TravTalk Middleeast

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 16

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. IX No. 3; March 2013

Roadshow sets stage for ATM 2013 ....................................................................03 Air Arabia takes a ‘green’ step ahead ..................................................................04 ‘Serenade of the Seas’ stops by Dubai ..................................................................11

ITB Berlin:Connecting to new partners International Tourism Bourse (ITB) Berlin, the B2B platform for trade visitors, will run from March 6 - 10, 2013 in Berlin, Germany, one of the most prominent trade fairs for the travel industry worldwide. Parallel with the trade fair, the ITB Berlin Convention, the world’s largest specialist convention for the industry, will be held from March 6 – 8, 2013.

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ITB Berlin Convention free of charge.

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n 2012, a total of 10,644 companies and organisations from 187 countries exhibited their products and services to 172,000 visitors, which included 113,006 trade visitors.

Azerbaijan will be featuring prominently at the ITB Berlin. As the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin 2013, the country will be showcasing its diversity at the show. As part of the ITB Berlin Convention, a discussion round featuring leading panel guests will be talking about Azerbaijan’s rich cultural treasures and the country’s prospects for tourism.

“Azerbaijan is an attractive tourism destination with diversity but unknown to most of the people,” said Dr. Martin Buck, Vice President, Competence Center Travel & Logistics of Messe Berlin. “We are more contended that as the Convention & Culture Partner of ITB Berlin, this country is featuring so prominently at the show this year.”

At the ITB Destination Day, the members of the panel discussion at the

Dr. Martin Buck Vice President, Competence Center Travel & Logistics of Messe Berlin

We have used the CSR Day at the ITB Berlin Convention to place the topic of sustainable tourism centrestage

Azerbaijan Partner Forum will be talking about the country’s diversity, its cultural heritage and the prospects for tourism.

Hassan Farhat

Ashraf Helmy

Director of Sales Grand Millennium Dubai

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

ITB Berlin will help us to get across the message that the Grand Millennium Dubai enjoys an excellent location CSR Day at the ITB Berlin Convention focusses on strategies for sustainable tourism and examples of best practices. Discussions will

We have appointments with most of the international tour operators and hope to come back with good agreements follow on climate change, gender equality and the successful marketing of sustainable tourism products. The trade visitors can attend the

“Over the last four years we have used the CSR Day at the ITB Berlin Convention to place the topic of sustainable tourism centrestage. This is our response to the growing importance of corporate social responsibility. The wide range of topics show that CSR has become an integral part of the global travel industry’s modern corporate philosophy,” commented Dr. Buck.

Participating in the ITB Berlin under the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing umbrella, a team from the Grand Millennium Dubai will be presenting a set of competitive leisure packages to the leading tour operators from Germany and elsewhere in Europe.

Leading the team, Hassan Farhat, Director of Sales, Grand Millennium Dubai said that it will be the fifth time for the hotel to be in Berlin and participate in this prominent travel show.

He was confident of securing new business there, as well as reinforcing existing contacts and contracts.

“DMCs have reported strong growth in meetings and events from Germany and leisure travel and the staging of ITB Berlin will enable us to get across the message that the Grand Millennium Dubai enjoys an excellent location in Dubai, close to all prominent landmarks.”

Informed Ashraf Helmy, General Manager & Area Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, “The ITB is one of the most important exhibitions in the hospitality industry that attracts all the big players and we will be taking part in this year’s event as usual. We have appointments with most of the international tour operators and we do hope to come back with good agreements for the coming season.”

Joining this year’s ITB Berlin, Tilal Liwa Hotel plans to meet new tour operators, tour series group and last minute tour operators and also seek new marketing opportunities for online web tools. As a driving force in the travel industry, ITB contributes to the overall Contd. on page 6

NEWS FOREIGN EXCHANGE DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 18-02-2013)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.6012............5.8413 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.8122..............5.022 Canada......................CAD ..............3.5966..............3.722 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.7902..........13.2862 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.7185............3.8440 Japan ........................JPY................0.0384............0.0404 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0888............0.0912 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.9138............3.0458 India ........................INR................0.0658............0.0683 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0367............0.0381 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0456............0.0472 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0284............0.0295 Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056 Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525 Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.9071............4.0832 South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

Revenues surge over 60%

Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai gets a RAK International Airport received a 24 per cent increase new look in number of travellers and over 60 per cent growth in financial performance in 2012 over 2011. Its operations performance reached a 98 per cent achievement rate.

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ments to its tour service and in-terminal facilities.

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ur activities in 2012 are the fruits of a focussed and unique business strategy based on a stakeholder analysis approach,” commented Andrew Gower, CEO, RAK International Airport.

“In spite of being just the first year of operations in 2012, under a new management team, such accomplishments have exceeded our expectations.”

It is all due to the Airport’s efforts, providing comprehensive quality services that gained substantial ground for both passenger numbers and financial performance, which posted impressive growth throughout last year, he added.

Andrew Gower CEO, RAK International Airport

In 2012, a new management team headed by Gower was appointed at RAK International Airport with a clear mandate of expanding the airport’s operations.

The commercial packages offered to airlines and other aviation associated businesses is another comprehensive factor in RAK Airport’s 2012 growth. Other factors included the development of new routes, improve-

“RAK International Airport has quieter skies and take-off and landing slots with no restrictions,” Gower revealed. “We continue to explore new opportunities and markets, and we listen to these markets and adapt to the changes of an ever-evolving aviation industry,” he further said. Just 45 minutes from Dubai, its location is advantageous for the passengers to travel to and from RAK International Airport.

The proximity to Dubai and Abu Dhabi through road and air links from RAK Airport is quite striking, making Ras Al Khaimah a northern gateway to the country.

