TPConnects partners with MaaS Travel & Tours as Iris customer & reseller in Bangladesh
Dubai: TPConnects Technologies, an IATA-certified global travel technology leader, has announced a strategic partnership with MaaS Travel and Tours, a sister concern of the Rhythm Group. This collaboration designates Iris as the preferred aggregator for MaaS Travel and Tours. MaaS Travel and Tours is also the official reseller for Iris in Bangladesh, marking a milestone in TPConnects' expansion into the region.
The Iris platform empowers MaaS Travel & Tours to integrate and manage content from diverse sources, including New Distribution Capability (NDC), Global Distribution Systems (GDS), and Low-Cost Carriers (LCC). By consolidating these channels into a single interface, Iris enables seamless shopping, selling, and servicing of air content and ancillaries, ensuring customers access the best fares and products available in the Bangladesh market.
Key Benefits of Iris:
Unified access to NDC, GDS, and LCC content for comprehensive air offerings.
Streamlined booking processes for enhanced operational efficiency.
Real-time updates on content availability and pricing for a better customer experience.
Automated workflows that optimize booking & servicing experiences.
Giuseppe Candela, VP of Global Sales at TPConnects Technologies, stated: "Our partnership with MaaS Travel & Tours marks a pivotal step in modernizing travel distribution in Bangladesh. By leveraging IRIS, they will offer an unparalleled booking experience while enhancing operational efficiency. With their deep market expertise and strong industry presence, MaaS Travel & Tours is the ideal partner to expand our reach and drive innovation in this key market."
Shohag Hossain, Managing Director at MaaS Travel & Tours, added: " Partnering with TPConnects Technologies is a transformative moment for us. The Iris platform's ability to aggregate content from multiple sources will elevate our service offerings and provide customers with a seamless booking experience. We are excited to bring this innovative technology to Bangladesh and look forward to a successful collaboration."
This partnership underscores TPConnects' vision of empowering travel sellers globally while advancing the modernization of travel distribution systems in emerging markets like Bangladesh.
About MaaS Travel and Tours
MaaS Travel and Tours, a sister concern of Rhythm Group, is a leading travel organization in Bangladesh, offering comprehensive travel services and solutions. With a strong reputation for excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, MaaS Travel and Tours is dedicated to delivering innovative and reliable travel experiences.
Established in 1984, MAAS Travel & Tours Limited is one of the pioneers and leaders in the Aviation Representation business in Bangladesh.
MAAS Travel & Tours Limited is the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, Ethiopian Airlines, and Yeti Airlines in Bangladesh for both passenger and cargo operations.
About Rhythm Group
Rhythm Group is a diversified conglomerate with a portfolio of 10+ sister concerns, 2 joint ventures, and 30+ internationally leading brands. With millions of satisfied customers and a growing presence across industries, Rhythm Group continues to set benchmarks for excellence in Bangladesh and beyond. Rhythm Group is also the JV partner of Swissport International and TATA Group (Titan Company) as well as the Bangladesh partner of Samsonite and American Tourister luggage brand.
About TPConnects
TPConnects Technologies is an IATA-certified, global travel content aggregation and distribution technology company. Through twin flagship products – Astra for Arilines (NDC API Gateway and B2B Portal Solutions), and Iris for Travel Sellers (An Aggregator Platform) – TPConnects delivers modern air retailing capabilities that drive technological innovation while helping travel industry players increase revenue, streamline operations, and enhance customer experience.
TPConnects is granted Airline Retailing Maturity status under the IATA ARMi programme and has received IATA Financial Gateway (IFG) Certification, underscoring the company's position as a leader in travel retailing innovation.
TPConnects is actively expanding its presence in markets with growing demand for modern airline distribution and retailing solutions, leveraging the advantages of the IATA NDC standardization. Travel industry organizations interested in joining TPConnects' International Reseller Program can learn more and apply at www.tpconnects.com/partnerships.
For more information about TPConnects, please visit www.tpconnects.com.
Follow TPConnects on LinkedIn for company information and career postings.
