Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Salim Group Inc. for the 195-room Hilton N’Djamena, the first Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ property in Chad. “Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the global leader of hospitality and we look forward to welcoming the world’s travelers to Chad,” said Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand. As the commercial, financial and educational center of Chad, N’Djamena attracts high numbers of government visitors and overseas business travelers, particularly those from the energy sector. Tourist numbers are also rising, with travelers seeking out the country’s natural attractions including the Ennedi desert, Tibesti Mountains, Lake Chad and the world famous 3000-sq km Zakhouma National Park, described as one of the last bastions for wildlife in central Africa. Patrick Fitzgibbon, SVP-development for Europe and Africa at Hilton Worldwide, said: “Africa is an exciting continent with greater than ever numbers of business and leisure travelers. Hilton Worldwide aims to have a hotel in every key city on the African continent. With the development of this hotel, we will have a presence in 14 African countries providing a great network for our guests.” The hotel is expected to open in 2013. Emil Youssefzadeh, chairman of the Salim Group, said: “This partnership is a significant development for our group and we are looking forward to creating a truly impressive landmark property for not only the city, but also the country.”

Flydubai, Dubai’s pioneering low cost airline, has announced flights to Ahmedabad. Flights to India’s seventh largest city will operate weekly on Saturdays from Aug. 27. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “The growing Indian expatriate population in the UAE and the increasing reliance our two nations have on each other for our economic growth and development, makes the introduction of quality, affordable direct flights between the UAE and India’s numerous secondary airports very important. Flydubai looks forward to extending a very warm welcome to the passengers traveling between Ahmedabad and Dubai.” In recent years, Ahmedabad has become prominent as a seat of academia, attracting scholars and experts from around the globe to institutions like the Indian Institute of Management (Ahmedabad), National Institute of Design and the Indian Space Research Organization. It commences flights to the Ukrainian cities of Kiev, Kharkiv and Donetsk, and the Russian cities of Kazan and Ufa next month, bringing the total number of operational destinations to 44.

Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the UAE, is offering a range of reduced rates on Coral Economy Class, Pearl Business Class and Etihad Holiday packages for travel from Abu Dhabi to more than 20 worldwide destinations during Ramadan. The special promotional rates are on sale now, applicable for travel through to Sept. 30. Reduced fares for bookings in Coral Economy Class and Pearl Business Class are available for sale now until Aug. 7 and special rates on Etihad Holidays packages are available for sale until Aug. 31. Hareb Almuhairy, Etihad’s VP for UAE sales, said: “We encourage UAE residents to take advantage of the exceptional value on offer and make the holy month even more special with our award-winning services.” To purchase airfare deals, customers can book online, Etihad retail shops, through a local travel agent or by calling the Etihad UAE. For package deals, customers can visit Etihad shops in the UAE or call the Etihad Holidays. Blackout dates apply for Coral Economy Class: Aug. 25-Sept. 1. Package rates are starting prices, including applicable taxes and are per person sharing in a twin room for 3 nights.

Emirates has opened its second dedicated First Class Lounge at Terminal 3 in Dubai International Airport, making it the fourth dedicated premium Emirates Lounge in Dubai. The new lounge, located at Concourse 1 in front of the Business Class Lounge, will facilitate easy and seamless travel for First Class passengers who may be departing from any of the 14 gates located in Concourse 1. Passengers now have an additional choice and can access a lounge more conveniently located to their departure gates. The lounge design is modern and in keeping with Emirates’ multi-award winning First Class Lounge in Concourse 2, embodying the airline’s dedication to providing its passengers with superior service and quality. With a contemporary design aesthetic and a timeless color palette that has evolved from Emirates’ international lounge design, the new lounge is an oasis of luxury and comfort. “The opening of the new Emirates First Class Lounge allows us to provide our customers with a consistent, high-quality Emirates experience both on the ground and in the air, starting from their exclusive chauffeur drive airport transfer and dedicated airport check-in counters, to luxurious lounge facilities and then our award-winning service onboard,” said Mohammed H. Mattar, divisional SVP, Emirates Airport Services. “Lounges are an integral part of the Emirates experience and reaffirm our dedication to offering the very best to our customers.” The lounge boasts a wide array of passenger amenities.

Oman Air has announced its successful participation at the recently concluded Salalah Tourism Festival (STF), which is considered to be one of the region’s premier events. The festival that coincides with the annual monsoon season is a big attraction for Western visitors, though the vast majority of the tourists are from Oman and the rest from the GCC and the Middle East. More than 1.5 million people turned up for this year’s STF. Oman Air held many events and weekly raffles at its site, which added more color and gaiety to the festive atmosphere. On July 23, Oman Air organized a special event to commemorate the Sultanate’s 41st Blessed Renaissance Day. The event offered visitors the opportunity to take part in a range of activities and to win prizes, which for the winners meant taking home return tickets between two of Oman Air’s 40-plus destinations. Usama bin Karim Al Haremi, head of Oman Air’s corporate communications and media, said: “This event has been a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate the Renaissance Day, also to participate fully in the STF of which Oman Air is the official carrier and diamond sponsor.”