Ttme june 2013

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 16

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. IX No. 6; June 2013

‘2014 to be year of opportunities’ ......................................................................02 USA woos ME tourists..........................................................................................03 Saudi: Top spender among emerging markets......................................................14

Cool days ahead with hot deals Summer is here and so is the age-old question - Where are you headed for the vacations? Summer is usually a time when corporate travel declines and leisure increases. Numerous cool offers, lined up alluring promotions for tourists by airlines, hotels, travel trade and others, are likely to add colours in summer tourism in the Middle East.

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hile inquiring about the summer promotions and the prospects expected, Karim El Sanadily, Regional Manager, Gulf, Lebanon & Pakistan, Austrian Airlines asserted, “We are planning to introduce ‘Fly to Vienna and Go to Salzburg & Innsbruck for free.’ We had introduced this in Salzburg last year that proved successful. So we will extend it to Innsbruck this year, as it is a destination that’s slowly gaining attention. We would like to promote it as a destination with Austrian Airlines.”

“Another service we have recently introduced in other markets is the ‘Smart Upgrade’ which will be available in the UAE market soon.

The Austrian Smart Upgrade offers our passengers the opportunity to determine their own price for a Business Class upgrade by submitting a bid. Between 72 and 48 hours before departure, they will be informed if the Smart Upgrade has been approved or not, he added.

Reaching 68 per cent year-round business in 2012, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort expects to close 2013 with 70 per cent. The Resort is building new meeting and banquet rooms to accommodate 350 guests seated in banquet style expected to be completed by September-end thid year.

“We are offering a summer promotion for the local market, which at AED 260 per person per night in a double room on half board basis during the weekdays and AED 380 per person in a double room per night on half board basis during weekends. We expect good demand in summer as it’s the time for vacations,” mentioned Ashraf Helmy, General Manager & Area Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort.

Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa is already working on their promotional campaigns & packages for the upcoming season. “We may soon be engaging in a refurbishment project of our rooms & suites. We are also progressing on uplifting our

Karim El Sanadily

Ashraf Helmy

Deepak Dahiya

Ayman Ashor

Regional Manager, Gulf, Lebanon & Pakistan, Austrian Airlines

General Manager & Area Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort

Director - Sales & Marketing, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa

General Manager Tilal Liwa Hotel

We have recently introduced in other markets the ‘Smart Upgrade’ which will be available in the UAE market soon

larger swimming pool, beach and pool bars and a few F&B outlets,” informed Deepak

We are offering a summer promotion for locals and expect good demand as it’s the time for vacations

We are introducing a number of offers for both local tour operators, agents and corporate clients

We always look for ways to create affordable packages which appeal to our valued customers

Dahiya, Director - Sales & Marketing, Dubai Marine Beach Resort & Spa. “We are

introducing a number of offers for both local tour operators and travel agents and

likewise for corporate clients.

On the F&B side, we have Contd. on page 5

NEWS FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 16-05-2013)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.4985............5.7119 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ................4.662............4.8533

‘2014 to be year of opportunities’ The recently-concluded 20th edition of the Arabian Travel Market stressed that the next decade would provide numerous opportunities for the region in the tourism arena. The investments into this sector support the dual long term goals of countries within the region.

Canada......................CAD ..............3.5508............3.6850 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.6827..........13.0987 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.5727............3.7093 Japan ........................JPY................0.3522............0.0388 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0878............0.0901 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.9021............3.0310 India ........................INR................0.0652............0.0676 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0365............0.0377 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0460............0.0479 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0284............0.0295 Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056

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eading the race for tourism revenue growth are the UAE, Oman, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Reflecting the boom in the sector was the rapid progress of the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) itself, with over 3,000 exhibitors from 87 countries booking a collective 22,000 sqm of exhibition floor space, as against a mere 300 exhibitors in 1994, its inaugural year. The ongoing investments into the travel & tourism sector is driving visitor numbers and moving towards sustainable economic diversification.

Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525 Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.7280............4.8857 South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

Industry Growth Industry investment, which hit US$22.5 billion in 2012, is set to increase in 2013 by an estimated 12 per cent

Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions stated, “The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Economic Impact 2013 outlook supports a positive forecast for industry development and performance in the region this year.

estimated 12 per cent, he added.

The incredibly diverse regional tourism map, with travel and tourism directly contributing US$76.6 billion to GDP in 2012, is forecast to rise by 4.2 per cent this year alone,” he further said.

Qatar has a US$65 billion investment plan in place that focusses on the State’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Qatar looks to welcome as many as 3.7 million visitors per annum by the time the tournament kicks off.

The growth of a number of regional destinations, emphasised in the recentlyreleased WTTC figures,

Oman, spurred by the government’s US$39 million investment into development of Dhofar province aimed at making its annual monsoon festival an in-demand fixture on the global tourism calendar.

Mark Walsh Portfolio Director Reed Travel Exhibitions

showed that tourism in the Emirates was growing significantly faster than the world GDP growth average.

“The sector contributed an impressive 14 per cent to the UAE economy in 2012, as compared to the global trend of 9 per cent. It was expected to rise by 3.2 per cent in 2013,” Walsh said. Industry investment, which hit US$22.5 billion in 2012, is set to increase in 2013 by an

In Saudi Arabia, tourism is currently the country’s second largest industry and this has immense significance for the economy as US$80 billion worth of investment into key infrastructure projects will be coming to fruition in the next 10 years.

Offering luxury on the isle Dubai hosts RCI’s cruise line A short-stay visa waiver scheme was started in 2011 to Royal Caribbean International’s Mariner of the Seas, a attract GCC tourists to Ireland. In 2013, Tourism Ireland Voyager class ship, arrived in Dubai on May 21, 2013 launched a UAE sales mission to boost visitor numbers. ending her European tour, and left for Asia the same day.

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s part of its continued focus on the GCC, the mission provided Irish companies a chance to meet with over 60 travel agents from across the UAE. Ten Irish firms comprising five-star hotels, destination management companies and tourist attractions attended a threeday itinerary in the UAE, including workshops with local travel trade held at The Fairmont Hotel, Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s Hilton Hotel.

On March 17, 2013, Tourism Ireland hosted a reception at Burj Al Arab, one of the global landmarks which turned green to cele-

brate St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s national day.

The mission’s clear objective was to promote Ireland’s two major tourism campaigns for 2013 – ‘The Gathering Ireland 2013’ and ‘Derry-Londonderry UK City of Culture 2013’. It trained the spotlight on Ireland’s popular golf and luxury prod-

Thomas Redmond, Trade Marketing Manager, Tourism Ireland in the GCC said, “Irish companies have been working hard to develop their offerings for this region and that this first stand-alone sales mission would add an

The spending power of the traveller from the MENA region makes it an attractive prospect for Irish firms Thomas Redmond Trade Marketing Manager, Tourism Ireland - GCC

ME visitors to Ireland up by 15% The number of visitors to Ireland from the GCC has increased by 15 per cent compared to year-to-date visitor numbers in 2012, new figures released by Tourism Ireland reveal. The number of visit visa applications in 2013 has also risen by 8 per cent, com-

ucts, also focussing on opportunities to learn English as a foreign language.

pared to the same time last year. The increase sees inbound tourism to Ireland from the Middle East continue along its upward growth trajectory. The UAE and Saudi Arabia in particular are priority markets for Tourism Ireland’s focus in the GCC.

impetus to their plans. The spending power of the traveller from the MENA region makes it an attractive prospect for Irish companies.

Ireland’s strong luxury, retail and golf offerings in particular, were well-matched to the travellers needs.”

Ireland rolled out two of its biggest campaigns in 2013, and tourist numbers from the UAE are expected to increase even further.