Moreover, RAK Airport had successfully participated at events like the Routes held all over the world, Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai and ITB Berlin.

Majestic Hotel Tower Dubai, a four star deluxe hotel in Bur Dubai, has 252 rooms and suites over 28 floors. The property has infused a fresh, modern look into its elegant rooms.

During the hotel’s sixth anniversary, the 252 rooms had been given an understated elegance in line with the standards of Dubai hotels. The refurbishment, which completed in September 2012, included the lobby with a refined new marble reception and contemporary new furnishings. The business centre with two meeting rooms have been beautifully decorated and modernised.

In the continuous strategy to reduce carbon footprint, the hotel has upgraded the air condition temperature control systems to reduce energy consumption by up to 18 per cent. The hotel is also switching to LED technology with an expected saving of 80 per cent.

EXHIBITIONS

Roadshow sets stage for ATM 2013

MARCH, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Exclusive Asia pavilion at GIBTM

Reed Travel Exhibitions, organiser of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), launched its annual GCC and Levant roadshow series over two weeks in February Reed Travel Exhibitions have confirmed that 40 per cent of the 2013 in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Lebanon, Jordan, Oman and the UAE. regional hosted buyers have T T B U R E AU sites in Dhofar province in 2013’s show and inform validated an interest in Asia. about the new features of Arabian Travel Market, and how they can maximise their presence at the show,” said Walsh.

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he roadshow started from Kuwait City. Kuwait is now midway through its latest five-year tourism plan when its primary focus includes the leisure sector growth. This is supported by an investment of US$ 6 billion to expand the capital’s airport.

“Tourist arrivals are also expected to increase at a CAGR of 4.9 per cent between 2012 and 2022,” said Mark Walsh, Portfolio Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions. The ATM 2013 roadshow visited Bahrain after Kuwait.

The total contribution of the travel and tourism industry to Bahrain's GDP is forecast to rise by 4.5 per cent from US$3.97 billion (16.5 per cent of GDP) in 2011 to US$6.16 billion (17.4 per cent) by 2021, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

Highlighting improved tourism numbers, the ATM 2013 roadshow arrived in Amman, Jordan.

Mark Walsh Portfolio Director Reed Travel Exhibitions

The roadshow touched down in Qatar next. “The country develops its infrastructure as part of a US$ 65 billion investment plan ahead of its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Tourist arrivals in Qatar are expected to rise at a CAGR of 1.9 per cent between now and 2022,” commented Walsh.

The roadshow met the Lebanese exhibitors next.

“The roadshow is an educational seminar to give exhibitors an update on

“The current annual capacity of 3.5 million passengers at Queen Alia International airport, will be superceded by expansion plans to accommodate up to 9 million passengers every year with the imminent launch of the new US$750 million terminal, and a second phase taking that to 12 million in the coming years,” he added.

2013. This shift of focus outside of the capital, Muscat, is a clear sign that the Sultanate is powering ahead with a well thought-out and diversified plan for tourism growth.”

The roadshow concluded in Dubai, where the largest event with 140 delegates came together.

Muscat was the penultimate destination for the ATM 2013 roadshow.

“Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah are building on their own cultural foundations to present a series of unique individual products that, together with Dubai and Abu Dhabi, position the country as a cohesive hospitality hub, with varied appeal,” said Walsh.

“The Omani government has allocated US$ 39 million to develop tourism

Arabian Travel Market will be held from May 6 to 9, 2013 in Dubai.

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onsequently, GIBTM (The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings) has created a specialist exhibitor pavilion on the show floor, providing a dedicated area for exhibitors from the Asia Pacific region. It will provide a meeting area for exhibitors to showcase their products to visitors.

Lois Hall, GIBTM Event Director, Reed Travel Exhibitions informed, “Our survey reports that 2014 is expected to be very positive with 65 per cent of MENA buyers, reporting an increase in events over the next 12 months with Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Japan, specified as top destinations to place future business. We also expect a significant increase of 30 per cent regional Hosted

Lois Hall GIBTM Event Director Reed Travel Exhibitions

Buyers registered, to attend the show.”

The representation on the show floor is a positive indicator proving the region’s meetings industry professionals are upbeat about economic prospects for 2013 and beyond, Hall added.

GIBTM 2013 will take place from March 25 - 27, 2013.

GUEST COLUMN EDITORIAL ME in demand at ITB

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igh demand from the Middle East has added glitter to the world’s leading travel trade show, ITB Berlin 2013, which is slated to be held from March 6-10, 2013. The Convention turns 10 this year and Indonesia becomes the first Asian country named Official Partner of the fair.

With more than 170,000 visitors, 113,000 trade visitors and 11,000 represented companies from 180 countries, ITB Berlin is the leading B2B platform that the entire tourism industry offers.

Arab countries like Egypt, Jordan, Israel, UAE and Libya have already booked their places at the show. Iraq occupies an even larger stand than last year. Yemen is back after an absence.

According to the organisers, in 2012, a total of 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries displayed their products and services to 172,000 visitors.

The ITB comes at a time when figures released by International Air Transport Association (IATA) reveal that Middle East airlines continued to show impressive growth through expansion in international passenger markets.

These airlines grew at the rate of 15.4 per cent and accounted for almost a third of the total expansion in international passenger markets in 2012.

Air Arabia takes a ‘green’ step ahead Air Arabia, a low cost carrier in the Middle East and North Africa, becomes the first airline in the Middle East to take the delivery of Sharklet-equipped Airbus A320. This delivery marks yet another step in Air Arabia’s fleet expansion strategy, while creating the industry's most modern fleet.

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e have a long-standing commitment to operational efficiency. These new wing tip devices, fuel saving Sharklets, will become one of the world’s most proficient and innovative low cost airlines. Sharklets are made from light-weight composites and the newly designed wing-tip devices reduce fuel burn and emissions by improving the aerodynamics of the aircraft significantly.

