TravTalk Middleeast

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 16

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. IX No. 4; April 2013

Decongesting the skies ......................................................................................08 New student tours in GCC ..................................................................................10 MICE tourism on a roll ........................................................................................11

GIBTM: MICE sector gets a boost Now in its seventh year, Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) 2013 witnesses a boost in bookings from new and existing exhibitors, upbeat on Middle East business prospects.

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bu Dhabi, Oman and Turkey are all foreseeing a robust growth in meetings business from 2013 onwards with key enhancements to the destination infrastructure, particularly new venues, airports, hotels and convention centres, proving a key growth driver.

“It is significant that Bahrain, Jordan and Egypt have also booked a large amount of floor space.

This is a another positive indicator that the region’s meetings’ industry professionals are buoyant about economic prospects for 2013 and beyond,” explained Lois Hall, GIBTM Exhibition Manager.

“Regular exhibitors have all doubled their size of the exhibition stands for this year. Highlights include the European and Asian Market Focus Hours. This will provide suppliers in both the regions with a highly-targeted platform for meeting buyers interested in placing business with them,” stressed Hall.

The Arabian Gulf region has always been an important market for Abu Dhabi incom-

ing corporate meetings business, and GIBTM allows industry representatives to meet major regional and international partners from the business events community.

Gillian Taylor, Manager, Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau informed, “At this year’s event, we have planned to launch an upgraded version of our Advantage Abu Dhabi meetings incentive programme, which will see enhancements to corporate meetings and deliver targeted ‘quick wins’ for the destination.”

She added, “We will be promoting the newlylaunched Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and its aims. It supports the growth of exhibitions and conferences within the Emirate by forging closer links with the industry and providing financial and non-financial support.”

Despite high room inventory, Ramada Ajman had around 95 per cent occupancy in previous summers.

The target is business mix, with the leisure segment almost 40 per cent of the total occupancy, and they aim

Lois Hall

Gillian Taylor

GIBTM Exhibition Manager

Manager Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau

Regular exhibitors have all doubled their size of exhibition stands this year to increase the MICE share from 5 - 10 per cent in 2013.

“As we have the largest inventory in the northern emirates in terms of rooms and banquet facilities, GIBTM is very important for us and we are ready with our

We plan to launch an upgraded version of our Advantage Abu Dhabi meetings incentive programme appointments with decisionmakers to utilise our venues for big events and highlight our destination Ajman at the same time,” asserted Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman. “We are offering

Iftikhar Hamdani

Diana Ancuta

General Manager Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman

Director, Sales & Marketing Al Raha Beach Hotel

We are offering attractive room rates for MICE business to focus on Ajman attractive room rates for the MICE business to focus on Ajman and particularly Ramada Ajman as a MICE destination due to our facilities on board.”

GIBTM 2012 had strengthened Al Raha Beach

This year, we expect to meet more international Hosted Buyers attending to explore many opportunities Hotel’s meetings with the new tour operators based abroad.

It enhanced show features, new show format and the number of hosted buyers and trade visitors who attended the programme last year.

Contd. on page 7

NEWS FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 11-03-2013)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.7022............5.9456 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.8140............5.0253

MICE on the rise in Oman Oman’s Ministry of Tourism had conducted a presentation at the MICE Arabia Congress in Doha, Qatar from February 27 - 28, 2013. The event brought together a select group of corporates and travel agents to discover new venues and source facilitators to host future MICE-related activities.

Canada......................CAD ..............3.6113............3.7381 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.8349..........13.3333 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.7236............3.8503 Japan ........................JPY................0.0387............0.0407 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0885............0.0911 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.9114............3.0433 India ........................INR................0.0667............0.0693 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0368............0.0382 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0458............0.0477 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0285............0.0296 Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056 Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525 Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.9237............4.1008 South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

taking advantage of Oman’s rich cultural heritage and exquisite natural attractions,” explained Khalid Al Zadjali.

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halid Al Zadjali, Director of Tourism Events, Oman Ministry of Tourism had attended the event as an invited speaker. He shared key insights of the industry on Oman’s latest business tourism offerings during the invitation only, high-level congress. The focus was particularly on the Oman Conference and Exhibition Centre scheduled for completion in 2016.

“The Government of Oman has channeled substantial investments to develop a world-class infrastructure that will position Oman as one of the leading MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) tourism destinations in the world. The Ministry’s vision is to provide a unique range of business tourism amenities with a distinctive local flavour,

Khalid Al Zadjali Director of Tourism Events Oman Ministry of Tourism

The Ministry’s vision is to provide a unique range of business tourism amenities with a distinctive local flavour

“MICE Arabia Congress is a powerful gathering of leading decision makers in the regional and global business tourism industry, providing an excellent platform to showcase the gains that Oman has achieved towards building its core business tourism infrastructure. Moreover, this is also a great opportunity to further strengthen our network of strategic partners, particularly in Qatar which has been a key growth market for Oman’s tourism industry,” he added.

MICE Arabia Congress provides access to the GCC’s most affluent corporate buyers as it gathered executives and specialists involved in deciding and hosting corporate events for their

organisation. The event was also attended by government officials, marketing and administrative heads, General Services Directors, academicians, global event directors, incentives experts and hospitality service providers to share strategies, insights and best practices to implement innovative, sustainable and creative events for their organisations.

Opportune Moment The event provides access to the GCC’s most affluent corporate buyers as it gathered executives and specialists involved in deciding and hosting corporate events It is a great opportunity to further strengthen the network of strategic partners, particularly in Qatar, a key growth market for Oman’s tourism

GUEST COLUMN EDITORIAL ME buyers seek to expand in Europe

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he Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) Exhibition, to be organised at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from March 25-27, 2013, is being held at a perfect time. Trends indicate a rebound in market confidence and the GIBTM exhibitors have reported strong 12-month prospects for key regional meeting destinations.

MICE helps promote Indonesia MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) is a very important sector for the Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO) Middle East office. It’s an excellent platform for intense networking, consequently essential to participate in trade shows.

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he trade shows remain the first in excellence for the regional tourism industry to network with key players and meet potential partners to promote Indonesia.

Participating in trade shows like EMITT in Istanbul, GIBTM in Abu Dhabi and ATM in Dubai is imperative for us.

We would like to impart more awareness among the travel trade, as they play a vital role as one of the major distribution arms

GIBTM has witnessed a substantial increase in European exhibitors signed up to take part in the show. This has been supported by the introduction of a specialist European exhibitor pavilion and ‘Market Focus Spotlight’ networking sessions.

