TravTalk Middleeast Nov 13

A DDP PUBLICATION

Pages: 20

ddppl.com

travtalkmiddleeast.com

Vol. IX No. 11; November 2013

New airport, more business ................................................................................07 Sharjah roadshow gives US ties a fillip ................................................................09 Qatar Airways to expand Indian operations ........................................................12

Travel trade gears up for WTM The ‘must-attend’ four-day B2B annual exhibition for the worldwide travel and tourism industry is on again.

The most significant global event for the travel industry, World Travel Market 2013 will be held from November 4-7, at ExCeL London to network, negotiate and discover the latest industry opinion and trends.

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he opening will be carried out by Sir Stuart Rose, a veteran in the business world, where almost 48,000 senior travel industry professionals, government ministers and international press are expected to attend.

Launched last year at World Travel Market, the WTM Global Trends Report 2012 suitably predicted some significant trends in the travel and tourism industry.

Simon Press, Reed Travel Exhibitions, Director, World Travel Market, explained, “The WTM Global Trends Report is one of the travel & tourism industry’s most anticipated reports due to its high success rate at predicting trends for the sector.

Last year’s report was no exception with a number of the trends coming to fruition.”

WTM Global Trends Report 2013 will be launched on November 4 at WTM. The event also launches the First Luxury Showcase. “‘The Taste of ILTM at WTM’ recognises the growing importance

of the luxury sector. The two-day event will focus on luxury UK buyers, particularly those who won’t attend ILTM in Cannes from December 2-5, 2013. It will bring the pre-scheduled appointment system and table-top meeting structure from WTM’s sister event, ILTM,” he further informed.

The event provides the right platform for Millennium & Copthorne to communicate their brands and services to the travel trade on a global stage.

At WTM 2012, Millennium and Copthorne, Middle East focussed on communicating the expansion of its regional footprint across the Middle East & Africa.

“This year at WTM 2013, our primary goals will be to review our existing partners’ and accounts performance; and ensure a focus on business levels through our key target segments, corporate and leisure, throughout 2014,” informed Naeem Darkazally, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East & Africa.

tourism opportunities in the Middle East.”

As Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort gears up for WTM, it looks forward to attracting new customers from the UK market.

Simon Press

Naeem Darkazally

Ashraf Helmy

Reed Travel Exhibitions Director World Travel Market

Vice President Sales & Marketing, Millennium & Copthorne, Middle East & Africa

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

WTM Global Trends Report has a high success rate at predicting trends for the sector

WTM, now in its 34th year, comes at a time following the Arab Spring and other regional events which had both positive and negative impact. “We believe WTM

It is the right forum to restore confidence for a global audience in the region

2013 provides an excellent platform to explain the true position of the region and articulate many countries and governments with exciting long term visions and

It is for sure a venue where the hotel group can grab new opportunities and sign new deals

positive economic outlooks.

We also believe it is the right forum to restore confidence in the region to a global audience that will demonstrate further trading and

“WTM is the platform where we meet most of our suppliers and new comers as well. It is for sure a venue where we can grab new opportunities and sign new deals. Hence, we participate in the event every year. I wish this year we would be able to attract more clients from the British market as recently the number of tourists from that region visiting our area is not up to what is expected,” expounded Ashraf Helmy, Area General Manager & Business Development Manager, Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort.

According to Helmy, WTM is one of the biggest exhibitions that all the big players of the industry are keen to attend. It has built the name and reputation and gained high importance over the years.

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AVIATION

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

Increase in Dubai-Beijing flights

The future is here at RAK airport

With a fifth weekly, non-stop flight between Dubai and Beijing that took off on October 28, 2013, Air China is now planning for an even greater ARINC Incorporated has completed presence in Dubai with daily flights in 2014. the implementation of operational systems at the airport, by utilising S U S M I TA G H O S H for business and economy.

CA942 departs at 01:15 Similarly, revenue for 2013 hours from Dubai and arrives virtualisation technology. went up by 13 per cent as at 13:00 hours in Beijing on s part of Air China’s

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every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. New flight CA942 departs at 00:05 hours from Dubai and arrives at 11:50 hours in Beijing on every Tuesday.

future expansion plan for the Middle East, the Airline will increase its frequencies to Dubai, said Wang Ling, Sales Manager, Air China, Dubai.

