TravTalk Middleeast

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 16

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. VIII No. 6; June 2012

ATM instilling confidence Revamping the market visibility and promotional value of the travel professionals, the recently wrapped up Arabian Travel Market 2012 witnessed an increase of 7-10% in number of trade visitors compared to ATM 2011.

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espite recession and regional political unrest, Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of ATM maintained the leisure and business tourism throughout the event.

Tourism is continuously increasing throughout the Middle East and the rest of the world and that was evident with the number of footfalls, the event witnessed.

“ATM 2012 had an increase of 7-10 per cent trade visitors compared to the 2011 event. It has witnessed a rise in decision makers and influencers by 35 per cent from members of its buyers club, hosted delegates, regional and international speakers and hosted luxury travel buyers,” explained Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

Like other participating countries, ‘Incredible India’ also showcased its might by exhibiting its entire tourism potential, both business and leisure during the event.

“We had 22 exhibitors representing the tourism diversity of Heritage, Nature, Culture and Wellness from

Mark Walsh

Vikas Rustagi

Portfolio Director Reed Travel Exhibitions

Regional Director India Tourism, Dubai

ATM has witnessed a rise in decision makers by 35% from members of its buyers club, hosted delegates, regional and international speakers India depicting the country as a multi-faceted tourist destination with luxury, wildlife and wellness/medical tourism potential. On the whole, ATM is a platform that provides a

The transaction with new contacts helps in knowing and understanding a region in a better way and that’s what they want and get out of ATM

kind of revitalisation.

According to the exhibitors, tour operators and travel agents, it is more than an investment. The transaction with new contacts helps in

Akbar Al Baker CEO Qatar Airways

The announcement reflected the importance Qatar Airways has, on expanding its destination portfolio and its existing routes frequency knowing and understanding a region in a better way and that’s what they want and get out of ATM,” explained Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director, India Tourism, Dubai.

During ATM, Qatar Airways informed about their global network expansion plans and the launch of new routes in the Middle East, Africa and Asia at a press conference during the event.

“This year’s participation was apt enough to further spread awareness about our marketing campaign and helped sustain confidence from the partners in the region,” he added.

“The announcement reflected the importance Qatar Airways has, on expanding its destination portfolio and its existing routes frequency, to provide passengers with more travel options,” said Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.

Present for 20 years in ATMs with German partners, Munich Tourism Board felt complete as they participated independently for the first time in ATM 2012.

In establishing productive business relationship between Philippines and Gulf travel trade key players, the Arabian Travel Market 2012 has proved to be instrumental.

“ATM is an important venue for us to push our new tourism brand to various tour wholesalers and individual travellers. It is one of our efforts to tap the high-end Middle East market which is considered as one of the highest spending travellers in the world,” expressed Benito C. Bengzon, JR, Assistant Secretary, International Tourism Promotion, Department of Tourism, Phillipines.

“ATM is extremely important for us as we could meet many business partners and be updated and informed about the popularity of the country. We could interact with the travel trade, the most significant distribution arm, to discuss about the business strategies and roadshows in different parts of the world along with the launch of e-learning tool in Middle East before the main season starts, which has already started in the Indian market,” informed Ralf Zednik, Marketing, Director of Sales, Department of Labor and Economic Development, Tourist Office, Munich.

According to Russel G.H. Sharpe, COO - Hotel Division, Citymax Hotels, Contd. on page 7

EXHIBITIONS FOREIGN EXCHANGE

Airport Show 2012

DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 22-05-2012)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.7183............5.9396 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.6118............4.8010 Canada......................CAD ..............3.5505............3.6757 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.9663..........13.4183 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.5575............3.6644 Japan ........................JPY................0.0454............0.0476 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0836............0.0865 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.8376............2.9630 India ........................INR................0.0656............0.0686 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0396............0.0415 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0438............0.0456 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0277............0.0288

178 Exhibitors from 60 countries ME continued its strong standing as the Airport Show 2012 - a B2B event for airport build and supply, witnessed the participation of over 178 exhibitors and numerous visitors from over 60 countries held on May 22-24.

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eld under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman of Emirates Airline and Group, Airport Show 2012, organised by Reed Exhibitions, carried on from May 22 till 24 supported by leading international industry associations and local government authorities. As an added value to this edition, the show organisers, for the

Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056 Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525

Added Value

Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.8370............4.0017

As an added value to this edition, the show organisers, for the first time, introduced ‘Hosted Buyer Lounge’ where all hosted buyers gathered in one exclusive location

South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

deals discussed during the three-day exhibition. The programme of 2011 attracted projects approximated at US$ 29.16 billion. It also featured registered Hosted Buyers from the airports of the UAE, Iran, Algeria, Djibouti, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and Bahrain among others.

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Mohamad Bader-Eddin Show Director Reed Exhibitions Middle East

first time, introduced ‘Hosted Buyer Lounge’ where all hosted buyers gathered in one exclusive location.

Reflecting the unmatched business growth opportunities, the MENA region offered the global aviation industry, still staggering under economic crisis, with millions of dollar worth

The Emirates had been the official carrier for the 2012 edition, providing 10 per cent discount on fares for the exhibitors and visitors of the Show.

Focussed on security, operations and constituent services meeting, the volume of the passengers and cargo, the latest technology and innovative solutions for airport security was the event’s highlight.

Mohamad Bader-Eddin, Show Director, Reed

Exhibitions Middle East, said, “The Airport Show in its 12th year had great additional value to the region’s aviation industry, facilitating significant deals and contracts by the momentum of the industry."

“The Airport Show,” he added, “always acts as an ideal platform for the airport operators to explore the current and future products and services regarding airport security while providing convenient networking opportunities for the key government officials, decision-makers and the technology companies.”

Showcasing Middle East Aerospace market The Airport Show in its 12th edition was held on May 22-24, 2012 at the Sheikh Saeed Hall (1, 2 and 3) of Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The event showcased a huge portfolio of the latest innovative technology products and services. Taking place on 10,302 sqm, the biggest biennial event in the MENA region and Indian subcontinent will gather 178 exhibitors from over 60 countries.

ME NTO

‘Hotel Classification Scheme’

JUNE, 2012

TRAVTALK

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India Tourism team in Ramee Hotels

With immense response from hotels in the emirate, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) announced its new ‘Hotel Classification Scheme’ with 90 properties enrolling for the new system.

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espite the global economy still unsettled, Dubai hotels posted an excellent

shops during the 4-day ATM 2012 with plans of more to host in the pipeline. Majid Al Marri, Director of Classification, DTCM informed, “Higher-ranking representatives of about 180 hotels attended the workshops to update the hospital-

from the new programme designed to raise the quality standards of the hospitality establishments in the emirate.”

DTCM has launched a dedicated website www.classification.dubaitourism.ae for its new hotel classification

DTCM has offered first-of-its-kind Accolade programme initiative in the region to highlight the quality of 5-star hotels and resorts.

Qualifying establishments can apply for a Gold and Platinum Accolade

DTCM Green Tourism initiatives Majid Al Marri Director of Classification DTCM

occupancy level and guest night performances in 2011.

Guest nights rose to 32,848,190 in 2011, an increase of 23 per cent compared to 2010.

The tourism department conducted 12 work-

DTCM started various initiatives and awareness programmes related to Green Tourism. These Sustainable Tourism initiatives are proving effective for Dubai hotels in reduction of electricity and water consumption. DTCM has been active in ensuring the hotel industry contributes to

Green Tourism. In 2009, the Dubai Green Tourism Award was launched to encourage

five, four and three star hotels to reduce their carbon emission by 20%.

ity industry professionals about the new hotel classification scheme, to meet the expectations of the tourism industry and benefit

programme. It provides licensing and classification information for guest establishments of all categories and ratings.

that will significantly increase their marketing opportunities and highlight luxurious service standards.

