TravTalk Middleeast

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 24

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. VIII No. 11; November 2012

ME LCCs: From 1% to 21% in 10 years ................................................................06 Calling corporates & leisure ................................................................................07 Sharjah the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’ ..................................................................19

Knocking wider markets All the roads of the entire global travel industry lead to London in November every year. World Travel Market 2012, one of the biggest four-day B2B exhibitions of the travel industry attracts over 50,000 exhibitors and buyers representing 182 countries and regions.

S U S M I TA G H O S H

sales to target more markets for Ajman.

We did materialise good business in the past through WTM and the trend continues.”

The property also aims to adjust the latest technological trend in the industry through the event.

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TM 2012 is poised to be the show’s 33rd year and facilitate more business with several new initiatives planned, including more comprehensive Speed networking line-up. The event brings together, the industry’s most well-known figures to negotiate new contracts, extend existing relationships and place strategies for the future.

Discussing on the prominent destinations exhibiting at the WTM event, Simon Press, Director - Reed Travel Exhibitions, World Travel Market informed, “Abu Dhabi, Italy, Turkey, Greece and Spain; all have larger stands, suggesting the importance of the tourism sector within their economies. It also lays the need to attend WTM to gain maximum exposure to conduct business.”

To tap new outbound operators from UK and other markets, sports and leisure groups and MICE business from all over the world, Ramada Hotel & Suites

Simon Press

Dr. Ali Kasapbashi

Director - Reed Travel Exhibitions World Travel Market

Group General Manger Bin Majid Group

Aamir Pervez

Iftikhar Hamdani

General Manager Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha, Dubai

General Manager Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman

Ajman is attending this year’s World Travel Market.

Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager, Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman commented, “This exhibition

will help us in targetting the UK sector and to enhance the relationship with the existing market of the property. Our inventory has now gone up to 400 rooms and so, we are more aggressive in terms of

UK is one of the top producing markets for Corp Executive Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha, Dubai.

Aamir Pervez, General Manager, Corp Executive Hotel Apartments, Al Barsha, Dubai, said, “We offer great value proposition in the midmarket sector. In 2012, one million British tourists in Dubai were observed and far more choose to stay in hotel apartments, showing 37 per cent increase over 2011.

They spent on a average 4 and a half day compared to 3 or 3 and a half day in 2011. We wish to capitalise on this trend.”

Bin Majid Hotels, UAE’s one of the leading hotel operators, hope to seek new business partners and attracts bigger share of the UK market with its new property Contd. on page 14

LCC success story in the Middle East According to OAG, LCCs in the ME have showcased constant higher growth than the LCCs in any other region globally in the last 10 years.

S U S M I TA G H O S H

L

ow Cost Carriers (LCCs) grew at an average of 52 per cent annually in the last decade, compared to the traditional carriers who grew at an average rate of 7 per cent annually.

Developing both strong intra-regional markets and expanding services to and from the Middle East, the report explores how the Middle East’s low-fare sector is growing rapidly. The LCCs stands for 20 per cent of all flights within the region.

As India’s fastest growing airline, IndiGo has constantly re-defined the standards in the airline business. Dubai/UAE being a key market for IndiGo, the low cost carrier has been constantly expanding to new flights connecting Dubai to India. “Dubai is a key market for us and holds a lot of promise.

There are immense travel opportunities and it serves

Aditya Ghosh President IndiGo

We will continue to work hard to increase low fare travel options between India and this region as the biggest hub for passengers worldwide. Due to these factors, IndiGo aims Contd. on page 14

NEWS FOREIGN EXCHANGE

aces in tourism

DIRHAM VALUE

(Subject to variation) Country

Currency

(As on 22-10-2012)

CN Buy

CN Sell

USA ..........................USD ................3.653..............3.685 UK ............................GBP ..............5.7774............6.0233 Egypt ........................EGP ................0.605..............0.711 Euro ..........................EUR ..............4.6908............4.8984

As a part of tourism promotional activities in the Gulf & the ME region, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India through its India Tourism, Dubai office, recently held roadshows in Oman and Turkey.

T T B U R E AU

Canada......................CAD ..............3.6435............3.7719 Bahrain ....................BHD ..............9.5739............9.9137 Oman ........................OMR................9.405............9.6512 Kuwait ......................KWD............12.8877..........13.3505 Saudi Arabia ............SAR ..............0.9625............0.9972 Qatar ........................QAR ..............0.9944............1.0209 Australia ..................AUD ..............3.7279............3.8537 Japan ........................JPY................0.0453............0.0477 Philippines ................PHP ..............0.0873............0.0904 Singapore..................SGD ..............2.9518............3.0847 India ........................INR................0.0664............0.0696 Pakistan ....................PKR ..............0.0377............0.0395 Bangladesh ..............BDT ..............0.0441............0.0459 Sri Lanka ..................LKR ..............0.0279............0.0289 Nepal ........................NPR ..................0.05..............0.056 Morocco ....................MAD................0.405..............0.525 Switzerland ..............CHF ..............3.8786............4.0522 South Africa ..............ZAR ................0.485..............0.553

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he Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has chalked out, a calendar of ‘Incredible India Tourism Roadshows’, to be held across the world, to highlight and showcase the various unique aspects of the destination. The roadshow was held on October 14 in Muscat followed by Ankara on October 16 and in Istanbul on October 18, 2012.

Led by Girish Shankar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, the roadshows included three events. It was organised by India Tourism, Dubai in close coordination with the Indian Missions in Oman and Turkey. Bilateral meetings were held with the Ministry and the officials of Oman and Turkey. Exchange of views took place on various measures, where both the Governments could under-

take and promote tourism, between the two countries.

The delegates also discussed the areas of cooperation, which can help in spreading product knowledge and awareness on India Tourism products for the tour operators and the travel agents.

“With overwhelming response, the roadshows received 245 guests in Muscat, 190 guests in Ankara and 285 guests in Istanbul.

The guests received information about India tourism product and the packages being offered by the tour operators and the exhibitors during the B2B networking session,” informed Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director, India Tourism, Dubai.

more than 12 per cent over the previous year. More than 40,000 Omani Nationals visited India during 2011,” said an overwhelming Rustagi.

Vikas Rustagi Regional Director India Tourism Dubai

The Guest list consisted of high profile officials from the local government, members from the Travel and Tourism industry, airlines and hotels for all the three events.

“Middle East has great potential not only for inbound but also for outbound travel to India. In 2011, a flow of more than 17,000 Turkish nationals who travelled to India registered a growth of

The Gulf and the Middle East region has been showing a positive growth of Foreign Tourist Arrivals to India over the last 2 to 3 years with around 2,80,000 arrivals registered during 2011, showcasing a growth of nearly 18.5 per cent over the previous year.

Foreign Tourist Arrivals into India have witnessed a steady increase over the years touching 6.30 million in 2011, a 9.2 per cent increase over 5.78 million tourist arrivals in 2010. This year, till September 2012, the Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India, stands at 4.63 million. The Ministry of Tourism aims to increase India’s share in International Tourist Arrivals from 0.6 per cent to 1 per cent by 2016.

GUEST COLUMN EDITORIAL WTM 2012 set for vibrant session

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ome November 5, all eyes will turn to ExCeL – London where Barry Gibbons, Former CEO of the US-based Burger King Corporation – and the man dubbed the ‘Turn Around Champ’ – will officially open World Travel Market 2012, the leading global event for the travel industry.

Staged annually in London, WTM is a vibrant four-day B2B event, presenting a diverse range of destinations and industry sectors to UK and International travel professionals. It is a unique opportunity for the global travel trade to meet, network, negotiate and conduct business under one roof.

Interestingly, there is a strong focus on Sports Tourism. Eurosport, Europe’s leading sports entertainment group, is sponsoring the programme at this year’s event.

WTM 2011 had been predicted, to generate £1,653 million of travel industry contracts, independent research

by Fusion Communications revealed. In 2010, Reeds Exhibitions held more than 460 events in 36 countries, bringing together more than seven million people from around the world, generating billions of dollars in business.

What is simultaneously heartening is that the IATA has announced an upward revision to its global aviation outlook for 2012. The fall in airline profits from the US$ 8.4 billion that the industry earned in 2011 will be cushioned by improved airline performance. Airlines are expected to earn US$ 4.1 billion in 2012 (up US$ 1.1 billion from the $3.0 billion forecast in June).

Sharjah Tourism marches ahead Sharjah continues to march steadily as it increasingly, attracts and encourages international travellers. As a tourist destination that attracts nearly 45 per cent of its visitors from Europe, it is once again looking forward to showcase itself at the upcoming World Travel Market 2012 in London.

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ith the vision of the emirate’s leadership, to develop Sharjah as a worldclass and sustainable tourist destination and a global hub of art, culture and commerce, the future is limitless.

Constantly working on realising this dream, several new projects have been unveiled by the emirate.

