for new experiences. They are well travelled, or have aspirations to join the ranks of the well-travelled. The ‘globalista’ is not defined by typical demographic statistics but by the places they have visited and the experiences they have shared. They embrace the unlimited possibility of the future and are open to an invitation to try the unfamiliar - Emirates is the brand that is enabling this global lifestyle.
The campaign was created with Emirates lead communications partner Strawberry Frog, the world's first Cultural Movement agency. “We’re building on decades of innovation in Emirates marketing to launch this new and innovative movement for the world’s most thoughtful and incredible brand,” said Scott Goodson, Chairman of Strawberry Frog. “This bold next step for the brand will offer people who love the brand or want to experience the brand, inspiration to participate in this brave new world and spark new connections and experiences achieved through travel.” 
“The “Hello Tomorrow” campaign is at the vanguard of the trend for global brands to spark movements not simply do advertising, connecting people, communities and encouraging them to join together to make a positive impact on society,” added Goodson.
The campaign launch, features print, TV, digital advertising including some iconic billboards in New York’s Times Square and Milan’s central train station. A series of vibrant messages that represent the spirit of Tomorrow – Tomorrow Brings Us Closer to; New People, New Experiences, New Styles, New Friends, will bring Emirates’ new vision to the marketplace. Emirates website has also been refreshed to reflect the “Hello Tomorrow” messaging.
Beyond a look, the spirit of the brand and its evolution is being embedded internally as well focused on driving increased consumer engagement in what is new, fresh and innovative in the world - empowering people to explore, engage and live.

Reflecting an effort to target a younger audience, the “Hello Tomorrow” campaign is currently debuting with vignettes of the TV spots on Emirates newly launched Facebook channel.  The TV commercials, outdoor and print ads will break today around the world.  The new TV ads can be viewed at http://www.youtube.com/emirates

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Glimnpse of Moderen Princess


Glimpse of Modern Princess
Kensington Palace, home of the late Princess Diana, reopens after a multi-million dollar transformation and London Pass users can get a “Glimpse of a Modern Princess” as some of her most famous dresses go on display.  Visitors will enjoy redesigned gardens, restored interiors, and a new elevator that makes the Palace accessible to all.
A celebration marking the 60th year of her reign – “Diana: Glimpses of a Modern Princess” is just one of hundreds of special events for 2012, and visitors to the royal city can see several of Diana’s favourite sites with The London Pass: tour St. Paul’s Cathedral, the site of her fairytale wedding in 1981, walk the grounds at Eton College, where both her sons, Princes William and Harry, or pop into the Royal Box at Wimbledon and get the same courtside view as the Princess.
With the London Pass, you will have free access to over 55 locations throughout the city, and users get priority access at selected locations to avoid lines, a free guidebook, and many additional deals, discounts and free offers.  Users can add a Travelcard option, giving you unlimited travel on the Underground, double-decker buses, and any other public transit in the city.  To celebrate both the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, each London Pass comes with a specially made 2012 commemorative badge.
London Sightseeing Pass at www.londonpass.com, the website includes a London map tool to plan visits, details on all the featured attractions, and comprehensive information on special offers that are exclusive to London Pass holders such as commission-free currency exchange. The London Sightseeing Pass iPhone app is available to download from the iTunes App Store.

Deccan Chargers Emirates Franchise


Emirates ink IPL –Deccan Chargers Franchise for 3-Years
Emirates, the international airline which serves India with 185 weekly flights, strengthened its commitment to the country today by becoming the Team Sponsor of IPL side Deccan Chargers. Emirates, which connects 10 points in India with flights to Dubai and its global network spanning six continents, will be supporting the Hyderabad-based club, which won the IPL in 2009, for their forthcoming season.
“We are honoured to be joining forces with the Deccan Chargers and partnering with the team for the next three IPL campaigns,” said Orhan Abbas, Emirates’ Vice President India and Nepal, at a press conference in Hyderabad to announce the agreement. “India is a vital market for Emirates and we recognise the huge role it has played in our development, from the employees who make up almost 25% our workforce to the millions of Indian passengers who book with us every year.”

“Through this sponsorship we have the chance to connect with the people who we connect to 122 destinations and show our ongoing commitment to a nation which Emirates has been serving since we began operating in 1985,” added Orhan Abbas. “It is also a tremendous opportunity for us to further strengthen our support of a sport which the people of India follow with renowned passion. The IPL has rapidly established itself as a spectacle of sport and entertainment followed by billions around the globe and will provide Emirates a platform to consolidate our position as a world force in sports sponsorship.”