Raj Shetty, Chairman and MD of Ramee Hotels felicitated the India tourism team during their visit to Ramee Hotels in Dubai.

The team included Sultan Ahmed, Minister of State for Tourism, India, MK Lokesh, Ambassador of India, Sanjay Verma, Consul General of India and Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director, India Tourism, Dubai with various other dignitaries.

GUEST COLUMN

CFB: Simplifying business travel

EDITORIAL ATM ignites positive mood

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he grand success of the recently concluded ATM 2012 highlighted the remarkably buoyant mood of the regional tourism sector. The organiser of ATM, Reed Travel Exhibitions, reported a healthy increase in visitor numbers, driven by the show’s renewed B2B focus and buoyed by positive indicators from the region’s tourism sector.

According to the organisers, the 2011 event attracted over 16,000 trade visitors and indicators for this year show an increase of between 7-10%.

The show also saw a significant rise in decision makers and influencers, up by 35%, from members of its buyers club, hosted delegates, regional and international speakers and hosted luxury travel buyers.

Independently Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) audited, ATM 2012 also recorded a 7% increase in exhibitors for this year’s event ahead of the start of the show, with more than 21,000 sq m of floor space hosting over 2,400 exhibitors and 82 new companies. This increase was also reflected in its international reach with 54 national pavilions and 87 countries represented overall.

In its global overview of the travel industry presented as part of the WTM Vision 2012 conference series, Euromonitor International revealed at the ATM that MENA and the Gulf countries in particular are expected to see positive growth from this year, with visitor arrivals up in across the region, increasing more than 10% in Saudi Arabia.

Going by all such indications, the business buzz is certainly back and as tourism experts rightly points out the regional travel industry is in an exceptionally buoyant mood with participants remaining positive and confident.

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 : Nityanand Misra : Geetika Pathak : Akassh Kapoor : Pallavi Sarma : Ashok Rana : Anil Kharbanda

With concentrated focus on technology, Cleartrip has developed the first ever exclusively online business travel solutions product for the UAE market – ‘Cleartrip for Business’ (CFB). It helps companies save big by packaging all the administrative aspects of corporate travel and combining this with a dynamic and cost efficient travel booking too.

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leartrip for Business is a one-stop-shop that enables a Corporate to proactively take complete control of his/her travel expenses.

The Gulf is home to the most diverse populations in the world starting from local Nationals, Arab expatriates, Westerners and significant numbers of India and Pakistan citizens. Ushering in a refreshingly simple approach to online travel, Cleartrip (www.cleartrip.ae), the leading Indian online travel company gives UAE an access to a simple, comprehensive and fast booking site that allows them to book flights and hotels at an unprecedented speed with the most up to date information.

With the launch of our customised websites in Oman, Qatar, Bahrain,

After launching the new country-specific websites, we are anticipating to increase to 1,000 air tickets and 200 room nights daily by the end of 2012. The launch of the localised website in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is the first big offering among the expansion projects from here where the travellers can search and book in Saudi Riyals and not on pricing of UAE being showed there.

Tarique Khatri Senior Vice President – Business Development, Cleartrip

Been in the UAE for 2 years now, Cleartrip has plans to invest extensively. It has raised US$ 40m in 2011 for its continued expansion in the GCC and aims up to US$ 12m more over the next two years.

The $1 billion online travel market is set for significant growth in the region and Cleartrip’s strategy is to ensure strong performance, expansion and services to match this growth. Cleartrip has been localised for each country in the GCC and we’re eager to showcase throughout the region our ability to make travel simple with comprehensive content, innovative technology, responsive customer service

country. In February, this year, the company sold 600 air tickets and 100 room nights each day, reflecting a 120 per cent increase over the last year.

and a travel platform that strives to just work better.

Convenience is a habit at Cleartrip. The commencement of a specially created 24/7 English and Arabic speaking call centre and a local Saudi number caters to all the travel needs and requirements of a traveller and ensures trust and transparency.

Cleartrip has been localised for each country in the GCC and we’re eager to showcase throughout the region our ability to make travel simple

Further, the introduction of a ‘pay by cash’ option, in association with the UAE Exchange, takes payment convenience to another level. One can make a booking on Cleartrip and hold the booking until 8 hours, within which a cash payment can be made at any UAE Exchange branch.

Kuwait and recently in Saudi Arabia, Cleartrip’s long-term strategy in the ME is to explore new and dynamic markets with a full product range customised for each

Another feature in Cleartrip’s cap is the introduction of Cleartrip for Business (www.cleartripforbusiness.ae).

Expanding boundaries Moving to a new office in August 2012, Discovery Travels, a complete travel and tourism company, handles travel solutions, Destination Management and Holidays providing standard services.

The company is an active member of ‘RP Group of Companies’ with offices in GCC and India

and is soon going to launch their online portal by September this year. “We also do representations from thriving markets like Thailand, Malaysia and Goa. On similar lines, we represent the Philippines here for their inbound market while they as a destination represent us for their outbound market,”

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Ramesh Patnaik GM, Discovery Travel, Dubai

informed Ramesh Patnaik, General Manager, Discovery Travel, Dubai.

TRAVTALK is a publication of DDP Publications Private Limited.

All information in TRAVTALK is derived from sources, which we consider reliable and a sincere effort is made to report accurate information. It is passed on to our readers without any responsibility on our part. The publisher regret that he cannot accept liability for errors and omissions contained in this publication, however caused. Similarly, opinions/views expressed by third parties in abstract and/or in interviews are not necessarily shared by TRAVTALK. However, we wish to advice our readers that one or more recognised authorities may hold different views than those reported. Material used in this publication is intended for information purpose only. Readers are advised to seek specific

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After conducting indepth research, we found that companies felt their travel expenditure was inefficient, on top of which many had to pay for additional overheads in terms of implants, raising concerns about transparency and administration. We’re very excited about it and are hoping that with the launch of Cleartrip for Business (CFB), many companies will see the benefits of being able to dramatically reduce their travel expenses.

Finally, Cleartrip is leading the way with the most complete international travel offering available.

We have always taken significant steps to ensure your international travel booking is easier, cheaper and more exciting while making international flying simple and hassle-free.

Offering highly optimised and intuitive search results, Cleartrip is the only comprehensive web portal to display flights across 40 low cost international airlines. This not only means lower prices with the availability of international LCCs but also provides an access to routes/airports that are not currently serviced by full service carriers, particularly in Europe and Asia.

(Tarique Khatri Senior Vice PresidentBusiness Development Cleartrip)

“We promote Medical Tourism in Kerala highlighting our three 5-star properties, The Raviz – Kollam, Raviz – Kadavu and The Leela. We will have separate marketing strategies only for the GCC as our accessibility without including the whole of the region. At the moment we are operating as regional sales office for RP group of hotels and resorts,” stated Patnaik.

The publisher assumes no responsibility for returning any material solicited or unsolicited nor is he responsible for material lost or damaged.

This publication is not meant to be an endorsement of any specific product or services offered. The publisher reserves the right to refuse, withdraw, amend or otherwise deal with all advertisements without explanation.

All advertisements must comply with the Indian and International Advertisements Code. The publisher will not be liable for any damage or loss caused by delayed publication, error or failure of an advertisement to appear.

CRUISES Q. A.