With an initiative of transforming the areas along the Creek, especially the Heritage Area, Shurooq has unveiled some ambitious Eco-Tourism projects, during the recent months. It includes Khor Fakkan Luxury Resort and Spa and the billion dirham initiative for Kalba unveiled earlier in 2012 by Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Sharjah Ruler and Member of Supreme Council. The Kalba Eco-Tourism project, which will transform the East Coast while protecting the ecology and mangroves of Kalba, is the largest of its kind in the Middle East. Many more such projects are in the pipeline.

It has been an eventful year, in terms of the emirate’s growth on tourism and economic front. This year has been very good too, regarding the number of international tourist arrivals in Sharjah. We have seen an upsurge, in numbers, especially from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait and so on, following our recent roadshows across the region. In the final

months of this year, when the emirate hosts two of its two biggest events -- the Sharjah Water Festival and Sharjah Grand Prix -- and holiday season is at its peak in Europe, we expect a major spike in the number of visitors.

Europe and the Middle East remain our two main feeding markets. More than 40 per cent of them now

destination. In fact, they are the ones, who are the first and last to be in direct contact with a tourist and hence, their importance can hardly be overemphasised.

This is why we have taken several steps, in recent years, to reach out to this crucial segment of the industry, by introducing professional licensing and training

Europe and the ME remain our two main feeding markets. More than 40% tourists come from Europe, especially from Russia and Germany Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman, SCTDA

come from Europe, especially from Russia and Germany. In 2011, more than 2,00,000 tourists came from Russia.

We are getting a lot of visitors from CIS nations and from the emerging markets like China, India and the rest of the Middle East. With greater international flight connectivity and awareness about what Sharjah has to offer as a complete tourist destination for the whole family, we hope this will further grow.

We believe that travel agents and tourist guides play a very critical role, in promoting or undermining a tourist

This year, has been like any other for us, in terms of, our efforts and focus. Every coming month and year, drives us, to put in our best, to exploit the immense potential of this emirate. This year, we have paid greater attention, in marketing Sharjah, around the world by conducting roadshows in the Middle East, Central Asia and the CIS states in the recent months. We had great and enthusiastic response to our roadshows in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, earlier this year and more recently in CIS countries including Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan. We have just hosted, in collaboration with the UAE Government, successful roadshows across India which is another major emerging market for us.

programme for tourist guides in association with the University of Sharjah. The programme is in its third year and has already turned out eight batches and trained more than hundred tourist guides professionals from across the UAE. Besides, we have been hosting regular orientation courses for travel agents and other front office staffs associated with the travel and hospitality industry, offering them, essential lessons and an insight into Sharjah’s and UAE’s history, culture and Arab-Islamic values and so on.

Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

1st Gulf carrier to be oneworld member

The Middle East carriers has shown the strongest passenger traffic growth with a 17.1% increase in demand outstripping a 13.2% increase in capacity.

As experts in the industry point out, there is growing hope that the World Travel Market will help play its part in connecting travel businesses, sectors and markets for mutual, sustainable benefit.

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

: : : : : : : : : : : :

SanJeet Sumeera Bahl Rupali Narasimhan Deepa Sethi Susmita Ghosh Archana Sharma Raina Mandal Ruchi Sinha / NN Misra Geetika Pathak Akassh Kapoor Ashok Rana Anil Kharbanda

Qatar Airways yet again made international headlines this week with the industry story of the year in New York. The Doha-based airline became the first of the major Gulf carriers to officially join the oneworld group after it was invited by the global alliance. This key announcement will effectively give Qatar Airways a wider global network of routes through the oneworld partners.

Offices: TRAVTALK is published

by SanJeet on behalf of

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TRAVTALK

STATISTICS

NOVEMBER, 2012

ME LCCs: From 1% to 21% in 10 years 10 years ago, the low fares sector was in its infancy in the Middle East, with only one carrier operating low fare routes to a handful of destinations. Today, LCC seat capacity accounts for 21 per cent of all capacity in the Middle East.

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he Middle East Aviation market has grown to become an important part of the global air transport

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market. From just over 420,000 the regional air travel saw a double-digit growth of 925,000 in just 10 years. The seat capacity has also more than doubled with over 165

million seats in the Middle East in 2012. Dubai is now the world’s second biggest airport with over 750,000 weekly seats. Just a year ago, it held the 4th position and 10 years

ago, in 42nd place with 288,000 weekly seats, illustrating the dramatic pace of growth that has taken place.

LCCs represent an increasingly important share

52% compared to traditional mainline carriers who have averaged growth of 7% each year since 2002. Flights have almost doubled in the last decade.

of capacity in the Middle East, growing from just 1% of all seats 10 years ago to 21% in 2012. Although from a much smaller base, the average annual growth rate for LCCs is

LCC v/s Mainline operators by capacity to the Middle East

21%

2002 99%

Source: OAG Schedules iNet

1%

2012 LCC

79%

Mainline

Mainline operators by scheduled capacity 2002 vs. 2012 to the Middle East

2

LCC v/s Mainline operators Year-on-Year growth 2002 - 2012 to the Middle East

3

10

Top

countries in the Middle East by frequency 2012

5%

4% 3%

4%

25%

4% LCC vs Mainline operators Year-on-Year growth 2002-2012 by scheduled capacity to the Middle East

5%

Source: OAG Schedules iNet

4

5% LCC’s Year-on-Year growth by world region

8%

24%

13%

LCC Year-on-Year growth by scheduled capacity 2002-2012 by world region Source: OAG Schedules iNet

United Arab Emirates Saudi Arabia Iran Islamic Republic of Qatar Bahrain Israel Kuwait Oman Jordan Lebanon Other

Source: OAG Analyser

Market share by country in the Middle East by frequency 2012

AVIATION

Calling corporates & leisure airberlin provides an extensive range of services for the discerning business traveller, in addition, to having a strong focus on the leisure market. The airline is also focussing on corporate travel business.

RA I N A M A N DA L

“A good relationship with travel agents is very important for airberlin. We work in close coopearation with the travel agents and see them as partners, as they are a significant part of our sales,” she said while explaining the importance of agents.

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he aviation industry of the Middle East has been witnessing a stable growth and is gradually bringing positive change in the industry. Even the focus is shifting from the traditional, more established markets to the emerging economic powerhouses in the Middle East, Asia, South America and Africa.

“The Middle East is a very exciting strategic market for airberlin and we’ve seen good figures in business and leisure travel in particular to and from the UAE. Our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways which started out in December of 2011 has not only helped us to develop in the Middle East but has also unleashed a new range of network and sales opportunities,”

Stella Warmuth Area Manager - Middle East Asia Pacific & Africa airberlin

explains Stella Warmuth, Area Manager - Middle East, Asia Pacific & Africa, airberlin.

Since January 2012, airberlin flies nonstop to three different destinations from Abu Dhabi (Berlin, Dusseldorf, Phuket). From Abu Dhabi it offers more than 45 one-stop connections, enhancing the accessibility of European regions in the process. With Etihad Airways, the airline serves up to 56 European destinations as well as further connections to the United States.

Discussing regarding the airline’s brand proposition in the ME market, she replied, “Through the partnership with Etihad Airways, we hope to position airberlin strongly in the Middle East. The systematical expansion and strengthening of the Middle East market is also the reason, we created the new role of Area Manager Middle East, Asia Pacific and Africa to which I was appointed in August. I am also one of the key sales interfaces with Etihad Airways.”

The airline jointly with Etihad Airways is further seeking growth opportunities to intensify the cooperation.

19% increase in Q3 revenues Etihad Airways is confident of achieving full year profitability despite the challenging global economic environment. The airline’s Q3 2012 revenues, increased by 19 per cent over 2011 to record US$ 1.3 billion while the travellers graph got a hike by 23 per cent with 2.79 million in the quarter.

The seat factors of 81.2 per cent, mark the best ever quarterly performance, by the airline with the passenger numbers to pass 10 million in 2012. The

codeshare and partner revenues grow 51 per cent.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways said, “Complementing our own double-digit organic growth,

the contribution from our codeshare and equity partners has delivered a growing revenue stream.”

During the quarter, Etihad

James Hogan President and Chief Executive Officer Etihad Airways

Airways signed interline and codeshare agreements with Aer Lingus, China Eastern Airlines and RAK Airways, further expanding the airlines network.

Renovation drive complete The Jumeirah-based Dubai Marine Beach Resort and Spa has face-lifted a number of its key outlets and features. The renovated Fitness Centre has reopened its doors in September with new interiors. The Spa at the resort introduced a new treatment; the traditional Moroccan bath. The interior of the Lebanese restaurant Al Qasr has been redecorated, in addition to its popular terrace overlooking the resort’s rich landscape. Another major renovation took place at the Taverna, the international restaurant that was redesigned into an elegant interior. The Lounge Bar was also recently face-lifted with a fresh new decor.

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TRAVTALK

AVIATION

NOVEMBER, 2012

2 Dreamliner lands in Dubai Soaring high in Kerala skies nd

Air India operated its first international flight with the new B-787 Dreamliner on September 30 from New Delhi to Dubai. The Dubai International Airport welcomed the new aircraft with a traditional water canon salute.