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ariner of the Seas begins an 11-night cruise from Dubai to Singapore with port calls at Goa, Kochi, Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The ship will join her sister ship, Voyager of the Seas in Asia and offer itineraries ranging from 3 12 nights from China and Singapore to Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea till year end.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director, Royal Caribbean Cruises - Middle East, said, “Guests would enjoy a range of newly enhanced amenities and facilities onboard. Mariner of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships to arrive in Dubai. She is from the Voyager class of ships which revolutionised the cruise industry by introducing active cruise vacations, debuting the first onboard ice-skating rink and rockclimbing wall.”

Dr Ahmad Belhoul, CEO of Strategy & Tourism Sector Development, DTCM said, “Dubai is currently the

Lakshmi Durai Executive Director for Royal Caribbean Cruises in the Middle East

Mariner of the Seas is one of the biggest cruise ships to arrive in Dubai homeport for four luxury cruise lines and features in the itineraries of no less than 20 world’s leading cruise lines. Since Royal Caribbean International first started its operations in the Middle East, choosing Dubai as its homeport in the region, we have developed a highly successful working relationship and are pleased

Dr Ahmad Belhoul CEO of Strategy & Tourism Sector Development, DTCM

Dubai is currently the homeport for four luxury cruise lines to welcome the beautiful ‘Mariner of the Seas’ on its journey to the Far East.”

Dubai is consolidating its position as a destination of choice for cruise tourism. In 2012, it received 105 ship calls carrying almost 408,000 visitors and expects more than 420,000 from 110 ship calls this year.

NTO

JUNE, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Find what you seek in India USA woos ME tourists India Tourism’s new international campaign, ‘Find What Post ATM, Brand USA is buoyant about the prospects for You Seek’, tells tourists that it is India that offers rise in influx of travellers from this region. It expects something for everyone, be it culture, MICE and more. arrivals to reach 55 per cent from the present 10 per cent.

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his is precisely what makes India a truly ‘Incredible’ destination with a range of products found nowhere else.

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

Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director, West Asia & Africa, India Tourism, Dubai, thus spelt out India Tourism’s new campaign, which he said, would help further promote India as a multi-faceted allyear tourist destination.

Rustagi spoke at an ‘Incredible India’ presentation held recently in Dubai, attended by over 250 members of the travel, tourism industry and media.

response Indian exhibitors experienced, including hotels and tour operators, was overwhelming. Huge potential is observed for the luxury segment of the market.

“Our idea is to highlight the huge and diverse product - India, inviting the global tourist to discover and rediscover the country,”

Tourism in India has been increasing steadily over the years. In 2012, the total Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTA) to India stood at 6.65 million as against 6.31 million in 2011. The recent move of the Government of India to lift the restriction of the twomonth gap of re-entry of foreign nationals between two visits on tourist visa is expected to further facilitate travel of international tourists to India.

he asserted, adding that various roadshows in different countries are being organised under the campaign’s umbrella. In this regard, roadshows were held on May 19, 2013 in Jeddah, May 21 in Riyadh and May 22 in Dammam.

Elaborating on India Tourism’s “prominent and successful” participation at Arabian Travel Market 2013, he further informed that the

The Gulf and the ME are important markets for India.

FTA from this region in 2011 registered an overall growth of around 18.5 per cent over the previous year with tourists from the UAE leading the way – up a whopping 46 per cent over the previous year.

S U S M I TA G H O S H

which is breaking into the market. Gray emphasised that awareness about the US was lacking. USA was not promoted all these years, attributed to plain priority and the nature of the market.

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he recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market 2013 saw Brand USA, a public-private partnership dedicated to increasing international visitation to the United States, participate at the region’s premier travel & tourism trade exhibition for the first time ever.

“We will open an office here to push trade talks forward,” informed Jay Gray, Vice-President, Global Partnership Development Brand USA, while revealing the firm’s follow-up measures subsequent to ATM. Developing a comprehensive promotional campaign for online and social media would precede Brand USA’s advertising in different media, he added. Brand USA’s head office in Washington DC, co-ordinates with authorities in the respective states in the US and its various destinations. “However,

Jay Gray Vice-President, Global Partnership Development - Brand USA

We will open an office in the region to push trade talks forward what we target are mainly experiences, rather than just destinations,” Gray stressed.

ATM was a great show, especially for Brand USA

However, since the past 10 years, realisation has dawned that it is time to spread out from traditional destinations like UK, Europe and Canada, which have always been the key target markets for USA, he added.

Need appeared to work more on promotional campaigns in emerging markets such as Brazil, India, China and the Middle East.

Gray promised ATM 2014 would see stronger participation from the US. “We will bring all our stakeholders and partners with us. Before that, we will be working with the trade and coordinating marketing campaigns with them. We need to plan for FAM trips and roadshows,” he concluded.

GUEST COLUMN EDITORIAL Promotions spice up ME summer tourism

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slew of cool offers by airlines and hotels are likely to spice up summer tourism in the Middle East. Many carriers already experienced the strongest traffic growth for any region in March at 15.6 per cent year-on-year, as per statistics released by IATA. The lined up promotions for tourists are enticing. A prominent travel agency group has announced added-value offers to extend their holiday at no additional cost, with added value choices at hotels in Europe, Asia, the Indian Ocean and the UAE and Oman as well.

Another well-known Hotels & Resorts group has revealed its ‘Summer Savings’ promotional programme, predicted to sell 30,000 rooms in 2013, double the rooms sold during the promotion in 2012.

This summer, a Germany-based airline offers more flights than ever from the Middle East to Europe, the Americas and rest of the world via Frankfurt and Munich.

Dubai itself is launching ‘Summer is Dubai,’ a three-month campaign from June 7 to September 7, 2013. This summer, in addition to the popular Dubai Summer Surprises and Modhesh World, a range of world-class events including Dubai Sports World and the Dubai Rock Festival will provide activity and event options.

Haj and Umrah travel generated US$16.5 billion for Saudi Arabia in 2012 and business tourism demand is growing, particularly for Riyadh.

A destination with a difference Sharjah’s tourism authority’s strategy to tap new and emerging tourism markets across the globe is paying off with the Emirate attracting more and more international travellers. In 2012, Sharjah received 1.73 million foreign tourists, an 11 per cent increase, as compared to 2011.

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harjah continues to march on the path of growth.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has posted significant increase in the levels of growth in the tourism sector in the Emirate during the first quarter of 2013, as against the growth recorded during the corresponding period last year.

room nights or overnight stays touched 612,574, as against 539,393 room nights during the same period last year – a 14 per cent increase.

According to our first quarter statistics report, European visitors accounted for 38 per cent of the total number of tourists visiting the Emirate - once again the largest block of tourists that

It is a fact that Sharjah’s diverse tourism experience has put it amongst the world’s favourite tourist destinations Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman, SCTDA This is borne out from the Emirate’s first quarter tourism statistics for 2013 which we released on the sidelines of the recently-concluded Arabian Travel Market held in Dubai.

Our Emirate’s travel & tourism industry, along with the SCTDA, has every reason, therefore, to be in an upbeat mood. We put up a grand show for the 16th year at the exhibition, which had brought together more than 2,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries.

While the 2013 Q1 statistics put the hotel occupancy in the Emirate at over 80 per cent, as compared to 78 per cent in 2012 Q1, the number of hotel guests in Sharjah during this period in 2013 stood at 503,985, as compared to 466,218 during the same period last year - an 8 per cent increase. The hotel

the Emirate attracted.

Travellers from the Arab Gulf or GCC states stood second at 34 per cent of the tourism market share. Asian tourists ranked third at 14 per cent of the share, while tourists from other Arab countries stood at 10 per cent. The visitors from the CIS nations, Americas, Africa and the Pacific countries contributed 4 per cent to the tourism market.

The number of hotel establishments in the Emirate now stands at 101 (46 hotels and 55 hotel apartments) with a combined total of 9,093 rooms. More hotels and apartment hotels are set to join in the next stage to boost the hospitality sector and its capacity.