Tourist arrivals in the UAE are forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.3 per cent between 2012 and 2022, with hotel supply expected to increase from 96,992 hotel rooms in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to a total of 125,383 hotel rooms in 2016.

Also, the Dubai International Airport recorded total passenger traffic in the first 11 months of 2012 at 52.3 million travellers, up 13.1 per cent against 2011.

GIBTM is set to attract over 3,000 professionals for two-and-a-half days of serious business. The positive market indicators reflect the sentiments of GIBTM exhibitors, who are all rightly predicting a boost in corporate and meetings business in 2013 from regional and international markets.

Middle East office assists the Ministry of Tourism of Indonesia in several activities during the whole year. It organises familiarisation trips and Press Trips from the region to Indonesia, with the venture to create awareness in the Middle East region mainly in the GCC through

Nour ARIDI

Country Manager, Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO), Middle East Representation Office

We at The Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO) Middle East office, work with the Embassy of Indonesia in Abu Dhabi to promote the destination by participating in GIBTM and some other few consumer events in shopping malls and the Consulate of Indonesia in Dubai.

The Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO)

sales calls in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, UAE and so on.

We had participated in GIBTM 2012 and received immense response with a busy stand throughout the event. People from every nook and corner poured in to know more about the destination. We will be taking part in GIBTM 2013, as we are really eager to create awareness among the travellers

and participants in Abu Dhabi along with the rest of the region.

We would like to impart more awareness among the travel trade regarding the destination, as they play the most vital role as one of the major distribution arms. It is the travellers who receive information from them. We had even organised a familiarisation trip for the UAE Travel Agents to Indonesia with Singapore Airlines Dubai-SingaporeBali-Lombok.

We had a very successful 2011 - 2012 span with an increase of 83 per cent visitor arrivals from the Middle East alone. Our challenge is to remain successful on this figure and strive for more.

It is our practice to inform our partners in the travel industry on a weekly basis by generating e-newsletters. It is circulated to a large B2B database so that both the media and travel trade stay upbeat on every detail of Indonesia. They are always free to meet and discuss opportunities henceforth.

Indonesia offers endless activities for travellers, starting from beach holidays and spas to mountains, sports activities, shopping, gastronomy and many more.

An archipelago of more than 17,500 islands, each island of Indonesia is

Nour ARIDI Country Manager Visit Indonesia Tourism Officer (VITO) Middle East Representation Office

DFW Airport & Emirates host agents on a fam DFW International Airport with Emirates Airlines, organised its first UAE travel agents’ visit to the United States of America (DFW) to coincide with the Go West Summit 2013 from January 26 - 30, 2013. Twelve key travel trade professionals from 12 leading tourism companies in Dubai and Northern Emirates were included in the mission.

The key objectives were to generate first-hand knowledge of Dallas/Fort Worth to develop corporate and leisure travel from the UAE to the DFW region.

As anticipated, improved air connections, opening of new properties and enhancements to facilities of existing ones, not only in the cities, but in regional locations like Musandam and Al Jabal Al Akhdar, are set to attract more business in 2013. The future for the region’s corporate travel and meetings landscape is visibly bright and GIBTM is sure to grow in size and stature.

Publisher : SanJeet Director : Sumeera Bahl Editor : Deepa Sethi Assistant Editor (ME) : Susmita Ghosh Desk Editor : Archana Sharma Sub Editor : Ramya J.S. D’Rozario Design : Ruchi Sinha / NN Misra Head Sales & Marketing (ME) : Akassh Kapoor Manager Advertising : Geetika Pathak Circulation Manager : Ashok Rana Manager Production : Anil Kharbanda

different in culture, tradition, food and landscape. Visitors rarely get bored, and their eyes are always filled with joy, excitement and happiness.

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EXHIBITIONS

Saudi Tourism takes off

APRIL, 2013

Celebrating the tourism boom

2012 saw Hajj and Umrah visitors driving the region’s hospitality market to US$ 16.5 billion. Receipts from After proving success of its first four Hajj and Umrah tourists currently account for nearly editions, Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector is prepared to receive visitors 3 per cent of Saudi Arabia’s GDP. at the 5th Riyadh Travel Fair.

Hospitality Industry Report T T B U R E AU

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ith the Kingdom gaining a reported US$ 16.5 billion from tourism in 2012, up 10 per cent over 2011, officials predict the Saudi hospitality sector to be worth US$ 18.1 billion by 2016.

“The Kingdom is investing heavily in its infrastructure. Expansion plans for the new US$ 7 billion Jeddah airport project are on track with officials projecting annual passenger volume of up to 80 million within the next two decades,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market.

The Kingdom also accounts for the bulk of international tourist arrivals, at 46 per cent according to an October 2012 GCC

from Alpen Capital. This represents a 50 per cent yearon-year increase against 2011 figures.

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Moreover, the rise in pilgrim numbers for Hajj and Umrah are boosting domestic tourism growth.

Saudi residents currently are making 22.5 million overnight trips per annum.

Mark Walsh

“The tourism sector is now the country’s second largest industry, with around 8 per cent of total jobs.

Takamul [an SCTA affiliate] is organising a number of job fairs around the country and working hand-inhand with tourism companies to attract young Saudis looking to embark on a career in hospitality,” added Walsh.

Portfolio Director Reed Travel Exhibitions

The Alpen report estimates tourist arrivals to grow at a CAGR of 4.0 per cent between 2012 and 2022. The Report projects hotel room supply in the Kingdom to increase at a CAGR of 1.5 per cent between 2011 and 2016, up from 243,117 rooms in 2011 to 262,049 in 2016, with 69 properties currently in the planning or construction phase.

ccording to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia occupies the first place among 139 countries in the annual data comprehensiveness index for the travel and tourism sector. In 2012, the total tourism spending among Saudis was estimated at over SAR 57 billion.

Over 15,000 visitors would, therefore, be expected to attend the Riyadh Travel Fair from Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, India, Austria, Germany, UK, Singapore, and USA among other world nations, to exchange insights into the world of tourist products, services and investments.

Bringing together leading travel and tourism firms

from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region and other nations for further promotion of the sector, the Fair is all set to receive MICE operators, business and group travel organisers, corporate clients,retail travel agents, tour operators and students as visitors.

The event, to be held from April 23 - 26, 2013 will be more than 2,500 products.

A significant number of Arab and international airlines will attend the exhibition along with renowned hotel companies.