“Air China has clearly spelt out its future plans for Dubai and the region, while acknowledging competition from Emirates, which flies twice daily to China and other Middle East airlines taking the same higher frequency route,” he revealed.

“The Chinese national carrier offers unbeatable connectivity within China with its network spread across 99 cities.”

The new flight CA941 departs at 17:40 hours from Beijing and arrives at 23:15 hours in Dubai on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. New flight CA941 departs at 16:20 hours from Beijing and arrives at 21:55 hours in Dubai on every Monday.

Wang Ling Sales Manager Air China Dubai branch

Air China has clearly spelt out its future plans for Dubai and the region, while acknowledging competition from Emirates

He added that the Airline also plans to operate its own flights through the Dubai hub to some major cities in Middle East and Africa.

In view of the increasingly close relationship between China and the Arab world, and a growing Chinese community in the UAE, Air China will provide air transport facility to serve the travelling public.

Hence, the future of Air China in this region is very promising.

Air China’s performance on various indicators this past period has been good. Passenger load factor in 2013 on its CA942 flights from Dubai to Beijing stands at an impressive 92 per cent

against 2012 figures.

“As part of our marketing strategy, we have been training travel agents with product presentation,” informed Ling.

“In March 2014, the Airline will again after 2013 have an annual award ceremony. FAM trips are on the anvil by way of promoting holiday traffic from the UAE to China,” he added.

Air China London Branch will be participating in the forthcoming WTM 13 in London.

Besides, Air China also takes part in GIBTM as they are interested in MICE sectors.

Taking into consideration Dubai’s unique strategic position and huge market value, Air China is working out long-term plans to map the Emirate as a strategic hub in the Middle East.

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s part of a 10-year contract signed on September 30, 2012, ARINC was to implement a project involving the design, supply and installation of ARINC’s core suite of airport passenger processing solutions, as well as advanced airport operational systems. The systems went live on October 1.

These included a stateof-the-art vMUSE Common Use Passenger Processing Solution (CUPPS), AirVue Flight Information Display System (FIDS) and ARINC’s latest generation Airport Operational Database (AODB) AirDB 7 system.

Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Department of Civil Contd. on page 5

Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi Chairman, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Department of Civil Aviation

ARINC “platform will enable RAK airport to grow its passenger processing capability

GUEST COLUMN EDITORIAL Green issues to be tackled at WTM

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orld Travel Market (WTM) 2013 is finally upon us. The opening of this year’s Market at the new-look WTM Captains of Industry Opening Launch will be carried out by Sir Stuart Rose, the current chairman of online delivery company Ocado.

In times when there is political, social and financial crisis, the industry’s top leaders in attendance would be looking for inspiration and practical advice on how to run their businesses.

A high-level headline panel, ‘The Round Table on Travel & Tourism and Carbon’, is scheduled to take up for discussion of carbon emissions in the travel industry. South African Minister of Tourism and former Minister of Environment Marthinus van Schalkwyk and Jumeirah President and Group CEO Gerald Lawless would be part of the Round Table, to be chaired by Stephen Sackur, veteran BBC presenter.

It’s an industry that already contributes about 5 per cent of global CO2 emissions, with air transport alone accounting for 40 per cent of the sector's emissions. It will be interesting to know if the travel industry would responsibly commit itself in deed to a green path going forward.

More so encouraging to note van Schalkwyk’s comments made earlier this year, when he said the consequences of doing nothing would be devastating indeed, particularly because tourism is closely linked to the climate and environment itself.

WTM13 means business, and is expected to generate more than 2 billion pounds of new business for the industry.

Also, despite the economic slowdown, another ATM first, ‘A Taste of ILTM at WTM’ - a dedicated luxury showcase does reflect a sentiment of optimism within the industry.