The new aircraft has gone straight into service across our network of 83 destinations.

We now have received 15 of the 44 A320 aircraft, ordered from Airbus in 2007.

The delivery of the 44 new aircraft will be completed by 2016. Our modern and reliable aircraft enable us to combine superb value-formoney with operational excellence. As we continue to unlock opportunities for the low-cost model in the wider Arab region, we look forward to the delivery of seven new A320 aircraft in 2013.

Eco Commitments

Dubai Airports' annual traffic report showed passenger traffic climbed 13.2 per cent to 57.6 million in 2012, up from 50.9 million passengers in 2011. Qatar is also one of the fastest growing markets in the Gulf, with tourism on the rise as the country develops its infrastructure as part of a US$ 65 billion investment plan ahead of its hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

In partnership with Air Arabia and Sharjah Airport, Sharjah Aviation Services (SAS) had launched ‘Go Green’ initiatives Air Arabia received the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Award’ at the 2012 Aviation Business Awards

With Sharklet-equipped A320s, we can now assure travellers that they are travelling on board the world’s most environment-friendly single-aisle aircraft.

In partnership with Air Arabia and Sharjah Airport, Sharjah Aviation Services (SAS) had launched ‘Go

Adel Ali Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia

Green’ initiatives. It reflects the company’s commitment to eco-friendly operations to offset carbon emissions and increased energy efficiency, influencing all aspects of airport's ground handling operations at Sharjah International Airport. It has been achieved through improved energy conservation measures and increased use of renewable energy sources, like solar energy and electric power.

As a further testimony to its sustainability and community upliftment efforts, we at Air Arabia have been awarded the ‘Corporate Social Responsibility Award’

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

Air Arabia became one of the first companies from the region to introduce a sustainable CSR programme while launching the ‘Charity Cloud’ project in collaboration with Sharjah Charity International in 2005. The programme is aimed at raising funds for community development initiatives through on-board passenger donations. The fund collections are reviewed annually and invested in healthcare and education projects in several countries through planned and sustainable CSR programme.

We have been awarded the ISO/IEC 20000-1: 2011

certificate in IT Service Management System in recognition of high standards the company has achieved in implementing world class information technology services. It was our great pleasure to accept this prestigious certificate from BSI, which further consolidates our efforts to enhance the quality of services we provide.

Air Arabia carried a record 5,301,484 passengers in 2012, a 13 per cent growth compared to 2011. As a pioneer in the low-cost space, we will continue to set the standard for the low-cost travel segment, offering great fares to an ever growing range of destinations.

The significant growth in passenger numbers is a testimony to the airline’s ambitious network expansion strategy.

Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia

World’s 1st A380 facility now open Emirates and Dubai Airports have announced the successful completion of the phased launch of Concourse A – the home of the A380 and the world’s first purpose-built facility for the aircraft at Dubai International. With 11 floors and a total builtup area of 528,000 sqm, Concourse A is connected to Concourse B and Terminal 3 via an underground train. It is a vital part of Dubai Airports’ $7.8 billion Strategic Plan 2020 which will increase airport capacity to 90 million by 2018.

Offices: TRAVTALK is published

by SanJeet on behalf of

Operating in an environmentally and socially responsible manner benefits our business, our customers and our communities, and it is an integral part of Air Arabia’s efforts to achieve its business goals.

With Sharklet-equipped A320s, we can now assure travellers that they are travelling on board the world’s most environment-friendly aircraft

As David Ruetz, Head, ITB Berlin, rightly puts it, despite the economic difficulties, the high level of demand from emerging destinations such as Asia, Middle East and South America and the growth of popular markets such as travel technology are proof of how stable the global travel industry has become.

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

at the 2012 Aviation Business Awards.

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TRAVTALK is a publication of Durga Das Publications Private Limited.

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6

HOTELS

TRAVTALK MARCH, 2013

A perfect platform for B2B trade

Qatar Duty Free dons festive spirit

tions. We are very excited to introduce our brand to an international market,” informed Habib.

To mark the festive season, Qatar Duty Free has turned Premium Departure Terminal at Doha International Airport into a sea of red and gold with decorations and designs to promote the annual festivity. Qatar Duty Free celebrated Chinese New Year with Chinese-themed promotion till February-end at the airport.

Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive Officer, Qatar Airways commended Qatar Duty Free for keeping the tradition alive for their Chinese travellers and wished all Chinese travellers and partners on the festive occasion.

“As part of the promotion, those travelling from mainland China and Hong Kong were handed over 8 per cent discount coupon, along with their boarding pass upon check-in,” he added. In addition, all those travelling out of Doha or transiting were given the same 8 per cent discount coupon, used at both the locations.

Contd. from page 1

exposure of Abu Dhabi to the German market, the main feeder leisure market for Tilal Liwa Hotel.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel explained, “Since it is a pure B2B travel exhibition, the tour operators are more serious in their discussion and looking out for business opportunities. Our participation is to inform our partners about the summer offers from April to September and for the next winter offers as well. We will also discuss the current leisure market situation and hopefully, sign up with key potential operators.”

Led by Mina Habib, Vice President for Business Development, Abidos Hotel Apartment, Dubailand, the sales team will be at ITB Berlin 2013.

“Visiting trade shows, conventions, fairs and other exhibitions give us unique sales and marketing opportunity that can help generate new leads, find suppliers, check out the competition and do some excellent net-

Le Meridien Dubai will participate in ITB Berlin 2013.

The hotel will also offer customised leisure packages to travel agents and tour operators present at the trade fair.