Reaching Out The Fair is all set to receive MICE operators, business and group travel organisers, individuals, corporate clients, families, retail travel agents, tour operators and students as visitors

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Dune restoration exercise held in Saadiyat The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, along with support from Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC), master developer of Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi and contractors working on Saadiyat, organised a dune restoration exercise at the beach area in front of the resort on March 3, 2013.

A group of 60 volunteers that included staff members from the hotel, together with the environmental team at TDIC, worked to translocate a collection of dune plants from areas behind the 60 mwide Saadiyat Dune Protection Zone.

The participants translocated 2,000 plants, adding near 2,000 sqm of dunes to the Saadiyat Dune Protection Zone. These newly vegetated areas will enhance the beach, and in turn increase the nesting habitat for the endangered Hawksbill Turtles, which come here to nest between April and July.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

Wooing corporate sector Delivering luxury in Dubai Centro is Rotana’s new line of hospitality for travelling executives who demand finesse and functionality at reasonable rates. Centro Capital Centre is an affordable hotel, but does not compromise on style or quality.

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s the name suggests, the locations of the Centro properties are at the heart of business or commercial districts in the major cities across the region. Centro Capital Centre, part of Rotana’s Centro brand, is uniquely located in Abu Dhabi – a stone’s throw away from the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and 20 minutes from the airport and Yas Island.

“Many factors decide a guest’s choice when booking a hotel, whether for business or for leisure. Location is the chief and we score heavily on it. In addition, value-formoney is also a deciding factor and here too we fit the bill,” said Dominique Hebert, General Manager, Centro Capital Centre.

“Even our business traveller clientele is a mixed market, not limited to specific

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countries. Every exhibition that takes place in ADNEC brings in different guests from different countries and our offerings, including room configuration accommodates all tastes,” added Hebert.

“Besides business travellers from Europe, those from the GCC, including Arab expatriates travelling for business purposes are the key markets for the hotel.”

The hotel’s opening in the first week of October last year was an opportune moment, considering the events taking place in Abu Dhabi such as Formula 1.

He further informed, “Promotions are an integral part of the hotel’s strategy, whether on rooms, food or

Gloria Hotels’ avowed mission is to meet the needs of clients whose common requisite is to bask in the lap of luxury. The brand vision is to deliver the concept of ‘Comfort Living’ that offers premium luxury facilities.

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e’re always looking at newer opportunities where we can present our big rooms’ inventory,” informed Freddy Farid, Cluster General Manager, Gloria Hotel Dubai, when asked about Gloria Hotels’ GIBTM 2013 plans.

Dominique Hebert General Manager Centro Capital Centre

beverage, in addition to offers like the ‘Great Escape’ packages.”

The events, along with the hotel’s opening promotions, placed it in a very strong position from day one.

Acknowledging the ‘important role’ of travel agents in the growth curve of the hotel, they had been a big support to the property ever since its launch.

“Our participation in ITB 2012 resulted in excellent business during the past year,” Farid explained, stressing on the popularity of Gloria Hotels in the German market which had grown as a result.

“Likewise, ITB 2013 holds much promise. The reasons on one hand are DTCM’s support and their efficient action plan and the interest shown by German tour operators for Gloria Hotels on the other,” added Farid.

In providing an ideal family atmosphere, central

location in the new Dubai city with easy access to its hot spots and metro stations next door to both the properties, Gloria Hotels meet the needs of a range of clients that look for enjoyable and comfortable living.

“Having notched 7 per cent growth trajectory in 2012 as compared to 2011, quite sizeable, considering the extent of our inventory, we have set an ambitious target for 2013,” uttered Farid. “The travel agents are our main partners.

They have been supporting us by generating the business that we initially set out to achieve in different markets.”

Freddy Farid Cluster General Manger Gloria Hotel Dubai

Gloria Hotel Dubai plans to participate in all the leisure exhibitions including MICE events besides roadshows which also featured in different tour operators’ brochures.

The property also has future plans that would entail developing the brand and establishing more properties in the key MENA region.

Seeking firm base in MICE Strategically, MICE Tourism is a niche segment for Majestic Hotel Tower in Dubai, and its affiliation to Great Hotels of the World – Premium Collection bears it out.

With an average 37 per cent of revenues coming from them, the hotel is optimistic about a steady increase in 2013.

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ajestic Hotel Tower, to be featured in the next issue of Great Hotels of the World Meetings, Incentive & Corporate Travel Collection Directory, is GIBTM 2013bound. It will speed up the market trends and close business deals as well.

“Our affiliation with Great Hotels of the World in 2012 forms the bedrock of our marketing strategy for 2013, which will boost our global reach. Attending GIBTM will help consolidate our footing in the corporate business segment,” explained Alex Economides, General Manager, Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai.

“Room revenues have registered a healthy growth in 2012, with ARR up by 10 per cent and occupancy up by 9 per cent as compared to 2011.

Since the beginning of 2013, in the light of over 90 per cent occupancy on the whole, we are anticipating even better results throughout the year,” Economides said.

Notwithstanding website booking engines playing

Another aspect of the hotel’s strategy for 2013 is to increase the number of room bookings directly through their website via a specialised web consultant.

Alex Economides General Manager, Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai

Our affiliation with Great Hotels of the World in 2012 forms the bedrock of our marketing strategy for 2013

“Extensive renovations to all our 252 rooms, the lobby and business centre aimed at a fresher feel and better facilities for our guests, have been completed,” he further informed. “Business expansion plans include a partnership to create a hotel management venture, managing properties for other owners and leasing out buildings to be run as hotels.”

An additional 10 rooms have been added on the hotel’s 24th floor, and this executive penthouse storey will be operational shortly.

Strategy for 2013 a growing role in hotel room revenue, the travel agent segment continues to be a major driver of the tourism industry’s growth in Dubai.

The property seeks to increase the number of room bookings directly through their website via a specialised web consultant

COVER STORY

APRIL, 2013

Global MICE players unite at GIBTM Contd. from page 1

“The MICE event builds a bridge with the existing companies within the sector, but is still unaware of our position within the developing meetings industry. This year, we expect to meet more international Hosted Buyers attending to explore opportunities,” expressed Diana Ancuta, Director, Sales & Marketing, Al Raha Beach Hotel.

“The travel trade has shown strong growth in promoting the country as a world tourism hub. We will focus on UK, China, Scandinavia, Ukraine and US markets and new markets like East Europe, Far East and Australia.”

“The year 2013 will be a successful year, as it started off in a good spirit.