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he return flight from Dubai to New Delhi operated on October 1. The senior management of Air India in the UAE held a traditional function at the check-in area of Dubai International Airport. As a mark of a new beginning, a traditional lamp was lit by the present dignitaries followed by a cake cutting ceremony. All inbound and outbound travellers were greeted with flowers and the first one was felicitated with a memento.

To mark this historic occasion, a lucky draw of two complimentary Business Class tickets was also organised.

This is the second of the 27 B-787 Dreamliner aircraft that Air India has recently taken delivery and has been deployed for operations between the two emerging cities of the world; New Delhi and Dubai.

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The travellers were delighted and lauded the efforts of the airline to connect Dubai as its first international destination with the new aircraft.

“We receive majority of our sale from our travel trade partners, hence, we thoroughly work in close coordination with them. We also receive online sale but that too in very less significant percentage.

Besides regular interaction with our sales team, we, the senior professionals also meet them often for discussions and updates,” informed Seema Srivastava, Regional Manager, Air India - Gulf, Middle East & Africa.

Air India operates about 298 flights from the Gulf region and has about 156

Bahrain Air, the Kingdom of Bahrain’s private national carrier, has increased its connectivity to Kerala. The Airline operates daily services to Thiruvananthapuram and 5 times weekly from Calicut and Cochin airports.

To add more value, to the passengers on-board Bahrain Air, the airline has also started in-flight announcements in Malayalam, in addition to Arabic and English on all flights to Kerala.

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

flights from UAE which includes Air India and Air India Express flights, she informs further.

The airline carries about 5,500 passengers every day from the Gulf region. They do fly frequently on shorter vacations or on weekends, along with longer vacations. The airline has introduced its most competitive fares for the current season for travel to/from Gulf to India.

ot only has the outbound to Bahrain increased, but also the inbound traffic to Kerala has seen an immense surge. Owing to a lot of traffic movement between the two destinations, the airline has increased its connectivity to Kerala. Having started operations to Kerala’s Cochin airport in 2008, it has gone ahead to add two other connectivity’s to Kerala. Besides Calicut, the airline recently launched operations in Thiruvananthapuram as well.

Bahrain Air operates daily services from Thiruvananthapuram to Bahrain, whereas, it operates 5 times a week from Calicut and Cochin airports.

“The Kerala market is our prime focus, as we operate a frequency of 18 flights a week. Approximately 30 per cent of our business comes from the Kerala market and we are in the process of increasing our visibility in

Gireesh Bhaskar Regional Manager - Indian Subcontinent Bahrain Air

Kerala and promoting traffic to/from Kerala by offering services, which can be easily related to, by the local population. Our prime focus is to get a majority of the leisure traffic to Kerala, as the state offers a wide-range of attractions to all ages and an ideal family location. We are also keen on targetting Leisure/VFR segments from all the stations we operate in India,” says Gireesh Bhaskar, Regional Manager - Indian Subcontinent, Bahrain Air.

“We also plan to fly trade professionals, during November in Bahrain to showcase Kerala’s tourism potential.

We are willing to go the extra mile in promoting Kerala as a tourist destination from the Middle East,” adds Bhaskar.

The airline also flies to Mumbai four times a week and plans to expand its services to more destinations in India.

It has also announced special fares, from all points in India, to promote MICE and leisure travel to Bahrain.

‘Delta Challenge’ gears up From Dubai to London Delta Air Lines organises ‘Delta Challenge’, a car rally event for its travel trade partners every year. Scheduled for November 16, the well-received rally by the travel trade is flagged off from the Airline’s office in Bur Dubai.

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The airline company continues to explore opportunities, for its valued customers, both in the UK and across the globe to enjoy the benefits of its new partnership with Chelsea Football Club.

“A

fter the race marshals guidance briefing to the team to reach the final destination, a Tulip chart will be handed over to them.

Throughout the way, there will be Marshall Points where the team will have to complete an activity. Each team consists of 4-5 participants (driver, navigator, 2/3 members) to undertake the activity/task,” informed Manoj Kuriakose, Commercial Manager, Middle East, Delta Air Lines.

In July 2012, Delta Air Lines and Chelsea Football

Zooming in ME Throughout the way, there will be Marshall Points where the team will have to complete an activity.

Each team consists of 4-5 participants (driver, navigator, 2/3 members) to undertake the activity/task

Manoj Kuriakose Commercial Manager, Middle East Delta Air Lines

Club announced a new multiyear partnership, through which the airline becomes the official global airline partner of the Premier League Club.

“Soon after being crowned as the Champions of Europe, the football club introduced Delta Air Lines as its new signing partner and work began immediately on a number of high profile projects to promote the partnership worldwide,” Kuriakose further said.

Delta’s branding will soon be a familiar feature for Chelsea FC’s international fan base. At every home game, LED hoardings displaying official Delta messages and a global TV commercial is presently in production. Chelsea FC’s home ground, Stamford Bridge, has also undergone a transformation with Delta brandings, featuring billboards at both the entrances to the stadium development.

“Bridge, as adjacent to the stadium itself, Delta has opened its new facility The Delta 360° Lounge, at the five star Millennium and Copthorne Hotel,” he added.

Balancing the existing flight schedule between London and New York, Virgin Atlantic launches its fourth daily new service to Dubai on October 28. This connection will provide a flexible proposition for travel on this key route.

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customers across the Atlantic,” West said. “We are confident enough, that this additional service combined with our recent product enhancements, will facilitate us, to increase the market share into New York as we offer, our award winning product and services to even more customers, ” he informed.

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his new service, will provide, the connecting passengers with greater flexibility and a flawless connection, onto other Virgin Atlantic routes including Delhi, Accra and many African destinations.

“The introduction of this fourth daily service, offers passengers, a smooth journey from Dubai to London Heathrow and across the Atlantic to New York,” said Brad West Country, Manager, Virgin Atlantic, UAE. The new route will be a combination of morning and evening flights from both the major New York airports, giving passengers a flexible proposition for travel to the

Brad West Country Manager, Virgin Atlantic UAE

city, providing greater connection choices than before.

“We started our first flight from London to Newark in 1984. New York has always been important for Virgin Atlantic. In 2011, we carried more than half a million passengers between Heathrow and JFK,” he further added.

“In the face of increased capacity and bigger airline alliances, we have managed to grow our number of

Within the last six months, the airline has unveiled a new Upper Class Suite, operating initially on its morning service to New York. It comprises of a multi-million pound Clubhouse at JFK airport, an enhanced fine dining meal service and a Grey Goose Loft at its Heathrow Clubhouse.

Flying On New Route This new service, will provide the passengers with greater flexibility and a flawless connection, onto other Virgin Atlantic routes

AVIATION

NOVEMBER, 2012

TRAVTALK

9

Top access point to America Technology drive for RAK Over the last 24 months, Dallas/FortWorth (DFW) Ras Al Khaimah International Airport signs a 10-year International Airport, experienced arrivals from twelve contract with ARINC Inc, to implement multiple airport new international destinations. systems, at the 18th World Routes in Abu Dhabi.

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service to the Dominican Republic. In July 2012, Qantas increased to daily non-stop service to Brisbane/Sydney.

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urveys by the Airports Council International, report that the airport, has been ranked among the top five of large airports worldwide for customer services for the past five years. These achievements were highlighted at the 18th World Routes Development Forum that took place, during September 29 to October 2 in Abu Dhabi.

The Airport’s recent success is highlighted, by the nonstop services of Qantas to Australia and by the arrival of Emirates with daily service, between DFW and Dubai. With most prolific growth for worldwide route expansion in 2011 and 2012, DFW’s position is confirmed as a global hub.

Jeff Fegan, CEO, DFW International Airport, said, “DFW Airport continues to be one of the top international gateways in the world and

To enhance customer convenience for frequent international travellers, DFW is a participating airport in the *Global Entry Trusted Traveller programme.

Jeff Fegan CEO DFW International Airport

Our region is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the US with more than 190 available destinations.”

DFW also welcomed new service to Rio de Janeiro and Barbados on American Airlines, new American Eagle service to Mazatlan, Morelia, Querétaro and Veracruz in Mexico and new Sun Country

With the Global Entry programme, pre-authorised, frequent international travellers have the ability to bypass the traditional passport lines and skip paper customs declaration forms when re-entering the country through DFW. This programme is designed to further expedite entry into the US at participating airports like DFW and around the country.

The airport is excited about its complimentary high speed Wi-Fi that started in September.

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terminal will expand, but there are plans for a new passenger terminal, that will be dedicated, to charter activity.

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he 10-year deal reveals the commitment of both ARINC and RAK for a longterm partnership.

“We can see RAK Airport is courageously proceeding to unchartered territories. Few weeks before, we have signed traffic control with global aerospace logistics in the capital,” asserted Mohammed Qazi, Commercial Director, RAK International Airport.