Q. A.

Q.

A.

Q. A.

How can you differentiate Disney Cruiseline from others?

The obvious difference is the brand ‘Disney’, as it is known worldwide to provide every family the value-for-money.

Disney Cruise Line is a non-gaming cruise line that suits every profile from GCC. How much awareness regarding cruises is there in the Middle East?

The travel trade definitely requires awareness in selling cruises. The travel trade seriously needs to look into this avenue which still offer them good commission level. Because of this lack of awareness a good size of the bookings end up with the cruise lines directly from this region thereby depriving the travel trade its due commissions. As the distributor for Disney Cruise Line, we have that tool and are prepared to train the travel trade throughout GCC on how to sell Disney Cruise Lines.

Did you find any changes in the travel pattern or approach among the cruise lovers recently?

The clients are more aware and are exercising cruise vacation these days.

Though the evolution with regards to the demands of the clients for a niche cruise products has been a bit slow.

What kind of all-inclusive experience does Disney Cruises offer?

A cruise experience is always inclusive of many things. It includes adjustment in various categories, safe transportation, meals and onboard entertainment.

Asif Hussain, Manager - Outbound Al Tayer Holidays (Distributor for Disney Cruiseline GCC-wide)

JUNE, 2012

New products on platter While guest bookings increased by more than 30 per cent in the ME, Royal Caribbean International showed positive growth in 2012 so far compared to 2011.

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iving utmost credit for such results to the travel trade, Royal Caribbean Cruises launched ‘WOW Performer’ Awards for the travel industry partners from the ME during ATM.

Sailing from Barcelona on April 30, 2012, Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas, the second largest ship, docked in Dubai for the first time on May 15.

RCI for Agents

We have ‘Cruising for Excellence’, an online training programme, for our travel partners.

Identifying upbeat and passionate travel companies, we organise seminars for them, provide them a touch and feel experience of the product

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Royal Caribbean honours travel trade Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCC) presented awards to 15 senior travel industry partners from the Middle East at a special ceremony held at the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. The event was attended by travel trade and VIPs.

Caribbean Cruises, Europe, Middle East & Africa.

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Royal Caribbean Cruises launched ‘WOW Performer’ Awards for the travel industry partners from the ME during ATM

TRAVTALK

Helen Beck Regional Director, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Europe, Middle East & Africa

“We have ‘Cruising for Excellence’, an online training programme, for our travel partners. Identifying upbeat and passionate travel companies, we organise seminars for them, provide them a touch and feel experience of the product. We receive around 95 per cent business from our travel partners,” informed Helen Beck, Regional Director, Royal

It visited Alexandria via the Suez Canal and went to Sharm El-Sheikh and Safaga, before arriving in Dubai.

“We have presently finished a successful season in the ME and will bring a fully-revitalised ‘Serenade of the Seas’ cruiseliner making its ME debut to Abu Dhabi in the upcoming winter 2012/13,” added Beck.

Hamad Bin Mejren and Jamal Humaid Al Falasi of Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing – Dubai won the Brilliance of the Seas Recognition Award

Royal Caribbean Cruises is honoured to show appreciation of the outstanding co-operation and dedication received from around the Gulf in support of Brilliance of the Seas’ 2011 and 2012 winter seasons.

As in previous years, Europe was the most popular cruise destination for travellers from the Middle East. According to Royal Caribbean Cruises, approximately 75 per cent of all bookings from the region were made for European cruises. The second most popular destination for cruise travellers from the Middle East was the Caribbean.

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TRAVTALK

AVIATION

JUNE, 2012

nasair on smartphones New PSA for Sri Lanka As part of an innovative approach to enhance passenger experience, nasair launches the option of receiving boarding pass directly to their smartphones. The airline also witnessed an increase in sales in 2011.

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rancois Bouteiller, CEO, nasair, said,

“No print-out is required.

Travellers simply need to show their smartphone screen to the immigration, security checks and the boarding gate.”

He added that nasair travellers can also choose to receive their Boarding Pass by email, with the print out they can proceed directly to the

Smart Flying He added that nasair travellers can also choose to receive their Boarding Pass by email, with the rint out they can proceed directly to the boarding gate

boarding gate. Web check-in and the Mobile Boarding Pass service is available for travellers, travelling from Jeddah or Riyadh with cabin baggage only.

In spite of political unrest within the adjoining markets, nasair, Saudi

The Airline has also signed a franchise agreement at the ATM to empower young Saudi entrepreneurs. The deal forms the key role of the airline’s Saudiasation strategy that will give the travellers more choice.

As part of the franchise, nasair offers progressive incentive scheme to provide the opportunity to make significant annual profits.

Other benefits include direct referral to the franchises, call centre support and consolidation within approved zones. Being on time, competitive fares, young fleet and smart services are its four core values that pioneered nasair as a ‘Smart Airline’.

SriLankan Airlines opened its new sales office on May 4, 2012 in the Jaffna Peninsula located at the north of Sri Lanka. The branch office will facilitate travel formalities to a large clientele in Jaffna and Kilinochchi.

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riLankan Airlines has appointed Metro Travels & Tours as its Passenger Sales Agency (PSA) to spearhead the operation.

By increasing its frequency to the Gulf region, SriLankan Airlines aims to tap the holidaymakers who are keen to travel to Asia and Far East destinations. Sri Lanka’s geographical location

Francois Bouteiller CEO nasair

Arabia’s national carrier, enjoyed increased sales in 2011. It became possible due to the bookings made by the travel partners that resulted in almost 30 per cent of the airline sales. To express gratitude for this continued support the airlines honoured the most cooperative travel agencies from the Kingdom, UAE and Kuwait at ATM 2012.

Flying High Sri Lanka’s geographical location makes it ideal for most of the travellers to enjoy dual holidays in Colombo and the Far East or Colombo and the Maldives In SriLanka, the presence of traditional travel agents are more, going gradually online though, plays the most vital role for the airlines. Around 80 per cent of business pours in through the trade

makes it ideal for most of the travellers to enjoy dual holidays in Colombo and the Far East or Colombo and the Maldives. The traffic mostly constitutes of transit travellers than leisure and business, some on transit for employment for this part of the world.

“We have increased the number of flights, refurbished all the aircraft, reduced ancient aircraft from 14 to 5 while inducting new ones to further enhance our services,” said Nishantha Wickremasinghe, Chairman, SriLankan Airlines. “The extra frequencies have raised SriLankans’ overall capacity by 42 per cent and 90 per cent load factor,” he further informed.

Nishantha Wickremasinghe Chairman SriLankan Airlines

In SriLanka, the presence of traditional travel agents are more, going gradually online though, plays the most vital role for the airlines. Around 80 per cent of business pours in through the trade.

Mihin Lanka, SriLanka’s budget carrier, also transfers passengers travelling from the Middle East and Colombo to Jakarta and Dhaka proving fruitful synergy between both the airlines to develop and increase business.

Kerala in Saudi Arabia HD entertainment on air Kerala Tourism launched a campaign in Saudi Arabia with a series of roadshows. The roadshows were held at Jeddah on May 6, followed by Riyadh on May 7 and Dammam the next day. A.P. Anil Kumar, Kerala Tourism Minister led the delegation, along with T.K. Manoj Kumar, Tourism Secretary to the Gulf region. As many as 65 leading firms attended the roadshow at Jeddah where Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Consul General of Indian Consulate was present. The number swelled to 100 at Riyadh where Hamid Ali Rao, the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia graced the occasion. At Dammam, a quality crowd of 80 trade partners attended the roadshow.

flydubai became the first low cost airline in the Middle East to introduce on-demand In-Flight Entertainment (IFE). In doing so, it also became the first airline in the world to show movies in high definition.