Consumers are travel smart, who look for value and good deals. We have planned programmes and promotions throughout the year considering all upcoming seasons and events. Summer in the UAE is a challenging time and we have attractive summer promotions. Besides,

to the area,” emphasised Gianni Malerba, General Manager, Royal Rose Hotel.

Andreas Mueller

Gianni Malerba

General Manager Cove Rotana

General Manager Royal Rose Hotel

Summer in the UAE is a challenging time, yet we have attractive summer promotions working closely with key tour operators, we have attractive promotions planned for the local market as well,” revealed Andreas Mueller, General Manager, Cove Rotana.

As we are about to launch Royal Rose Hotel, our presence in an event like GIBTM is a must Scheduled to open in Abu Dhabi in late spring, the Royal Rose Hotel by City Seasons will participate in GIBTM 2013.

“As we are about to launch Royal Rose Hotel, our

Ayman Ashor General Manager Tilal Liwa Hotel

The event brings together MICE organisers from every sector of the industry around the world presence in an event like GIBTM is a must. The vision of the Group is to work with key operators specialised in Gulf destinations and we will also consider the emerging cruise liner business coming

The team will meet new and potential contacts, develop relations with existing and future partners and establish the hotel as a suitable venue and competent partner for international meeting, conference and event organisers in line with Abu Dhabi’s drive to increasingly promote the destination.

Exhibiting with Danat Hotels & Resorts, Tilal Liwa Hotel is all set to promote its Meetings, Conferences & Events offerings to prospective partners in the MICE and leisure market.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel said, “We are pleased to announce our participation in this year’s edition of GIBTM. The event brings together MICE organisers from every sector of the industry around the world.

It provides a unique opportunity for the whole hotel industry to meet, network, negotiate, conduct business and stay abreast with the latest developments.”

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Marriott clocks higher numbers in ME and Africa Marriott International, Inc., has announced an 8.3 per cent increase in RevPAR figures across the Middle East and Africa for 2012, compared to the previous year. Marriott International's performance was boosted by three openings in 2012; the Courtyard

by Marriott Diplomatic Quarter, Marriott Executive Apartments Riyadh Makarim and the flagship JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.

Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director of Marriott International, Middle East and Africa, said, “We plan to hire over 21,000 associates over the next five years in order to meet the needs of our growing portfolio.”

The new hotels will bring the total number of announced properties joining Marriott International's Middle East and Africa portfolio by 2017 to 48 and are indicative of the company’s aggressive growth plans.

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AVIATION

TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

Decongesting the skies

Riding the storm in style

Considering the burgeoning growth in air traffic by Middle East airlines, airspace reform in the region is overdue, which requires huge commitment from all the governments and stakeholders.

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he complexities of ‘Crowded Skies’ and challenges of Air Traffic Management (ATM) has come under the spotlight as a result of the huge investments made in the expansion and development of airports in the six GCC states.

The GCC region accounts for over 50 per cent of Middle East’s airline traffic and over 65 per cent of business aviation traffic, industry experts add. Many airports are experiencing significant increase in both unscheduled and scheduled traffic, and congestions or delays would be unavoidable if efforts to

Airspace Woes Many airports are experiencing an increase in traffic, and delays would be unavoidable if efforts to increase their capacity falls short

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi

Mohammed Ahli

Director General General Civil Aviation Authority

Director General Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

increase their fall short.

capacity

will be displaying the latest ATM solutions and systems.

The General Civil Aviation Authority’s (GCAA) strategic plan notes that increasing demand for air travel will continue to challenge the ATM efficiencies. The good news is that more than US$ 700 million is estimated to be the volume of investments in regional ATM upgrades, while equally significant investments in this segment are in the pipeline. The 13th Airport Show to be held in Dubai from May 6 - 8, 2013

Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General, General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and Mohammed Ahli, Director General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) say the biggest strategic challenge today in the growth of aviation is in the air.

Daniyal Qureshi, Show Director, The Airport Show, concurs with Tony Tyler, CEO and Director General of the

Daniyal Qureshi Show Director The Airport Show

International Air Transport Association (IATA) on better management of the airspace being among the serious challenges that the aviation authorities face in their growth aspirations.

“The ME region must avoid the inefficiencies that we see in Europe. In the Gulf, ATM delays are already nearing crisis levels,” Tyler added, warning that congestion problems, if allowed to grow could quickly turn unmanageable.

In the midst of a challenging year, Singapore Airlines did reasonably well in 2012. The Airlines in posting profits bucked the trend, which consequently made its management optimistic about 2013.

“The airline’s resolve to further increase its load factor in 2013, which was 78.7 per cent in 2012, is up by 2.6 per cent over 2011,” informed Lionel Siau, General Manager, Gulf Singapore Airlines.

“Our optimistic outlook for 2013 is reflected by rewarding our customers flying to southeast Asian destinations with 20 per cent discount on tickets, promotions launched post Christmas which ran till January end,” referred Siau.

“The travel agents, from whom business averages

Lionel Siau General Manager Gulf Singapore Airlines

about 80 per cent, expect the year to be stable,” he added.

In 2013, a key push is made to attract tourists, particularly from the Middle East.

The airline will host agents’ seminar in Dubai for the region’s travel agents’ fraternity in the first week of April and upcoming agents’ award ceremony in July 2013. Collaborations with the Singapore Tourism Board, Star Cruises and tour operators are also on the cards.

Joint tourist visas by Oman & Qatar An agreement has been signed by Qatar and Oman to issue a common tourist visa for citizens of 33 countries on arrival at Doha International Airport. Visa holders can now travel from Qatar to Oman without taking a separate visa, provided that the traveller does not go to a third country during the visit.

Valid for one month, the visa can be extended for another.

2013: Year of optimism Year 2012 for Air India ended on a positive note. In spite of tough competition and challenges of increasing cost, especially high ATF charges, Air India has made all efforts to fight adversities and move towards brighter horizons.

MICE movement particularly for Dubai mostly originates from Indian destinations.

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ur services have been stabilised with the reinstatement of international flights to popular destinations like Hong Kong, Seoul, Osaka, Newark, Frankfurt, Paris and nonstop flights to United States of America,” informed Seema Srivastava, Regional Manager, Air India, Gulf, Middle East & Africa.

“However our ambitious plans have taken a beating due to grounding of B787 fleet across the world. Air India would put them back in operation once the aircraft is cleared by the aviation regulatory authorities,” she further said.

Air India has been consolidating the operations through the primary hub in Delhi through the T3 terminal, with point-to-point high frequency operations and same day return flights on domestic routes.