The future of the tourism industry in the Emirate is bright. A number of hotels and resorts are getting ready to take on the challenge of the

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SanJeet Sumeera Bahl Deepa Sethi Susmita Ghosh Archana Sharma Ramya J.S. D’Rozario Ruchi Sinha / NN Misra Geetika Pathak Ashok Rana Anil Kharbanda

Durga Das Publications Private Limited Printed at System Graphics India Pvt. Ltd. A-1, Naraina Industrial Area, Phase-I, New Delhi - 28 India

Sharjah has won itself a number of accolades and awards, notably the UNESCO’s declaration of Sharjah as the Capital of Arab Culture in 1998 and the OIC’s selection of the Emirate as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014.

Last year, the Arab tourism ministers nominated the Emirate as the Capital of Arab Tourism for 2015.

The single most pertinent reason for Sharjah establishing itself as a destination with a difference for international travellers and families is its unique approach to tourism with its world-class cultural and family festivals. We have showcased this aspect at international events and exhibitions in good measure.

With a number of ambitious tourism projects being undertaken in the Emirate, including Chedi Khorfakkan Luxury Resort and Spa which will include 212 luxury suites and the massive Kalba ecotourism project on the East Coast, exciting times lie ahead.

The SCTDA has been working in co-operation with all stakeholders, both public and private, to boost and upgrade the tourism industry infrastructure and facilities in the Emirate according to international standards.

Over the past several years, the Authority has successfully showcased Sharjah’s tourism sector at major international forums and trade exhibitions besides hosting roadshows across Europe, Middle East and Asia.

Festivals like the Sharjah Light Festival and Sharjah Water Festival and various other world-class

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

The Grand Millennium Dubai hotel won three top honours at the MENA Travel Awards 2013, including Gold for Best Fine Dining Restaurant for Toshi, Platinum for Best Price Value Hotel and Silver for Best Spa for Jasmine Spa. The hotel team was led by Peter Mansourian, General Manager. “These prestigious awards are an indication of our hard work and perseverance in the pursuit of delivering best service to our valued guests.”

Offices: TRAVTALK is published

by SanJeet on behalf of

I am pleased to state that healthy investments made in the Emirate’s hospitality sector in recent years will ensure that its hotel room occupancy capacity will leapfrog to 12,000 rooms over the next three years. These 2013 Q1 statistics are a reflection of the positive development witnessed by the tourism sector in Sharjah and the path to excellence that the Emirate has been pursuing.

events have attracted thousands of tourists from across the world. It is a fact that Sharjah’s diverse tourism experience has put it amongst the world’s favourite tourist destinations.

However, I must state that these positive results and increasing number of international arrivals add to the challenges and responsibilities of all players and actors within the tourism industry.

Awards galore for Grand Millenium Dubai

Travel and tourism are directly contributing US$76.6 billion to the Gross Domestic Products in the Middle East and is forecast to rise by 4.2 per cent in 2013. All these developments support an optimistic forecast for summer tourism in the region this year.

Publisher Director Editor Assistant Editor (ME) Desk Editor Sub Editor Design Manager Advertising Circulation Manager Manager Production

increasing number of international visitors.

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COVER STORY

JUNE, 2013

Leisure rules Middle East this summer Contd. from page 1

headquartered in Dubai.

There is an increase in holiday plans for summer 2013 compared to last year.

several promotions lined up for summer. We expect a positive response to our offers and a boost to our bookings ahead.”

The Tilal Liwa Hotel has proven as an ideal destination for a desert escape for weekenders. The 111-room Tilal Liwa Hotel is a favourite destination of both business and leisure travellers. The property unveiled its summer campaign, targetting guests from UAE and the GCC region to enjoy traditional Arabian hospitality at prices starting from AED444/ on weekends and AED 555/ on weekdays.

The summer package includes a stay at a desert view room with breakfast for two adults and two children below the age of 12 years.

Guests can engage in fun activities including quad biking, dune drives, sand boarding, stargazing, camel rides and more.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel elucidated, “We are very happy to announce our summer campaign. We always look for ways to create

Fatima Hafid

Mohammed Ashfaq

Marketing Manager, International Travel Services

Manager - B2B Sales (GCC) Galileo Travels

We will consolidate our presence in markets like China, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Latin America affordable packages which appeal to our valued customers and provide delightful experiences.”

Our target is anyone who can nip the holidays in connection with their annual vacations to India

ITS Holidays, the Holiday wing of International Travel Services (ITS), an IATA approved travel agency is

Online path to success Bin Majid Tours is buoyant about business in 2013 as it is all set to activate its instant booking and confirmation-enabling B2B online system to help generate more business.

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Al Khaimah, which has a lot of attractions - both cultural and educational - to offer.

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ith the advent of the summer season, Bin Majid Tours launched its ‘Summer Promotion’, which includes free services for children, special discounts on excursions and offers on room stays of five nights and above.

Hassan Ali, General Manager, Bin Majid Tours informed, “We are expecting a busy summer as a lot of travellers, especially families from the region, are choosing Dubai as their summer destination because of activity and entertainment galore that the city has on offer.”

“The company had a very successful participation at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. It was an ideal platform to showcase their products and services to a wider market,” informed Ali, who added that the company forged new partnerships, mainly from the GCC and MENA regions.

2012 was an excellent year for Bin Majid Tours, business being up by 40 per cent as compared to 2011.

This gives the company the confidence to target 60 per cent more business in 2013 than what was achieved in 2012.

Hassan Ali General Manager Bin Majid Tours

The company had a very successful participation at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai Going forward, the company is working on special tours to other emirates like Ras

The company’s future plans include attracting new markets like Central Africa, South America, the Far East, especially Japanese tourists.

Increased number of visitors are expected from these countries, as we are building their interest in the country as a leisure destination.

One of the biggest challenges for the company is the availability of rooms, especially lastminute bookings. However, with the rapport built with hotels and contracts entered into special rates and room allotments, make Bin Majid Tours meet the demands of their clients per se with ease.

“Planned promotions for summer this year will include Rail Packages by Rail Europe, Fix group departures for NRI’s with SOTC and special destinations for FIT. Exclusive packages will be offered to leisure travellers. For our B2B agents, special promotions will be announced accordingly, pronounced Fatima Hafid, Marketing Manager, International Travel Services (ITS).

“Our packages offer options for every kind of holiday-makers and all nationalities with special packages to NRI’s ‘Non Residents Indians’ and UAE Nationals.”

Discussing the future plans, Hafid added, “We will consolidate our presence in markets like China, Russia, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Latin America.

Planning for specialisation in Medical Tourism and Students Packages are on the cards, along with online technology platform upgradation and working with banks, help travellers buy tickets in monthly installments.”

Galileo Travels’ approaches and efforts are lined up to create a drift among the travellers from GCC to choose the countryside or a village rather than a city, where they will feel absolutely detached from the bustle of the city, even if it’s for two nights.

Mohammed Ashfaq, Manager - B2B Sales (GCC), Galileo Travels stated, “We are already in the market with summer offers and promotions. These are affordable luxury vacations, 'stay' cations to exotic locations in India-Kashmir, south India and the beaches of Goa starting from USD 99 per person per day. The target being anyone from an Arab, expats in GCC and potential NRI's, who can nip the holidays in connection with their annual vacations to India. Besides, we have weekend set out getaways.”

Galileo Travels’ have just expanded operations to GCC in 2013. It’s adding new destinations in India to stay well connected with GCC, and restore the holiday experiences.

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Turkish Airlines adds 5 new destinations Turkish Airlines adds five new destinations this May. The Airline adds operations to Isparta (Turkey), Santiago De Compostela (Spain), Valetta (Malta) and Salzburg (Austria), following the addition of Friedrichshafen to its growing network on May 2.