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

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

Charting tourism growth in Ajman Set up in 2012 by the Emirate’s government, Ajman Tourism Development Department (ATDD) got cracking on a ratings system. We, at ATDD, would like to bring in transparency by giving tourists a clear idea of what its hotels and other facilities have on offer.

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efore we came into being, all the hotels in Ajman were licensed by the municipality. They were assessed based on building rules, rather than on standards like guest amenities, room sizes, disabled access, furniture quality and extras such as health clubs.

We introduced a ratings system based on the one used in Abu Dhabi since 2009. By July 2013, the Emirate’s hotels, which were given between six and 12 months to meet the new standards, were all rated. So far, hotels in the Emirate have been making sure they meet all criteria. The Emirate’s hotel ratings system has inducted a great deal of transparency in the market. We have managed to build the first-of-itskind statistical hub of the tourism industry in Ajman, something which was missing for the past few years.

With the ratings in place, the added transparency between us and the end user has helped the hotels.

For example, Ramada Ajman’s occupancy before the ratings was 65-70 per cent, but now it is fully booked - 100 per cent.

The regular inspections now find the hotels meeting the standard 24x7. But again, we want more people to know more customers.

Travellers come to Ajman mostly from Russia, Germany, GCC besides UAE nationals. It would be no exaggeration to say that the most important project we have accomplished of late is the ratings system.

There were no short-cuts for us though. For the last seven months or so, we had to

2. Food and Beverages: We don’t have quality restaurants. The investors need consultancy, which we will provide.

work hard on developing our Human Resource team and invested heavily on it. We took the initiative to get the team to understand what tourism overall is and what the concept of hospitality is, besides imparting in-depth training on how to manage events.

3. Transportation: We are not competing with the other emirates but complementing them. Whatever we are missing in Dubai and Sharjah, we will just complement it.

To start with the team development, we managed to hire very qualified people in

Ramada Ajman’s occupancy before the ratings was 65-70 per cent, but now it is fully booked - 100 per cent Faisal Al Nuaimi General Manager, Ajman Tourism Development Department

4. Entertainment: As it’s a leisure destination, we are dedicating some spots before making them available for the investors to build leisure and entertainment outside the hotel and hotel apartments.

sectors like director of classification and liaisoning, working in this industry in the UAE for the last 12 years, which will add value to the team. We have also certified HR and management team who went to build the rest of the team.

5. Security: More problems with more people.

However, we plan to make it among the most secured destinations.

The project we are currently planning will be implemented in the first half of 2014 - the Ajman Tourism Investment Map, comprising 5 sectors:

beach will come up. The total number of rooms we have is 245, going up from 5 to 6 per cent. The first quarter of 2014 will see a 3-star and a 5-star hotel (Fairmont), which will also open on the beach.

Two more resorts will be coming up by the end of 2016.

In 2014, we will also see completion of the rating system. We will have hostel ratings in the first quarter of 2014, then resort, touristic restaurants, touristic transportation and the classification of the travel agents.

The other major project in the pipeline includes the first and only-one-of-its-kind e-gateway. The project is divided into four sections: An official website, Ajman e-calendar showing all events on the website, e-ratings system and liaisoning, all of which will go online.

Building on our infrastructure, we are putting rules and regulations in place, which will give our investors and end-users the right to choose their desired destination. All this will be accomplished in 2014.

In 2014, we will work even more closely with the travel agents and the hotels.

Also, we will increase our participation at events, by at least 40 per cent. Last year we participated in ITB, ATM and Riyadh. This year we have ATM, ITB, Singapore, Russia and WTM, and have planned to add two destinations every year.

1. Hospitality: Today we know the rules and regulations of having our establishments here. But how many more 5-star or 4-star or 3star properties do we need.

We will launch a study on what kind of hospitality would we need in 5 years’ time. The investment map will tell us how many visitors would be interested in which area? How many hotels? As we are a family destination, we need to diversify our business structure; importantly, we need investors.