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Dubai Airport reveals that passenger traffic between Dubai and Russia in Q1 2012 climbed 46.53 per cent to 3,59,066, compared to 2,45,050 during Q1 2011.

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he revolutionary FiberTo-The-Screen® IFE system works through fibre optic cables, making it lighter and viable for a LCC to minimise fuel consumption, an airline’s single biggest cost.

The performance of flydubai, in just less than three years, highlighted the remarkable passenger growth particularly from the CIS, Eastern & Central Europe and GCC markets during February 2011 – March 2012.

Showcasing its expanding

In Just 3 Years The performance of flydubai, in just less than three years, highlighted the remarkable passenger growth particularly from the CIS, Eastern & Central Europe and GCC markets during February 2011 – March 2012

Ghaith Al Ghaith CEO flydubai

network and services, flydubai made its debut at ATM 2012.

Since one year, the low cost carrier has put in effort to make travel more convenient by signing a series of deals with Global Distribution Systems (GDS) providers. It has allowed thousands of travel agents from worldwide to access to its fares and the travellers to connect to any other airline from a flydubai flight.

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai said, “Our vision three years ago was to build a unique network that not only offered real value for travellers but also strategically opened up new markets, benefitting the trade and tourism sector.

The airline manages to maintain its budget model by offering different products at different prices by giving people choices.

Most exciting fact is that we have just started our journey. Potential is huge for further growth and we will continue to target new destinations.”

COVER STORY

JUNE, 2012

Revival trends @ATM 2012 Contd. from page 1

Landmark Hospitality, while attending Arabian Travel Market for the second time, observed substantial difference between ATM 2011 and ATM 2012. “We had lot of pessimism in the previous year in regard to how tourism in particular would be. But this year has seen great confidence level; with Q1 2012 proving fantastic for our properties, running over 95 per cent occupancies and hence, looks quite optimistic regarding the high occupancy rate to continue further in the remaining year. We keep creating awareness among the travel trade, as they are the most vital feature for us by arranging roadshows in India, Middle East, CIS market, China, Russia, Brazil and Far East, that is also emerging as new markets.”

An extremely well and strategically located, Discovery Travel stand in the midst of all the Tourism Boards has benefitted them beyond expectation with plenty of business propositions from ATM 2012.

Benito C. Bengzon JR, Assistant Secretary International Tourism Promotion Department of Tourism, Phillipines

It is one of our efforts to tap the high-end Middle East market which is considered as one of the highest spending travellers in the world “There were huge potential meetings which can be converted into business.

Ralf Zednik

Russel G.H. Sharpe

Marketing, Director of Sales, Department of Labor and Economic Development, Tourist Office, Munich

COO - Hotel Division Citymax Hotels, Landmark Hospitality

ATM is important for us as we could meet many business partners and be updated and informed about the popularity of the country Lots of local corporate and local sub agents approached us, which will surely work out

QNH is now Katara Hospitality Qatar National Hotels Company (QNH) reveals its new corporate identity to the regional and international tourism industry. Rebranded as Katara Hospitality, the creation of a completely new corporate identity generated by a name more relevant for the company’s ambitious international expansion plans will herald a new era of opportunity for the hospitality giant, in line with Qatar’s own tourism development strategy.

“Over the last four decades we have been at the forefront of the development

of Qatar’s hospitality industry at both domestic and international levels. As we embark on a new wave of strategic expansion, we seized the opportunity to redefine the brand and set the scene for future growth of not only our rapidly expanding portfolio, but of Qatar’s reputation as a key player in the global tourism market,” said Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor AlThani, Chairman, Katara Hospitality.

The word ‘Catara’ dates back to 150 AD and was originally used by the

Sheikh Nawaf bin Jassim bin Jabor Al-Thani Chairman, Katara Hospitality

ancient Greeks to refer to the area known as the Qatar Peninsula, before European cartographers began using the spelling ‘Katara’ on historical maps dating from the first half of the 18th century.

Hogan gets a new rank in WTTC James Hogan, President & Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways has been named World Tourism and Travel Council’s (WTTC) Vice Chairman for the Middle East and Africa.

The announcement was made at the 12th WTTC Global Summit being held at the Pamir Convention Centre in Tokyo, Japan.

Speaking from Tokyo, Hogan said he was delighted to accept the position and looked forward to playing a major role in planning the 13th WTTC Global Summit to be held in Abu Dhabi in April/May 2013.

James Hogan President & Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways

He said it was an honour for Abu Dhabi to host the 13th WTTC Global Summit in 2013. “The travel and tourism industries are a major contributor to the meteoric rise of Abu Dhabi and its emerging role on the

global stage,” he stated.

“The WTTC Global Summit in Abu Dhabi next year will not only build on this momentum but also showcase the Emirate’s abundance of world class tourism infrastructure and attractions, which are the product of millions of dollars of investment by the Abu Dhabi Government,” he added. “I’m confident that next year’s Global Summit will provide further stimulus for travel and tourism growth to the UAE capital.” Hogan is a member of the Executive Committee for the 2012 WTTC Global Summit event.

This year has seen great confidence level; with Q1 2012 proving fantastic for our properties, running over 95 per cent occupancies to give us 100 per cent growth rate. We have already started planning for ATM

Ramesh Patnaik General Manager Discovery Travel, Dubai

Lot of local corporate and local sub agents approached us, which will surely work out to give us 100 per cent growth rate 2013,” expressed Ramesh Patnaik, General Manager, Discovery Travel, Dubai.

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Singapore up 18% in UAE arrivals Q1 performance shows that more Gulf residents are visiting Singapore and the upcoming summer holidays are expected to bring a 10% increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous summer, say senior Singapore tourism officials.

First quarter figures from Singapore Tourism Board (STB) show that 14,280 visitors arrived in Singapore from the UAE, an increase of more than 18% over the first quarter of 2011. During this time, Singapore also saw a 36.3% increase in visitors from the KSA. Mohamed Hafez Marican, Area Director ME and Africa, STB said that he expects ‘at least a 10% jump’ in the number of Gulf visitors to Singapore this summer season. “Thanks to the recent investment in the infrastructure, ‘new’ Singapore offers a different holiday experience to Gulf visitors,” said Marican.

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HOTELS

JUNE, 2012

Awarded for community care

Radisson Blu on CSR way

France ranks 1st as outbound market for ME

Aiming at environmental activities, Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah has rolled out a series of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) intended initiatives.

To woo the high spenders, France has introduced a new hospitality segment called ‘Palace’ in which 42% of the occupants are Arabs.

The yield per high net worth visitor from the Middle East is typically much more than such travellers from other parts of the world. In 2011, out of the 79 million tourists that France welcomed, 8,91,000 were mostly from the Middle Eastern Gulf countries of UAE, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The Middle East feeds only 2.5% of France’s hotel nights but 30% of its hotel nights in luxury hotels comes from the Arabs. 50% of Middle East tourists spend more than €5,000 a day with an average stay of 11 days in France.

By 2020, it is estimated that the highest percentage of tourism growth will come from Kuwait, Lebanon, Saudi, UAE and Egypt.

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DoubleTree by Hilton Ras Al Khaimah was awarded the ‘Crystal Cookie Community Care Award’ by DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels. The rare honour is awarded only to those hotels who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to community care and to social responsibility and is regarded as an outstanding and special achievement.