From May 20, 2013, roundtrip flights between Istanbul and Isparta (Turkey) will be operated three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Introductory round trip fares are available from Istanbul to Isparta (Turkey) starting at 158 TL (including taxes and fees). With existing services to Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Malaga and Bilbao, Turkish Airlines adds flights to Santiago De Compostela as its 6th destination in Spain.

Beginning May 21, Santiago De Compostela flights will be operated three times per week on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays in both directions.

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AVIATION

TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

34% profit hike for Emirates Group

Strongest Q1 results in 2013

The Emirates Group announced its 25th consecutive year of profit and company-wide growth ending the 2012-13 financial in a strong position, despite continuing high fuel prices and a weak global economic environment.

The AED 3.1 billion (US$ 845 million) net profit posted by the Group was up 34 per cent from 2012. The financial year also ended with some very positive newly reached capacity milestones throughout the business.

“Achieving our 25th consecutive year of profit in a financial year with our largest ever increase in capacity across the network is an achievement that speaks to the strength of our brands and our leadership,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.

The 2012-13 financial year saw the Airline’s revenue touch a record high of AED 73.1 billion (US$ 19.9

Etihad Airways recorded its strongest ever passenger and cargo results for Q1 2013, with the Airline posting passenger revenues of US$900 million over US$758 million in 2012, an increase of 19 per cent.

T T B U R E AU Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum Chairman and Chief Executive Emirates Airline and Group

billion), up 17 per cent as compared to 2011-12. The Airline’s profit at AED 2.3 billion (US$ 622 million) was up 52 per cent over last year’s results. The Airline added 34 new aircraft during 2012-13, with a further 198 aircraft on order worth over US$ 71 billion.

Carrying a record 39.4 million passengers, an increase of 16 per cent, Emirates logged a robust Passenger Seat Factor at 80 per cent, remaining consistent with last year’s results.

Emirates’ Destination and Leisure Management, including hotels saw a revenue of AED 460 million (US$ 125 million), up 15 per cent over 2012.

partnerships and strategic equity investments is delivering for us and our partners.”

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ith the celebration of its 10th anniversary of operations, Etihad Airways posted cargo revenues of US$193 million over US$165 million in 2012, an increase of 17 per cent.

The passenger numbers in Q1 2013 grew by 18 per cent, rising from 2.3 million to a record 2.8 million. The average seat factor was 80.5 per cent, compared to 76.5 per cent in 2012, despite a 12 per cent increase in capacity.

The seat factor is above IATA’s current global average of 77.1 per cent.

Revenue from codeshare and equity partners jumped by 34 per cent from US$136 million to US$182 million in the first three months of the year and represented 20 per cent of total revenue in the quarter.

James Hogan President and Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways

Increasing top-line revenue, our equity partnerships will improve bottom-line results, through cost savings

“Our Q1 2013 results have again outstripped global trends with our strongest ever first quarter results for passenger revenue,” said James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “This performance demonstrates that Etihad Airways’ strategy of organic growth, wide-ranging

“Increasing top-line revenue, our equity partnerships will improve bottom-line results, through cost savings delivered by operational synergies,” Hogan added.

Etihad Airways’ equity alliance comprises airberlin, Air Seychelles, Virgin Australia and Aer Lingus.

Each airline announced profitable results during the first quarter of 2013, which demonstrates the success of this new alliance model for all the member airlines. The new twice-weekly freighter

operation from Houston to Abu Dhabi enhanced the results.

Etihad Cargo also took delivery of a new Boeing 777 Freighter, which was deployed on European and African routes during the quarter. A second Boeing 747 freighter entered the fleet at the end of March, taking the total cargo fleet to eight aircraft.

During Q1 2013 Etihad Airways’ achievements included ‘Big Switch’ to new SabreSonic passenger sales system, website and checkin system, launch of daily flights to Washington D.C., on March 31 and the opening of the new premium lounge at Dulles International Airport. It also included announcement of daily flights to Amsterdam from May 15, 2013 and opening of US$8 million first class and business class lounge in Paris.

Year of growth for Qatar 3 times rise in capacity The opening day of ATM saw Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways announcing the Dohabased carrier’s route expansion across three continents, together with a sizeable increase in capacity to Pakistan.

The new 100,000 sqm Queen Alia International Airport is capable of catering to a steady flow of Jordan's passenger traffic. It projects the airport’s annual capacity from 3.5 million passengers to 9 million and later to 12 million.

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atar Airways is significantly increasing capacity to Pakistan. From its current 17 flights each week across four cities of Karachi, Islamabad, Lahore and Peshawar, beginning June 1, 2013, Qatar Airways has stepped up frequency to Pakistan by 60 per cent to 28 flights each week.

While Karachi is up from daily to double daily, Lahore is up from four to seven flights a week and Peshawar up an additional flight to three services each week.

Al Baker predicted that 2013 would be the year of growth in the Middle East with five of their eight scheduled route launches in the region alone.“Yet again,

Qatar Airways is bucking the trend across the industry, demonstrating that we are resilient in times of global economic graveness.

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et to introduce an exceptional traveller experience, the Kingdom's newest terminal is equipped with the latest technologies and automation systems to maximise efficiency, security and

Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways (left) announces the airline’s expansion plans during a press conference on the opening day of ATM 2013 in Dubai

As others are cutting back, we see the opportunities to expand our global footprint," he said.

In line with the carrier's sustained aggressive growth strategy, the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa will become its 20th destination in the African continent, launching on September 18, 2013 followed by Clark International Airport in the Philippines from October 28. Effective March 1, 2014, Philadelphia will become the airline's fifth US gateway.

"We stepped up capacity to the United States, introducing Chicago as our fourth

US gateway in April 2013 and will now add Philadelphia in 2014. Philadelphia is one of the major hubs of the soonto-be-merged American Airlines/US Airways and will provide Qatar Airways' customers with onward connections to over 100 cities across the US,” he added.

He also gave an update on the reintroduction of the carrier's five Boeing 787 Dreamliners, the first of which resumed flights on the Doha-Dubai route, with gradual phasing in over the next few weeks of the other aircraft on long-haul routes like London Heathrow, Munich, Frankfurt and Zurich.

ter in Jordan's aviation industry and economic development. With its advanced capabilities, the airport will play a major role in placing Jordan on the map as an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers and convenient transfer hub, bolstering

The airport will play a major role in placing Jordan on the map as an ideal choice for leisure and business travellers Kjeld Binger CEO, AIG service quality. It features a larger check-in area, clearly marked signage, modern flight information monitors, comfortable seating, a larger duty-free area and a wider variety of food and beverage outlets, among other greatly enhanced features.

"The official launch of the new Queen Alia International Airport terminal marks an important chap-

the kingdom's tourism and business traffic," said Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG. The Jordanian consortium, Airport International Group (AIG), responsible for the rehabilitation, expansion and operation of the Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA) had announced the launch of the new QAIA terminal's full operations on March 21, 2013, following an

eight-hour overnight transfer that took place the prior evening. The transfer process ended when the old terminals' Dubai-bound flydubai took off at 10:15 pm and the new terminal's first official flight, inbound RJ, landed at 11:00 pm.

The new airport underwent intense testing for operational readiness prior to the transfer, thus ensuring smooth system integration and flow.

Inaugurated under the patronage of King Abdullah II on March 14, 2013, the new terminal had kicked off its soft opening on March 3 by running select commercial flights.

Hi-Tech Features It features a larger checkin area, clearly marked signage, modern flight information monitors, comfortable seating, a larger duty-free area and a wider variety of food and beverage outlets, among others

TECHNOLOGY

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7

Saudi tops outbound chart Verchaska & dnata together Amadeus Air Traffic Travel Intelligence Solution reports Verchaska, an India-based travel technology provider, is that Saudi Arabia, UAE & Qatar account for over 53 per well connected with Dubai. They have signed up with cent of passengers travelling from Middle East in 2012. dnata, a Destination Management firm in Dubai.

