LXR Hotels & Resorts has signed its first property in the United Arab Emirates, a brand-new private island resort in Abu Dhabi. Al Nawras Island, LXR Hotels & Resorts will offer 80 beach and water villas as well as a 450-square-metre, two-bedroom Royal Villa.

Emerald Cruises has confirmed plans to operate a series of week-long superyacht voyages in the Middle East between late January and April 2023.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia is preparing a busy summer season of online education opportunities for member travel agents, beginning with the return of its successful Cruise Port & Destination Virtual Showcase next month.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is marking the first anniversary of its Abu Dhabi Specialists E-learning Program by introducing three new modules and markets for the training scheme, including one on Expo 2020 in its neighbouring emirate, Dubai.

Abercrombie & Kent has introduced a new eight-country, 23-day air itinerary across the northern hemisphere that will explore Taiwan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Uzbekistan, United Arab Emirates, Jordan and Italy.

Etihad Airways’ regional head for Australia and New Zealand, Sarah Built, says partnerships have been crucial for the Gulf airline in its 15 years of operation, but questions the value of global airline alliances.

This week LATTE spoke exclusively with Etihad Airways’ General Manager for Australia and New Zealand, Sarah Built, to get an understanding of how the UAE’s national airline is responding to the coronavirus pandemic and the actions being taken for the post-COVID-19 recovery.

Etihad Airways will operate a regularly scheduled service from Melbourne to London Heathrow via Abu Dhabi, effective 15 May. A few days later, from 21 May, the Gulf carrier will also introduce services from London Heathrow to Melbourne via Abu Dhabi. Tickets can be purchased now.

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has this week rolled out its ‘Abu Dhabi Specialist Program’, an e-learning platform to educate travel trade industry professionals with all destination-related information about the Emirate through a series of online courses.

Etihad Airways will launch new year-round flights to Austria’s capital Vienna using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The service will initially operate with four weekly flights between 22 May and 30 June.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has introduced an all-new Family Zone for the first time. Complete with four state-of-the-art attractions designed exclusively for younger guests, the new area is a must-visit for families of all ages. The zone promises to deliver unrivalled thrills that mirror the adult guest experience at the iconic red-roofed theme park.

Kempinski Hotels will relinquish management of the fabled Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2019, with Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group confirmed as the incoming operator.