Ayman Ashor General Manager Tilal Liwa Hotel

Our participation is to inform our partners about the summer offers, April to September, and winter offers as well

working. Being a new brand, it is the first time for us to

Mina Habib

Vikas Choudhery

Vice President for Business Development, Abidos Hotel Apartment, Dubailand

Director of Sales & Marketing Le Meridien Dubai

Being a new brand, it is the first time for us to visit ITB, the perfect B2B platform for connecting new business partners

visit ITB, the perfect B2B platform for connecting new

The UAE tourism sector’s expected annual growth is around 6.5 per cent yearon-year during this decade

business partners and strengthening existing rela-

“We have been actively involved in ITB Berlin for years through Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce. We are using this opportunity to showcase the opulence of Dubai as a premium holiday destination. Around nine million foreign tourists visited the UAE in 2012. The UAE tourism sector’s expected annual growth is around 6.5 per cent year-on-year during this decade,” said Vikas Choudhery, Director of Sales & Marketing, Le Meridien Dubai.

Presently, Le Meridien Dubai is executing AED 450 million expansion plan by adding 197 rooms taking the total hotel rooms’ inventory to 580 rooms by Q4 of 2013.

Tilal Liwa records 100% growth in 2012 Tilal Liwa Hotel reported an excellent performance in 2012 with over 100 per cent increase in revenue in all departments. The leisure resort plans to diversify its range of adventure activities in 2013.

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ompared to 2011, the growth was recorded for the hotel’s overall revenue with room revenue increasing by 108 per cent, F&B with 121 per cent and other revenue departments with 112 per cent.

The location of the property, at the border of Rub Al Khali Desert, along with the different activities offered to the guests made Tilal Liwa Hotel an ideal destination for families and weekenders from

the UAE and the Middle East, leisure travellers from Germany, UK and other European and Asian countries.

Ayman Ashor, General Manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel, said, “We are happy to report that there has been an overall growth in revenue for Tilal Liwa Hotel in all like online, weekend and leisure compared to 2011.”

He further added, “It’s due to the step-in price and added values for our attractive packages offered to the guests.

We are preparing more adventure activities for this season like archery, desert walk to the oasis, team building activities and many more.

The weekend, overseas leisure market and groups segment looking for team building, workshop, regional offsite meeting, product launches are the main areas to focus on.”

lent year for the industry. Of the increase reported, about 8 per cent was contributed by the travel trade.

Ayman Ashor General Manager Tilal Liwa Hotel

According to Ashor, 2013 will be another excel-

“With the influx of new hotels opening, competition is definitely a threat to our business in 2013. Challenges will be there to maintain profitability, keeping a high service standard and guest satisfaction in such a price sensitive market. But it boils down to advance smart planning, knowing your market and effective strategies,” he added.

Ideal Location The location of the property, at the border of Rub Al Khali Desert, along with the different activities offered to the guests made Tilal Liwa Hotel an ideal destination

For the overseas leisure market, the hotel targets international tour operators to promote an attractive Desert & Beach combination packages with the sister hotels in Abu Dhabi.

HOTELS

MARCH, 2013

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Tapping the German market Ramada Dubai woos Europe Due to the success of Ramada Ajman, the second Ramada in Ajman came into being in 2011. ITB 2012 was fruitful as the property increased the share of the German market by 50 per cent in 2012.

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take in more hotels in UAE, expected to make inventory to 4 hotels by Q1 2013.

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he second Ramada Ajman has increased the leisure share as the hotel has increased the room inventories, while the total comes to 507 presently for both hotels in Ajman. The leisure segment increased by 200 per cent, attributing to the private beach and high rating on German websites and over all GDS reviews.

“We are keeping an eye on ITB which is our first exhibition for 2013.

Germany is a major market for leisure business and we are looking for new partners.

We have done our due diligence for the exhibition and will announce the latest addition to R Hotels in the first quarter of 2013, which will be one more hotel in Dubai,” asserted Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager,

The results for 2012 are excellent. “Our aim is to have proper hotels with good location to maintain our momentum as we are doing with our existing hotels,” he added.

Iftikhar Hamdani General Manager Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman. “We are aiming to increase this share further as we are in this market for the last 3 years. Our partners in Germany are playing a vital role, promoting the property through different media to reach end consumers.”

The future plans will depend on R Hotels to develop new hotels under the management and to buy more properties. In addition, the CSR activities will also be increased, such as charity initiatives and the Green initiative for 2013. R Hotels will

Ajman is coming up with more hotels in 2013, hence tough competition ahead with more available rooms for the visitors. But being the leading hotels in northern emirates with regard to occupancy in 2011 and 2012, Ramada Ajman & Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman have created their own markets and will continue these trends.

Focus on CSR With 95 per cent occupancy in 2012, and winning the Best Charity Hotel and Green Hotel Awards in 2012, the CSR activities will remain unchanged in 2013 as well

Hotel meets target in 1 year st

Auris First Central Hotel Suites celebrated its first anniversary on October 2012. Exceeding target for 2012, the property had a successful first year.

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ince its opening, the hotel has become one of the landmarks in the TECOM area close to both corporate arenas and leisure destinations. Offering 524 rooms and suites across 30 floors, most guests poured in at the property from GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, besides Russians mainly and from United Kingdom and Germany.

All Auris Hotels, including Auris First Central plan to participate in various international exhibitions and roadshows. The entire team of Auris Hotels is excited to participate in ITB 2013. The property’s marketing and PR campaign right now are focussed on various social media platforms.