Looking at the future, we have an agreement with Air Arabia which will continue to promote Ajman as a destination starting with the hotels. In December 2013, the second 5-star hotel on the

Faisal Al Nuaimi General Manager Ajman Tourism Development Department

Air Arabia increases flights to Nagpur Air Arabia increased the frequency of flights from Nagpur to the UAE to four times a week from October 29. “This move highlights

the growing importance of Nagpur as an integral market for Air Arabia’s operations”, said Adel Ali, Group CEO, Air Arabia. Being the first

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AVIATION

Aerial trips add to Sharjah’s appeal Promoting the cultural aspect of Arabia, sightseeing tours of Sharjah were launched in late September, called Heritage Arabia. In association with the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), the aerial excursions were by Seawings, UAE’s luxury seaplane operator.

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ombining spectacular birds-eye views of Arabia from high above with thrilling water takeoffs and landings, an open deck bus tour affording magnificent sights of Sharjah, enable tourists the unique heritage of Sharjah, added to Seawings’ network with the launch of Heritage Arabia.

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Announcing the launch, Nigel Rea, Chief

Majaz Waterfront to 25 destinations within the UAE, including all major airports, Al Ruwais, Sir Baniyas Island and many more.

Operating Officer, Seawings informed, “The aim of the seaplane tours was to give passengers a unique perspective on the Arab culture and heritage displayed by the cities of the UAE.” In addition to the spectacular tours of the UAE, Seawings extends its services to the meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), corporate and events market with flights customised as per client requirements.

Dr Nigel Rea Chief Operating Officer Seawings

The seaplane tours give passengers a unique perspective on the Arab culture Seawings has introduced the customised charter service from the bustling Al

“The unique experience of flying in a seaplane combined with the convenience and flexibility offered by the Seawings’ network made their charter a coveted inclusion to any group or MICE itinerary,” Rea added.

Each Seawings tour includes flying several hundred feet above ground in a Cessna 208 amphibian aircraft having a comfortable air-conditioned cabin with luxury leather seats, each with their own large viewing window. The Heritage Arabia sightseeing package along with the seaplane charter service comprises a 30minute tour departing from Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club and culminating at Al Majaz Waterfront.

NOVEMBER, 2013

TRAVTALK

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RAK airport adopts hi-tech systems Contd. from page 2

Aviation expressed his confidence that the ARINC systems would make the airport hi-tech, efficient and integrated.

“The ARINC platform will enable RAK Airport to grow its passenger processing capability and introduce additional leading edge technologies like ARINC’s remote check-in and bag drop solutions,” he said.

The installation of vMuse/CUPPS, L-DCS, AirVue (FIDS), AirDB (AODB), InfoHub and Multi-Channel at the airport will equip the airport with future intelligence that will change the way in which people use it today. When operational in the next few months, this will be the first off-site hotel check-in and bag drop in the region.

The vMUSE platform gives RAK Airport the ability to support all current and future airline applications which comply to IATA standards.

AirVue FIDS allows RAK Airport to provide real-time flight information to passengers blended with rich multimedia content such as promotional videos and live TV streaming.

The AirDB 7 implementation in RAK is the first global implementation of ARINC’s next generation AODB which gives RAK Airport the ability to plan and track operational data and enhance automation of data feeds to key operational teams across the airport.

With these technologies, RAK Airport will attain its goal of being a fully automated, integrated airport.

All of these systems, and more, are hosted in a fully virtual environment which provides RAK Airport with the ability to easily expand in the future without the need to invest in more hardware.

The ARINC and RAK Airport teams worked seamlessly together to successfully deliver the systems, Al Qassimi concluded.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

Experience the flavour of Hong Kong Al Rais Holidays in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board had organised a travel event, ‘Al Rais Explore and Experience Consumer Travel Event’ to promote Asia’s World City, Hong Kong at Mirdif City Centre, Dubai from October 3-5. The promotional event featured Hong Kong’s key attractions - Ocean Park, Hong Kong Disneyland, Ngong Ping 360, Big Bus Tours and Madame Tussauds. The event was specially organised to attract tourists to visit the destination in Eid Al Adha in October and the upcoming winter school break holidays, including Christmas and New Year celebrations.