“The level of integration and future-proofing that ARINC is bringing to RAK, will make it one of the most intelligent airports in the world,” he further added.

As master systems integrator with over 80 years of experience, ARINC has

Mohammed Qazi Commercial Director RAK International Airport

expertise in engineering new core infrastructure and ensuring smooth migration process without disruption to either airport or passengers.

The project involves design, supply and installation of ARINC’s core suite of airport passenger processing solutions. It will also include state-of-the-art Common Use Passenger Processing Systems (CUPPS) and boarding operations at the expanding airport. Not only the existing

“With very sophisticated commercial campaign, we are pitching to the airlines, as we are an established airport and are ideally placed geographically. We don’t have restrictions, as the processing time is lesser, than other airports, which is a major concern for the busy airports at the moment in UAE. We are the most competitively priced airport in UAE by far,” informed Qazi.

RAK Airport has observed passenger growth up by 67.2 per cent in the first half of 2012, compared to the same period in 2011.

Bringing technology in the journey, ARINC have partnered with the airport to turn the concept into reality, bringing the check-in-less airports one step closer.

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TRAVTALK

CRUISES

NOVEMBER, 2012

Cruising in the Middle East for Indians Costa Cruises, in association with Emirates and Dubai Tourism Board, launches short sail cruises around Middle East in the Indian market which will depart from Dubai Cruise Terminal.

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o cater to the growing interest among Indians to visit the Middle East and accelerate the Indian arrivals, during the Dubai Shopping Festival, Costa Cruises introduces short sail cruises around Middle East on; Costa Atlantica and Costa Classica.

For this purpose, it has joined hands with Emirates and Dubai Tourism Board to offer Indian travellers various attractive packages. Especially for Indian guests, the cruising company has developed a tailor-made cruise with a shortterm itinerary. These cruises will begin departure from December and will travel from Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations like Muscat, Khorfakkan (Fujairah) and Khasab (Oman).

Essa Sulaiman Ahmad Vice President - India & Nepal Emirates

The tourists will also experience a world-class service & quality that Emirates is known for

Dario Rustico, Sales and Marketing - Central

Dario Rustico Sales and Marketing - Central Europe, Africa, Middle East and India Director Costa Cruises

While cruising, the Indian traveller will discover the best of Oman and the Emirates

Europe, Africa, Middle East and India Director, Costa Cruises, says “Our alliance with DTCM and Emirates has exciting potential and we are sure that together, we will offer our Indian guests, an experience of world-class cruising like never before.

On-board, we will ensure, they discover the best of Oman and the Emirates at the destinations, we are cruising to. With a worldclass airline like Emirates onboard, the entire experience promises to be a super luxury one, for the Indian traveller and his family.”

The packages for Costa Classica start at ` 54,864 for 6 days/5 nights and ` 59,226 for 8 days/7 nights while on Costa Atlantica the packages start at ` 67,596 for 8 days/7 nights. Prices are for fixed departures on twin-sharing basis and include air tickets,

meet and assist, transfers, pre and post stay in Dubai, UAE visa and the cruise. These cruise packages can be sold by any IATA authorised agent across India through Emirates Holidays. With selected enhancements catering specifically to Indian tastes, the cruises will also have restaurants that offer selected dishes from Indian cuisine.

“Emirates, in conjunction with Emirates Holidays, is providing these innovative packages for those Indian travellers, who are seeking to discover another aspect of Dubai. We hope with this, passengers will also experience the world-class service and quality that Emirates is known for,” says Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Vice President - India & Nepal, Emirates. Dubai hosted 9.3 million hotel guests and cruise passengers in 2011.

Cruise safety top priority Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA), informed that the Cruise Ship Emergency Response Task Force met with the representatives from the cruise industry to discuss the priorities for the 2012-13 cruise season.

The two new areas of focus discussed were safety (fire safety and areas of high risk) and environmental aspects.

The high risk areas were determined after reviewing the 20-year historical record of the cruise industry. On the other hand, to ensure that the environmental aspects of cruise ships are adequately managed, DMCA will coordinate with Dubai Municipality, UAE Ministry of Environment and Water and the DTCM to collect and verify the various environmental efforts being undertaken by cruise ships.

Cruise Tourism is back on track in Dubai The cruise season started on October 9, with the arrival of Costa neoRomantica cruise line on her maiden call to Dubai. During its stay, the ship witnessed a turnaround of over 1,000 tourists.

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o boost the Cruise Tourism sector in the region, DTCM, Government of Dubai and DP World in conjunction with Seatrade Middle East, hosted a summit between October 16 and 17.

The Seatrade Middle East Cruise Summit brought together, participants from all the emirates for a series of roundtable discussions. It focussed in setting out a framework and to create a

Awards galore At the recently held ‘World Luxury Hotel Awards’, held in Kuala Lumpur, The Meydan Hotel won the prestigious title of ‘New Luxury Hotel – 2012’. Abdin Nasralla, Vice President, Meydan Hotels & Hospitality said, “The Meydan is positioned as a Destination Hotel and to win, this accolade, is an incredible achievement for the entire team at Meydan.

We are all delighted to add another award into the Meydan family.”

sustainable future, for the region’s cruise industry.

Arabian Gulf as a winter cruise destination.”

Hamad M Bin Mejren, Executive Director - Business Tourism, DTCM informed,

“In 2012, Dubai Cruise Terminal will receive 110 ships welcoming more than 4,00,000 cruise tourists.

The upcoming season will add TUI cruises from Germany to the home porting list of cruise lines in Dubai.

The cruise ship Mein Schiff 2, means ‘My Ship’ will make her inaugural call to Dubai on November 3, 2012. The ship will make 20 calls to Dubai in the season, bringing over 75,000 cruise tourists.

But, we need to work together, to reinforce

Costa Crociere will have two ships deployed in the

region, to operate out of Dubai. Costa Atlantica, will also make her maiden call in December 2012. C.S. Aida Blu of Aida Cruises will continue its operation with Dubai as its home port.

The list of ‘new’ in the season for Dubai continues with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, USA deploying their cruise ship - Serenade of the Seas, to operate weekly cruises in the region. Celebrity Cruises

will make their debut in UAE with Celebrity Solstice to Dubai on November 11. In addition to the four home porting cruise lines in Dubai for the 2012-13 season, the emirate, will receive ships from over 15 different leading cruise lines of the world.

Hamad M Bin Mejren Executive Director - Business Tourism DTCM

“The Dubai Cruise Terminal will also have three dedicated facilities to cater the cruise lines and visitors this season,” added Mejren.

2 Azamara boutique ships get a facelift Azamara Club Cruises is all geared up, to renovate two European boutique hotel-style ships; Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both the ships will dry dock separately in 2012 & 2013.

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oth the ships belong to Azamara Club Cruises and will receive a wide facelift and a new profile with a new dark-blue hull.

The cruise lovers from the Middle East will enjoy the beautifully refreshed ships.

Most exciting will be the list of destinations, across the world, where larger ships cannot reach. The itineraries

will also have more late nights and overnight stays in different ports.

Cruises, the parent company of Azamara Club Cruises.

“With full refurbishment, we will be able to offer guests an even better destination-immersive travel experience with warm and authentic personal service,” she added.

“Discerning cruise fans from the Middle East, will love the newly revitalised Azamara Club Cruises ships,” said Lakshmi Durai, Executive Director - Middle East, Royal Caribbean

Lakshmi Durai Executive Director - Middle East Royal Caribbean Cruises

Azamara Quest will spend eight nights, in the dry dock, at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, starting on November 7.

Azamara Journey will enter Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard (a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine) on January 6, 2013, for a seven-night renovation in a dry dock.

According to latest research, the ME is a rising star in the Cruise Tourism industry with a double-digit growth rate. The region is keen to build on the growing share of its cruise market.

12 Q.

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TRAVTALK

CRUISES

NOVEMBER, 2012

How many vessels does Disney Cruise Line operate on? What are the various destinations that the sails to?

There are 3 vessels operating under the Disney Cruise Line fleet; Disney Magic, Disney Wonder and Disney Fantasy. The destinations that the cruise line is sailing from now till this year-end are Bahamas, Caribbean (Western & Eastern), Mexican Riviera and Panama Canal.

What are the unique on-board activities that are offered by Disney Cruise Lines?

Every Disney Cruise Line holiday offers, unparalleled experiences for families to share memorable moments for everyone.

While kids explore their own dedicated wonderland, adults stay delighted by an exclusive pool, romantic restaurants and incredible night-time entertainment.

What are the unique offerings on-board the cruise liners for children, Tweens and Teens?

Kids’ Clubs: Kids within the age of 3–12 can play in Disney’s Oceaneer Club and Disney’s Oceaneer Lab. Tween Scene: Exclusively for the 11–14 year olds, there is a private club – Edge, aboard the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.

Teen Things: There is a private teen club – Vibe on every Disney ship. This club is packed with music, video games, big screen plasma TVs, lounge area, access to the Internet and T.O.R.C.H, the teensonly on-board social intranet site.