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hile Saudi Arabia and the UAE emerged as the leading countries in the region in terms of air traffic volume in 2012, Qatar posted the strongest growth.

In terms of growth rates, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar enjoyed an average of 10 per cent growth rate in air traffic volume in 2012 as compared to 2011. According to the report released during the ATM 2013, it is much ahead of 2 per cent growth across the region.

Antoine Medawar, Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus, commented, “These findings provided a clear snapshot of trends in air traffic volume in the Middle East – a market that was rapidly evolving.”

Antoine Medawar Vice-President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus

According to the analysis, 52.8 million of the total 99 million Middle East travellers, whose point of departure originated from the Middle East in 2012, come from these three countries.

“We are confident that such insights will better place decision makers to respond to the different dynamics in their airline's operations,” he further said.

With 25 million passengers starting their journey from Saudi Arabia, constituting 25 per cent of the outbound air traffic from the region - puts the country in the lead. The UAE is a close second with 23.1 million passengers, 23 per cent of the regional market share, and Qatar with 4.74 million travellers at 5 per cent of the region’s air traffic market, comes third.

However, Qatar led the way in terms of passenger volume growth.

“A predominant factor that fed the demand on certain intercontinental routes, particularly those that connect the GCC to Europe and South Asia, was the growing macroeconomic significance of the region,” Medawar added.

Doha, Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s infrastructure helped develop them as global travel hubs.

Old bonds & new ties Travelport, a leading provider of processing solutions and data for the travel industry and Al-Futtaim Travel, recently announced the renewal of their partnership and a new initiative to boost the latter’s online presence.

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them to make the most of this opportunity now and in the future,” Saab added. Under the umbrella of its new ‘Inspire’ brand campaign, Travelport led the technology debate at the ATM 2013.

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he new pact will see AlFuttaim Travel have access to Travelport’s latest online and offline technology solutions, including Travelport Universal API, as well as online consultancy services for another three years.

“Travelport’s key objective has been to support travel providers like AlFuttaim Travel in this fast changing and dynamic industry,” said Rabih Saab, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport.

Travelport’s position as the regional expert in online travel technology is underlined by the acquisition of AlFuttaim Travel’s online business, which is a key focus of the renewed partnership. For a vibrant and dynamic travel management company like AlFuttaim Travel, it’s about mak-

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

ing the most of the online opportunity, which is a key business focus for them as well. Recent research cosponsored by Travelport, titled ‘Assessing the Online Travel Opportunity: The Middle East’, which was carried out by PhoCusWright across 10 Middle East Countries, showed that online sales are expected to reach $15.8bn by 2014.

“We are hence working very closely with our customers to share our online expertise and industry-leading technology solutions to enable

Travelport unveiled the new and improved ‘Travelport Rooms and More’ – its hotel booking engine.

The new features include a fresh look and feel, improved functionality and a new userfriendly interface. Another innovation that Travelport showcased was Travelport Merchandising Platform, which was launched in the lead-up to the exhibition.

The event saw visitors to the Travelport stand ‘Inspire’ by interactive showcases of Travelport’s agency solutions, including Travelport Smartpoint App, Travelport’s powerful point of sale solution and Travelport Mobile Agent, the Travelport app for agents’ onthe-go. Visitors were seen trying and testing Travelport’s Tablet technology at its stand.

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we expect to close four more deals in next 4 - 5 months.

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Sanskrit name meaning ‘illumination’, Verchaska is also known as ve.com.

Verchaska is also in discussion with the second largest Destination Management Company in the region.

“We are marketing in the Middle East for about a year and half now and have signed with dnata in October 2012.

We are working on a big and challenging project for them, building a B2B engine for the Iraq market. It’s not an easy project as it’s a complex market. We are carrying out virtual interlining, virtual training and virtual hubs for them, so that one can cross and book a combined ticket with a full cost carrier along with low cost carrier,” explained Amitabh Mendiratta, VP – International Sales, Verchaska Infotech Ltd. Having a solution is very different from implementing a solution. “This is where our biggest expertise

“It’s easy to have IT programmes, but it is not easy to get good programmers. It is a complex platform, not just because of our own technology, but because we interface with more than 65 suppliers.

Amitabh Mendiratta VP – International Sales Verchaska Infotech Ltd

lies. Over the years, we have worked with travel agents and GDSs like Amadeus.

Amadeus is a network provider and also a customer of ours. They have implemented our tool ‘print my trip’ – an itinerary manager for agencies. They liked it and hence it was launched in Asia Pacific last year,” he added.

Beyond India, Verchaska’s list of customers consist of the largest hotel consolidator in Kuwait, and

It’s not enough for us to know our system, but be an expert on the supplier system and we must know how to integrate and manipulate data, and showcase it to our customers,” he said.

Since its inception in 2000, Verchaska is focussed on creating and delivering critical software solutions and services that range from web-based integrated business platforms to complex e–commerce solutions for travel companies.

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TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

ATM 2013 shares recipe for success with Arabian Travel Market 2013 clubbed together inbound and outbound professionals in the travel & tourism sectors. Speakers at the sessions concurred on the contribution of partnership as a recipe for success - all working together to support growth. Reflecting the boom in the sector was the rapid progress of the ATM itself, with over 3,000 exhibitors from 87 countries booking a collective 22,000 sqm of exhibition floor space.

FAMILY ALBUM

the travel trade

JUNE, 2013

TRAVTALK

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10

HOTELS

TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

Citymax makes ‘Landmark’ in GCC The Landmark Group-owned budget hotel brand, Citymax Hotels has aggressive GCC expansion plans on the anvil, which will see the Group’s property count in the region rising to 15 in the next five to seven years.

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passed on to their valued guests,” he further said.

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itymax Hotels currently operates three properties in the UAE – two in Dubai and one in Sharjah. “Buoyed by the consistently expectation-exceeding performances of their current properties, the Group is taking the same business model to the GCC with a view to address the significant demand that exists for value-driven and mid-market hotels in the region,” mentioned Russel G H Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer-Hospitality Division, Landmark Group.

“Business has grown at a good 45 per cent during 2012. Customers are a mixed lot, coming from China, Japan and all the CIS countries and India where roadshows have been run in tandem with Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM),” he added.

“Citymax Hotels has stuck to its fundamental policy of offering its patrons

“We have tied up with tour operators and wholesalers. They bring in our volumes, as a result of which we benefit from a regular inflow of tourists,” Sharpe emphasised.

Russel G H Sharpe Chief Operating Officer-Hospitality Division, Landmark Group

Customers are a mixed lot, coming from China, Japan and all the CIS countries and India 4-star facilities at 3-star tariffs – factors that have generated loyalty over the years,” explained Praveen Bhatnagar, CEO–Hotels and

Praveen Bhatnagar CEO–Hotels and Wellness Landmark Group

Citymax Hotels stuck to its policy of offering 4-star facilities at 3-star tariffs Wellness, Landmark Group.

“The smart yet stylish hotel chain dispenses with nonessential, costly frills, and savings thus accrued, are

“We recently hosted regular leisure travellers from among the Indian Jain community for whom our chefs prepared special food according to their customs.

We also include south Indian cuisine in our breakfast menus, and are quite flexible in trying to meet the needs of our customers, unlike international operators,” Sharpe added.

The loyalty thus generated, is retained through tailor-made packages like the Hotel’s ‘Inner Circle’ (loyalty programme) which incorporates special tariff on online bookings and facilities like concierge services, and portals that help customers in the purchase of electronics goods.

Sofitel to launch new resort this summer Sofitel Luxury Hotels continues to grow its portfolio in the Middle East as it prepares for the opening of its Polynesian themed resort, Sofitel The Palm Dubai this summer. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, the hotel boasts 361 island chic inspired guest rooms and suites, as well as 182 fully serviced apartments. Trumping a total of 100,000 sqm, Sofitel The Palm Dubai’s distinct French luxury offering is embraced by rich and iconic elements of Polynesian culture and civilisation.