HOTELS

NOVEMBER, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Focussing on the UK market New airport, more business Recently upgraded to 5-star category, Pullmann Dubai The commissioning of Dubai’s new Jebel Ali Airport has Deira City Centre is all set to participate in WTM 2013, seen business boom for Golden Tulip Al Barsha with while targetting UK, an important source market. airlines that will be flying in for the first time.

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ith the world’s biggest travel trade exhibition (WTM) round the corner, Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre, part of Accor’s upscale hotel brand, is gearing up for participation at the premier London event.

“With UK being an important market, the exhibition is expected to put the luxury hotel at par with its counterparts after being accorded the 5-star status by DTCM (Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing),” stated Laurent Chaudet, General Manager, Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre Hotel.

The hotel has been renovated to meet the expectations of upscale guests, while offering them a five-star experience. The renovation was completed in October and a 909 sq m of meeting space was opened to reposition the hotel as a leading business and

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leisure centre in Deira.

Pullman is also high on environmental issues. To show solidarity for the cause, the hotel has also implemented Accor’s environmental policy (Planet 21) in the rooms, F&B and offices.

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fter a successful participation at Arab Travel Market (ATM) and at fairs in Russia and Madrid, WTM is expected to be the busiest for Dubai and Oman, both, because of the stability they offer, and look forward to witness good times.

“Pullman has seen some good business this year.

With the support of travel agents who brought in 30 per cent of the business in 2013, the luxury hotel has seen a considerable increase in revenue compared to 2012.

Now, with a swanky product in hand, Pullman plans to organise familiarisation trips and orientation programmes for local and overseas partners to bring in more business,” he added.

Talking of 2013, he said the year had been good thus far, with an increase of almost 25 to 30 per cent business, the reason being new airlines targetting Dubai.

Laurent Chaudet General Manager, Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre Hotel

The Pullman Dubai Deira City Centre hotel has emerged as a property geared towards staging innovative meetings, events and conferences following an overhaul of its facilities. The hotel’s refurbishment is a step further in developing the product and to implement the global brand promise. It is continuing to expand in the world’s main tourist hubs, while intending to put the spotlight on a new approach to top-end hospitality.

“Dubai’s second international airport, which is due to open to passengers on October 27, ushers in ‘a new era’,” asserted Tarek Lotfy, General Manager, Golden Tulip Al Barsha, Dubai.

“There will be a new window of business in this part of Dubai,” he stresses, pointing out to the past trends when tourists and the business move in whenever a new airport opens up new areas of a destination.

“Additional 20 to 30 per cent business can be expected to accrue as a result of the airport opening,” he added.

Tarek Lotfy General Manager Golden Tulip Al Barsha, Dubai

Additional 20 to 30 per cent business can be expected to accrue as a result of the opening of Dubai’s new Jebel Ali Airport

There are direct flights from European cities, which was not the case before.

Another factor that will positively impact Dubai’s hospitality sector is new projects coming to the Emirate as a result of the present unrest in the Middle East – a trend that will continue for a couple of years at least, Lotfy believes.

Hotels which are a known brand, offer quality services, maintain their relationship with clients and retain repeat customers, will flourish to the detriment of local brands who cannot market themselves globally.

Golden Tulip Al Barsha, Dubai did good business during the summer, mainly through traffic from KSA, Contd. on page 9

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COVER STORY

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

WTM: A world of opportunity for all Contd. from page 1

Emaar Hospitality Group will once again showcase its numerous properties at the annual World Travel Market 2013 under the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing’s (DTCM) stand. The Group participates in WTM every year.

“With the city’s hospitality industry recording robust growth, platforms like World Travel Market enable brands like The Address Hotels + Resorts and Vida Hotels and Resorts, to reach out to a discerning clientele.

Today, visitors are looking for an all-encompassing hotel experience that provides a wholesome culinary journey, superb options for relaxation and world-class amenities to conduct business. These factors are the core of The Address Hotels + Resorts.

Industry Trends Launched last year, the WTM Global Trends Report suitably predicted significant trends in the travel & tourism industry

187 countries expected this year.