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

Cruise season opens in Sharjah Sharjah welcomed the first international luxury cruise for this season - Costa neoRomantica, which docked on October 6, at the Khor Fakkan port, on the East Coast with 927 passengers on-board.

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total of 40 international luxury cruise liners are slated to dock at the East Coast of the emirate this new tourist season. And, the figure comes to be 17, which is more than, the figure registered in the corresponding period in the year 2011-2012. The increase in the arrival of luxury cruise liners promises, to see a growth of a staggering 50 per cent in 2012, in terms of the arrival of passengers over 2011.

According to Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), a total of 1,30,000 passengers, are expected to arrive between now and April 8, 2013 compared to 67,000 passenger arrivals in 2011. He expressed his happiness, at the ever growing international luxury tourist interest in Sharjah, which has been attracting, an

increasing number of European and Western tourists, in the recent years.

East Coast. They have plans to develop tourism and hospitality infrastructure on the East Coast, since Luxury Tourism are estimated to contribute, directly, to the local economic growth, generating new jobs and income for all concerned.

“Europe is our largest feeding market, as far as, tourism is concerned and international cruise liners visit especially to the East Coast.

To keep the arrivals flowing, the Government of Sharjah has been making constant efforts, to attract the local and international travellers and investors,” said the SCTDA Chairman.

The new tourist season has already started on a promising note with Costa neoRomantica, the first major cruise liner with 927 passengers on-board, docking at the Khor

Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

Fakkan port on October 6, followed by another ship of Costa neoRomantica on October 12. While Costa Classica, Costa Atlantica, Costa Seabourn Odyssey and Costa Seabourn Pride are scheduled to arrive in Sharjah this season, making it a season for cruise travellers.

Authorities in Sharjah are working with an objective, to fully exploit the immense potential of the magnificent

Overlooking the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Gulf Coast, Sharjah’s East Coast full of natural splendour, is ideally suited for luxury cruise liners. The emirate is home to three deep water harbours. Besides Khor Fakkan, Khalid Port and Hamriyah are the other two ports that make it the only emirate that has ports on both the coasts.

Cruises in Sharjah Costa Classica Costa Atlantica Costa Seabourn Odyssey Costa Seabourn Pride

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TRAVTALK

COVER STORY

NOVEMBER, 2012

Tapping the UK market in this WTM Contd. from page 1

business and should secure other major markets like Germany and France.”

offerings, as it announces participation in WTM 2012.

Mahmoud Saffarini, Director - Sales and Marketing, Bin Majid Hotels said, “We hope to meet with potential business partners who will discover the unique offerings at our existing properties and the soon to open ones including the rest of the services that we provide at Bin Majid Group.”

He added, “WTM is one of the most important exhibitions in the tourism sector, given the number of attendees and its ideal timing, which is the start of the new travel season for the UAE market.”

Ashraf Helmy

Wael El Behi

GM and Area Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort

General Manager Ramada Downtown

Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort has announced its participation in World Travel Market 2012.

Ashraf Helmy, General Manager and Area Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort said, “United Kingdom is one of the most important destinations in Outbound Tourism. However, it is important to not depend on one market for the hotel

Habib Khan

Scott Butcher

General Manager Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa

General Manager Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai

Wael El Behi, General Manager, Ramada Downtown will be leading a delegation and will be present as trade visitors in WTM 2012. They will be a part of the exhibition stand of Wyndham and Ramada Hotel Group.

El Behi commented, “We expect some fruitful results this year. Interaction with the international market on a single platform like WTM always helps us, maximise our visibility and eventually establish contacts, which leads to favourable business.

This year, the UK market currently stands 4th in the property’s top nationality mix and Ramada Downtown looks forward to a healthier European mix in the months following the event.

UK is the main market for Arabian Courtyard Hotel and Spa and their presence in WTM will provide assistance in increasing its presence in the region. This will help the delegates to meet the current partners and also create options for future potentials.

Habib Khan, General Manager, Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa said, “We plan to focus more on Cultural Tourism in the UK region, as we have taken over two more properties in Dubai, Unisco at Al Ras Deira and at Shindagha, which will be functional, from the end of October.”

The increasing participation of major hotels and

airlines only proves that those involved in travel find their participation more than worthwhile.

As a leisure and commercial hub of the Middle East, Dubai receives a large number of travellers. “By participating in the WTM we seek to build on the vast success of our brand image by positioning ourselves as the hotel offering best value for money for discerning business and leisure travellers,” said Scott Butcher, General Manager, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai.

He added, “WTM offers the ideal platform to showcase our product to a global audience.

The exhibition would also help us to strengthen our ties with key industry experts, tour operators and DMCs. Additionally, it would enable us to see what others are developing.”

ME: An ideal market for LCC growth Contd. from page 1

to replicate the same success story in the Middle-Eastern skies that it attained in the Indian skies,” said Aditya Ghosh, President, IndiGo. “We will continue to work hard to increase low fare travel options between India and this region,” he further added.

“Low Cost Carriers do not mean low in service but it’s the business model which is low cost. We feel that there is huge demand in this sector and with the right product we can easily be profitable in this route.

Opening ourselves on the Dubai route, is a milestone for us, as it will offer us an opportunity, to serve the large Indian and Western expatriate community along with the UAE citizens with an affordable flying option,” informed Neil Raymond Mills, CEO, SpiceJet. But the region still faces many challenges. The Middle East does not currently have secondary airports which would offer a lower cost base for LCCs. While some progress is made towards a more liberal approach to open skies agreements and travel visa restrictions, there is still a long way to go.

The LCC market here in the Middle East had been lagging behind, compared to more matured markets, but this is gradually changing.

“The ever growing demand for LCCs demonstrates that this model is set for a bright future here in the wider Arab region. More and more passengers, including business passengers, begin to take advantage of low cost travel solutions. The concept has gained wider recognition as a viable alternative to traditional airlines. The next few years will witness a period of continued expansion for LCCs, as they emerge as major players in the region’s skies while rapidly increasing their market share,” informed Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia.

Traditionally, LCC’s have thrived with a lower operating cost structure through the advantages of a single type of aircraft, a single passenger class and faster turnaround time besides many other key factors. ”Over the years, LCCs through their sustainable and innovative business model have forced traditional legacy carriers to accept and change their operating model. We have seen this happening in many parts of the world, especially in Europe and North America,” Ali explained further.

“With the Middle East low-cost carrier segment still relatively new, we recognise the opportunity for even more growth in the future.

When we started operations in 2009, low-cost travel

Adel Ali

Neil Raymond Mills

Ghaith Al Ghaith

Group Chief Executive Officer Air Arabia

CEO SpiceJet

Angelo Punchhewa

CEO Flydubai

Country Manager Mihin Lanka Airlines

The LCC concept has gained wider recognition as a viable alternative to traditional airlines

accounted for just 7 per cent of the region’s total passenger traffic compared to 35 per cent in mature markets like Europe or the US. Three years later, the sector has grown to represent 10 per cent of the market. We have seen lowcost carriers thrive in Europe because there is a multitude of destinations people want to visit that are just a few hours away and it is the same in the Middle East. With flydubai opening up new routes with direct links to Dubai, more people will be encour-

Low Cost Carriers do not mean low in service but it’s the business model which is low cost

aged to travel to various other destinations more often,” explained Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai.

Discussing about the competition Al Ghaith further added, demand for lowcost carriers is still strong and there is enough capacity for all well-run airlines to thrive in this market. “We focus on delivering affordable fares combined with quality and expanding our fleet to provide travellers with a wider choice of destinations.”

The ME LCC segment is relatively new and will grow even more in the future

“Travelling with Mihin Lanka is an experience of itself as we are the only budget airline that serves complimentary refreshments to the passengers,” informed Angelo Punchhewa Country Manager, Mihin Lanka Airlines.

“There are lots of budget airlines that exist and have been introduced in the Middle East and such a situation gives birth to competition. We are trying to change our market strategy with

We are the only budget airline that serves complimentary refreshments to our passengers

expansion plans and new destinations that will further help us in attaining a higher number of growth.

Our aim is to establish and continue long-term and reliable business contacts as we strive towards going beyond simply meeting the expectations of our valued passengers,” he added.

As competition increases, the LCC model starts shifting towards more traditional or conventional carriers, keeping the fares low.

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TRAVTALK

HOTELS

NOVEMBER, 2012

Exploring newer markets Arjaan calling UK agents Cove Rotana Resort has a wide variety of tourists pouring in and hence, is now focussing on expanding to new source markets like Netherland, Austria and Scandinavia to mention a few.

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sively it has become a favourite to some of the top tour operators in Europe.

Hence, the number of tourists has increased extensively to the area in 2012 compared to 2011.

“We have experienced over 85 per cent of occupancy particularly during September.