For media inquiries, please contact: marketing@tpconnects.com
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Business
44 minutes ago
- Arabian Business
UAE real estate: 6 major hotspots to invest in right now, delivering 9% returns
The UAE's real estate sector recorded transactions worth over AED 239 billion (approximately $65 billion) in the first quarter of 2024, according to official figures. Property consultancy Whitewill has identified six locations drawing investor attention during the summer period. According to the analysis, the market favours projects combining lifestyle, location, and financial returns. 1. Dubai Creek Harbour Dubai Creek Harbour continues to generate demand from buyers seeking waterfront properties with access to Downtown Dubai. The development features master-planned waterfront living with green spaces and views of the Dubai Creek Tower. Waterfront apartments in the area start at AED1.45 million, whilst luxury villas exceed AED5 million. The location delivers rental yields between 6 per cent and 6.8 per cent with consistent appreciation rates. The Albero at Green Gate development by AHAD represents a low-rise project within the high-rise zone, offering landscaped privacy and smart layouts designed for end-users. 2. Al Marjan Island Al Marjan Island in Ras Al Khaimah has experienced increased demand, particularly ahead of the upcoming Wynn Resort development. The resort will transform the area into a hospitality hub with gaming and entertainment facilities. Property prices begin at AED585,000 for apartments, with ultra-luxury homes reaching AED30 million and above. The location provides rental yields of 8 per cent to 9 per cent and above, with some areas recording over 20 per cent year-on-year appreciation. SORA by AARK exemplifies current developments with hotel-style amenities, sea views, and curated interiors. 3. Business Bay Business Bay continues attracting buyers focused on income-generating assets in central Dubai. The area combines proximity to the Dubai International Financial Centre and Downtown Dubai with access to the Dubai Canal. Studios and one to two-bedroom apartments average AED1.4 million, delivering yields between 6 per cent and 7 per cent with strong resale demand. The Waldorf Astoria Residences provides a branded address combining high-end services with practical living standards. 4. Abu Dhabi Yas Island Yas Island in Abu Dhabi draws buyers seeking leisure amenities alongside family appeal and short-stay rental opportunities. The island features theme parks, golf courses, marinas, and cultural attractions within a planned residential setting. Villas average AED 4.5 million, with apartments priced between AED1.2 million and AED3.8 million. Yields remain steady at 6.5 per cent to 7 per cent. The Waldorf Astoria Yas Island offers waterfront living backed by a hospitality brand. 5. Dubai South Dubai South attracts investors seeking affordability aligned with UAE infrastructure development. The location sits near the planned Al Maktoum Airport International Airport expansion, logistics hubs, and Expo 2020 legacy infrastructure. Off-plan units start at AED 800,000, with projected value growth of 15 per cent to 25 per cent by 2030 and rental returns between 6 per cent and 8 per cent. Al Waha in Expo City features a wellness-focused, car-free community design in the innovation hub. 6. Jumeirah Village Circle Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) remains popular with buyers seeking strong yields without compromising lifestyle elements. The area provides rental income and resident satisfaction. Apartments begin at AED 650,000 and entry-level villas at AED 1.6 million, offering yields between 7 per cent and 8.6 per cent. Consistent rental demand makes the district suitable for first-time investors. Havelock Heights by HMB delivers boutique living with rooftop amenities and rental potential. 'While each area is unique, Al Marjan Island and Dubai South hold exceptional long-term promise. The former is becoming the UAE's entertainment capital with hospitality-led growth, while the latter is powered by airport expansion, creating a foundation for sustained capital growth and end-user migration. Both represent early-stage opportunities in rapidly maturing ecosystems—a perfect fit for investors with vision. While Dubai Creek Harbour and Yas Island remain strong lifestyle markets, the real long-term multiplier effect will come from assets in these high-conviction, underpenetrated districts where supply is still limited and strategic government investment is ongoing,' Whitewill said in a statement.