“We will strive to grow our business between 6-10 per cent yearly,” said Ammar Kanaan, General Manager, Auris First Central Hotel Suites and Corporate

Director of Operations, Auris Hotels. “In the years ahead, Auris First Central is set for bigger accomplishments as we promise to continue providing excellent services through our dedicated staff, maintaining and improving good customer and business relationships,

“Travel agents have been very helpful in the pilot year of Auris First Central. In general, our partners have brought almost half of the business we got in our first year. As partners, we continue to keep them aware through

Travel agents have been very helpful in the pilot year. In general, our partners have brought almost half of the business we got in our first year Ammar Kanaan

General Manager, Auris First Central Hotel Suites and Corporate Director of Operations, Auris Hotels

and reaching out more to feeder markets.”

our email campaigns,” Kanaan further informed.

The achievement was a result of the partnerships with the travel trade, corporate and GCC markets, together with effective PR, marketing and sales activities.

Despite having encountered several challenges in the launch year, the property continued to endeavour for betterment which resulted in delivering top-class services to the guests.

Ramada Downtown Dubai aims to increase its presence in the European market in 2013. The property seeks to work with agents who cater to recreational, leisure and business travellers. opportunities in closing new deals and opened doors to newer clients from both travel and corporate sectors.

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he hotel has been active and supportive in organising regular familiarisation trips and site inspections.

It ensures updating all travel agents on a regular basis with their promotions, rates and other related information.

“As a mark of appreciation and to acknowledge their continued support, we keep giving awards and trophies to our top travel trade producers every year,” mentioned Wael El Behi, General Manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai.

With a prime location overlooking the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, Ramada Downtown Dubai is using its key strength, the major marketing strategy in developing a new website, which will be user-friendly and help in maximising bookings. With the

“Since the number of attendees as trade visitors and exhibitors are increasing every year at the ITB, we will visit ITB 2013 as trade visitors and interact with exhibitors from more than 180 countries.

Wael El Behi General Manager Ramada Downtown Dubai

increasing number of hotels around Dubai and Downtown as well, it aims to be in line with competitors, providing enhanced personalised services, thus overcoming the challenge of repeat guests and its retention.

ITB 2012 indicated a positive outcome as Ramada Downtown Dubai introduced itself to many travel trade and business sectors. It presented

As social media played an important role at ITB 2012 and became a major tool of visibility and communication, we look for advancement in this area as well.

Hence, we are presently geared up to receive every optimistic response from ITB 2013,” he concluded.

NTO

MARCH, 2013

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New tourism site launched India Tourism eyes Turkey Tourism Ireland launched its new international website, Ireland.com, recently. The site provides new, one-stop shop for comprehensive information on all that the island of Ireland has to offer.

T T B U R E AU he website has been rolled out in 30 markets in 11 different languages. It’s live in six languages English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and currently in development are Dutch, Brazilian, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Chinese and Japanese.

ent themes like location and interests. Special offers and packages feature throughout the site, with the capacity to deliver more sales leads and referrals for tourism partners.

Even if the site is brand new, initial feedback from users is largely positive, indicating a solid volume of third-party referrals to tourism industry partners.

Ireland.com has been redeveloped. The changes include an enhanced experience for visitors prompting to explore the site under differ-

In 2012, an estimated 7.27 million overseas visitors came to Ireland, delivering revenue of approximately €3.51 billion. Overseas tourism

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Sarah Fitzpatrick, Brian Harte, Mark Henry and Niall Gibbons all from Tourism Ireland, at the launch of Ireland.com.

business accounts for 59 per cent of all tourism revenue.

Commenting on the new website, Niall Gibbons, Chief Executive, Tourism Ireland, said, “Tourism Ireland’s job is to inspire people around the world to come and visit Northern Ireland and the island of Ireland.

Further development of Ireland.com continues this spring. “It includes the roll-out of a smartphone version of the site, improved tour operator functionality, a trip-planning tool, price and availability accommodation searches, additional language versions and new blogs in six languages,” he further informed.

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) hosted a 4-day workshop recently on ‘Cruise Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges’, which focussed on ways to drive the industry’s growth in Sharjah. in Sharjah government departments.

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harjah is an ideal destination for cruise tourism with its new facilities and development on its East Coast. It has witnessed an immense surge in the arrivals of international luxury cruiseliners to the port of Khorfakkan during 20122013 with greater growth expected. The orientation and training campaign included a number of workshops, lectures and seminars about the concept, importance and potential of international luxury cruise tourism.

Held at the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and in the East Coast city of Kalba, the SCTDA workshop, the first-of-its-kind in Sharjah, was moderated by international cruise industry experts and those in the management of luxury cruise operators, including AIDA and Costa Crociere.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa Director General SCTDA

The workshop discussed the history of cruise tourism in Sharjah, and the development it has witnessed in recent years as against its development at the global level. In 2012, more than 20 million people went on a cruise worldwide.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, SCTDA opened and attended the workshop along with senior officials and representatives of the tourism sector

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eing one of the important travel trade events in the Middle East, more than 12 tour operators from India coexhibited in the India Pavilion this year.

Vanlalhuma, Consul General of India, Istanbul inaugurated the

“The Authority is making every effort, in cooperation with key stakeholders, to develop the tourism sector and cruise tourism in particular, providing best facilities according to international standards, making Sharjah a pleasant experience for international luxury tourists,” emphasised Al Midfa.

Underscoring the importance of the workshop and training, Al Midfa hoped its positive results will contribute to the strengthening of cooperation between various government departments and institutions engaged in the tourism sector.

The Republic of Turkey holds a great potential not only for inbound but also outbound travel to India. The pavilion depicted a multifaceted and diverse tourism products that make India a 360-day tourist destination for heritage, nature, wildlife, culture and wellness tourism.

“The year 2011 saw the flow of more than 17,000 Turkish nationals who travelled to India, registering a growth of more than 12 per cent over 2010.

Our online presence and social media activities are critical ways to communicate with potential holidaymakers everywhere.”