‘2011 Brand of Excellence’

Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa has triumphed once again to win another award and add to its growing list of honours. The hotel has now been named ‘2011 Brand of Excellence’ by Hilton Hotels & Resorts for Middle East & Africa region. This performance on loyalty, service, condition and cleanliness based on Satisfaction And Loyalty Tracking (SALT) and Quality Assurance (QA) scores.

he hotel hosted its first ‘can collection drive’ in 2012 and actively supports the ‘Responsible Business’ programme of the parent company – The Carlson Rezidor Group.

It has received the Green Key Certification with a strong relation Basel Talal

Eco Efforts About 83 per cent of the hotels have low energy light bulbs in all guest rooms, around 87 per cent have outdoor lighting steered by timers, 77 per cent have water-efficient shower heads in all guest rooms, 58 per cent use waste compactors, 70 per cent use suppliers that comply with the latest environmental & ethical standards

Over 95% occupancy

General Manager Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah

with EEG (Emirates Environmental Group), participating in the global Earth Hour initiative in March end.

Responsible Business is the keystone of the Radisson Blu company culture where many of the hotels have been distinguished with ecoawards that highlight the efforts as a responsible corporate citizen.

In January 2012, Rezidor launched Think Planet, an ambitious energy saving initiative. “It aims to reduce energy consumption by 25 per cent by 2016 not on a property level but on corporate intensity as we have more than 400 hotels worldwide,” informed Basel Talal, General Manager Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah.

“The hotel is based on diesel machinery and since January 2012 we have started working on a project of the main boilers and shifted from diesel to gas and now by May-end we will be entirely operational,” added Talal.

Taking initiative of planting huge number of trees in Kenya to balance carbon emission, the company has also planted 1,000 trees in Radisson Blu, Sharjah’s landscape area to counterbalance its carbon emission.

Speedy growth in progress

Providing quality stay at affordable rates, Citymax Looking forward to sign more hotels under Danat Hotels Hotels have enjoyed rapid increasing occupancy & Resorts, National Corporation for Tourism & Hotel level in Q1 2012 touching over 95 per cent. will launch 3 more properties in 2012 after their makeover.

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itymax Hotels had entered the market in May 2010 with their first property in Al Barsha, Dubai and next in Bur Dubai in November 2010 and thereafter in Sharjah in May 2011.

Strategically located Citymax Hotels, established in 2009, the hospitality arm of Dubai-headquartered Landmark Group fills up the vital gap between value driven and mid-market hotels in the region.

Russel G.H. Sharpe, COO, Hotel Division, Citymax Hotels Landmark Hospitality stated, “The UAE today is no longer perceived as a mere stopover option but a holiday destination of choice.

Citymax Hotels continuously attempt to offer the guests the best in hospitality experience and the soaring rate of occupancy is testament to the focussed customer service we offer.”

Emphasising on the importance of the travel trade, Citymax Hotels is in continuous process of creating awareness through vari-

ous campaigns and roadshows being organised in India, Middle East, CIS, China, Russia, Brazil and Far East and also getting into new markets. Orientation programmes, award ceremonies, product discounts are the few among many schemes planned for the travel agents.

“We have offered about more than 100 rooms complimentary to the potential travel agents, along with provisions of sending them on excursions,” informed Sharpe. Landmark has its presence in India as well as with ‘Inner circle membership card’ similar to ‘Shukran’ in Dubai and have tied up with them on special privileged rates.

Attending ATM 2012 for the second time, Citymax Hotels has observed significant variation between ATM

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o develop both tourism and commerce in the United Arab Emirates, specifically in Abu Dhabi, National Corporation for Tourism &

Russel G.H. Sharpe COO, Hotel Division Citymax Hotels Landmark Hospitality

2011 and ATM 2012. Huge level of confidence this year has won over a lot of pessimism in the previous year on how tourism in particular would be. But the biggest challenge to overcome is to make people understand the differentiated features of it as the safest and perfect valuefor-money hotel.

Rima Rawass Group Marketing Manager Danat Hotels & Resorts

Hotels contributes to the promotion of the Abu Dhabi travel industry, both as a local and international destination.

Danat Hotels & Resorts is the upscale hotel division of the NCT&H with four and fivestar properties in Abu Dhabi; Danat Al Ain Resort, Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort, Al Raha Beach Hotel, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Sands Hotel and Dhafra Beach Hotel.

“As Danat Hotels & Resorts, we understand the local market, its culture and the guests’ needs and pay attention to the guests satisfaction to attain repeat guests, suitable for corporate and leisure business,” explained Rima Rawass, Group Marketing Manager, Danat Hotels & Resorts – A

Division of NCT&H. “We are closely in alliance with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (ADTCA) and hence, plan to participate in several tradeshows with ADTCA in 2012, offering more local promotions and conduct GCC roadshows with them.”

Danat Hotels & Resorts have agreements with major Destination Management Companies (DMC) and tour operators which brings inbound business to the hotels in Abu Dhabi from UK, China, Germany, Russia and Ukraine and so on.

“Our hotels located in Al Gharbia Region and in downtown Abu Dhabi, always invite the travel trade on fam trips to check our products, services and guest activities,” added Rawass.

Brand Presence Landmark has its presence in India as well with ‘Inner circle membership card’ similar to ‘Shukran’ in Dubai and have tied up with them on special privileged rates

Free accommodation offer Etihad Airways has launched an ‘Essential Stopovers’ offer under which the passengers who stop over in Abu Dhabi for a minimum of two nights before December 1, 2012 will get one night free accommodation. This offer is a part of the airline’s Essential Abu Dhabi programme and can be redeemed at 25 three-star and five-star hotels.

HOTELS Saudi photo library launched Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, President, Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), inaugurated the website of the Saudi tourism films and photo library’s website (www.seesaudi.sa).

Hamad Al Sheikh, Assistant Vice President, SCTA for Investment, said, “The library website is the first of its kind in the region, which is built by photographers and tourism filmmakers.” The website includes photos from Saudi Arabia reflecting different parts of the country, illustrating tourism and cultural scenes and landmarks in the kingdom.

Hussam Al Mejali, Project Manager, said that the library is distinguished by the highquality criteria, which is applied to all material before publishing to keep the library at the highest level of performance and providing a high quality of material.

A big takeover in Doha Rezidor Hotel Group will take over a giant property, Ramada with over 500 rooms in Doha, Qatar and rebrand it as Radisson Blu from July 1, 2012. in inventories that Emirates and flydubai brings in. With the arrivals of A380s, Dubai brings in around 600 travellers and thus results in brilliant turnovers with the quality of the product.”

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ezidor Hotel Group observed a 10 to 15 per cent increase in occupancy in Q1 2012 over Q1 2011 observed from China, Russia and emerging markets like Saudi Arabia.

Highlighting the importance of the travel trade, playing the most important role, the Hotel Group has certain incentive plans for them rolling out in summer 2012.

Subsequent roadshows also took place starting from May

Takeover The Group will take over a giant property, Ramada with over 500 rooms in Doha, Qatar and rebrand it as Radisson blu since July 1, 2012

Yigit Sezgin Global Director - Sales & Marketing Rezidor Hotel Group

5 in Saudi Arabia and thereafter to Kuwait and Qatar.

Talking about the impact of political unrest in the UAE, Yigit Sezgin, Global Director - Sales and Marketing, Rezidor Hotel Group said, “Dubai is always upbeat with various facets.