“We work very closely with our travel partners and have developed good relationship with encouraging results. We have hosted several familiarisation trips from Europe, the Far East and Latin America to showcase the destination and we further plan to carry on in 2013,” added the General Manager.

he hotel receives guests from world over and constitutes of Germans around 27 per cent, 18 per cent from local market and 10 per cent from Russia and the remaining 45 per cent from Britain, Czech Republic, GCC, Sweden, Austria and so on.

Business on the books for the next 2 months suggests a very healthy performance with already a lot of reservations from Tour and IT segment mainly from the European market, MICE, holiday makers and weekenders,” Andreas Mueller, General Manager,

Andreas Mueller General Manager, Cove Rotana Ras Al Khaimah

Cove Rotana, Ras Al Khaimah informed.

As constantly participating in all the major trade shows and exhibitions, Cove Rotana is also taking part in WTM 2012 under Rotana corporate stand. “I believe it’s an opportunity to stay updated with the latest travel and tourism trends and international markets,” he said.

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism has been promoting the destination and progres-

Nowadays, tourists prefer to explore outside the hotel and their local traditions and customs. Hence, the hotel property works with the Tourism Board, to enhance achievement of RAK in tourism and hospitality sector alike. This partnership also helps in promoting RAK as a viable alternative leisure and business destination.

‘Going Green is a key criteria’ Capital Gardens and Corniche, the Millennium always brims with energy that exceeds all expectations.

Ruprecht Schmitz General Manager Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi

For over ten years, the 325-room Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi has enjoyed an international reputation, as one of the world’s pre-eminent hotels. Standing on Khalifa Street and boasting on unrivalled views of the

“At Millennium Hotel it’s all about the customer.

‘We make it our business to build your business’ is what our hotel believes in.

We wrap our hotel around a traveller’s needs,” says Ruprecht Schmitz, General Manager, Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi.

The hotel has a sense of style and the welcome is warm. The Food and service pairing is ideal for conferences

Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City is aiming to showcase, its elite position and facilities as the perfect attraction, to both travel agents and visitors from the UK at the World Travel Market 2012 in London.

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eing the sponsoring brand for its registration, WTM has cemented the hotel’s status as the go-to brand for luxury travel in the MEA region. Playing a significant role in the market’s activities, the number of visitors from the UK has increased consequently on a Year-on-Year basis.

“This year, Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City, like all other hotels in UAE,

has benefited from the unfortunate circumstances that have affected the surrounding countries. People are coming to Dubai in large numbers and this showcases the destination as a safe haven in the region.

We are very popular with the GCC market, but the numbers with the UK market are on a constant rise.

More so, we see no ebb, in the remaining months of this fiscal year,” asserts Mark Deere, General Manager, Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City.

Mark Deere General Manager Arjaan by Rotana Dubai Media City

The hotel constantly hosts tourists and families to enjoy and add more flavour through the deal with a nearby licensed beach club on the Palm Island. It is complimentary to all travel agents and is reachable by

complimentary shuttle bus service. Besides, it’s extremely well-known in the business circle and is a must-to-go venue for the MICE market.

“Communication with potential end-users is needed for any hotel to be successful.

Working closely with the travel agents is hence incontestable, as it helps communicate this message. In 2012, we have seen our leisure business increasing greatly over the previous years,” he further informed.

All the hotels in Dubai work closely with DTCM and get benefitted from their strategic thinking and yearround events. Most of the present plans revolve around food & beverage offerings. One of the other exciting developing schemes is the creation of themed cultural events in the hotel that reflects its unique work of art, architecture and interior design.

Exciting venues@Al Raha

and weddings.

“The property has witnessed an unprecedented growth that confirms the incomparable advantages of other hotels, in the past few years.

It also addresses an important issue, ‘going green’ that has become a key criteria for most of the clientele, a component that magnifies an enduring commitment for the environment,” Schmitz explains.

Awarded for managing waste water The Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah has won the award for the Best Waste Water Management Project of the Year during the Green Middle East Awards held on 16 October 2012.

Al Raha Beach Hotel, Abu Dhabi has opened its new wing in October 2012, offering an extra 144 rooms and suites to its existing 110 rooms and 24 villas. This extension will cater to the growing demand of travellers.

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t’s a perfect start to a hotel experience, blending new building with stateof-the-art technologies and amenities,” expressed Kamal Zayati, General Manager, Al Raha Beach Hotel.

“The new wing will enhance this already unique property for both local and international visitors.

It will exceed their expectation and strengthen its established reputation as an exclusive lifestyle destination,” he added.

Presenting 140+ acres setting Beach Hotel with gardens, extending 900 meters of private beach, each of the new rooms and suites are specially designed with comfort and luxury. Another

exciting venue offering is the fascinating Promenade.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) supports the hotel property with targetted marketing and promotional plans. The tourism authority helps the hotel industry at major international trade and consumer fairs with strong brand presence and conducts international and regional roadshows and workshops.

“Food lovers will be pleased to know that our

Unique Features Each of the new rooms and suites are specially designed with comfort and luxury Another exciting venue offering is the fascinating Promenade

By Q1 2013, new F&B outlets will open with outdoor terrace

Kamal Zayati General Manager Al Raha Beach Hotel

hotel’s already excellent culinary offering will be enhanced by the opening of new outlets with outdoor terrace, providing views of landscaped gardens and the sapphire sea,” Zayati further added.

The new experience is set to open by Q1 2013 offering the Pan Asian Restaurant with open kitchens, Sushi Bar and Pre and Post Dinner Cuban Bar and Lounge all located in a unique location.

TECHNOLOGY

NOVEMBER, 2012

TRAVTALK

17

New age revenue solution Sabre forays in Lebanon The new Amadeus Passenger Revenue Accounting solution will enable Saudia to access real-time revenue monitoring. It will be the first airline to implement the new system for more accurate revenue decisions.

“Amadeus will provide Saudia with passenger revenue accounting solution that will support the airline, in scaling greater heights,

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madeus has signed a deal with Saudia, a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, for its new Passenger Revenue Accounting solution.

“This strategic partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines is further evidence, of our shared belief, about the way ahead for next generation passenger revenue accounting solutions. We, at Amadeus, are committed to provide the best in class technology, to support the travel industry growth, in the Middle East,” explained Antoine Medawar, Vice President, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus.

The Saudi Arabian national carrier is anticipating huge benefits from this new age accounting solution from Amadeus, for its finance division. This new age technology can also support,

Antoine Medawar Vice President, Middle East and North Africa Amadeus

all the other business divisions, in its continuous quest for passenger revenue data.

The new deal between Amadeus and Saudia is expected to further strengthen the partnership and demonstrate their mutual willingness to expand the existing relationship beyond the core modules of the Altéa Suite and the Amadeus Passenger Service System.

by accelerating revenue recognition and will automate labour intensive tasks,” Medawar informed.

The deal is part of Saudia’s ambitious and aggressive business plan to re-establish the organisation as one of the leading aviation players of the world. The new age solution is expected to effectively support Saudia’s operational activities while responding to the airline’s strategic business growth plans.

Travelport and Air Botswana tie up Travelport has recently signed a new multi-year agreement with Southern Africa’s fast growing Botswana Air to provide Galileo, Worldspan and Apollo connected travel agents inventory and all fares of Botswana Air with immediate effect.

“This new full content agreement will enable travel agents worldwide to access the airline’s full published inventory and fares,”

African region. The airline understands our value proposition and our extensive travel agency reach throughout the world,” he added.

Will Owen Hughes Senior Director - Supplier Services Travelport EMEA

said Will Owen Hughes, Senior Director - Supplier Services, Travelport EMEA. “Air Botswana is a long standing customer of Travelport and is a respected carrier in the Southern

The modest size Botswana Air has a fleet of BAE 146 as well as ATR42500 and ATR72-500 advance turbo propeller aircraft operates daily domestic and regional scheduled flights from its hub in Gaborone.

Among the destinations covered include Kasane, Maun and Francistown on the domestic sectors and Johannesburg, Cape Town, Harare and Lusaka on regional network.

Cheering T20 in Sri Lanka Amadeus Gulf recently hosted its top-performing agents in Sri Lanka to watch the finals of the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup.

Sabre Travel Network Middle East and Lebanon & Saudi Arabia based Saad Transport (Saad) have signed an agreement, under which Sabre will provide travel technology products to Saad for their corporate accounts.

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aad is set to implement Sabre Red Workspace and Sabre software that enables travel agents to shop, book and manage travel and Sabre’s premier online travel, meetings and expense corporate booking solution, GetThere.

Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO, Sabre informed,

“To implement and use our corporate booking tool for their clients in the region, Saad Transport will be the first agent in Lebanon.

By improving customer services and increasing Saad’s operational efficiencies, Sabre’s products will

Naoumovitch and Nasser during the signing of the agreement

help them, keep up, their growing customer base, in the months to come.”

“To service our travellers more effectively and continue business more efficiently, the role of Sabre’s products is immense.

Maximising our staff potentiality, Sabre has

helped, train them in these new products and remarkable results have already been observed. The increase in the efficiency will make a positive difference, on our balance sheet with faster turnaround time, for a customer’s request, at the end of the year,” commented Amine Nasser, General Manager, Saad Transport on the significant need of this key deal for the travel agency.