Leisure traffic on the rise Green hotel wins hearts in ME The leisure segment of Danat Hotels & Resorts has recorded a 10 per cent increase during a time when hotel occupancies have gone up by 7 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2012.

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Tweeting our strategies and pricing and promotions/offers for our guests is our way of being transparent and building a close rapport with them,”

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he trend, thus far of 75 per cent of Danat Hotels & Resorts’ revenues coming from business traffic and the rest from leisure, has shifted towards the latter in 2013 Q1.

Danat Hotels & Resorts’ (DH&R) six properties have traditionally been popular with visitors from the GCC, Britain, Germany, China, Russia, India and from even the Emirates.

“With the peak season drawing to a close, we have launched our Summer Promotions which will run till August-end. This will ensure that a large share of visitors to Abu Dhabi will continue to be drawn to taste our unique hospitality offerings spread across our hotels’ different segments, especially through the Holy Month of Ramadan,” said Walid Nicolas Harouni, Hotels Division Director of Danat Hotels & Resorts (DH&R) – a division of NCT&H.

Walid Nicolas Harouni Hotels Division – Director Danat Hotels & Resorts

Many of their guests comprise those from the GCC who come over for the weekends to Abu Dhabi. “Since 2010, we have seen an increase in the number of visitors availing our special promotions/packages during Spring, Summer, Ramadan and Eid,” added Harouni.

“We are a regional group and because of our compact size, we can pay better attention to our guests. We are able to take quick decisions in doing exactly what needs to be done to exceed their expectations.

Located in the business hub of Dubai is Tamani Hotel-Marina, a hotel that delivers on eco-friendliness.

No surprise, that it has won a MENA travel award for the best environmentalist hotel for the 2nd straight year.

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t the 8th Annual Middle East and North Africa Travel Awards evening held on May 8, 2013, Tamani Hotel-Marina won the silver award for the best environmentalist hotel.

Harouni further said.

Eight per cent of DH&R’s business comes from travel agents. FAM trips are regularly organised for travel agents, besides, international campaigns to market the brand in CIS countries, Russia, China, Germany, London, Riyadh and roadshows with various tourism boards are an ongoing exercise.

The new brand Danat Residence would be adding 200 rooms in 2013 Q4. A new 200-room hotel in the western region of Abu Dhabi is also on the anvil.

ronment-friendly practices that the hotel has initiated.

are the best place in the UAE for families to be.”

“This was our second participation at the event and we won for the second consecutive year.

Tamani Hotel-Marina has, therefore, carved a niche for itself by catering to the taste of visitors from the GCC, CIS nations like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, not forgetting the UAE nationals, besides those who appreciate authentic Arabic flavour from European countries like the UK and Germany.

It means a lot to be recognised by the region’s travellers and being highly appreciated by both regional and international travel and hospitality industries,” Al-Awa emphasised.

Walid Al-Awa General Manager Tamani Hotel-Marina

“We have designed an e-brochure as we no longer print them,” says Walid Al-Awa, General Manager, Tamani Hotel-Marina, speaking about the various envi-

The hotel has also thrown its hat into the competition this year for the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award where commitment to environment is among the major achievements that will be up for grabs.

“We are looking at efficient AC consumption,” he added. “As a family hotel, we

International campaigns have been run to market the brand and recent roadshows have been held in Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Besides, FAM trips for travel agents, who bring in almost 30 per cent of the hotel’s business, are being scheduled.

While the performance of the hotel has been steady, as is reflected in the modest 5-6 per cent increase in room occupancies in 2013 Q1, over 2012, the hotel’s revenues have seen a 10-15 per cent increase in 2013 Q1, over 2012.

FAMILY ALBUM

JUNE, 2013

TRAVTALK

11

India - A 360-day destination for all ATM 2013 showcased innumerable products of ‘Incredible India’ to depict India as a versatile destination. An ‘Incredible India’ presentation was held at the Address Dubai Mall Hotel on May 7, 2013, attended by over 250 members of the travel, tourism industry and media. The campaign ‘Find What You Seek,’ highlighted that tourists can find the destination or product of their desire in India.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

Heritage Collection houses Dubai’s colours Inspired by old Dubai’s heritage, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa has offered ‘The Heritage Collection’ - a window to the magical yet pulsating life style of Dubai’s rich bygone era. It’s a combination of guest houses - The Orient Guest House, Barjeel Heritage Guest house, Ahmedia Heritage Guest. All are uniquely defined by the distinctive cultural flare for design, style and modern comforts to cater to both tourists and business travellers.

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mphasising more on preserving New Dubai’s history rather than creating history, we have come up with the first attempt to reinforce and restructure the Arabian Courtyard Hotel. We tried to bring the same characteristics, flavour and fragrance of the exterior of the historic era inside the hotel like the Museum, Rulers Court, Grand Mosque, Dubai Creek, Souk,” informed Habib Khan, General Manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa. The Arabian theme continues in line with the tourists’ liking. With the overwhelming demand and response from westernised tourists, the Orient Guest House became the first venture of the Heritage Collection, which opened in 2006. The Orient Guest House located in historic

compliment the characteristics of the place, the furniture is handmade to suit the purpose. So we tried to impart original characteristics to the place as much as possible. It has not been an easy job for us. We have gone through all the procedures just as the 4/5 star hotels,” Khan added.

Bastakiya area at Downtown Dubai, which offers guests the glorious past with 11 Arabian styled rooms, a majlis (lounge).

Next, the Barjeel, is one of the few Wind Towers in this ever changing city, stands out in the neighborhood.

Each room at the Barjeel Heritage Guest House seems like a journey into mystical ‘Arabian night’, located in the heart of the ancient township by the water front.

Ahmedia Heritage Guest House comes next an oasis of calm in the bustle of the city. Its traditional Persian architectural creation was used for many centuries to provide natural ventilation in closed spaces as an escape from the extreme desert heat.

Habib Khan General Manager at Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

We tried to impart original characteristics to the place as much as possible. It has not been an easy job for us

“It’s refurnished and redesigned to match and

Travel agents play a key role for our success. A lot of business comes from online travel agents. A special room rate offer has been introduced recently for the travel agents to feel and touch the product. FAM trips are taking place almost every month with the agents pouring in from overseas.

Named after the Guest House, the Barjeel Al Arab Restaurant is located near the water front overlooking the Creek side, neighbouring the historic old souk and the bustling financial

district. The view of Dhows in the creek and the sound of prayer from the mosque nearby gives one an experience of traditional Arabia.

“Arabic hospitality, being the most important factor of the Arabian culture, offers the taste buds a variety of flavours.

Recently, we launched the Emirati breakfast in Barjeel Heritage House. It took around 2 and half months for research, and the food, recipes and cooking methods are close to perfection,” he further updated.

Heritage houses are for adventurous people who have a diversified approach to life. Luxury for them is not the only viewpoint.

These places are planned in such a way where there are no taxi stands, no parking area.

According to Khan, those who love different cultures and are from Western

Europe like UK, Germany, Austria, France, Scandinavia and Belgium constitute 80 to 85 per cent of the occupancies and the remaining 15 per cent from the Arab World. Occupancy has increased from 10 to 15 per cent in 2012 over 2011. The dramatic growth is observed in November and December 2012, and that’s still continuing, and around 7 to 8 per cent increase in RevPar.

Agents’ Special Travel agents play a key role for our success. A lot of business comes from online travel agents A special room rate offer has been introduced recently for the travel agents to feel and touch the product FAM trips are taking place almost every month with the agents pouring in from overseas

Ramee now in 5-star league Strong show at ATM 2013 UAE’s Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts, a mid-market frontrunner, marks its debut presence in the five-star league with the launch of Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa in Bahrain, set to open in August this year.