The airline operates 315 flights every week from Gulf and Middle East region with Air India and Air India Express. The passenger

Seema Srivastava Regional Manager, Air India Gulf, Middle East & Africa

We receive majority of our sale from our travel trade partners, hence we thoroughly work in close coordination with them profile from Gulf countries includes VFR and leisure traffic, especially Indians based in the Gulf countries. The

“We receive majority of our sale from our travel trade partners, hence we thoroughly work in close coordination with them. We host Annual Agency Award functions and frontline travel agency staff get-togethers. Our recent Annual Award function for felicitating the top sellers of Air India in UAE was well appreciated by the travel trade. The frontline travel agency get together is also planned on a regular basis to recognise their contribution to the airlines,” she asserted.

2011 was a challenging year for aviation. In spite of industrial issues in 2012, Air India had garnered market share and improved performance. 2013 would surely be a challenging year with increased competition and capacities. But Air India hopes to consolidate and maintain an improved overall performance across the key indicators of carriage and revenue as well.

CRUISES

APRIL, 2013

Quantum to debut in fall 2014 The Silversea fleet currently has 7 ships with guest numbers ranging from 100 to 540. These ships sail to all continents including both the Polar regions.

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What programmes/clubs are available for children travelling on Silverseas?

If there are a number of children travelling on the larger ships during the summer months, there will be a ‘Youth counselor’ onboard who will arrange activities, such as ice cream parties, dancing, Wii games for children aged 4 and onwards.

Which facilities can be pre-purchased from Silverseas?

Shore excursions 120 days prior and spa treatments 60 days prior can be booked online by guests.

What is the exclusive luxurious product with Silverseas?

There are a number of luxurious products we offer. Guests can enjoy Pratesi bed linen new for 2013 on all ships, Bvlgari bath amenities and Aromatherapy room scents by renowned Italian perfumer Laura Tonatto.

Besides the regular leisure and holiday travel, is there any other event that a cruise line can cater?

The ships offer a strong alternative to traditional hotels for the MICE market. The all-inclusive aspect to the product means that charter, conference and event organisers can easily budget for their meetings or events.

Thomas Harrison Director of Sales Nordic, Benelux, South Africa & Middle East

Part of Royal Carribean’s Quantum class of ships, ‘Quantum of the Seas’ and ‘Anthem of the Seas’ will build upon the cruise line’s legacy of ship design and bold innovation. The ships will debut in fall 2014 and spring 2015, respectively.

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uantum of the Seas is poised to introduce experiences much like its ‘wow’ performance delivering celebrity godmother, Chenoweth. Emmy and Tony award-winning actress, Broadway and television star, Kristin Chenoweth will be cast in another starring role as godmother to Royal Caribbean International’s cruise ship, Quantum of the Seas.

The appointment was made by the cruise line in an unconventional manner during a commercial that aired at ABC television network’s broad cast of the 85th Annual Academy Awards.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director, Middle East Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises, Middle East, explained the remarkable response to Royal Caribbean’s

participation at GIBTM. She spoke about the great conference and meeting facilities on board all the cruise line’s ships. At 158,000 gross registered tons, both ships have a capacity of 4,100 guests based on double occupancy.

“As in previous years, Royal Caribbean will be targeting all the three global brands – Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises at their Middle East guests,” Durai said.

The cruise line’s travel trade partners play a vital role in showcasing the company’s unique family of cruises to their guests. In promoting and selling their cruises, regular visits to the

Lakshmi Durai Executive Director, Middle East Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises, Middle East

ships are arranged for the agents in the Gulf region along with necessary support and training.

The ship visits facilitate better understanding of the cruise line’s unique on-board features and offerings. Besides, Royal Caribbean also conducts an annual ‘Seminar at Sea’, when agents are benefitted to a complete cruising experience in addition to the extensive product and sales training on board.

TRAVTALK

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Santorini Hotel to open by year end Bin Majid Hotels revealed that it will open a new property called Santorini Hotel at Marjan Island, the first man-made island project in Ras Al Khaimah, by end of 2013. The announcement was made by Dr. Ali Kasapbashi, Group General Manager, Bin Majid Group at ITB. The property will offer 265 rooms and suites, all elegantly and stylishly designed to meet the demands of both business and leisure guests from the Middle East and round the globe. It will boast restaurants, spa, gym, swimming pools and will have direct access to the beach.

Santorini Hotel will be an ideal location for weekend trips and long holidays.

Dr. Kasapbashi said, “This new property will cater to the demands of both leisure and business guests who are looking at Ras Al Khaimah as a new tourism destination. This new development is part of our goal to expand the brand in the region.”

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AGENTS

TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

A perfect hotel booking tool Now, Student Tours in GCC Gateway, a travel solutions provider, has developed a Hotel Booking Engine as an agent tool, a white-label and customised website solution. It helps travel agents book the best net rates, thus increasing their revenues.

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ateway’s booking engine helps to compare the rates of 25 vendors from among 150,000 hotels.

is to create brand awareness, offering travel agents a unique product range, developing business and establishing as a reliable and professional partner for the travel trade in the Middle East.

“By opening our UAE office, Gateway will combine their 23 years of international experience with local support and a focus on the specific needs of the travel agents,” informed Suraj Mainat, Regional Sales Director, Middle East region, Gateway.

Suraj Mainat Regional Sales Director Middle East region, Gateway

Headquartered in Belgium, Gateway has its sales offices in the Netherlands, Thailand, Hong Kong, South Africa and now in UAE. The prime objective

“The unique booking interface includes several filtering options to easily find the best suited hotel.

In the short term, Gateway will focus on UAE, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, followed by other regions.”

Gateway provides quality support by phone, e-mail and via live chat. The client can profit from Gateway’s Single Payment Channel as Gateway takes care of all the payments to different vendors, and accordingly the travel agent only receives invoices from Gateway. Payments can be done in EUR or AED via a local bank account.

The company has an ambitious strategic vision for the Middle East market with continuous investment in technology, local customer service support and adaptability to the market’s needs to enhance the selling experience for the travel agents.

Target The prime objective is to create brand awareness, offering travel agents a unique product range

ATS Travel is making a foray into the student travel market in the GCC. It has been appointed by Londonbased inbound student and special-interest tour operator, Barton Hill Travel, as its first representative in the region.

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ormerly known as Arabian Air Travel Agencies, the recently rebranded Dubaibased travel management

aries and programmes based on specialist subjects.

A partnership agreement was inked between the two companies on the sidelines of the recently concluded Business Travel Show held at the Earls Court, London.

Saleem Sharif, General Manager, ATS Travel commented,

Saleem Sharif General Manager ATS Travel

company offers complete business travel solutions, airline tickets, holiday packages, cruise, MICE, travel insurance, car hire and all travel related services. Barton Hill, established in 1976, has a proven track record of creating itiner-

“We believe in providing an authentic learning experience for students.

The travel provider has to have an insight into the destinations that are included in the itinerary and that’s the barrier we intend to breach through our student tour division.”

There are travel agencies that conduct school

group tours but none are specialised in the field. ATS Travel’s goal to position itself as student tours specialist for the GCC region was clearly reflected in the tie-up with Barton Hill. The merger was aimed at delivering high-quality professional travel arrangements to schools and universities at sensible prices.

“ATS Travel’s specially designed itineraries that pertain to the curriculum being taught in schools will enable educational institutions to enhance their students’ knowledge and learning,” he further said.

Barton Hill will now gain exposure to a large number of travellers in the GCC, which will be serviced by ATS owing to its region wide reach. ATS Travel has specialised programmes to suit students of every age.

Leisure segment in focus Focussing primarily on holiday packages, Trident Travel, an accredited IATA agent, started promoting Sri Lanka and Maldives previously and these markets are flourishing now.

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travel shop’ with an all-inclusive range of solutions for their travel needs.

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n March, plans are in full swing to promote Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia - the most popular destinations.

Holiday packages are also planned for summer months targeting many European countries.

“Around 22 per cent of overall growth in business is observed in 2012 over 2011.

This year our focus is on holiday packages besides our other core competences, and hence I have increased my staff strength accordingly to fill up the requirements. Sri Lanka is termed as one of the topmost, value-for-money destinations today with new boutique hotels coming up, proving huge potential for Middle East market,” informed Gulshan Shaideen, General Manager, Trident Travel.

In December 2012, Sri Lanka Airlines came on board and along with Mihin Lanka as GSA already, Trident Travel will help travellers explore that part of the world and function as a ‘one-stop

“We have offered our easy-to-sale, tailor-made holiday packages to our sub agents. The big players were not left aside, rather they also collected attractive packages from us,” he added.

Gulshan Shaideen General Manager Trident Travel

Sri Lanka is termed as one of the topmost, value-for-money destinations today with new boutique hotels coming up, proving huge potential for the Middle East market

Srilankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka will be participating in Arabian Travel Market 2013.

Trident Travel has expanded its reach to global markets by forging partnerships with reputed and established companies worldwide. An expansion plan of spreading offices in UAE is in progress. Trident Holidays promote MICE market and sports tourism with new tour campaigns coming up in UK.

One - Stop Shop Trident Travel will function as a ‘one-stop travel shop’ with an allinclusive range of solutions for travel needs

NTO

APRIL, 2013

TRAVTALK

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MICE Tourism on a roll Special travel card launched Events like the recent Sharjah Government Communication Forum reinforce the Emirate’s hospitality sector, which has been seeing a surge with a marked increase in hotel guests.

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he event presented Sharjah as a perfect tourism destination and venue for international conferences and exhibitions. On the occa-

representatives of governments from across the world.

and its rich heritage through various promotional literature.

The Forum, sponsored by the SCTDA in its second year, aimed at evolving channels of communication between governments and the public and improving the performance of government officials and various government agencies.

SCTDA attended ITB Berlin to showcase Sharjah for the 16th year in a row, held from March 6-10, 2013.

Sharjah had achieved success at ITB 2012 by bagging the Best Middle East Exhibitor Award.

Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) said,

“In ITB 2013, the Authority looked forward in presenting Sharjah’s tourism market and product in a new light, highlighting its features, especially beach tourism, ecotourism or environment tourism. These are somethings that attract German tourists and not to mention the Emirate’s numerous attractions,” Al Noman added.

“Sharjah has seen MICE tourism on the upswing, Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

sion of the second Sharjah Government Communication Forum, Sharjah’s hotels were all full. It had attracted over 500 world leaders, heads and

thanks to its modern infrastructure, strategic location, well-connected international airport, free trade zones and supportive economic environment attracting businessmen and investors.”

The SCTDA highlighted the Emirate’s tourism sector

Germany tops Sharjah’s strategic tourism feeding markets and its growth in recent years in terms of visitors to the Emirate in 2012 numbered over 85,000.

Singapore aims at ‘family’ Safe Singapore is touted as a family-friendly destination, more so for the Middle East travellers. It has now evolved from a business travellers’ destination to a leisure holiday destination for all.

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otwithstanding industry estimates of about 30 per cent of visitors to Singapore comprising mainly business travellers, the nation with its mushrooming

Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board.

“Out of 7,082,161 international visitors pouring in from January to June 2012, 69,221 were from the region.

It registered more than 11 per cent increase over 2011’s traffic.

Saudi Arabia and UAE, besides the rest of the GCC and North Africa, are our strongest markets in the region.”

Mohamed Hafez Marican Area Director, Middle East & Africa, Singapore Tourism Board

world-class shopping facilities and events integrated with myriad entertainment options, is ready to welcome families from the Middle East for the ultimate touristic experience.

“This is the face of the much-evolved Singapore,” stated Mohamed Hafez Marican, Area Director,

Elaborating on the Board’s measures, Marican informed, “dnata is always updated with the travel agents’ itinerary in Singapore. Our plans for March 2013 and beyond are well in place. Earlier in 2012, in conjunction with Singapore Airlines, renowned travel agents were flown to Singapore to provide them with the first hand account of the situation on ground, part of an ongoing exercise.”

The country is ready to position itself as a 4 – 5 day fun stopover as against 1 – 2 day halt for the business traveller. With the importance of the growing business from the Middle East in particular, the yearround shopping festivals and a battery of enticing promotions and entertainment for every age group, truly adds value to it.

Singapore has always been a hub for the ever-increasing air traffic to other countries in southeast Asia and most of the region’s airlines, like the Emirates, make stopovers.

With an extremely facilitating visa regime in place, a major chunk of these travellers are experiencing a taste of what the destination has on offer.

Aiming High The country is ready to position itself as a 4 – 5 day fun stopover as against a 1 - 2 day halt for primarily the business traveller

The 'Incredible India Travel Card' was launched by K. Chiranjeevi, Honourable Minister for Tourism, India during the International Travel Bourse (ITB 2013), held in Berlin, Germany from March 6-10, 2013.