Sharjah ideal for cruise T T B U R E AU

The India Tourism, Dubai had participated in the East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (EMITT) 2013, held from January 24 - 27, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey.

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

India Pavilion and interacted with the co-exhibitors from India on the opening day.

Realising the importance of Turkey as an important source market from the Middle East, India Tourism recently conducted an Incredible India Tourism Road Show during October, 2012 in Ankara and Istanbul,” informed Vikas

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

“Hence, the members of the Turkish travel and media industry were able to get an opportunity to meet members of the Indian travel industry and know more about the tourist attractions and developments in the tourism sector of India,” he added.

India is an attractive tourism destination with its natural beauty, vivid festivals and exotic beaches. It also includes architectural marvels to deserts, snow covered mountains, beaches, luxury train journeys and the diverse range of accommodation from budget to the top 5-star properties and spa resorts.

Turkey can also be a contributor to India’s religious and spiritual tourism as well as the medical and wellness tourism.

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TRAVTALK MARCH, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

Sharjah landmarks shine bright The Sharjah Light Festival (SLF), the first of its kind in the region, in its third edition was held from February 7 - 15, 2013. The Festival was hosted by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority at 14 locations across the Emirate. This year, the focus had been on Arabian people’s love with the sea and the culture and environment associated with it, recollecting the legends of the Arab ancestors and their sojourns across the seas.

CRUISES

MARCH, 2013

‘Serenade of the Seas’ stops by Dubai Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) newly revitalised ship - ‘Serenade of the Seas’ - arrived in Dubai for the first time on February 2, 2013, to be home ported in the Emirate till mid-April 2013. This is the fifth ship to have been deployed in the region for 7-night round-trip sailings.

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promote potential of this segment of the tourism industry regionally and globally.”

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erenade of the Seas can carry 3,360 guests on double occupancy. The deployment of this ship will bring over 50,000 travellers to Dubai and will have a positive impact on the economy.

Her visit follows three successful Middle East seasons by sister ship, Brilliance of the Seas.

Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), in collaboration with the cruise line arranged for a grand welcome ceremony at the Dubai

The annual increase of cruise tourists to Dubai are in line with the forecasted global cruise tourist growth of 3 per cent annually and looks forward to receiving over 420,000 passengers and 110 ship calls in 2013.

Lakshmi Durai Executive Director Middle East Royal Caribbean International

Cruise Terminals in Mina Rashid where the ship is docked.

Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director Middle East, Royal Caribbean International said, “Over seven days and nights, guests will enjoy the scenery on show in this part of the world and while the ship is in port, they can explore the towns and cities and learn more about the culture of the UAE and Oman.”

ing concepts. Serenade of the Seas offers a multitude of entertainment experiences, particularly for those seeking an adrenaline rush.”

"Intensive marketing programmes, along with state-of-the-art infrastructure and facilities provided in the Emirate, have encouraged many cruise operators to select Dubai as a focal point of their cruise itinerary in the region," he added.

Hamad Bin Mejren, Executive Director of Business Tourism, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing said, “At DTCM, we forecast a steady growth in this business sector and are continually working in alliance with the cruise lines to further

After her Dubai sojourn, Serenade of the Seas will return to Barcelona for 12night sailings visiting Venice and Greece. In November 2013, she will return to North America and sail from New Orleans offering seven- and nine-night Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries.

Helen Beck

Hamad Bin Mejren

Regional Director Royal Caribbean International

Executive Director of Business Tourism, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing

Royal Caribbean’s preand post-cruise packages and shore excursion programmes include desert driving, visits to mosques, local villages and journeys to the mountains and ‘wadis’.

Helen Beck, Regional Director, Royal Caribbean International said, “After her revitalisation, the Radianceclass ship now has almost double the dining options, including five of Royal Caribbean’s most acclaimed signature din-

TRAVTALK

11

US presence up by 110% at Boat Show The 21st Dubai International Boat Show will be held at the Dubai International Marine Club, Mina Seyahi from March 5 - 9, 2013. From more than 49 countries, the show has over 563 international companies and brands participating as exhibitors and debut appearances from Malta, Armenia and Malaysia. US and Italy have increased their total exhibition space by 110 per cent and 47 per cent respectively. A new Florida pavilion signifies a greater demand for Americanmade products and leisure crafts, with 200 per cent overall increase in products from the United States.

Trixee Loh, Senior Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of Dubai International Boat Show said, “ Dubai continues its remarkable momentum in the regional marine industry, resulting in increased international attraction to the destination and Dubai securing its position as a marine hub.”

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TRAVTALK MARCH, 2013

AVIATION

UAE Trade Mission tours in Brunei

The Empire Hotel and Country Club, Brunei Tourism and Royal Brunei Airlines, jointly organised a product familiarisation trip to Brunei from January 24 - 28, 2013 for 10 travel representatives in UAE. The group continued the trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia for three nights before heading to Dubai. The travel agents spent three nights in The Empire Hotel and Country Club and were taken to several tours. It included a boat ride around Kampung Ayer and a day trip to Ulu Temburong National Park amongst others.

Gulf – A major thrust market SriLankan Airlines targets people travelling to Asia and Far East destinations. Sri Lanka’s geographical location makes it ideal for tourists to enjoy dual holidays in Colombo with either Far East or Maldives.

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The deal, which is the first-of-its-kind for Amadeus in the Indian subcontinent, will enable both SriLankan and its sister airline Mihin Lanka to adopt the next generation IT platform to manage their mission-critical reservations, ticketing, inventory and departure control processes.

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ith better product, improved premium class, attractive fare, the load factor of the airlines has grown from 11 to 15 per cent in 2012 over 2011. The airline has been flying to Dubai now for more than three decades. The Gulf is the major thrust market for Sri Lanka.