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the region. A FAM trip to Bahrain is being scheduled to introduce the fraternity to the new property,” Shetty further informed.

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ach room at 48 sqm, is spacious, keeping luxury in mind. Ramee Grand Hotel and Spa will be Bahrain’s tallest five-star hotel with 166 deluxe rooms and suites with a host of dining options.

The Ramee Group selected Bahrain for its fivestar property, as the kingdom is strategically positioned in the heart of the Gulf, between the markets of Europe and Asia. Bahrain has strong sea and air links to markets around the world and has also developed outstanding regional road connections that can access over 30 million-strong Gulf market.

“The Ramee Group’s new 5-star property’s uniqueness is its prime location at the upcoming Seef district in Bahrain and proximity to the leading shopping malls of the city,” informed Shantharam Shetty, Group General Manager, Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts.

Shantharam Shetty Group General Manager Ramee Group of Hotels and Resorts

“The first five-star property of the Ramee Group is well-equipped to cater to both leisure and MICE segments in the kingdom and beyond,” he added.

The Group’s marketing strategy is aimed at attracting customers from both the GCC and the European markets.

“Our network of travel agents spread in GCC, bring us 50 per cent of all our business in

The five-star segment is new for the Group, but it would continue its focus on three- and four- star hotels and apartments. In Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, the focal point is on furnished service apartments.

The next five-star properties on the anvil are one in Dubai’s Business Bay and a second on Abu Dhabi’s Reem Island. The Group will open six more five-star properties - two in the UAE, another in Bahrain and three in India. At the same time, the Group is developing nine more threeand four-star hotels in these three countries.

The Dubai-based Group has currently 37 properties in operation, including hotels, hotel apartments and resorts in the UAE, Bahrain, Oman and India.

With the partners in the destination’s pavilion, Abu Dhabi’s busiest ever ATM participation reflects recent strides in the Emirate’s tourism offering, according to Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

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t was our most active participation yet with 52 pavilion co-sharers offering almost 90 product lines, at least a third of which were new-to-market,” explained Mubarak Al Nuaimi, Director - Promotions and Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi. “It

Mubarak Al Nuami Director - Promotions & Overseas Offices, TCA Abu Dhabi

was also our most animated pavilion till date with a range of heritage activities, attractions, as did our F1 simulator challenge, the photobooth

opportunities offered by our partners Yas Island and the character participation of animals from Al Ain Zoo and spaceman drivers from Yas Marina Circuit.”

The activity attracted people to the stand and the smaller partners benefitted from the increased footfall.

“Given the response, we will endeavour to leverage powerful activations at all our worldwide promotions,” he added.

“From cruise, to conferences, from leisure to activity breaks, the breadth of enquiries was greater than ever and leads us to believe that the ratio of business to leisure tourism stays in the Emirate is shifting

–in this particular aspect, the show as a game-changer for us,” said Al Nuaimi. “We were also encouraged by the much increased interest from the media in the Emirate’s tourism offering with scheduled interviews covering broadcast, print and online from the Gulf, Latin America, the UK, Czech Republic, Russia and Germany.”

Saudi Arabia is currently Abu Dhabi’s sixth largest overseas source market for hotel guests. In the first two months of 2013, some 12,322 Saudis stayed in the Emirate’s 141 hotels and hotel apartments and delivered 27,256 guest nights. They stayed, on average, 2.25 nights.

Together with Yas Waterworld, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi recently launched a Yas Park Pass, a dual-combo deal that gives guests access to both parks on one ticket.

FAMILY ALBUM

JUNE, 2013

TRAVTALK

13

ME steals the show at World Travel Awards The World Travel Awards celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2013 at a ceremony held at Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa Dubai on May 5, 2013. It celebrated brands that set the product and service benchmark to which all others in the travel industry aspire to achieve. The Middle East was the perfect region to mark the start of WTA 2013 Grand Tour, and raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism.

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STATISTICS

TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

Saudi: Top spender among emerging markets Despite the climate of economic uncertainty, it is expected that leisure travel will continue to grow in 2013, with intended future travel on the rise. Among the emerging markets that are most likely to spur this growth, Saudi Arabia tops the list.

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hile much of the population from these emerging markets have yet to experience their first holiday, the intention to travel is high.

travel budgets of those from the emerging markets are also high with two of the top three spenders hailing from the emerging markets, namely Saudi Arabia (US$6,666) and China (US$3,824).

Hike in spend Today’s typical traveller spent an average of US$2,390 on their last trip, and this figure is only expected to grow further. While Australian travellers are among the top spenders on the global stage,

Travel agents to benefit At the same time, the demand for travel agents is likely to go up as travellers start venturing into destinations in the developing world such as Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Visits to these Middle Eastern coun-

tries are likely to be done through organised tours rather than independent tours. While 70 per cent of travellers book their trips independently, the need for travel agents still exists, particularly in emerging markets where people are

more willing to pay for a third party agent to plan their trips.

Travellers from Africa and the Middle East like to travel further and longer of at least two weeks. They are more willing to pay for personalised tours.

Top 5 spenders

Last trip:

Future spend % change:

Did You Know?

Saudi Arabia

Australia

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia

(484)

(450)

(422)

(309)

$6666 -17%

$4118 9%

$3824 18%

Average number of nights at destination

10

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AME

15

$2888

52%

-13%

(214)

and budgets are set to increase

While 70% of travellers book their trips independently, the need for travel agents still exists, particularly in emerging markets where people are more willing to pay for a third party agent to plan their trips.

APAC

$2956

Outlook for travel is optimistic: travel

Travel agents are still valued Global

Saudi Arabia

Travellers from Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East are most reliant on traditional sources when planning and booking. Although online sources are popular in Asia Pacific, traditional guidebooks and magazines still hold influence. The opinion of friends and relatives has a particularly high sway on the destination choices of people in Africa and the Middle East, where booking online is often seen as complex.

Europe

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With this comes an increased willingness to spend as budget is now less of a concern in destination choice than it has been in the past.

I am going to travel more in the future Global Strongly Disagree Strongly Agree 5.3

Packaged or Guided tours Won’t mind paying more for someone to arrange my holidays

30%

35%

35%

25% Saudi Arabia

38%

36%

55%

29%

Egypt

5.9

Brazil

Travel arrangements for last trip

5.9

6.1 China

6

The Visa Global Travel Intentions Survey 2013 was commissioned by Visa to Millward Brown. The survey was conducted with 12,631 travellers* aged 18 years and above, across 25 countries.

MOVEMENTS Hilton Worldwide Middle East & Africa Egypt & Levant

JUNE, 2013

TRAVTALK

15

Royal Rose Hotel Dubai

Grand Millennium Dubai UAE

Gianni Malerba joins the Royal Rose Hotel as the new General Manager of the property. He brings with him over 28 years of experience acquired in international groups like Starwood, Millennium, Grand Hyatt and Warwick International. Prior to joining Royal Rose Hotel, he was the General Manager at Grand Excelsior Hotels, Managing Director for TMC International Hotels & Resorts, and has completed his stint at properties in Croatia, England and Morocco as the General Manager.

Vanessa Waldow has been appointed as the Director of Sales & Marketing of the Grand Millenium Dubai. Prior to this appointment, she was at Melia Dubai Hotel where she spent two years managing the sales and marketing department since the launch of the property in Bur Dubai. In her new role, Waldow’s extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the overseas leisure and corporate sectors as well as the GCC market will be required for the growth of the property.

The Cove Rotana Resort Ras Al Khaimah

Jumeirah Zabeel Saray UAE

Al Murooj Rotana Dubai UAE

Bassam Zakaria is the new Director of Rooms of The

Dirk Bansemer has been appointed as the new Executive

Ulrike Andorff has been appointed as the new Executive

Cove Rotana Resort – Ras Al Khaimah. He brings with him 12 years of experience in this industry.