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ssued by ‘Yes Bank’ in association with India’s Ministry of Tourism, the card has a value-add to enrich India's tourism campaign.

The card will be distributed through the bank's branches, Full-Fledged Money Changers (FFMCs) and government recognised third party vendors like travel agents, hotels and airport kiosks.

The 'Incredible India' card can also be used to withdraw cash from ATMs across the country.

“Pre-loaded with a value of up to `50,000 at any given point of time subject to basic KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures,

it’s a prepaid travel card in Indian Rupee denomination for inbound tourists,”

said Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director (West Asia & Africa), India Tourism, Dubai. “‘Find What You Seek’, the new film of Indian Ministry of Tourism received th the first prize at the 11 Golden City Gate Tourism Media Awards Ceremony held in Berlin on March 10 to coincide with ITB Berlin 2013. The Golden City Gate is an international film, print and media contest for the tourism industry. The Awards ceremony is held every year at ITB Berlin,” he added.

Since the launch of ‘Incredible India’ brand-line in 2002 till 2012, ‘Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs)’ to the country have increased from 2.38 million to 6.65 million (provisional). The domestic visits during the same period have increased from 269.6 million to 850.9 million (provisional).

Vikas Rustagi Regional Director (West Asia & Africa) India Tourism, Dubai

The Ministry of Tourism releases print, electronic, online and outdoor media campaigns in the international and domestic markets under the Incredible India brand-line. Besides, the Ministry through its overseas offices, interalia, organises roadshows, ‘Know India’ seminars, participates in various fairs, exhibitions and events to promote various Indian tourist destinations.

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TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

VisitBritain holds 2013 GCC Sales Mission

VisitBritain had hosted their 2013 GCC Sales Mission on February 20-21, 2013 to promote holiday destinations, sell tour packages and attractions from the UK. It highlighted more than 80 travel agents from across the GCC offering value-for-money deals available to Middle East holidaymakers in the lead up to the long summer break. The workshops took place at the Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi and The JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai.

TECHNOLOGY

APRIL, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Extending a partnership Harnessing technology ATPI Group, the leading business travel and events company, has confirmed a substantial contract extension with the business services provider to the global travel industry, Travelport.

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part of the ATPI Group's growth plans."

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TPI Group and Travelport have a strong track record in working together. With the partnership between the two businesses, the ATPI Group has access to Travelport’s travel booking technology around its global network. It includes seven Middle East and Africa countries - Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Iraq, Kuwait, Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates.

As such, Travelport is now the leading GDS for the ATPI Group in many countries around the world.

"We are confident that the use of Travelport's technology around the world will continue to bring significant benefits," said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport.

"Travelport is proud to be a

There are great synergies between the two businesses. Reaffirming this commitment aids the ATPI Group in delivering savings for the clients and continue to offer an industry-leading service.

Rabih Saab President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport

We are confident that the use of Travelport's technology around the world will continue to bring significant benefits

The ATPI Group employs 1,400 people in over 60 offices worldwide and has successful operations in corporate travel, marine travel, corporate event management and online travel technology.

Forging Ties ATPI Group will now have access to Travelport's travel booking technology around its global network It includes seven Middle East and Africa countries - Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Iraq, Kuwait, Nigeria and UAE

A workshop for near 100 travel agents and professionals in Lebanon was hosted by Sabre Travel Network Middle East (Sabre). It showcased a range of solutions to help travel management companies expand to new markets.

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abre Web Booking Engine was introduced to provide the agencies in Lebanon with advanced online website capabilities, be competitive in the growing online marketplace.

Presently being embraced by the travel industry worldwide, this new travel technology product gives consumers access to real-time fares. It also allows them to book air (including low-cost carriers), hotel bookings and car rentals.

The technology can provide an agency’s branded website new functionality-like access to airline seat maps, fare rules and transaction reporting.

According to El Ajouz Travels, the special event helped to understand the state-of-the-art solutions, developed specially to serve customers better thereby generating more income.

Sabre's portfolio of products

always helps to make operations cost effective and efficient, hence more such educative events are favoured in future.

Darren Wickham, Managing Director, Sabre informed, “Internet was considered as a threat in yesteryears, to the survival of the travel industry. Today,

we have to serve this region,” he added.

With over 90 million Internet users in the Middle East, of which 2.1 million are from Lebanon, the growth potential for this new business

online travel accounts for one fifth of all travel bookings in Europe, Middle East and Africa, forecast to grow to a quarter of all bookings in the next four years.”

Darren Wickham

“We have worked hard and developed the Sabre Web Booking Engine with Arabic language support specifically for Middle East agencies, highlighting the commitment

segment is exponential. Travel agencies who want to increase revenue need to have a clear online strategy and the technology to convert online shoppers into bookers.

Managing Director Sabre

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TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

Dynamic travel trends mirrored at ITB The world’s leading travel trade show, International Tourism Bourse (ITB 2013) was held from March 6-10, 2013. With more than 170,000 visitors, among which 113,000 were trade visitors and 11,000 represented companies from 180 countries displayed their products and services at this leading B2B platform of the tourism industry. Angela Merkel, German Chancellor, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Indonesian president, members of the travel trade associations and ministers of tourism and state secretaries, met in Berlin to help shape the future for growth in the tourism industry.

MOVEMENTS

APRIL, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Cathay Pacific Mumbai

Sofitel UAE

Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek UAE

Charlie Stewart-Cox has been appointed as the Cathay Pacific’s General Manager – South Asia, Middle East & Africa.

He will be responsible for overseeing the business and operations of Cathay Pacific and Dragonair in the three regions and will be based in Mumbai, India. Brian Yuen will continue as Country Manager – UAE & Oman for the airline based in Dubai. Stewart-Cox joined Cathay Pacific in 1982, and since then has held a number of positions within the airline.

Sami Nasser is the new Senior Vice President of Sofitel, the

Tim Cordon is the new General Manager of Radisson Blu

luxury brand of French Hotel Group Accor, at their regional office dedicated to the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

His responsibilities include spearheading operations and overseeing Sofitel’s dynamic growth in the region. With a 25year longstanding career with the parent company Accor, Nasser enjoys a wealth of experience in the hospitality arena. During his tenure with the Accor Group, Nasser operated in several geographical areas, which allowed him to showcase his proficiency in steering business growth.

Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek. A British national, Cordon has over a decade of experience within the hospitality industry. He started his impressive career in 2000 as an Operations Manager at the Crowne Plaza in Edinburgh. In his new role, Cordon’s responsibilities will include overseeing operations at the 276-room property, a team of over 600 staff, 16 F&B venues as well as recruitment, development, training, scheduling and guest satisfaction.

Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia

TI’ME Hotels Management UAE

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha Qatar

Nizam Bou Antoun has been appointed as the new General Manager of Park Inn by Radisson Al Khobar in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Originally from Lebanon, Antoun has over 17 year’s solid experience within the hospitality industry. He graduated with a degree in Hotel Management from the Lebanese University in 1994.

Antoun will be responsible for overseeing a team of 83 staff and the operations at the 148-room hotel as well as maximising revenue and profitability.

Tommy Ressopoulos has been newly appointed as the Vice President - Sales & Marketing for the hospitality company. A Greek national, he has worked on four continents, Ressopoulos’ global experience includes senior sales and marketing positions and hands-on general management roles with Hilton International in Europe, US, North Africa and the Indian Ocean, as well as extensive experience in strategic alliance partnerships.

Zee Bassila is the new Director of Sales and Marketing of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. The main focus is to support the sales and marketing efforts at the highest level, to develop brand awareness and to deliver sustainable profits. A Canadian national, Bassila has more than 15 years’ sales and marketing experience in the hotel industry under his belt. He began his career with the Ritz-Carlton Montreal in Quebec before moving to the Middle East.

Centro Capital Centre and Centro Al Manhal Abu Dhabi

Bin Majid Hotels Dubai

Ramada Downtown Dubai UAE

Louana Moulaeb has been appointed as the

Duygu Kaynak is the new Marketing Manager of Bin Majid

Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication of Centro Capital Centre and Centro Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi. She joined Rotana in 2011. In July 2012, she was appointed to join the pre-opening team of Centro Capital Centre in Abu Dhabi and has been instrumental in ensuring that all aspects of the marketing and communications tasks have been completed to ensure a successful opening.

Hotels and will be responsible for the hotels’ marketing functions. She will drive the marketing strategy for the hotel and will develop its wedding, corporate and leisure business.

Kaynak previously worked as marketing manager of Rixos Hotels, and her experience also includes marketing and PR.

Niel Canzana has been promoted as Senior Sales Manager of Ramada Downtown Dubai. He previously worked as Sales Manager in Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman before being transferred to Downtown to take on the same position. Canzana’s performance in sales has been influential in the associate’s excellent record of guest and customer relation and the property is looking forward to Canzana’s continuous contribution in achieving sales targets.

Ahmedia Heritage Guest House opens its doors

Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa under the management of Planet Hospitality, announced the official opening of Ahmedia Heritage Guest House in the heart of Al Ras, Deira in view of the company’s support of the government’s effort to preserve the Emirati culture and traditions by offering heritage destinations. The guest house will be promoted as an ideal venue for professional and aspiring artists who want to display and introduce their work to visitors and residents of the UAE. It has 15 spacious bedrooms overlooking the courtyard and all rooms are furnished in traditional theme, with en suite bath, satellite television, mini fridge, in-room safe deposit box, etc.

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HIGHLIGHTS

TRAVTALK APRIL, 2013

UK woos GCC tourists Eyeing larger MICE slice Visit Britain, UK’s national tourism agency, had conducted With UAE establishing itself as the Middle East’s tourism an Annual Sales Mission in the UAE, where UK suppliers hub, Abu Dhabi’s Sands Hotel aims for more of MICE met more than 80 agents from across the GCC. business from GCC, North Africa and South America.

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trips offered to those who successfully complete the programme.”

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he workshops were conducted at the Hilton Hotel, Abu Dhabi and the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel in Dubai. There was a 20 per cent increase in UK suppliers and 37 per cent increase in buyers in 2012 over 2011.

The mission targeted buyers from Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia for the first time besides the UAE.

“Larger than the mission held in 2011, the mission this year will pave the way for strong ties with key trade partners, and in turn help the tourism agency achieve its ambitious targets for visitors from the GCC,” asserted Sandie Dawe, CEO, VisitBritain.

The Agency’s future plans included to work more

Dawe added, “Agents are also offered access to products like the ‘Oyster Card’ as part of the agency’s push to promote Britain as a destination among Middle East travellers.”

Sandie Dawe CEO VisitBritain

closely with the airlines, agents and operators in the region and get more products and packages, going beyond London, thereby introducing more family products.

Elaborating on the key aspects, she further said, “VisitBritain’s travel agents ‘BritAgent programme’ is an online educational tool that enables agents to learn more about London and Scotland.

It’s a graduate certificate, awarded and familiarisation

Britain has been a major beneficiary of outbound travel from the Gulf region.

The latest statistics show that UAE visits were up by 10 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. In the past five years (2006 to 2011), Saudi, Qatar and UAE are the three markets that have shown an outstanding increase in visitor numbers.

By 2020, there is potential for the annual number of visits to Britain to be 30 per cent up from the UAE compared to the record year of 2009, which welcomed 246,000 visitors, reports VisitBritain.

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aims to maximize their business through the travel trade, which remains integral to its overall business strategy.

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IBTM is one of the major events organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (ADTCA) and ACTE through Reed Exhibitions where all MICE-related players - major events organisers, hotels, airlines and travel agents from six continents meet to develop new business.

“We are participating in GIBTM 2013 with a focus on activating MICE business from GCC, North Africa and South America. In South America,

we will pay special attention to Brazil, especially after opening a direct connection to Abu Dhabi from Sao Paolo,” said Khaled Khedr, Director of Sales and Marketing, Sands Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

The management is in constant contact with major tour operators and conference organisers specialising in the MICE business.

Khaled Khedr Director of Sales and Marketing Sands Hotel, Abu Dhabi

“The event, therefore, provides an opportunity for the hotel’s top brass to interact with major international and intra-regional MICE agents, tour operators and incentive Destination Management Companies (DMCs), besides affording them to strengthen ties with the existing contacts and forging relations with new tour operators and DMCs,” he added.

Stressing on the crucial role of travel agents in the hospitality sector, Sands Hotel

“We have seen a reasonable increase of 6 per cent in room occupancy in 2012, mainly from leisure, MICE and ad hoc segments of the market,” Khedr further informed.

Their plans for 2013 and beyond are based on Abu Dhabi’s potential for major events and the presence of world-class facilities and perfect business environment.

A more fruitful summer for the hotel is in store, as the hotel has lined up extremely competitive packages with ‘extra added value’ covering all events and activities scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi during the hotter climates.