They cater to all kind of exhibition and conferences facilities along with the increase

“Dubai will always lead as an entertaining and amazing destination with an influx of business and ceiling Revpar. The Emirate has experienced highest Revpar in the world in Q1 2012 ahead of New York, Paris, Moscow, Tokyo among many others to mention,” informed Sezgin.

One-year-old and growing strong Even though the hotel started on April 2011 at the peak of unrest, it showed prospect in its occupancy level of an average of 60 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011. This 4-star hotel caters to both business and leisure guests among other four hotels managed by Gama Group in Bahrain.

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TM 2012 is the post-opening stage of Hotel Diva and the 2nd year of our presence, which helped us to establish contracts with the travel trade of our source markets of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Dubai,” stated Shankar Bharadwaj, General Manager, Hotel Diva, also responsible for the whole sales team of all the properties under the Group.

Combined with conferences, special events facilities and outlets, this 4-star hotel is the perfect choice for both business and leisure guests among other four hotels managed by Gama Group in

Bahrain. The Gama Group is also venturing into expanding its plans of introducing more hotels in the near future.

“The property receives around 25 per cent of business overall from GDS and the travel trade.

Bahrain has a very good presence of travel agents and wholesalers who deal with Europe and Middle East market.

Also, Cruise business flourishes here predominantly among others. Seminars at

regular intervals, frequent training sessions along with fam trips are organised now

among the travel agents,” he further informed.

As the situation started improving in the kingdom with the Government concluding Formula 1 successfully on April 22, the Group anticipates reaching its ultimate goal of expectation and the tourism to make headway.

CSR Efforts Shankar Bharadwaj General Manager Hotel Diva

and then to stay abreast and to create awareness and encouragement

Further, underlining the fact on, ‘Green’ status, Hotel Diva has planned to distribute potted plants to all corporate guests on June 5, The World’s Environment Day, with the tagline ‘Personally Yours’

Introducing the first Amari Doha in Middle East Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group has been appointed by Gulf Trading and Contracting Company (GTC) to operate a 120-room hotel in the Qatari capital, Doha. This is ONYX’s first step for expansion in the

Middle East for the Amari brand. The property is scheduled to open in September 2012. Ideally located just 15 minutes from Doha International Airport, the property also boasts a prime position for exploring

Doha’s historic and cultural sites, including the Islamic Art Centre and Souk Waqif.

Peter Henley, President and Chief Executive Officer, ONYX said, “This project will be the first Amari property in the Middle East. It is a signif-

icant milestone for us and we plan to bring the personalised guest services and experiences that are a key attribute of the Amari brand to the region. Amari Doha will provide genuine Asian hospitality with a modern twist.”

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JUNE, 2012

FAMILY ALBUM

ATM: Busy networking, discovering new The four-day Arabian Travel Market 2012 featured an increase in the number of visitors, renewed by B2B highlight. This show experienced 35% rise in decision makers and influencers from buyers’ club members and hosted delegates and 7% increase in exhibitors. More than 21,000 square metres of floor space hosted over 2,400 exhibitors and 82 new companies with 54 national pavilions and 87 countries represented overall.

FAMILY ALBUM

JUNE, 2012

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11

travel trends and nurturing relationships

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JUNE, 2012

FAMILY ALBUM

ATM 2012: Business at its best !

TECHNOLOGY

‘Amadeus Mobile Traveller’

JUNE, 2012

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Celebrating dual achievement

Accessible worldwide once downloaded onto the user’s mobile device, ‘Amadeus Mobile Traveller’ benefits the travel agents in the Middle East and North Africa by playing the role of a new distribution, commerce and communication channel. mobile entrance rates, the travellers are becoming increasingly demanding and technology savvy. The need to keep pace with this trend and provide travel agents, a competitive edge has never been greater.

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madeus Mobile Traveller’, is a multi-lingual mobile application, that provides pre-trip, in-trip and post-trip functionalities.

Launched by Amadeus during ATM 2012, this mobile application, is designed to provide the users an access to real time travel information including flight, car rental and hotel bookings.

Supported by Techmaster, a development partner for Amadeus in the MENA region, this all-in-one GDS-powered mobile application functions as planning, searching and booking flights, hotels and cars, tracking itinerary and flight information

and sharing travel experience with friends through social media channels.

Amadeus Mobile Traveller has been specifically designed for the region to enable travel agents to stay at the forefront of new trends and traveller habits,

Antoine Medawar, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus, said, “Owing to the advancing

opening up new avenues for growth and advancement of the regional travel and tourism sector altogether.”

Antoine Medawar Vice President - MENA Amadeus

The application’s combination with Amadeus Content Store – Amadeus hotel booking solution gives the MENA travel agents an access to a wealth of hotel properties, sourced from the region’s most popular aggregators and wholesalers at effective prices.

Marina Byblos Hotel celebrated the achievement of two awards won at MENA Travel Awards 2012. Following its successful launch in June 2011, Marina Byblos Hotel won the gold award for ‘Best Price Value Hotel’ and silver award for ‘Best 4 Star New Hotel For The Year 2011’ during the MENA Awards 2012.

Versailles Hotel with Utell International

Hi-tech This all-in-one GDS-powered mobile application functions as planning, searching and booking flights, hotels and cars, tracking itinerary and flight information and sharing travel experiences with friends through social media channels

During the recently concluded ATM, Versailles Hotel signed up with world renown Utell International. Talking to TravTalk, Manoj Padhi General Manager, Versailles Hotel said that this was just the beginning and better things were yet to come and partnership with Utell was a right step in the right direction.

Tech solutions for agents Technology wonder!

Acquiring double digit growth in the ME, Travelport has launched ‘Travelport Developer Network’ to independent software developers in the ME to co-develop innovative solutions for the travel agents of the region.

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esigned for 3rd party developers, the Developer Network provides members with full access to key software resources, keen to support and get an entry to the new Travelport Developer Directory.

As part of the new programme, Travelport’s developer tools will continue to be built on open standards technology, the applications can easily integrate with existing Travelport databases and technologies. gain

Members access

can to

also the

Joining Hands Travelport signs with dnata to utilise Travelport Universal API™ technology for the first time in the ME easyJet and Travelport have also announced a new agreement that will open up easyJet booking services to be sold by all Galileo-connected agency customers worldwide and any other agency using the Travelport Universal API™

Universal Desktop Software Development Kit (SDK).

Incorporated with workflows, shopping and booking from blended GDS and non-GDS content and custom pop-up widgets anytime.

“By providing local developers with a single access point to our content and agency network, along with technical support, we can promote and innovate more within the Middle East’s travel industry,” said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport.

“This programme will allow us to partner more closely with the developer community, so that we are well placed to offer the best possible applications to our network of travel agencies,” he added.

Travelport has also signed an agreement with dnata at ATM 2012 to utilise the industryleading Travelport Universal

Being the sponsor of the new Technology Seminar Theater at ATM 2012, Sabre Travel Network Middle East, brought number of guest speakers from the region to address how online business is taking shape.

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

API™ technology for the first time in the Middle East. “dnata now has access to next-generation technology that represents a re-engineering of Travelport’s infrastructure,” said Saab. “Universal API underpins the GDS technology of the future, allowing easy access to a world of content and functionality efficiently.” easyJet, the UK’s largest airline and Travelport have also announced a new agreement that further opened up easyJet booking services to be sold by all Galileo-connected agency customers worldwide and any other agency using the Travelport Universal API™.

ur partners, customers and even competitors have shown huge appreciation mentioning, we have added value to ATM instead of being only exhibitors,” informed Ramzi Al Qassab, Regional Commercial Director, Sabre Travel Network Middle East.

