Hospitality
Turkish Airlines and Airlink Launch Strategic Codeshare to Boost African Connectivity
Turkish Airlines and South Africa-based Airlink will launch a new codeshare agreement that enhances seamless travel across Türkiye and southern Africa. This collaboration goes beyond a standard commercial deal. It’s a strategic effort to bridge continents, connect cultures, and offer smoother, smarter air travel experiences.
A Unified Network That Puts Passengers First
The agreement, signed at Airlink’s Johannesburg headquarters, marks a key milestone in both airlines’ global expansion plans. Senior executives from each carrier attended the event, which further emphasized the importance of this partnership. In a region where better connectivity is increasingly vital, this collaboration aims to close long-standing network gaps.
As part of the codeshare, Turkish Airlines will place its “TK” flight code on a wide selection of Airlink-operated routes. As a result, travelers arriving on Turkish Airlines’ long-haul flights can connect—on a single ticket—to multiple regional and domestic destinations across South Africa and its neighboring countries.
What This Means for Travelers
The new codeshare significantly improves the overall travel experience. It introduces several benefits that make journeys more convenient and flexible:
- More destinations available on a single ticket
- Simplified connections via Johannesburg and Cape Town
- Flexible schedules with better-coordinated flight times
- Consistent, high-quality service across both airlines
By combining Turkish Airlines’ global reach with Airlink’s regional strength, the partnership gives travelers more choices and smoother travel flows. As a result, passengers will enjoy better timing, fewer hassles, and greater comfort when flying across continents.
Strategic Growth with Regional Impact
Levent Konukcu, Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment & Strategy Officer, emphasized the broader benefits of this collaboration:
“We give importance to this cooperation with Airlink to enhance our connectivity in South Africa and the region. We aim to improve our partnership to maximize the travel opportunities offered to our guests. We believe this partnership will bring benefits to both carriers commercially and strengthen cultural and tourism ties between our countries.”
De Villiers Engelbrecht, CEO of Airlink, shared a similar outlook:
“This collaboration represents a significant opportunity to deepen ties between our airlines. For customers, it means more convenient travel options, world-class service, and better access to destinations across our combined networks.”
It’s clear that the partnership is about more than connecting flights—it’s about connecting economies, travelers, and experiences.
A Boost for Regional Travel and Tourism
This move is expected to stimulate travel in both directions. South African travelers can now explore Türkiye and beyond with greater ease, while visitors from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East gain simpler access to southern Africa’s top destinations.
For the tourism sector, the timing couldn’t be better. With increasing demand for long-haul leisure travel and multi-destination itineraries, seamless routing through Johannesburg and Cape Town could drive more inbound travel and longer stays.
Looking Ahead: More to Come?
While the codeshare begins with Turkish Airlines placing its flight code on Airlink services, this may be just the beginning. With mutual interest in expansion, the partnership could eventually evolve to include reciprocal benefits, frequent flyer integrations, or joint marketing initiatives.
As airlines continue rebuilding stronger post-pandemic networks, collaborations like this one represent a smarter path forward—one that values efficiency, customer experience, and regional integration.
If you’re interested in how other industries are enhancing the travel experience, check out how hospitality brands are designing for the modern traveler.
Hospitality
Orange Hub Unveils Flagship Family Entertainment Center at WTC Mall, Abu Dhabi
Orange Hub, the high-energy entertainment concept by IdeaCrate, proudly announces the grand opening of its fifth UAE center—and third in Abu Dhabi—at WTC Mall. This flagship venue cements Orange Hub’s position as a rising leader in the UAE’s family entertainment sector, bringing a new era of immersive fun, adrenaline-filled games, and elevated dining to the heart of downtown Abu Dhabi.
Located in a central, high-traffic hub, Orange Hub WTC Mall introduces next-generation attractions not seen in other branches, including a four-lane interactive bowling alley, a state-of-the-art Laser Tag Avenue, a motion-sensitive Pixel Floor Game, and a giant volcano slide in the expanded soft play area. Families, teens, and young adults can also enjoy an expansive arcade and carnival games with high-value redemption rewards.
For the first time, Orange Hub debuts a fully reimagined Orange Café, offering an elevated dining experience with a robust menu designed for comfort, variety, and style—perfect for families and youth looking for the ultimate hangout.
Signature weekly promotions return, including:
- Hi5 Tuesday: AED 5 games (select games, excluding bowling and laser tag)
- Half Price Thursday: 50% off blue reader games
- Double Dirham Friday: Double credit on spend
Shifa Yusuffali, CEO of IdeaCrate said: “Our mission is to create a next-generation family entertainment center where thrill meets play and every visit feels like a win. With cutting-edge attractions, immersive games, and our signature ‘Play. Win. Feast. Repeat.’ experience, Orange Hub is designed for kids, teens, and families to come together, have fun, and make lasting memories—all under one vibrant roof.”