We continue to build on our offerings to meet the full spectrum of hospitality needs,” elucidated Seema Pande, Group Director of Sales & Marketing, The Address Hotels + Resorts.

“WTM serves as the ultimate platform that enables hospitality brands to showcase their differences, both among visitors as well as within the industry, allowing delegates to gain a deeper insight into the functioning of multi-property brands,” she further stated.

Aiming to consolidate its growing reputation in the key European markets, the Grand Millennium Dubai will join the Dubai team on the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing destination stand at WTM 2013.

According to Peter Mansourian, General Manager, Grand Millennium Dubai, the event is a vital platform to showcase the facilities of the hotel. “While there have been high expectations from developing markets like South America, China and Russia in recent

Seema Pande

Peter Mansourian

Nives Deininger

Group Director of Sales & Marketing, The Address Hotels + Resorts

General Manager Grand Millennium Dubai

Director of Sales Golden Sands Hotel Apartments

WTM serves as the ultimate platform that enables hospitality brands to showcase their USPs years, it is interesting to note that the UK remains one of the most important feeder markets to the hospitality business in Dubai.”

UK remains one of the most important feeder markets for hospitality business in Dubai Golden Sands Hotel Apartments will use WTM to get feedback from existing partners on trends in the region, discuss their promo-

Maintaining strong relationships with major players in tourism is the key to long-term success tions during the season and cement relationships with WTM contacts, travel professionals and the travel trade media from more than

Nives Deininger, Director of Sales, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments asserted, “During WTM, we will re-emphasise the attraction of Golden Sands Hotel Apartments as a budget hotel apartments catering to both business and leisure travellers, whether group or individual. We will also meet our existing partners to strengthen the relations and recognise their loyal support by extending special services, offering preferred rates, especially now that new hotel apartments are opening in locations like Dubai Marina and Al Barsha. We want to maintain our share of the UK market and further increase it by attracting new partners.”

Deininger added, “We have already seen good volume of demand for the winter season and have even increased allocations with some key partners.

Maintaining strong relationships with major players in the tourism sector is the key to long-term success.”

NTO

NOVEMBER, 2013

Sharjah roadshow gives US ties a fillip To strengthen co-operation in various spheres, including tourism, the biggest foray of Sharjah into the US is the Sharjah Roadshow. It saw more than 20 corporations and government bodies taking part in a ďŹ ve-day tour of Washington DC and New York City.

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rganised by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), under the slogan 'Sharjah Promising Opportunities, Global Horizons,' the Sharjah Roadshow in the USA, ran from September 30 to October 4, started with a busy Washington DC schedule.

The first day's activities included a video screening about Sharjah and the most important investment offerings in the Emirate. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, Chairman, Sharjah Media Centre headed the Sharjah delegation.

Representatives from the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), Sharjah Museums Department (SMD), Shurooq and the USA Regional Trade Centre (USARTC) took part in a meeting. It was with representatives of Sister Cities

Members of the Sharjah delegation at the roadshow in the US. The delegation included Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, SCTDA, Khalid Al Midfa, Director General, SCTDA and Manal Ataya, Director General, SMD.

International (SCI), including President and CEO Mary Kane and other senior officials.

Led by Mohammed Ali Al Noman, Chairman, SCTDA, the Sharjah delegation also included Khalid Al Midfa, Director General, SCTDA and Manal Ataya, Director General, SMD. The meeting explored ways to activate joint work with the SCI and improve cooperation to serve their common goals.

Hana Al Suwaidi, Director General, Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), and delegates from the authority met with Marshall Jones, Senior Conservation Advisor at the Smithsonian Conservatory and Biology Institute to discuss ways of joint cooperation and the exchange of expertise in developing protected areas.

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

(Shurooq) and Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) have signed four separate MoU with USbased authorities. It aimed strengthening commercial ties, developing reciprocal cooperation and expanding strategic partnerships in terms of trade exchange between Sharjah and the USA. Commenting on the Roadshow, Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi said,

"It has seen a series of fruitful and constructive meetings with our American counterparts during which Sharjah's unique offerings and opportunities in various sectors were highlighted.�

The Sharjah delegates delivered presentations detailing the Emirate's various sectors of investment, development and business opportunities, many incentives and advantages it affords foreign investors, and its investor-friendly climate and legislature.