The Deccan Chargers – starting their title challenge against the Chennai Superkings in Vizag on 7th April - will feature a host of household names, including Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, who will captain the side, South African stars JP Duminy and Dale Steyn, as well as Indian wicketkeeper/batsman Parthiv Patel. The event in Hyderabad – which Emirates has been operating to since 2001 - was attended by vice-captain Cameron White, head coach Darren Lehmann and their fellow Australian Daniel Harris, as well as Indian stars Patel, Shekhar Dhawan, Amit Mishra and Manpreet Gony, who had the honour of unveiling the 2012 home kit.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Etihad F1 Tickets on Sales


Etihad Airways F1 Tickets on Sale
The 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which runs November 2-4, have gone on go sale globally today. Now in its fourth year, it is anticipated that the weekend will again host a sell-out crowd with 50,000 spectators gathering at Yas Marina Circuit to watch the excitement.
Race-goers are being offered a variety of seating and hospitality upgrades available for the first time, allowing them to tailor-make their race weekend experience – including Marina Club and South Club upgrades.On the corporate sales front, Yas Viceroy Hotel Private Suites & Terrace Tickets and Marina Grandstand Boxes are available again.
In addition to a new ticket structure released today, Yas Marina Circuit, the Grand Prix organiser, has teamed up with Etihad Airways, the award-winning national airline of the UAE, to deliver a series of all-inclusive flight, hotel and race weekend packages to entice regional and international motorsport fans and international leisure and entertainment seekers. Full details of these and all other available packages can be found at www.yasmarinacircuit.ae.
F1 ticket holders will be able to enjoy a wider entertainment programme in the Oasis areas behind the Grandstands, while the Yasalam after-race concerts of world class acts will once again draw F1 ticket holders to the neighbouring Yas Arena after the days’ on-track action. Previous Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekends have seen world-class acts such as Sir Paul McCartney, BeyoncĂ©, Kings of Leon, Aerosmith, Britney Spears and Linkin Park perform to crowds in excess of 30,000 per night. With free concerts on the Corniche, celebration events taking place across the city, and plans under way for more exclusive F1 ticket-holder only entertainment, the Capital is gearing up once more for an action packed F1 week.
In another first for 2012, the popular Australian V8 Supercars series will be the official F1™ support race. Fans of this bumper-to-bumper series can buy select seating packages granting exclusive weekend access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers. Marina Grandstand provide access to the V8 Supercar pits and drivers.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Flights to Trivandrum


Bahrain Air starts Flights to Trivandrum
Bahrain Air, the second national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, today reinforced its commitment to India, especially the South by announcing 4 flights a week to Trivandrum, with plans to increase to 7 flights a week by the summer.
 A ceremony was held at the Bahrain International Airport to mark the occasion of the inaugural flight and was attended by Captain Ibrahim Abdulla Al Hamer – Managing Director of Bahrain Air, in the presence of Richard Nuttall - CEO, and other senior officials and Managers from Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) and Bahrain Air.
Bahrain Air’s Managing Director Captain Ibrahim Al Hamer made this announcement today at the inaugural ceremony. With the historic milestone of 7 flights a week to Trivandrum, the State of Kerala will constitute 80% of Bahrain Air India’s capacity, with 17 flights a week across Cochin, Calicut & Trivandrum. Flights will depart from Bahrain at 9.25 p.m. and arrive early morning in Trivandrum International airport at 4.15 a.m. The return flight will depart Trivandrum at 5.00 a.m. and arrive at Bahrain International Airport at 7.30 a.m. Flights have been scheduled for onward connection to other Gulf and Levant destinations.
Speaking on the occasion, Captain Ibrahim Al Hamer stated “The Indian Sub Continent remains a key focus area for Bahrain Air and Kerala continues to be a focal destination for us. Currently there are about 350,000 Keralites in Bahrain and another 400,000 in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. This new route to Trivandrum, once again reiterates our commitment to improve our services and meet the needs of our customers within the region. We are positive for the future and traffic rights permitting we will continue to increase flights to India as we take more aircraft in the future.”
Bahrain Air’s goal is to be the favourite airline for passengers flying to and from Bahrain. This Premium value carrier offers the choice of both premium and economy class services to its passengers using modern Airbus 319 and 320 aircraft. Bahrain air also serves complimentary meals to all its passengers and whilst they have generous standard baggage allowances, Bahrain Air offers extra baggage allowances at BHD 15 per extra 10 kgs, which is very popular with passengers travelling from the Gulf to their home country. Bahrain Air also has a special section in its in-flight magazine in Malayalam to reflect the importance of the region to Bahrain Air.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Kigali new QR Service starts


Kigali, new route to Qatar Airways Starts March 21
Qatar Airways, the national carrier of the State of Qatar, is set to begin daily flights to Rwanda’s Kigali International Airport on March 21.
Joining the airline’s aggressively expanding route map, Kigali is the third destination launched by the carrier so far this year and latest to the African continent. In February, the airline began services to both Azerbaijan and Georgia.
Operating via Entebbe, Kigali becomes Qatar Airways’ 17th route in Africa, joining its ever-growing global network that currently spans 112 destinations. Further expansion is planned across East Africa during 2012 with new services to Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.
For passengers travelling on Qatar Airways, they will have convenient access from the airline’s expansive route network to Rwanda, via the airline’s strategically positioned Doha hub.
The exposure of Rwanda to the world through the airline’s global network will enable the country to attract more tourists, with several attractions focusing on wildlife and natural scenic beauty. 
Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 106 aircraft to key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.
During 2012, Qatar Airways launches 14 new routes from Doha, namely Baku, Tbilisi, Kigali, Perth, Zagreb, Gassim, Helsinki, Belgrade, Erbil, Baghdad, Yangon, Mombasa, Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro.