TravTalk Middleeast

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 16

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. VIII No. 2; February 2012

ME Cruise Tourism sails ahead The cruise tourism sector in the Middle East is seeing a steady increase in passengers as the sector gains footing in the region where the governments are investing in new facilities to support it. The Gulf is also witnessing a rise in cruise ships and also plans to expand their operations in the days to come. The UAE with increased investment in cruise terminals expects to attract big players of the industry.

Director General, ADTA. “The market ranges between low-cost cruise business and very high-end exclusive cruises whereas Abu Dhabi targets at the higher-end segment.”

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n Oman, the Mina Qaboos port has posted a record of 2,31,000 passengers for the 2010-2011 winter season, up by 72 per cent over 2009. The Oman Tourism Ministry anticipates passenger arrivals to Muscat to exceed 3,00,000 by 2015, while Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi expects about 1,45,000 cruise visitors.

Dubai expects annual cruise passenger numbers to increase 50,000 year-onyear till 2015. To boost the Cruise Tourism facilities, Qatar has plans to build a cruise ship terminal at Doha’s new US$ 5.5 billion deepwater seaport with the capacity of two to three cruise ships.

As an attempt to grow its Cruise Tourism sector to 300 calls and 6,00,000 passengers by 2030, ADTA also have plans to construct permanent, cruise terminal at Mina Zayed.

“Cruise shipping has enjoyed strong recession-proof growth for many years,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi,

HE Mubarak Al Muhairi

Hamad M Bin Mejren

Chris Hayman

Director General ADTA

Director Business Tourism DTCM

Chairman - Seatrade, Organiser Middle East Cruise Convention

The market ranges between lowcost cruise business and very high-end exclusive cruises whereas Abu Dhabi targets at the higher-end

Despite the slump in the global tourism industry, Cruise Tourism in the Gulf has been growing steadily, thanks to the efforts of DTCM and the cruise operators

The growth in Cruise Tourism helped tourism through the economic downturn. The increasing number of cruise travellers provided a lift to the hospitality sector

Cruise Tourism gaining momentum in the UAE as Abu Dhabi has raised a new tented cruise terminal at Mina Zayed, Dubai has reshaped Port Rashid and Sharjah has focussed on Khorfakkan to attract around 7,00,000 cruise visitors during this season.

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has forecasted a steady growth of 6,25,000 passengers by 2015, a 38 per cent increase over 2010 figures.

“Despite the slump in the global tourism industry, Cruise Tourism in the Gulf has been growing steadily, thanks to the efforts of DTCM and the cruise operators.

The flexibility of Dubai’s economy and the trust put in it by the global cruise operators is hence revealed

hence,” said Hamad M Bin Mejren, Director Business Tourism, DTCM. Sharjah makes for an ideal destination for luxury cruise liners as it overlooks both the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf Coast.

The first Costa Classica ship arrived at the Khorfakkan port with 1,700 passengers on-board, indicating the arrival of new season of luxury cruise liners and thousands of international tourists to Sharjah.

According to Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) between November and May 2012, Costa Cruises and Seabourn, two major cruiseline operators will bring around 67,000 international cruise passengers to Sharjah.

However, the prospects for the industry are strong, it also faces a number of challenges that could hamper its growth.

Contd. on page 2

COVER STORY FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 20-01-2012)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.5781............5.7942 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.6399............4.8305 Canada......................CAD ..............3.5838............3.7087 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5738............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR..............9.4077............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.9635..............13.43 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9947............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.7540............3.8677 Japan ........................JPY................0.0469............0.0492 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0833............0.0863 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.8240............2.9474 India ........................INR................0.0713............0.0747 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0399............0.0418 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0429............0.0445 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0316............0.0328 Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056 Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525 Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.8386............4.0042 South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

Cruising steadily despite downturns Contd. from page 1

region present exactly that,” added Hayman.

With the Middle East Cruise Tourism growth exceeding the global average, Dubai had b een selected as the venue for the Seatrade Middle East Cruise Convention, held in October 2011 an event focussing on the Middle East’s rapidly expanding cruise sector.

“The growth in Cruise Tourism helped the region’s tourism sector through the difficult period of the economic downturn.

The increasing number of cruise travellers provided a much-needed lift to the hospitality sector as well,” said Chris Hayman, Chairman Seatrade, Organiser - Middle East Cruise Convention.

“One of the challenges for the cruise industry worldwide is seasonality.

In Northern Europe and Alaska there are opportunities for itineraries that are seasonally confined to the summer months in the northern hemisphere, the search is always on for new deployment opportunities and Dubai and the Gulf

Helen Beck

Alok Dey

Regional Director - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean Cruises

Holidays Manager, Sharaf Travel & GSA - MSC Cruise, GCC region

The guest volume from the Middle East has increased around more than 30 per cent compared to the same period in 20l0.

The UAE also saw the same growth level during the period

Cruise Tourism brings in a lot of revenue to the Dubai tourism for the land authority as the cruise passengers spend the whole day in the destination exploring malls

Comprising of a combination of bespoke training and presentations from cruise line representatives, the travel agents were benefitted by a free training day incorporated with the Middle East Cruise Convention.

A specialised insight in the cruise product along with a wider knowledge of tourism in the region was thus provided.

The United Arab Emirates’ cruise sector was set for further growth by 2011-end with MSC Cruises planned to base its MSC Lirica vessel in Abu Dhabi’s Mina Zayed Port since October 2011. Other international cruise brands like Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and AIDA Cruises continue to operate and expand in the region. In addition, TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 2 makes its Middle East debut in winter 2012-13, with weekly round-trip cruises from Dubai to Oman, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

Contd. on page 6

TALKING PEOPLE EDITORIAL ME Cruise sector speeding ahead

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he Cruise industry in the UAE and the Middle East on the whole has successfully resisted the ‘double whammy’ of global recession and Arab Spring and the best indication, is a significant increase in guest volumes.

In Oman, the Mina Qaboos port posted a record 2,31,000 passengers for the 2010-2011 winter season, up by 72% over the previous year. Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi expects about 1,45,000 cruise visitors this winter while Qatar plans to build a cruise ship terminal at Doha’s new US$ 5.5 billion deepwater seaport with a capacity for 2-3 cruise ships.

The ME is witnessing an increase in cruise ships. Costa Cruises increased its capacity by 16% this winter season. Royal Caribbean is upgrading operation with the introduction of Serenade of the Seas from 2012. MSC is arriving with a series of winter itineraries out of Abu Dhabi.

As per Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing records, Cruise Tourism saw an annual income of AED 338 million in 2010, a total of 135 cruise ships with 3,75,000 tourists were received in 2011, which is estimated to grow to AED 837 million in 2015.

There is good news on the hospitality front too. With 8 new hotel openings lined up across the ME, the Rotana Group is upbeat about 2012. As visitors to Dubai continue to grow beyond 8 million by the end of 2011, hotels are expected to see revenue per available room, surge by 8% - 9% in 2011, according to STR Global. Abu Dhabi also expects an increase of 15.5% in international visitors with the total tourist spend surging 21.8% to US$ 2 billion this year, according to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority. However, the Cruise Tourism industry also faces challenges. Any steep fall in Indian rupee or euro can prove a test as India and eurozone countries are traditionally vibrant markets. The sector has to adopt itineraries intelligently to tackle seasonal challenges.

Publisher Director Editorial Director Editor Assistant Editor (ME) Desk Editor Sub Editor Design Manager Advertising Asst. Manager - Sales Asst. Manager - Mktg.

Circulation Manager Manager Production

: SanJeet : Sumeera Bahl : Rupali Narasimhan : Deepa Sethi : Susmita Ghosh : Archana Sharma : Raina Mandal : Parinita Gambhir/NN Misra : Geetika Pathak : Akassh Kapoor : Pallavi Sarma : Ashok Rana : Anil Kharbanda

Towers Rotana maintains green, clean and healthy environment Towers Rotana Hotel, the newly renovated property, boasts of its spectacular views of the Arabian Sea and easy access to all the major destinations of Dubai.

The hotel is an active member of the Emirates Environmental Group, since 2001.

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dining experience - Flavors on Two on Global Dining Experience Teatro features a fusion of Indo-Asian-Latino cuisine. Long’s Bar is the place to be with its authentic ‘Raffles’ look, the informal dining experience and Wraps, the typical Europeanstyle cafe, specialises in large Californian-style flour tortillas wrapped around a variety of fillings, grilled fresh and fast.

ith sustained initiatives and commitment in driving ‘Best Environmental Practices’ to save the environment, Towers Rotana had acquired nd 2 position in 2009 Dubai Green Tourism Award Four Star Hotel category. Rotana as a Group supports all its properties under its banner to maintain a green, healthy environment and by recycling paper and plastic.

I am personally very keen to create Towers Rotana as carbon positive or zero emission hotel which instead of leaving a carbon footprint contributes to the Eco-system.

For further improving upon eco-management, we have plans of tree plantation and working on a solar project to lessen energy consumption. Towers Rotana, Dubai is an active member of the Emirates Environmental Group, since 2001.

Friendly staff and quality services are the key aspects of the hotel’s endeavour. Decorated with

Mrad El Khoury General Manager Towers Rotana

We host familiarisation trips for the travel trade from various other countries

I am personally very keen to create Towers Rotana as carbon positive or zero emission hotel which instead of leaving a carbon footprint contributes to the Eco-system comfort and elegance in mind, we try to make our guests at home and meet their every expectation.

Towers Rotana Hotel features four awarding restaurants, each offering a distinctive

and arrange training schedules for them to get a ‘touch-and-feel’ experience of the product.

As we have fared well in previous years,

worked under high occupancy at this tough time, hence we look ahead to be one of the main players and get acknowledgements.

Towers Rotana comes up with many CSR activities like Blood Donation Drive 2011, recycling for charity, humanitarian campaign, participate in introductory programmes like START (Skills, Tasks And Results Training), that gives UAE National job-seekers an insight into what the hospitality industry is all about.

Located in Dubai, the safest destination, Towers Rotana has a positive influence in every way. DTCM is very comprehensive, active and supportive.

Emirates Airlines play the major role and the way they place Dubai in the map is incredible. Towers Rotana is a member of the DTCM Emiratisation Task Force for Tourism.

Mrad El Khoury General Manager Towers Rotana

Bahrain International Airshow 2012 Bahrain International Airshow 2012 was held during January 19 – 21. The participating companies showcased products and services to potential buyers, visiting delegations, media, trade and public visitors and participated in a full programme of daily flying displays.

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NEWS

China eyes closer tourism ties with the United Arab Emirates With Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) recently opening a dedicated office and a visitor centre in Beijing, the emirate is gaining increasing traction with the Chinese travel and tourism market, supported by a recently opened Etihad Airways’ route between Chengdu and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

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tihad Airways enhanced the tourism bond by introducing roots between Chengdu and Abu Dhabi International Airport and a planned non-stop, daily service to Shanghai. China, an advancing market for Abu Dhabi, is now ranking among the destination’s Top 25 hotel guest source markets.

At Abu Dhabi stop-over of the 2011-2012 Volvo Ocean Race, Team Sanya, the Chinese entry in the roundthe-world sailing event, hosted a delegation of senior officials from the Sanya Government and ADTA, with the aim of forging stronger tourism ties between Sanya and the UAE’s capital. ADTA also had a sig-

nificant presence at the Sanya stop-over where it mounted an Abu Dhabi pavilion with a number of heritage activities including falconry, henna displays and Arabic calligraphy. ADTA also have staged a reception in Sanya for the teams and other participating personnel.

enjoyed a friendly partnership for many years and this is creating new opportunities to advance the relationship into sectors like tourism. We envisage this area being a significant growth driver for both Sanya and Abu Dhabi,” said Huang Shaowen, Vice-Mayor, Sanya.

“The UAE and China already enjoy a strong trading partnership supported by widening business relationships across a number of fields. The recent codeshare agreement between Etihad Airways and Hainan Airlines is just one example of growing strategic co-operation between the two. Our collaboration with Sanya compliments the UAE government’s broader aim of enhancing tourism co-opera-

Endowed with warm tropical sunshine and a rich cultural heritage, Sanya has become an important tourist destination in China. It attracted over 5.12 million tourist arrivals in the first half of 2011 with over 2,50,000 visitors from abroad, an 18.5 per cent increase year-on-year.

Showcasing the region’s offering in Abu Dhabi is part of Sanya’s ambitious growth plans.

HE Mubarak Al Muhairi Director General ADTA

tion with China,” said HE Mubarak Al Muhairi, Director General, ADTA. “It is a great way to introduce Sanya in the Volvo Ocean Race, to a new audience and showcase the province’s rich heritage and culture. China and UAE have

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ADTA brings Volvo Ocean Race in Destination Village in Abu Dhabi Commissioned by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), the Destination Village has opened to the general public free-ofcharge, the two-week historic hosting of Volvo Ocean Race fleet.

The Village, at the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater became active with a raft of entertainment designed to engage visitors connect with the emirate’s maritime past and future ambitions.

“The activity-filled entertainment programme are educational and entertaining, which will leave knowing far more about Abu Dhabi’s maritime and water sports credentials than they did before,” said Faisal Al Sheikh, Events Manager, ADTA. “When we began our Volvo Ocean Race hosting campaign we had promised a stand-out stopover and believe that we have fulfilled that commitment. It was not just for sailors or would-be sailors but for families who had wanted to get into the fresh air. However, there are opportunities for all to try sailing and find out more about the sport. The atmosphere will be electric and the best part - all the entertainment is free!” added Al Sheikh.

The Volvo Ocean Race fleet included the UAE’s Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team who will be in action over the fortnight. The fleet competed the in-port race on January 13, the first points scoring competition in Abu Dhabi and the leg three started on January 14. Those who achieved the ‘ace’ shot during the fortnight-long hosting of the Volvo Ocean Race, won a weekly draw to win a holiday to join the race fleet in either Sanya, China or Galway, Ireland – which will welcome the ‘Everest of Sailing’ in February and July 2012 respectively. A weekend of traditional dhow racing also took place with more than 1 foot, 30 foot, 22 foot and 60 foot dhows competing off the coast for top honours.

Apart from all this, ADTA and its stakeholders staged a number of entertainment and interactive activities like traditional music and dance performances, Falconry displays, henna tattoo artists, calligraphy demos and many such among others.

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FEBRUARY, 2012

Cruise Tourism bringing economic benefits to the region Contd. from page 2

“The Royal Caribbean Cruises Middle East has witnessed an increase in bookings from the region for its global brands. From January through October 2011, the guest volume from the Middle East has increased around more than 30 per cent compared to the same period in 20l0. The UAE also saw the same growth level during the period,” says Helen Beck, Regional Director - Europe, Middle East and Africa, Royal Caribbean Cruises. “We have been successful once again by achieving overall growth of 56 per cent of guest volume compared to 2010. This growth was achieved by all the nine countries in the Middle East that we represent,” she pointed out.

Cruise Tourism is a key growth segment, which will bring great economic benefits to the region, increasing overall expenditure in the tourism sector, boosting the economy.

“Cruise Tourism brings in a lot of revenue to the Dubai tourism for the land authority as the cruise passengers spend the whole day in the destination exploring malls for shopping, food, transportation and they also visit tourist attractions.

Embarkation and disembarkation points they earn more for the hotels,” expressed Alok Dey, Holidays Manager, Sharaf Travel, the GSA responsible for marketing MSC Cruise in the GCC region.

“We have huge plans for 2012 as now MSC Cruise division has been separated.

We have more people working while hiring is going on a large scale,” concluded Dey. Every week MSC Cruises have promotions, hence helping them expand their marketing channels in regards of appointing PSAs in larger scale all over GCC including UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

Lama Tours marks its presence in the industry Inaccurately conceived as only desert safari tour operator or an excursion company, LAMA Tours is rightly known as Global Destination Management Company (GDMC), a total holiday solutions unit - a one stop shop from events to conventions, safaris to exciting holiday stays.

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s part of Lama Group, LAMA Tours is diversified into various business sectors.

Around 60 to 70 per cent of its business constitutes inbound tourism, which is more on MICE groups, ground handling, Visas and hotels booking about 20 per cent on holidays or outbound while the remaining 20 per cent includes excursions like desert safari, cruises and city tours.

Driven by the growth of tourism industry, LAMA Tours went online to ensure the fastest service in the shortest timeframe possible. ‘Lama Connect’, Lama Tours latest invent, is a global reservation network, which connects 1,70,000 hotels across the world, 50,000 tours and excursions and 15,000 tickets from

“We have launched this system in 2011 and started distributing to 25,000 to 30,000 B2B travel agents across the world. We have started recruiting exclusive representatives for the smaller cities like Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh and Riyadh, Jeddah and Damman, Kuwait, Muscat, Bahrain. We also have people in Russia, Moscow and London. This particular system is connected with high-end chains of luxury hotels like the Hyatts’, Marriotts’, Movenpick, provided they supply to all our B2B partners,” explained Kulwant Singh, Managing Director, Lama Group LLC. Lama Tours has always embarked on, ‘Change today for a brighter tomorrow’. Lama believes that logos and

Dreamdays Tourism to launch ‘Dreamdays Holidays’ in the ME Dreamdays is now all geared up to take on the baton in the inbound tourism industry by launching ‘Dreamdays Holidays’, its inbound department to create a niche for itself initially in the Middle East & Subcontinent and then progressively, mark a strong presence globally.

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ith proficient track record, Dreamdays Tourism, the leisure and outdoor activity services provider, is the pioneer in ‘leisure experience’ business in the UAE. “With the support of an encouraging inbound tourism industry in the UAE along with the competitive and successful business model of Dreamdays leisure experiences, the launch of ‘Dreamdays Holidays’ is made on firm ground. Our businesses complement each other for mutual growth and progression with the ever growing demand in the market for inbound travel to the UAE, especially Dubai, either for business or leisure,” expressed Farshid Rahimkhani, Managing Director, Dreamdays Tourism.

Equipped with its own Online Reservation System, the Company attends every need of the client. The available products and services cover different segments of the market categorised by budgets, tastes and demand.

“No matter how many times one travels to UAE for leisure or business, Dreamdays Holidays’ clients and their customers can expect more and feel the difference,” said Rahimkhani while adding, “Dreamdays Holidays will prominently participate and partner with products and agencies at roadshows and travel Expos.”

The company already possesses a steady and growing client base from India and Iran and started its approach in the GCC markets and is working towards entering other prospective regions across the world.

Dreamdays Tourism Farshid Rahimkhani Managing Director Dreamdays Tourism

Dreamdays Holidays aspires to be among the top DMC’s locally with its expertise of organising new outdoor and indoor activities combining with a wide range of accommodation, transfers, tours & attractions and visa assistance, set & custom made packages. Dreamdays caters to Incentive and Corporate Hospitality and can take care of any special requests.

dynamism of the region, especially Dubai where Lama has its headquarters. Lama Tourshas made its foray into the farthest corners of the world, from Europe to the CIS countries stretching across to Russia, China, India, Philippines and even within the GCC – Oman, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.

various events exclusive tours all over.

Dreamdays Tourism, the leisure and outdoor activity services provider, is the pioneer in ‘leisure experience’ business in the UAE

Kulwant Singh Managing Director Lama Group LLC

taglines say a lot more than words. Having decided that, it re-launched the corporate identity of the company and showcased their new corporate logo on December 26, 2011. The red background symbolises positivity, the globe embodies the worldwide network of Lama and the gold band represents the rich heritage, culture and tourism

Always craving for more, the Lama Group expanded into the hospitality business by venturing into Hotel Apartment services. Having set up the Seven Sands Hotel Apartments, Lama Group offers 96 apartments. With their on-going effort to promote their high-end services, Lama Tours is promoting new products like a Luxury Yacht Cruise, Dhow Cruises, Hummer Safaris and Explore Arabia – a day long encounter in true Arabian style.

‘Desert Adventures’ partners with ‘Expedia Local Expert’ Desert Adventures, Kuoni’s unit specialised in the Middle East partners with Expedia Local Expert, the destination management services provider of Expedia. The partnership enables extending Desert Adventures destination activities and personalised services to all Expedia clients travelling to the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Qatar and Bahrain. Amongst Desert Adventures’ destination activities offered by Expedia Local Expert are tours such as Dubai’s Top 5, Desert Safari, Ski Dubai, Ferrari World and Modern Dubai.

Expedia Local Expert clients will benefit from the availability of Desert Adventures' services. Expedia Local Expert will cobrand and co-operate the 12 existing Desert Adventures concierge desks throughout the UAE and assist guests with destination information, tours, safaris, restaurant reservations, etc.

Agents exploring Brunei and Singapore during a fam trip

Dreamdays caters to Incentive and Corporate Hospitality and can take care of any special requests The company already possesses a steady and growing client base from India and Iran and started its approach in the GCC markets and is working towards entering other prospective regions across the world

Empire Hotel and Country Club, Brunei Tourism, Singapore Airlines and Mandarin Oriental Hotel jointly organised a familiarisation Trip to Brunei and Singapore from December 9 – 14, 2011 for 10 travel representatives from the UAE. Travel agents spent first 3 nights in the 5star Empire Hotel and Country Club in Brunei. While in Brunei the UAE trade mission were taken to various interesting places in the country. Legendary Mandarin Oriental Singapore hosted the team for two nights in Singapore.

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FEBRUARY, 2012

AVIATION

Bahrain Air launches a Qatar Duty Free celebrated new rewards programme Chinese New Year at DIA Bahrain Air launched a new rewards programme ‘Loyalty Rewards Programme’. The initiative came into effect from January 1, 2012 and is offered to the airline’s frequent flyers on its route network.

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he Airline introduces a straight forward transparent rewards programme where frequent flyers can simply submit their boarding card stubs in return for complimentary tickets.

The planning of the international launch of this programme was going on for some time and the beginning of 2012 seemed appropriate to show the customers that their patronage and trust is greatly appreciated.

Naeem Mahamoor, Manager Marketing, Bahrain Air stated, “Our main focus is to deliver a simple and effective rewards programme for loyal patrons of Bahrain Air. We activated this programme in August 2011 for the travelling public in Bahrain as a pilot project and are now confident to launch the rewards programme for valued fre-

Naeem Mahamoor Manager Marketing Bahrain Air

quent flyers throughout our entire route network.”

To earn complimentary tickets, passengers flying Bahrain Air need to collect 7 Bahrain Air boarding pass stubs that they have purchased and flown in their own name, which will entitle them to a one-way complimentary ticket. 11 boarding pass stubs will earn frequent flyers a return ticket to any

Bahrain Air destination. All complimentary tickets exclude relevant taxes. The class of travel, whether it is Premium class or Economy class for the complimentary air tickets will be determined as per the boarding stub classes of travel redeemed.

Passengers can redeem their tickets by submitting their boarding stubs at any Bahrain Air office.

A steady growth of Chinese travellers was observed through Doha International Airport (DIA) in the last few years. Qatar Duty Free celebrated Chinese New Year in January at the Airport as a part of New Year promotion.

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s a part of the New Year promotion, the Chinese travellers enjoyed an exciting array of offers on products, chances to win gift vouchers,

Fly More 2 Get More To earn complimentary tickets, passengers flying Bahrain Air need to collect 7 Bahrain Air boarding pass stubs that they have purchased and flown in their own name, which will entitle them to a one-way complimentary ticket.

11 boarding pass stubs will earn frequent flyers a return ticket to any Bahrain Air destination

Akbar Al Baker Chief Executive Officer Qatar Airways

availed scratch and win offers and many other exciting gifts.

Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways hailed the efforts of

RwandAir expands with leaps & bounds with increased flights The year 2011 witnessed an immense growth network and fleet the expansion of RwandAir, affirming the airlines commitment to become the African Airline of choice. The Airline is commited to be more aggressive in 2012 with a host of activities lined up for the travel trade.

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tarted on November 3, 2010, Dubai was the first international destination of RwandAir, set to fly connecting Mombasa the coastal city in Kenya to Dubai thrice

Hassan Barey Country Manager RwandAir

a week operating on a Boeing 737-500. This is the first African airline to take delivery of Boeing 737 with Sky interior. Around one year of

operation, the number of flights increased to six every week, looking ahead for daily flight tentatively by summer schedule.

“The Airline is looking at a fleet expansion in 2012 and the plan of expansion to India is in the pipeline.

More as trade or business traveller, popularly known as Small Medium Enterprises (SME) is a distinctive traffic found in this route,” asserted Hassan Barey, Country Manager, RwandAir.

Prevailing more than usual baggage allowance, the carrier also offers special extra baggage rate.

Business traffic constitutes 50 per cent including trader traffic, VFRs as 30 per cent and the remaining comprises of leisure while the accessibility of diplomatic traffic differs from time to time.

“We have introduced new destinations as we are still growing around the region. We have added four new routes, amongst which three being in West Africa and Libreville in Gabon and Brazzaville in Congo and Gisenyi, domestic station in Rwanda and Lagos in Nigeria,” explained Barey.

In 2012, RwandAir will be more aggressive in the Dubai market providing

Fast Facts Started on November 3, 2010, Dubai was the first international destination of RwandAir Around one year of operation, the number of flights increased to six every week

Qatar Duty Free for coming up with such a pioneering promotion and providing the Chinese travellers with a memorable shopping experience at Doha International Airport. “China is a huge market for Qatar Airways and on behalf of our airline in celebration of Chinese New Year, we offer our best wishes for a very happy and prosperous New Year,” he said.

Traditional red colour which signifies good fortune and joy had been used to design the promo-

tional area and every traveller making a purchase was given a ‘red envelope’ with a discount coupon as a token of appreciation.

To compliment the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year celebrations, the promotional area of the Departures Terminal was beautifully decorated with oriental designs offering an array of popular products for Chinese consumers across various categories including frgrances, cosmetics, skincare, luxury watches, gifts and souvenirs.

Middle East online travel bookings grow unabated The region’s travel agents are diversifying their traditional booking channels in the face of increasing competition from technology as business and leisure travellers make the move from offline to online bookings.

According to Reed Travel Exhibitions, Organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), travel agencies are not only confronted to the online booking capabilities of major regional airlines, but also face the growing number of Online Travel Agencies (OTAs), who are promoting one-stop online booking portals. This prompted REED to develop a dedicated technology seminar series to be launched at ATM 2012, where a host of leading digital experts specialising in the travel sector will address delegates regarding the latest in technological advances and online consumer behaviour.

RAK Airways hosts Kuwait travel agents to a Fam trip

Prevailing more than usual baggage allowance, the carrier also offers special extra baggage rate This is the first African airline to take delivery of Boeing 737 with Sky interior

detailed information, arranging focussed group workshops, roadshows, familiarisation trips for the travel trade to give a feel and touch of the product.

RAK Airways hosted a group of travel agents representing 15 travel agencies from across Kuwait as part of an initiative to generate awareness about the airline’s new daily service from Kuwait to Ras Al Khaimah. The Fam trip highlighted Ras Al Khaimah’s value offering for Kuwaiti families and tourists.

NTO

Azerbaijan targets vast tourist traffic to the region Azerbaijan Ministry of Culture and Tourism officially assigned Atlantis Holidays, Dubai, as their representatve office in the GCC in 2011 to represent and promote its tourism sector throughout the region.

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a first-hand experience of Azerbaijan, the Ministry is eager to promote the destination with various other training sessions, workshops, seminars and roadshows during the year,” added Persan.

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eing the member of World Tourism Organisation (WTO) since 2001, the tourism sector of Azerbaijan has great potential for development with its stable socioeconomic conditions.

Eager to position itself as a short-haul destination, the CIS republic has AZAL and flydubai flying to Baku, its capital and since February 1, 2012, Qatar Airways will have daily flights from Doha to Baku.

Dayana Persan, Consultant, Azerbaijan Board of Tourism, GCC spells out, “Catering holidays, Medical Tourism, MICE and soft adventure sectors to Arab Nationals and expats, couples and families, the country termed 2011 as the ‘Year of Tourism’ in

Dayana Persan Consultant Azerbaijan Board of Tourism, GCC

Azerbaijan. With the construction of a new ski resort in mid 2012, Azerbaijan will soon appeal to a new group of tourists.”

“We have observed an overall increase of 27 per cent in 2011 over 2010 and expect 30 per cent traffic growth from Middle East in 2012. Besides plans for familiarisation trips for the travel trade in 2012, offering them

Assertively developing infrastructure, Azerbaijan targets to bring in vast traffic within a short period of time establishing planned and strong relationships in the region.

Room for more than 50 hotels in the capital, the city offers a great choice ranging from top-rated Hyatt and Rezidor hotels through to boutique properties and independent hotels like Four Seasons, Fairmont, JW Marriott and Hilton, Starwood, Radisson, Kempinski, Intercontinental, Crowne Plaza among others. Opened in Q4 2011 are Jumeirah and Fairmont respectively.

MTA thrusts on ‘Heritage, Hospitality & Diversity’ The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) reckons on the unique heritage and hospitality. With attractions, museums, relaxation, exhibitions, sports events, wellness, climbing or trekking, Malta proves itself to be a all-in-one destination.

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eing the centre for crosscultural fertilisation over the millennia, ‘Heritage, Hospitality, Diversity’ are the three principal core values of the destination ‘Malta’.

The Malta Tourism Authority has organised several familiarisation trips recently with the tour operators, travel agents from the region to Malta and to the UAE as well. With the representation office in Dubai, a number of informative seminars and roadshows were held.

The Tourism Authority also participates in exhibitions in the Emirate along with a number of joint initiatives with Emirates Airlines.

“With unprecedented total of 73,000 delegates registered, 2010 was a promising year for MICE visitors to

the Islands. Around 5.5 per cent of inbound travel to Malta stood to 1,332,086 visitors in 2010. For the first time ever, more than 1.4 million tourists have visited

Josef Formosa Gauci CEO Malta Tourism Authority

Malta in 2011 surpassing 2010 figures by about 7 per cent. An expenditure of approximately over Euro 1.2 billion was generated by the country’s tourism industry in 2011,” expounded Josef

Formosa Gauci, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority.

“We can boast on a significant number of four and five star hotels on the Islands. We have hotels belonging to international chains and also locally-owned chain, Corinthia, which has become international now,” he added. Discussing on the challenges faced and the ways adopted to overcome them, the Tourism Authority believes to have strengthened by three main pillars of the industry - flight accessibility, marketing and promotion, the ‘Product’ – infrastructure and service.

“The standards that we have reached vis-à-vis our tourism offer and the value for money that the destination Malta provides are strong enough ‘pull’ to successfully see us through the challenging times,” Gauci concluded.

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FAMILY ALBUM

Doha Trade Fair 2012 ends with record attendance

The 10-day exhibition at the Doha Exhibitions Center attracted over 2,50,000 visitors recorded with an increase of around 15 percent from last year’s fair. The Exhibition was inaugurated by Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar Al Kuwari, Vice Chairman, Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Kenya Tourism Board organised Roadshows in the GCC Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has organised Training Session and Roadshow throughout the GCC countries. It took place on January 23 in Dubai, January 24 and January 25 in Doha, Qatar and on January 26 in Muscat, Oman. Around 100 travel agents and tour operators were present there from Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Tour operators, accommodation providers, destination operators and agents poured in from Kenya to showcase their product.

CRUISES Q.

How many cruises does MSC operate from the UAE and within the Gulf?

The itinerary of MSC Lirica’s maiden sailing in the Middle East includes a full schedule of nineteen 8 day-7 night cruises from Abu Dhabi every Sunday to Muscat, Fujairah, Khasab, Dubai and then returns to Abu Dhabi. Started from October 30, 2011 the sailing will end on March 4, 2012.

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Is halal food available on any cruise as this is a requirement for certain travellers in the region?

MSC Cruise off late has come up with halal food, appropriate services and proper facilities for prayers and ablutions, even special checkin arrangements for women to combine respectful observance with full security. Indian vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods in all MSC ships with prior intimation are served.

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Other than MICE and FIT is there any other segment that MSC Cruises can cater to?

Other than MICE and FIT, we have facilities to have luxurious weddings and complement with suites for the honeymooners besides birthday parties and wedding anniversaries.

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Is it possible for the passengers to embark and disembark from different destinations?

Depending on the port facilities and immigration procedure, the passengers can embark and disembark on prior intimation to the cruise company and the information rotates everywhere to take proper care of the traveller.

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What’s exceptional about MSC Cruises?

Children under 18 years can travel free only by paying the tax and is applicable exceptionally for all 365 days.

The queries are answered by Alok Dey, Holidays manager, Sharaf Travel, GSA – Marketing for MSC Cruise, GCC region

ith the addition of the MSC Divina, to be christened on May 26, 2012 in Marseille, France, the size of the existing modern fleet of MSC Cruises of eleven ships will increase.

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he ‘Cruise with Nakheel', an entirely new concept, for Marine Tourism, has been launched by the property developer, Nakheel that has set its sail on January 17, 2012.

from 9-5pm every day to last from one to three hours.

Cruise prices will start from AED 1,000 per boat hiring for an hour and will vary through mediumsized to the large double-decker houseboat depending on how many people are aboard.

“We expect to operate between two and three trips a day,” added Hareb.

“The Palm, being one of Dubai’s biggest attractions, we look ahead to bring more visitors to this world renowned landmark through our new cruise service. The tour operators are excited at this new opportunity as they can offer something unique to their customers,” explained Saeed Hareb, Managing Director, Nakheel Marine and Leisure.

Covering 931 hectares, the World project encompasses 300 islands ranging from 1,50,000 to 4,50,000 square feet. Plans for separate cruises to the World islands are also in pipeline.

The trips will cater to groups of 12, 15 or 30 people on vessels of 38, 52 and 80 feet

To encourage marine life and aid the local fishing industry Nakheel plans to create

the sessions to the front liners including the Senior Managers of the agencies, wherein some places we met them separately. We have spent immense time with the front liners as they are the objective for us,” explained Alok Dey, Holidays Manager, Sharaf Travel, the GSA responsible for marketing MSC Cruise in the GCC region.

“We have interactive presentations, regular promotions/offers and customised promotional materials. The presentations showcase the product, selling techniques, increase productivity and earn large revenues for their company,” he added.

Alok Dey Holidays Manager, Sharaf Travel & GSA – Marketing for MSC Cruise, GCC region

“Among all the cruise companies here we are the first one who has taken the initiative and implemented successfully visiting each agency personally and giving interactive presentations and

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The ‘Cruise with Nakheel’, an entirely new concept, for Marine Tourism, is aimed as a tourist attraction to boost revenue for the development. The new cruise service will provide tours off the coast of Dubai, beginning with the Palm Jumeirah offering views of the island’s resorts, villas, apartment complexes and marina.

Among all the cruise companies in the UAE, MSC Cruises is the first one to take upon the initiative to visit each agency personally and give interactive presentations and sessions to the front liners including the Senior Managers.

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Travel in & around Palm Jumeirah onboard ‘Cruise with Nakheel’

MSC Cruises: Going ahead with the travel trade sector

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Response for 2011, grown very big, thanks to the wonderful travel trade and media partners who has supported. Visibility has grown very widely and the customer feedback received a 99.9 per cent satisfaction.

The rewarding comments poured in regarding

the quality of the ship and the experience, which lead to a group of 100 local people on January 29, 2012, moving with 7 day sailings.

While discussing regarding the marketing strategies to generate sale, Dey pointed out, “Every week we have promotions, we have expanded our marketing channels by appointing PSAs in a larger scale all over the GCC and now we will be representing in UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Saudi.”

MSC Cruise off late has come up with halal food, appropriate services and proper facilities for prayers and ablutions, even special check-in arrangements for women to combine respectful observance with full security. Continental buffet is there and an ethnic corner located in MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia where every Indian food is served.

and the Lebanon Island developed by Wakil Admed Azmi.

Cruise with Nakheel The ‘Cruise with Nakheel', an entirely new concept, for Marine Tourism, has been launched by the property developer, Nakheel that has set its sail on January 17, 2012 Saeed Hareb Managing Director Nakheel Marine and Leisure

500 artificial reefs around The World islands as part of tourism initiative.

However, only two privately owned islands have begun construction — the six-island Heart of Europe Project developed by the Kleindienst Group

The trips will cater to groups of 12, 15 or 30 people on vessels of 38, 52 and 80 feet from 9-5pm every day to last from one to three hours Cruise prices will start from AED 1,000 per boat hiring for an hour and will vary through medium-sized to the large double-decker houseboat depending on how many people are aboard

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HOTELS

FEBRUARY, 2012

Emirates Grand Hotel maintains its competitive frame in the ME

The St. Regis Doha marks its debut

Set to become the premier business Located in the heart of Dubai’s business and commercial and leisure hotel in Qatar, the district, Emirates Grand Hotel, a 50-storey tall tower, with 420 rooms St. Regis Doha, marks the debut is an iconic building, designed to cater business and leisure travellers. of the St. Regis brand in the country.

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o position the property as a true Middle East hospitality and further enhance its international quality standards, maintaining its competitive edge Frank Owens, Group General Manager, Emirates Grand Hotel discussed about its future plans, “To be pro-active in the local and overseas market, to participate with DTCM for roadshows and contribute towards the growth of UAE and make Emirates Grand visible in the world market and be a part of CSR programmes and create apt awareness.”

To lead the hotel in its expansion plans the property is planning to open several dining outlets like Tal Al Amar Lebanese Restaurant, The Grand Steak House and Emperor Asian Cuisine - an Asian restaurant that will

serve Chinese, Thai, Korean & Japanese cuisine.

The Hotel Group has made an official opening of its Lebanese restaurant, Fakhreldine Restaurant & Café, on December 22, 2011, which is operational for 24 hours since January 2, 2012.

It did not invent the Lebanese or Mediterranean cuisine, it simply perfected it!

The ‘Go Green’ concept has been taken on very seriously among the hoteliers in Dubai. Change is happening in an accelerating rate.

Emirates Grand Hotel has taken some of the measures like purchasing bleach-free toilet paper to replace paper napkins, focussing on recycling, promoting greater awareness through sign boards reading, ‘REDUCE-REUSE-RECYCLE’ and wherever possible replacing disposable products and using paper bags.

“The travel trade has been very supportive throughout. Around 55 per cent of business was received in 2011 from the local and

Frank Owens Group General Manager Emirates Grand Hotel

overseas travel agents as well,” stated Owens. “No special orientation programme runs till date.

However this plan is in the agenda of year 2012. Our website is the only offering to our travel trade partners. We

have ‘Incentive Plans’ for the Top 10 travel agents at Emirates Grand Hotel, which has been introduced in 2011 and it was a success.”

While discussing political unrest, a mixed response though, regarding Dubai and UAE at large, the tourist perceive it as secured, disciplined and essentially peaceful destination. Consequently, loads of tourist from neighboring GCC countries, poured in to comfort themselves and this influx of tourist enabled Dubai to achieve the highest Average Room Rate (ARR) recently.

Accommodating tourists and offering them comfort and convenience is a way of life for hoteliers. However, challenges like, over booking situations which attract some discomfort, nevertheless it was been overcome very gracefully.

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The Hotel features 10 restaurants and lounges

cheduled to open on February 28, 2012, The St. Regis Doha is now accepting reservations, be it for a relaxing weekend, a business meeting or an elegant wedding.

“We have been building up for this moment for three years,” said Tareq Derbas, General Manager, The St. Regis Doha. “We look forward to welcome our first guests and to start building the reputation of the hotel as the finest address in Doha.”

The St. Regis Doha will offer 336 luxurious guest rooms including 70 Suites, all offer sea views. The Hotel is geared to set new standards in service and luxury in Qatar with the legendary St. Regis butler service for all guests.

Tareq Derbas General Manager The St. Regis Doha

from international dining venues to Jazz at Lincoln Centre Doha, the first jazz club in Doha to offer daily live jazz music.

People in Qatar and luxury enthusiasts from across the region can now reserve the first taste of The St. Regis Doha lifestyle.

Coral Beach witnesses DoubleTree Resort by Hilton occupancy of 85% in 2011 Marjan island in the UAE Competitive rates, quality product and services are always a winning and unique combination for the Resort. Located on one of the emirate’s principal sand beaches, the property features a range of leisure activities for all ages.

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dditionally, the Coral Beach Resort was acknowledged for its excellence in standards by government authorities with a Recognition Award from the Ministry of Justice and a further Recognition Award presented by the Ministry of Labour on UAE’s 40th National Day in December 2011.

“Ending 2011 on a high note, the Coral Beach Resort reported an average occupancy of 85 per cent throughout the year,” informed Jean-Pierre Simon, Regional General Manager, Northern Emirates, Coral Hotels & Resorts. “Most of my clientele pours in from Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Germany, hence neighbouring political unrest couldn’t affect Coral Beach, Sharjah, instead the

property expects atleast 4 to 6 per cent surge in 2012,” he further added.

Jean-Pierre Simon Regional General Manager, Northern Emirates, Coral Hotels & Resorts

The hotel also recorded an AED 3 million increase in revenue in rooms compared to 2010, while the average room rate rose 10 per cent over 2009.

Coral Beach Resort, Sharjah continuously participates in GIBTM and ITB

Berlin and in London, Moscow, Barcelona, Madrid and in the hotel’s clients’ roadshows in February 2012 to Ukraine and Kazakhstan. Coral Beach closely works with Sharjah Commerce Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) and also host group events sent by them.

Hilton Worldwide and Mohamed Ruqait Real Estate signed a management agreement on January 15, 2012 for the second DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Ras Al Khaimah and the first resort development in the UAE. T T B U R E AU

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More than 90 per cent business comes in from the travel trade. “We receive travel trade’s fam trips every week, treat them specially providing the property’s services, facilities among others to give them a feel of the product,” Simon concluded.

xpected to open by the beginning of 2014, the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Marjan Island will enjoy a prime location of Marjan Island, a cluster of five manmade islands in the trendy area of Al Hamra, Ras Al Khaimah. Covering over 2.7 million square metre of premium offshore tourism development land, the newly built DoubleTree by Hilton Resort will be one of the first hotels to open on Marjan Island. Once completed, it will feature luxury waterfront homes, floating villas, resorts, sporting facilities and many beaches.

The Palace, Ajman is going to launch a soft opening on July 2012, division of HMH while opening of 2 more hotels are in the pipeline for the year 2012.

“With three Hilton Worldwide hotels already open and three in the pipeline, we are happy to play a major role in firmly putting the emirate on the destination map as tourism being the

vital sector of Ras Al Khaimah’s economy. The announcement of first resort

Property Facts Covering over 2.7 million square metre of premium offshore tourism development land, the newly built DoubleTree by Hilton Resort will be one of the first hotels to open on Marjan Island Aimed primarily at the leisure traveller, the 309-key DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Marjan Island will feature 11 Suites in the main building and 45 luxury chalets located directly on the resort’s private beach This latest Marjan Island property presents another outstanding DoubleTree by Hilton destination in the UAE and is destined to become a key resort for the world’s travellers

development in the UAE represents another important step in our ongoing commitment to the region and continued expansion across the Middle East & Africa,” said Rudi Jagersbacher, President, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East & Africa. Aimed primarily at the leisure traveller, the 309-key DoubleTree Resort

by Hilton Marjan Island will feature 11 Suites in the main building and 45 luxury chalets located directly on the resort’s private beach.

This latest Marjan Island property presents another outstanding DoubleTree by Hilton destination in the UAE and is destined to become a key resort for the world’s travellers. The 2010 opening of DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah and the upcoming opening in Dubai Al Barsha in 2011 have given huge brand awareness across the region.

NEWS

FEBRUARY, 2012

TRAVTALK

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‘India is one country and several destinations’ India is a perfect destination for Medical Tourism that combines health treatment with visits to some inspiring places in the country. The cost of medical services in India is almost 30 % lower to that in the western countries.

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n the process of becoming ‘Global Health Destination’, India outshines in providing quality health care services to the overseas tourists.

Moreover, language, being the major comfort factor for the international tourists to visit India and every treatment and investigation are made by the latest, technologically advanced diagnostic equipments.

Besides medical treatments, Ayurvedic treatments and rejuvenation therapies like spas are also available, making India a destination of all budgets, tailor-made itineraries with strong connectivity and without a waitlist. Today, large number of technically trained workforce in India is one of the major players of the Medical Tourism.

Organised by the India

RH Khwaja Secretary, MOT Government of India

Tourism office, Dubai, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, held roadshows covering three cities of Saudi Arabia.

The roadshows took place on January 7 in Dammam, January 9 in Riyadh and on January 11, 2012 in Jeddah to promote ‘Medical’, ‘Wellness’ and ‘Luxury’ travel to India.

The Roadshow in Dammam had over 154 participants representing members of the travel trade,

media and opinion makers.

In Riyadh, around 172 members of the travel industry had participated and the final leg in Jeddah, witnessed a participation of over 180 members of the travel and media industry who experienced the culture, adventure, luxury and other incredible travel experiences that India has to offer. The Roadshow was led by RH Khwaja, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India and saw the participation of the State Tourism Departments from the State Governments of Maharashtra and Jammu & Kashmir, a strong 10-member tour operators group from the Indian Association of Tour Operators (IATO), Air India, Jet Airways and Taj Group of Hotels.

The presentations were followed by B2B interactive sessions with the members of the Indian Tourism industry, building awareness on

GIBTM 2012 to focus on growing business travel GIBTM, (Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings) Exhibition, is now in its 6th year to focus on opportunities in the growing business travel sector. The Exhibition will take place in Abu Dhabi, UAE from March 26-28, 2012.

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IBTM, a REED Travel Exhibitions event, is an ideal event for the travel agents to gain knowledge

Lois Jane Hall REED Travel Exhibitions Manager GIBTM

about the meetings profession, inspired by new destinations, hotels, venues and suppliers.

The event provides an educational and professional business environment and after each day of the show, GIBTM provides a forum for industry networking. The event also educates international and regional industry decision

makers and influencers on what the ME, as a convention, meetings and incentive destination, has to offer.

“The business and corporate travel community is an intrinsic part of the meetings industry and has been expanding steadily in 2012. We are making business travel a key focus at GIBTM. With the UAE witnessing a 5 per cent increase in the air traffic of 2012, recording the largest number of hotel rooms under way in the Middle East and Africa region, we expect to see even greater growth in the business travel sector,” said Lois Jane Hall, REED Travel Exhibitions Manager GIBTM. Pre-qualified buyers of business travel from the region will be selected and invited to take part in the well established Hosted Buyer programme, a platform providing exclusive business meeting opportunities for regional and international senior level buyers and decision makers.

ADTA, GIBTM’s partner and supporter, is placing increased emphasis on attracting business tourism and over the past few years has significantly upgraded its meetings and conference facilities, providing businesses with worldclass facilities. ADTA expects an increase of 20,000 business tourists this year.

Approximately 1.3 million of the 1.8 million guests across 115 hotels and hotel apartments in the Emirate are business travellers, out of which 2,15,000 guests arrive specifically for MICE related activities. Oman Ministry of Tourism and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts were also among the first exhibitors signing up for GIBTM 2012 and are both keen to engage with business travellers.

“GIBTM attracts support from a wide range of local, regional and international organisations, indicating its importance as the only proven platform in the Middle East to access the growing Meetings industry,” concludes Hall.

Vikas Rustagi Regional Director India Tourism, Dubai

the ‘Incredible India’ tourism product. A special 4-member team including two Indian Chefs of India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) were specially flown from India and they were involved in all the three events which portrayed a strong image of Indian tradition, decoration, culture and the country’s traditional Indian food.

The travel agencies of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the year 2010 have

recorded an increase in the outbound tourists travelling for health related travel and thus emphasising on the growth of medical tourists.

Various educational seminars, special tours, familiarisation trips are arranged for the travel trade from the region to India to give them first hand feel of the multifaceted sub continent.

29, 2011 and ‘India Medical Tourism Destination Expo’ in Kuwait on November 2-3, 2011. We have also organised roadshows in Tehran, Mashhad and Isfahan the three cities of Iran in October 2011 and many more such promotional events are in the pipeline throughout the year,” he further said.

“Foreign tourist arrivals to India had an increase of almost 5.78 million in 2010, an increase of 11 per cent over 2009. The tourist from the Kingdom to India itself is observed to be a rise of 38 per cent in 2010, witnessing around 22,500 tourists to India from KSA” explained Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director, India Tourism, Dubai.

UAE, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, in the Middle East besides Saudi Arabia and some countries in Africa are the most potential markets, hence plans for organising promotional events and roadshows in these areas are also being planned.

“As Oman and Kuwait, are both very potential markets in the Middle East for India, we have taken part in ‘Medical and Wellness Expo’ in Muscat on September 27–

During the year, promotional events are also being proposed to be conducted in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Muscat.

“We are planning to participate in the Medical Expo to be held in Nairobi, Kenya and also in South Africa soon,” added Rustagi.

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RAK International Airport Ras Al Khaimah Andrew Gower joins the RAK International Airport as the new Airport Director. He joins the team from Liverpool’s John Lennon Airport in the UK. Over an 11 year period at John Lennon Airport he held a number of roles including Terminal Services Director, Director of Operations and Airport Director. He was responsible for the day to day running of the airport, ensuring it operated safely and securely whilst delivering a customer focussed service.

Mohammed Qazi joins the RAK International Airport as the new Commercial Director. He has previously worked across more than 13 UK airports including hub airports such as Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted and major regional airports such as Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Cardiff. In his most recent assignment, Qazi was responsible for the turnaround of the world’s largest ground handling business, Swissport, for Stansted Airport. He was the key driver behind the commercial strategies of a number of regional airports and played a significant role in growing revenues and improving profitability.

MOVEMENTS Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi

Radisson Blu Hotel Bahrain Bahrain

Mashhour Al Refai has been appointed as the new General

Michael Kuhn has joined the Radisson Blu Hotel, Bahrain as the new Director of Sales & Marketing for the hotel. He is a German national and has an extensive experience in the hospitality industry since starting his career nearly 12 years ago. Prior to this, he was in Oman as Director of Sales and Marketing at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Muscat. Kuhn studied Business and Economics in Germany and speaks German, English, French & Arabic fluently.

Manager of Kingsgate Hotel Abu Dhabi. He brings with him a passion for hospitality and more than 19 years of experience in the industry. Al Refai is of Jordanian origin and knows the region, its travellers and their requirements very well. In his new position, he will be leading the business strategy of the hotel, as well as look after all the operations of the hotel.

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh Cairo Fouad Shafik is appointed as the New Director of Sales & Marketing at Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh. Shafik joins Four Seasons Planning Committee and formally takes over the sales & marketing responsibilities for the Red Sea resort, after a past year of exceptional contributions to the division.

His career with Four Seasons began 11 years ago in March 2000 at the front desk of Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at the First Residence.

Amadeus Gulf Abu Dhabi

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai

Arman Sarang has recently taken the position as the Head of Products & Business Solutions in Amadeus Gulf. Coming from Amadeus Saudi Arabia, after a successful implementation of Products & eCommerce department, his role in the Gulf is to promote the company’s products and IT solutions to increase travel agencies efficiencies, profits and decrease cost. He has more than 17 years of experience in the Airline & GDS industry.

Sarang has worked with major Airlines, GDS, OTA and LCCs.

Angelina Ermita Rivera has joined the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai as Business Development Manager for corporate accounts.

She comes from Dusit Princess City Centre where she held the position of Sales Manager. Educated in Manila to BSc level, Rivera had her first experience of the hospitality sector at the Mandarin Oriental in the Philippine capital and was recruited by the Hyatt Regency Dubai and Galleria to move to the ME. In her role at the Dusit Princess City Center, Angelina was in charge of corporate sales, driving business from all areas of that sector including meeting, events and conferences.

St. Regis Doha Doha André Jacques joins as the new Director of Sales and Marketing at the St. Regis Doha. He brings over 15 years of international hotel sales experience and most recently served as Director of Sales and Marketing at The St. Regis Washington, D.C. As part of his achievements, Jacques led the repositioning of the property as Washington’s leading luxury hotel following an 18-month multimillion renovation.

Leslie Garcia-Moica is appointed as the new Director of Public Relations for the St. Regis Doha. She was previously the Director of Communications at Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa, Maldives. As part of the pre-opening team, she played a key role in positioning the resort as an exclusive luxury retreat for well-travelled holidaymakers. Prior to that, Moica worked for top luxury properties in Paris, France and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Her knowledge of high-end luxury hospitality in different markets will prove to contribute to her success.

Coral Beach Resort – Sharjah hosts Philippine Cultural Night on January 27, 2012 Offering an oppor tunity to explore a new culture, the Coral Beach Resor t – Sharjah hosted a Philippine Cultural Night in the hotel on Friday, January 27, offering a menu of authentic cuisine and enter tainment for guests to enjoy. The highlight of the evening was the folk dance performance from around more than 7,100 islands of the Asian country, showcased by the students of The Philippine School in Dubai dressed in colourful national costumes.