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TRAVTALK

NOVEMBER, 2012

AGENTS

LEADERS TALK

‘Indians love experiential travel’ From an intern tour guide to setting own operations in strategic countries, Kulwant Singh, Managing Director, Lama Tours, is an ideal case study for young tour operators. It is looking at expanding its network to tap the B2B market from Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Pune.

VIVEK SETHI

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he journey of Lama Group started in late nineties when Singh completed his schooling and volunteered to intern in a travel company for 2-3 months as a tour guide.

“The idea to start a destination management

company came in my mind when I was an intern in a tour company after completing my schooling. I started the Lama Group in 1997. In the first phase of our operations till 2000, we served the local trade partners in tour operations. In 2000, we started focussing on the GCC markets. Post the tragic incident of 9/11,

Lama adds 18 more Patrols

Lama Tours placed a new order of 18 more new Nissan Patrols.

After placing this new order, the total tally goes up to 50 Nissan Patrols to its existing fleet of 32 Patrols.

we then set our eyes on the Indian market and started our Indian operations,” said Singh.

“We started our sales and marketing office in India.

In 2011, we serviced over 1,50,000 Indian guests, which we expect will grow to 1,75,000 in 2012. During the early days, I personally used to go for door-to-door meetings with our B2B Indian trade partners. Today, we have over 60 professionals working for us in our offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Chennai. In fact, now we intend to open three new offices in Chandigarh, Ahmedabad and Pune in 2013,” he added.

The Lama Group launched the innovative marketing concept of the first ‘Lama flight to Dubai’. In his said pursuit, he earned his

Bachelors Degree in Business Administration through a distance learning mode in 1999. He continued his pursuit and completed his Masters in Business Administration post marriage from a renowned London based university in 2005.

“The Lama group today has several prominent brands that include Lama Tours, Lama Holidays, Lama Dubai-Floating Restaurant, Lama Tours and Cruises India, Seven Sands Hotel Apartment, Salaam Namaste Indian Restaurant and Lama Kiosks. The group has set up its own operations in Russia, China and Abu Dhabi among many other strategic destinations. Our recent fam trip for North Indian agents to Dubai from August 11-13, marked our fifteenth anniversary,” informed Singh.

Kulwant Singh, Managing Director, Lama Tours

“Today, the Indian market has an appetite for Experiential Tourism. It also has a great regard for value-for-money options.

Hence, we thought to encourage our trade partners for attracting Indian tourists to travel to Dubai to gain a first-hand experience into the cultural aspects and to showcase Dubai as a year-round destination. Building on, we will conduct six such flights for our B2B partners in 2012.

Gradually, there will be 15 such flights in the next year,” Singh added.

The Lama Group is also keen to further invest in its Indian subsidiary that made

a lot of news for starting niche dune bashing itineraries. “Based on the success our Indian subsidiary had managed, we are looking at the possibility of developing luxury tented accommodation in India for our guests. It will enhance our guests’ satisfaction levels and give a new edge to the desert experience with our Lama Group,” said Singh.

The Success Story of Lama Tours In 2011, we serviced over 1,50,000 Indian guests, which we expect will grow to 1,75,000 in 2012 Today, the company has over 60 professionals working in their offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Chennai

Sailing on Disney Cruises Kanoo brings Korea closer Sailing from Barcelona to Nice in France, Florence, Rome and Naples, in Italy, Al Tayer Holidays, the leisure division of Al Tayer Travel Agency, has launched special Disney Cruise packages for the UAE and GCC residents.

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summer option for families at highly attractive prices,” said Badr Abbas, Vice President - Commercial Operations, UAE, Emirates.

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he company specialises in outbound holiday travel and is also the GCC distributor for Disney Cruise Line.

“Together with Disney Cruise Line (DCL) and Emirates,

It is conveniently timed with the beginning of the school summer holidays in 2013, making it especially attractive to the GCC region,” said Manu Mehrotra, General Manager, Al Tayer Travel Agency.

Manu Mehrotra General Manager Al Tayer Travel Agency

“To enhance the experience of families travelling with us, Emirates invests profoundly on children's products. This partnership complements that philosophy by offering an uplifting

To enhance the travel experience of families, Emirates invests profoundly on children's products Badr Abbas VP - Commercial Operations, UAE, Emirates

Disney’s 2,700 passenger cruise ship, the Disney Magic, will return to European destinations to sail around the Mediterranean, beginning June 1, 2013.

Prices start at AED 9900 for an adult passenger, AED 8670 for the spouse, AED 5300 per child up to 14 years, subject to availability. Prices include return economy ticket and accommodation aboard the Disney Magic.

There are four night and twelve night cruise options to the Mediterranean as well.

In addition, Al Tayer Holidays offers other DCL options including a seven night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, a seven night Western Caribbean cruise from Galveston, a three night Bahamian cruise from Port Canaveral and a seven night cruise from Vancouver / Seattle.

Kanoo Travel, Korean Air’s General Sales Agent for Saudi Arabia announces the relaunch of the airline’s direct service to Saudi Arabia from its hub in Seoul, starting from November 9.

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orean Air is all set to foray into the Middle East, through the launch of a thrice weekly service between Korea and Saudi Arabia, to cash in on the new Middle East boom, which will help the airline expand its market further.

Equipped with premier seats, the airline promises to make air travel, between the two countries, a luxurious experience and make Seoul and Riyadh, the new hubs of connectivity between the ever expanding Far East and Middle East markets.

The direct flight between Korea and Saudi Arabia will commence on November 9, flying from Seoul/Incheon first to Riyadh and then to Jeddah every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“Kanoo Travel is pleased to welcome Korean Air back to the Kingdom. Our association with the airline began in 2008, when Kanoo

Travel was signed as the GSA for Saudi Arabia. The Airline’s new Seoul/IncheonRiyadh and Jeddah service will attract business travellers visiting Saudi Arabia and develop the market, which has a great growth potential.

The transit travellers from the neighbouring countries to Korea, including Japan and China, will also be interested by this travel service to Saudi Arabia via Korean Air’s hub in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport,” said Nabeel Kanoo, Director, Kanoo Travel.

The Business Class and Prestige Class have 24 fullflat sleepers with 188cm (74 inches) between seats and extra large seat partitions.

Passengers in all classes will enjoy the new AVOD system

Nabeel Kanoo Director Kanoo Travel

that offers upgraded in-flight entertainment in high resolution and with top processing speed.

Working in partnership with Saudi Arabian Airlines, a new member of the airline alliance SkyTeam, of which Korean Air is also a member, will enable the airlines to expand its network across the Middle East region.

Korea - Saudi Arabia The direct flight between Korea and Saudi Arabia will commence on November 9

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Sharjah the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism’ The selection of Sharjah, as the ‘Capital of Arab Tourism for Year 2015’, by the Council of Arab Tourism Ministers in Cairo, is another feather in the cap for the emirate, proving to be a huge boost for its economy and tourism sector.

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A cruising start for Sharjah

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hanking the Council of Arab Tourism Ministers for the honour, Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority said, “The nomination only reaffirms and recognises Sharjah’s eminent position as the home of Arab and Islamic culture and a ‘tourism destination with a difference’.”

He pointed out that the emirate had been declared the Capital of Arab Culture by the UNESCO in 1998 and has been chosen as the Capital of Islamic Culture for 2014 by cultural ministers of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) member states. Sharjah’s nomination was announced

by Nayef Al Fayez, Tourism Minister, Jordan who presided over the 15th session of the Executive Bureau of Arab Council of Tourism Ministers in the Egyptian

Mohamed Ali Al Noman Chairman Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority

All of us need to work together to build on and make the most of this new recognition given to us

Sharjah received its first cruise liner, Costa neoRomantica, docked on October 6 at the Khor Fakkan port on the East Coast with 927 passengers on-board. Following that the second Costa neoRomantica ship, arrived on October 12. capital in October. In a statement Al Fayez said that Sharjah has been chosen according to ‘specific bases and criteria’, especially for its celebration of Arab and Islamic culture and heritage.

Al Noman expressed confidence that the move by

New high for Dubai hotels Dubai’s hotel industry registered an impressive growth of 10 per cent guests, 18 per cent guest-nights while revenues jump by 22 per cent in the first half of 2012.

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halid Bin Sulayem, Director General, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) in Dubai, made public, the key performance indicators of the emirate’s flourished hotel industry, on the sidelines of the Natalie Tours Congress held at Dubai’s Atlantis Palm hotel in October 2012.

According to Bin Sulayem,

“Dubai hotels played host to 3,982,615 guests in the H1 2012, registering an increase of 10 per cent over the corresponding period in 2011.

The hotel apartments registered a growth of 9 per cent, during the same period, in terms of number of guests. Dubai hotels revenues recorded AED 8,395,557,000 from January to June 2012 registering a rise of 21 per cent.”