“We have a very close relationship with the travel agents in UAE. Around 60 to 65 per cent of business pours in through the travel trade.

The airlines update the opportunity to them through regular meetings and various other orientation schemes.

To encourage their performances, an award ceremony in UAE has been planned for this year end. We organise familiarisation trips every year in various destinations for the travel partners, and near two to three trips have already being planned to the east and India subcontinent,” informed Angelo Punchihewa, Country Manager, UAE, SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka.

Angelo Punchihewa Country Manager, UAE Srilankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka

Around 60 to 65 per cent of business pours in through the travel trade SriLankan Airlines and Amadeus IT Group have announced the signing of a landmark agreement recently. It will see the airline upgrade its existing passenger service and reservations system to the new Amadeus Altea IT Suite by 2014.

At the same time, the agreement between the two also paves way for SriLankan to gain entry into the prestigious oneworld global alliance, for which the Amadeus Altea IT Suite is the preferred standard operating platform, presently used by more than half of its member airlines.

Benefits The deal will enable both SriLankan and its sister airline Mihin Lanka to adopt the next generation IT platform to manage their mission-critical reservations, ticketing, inventory and departure control processes

AGENTS

MARCH, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Special centre for ‘Holidays’ dnata GSA for FlyGeorgia Akbar Travels looks forward to holiday business with Akbar Holidays, specialising in business, leisure, individual, medical, pilgrimage, group travels and MICE, hence making a niche for itself in the travel market.

S U S M I TA G H O S H

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kbar Travels will open new offices in UAE, purely dedicated to Holidays.

“In 2013 we will open an exclusive Holiday centre

Company (DMC). Previously, all used to come under Akbar Holidays, but Akbar Holidays will now focus on outbound movements and our DMC will look after inbound,” informed Syed Mahin Shahiba, Manager, Holidays UAE, Akbar Holidays.

“It will be a one-stop-shop as ticketing still exists and Akbar Travels is known for retail and corporate business.

Syed Mahin Shahiba Manager Holidays UAE, Akbar Holidays

in Dubai. Currently, our Holidays Division is being revamped to cater exclusive to the leisure market segments. We will brand our inbound department as Destination Management

We have different departments which look after each market segments. But our major focus will be on developing Holidays as we have moved to leisure business while branding our Holiday department.”

Disagreement keeps following for online and offline travel agencies. According to

Akbar Travels, who deals with both, the online travel agencies are spreading at an escalating rate. Hence, for overall ticketing, online travel agencies are a threat regarding traditional ones.

“But not a threat for Holidays as travellers prefer to discuss with the travel consultant for personalised services. Thus, both will continue parallel, depending entirely on how the travel trade can make the services and rates more attractive to avail the best outcome,” explained Shahiba.

“We call it ‘Co-option’, merging cooperation with competition. With the effort of DTCM, for inbound travels, Dubai has always been a self sustaining destination. It has been a turnaround destination and never a transit destination as it has always been in the limelight,” he said.

dnata announced that it has been appointed by FlyGeorgia to be its General Sales Agent (GSA) in the region. Established in August 2012, FlyGeorgia launched its Dubai-Georgia flight service in January 2013.

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selling airline services, we are confident we can execute the right strategy to help FlyGeorgia establish itself in the region,” said A Majid Al Mulla, Divisional Vice President, Dnata World Travel.

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lyGeorgia’s decision to appoint dnata as General Sales Agent for the GCC and India was based on the company’s experience, contacts in the regions and their welltrained, knowledgeable staff, to help tap into an untouched potential market, especially for new Dubai services.

Flying in and out of Dubai International Airport’s Terminal 1, FlyGeorgia will operate its Dubai-Tbilisi flight three times a week. The airlines’ new services will cater to business and leisure travellers from this region to Georgia, offering selection of Georgian and European dishes and beverages with convenient flight times and direct routing to Tbilisi.

The young airline, which launched its first route in 2012 from Tbilisi to Batumi, Georgia’s coastal

A Majid Al Mulla Divisional Vice President dnata World Travel

town, now flies from its hub in the capital to seven destinations, including Tehran, Amsterdam, Antalya, Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh. dnata is already GSA to over 30 airlines in the region and acts as the essential link between its airline partners and the trade.

“With over 40 years of experience in promoting and

“Providing a wealth of choices for our customers has always been one of our key aims, and this partnership with FlyGeorgia will allow us to widen further the breadth of products we offer,” he continued.

With ambitious expansion plans, the airline plans to have two more aircraft and add four new European destinations to their network by March this year.

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TRAVTALK MARCH, 2013

MOVEMENTS

Emirates Dubai

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa Abu Dhabi

Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate - Dubai UAE

Husain Alsafi has been appointed as the new Country Manager for Algeria to support Emirates’ operation to the capital city, Algiers. In his new position, Alsafi will be responsible for Emirates’ business operations in Algeria overseeing sales and service functions for the airline's passenger, cargo and airport operations. He holds a bachelor degree in Engineering Management from the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE.

Moritz Klein joins the hospitality group, Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spa as both General Manager for Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa and Area General Manager, Abu Dhabi. He brings with him an international career in hospitality that spans 28 years and two continents, from Europe to Asia. His current responsibilities entail overseeing the running of all of Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas in Abu Dhabi including Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort, Desert Islands Resort & Spa and Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa.

Michael Nugent has been appointed as the new General Manager of Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate – Dubai. He brings with him more than 30 years of international experience in the hospitality industry and over 17 years at the forefront of the region’s expanding hospitality sector, with executive level roles at Le Méridien and Mövenpick hotels in both UAE and Saudi Arabia. His commitment to Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts spans more than 7 years.