Technological development undoubtedly had a

Sabre Connects Sabre connects the consumer to the TMC, the TMC to the Airline, Hotel and Car Rental Company, the airline and hotel with its customers and a whole lot of connections in between

major impact on the global tourism industry and the region’s travel community is no exception. Embracing and implementing the next generation technologies was one of the critical issues discussed at ATM 2012.

“In 2011, we have enjoyed double digit growth with our long term and strategies, in spite of the socio-political situation in the region,” he added. Sabre doesn’t only cater as a GDS but also, its consultancy and airline solutions, provides many forms of support.”

Ramzi Al Qassab Regional Commercial Director Sabre Travel Network Middle East

“One of Sabre’s core motos is - Even if the market is down we are not going to pull out, we are here for long term, as we globally believe in Middle East and confident that the market will take a turn up for sure. We stay committed to our long term plans,” stated Al Qassab.

German events industry breaks its own record The German event industry has concluded the year 2011 with record results: 2.72 million events took place and were visited by 338 million participants throughout Germany. Compared to 2010, which had already been a very positive year, the number of visitors grew by another 4.5 percent. The number of events increased by 1.2 percent, the proportion of foreign participants remained stable at 5.9 percent (increase of 0.1 per cent). The boom of the past two years has also led to a growing range of offers. In 2012, the country offers 6,614 conference and event sites, three percent more than in the previous year, according to the results of the Meeting & Event Barometer 2012, the essential annual study for Germany's event industry.

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NTO

JUNE, 2012

Philippines calling

Munich for MICE

The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines had Around 40 per cent of the ME travellers pour rolled out its new tourism campaign, ‘It's more fun in in to Munich all through the year. It is well known the Philippines’ at the recently concluded 19th ATM. for its MICE sector as well.

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14.60 per cent from 2010 arrivals. The first quarter of 2012 continues its growth at 12.24 per cent.

Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar are the key travel markets in the region besides Korea, US and Japan.

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TM 2012 has been instrumental in establishing productive business relationship between the Philippines and the Gulf travel trade key players.

Philippines, the country of 7,107 islands, being the popular destination for the Middle East travellers, there is substantial increase of traffic from the region with the major developments in the recent years.

“As the region’s leading travel event, ATM is an important venue to push our new tourism brand to various tour wholesalers and individual travellers and this is one of our efforts to tap the high-value Middle East market, which is considered as one of the highest spending travellers in the world,” expressed Benito C. Bengzon, JR, Assistant Secretary, International Tourism Promotion, Department of Tourism, Philippines.

Benito C. Bengzon JR, Assistant Secretary International Tourism Promotion Department of Tourism, Philippines

“This year’s participation is very timely to drum up awareness for our marketing campaign and to sustain confidence and patronage from the partners in the region,” he added. In 2011, the Philippines had attracted 55,829 tourists from the Middle East with a growth of

Fun and frolic The Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippines had rolled out its new tourism campaign, ‘It's more fun in the Philippines’ at the recently concluded 19th ATM 2012 through a Philippine Reception at the newly opened Philippine Consulate office in Dubai.

Increasing flights and positioning Philippines as a key hub destination for families and honeymooners from this part of the world is the main aim of the Tourism Board.

ME Arrivals in the Philippines Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait and Qatar are the key travel markets in the region besides Korea, US and Japan In 2011, the Philippines had attracted 55,829 tourists from the Middle East with a growth of 14.60 per cent from 2010 arrivals The first quarter of 2012 continues its growth at 12.24 per cent

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unich is well known in the MICE sector as well, as there are many incentive options and areas to organise special incentive programmes.

“Besides peak travel phase, we expect 3 to 8 per cent of growth, hence we try to promote its strong touristic aspects inspite of tough competition and decreasing marketing budget to fight out the economic crisis. Strength lies on the renowned royal castles situated in the beautiful Bavarian Alps, besides, Munich is also the home to BMW’s company headquarters, its center for design and engineering. There is no language barrier, newspapers and periodicals are all

Ralf Zednik Marketing, Director of Sales, Department of Labor and Economic Development Tourist Office, Munich

printed in English and Arabic Television channels are telecasted in the hotels,” explained Ralf Zednik, Marketing, Director of Sales, Department of Labor and Economic Development, Tourist Office, Munich.

Establishing as a center for green technology, Munich, the car city, has raised the first charging station for e-cars reflecting the city’s environmental policy, making it one of the cleanest city in Germany.

Participating in the German roadshow recently, the tourist office is always geared up to take part in different roadshows to encourage the travel agents in every way. “We have been the partners for Euronet roadshow, the incoming agency for Saudi Arabia roadshows in February 2012 with the travel partners joining from Austria. We have created elearning tool for the travel agents of Indian market and in the process of planning for the Middle East region before the main season starts,” further informed Zednik.

To offer best services to the Middle East travellers, Munich co-operated with partners like Munich Airport in a very intense way.

MICE @Munich The MICE sector is very important and when it comes to overnights, MICE travellers comprises of 30 per cent, business, 20 per cent and 50 per cent leisure travellers

Amazing Thailand for Middle East The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) actively participated in ATM 2012. The Tourism Board exhibited Health and Wellness, Wedding and Honeymoon, Green and Golf Tourism for the Middle East market.

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enue of 25 billion US dollars.

Among which Middle East visitors comprised 6,50,000, who generated 1 billion US dollars in tourism income.

During Jan–Mar 2012 the number of ME visitors was 1,40,000,” she added.

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n the presence of Thai and local UAE key travel industry representatives in Dubai, TAT announced that they expect 10 per cent increase in the number of visitors travelling from the GCC in 2012 compared to 2011 at the preATM conference.

Juthaporn Rerngronasa, Deputy Governor International Marketing, TAT, expressed, “The Middle East market has been an increasingly important source market to Thailand

ME Arrivals Middle East visitors comprised 6,50,000, who generated 1 billion US dollars in tourism income During January – March, 2012 the number of Middle East visitors was 1,40,000

Juthaporn Rerngronasa Deputy Governor - International Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand

The ME market has been an increasingly important source market to Thailand over the last couple of years over the last couple of years and we see positive signs of this trend to continue.”

Wisoot Buachoom Director Tourism Authority of Thailand

ME marketing strategies will also feature many ‘Miracle Moments’ Thailand has to offer “In 2011, Thailand welcomed 19.23 million international tourist arrivals, who generated approximate rev-

“In the coming year, TAT ME office will continue to support the Thailand brand ‘Amazing Thailand: Always Amazes You’, focussing on authenticity, value for money and hospitality,” explained Wisoot Buachoom, Director, TAT. Highlighting a significant strategic shift, TAT will now focus its marketing efforts on niche markets targetted at specific customer segments in specific countries.

“As a sub-theme to the ‘Amazing Thailand: Always Amazes You’ campaign, Middle East marketing strategies will also prominently feature many ‘Miracle Moments’ Thailand has to offer, to attract both first-time and repeat visitors,” he added.

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Jumeirah Group Dubai

Etihad Airways Thailand

Mercure Grand Hotel Seef Bahrain

Nicholas Clayton joins Jumeirah Group as the Chief Operating Officer. He joins Jumeirah Group from the Viceroy Hotel Group where he was the President and later became the CEO. In that role, he led a team of 3,500 colleagues in 15 properties. Previously Clayton spent 14 years with Ritz-Carlton in their businesses in the United States, Australia and finally Singapore where he was the Managing Director of the Ritz-Carlton Millenia. He then joined Mandarin Oriental in 2001 as Senior Vice President Operations based in Hong Kong.