Khaleej Times
5 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Dubai expat to build mini Burj Khalifa using 2 million chopsticks
Dubai-based businessman Charles Jabbour is on a mission to boost recycling and up-cycling one chopstick at a time. He plans to spare millions of disposable wooden utensils from going to landfills with projects that give them a second life as new, practical products. And to demonstrate just how many disposable chopsticks a big city like Dubai gets through, a replica of the Burj Khalifa is being constructed at The Arbor School, Al Furjan, led by students, with help from teachers, parents, and Jabbour's team. The Burj Bambusa Project, as it has been named by the school, will result in what is being touted as a potential record-breaker: the world's tallest structure made entirely from recycled bamboo chopsticks. 'We are using close to two million chopsticks, which I believe is about the equivalent number used at restaurants in a week in Dubai,' the 57-year-old Lebanese entrepreneur told Khaleej Times over the weekend. He views the project as a powerful symbol of circular economy principles, environmental innovation, and community engagement, and says the six-metre tower will raise awareness of the vast amount of reusable materials thrown away daily by hundreds of UAE restaurants. Jabbour and his team started collecting chopsticks from restaurants around Dubai 18 months ago and have since harvested at least two million to be repurposed to make attractive items such as 'climate-positive' furniture. He started a franchise, ChopValue, a global circular economy brand headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, and set up a micro-factory in Dubai under his company Art & Culture LLC. The Arbor School, meanwhile, prides itself on its focus on ecological literacy and sustainability, and on embedding compassion and curiosity into the fabric of the curriculum. So students have been directly involved in various stages of the project, including constructing chopstick bundles and conducting waste audits, evaluating the design of the structure, calculating environmental impact, and documenting the process. Since embarking on his campaign, Jabbour has partnered with popular restaurant chains The Noodle House and Wagamama, plus Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, whose staff gather chopsticks used by customers for collection by Jabbour's team. 'As it currently stands, the majority of chopsticks in restaurants are used once and then thrown out,' Jabbour noted. 'This represents a tragic waste of resources, including wood, energy, and water, but also represents a great opportunity.' Jabbour and ChopValue intend to prevent about 250 tonnes of chopsticks per year locally from going to landfill. They will turn them into attractive items through a carbon-neutral, community-based production model, and give these humble wooden implements a new lease of life. Once clean of food and liquids, the chopsticks and wooden utensils can be engineered to form fresh items such as tables, chopping boards and coasters, thereby saving on carbon emissions and resources used in creating products from raw materials. 'This way, the chopsticks get more than one use and are repurposed creatively for products that look stylish and also come with a story,' Jabbour explained. Three weeks to go Jabbour wants The Arbor School's Burj project to draw attention to the 'breathtaking volume' of chopsticks used by the F&B industry, not only in the UAE but worldwide. The Burj replica construction began in early May and should be completed within three weeks, when Jabbour will seek a new temporary home for the structure. These chopsticks will also later be repurposed as new products.'By getting the school involved, we can demonstrate to the next generation how an item with a very short lifespan is treated as waste by many, but can still have an enduring new purpose,' Jabbour says. 'The project also shows the power of up-cycling and how this imaginative and growing sector can develop not only attractive new products using items destined for landfill but also create jobs for those who wish to pursue a sustainable career direction.' Jabbour said: 'There is a little bit of irony that these chopsticks will actually be around for longer now than they would have been for the purpose for which they were first designed. That is reassuring to know - and even better for the forests, our ecosystem, and the planet.'
Arabian Business
5 hours ago
- Arabian Business
UAE flight suspension updates; 4-day work week in Dubai; Public holiday dates announced; New Saudi dining rules, Piers Morgan interview – 10 things you missed this week
From escalating regional tensions disrupting UAE airline routes to flexible work weeks reshaping the Dubai summer, this week has brought a mix of major developments across the Gulf. Dubai's real estate market continues its record-breaking momentum, while Abu Dhabi quietly asserts itself as a rising investment magnet. Saudi Arabia has unveiled new food transparency rules, the UAE confirmed the Hijri New Year public holiday, and outspoken broadcaster Piers Morgan gave a headline-shifting interview on Gaza, Israel and Trump. Catch up on 10 of the biggest stories this week, as selected by Arabian Business editors. UAE airline flight suspensions: flydubai, Etihad, Air Arabia and Emirates travel update UAE airlines continue to report suspensions and cancellations of flights as conflict between Israel and Iran impacts airspace and travel. UAE carriers Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia and Emirates have all announced suspended flights and airports have issued travel advisories amid closed air space and disrupted travel routes in the region. Flights from the UAE carriers to destinations, including Iran, Israel, Russia, Jordan and Iraq have been suspended. See the latest travel news here and check with airlines and updates for live updates. Dubai announces 4-day week and flexible hours for some workers The Dubai Government has announced new working hour rules for employees. Flexible operating hours and a four-day week will be available to some employees throughout the summer as part of an initiative to enhance work-life balance. The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced the implementation of the 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative across all Dubai Government entities, following the success of its pilot phase in 2024. UAE announces Hijri New Year holiday for public and private sector The UAE has announced a private sector holiday to mark the Hijri New Year. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation announced that Friday, June 27 will be an official paid holiday for private sector companies in the UAE on the occasion of the new Hijri year 1447 AH. It means a 3-day weekend for many, with an extended break from June 27 to 29. It follows an earlier announcement by the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources (FAHR) to designate the same day as a holiday for public sector workers. The FAHR issued a circular to all ministries and federal entities, stating that the Hijri New Year holiday for the year 1447 AH will fall on Friday, June 27, 2025. Saudi Arabia announces major new food and dining rules Saudi Arabia is set to introduce major new food rules and guidelines for restaurant and café menus from July 1. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has announced the imminent implementation of new technical regulations for food. These regulations are designed to enhance food transparency and provide consumers with comprehensive information when dining out, empowering them to make informed nutritional decisions. SFDA noted that starting July 1, 2025, food establishments will be mandated to display detailed nutritional information on their menus. This includes placing a 'saltshaker' label next to meals high in sodium as a clear guide, disclosing the caffeine content of beverages, and indicating the estimated time required to burn off the calories from a meal. The great wealth migration: How Dubai became the world's top millionaire magnet In recent times, Dubai has seen sharp growth in the number of high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) relocating to the country. The UAE has solidified its position as the top destination for millionaires, with an increasing inflow of wealthy individuals — more than any other country in the world. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Louis Harding, CEO of Betterhomes Dubai, said: 'Wealth is moving where it's treated best. Dubai's appeal to HNWIs lies in a rare combination: zero income tax, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic location within an 8-hour flight to two-thirds of the world's population. It's not just about escaping taxes — it's about building a secure, global life. The city now offers what few others can: capital preservation, mobility, and clarity in an uncertain world.' According to a recent report by Betterhomes, the UAE emerged as the 14th largest wealth market globally, housing 130,500 dollar millionaires, indicating a 98 per cent surge in the last decade. Piers Morgan on Gaza, Israel and Trump: 'Unacceptable' war must end as global opinion shifts It wasn't a soundbite or a headline that signalled Piers Morgan's evolving stance on Gaza. It was a shift in tone – a colder assessment, a sharper demand for accountability, and a firmer insistence on facts. In an exclusive interview with Arabian Business, Morgan, never one to back away from controversy, appeared less concerned with provocation, and more concerned with principle. For a man long associated with Western media orthodoxy, Morgan's recent commentary on Israel's military campaign has marked a significant pivot. Though he never explicitly said 'I changed my mind,' the message was clear throughout – the facts have changed, and so has he. 'What they're doing now is unjustified, unacceptable, probably illegal – and it needs to stop,' he says of the Israeli military campaign. This statement represents a marked departure for a media figure whose initial reaction to Hamas' October attack reflected the narrative of Israel's 'right to defend itself.' That shift, from supportive understanding to public criticism, mirrors a broader transformation taking place across Western capitals, newsrooms, and public opinion. UAE offers Corporate Tax fine waiver — but deadline looms The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) is urging corporate taxpayers across the UAE to register for corporate tax and file returns within the legal deadline to avoid administrative penalties, under a limited-time waiver introduced by Cabinet Decision. The waiver applies to both taxable entities and exempt persons required to register, provided they submit their corporate tax registration and file their first tax return or annual declaration within seven months from the end of their first tax period. The FTA clarified that the exemption from late registration fines only applies to the first tax period, regardless of whether the due date falls before or after the decision came into effect. Dubai real estate: Sales of homes worth more than $2.7m increase tenfold in 4 years; top millionaire neighbourhoods revealed Dubai's prime residential property market has entered its fourth consecutive year of growth, with Savills Middle East reporting sustained increases in both value and volume across the city's most exclusive neighbourhoods. According to the newly released Savills Dubai Prime Residential 2025 report, the number of AED10m+ ($2.7m+) home sales rose from 469 in 2020 to a record-breaking 4,670 in 2024 — a tenfold increase. In Q1 2025 alone, more than 1,300 such properties changed hands, up 31 per cent year-on-year. Dubai real estate: Metro Blue Line to turn infrastructure into wealth generator, says fäm Properties CEO Construction has begun on Dubai's Metro Blue Line expansion, with a property expert predicting the infrastructure project will transform the emirate's urban economy and turn connectivity into real estate currency. Firas Al Msaadi, CEO of fäm Properties, said the Blue Line will have implications for Dubai's real estate market as the city advances its position as a global, liveable, and investable destination. Construction began last week with the laying of the foundation stone for the first station at Dubai Creek Harbour. Abu Dhabi is driving 'significant opportunity' amid UAE real estate surge, experts say While the UAE's real estate spotlight has long been focused on Dubai, Abu Dhabi has been crafting a quieter, yet no less powerful, growth story. In a series of exclusive interviews, leading real estate experts revealed how the capital's property market is becoming a magnet for both domestic and international investors—driven by smart planning, long-term vision, and a wave of infrastructure and lifestyle upgrades. 'Abu Dhabi has surpassed Oslo to become the city with the highest concentration of sovereign wealth,' Ali Ishaq, Head of Residential Agency in Abu Dhabi told Arabian Business.