Majestic Hotel Towers Dubai

Bin Majid Hotels UAE

Gloria Hotels Dubai

Rashda Safdar has been appointed as the new Director of Sales & Marketing for Majestic Hotel Towers. An entrepreneurial and driven individual, she is accustomed to working within a global company in the international hospitality and travel sector. She is highly experienced and has a knowledgeable background based in Sales & Marketing, Management, Business Analysis, Project Management, Executive Search and Selection.

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Aguado has been appointed

Malek Rummaneh has been appointed as Food and Beverage Manager of Gloria Hotels, Dubai. He will be responsible for all the food and beverage operations and restaurants in Gloria Hotel. He brings with him a vast experience of 13 years in the hospitality and F&B industry and has previously worked for various renowned luxury hotels, such as Grand Hyatt Amman, Kempinski hotel in Jordan & Anantara Resorts in Abu Dhabi.

Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel, Dubai UAE Ruth Swamy joins the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai as the new Business Development Manager. She was previously with Mondo Hospitality where she was the corporate sales manager for three properties. She began her career with hotel brands such as Emirates Towers, Coral Hotels & Resorts, Royal Ascot and others. In her new role, Swamy will be responsible in boosting the corporate sector of the property.

as the new Director of Operations for Mangrove Hotel. A Spanish national, Aguado has over 15 years of experience in operations and commercial asset management and hotel consultancy. His role is to oversee the operations of all departments in the hotel. An MBA graduate, he held several leading positions in a number of leading international hotel brands.

Berk Ozkeresteci is the new Director of Food and Beverage for Bin Majid Hotels. He previously held various F&B management positions in USA, Istanbul, Antalya, Abu Dhabi and Fujairah. He has 13 years’ experience in the hospitality industry and worked in well-known global hotel brands such as Sheraton, Hyatt, Rotana, Kempinski and Rixos. In his role he has to oversee the restaurant, lobby lounge, coffee shop, inroom dining, banquets or at the pool bar.

Bovin Roy takes on the responsibility as Cluster Materials Manager looking over Gloria Hotels and Resorts procurement operations. He brings with him 10 years of purchasing experience from the National Corporation for Tourism Hotels in Abu Dhabi to Movenpick Hotel Bur Dubai and has experience in all aspects of purchasing, including preopening of hotels. In his new role, he will be overlooking the centralised materials system for Gloria Hotels and Resorts with a concept of standardisation to ensure quality in the products.

India Tourism, Dubai at EMITT 2013 in Turkey

The India Tourism, Dubai participated in the East Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition (EMITT)-2013 held on January 24-27, 2013 in Istanbul, Turkey. It was an important travel trade event in the Middle East region where more than 12 tour operators from India co-exhibited in the India Pavilion.

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TECHNOLOGY

TRAVTALK MARCH, 2013

Sabre and Dadabhai Travel sign deal

Steering growth in ME travel sector

Travelport and Al Tayyar Travel Group of Saudi Arabia have signed a new Extending its long-term multi-year agreement. Aiming to develop the travel industry in Saudi relationship, Sabre has signed a Arabia, the two firms have committed to a number of joint projects. new multi-year agreement with the ucts including Travelport goals and ambitions,” said S U S M I TA G H O S H Dadabhai Group.

Smartpoint – the next generRabih Saab, President and T T B U R E AU

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adabhai Travel will now exclusively use Sabre’s innovative travel technology solutions to book travel packages for its customers across the region. Sabre products will also support Dadabhai as

Sabre’s Web Booking Engine, an advanced internet booking tool to tap into the lucrative and competitive online marketplace.

Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO, Sabre informed, “Over a decade now, Sabre and Dadabhai have been successful business partners.

Hence, it makes sense for Dadabhai to broaden its partnership with Sabre and take advantage of our reach into every GCC country.”

Daniel Naoumovitch CEO, Sabre

they continue to expand their regional reach and increase their portfolio of corporate accounts. This includes

Dadabhai Travel has signed up for Sabre’s end-toend travel e-commerce solution. “Customers will have access to real-time fares with this tool,” added Naoumovitch.

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ravelport will expand its existing business and enter into new joint ventures with the Saudi travel giant.

These include providing skills training and developing the expertise of travel professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), driving the recruitment of young Saudis in travel and tourism, and promoting tourism initiatives in the Kingdom on a global level.

Al Tayyar Travel Group is always keen to develop travel and tourism in KSA, through this essential sector which is well-staffed with qualified Saudi people as part of the ongoing policy of ‘Saudization’. Due to their effective global and local customer centric business approach, Travelport is known as one of the important strategic partners in the Middle East and Africa.

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

We are thrilled to collaborate on projects that will significantly benefit the Middle East travel industry

Managing Director, Travelport, Middle East and Africa. “Al Tayyar Travel Group provides a distinguished service to its customers through nearly 300 offices in Saudi Arabia and worldwide, and share our passion in building and strengthening the Middle East travel industry.”

As part of the new agreement, Travelport will provide Al Tayyar Travel Group with its top of the range travel technology prod-

“We are thrilled to reach a mutually beneficial agreement and look forward, helping Al Tayyar Travel Group grow their business in the region and beyond, and collaborate on projects that will significantly benefit the Middle East travel industry,” he added.

In addition, they are working towards creating new tourism products to serve the Kingdom and globally.

New Products For Agents •

• “At Travelport we try to build partnerships with travel companies who share our

ation booking solution.

A new business intelligence suite has been launched for travel agents in the Middle East and Africa.

‘Agentivity’ brings together a wide range of tools and offers travel providers a unique and detailed insight into their agency’s activity, booking related issues and more.

‘Net Fare Manager’ significantly enhances the way agents manage, mark-up and control the onward distribution of their airline filed private fares.