Zakaria will now be responsible for the overall coordination of Front of House department, Housekeeping, reservation, laundry and security.

His career and managerial position started with Rotana in 2006 when he held the position of Area Sales Manager in Rotana Area Sales Office, then moved on to Al Ain Rotana.

Assistant Manager of (EAM) of Food and Beverage of Jumeirah Zabeel Saray. In his new role, he is expected to oversee the hotel’s portfolio of 10 restaurants and nightlife venues. Of German origin, Bansemer has over 28 years international experience in the industry and has established and developed a number of successful restaurant concepts.

Assistant Manager of Al Murooj Rotana Dubai. A German national, she brings with her more than 25 years of hospitality experience. As the new EAM, Andorff will play a significant role in further strengthening the position of the hotel in today’s competitive market. Prior to joining Al Murooj Rotana, she has played significant roles in various five star hospitality brands across Europe, Asia, America and the Middle East.

Christian Muhr is the new Vice President of Operations for Hilton Worldwide, Egypt & Levant.

Muhr, a Hilton Worldwide veteran with an extensive 30-year international hospitality background, will be responsible for driving operational performance for the company’s regional portfolio of 22 hotels across Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan including the region’s biggest convention centre in Jordan.

Swiss-Belhotel to debut in Oman Swiss-Belhotel International, one of Asia’s mid-scale hotel operators, attends Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013 with a detailed update on the group’s ambitious expansion plans for the Middle East, and information on the trio of new hotels currently under development in the region.

Bahrain will be the next Gulf State to welcome the brand with the flagship Swiss-Belhotel Seef currently finalising its pre-opening programme ahead of an early

Gavin Faull President and Chairman Swiss-Belhotel International

2014 launch. This will be followed by the introduction of the first Swiss-Belinn branded property in Muscat, Oman at the end of 2013.

“Our network now covers 100 hotels and under-development projects in 12 countries, and the Middle East is one of the fastest-growing regions as part of our global expansion programme,” said Gavin Faull, President and Chairman, Swiss-Belhotel International.

The opening of the Bahrain property will provide Swiss-Belhotel with access to weekend leisure business from neighbouring Saudi Arabia.

Air Arabia signs US$350 mn deal

Air Arabia, a low cost carrier in the MENA region, signed a US$ 350 million finance deal from a syndicate of two GCC banks to suppor t the acquisition of 10 new Airbus A320 aircraft.

(From left) Mohammad Sultan Al Qadi, Chairman, Commercial Bank International, Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, Chairman, Air Arabia and Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, General Manager, Group Corporate and Institution Banking, Qatar National Bank

UAE tour operator appoints India representative Al Rais Tours and Holidays LLC., a holidays company in the United Arab Emirates has appointed Landmark Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., from India as its representative for the Indian subcontinent to provide sales, marketing and operational support for the region.

Landmark has been in the travel industry since 1991, having a dedicated team of experienced & professionals’ expertise, with a total expe-

rience of about 30 years in the industry, in vertical mode of business like Corporate Travel, Events and Leisure.

Landmark will be an extension of Al Rais office in India, where the clients across the subcontinent will get first-hand information of all Al Rais products & services offered to the UAE. Mohamed Al Rais, Deputy Managing Director, Al Rais Tours and Holidays said, “The Indian tourism market

is huge, where we have been on a cautious approach and now we feel the right time has come to shake hands with a partner to attract Indian travellers to explore the UAE further and the other Gulf countries, with affordable choices and professional service. India has emerged as the world's fastest-growing outbound market and in absolute numbers it is second only to China and it is the fitting time to develop sales

from the Indian market.”

The number of Indians travelling overseas is set to rise from around 15 million today to 50 million by 2020.

“We would like to tap a major share of this traffic. UAE is almost an extension of India now, with the vast number of Indian expatriates living in this country and the growing number of Indian tourists visiting UAE for leisure, in addition to the ever increasing business

travellers,” he added.

With the ongoing endeavor to make our customers get the best services and satisfaction we have become an ISO 9001 certified organization which guarantees the customers consistent satisfaction where we use a set of principles that ensure a common sense approach to the management of our activities. This has given us more efficient working prac-

tices and focuses on the organizations business objectives to improve customer satisfaction.

Al Rais is committed to their partnership and keenly focussed on driving superior results. Al Rais Tours and Holidays LLC’s partnership with Landmark will give Indian travellers a better and affordable professional choice for planning their holidays and to make it a memorable one.

16

HIGHLIGHTS

TRAVTALK JUNE, 2013

World Travel Awards dazzles ME As in every edition since its inception in 1993, the World Travel Awards (WTA) celebrates those brands that set the product and service benchmark to which all others in the travel industry aspire to achieve.

T T B U R E AU

T

he World Travel Awards celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 2013. The first leg of the World Trade Awards 2013 Grand Tour saw Etihad, Burj Al Arab,

Graham E Cooke President and Founder World Travel Awards

Emirates, Avis, Europcar, Qatar and Rotana emerge as the big winners at a ceremony held at Le Royal Meridien Resort & Spa Dubai on May 5, 2013.

It was an occasion that witnessed the travel industry’s elite attending the glittering gala event dubbed as ‘The Oscars of the Travel Industry’.

Graham E Cooke, President and Founder, World Travel Awards said,

“The Middle East was the perfect region to mark the start of the World Travel Awards 2013 Grand Tour, setting the highest possible bar for the rest of the world to raise the standards of excellence in travel and tourism.”

Etihad Airways was one of the night’s shining stars, bagging Middle East's ‘Leading Airline,’ Middle East's ‘Leading Airline First

Class’ and Middle East's ‘Leading Cabin Crew.’ Not to be outshone, Emirates took Middle East’s ‘Leading Airline Business Class,’ Middle East’s ‘Leading Airline Awards Programme’ and Middle East’s ‘Leading Airline Website.’

Other award winners from across the GCC saw the award for Middle East's Leading Business Travel Destination going to Doha, Qatar.

Middle East's Leading Villa went to Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Middle East's Leading Spa - The Talise Ottoman Spa at Jumeirah Zabeel Saray and the award for Middle East's Leading New Hotel went to JW Marriott Marquis, Dubai. A bevy of awards were won by Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai for Dubai's Leading Resort, Dubai’s Leading Hotel Suite and Middle East's Leading Resort.

Abu Dhabi’s meteoric rise to tourism stardom was also recognised, as it took home a host of top honours, including the award for the Middle East's Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre - Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre – ADNEC, the award for Middle East's Leading Tourist Board - Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Middle East's Leading Beach Destination Saadiyat beach, Abu Dhabi, and Middle East's Leading Meetings & Conference Destination. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital was the recipient of Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award.

W Hotel & Residences Qatar, La Cigale Qatar, Six Senses Zighy Bay Oman with Al Faisaliah Hotel, A Rosewood Hotel Saudi Arabia and Rosewood Corniche Saudi Arabia were among the winners from other nations in the region.

Philippines awarded for efforts post 2012 typhoon The Arabian Travel Market 2013 (ATM) named the Philippines as the recipient of the New Frontiers Award 2013 during a special seminar event held on the second day of the show.

displaced persons.

Benito C Bengzon Jr., Assistant Secretary, International Tourism Promotions, Department of Tourism Middle East office – Philippines, accepted the award on behalf

Benito C Bengzon Jr., Assistant Secretary, International Tourism Promotions, Department of Tourism Middle East office – Philippines, accepts the award from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions

The award was presented in recognition of the Philippines’ ongoing efforts to rebuild physical infrastructure and its tourism economy in the wake of the December 2012 typhoon, which affected 6.2 million people in the south of the country leaving close to one million

of the country’s Department of Tourism from Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, with previous recipients, Japan and Chile.

Typhoon Bopha damaged more than 216,000 houses and leveling large tracts of land.