Orange Hub at WTC Mall is now open and ready to welcome families, youth, and anyone seeking the best in urban leisure culture. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a casual outing, or a new spot to feast and play, Orange Hub promises a rewarding experience for all.
Hospitality
RIVA BEACH CLUB WELCOMES THE FESTIVE SEASON WITH UNFORGETTABLE BEACHFRONT EVENTS AND EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
The festive season in Dubai is here, and there’s no better place to embrace the celebrations than Riva Beach Club on Palm Jumeirah. Blending golden sands, turquoise waters, and a relaxed spirit, Riva is turning up the fun with a sparkling lineup of events, from weekly experiences to Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations. Early bird offers are available until 10 November 2025 – because who doesn’t love a good discount?
Christmas Day Brunch – Celebrate in True Riva Style
Gather your loved ones for a spectacular Christmas feast that blends beachside charm with festive cheer. Indulge in an unlimited buffet of holiday classics and sweet treats, all paired with free-flowing drinks and live entertainment. Little ones will be thrilled with the dedicated kids’ fun zone and crafts, while adults can toast the day with complimentary wine on arrival.
For those looking to welcome 2026 in style, the New Year’s Eve Celebration promises a vibrant beachfront evening with panoramic skyline views, live music, festive décor, and free-flowing drinks under the stars. It’s the ultimate way to ring in the New Year with friends and family right on the sand!
In addition to its festive offerings, Riva Beach Club continues to host a variety of weekly experiences designed for every guest.
UAE Resident Offer (Every Monday): Start the week with sunshine and flavour. Residents enjoy 50% off the à la carte menu, perfect for a midweek pause with Mediterranean favourites and waterfront vibes.
Mankind Tuesdays (Every Tuesday): Turn a regular Tuesday into an adventure. Men get full beach and pool access, curated dining, up to 50% off water sports rentals with Ignite Water Sports, and 30% off at Kalm Grooming Salon – all for AED 99 per person. Paddleboards, kayaks, and e-foils bring adrenaline and fun, making it the ultimate weekday escape.
The Great Family Weekend (Saturday & Sunday): Weekends just got better. Families can enjoy pool and beach access, curated dining, and kids’ entertainment. The package is AED 399 for two adults and AED 99 per child, with night swim access until 10 PM, because the fun shouldn’t stop when the sun goes down.
Located along Palm Jumeirah’s scenic coastline, Riva Beach Club continues to define the city’s beach lifestyle. With Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, relaxed energy, and stunning views, it remains a favourite destination to celebrate, dine, and unwind for all ages.
Hospitality
CELEBRATE THE MAGIC OF THE SEASON AT VOCO BONNINGTON DUBAI
‘Tis the season to sparkle and voco Bonnington Dubai is wrapping up the year with a line-up of festive feasts and celebrations that promise to make this holiday season your most memorable yet. From lavish brunches and glittering gala dinners to gourmet takeaways that bring the magic home, every moment at voco Bonnington is designed to be merry, bright and full of flavour!
Festive Takeaways – A Feast to Remember (with a 20% Early Bird Offer!)
Why cook when you can celebrate? This year, voco Bonnington Dubai is serving up the ultimate festive feast to enjoy in the comfort of your own home. Choose between a succulent roast turkey with all the trimmings (AED 849) or a perfectly cooked roast beef with Yorkshire pudding and rich gravy (AED 549) – both crafted by the hotel’s culinary team to perfection.
Make it extra jolly with the Early Bird 20% discount on all takeaway orders placed before 10th December – the perfect excuse to start celebrating early!
Christmas Day Brunch at The Cavendish Restaurant
Unwrap joy this Christmas Day with a spectacular international buffet spread, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere that feels like home – only better. Whether you’re toasting with bubbles or keeping it family-style, The Cavendish sets the scene for a day of good food, great company and endless cheer.
New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner – Countdown in Style
Say goodbye to 2025 and welcome 2026 with an evening to remember at The Cavendish. Enjoy a decadent international buffet, live entertainment, and the perfect setting to toast to new beginnings as the clock strikes midnight.
Festive Group Bookings – Gather, Feast, and Celebrate Together
Whether it’s an office party or a year-end get-together with friends, The Cavendish Restaurant is the perfect spot for festive group celebrations. Enjoy a specially curated menu starting from AED 149 per person (minimum 20 guests) and raise a glass to togetherness in true voco style.
This season, let voco Bonnington Dubai take care of the details so you can focus on what really matters — celebrating with the people you love, in a place where every moment feels special.
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