Kirk Albrow is appointed as the new General Manager

Yasser Bahaa will join Mercure Grand Hotel Seef in Bahrain as the new General Manager, effective May 7, 2012. Bahaa is a 46-year old Egyptian national, with over 15 years of industry experience. He will be responsible for managing all aspects of the Mercure Grand Hotel Seef’s operations and will lead the team in Bahrain. Prior to this, he was the General Manager of the ibis Amman in Jordan.

Thailand for Etihad Airways. He has been with the airline since 2004 in a number of senior commercial roles, including Regional General Manager for Asia Pacific and for Europe and the Americas. His extensive international sales experience includes management positions at Swissair, United Airlines and British Airways.

Madinat Jumeirah Dubai

Jumeirah Beach Hotel Dubai

Jad Doumet has recently been appointed as the Director of

Margaret Paul is appointed General Manager of

Mahmoud Sakr becomes the new General Manager of

Sales, GCC & Government for Jumeirah Group in Dubai. Prior to joining the Jumeirah Group, he worked at the Armani Hotel, Dubai as the Director of Sales. With over 12 years of experience, Doumet has worked with leading global brands such as Hilton in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and InterContinental Le Vendôme & InterContinental Phoenicia in Beirut. He is a Lebanese national and is fluent in Arabic and English.

Madinat Jumeirah – The Arabian Resort. In her present profile, she will oversee the management of the resort’s three hotels – Al Qasr, Mina A’Salam and Dar Al Masyaf – as well as the Souk Madinat Jumeirah and the resort’s Conference Centre. Paul, a British national, has been with Jumeirah Group since 2002. Prior to joining the Jumeirah Group, Margaret worked for Le Meridien Hotels in Europe and Dubai.

Jumeirah Beach Hotel. He started his career with Jumeirah in 1999 as Director of Rooms for Jumeirah Group’s flagship hotel, Burj Al Arab. He was promoted to Executive Assistant Manager Rooms Division, then to Resident Manager, before becoming Hotel Manager. In 2008 he became General Manager of Mina A’Salam, part of Madinat Jumeirah resort.

Sakr, an Egyptian national, has worked for several prestigious hotels throughout Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Amadeus Gulf Oman

Dollar Rent A Car Oman

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Dubai

Taji Pulikal is appointed as the new Country Manager for

Ashraf Jallad has been appointed as the new Manager

Amadeus Gulf in Oman. He comes with over 28 years of experience in varied capacities of the travel and airline industry. In his various profiles, he has spent 2 years in Travel Agency Operations, 16 years in Airline Experience and 10 years in various Travel Agencies. In his present profile, he will be managing the team with his organisational and inter-personal skills along with his leadership qualities.

for Dollar Rent A Car in Oman. Jallad brings over 17 years experience in the Middle East car rental business and will be responsible for driving sales and overseeing the operations of Dollar in Oman. He will report to the General Manager of Dollar Rent A Car.

Winfried Helmetag has been appointed as the new Executive Chef of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Helmetag is a German national with more than 20 years of experience in the ME, ten of those years based in the UAE, from hotels in Ajman to Abu Dhabi. His career in the Arab world began with a stint in Cairo in 1980. He has also spent a period in Bahrain and two separate spells in Jordan. For the last seven years, he has worked as Executive Chef for two Kempinski Hotels in the UAE.

Ocean View Hotel on The Walk at JBR beach Dubai will once again feature a 4-star beach hotel on its coastline, as Jebel Ali International Hotels prepares to open the Ocean View Hotel on The Walk at JBR beach.

The Ocean View Hotel, which will be Dubai’s only 4-star beach hotel and the only 4-star hotel on The Walk is already built and overlooks the Arabian Gulf and The Palm Jumeirah. All the 341 rooms and suites feature sea views.

The property is going through last minute completion and is due to open in late - 2012. The Ocean View Hotel will also cater to business travellers with a fully equipped conference centre and 6 meeting rooms, many of which feature natural daylight and shaded balcony space for breaks.

First dual-branded property in Turkey Worldwide Hilton announced the official opening of Hilton Bursa Convention Centre & Spa and Hampton by Hilton Bursa in Turkey.

This is the company’s first dualbranded property within the country.

As the first combination of Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Hampton by Hilton brand property in Europe, the company reports that its guests will be able to enjoy both upscale and economy brands whilst visiting

Bursa. The hotels are located in the centre of Bursa,

north-western Turkey, with access to the city’s cultural sites, business districts, commercial and industrial areas.

The property offers 187 rooms, inclusive of 12 suites, apart from Food & beverage and Leisure and wellness facilities. For those travelling on business, the hotel offers conference and events space for business and social clients, including a grand ballroom for up to 1,200 guests that also benefits from additional outside space for up to 800 guests.

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TRAVTALK

CAR RENTAL

JUNE, 2012

Hat-trick for Savoy Dubai

Seasonal demand drives Hertz The growing demand for seasonal car rental services from business professionals and long-term UAE residents is helping drive the expansion plans of Hertz UAE into local communities.

T T B U R E AU

Savoy Park, Savoy Suites and Savoy Crest hotel apartments, all members of the Dubai Quality Group, bagged three prestigious Dubai Green Tourism Awards 2011 presented by DTCM. The event was held on May 1, 2012 at the International Exhibition Centre. Faroukh Sunny, General Manager of the three Savoy Hotel Apartments took the stage along with Savoy’s Green Team Members to receive the awards from DTCM’s officials.

Japan honoured at ATM

(L-R): Daisuke Matsunaga, Japanese Consul-General in Dubai receiving the New Frontiers Award 2012 from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions and Carlos Salas, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Chile in United Arab Emirates. Last year’s recipient Chile attended this year’s Arabian Travel Market to present the award.

when they return in September at the end of the summer holidays,” he added.

T

he Company will open its 16th branch at MotorCity in Dubai before the end of June and plans to add at least five more locations to its UAE network this year, with others in the pipeline.

“Our new MotorCity location will service the residential community there, as well as those in Arabian Ranches, Victory Heights and the Green Community,” said Nigel Johnson, Managing Director, Hertz UAE. “We’re responding to the growing demand by tak-

Hertz UAE posted a 12 per cent growth in inventory last year, whereas, online daily and weekly car rental bookings rose by 35 per cent.

Nigel Johnson Managing Director Hertz UAE

ing our car rental offering into these communities. The biggest chunk of our monthly car rental business comes from UAE residents, as opposed to tourists and 80 per cent of this business comes from expat professionals working and living in the UAE. Typically, they’re people who need a car for months at a time, when they come back to the UAE in January after spending Christmas away or

The Company is now looking to build on that growth in 2012 and will follow up the purchase of more than 4,800 new vehicles in 2011 by introducing approximately the same number to its fleet this year.

“The new MotorCity branch will be the first neighbourhood car rental service available to residents in that particular area of Dubai,” Johnson continued saying, “It is a part of our strategic network expansion which is designed to make the rental experience as easy as possible by extending our reach

into every corner of the community in the UAE.” “We’re looking towards adding new branches while five are in the pipeline for later this year. At the same time, we’re continuing with the refurbishment of our existing locations across the Emirates,” he concluded.

Growth Chart Hertz UAE posted a 12 per cent growth in inventory last year, whereas, online daily and weekly car rental bookings rose by 35 per cent 80 per cent of this business comes from expat professionals working and living in the UAE Hertz UAE posted a 12 per cent growth in inventory last year, whereas, online daily and weekly car rental bookings rose by 35 per cent.