Dubai hotels guestnights swelled by 16 per

100+ tourist guides graduates

Khalid Bin Sulayem

Ghassan Al Aridi

Director General DTCM

CEO Alpha Tours

cent while guest-nights rose by 24 per cent in hotel apartments during the same period with average length of stay registering an increase of five per cent for hotels and 13 per cent for hotel apartments.

The overall numbers of hotel rooms have increased by 3 per cent to 54,221 while the number of hotel apartments has swelled by 7 per cent to reach 21,787 compared to H1 of 2011.

The annual Natalie Tours Congress, 8th in a row, focussed the significance of the Russian market to Dubai and the best ways to boost up tourist relationships. The

DTCM Director General hailed Russia as one of the most important tourist markets to Dubai at the five-day meet.

Ghassan Al Aridi, CEO, Alpha Tours, who organised the annual event with Russia’s tourist company Natalie Tours said that Russia is one of the most important five markets to Dubai in terms of inbound tourists and sales. flydubai with some 20 weekly flights to various destinations in Russia is also contributing in growth in terms of inbound Russian tourists to Dubai.

the Arab tourism council would draw further international attention and tourists to Sharjah creating more avenues and economic opportunities for everyone. “All of us need to work together to build on and make the most of this new recognition given by the Arab Tourism

With the conclusion of the 8th batch of Professional Tourist Guides Licensing and Training Programme, 100+ tourist guide professionals have graduated and joined the UAE tourism industry, since SCTDA introduced the programme in 2009.

Ministers. In Sharjah, we have a unique and different tourism model to offer to international and regional visitors. Several new hotels are also coming up in the emirate to meet the growing demand.

Now it is up to us how we exploit them,” emphasised the SCTDA Chairman.

‘Discover Sharjah’ SCTDA conducted a 2-day orientation programme titled, ‘Discover Sharjah’, for the front office staff of the emirate’s hospitality and tourism sector

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FAMILY ALBUM

Vibrant India in Oman & Turkey The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India through the India Tourism, Dubai office recently conducted ‘Incredible India Tourism Road Show’ in Oman and Turkey. The roadshows were held on October 14 in Muscat followed by Ankara on October 16 and in Istanbul on October 18, 2012.

Incredible India in Turkey

Incredible India in Oman, Muscat

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‘Where the world comes together’ Global Village, Dubai’s leading entertainment and cultural outdoor attraction, has opened its doors on October 21 and will continue till March 30, 2013. It will run for 161 days, marking it to be the longest event of this year.

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very season, Global Village attracts nearly five million visitors a year and the number rises abruptly, especially, during weekends, public and Eid holidays.

“The growth we’ve been witnessing, has encouraged an increase in demand, for commercial space.

We have tried to meet this demand by adding 2,00,000 square feet of retail space, including kiosks, restaurants and entertainment venues in this present 17th season,” informed Saeed Ali Bin Redha, CEO, Global Village.

Part of these additions is the construction of open air theater and activities and an all new world premier 3D Show, especially developed

Saeed Ali Bin Redha CEO Global Village

and commissioned for Global Village. The 3D show have started since the first day of Global Village opening on October 21 and will continue till UAE’s National Day. A new weekly raffle to win a car is also an inclusion. In addition, a new bridge has been constructed, linking both the banks of the canal, to shorten the crossing distance.

With more than 65 countries, representing every

Gala Dinners for KSA agents The Seychelles Tourism Board Middle East Office in collaboration with Etihad Airways held Gala Dinners in Riyadh and Jeddah on September 26 & 29. The event in Riyadh, was attended by 207 top producing agents while in Jeddah, 185 top producing agents attended the event.

continent, there are 37 pavilions in Global Village in 2012.

“The event is going ‘global’ every year with its cultural reach and diversity. It has also witnessed the participation of new countries in this season. In addition, it showcases a number of countries from Eastern Europe and includes Austria, Brazil, Greece, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and South Africa,” Redha added.

It’s to ensure that Global Village, a major tourism attraction and a catalyst for Dubai’s ongoing growth for regional and international visitors while offering a great day out for the local residents.

New Add-ons In its 17th season, Global Village has added 2,00,000 sqf of retail space including restaurants and entertainment venues

As part of its Eid Al Adha celebrations, Global Village also announced that it will remain open until 3:00am during the weekends, in line with Eid celebrations in Dubai. Global Village will also be open to all for the next two weeks and the traditional Monday Family Day will commence after November 2, 2012

In Kenya with Air Arabia The Kenya Tourist Board with collaboration of Air Arabia had hosted 8 travel agents from the UAE to Kenya from Sept 22 – 29, 2012. The trip covered Nairobi, Amboseli, Aberdare and also participated at the Mega Expo Trade Exhibition.

‘Destination South Africa’ roadshows African Odyssey, in cooperation with their sales and marketing representative partner, Tamrich Tours, South Africa conducted a Destination South Africa roadshow targetting the key leisure travel agents in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The roadshows were held on October 8 in Abu Dhabi and on October 9-10 in Dubai.

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MOVEMENTS

Air India Dubai

One&Only Resorts Dubai

Etihad Airways Doha

Seema Srivastava is the newly appointed Regional Manager for the Gulf Middle East and Africa region of Air India. She comes with more than 25 years of experience in the aviation industry. She started her career with Indian Airlines in 1983.

For the last five years, Srivastava was working in the Sales & Marketing team of Air India in the Western Region and was based in Mumbai.

Helen McCabe-Young is the new Executive Vice President - Sales & Marketing for One&Only Resorts. In this present profile, she is responsible for the strategic development and oversight of Kerzner’s global Corporate Communications as well as worldwide sales and marketing for One&Only Resrots brand, including retail and spa business development. A marketing veteran, McCabeYoung first joined Kerzner in 2003 as Sr VP, Sales & Marketing for One&Only Resorts.

Houssam Weiss joins Etihad Airways as its General Manager for Qatar. Based in Doha he is responsible for the airline’s commercial activities in the region. Weiss has worked in the airline industry for 17 years.

He comes with a wealth of experience working for Arabian Gulf carriers and has an in depth understanding of the Qatari market. He also has experience in different managerial commercial positions.

Sharjah

Radisson Royal Hotel Dubai

The Ritz-Carlton Dubai

Cornelia Erhardt is appointed as the General Manager of the Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai. Erhardt is a German national and comes with almost 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. In her present profile, she will guide and lead her team to further establish the hotel as a successful 5-star property in the city. In her most recent position, she was working as the General Manager of Radisson Blu Resort in Fujairah, UAE, since September 2011.

Raul Salcido joins The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai team as its new General Manager. He is an accomplished hotelier and brings over 19 years of international and brand experience to the property and the market. Fresh to the Gulf region, he joins the property ahead of the unveiling of the hotel’s new inventory in early 2013. Salcido arrives in the UAE from a three-year stint as the General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco.

Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea Jordan

InterContinental Aqaba Resort Jordan

Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate.

Dubai

Mazen Abu Sakha has been appointed as the new General

Bertrand Margerie joins the InterContinental Aqaba Resort as it’s new as Resident Manager. He comes with 24 years of exceptional managerial experience in the hotel industry. He is a seasoned veteran in the hospitality business and has over 12 years of managerial experience exclusively with InterContinental Hotels Group. In his recent profile, he was the Hotel Manager at Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea. Margerie was also the managing partner and director at La Maison hotel Thailand before joining Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

Marco de Wildt is the new Executive Chef for the Mövenpick Hotel Ibn Battuta Gate. He has been called from Netherlands and joined Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts in 2006 for the opening of the group’s hotel in Amsterdam. He has been a part of the hotel group for six years, of which the last two have been spent looking after culinary operations for the company’s three hotels in the Netherlands. As part of his new profile, de Wildt will manage the hotel’s kitchen operations and culinary enterprises.

Rambabu Ch is appointed as the new Country Manager – UAE for Air India. He has a total work experience of 21 years in the aviation industry, out of which he spent 12 years in the field covering airport, cargo, reservations and sales. Remaining 10 years he has worked at Corporate Headquarters of erstwhile Indian Airlines and merged entity of Air India at Bombay in sales and Marketing Division. After the completion of his MBA from IIM, Kolkata, Rambabu joined Indian Airlines (now Air India) through campus placement.

Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea. A Jordanian national, Sakha brings with him over 30 years of experience in administration and financial management in the hospitality industry. He has gained his well-rounded experience from working in many countries including KSA, UAE, Egypt and Libya, within the IHG family, where he held various posts in different regions of the Middle East.

AI’s first Dreamliner touches down in Dubai

Air India’s first Dreamliner arrived in Dubai on September 30 from Delhi. The new aircraft was welcomed with a traditional Water Canon Salute on arrival at the Dubai International Airport-Terminal 1. The senior management of Air India in the UAE held a traditional function at the airport check-in area. Traditional lamp was lit by the dignitaries as the mark of a new beginning, which was followed by a cake cutting function. The flight departed Dubai for Delhi on October 1.