The meeting also provided an invaluable opportunity for Sharjah delegates to network with their American counterparts.

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Growth plans for 2014 Contd. from page 7

Europe, particularly from the UK. Besides, the hotel did significantly well in the Russian and in the East European markets.

With 49 hotels in the Middle East, including 11 in Dubai, the group is adding two more in the Emirate in the first quarter of 2014.

There is one hotel on the anvil in Bahrain and another in Muscat to the already five in Oman. While two hotels were added in Algeria, one hotel was added to the brand in KSA in 2013.

And 2014 may see announcements of other hotels opening up as well.

The Group works in tandem with the travel agents in roadshows. Also, there is close co-operation with tour operators from whom more than 60 per cent of business is expected during winter.

Committed to sustainability and the environment, the Group is participating in green events, among which it is the major sponsor for the Green Hotels event in Dubai coming November.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

NTO

Boosting Himalayan tourism Recently launched, ‘777 days of the Indian Himalayas’ campaign, by the Government of India, is designed to attract both the national and international travellers.

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that 73 per cent of the Himalayan range lies in India.

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he campaign is an endeavour of India Tourism for the travellers to make the Indian Himalayas a 365-day destination. This unique product is yet to be promoted in the national and international markets.

According to the wellknown American mountaineer Conrad Anker, "India may not have the highest peaks in the Himalayan range, but it has the most difficult ones."

“India Tourism hopes that this new campaign will bring the Indian Himalayas on the world tourism map,”

All-Year Destination Tourists can enjoy expeditions in the Indian Himalayas in all seasons, with adventure sports like white water rafting, mountain trekking and skiing

Efforts would be made to brand, promote and market the Indian Himalayas and to develop the Himalayas as a preferred tourist destination amongst both the domestic and the foreign travellers.

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

expressed Vikas Rustagi, Regional Director (West Asia & Africa), India Tourism, Dubai. “An incredible tourism product, the Indian Himalayas, can attract both domestic and international tourists, interested in soft and hard adventures, the flora and fauna of The Himalayas and the Himalayan culture.”

The Indian Himalayas extends over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. It’s an initiative to spread awareness

“The Adventure Tour Operators Association of India (ATOAI) is collaborating with India Tourism in this campaign, and they have designed special adventure programmes running over the next 777 days started since September 27, 2013,” informed Rustagi.The campaign will attract more international travellers to India during the lean summer months making India a yearround destination.

Colm McLoughlin honoured At the 25th Annual American Celtic Ball, held in the Pierre Hotel, New York on October 9th, Colm McLoughlin, the Executive Vice Chairman of Dubai Duty Free, was presented with the Sir Michael Smurfit Business Achievement Award. He was recognised for his dynamic leadership at the helm of Dubai Duty Free for the past 30 years, during which the business grew from an annual turnover of US$20 million to an expected US$1.8 billion this year.

Saudi Arabia to get 2 new hotels The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group adds two hotels to their growing portfolio in Saudi Arabia. The mid-market Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh (170 rooms) is scheduled to open in Q1 2016; and the upper upscale Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al

Salamah (142 rooms) will welcome the first guests in Q2 2015. The Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh has an excellent location on Al Ahsa Street, in the heart of Riyadh’s established business district. It is located just 2.5 km away from the exist-

ing Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh creating profitable synergies. The new Radisson Blu Hotel, Jeddah Al Salamah is located in the Al Salamah district just 9km from the city’s expanding King Abdulaziz International Airport to the north.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

AVIATION

Qatar Airways to expand Indian operations Qatar Airways joined the global Oneworld Alliance officially on October 30, 2013. It completed its Oneworld implementation programme in just one year, whereas other carriers take around 18 months on an average after receiving an invitation to join the airline alliance, making its induction one of the fastest in Oneworld’s history.

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n relatively brief time span, Qatar Airways has quickly established a reputation for innovation, quality and excellence in every aspect. This national carrier of the State of Qatar has become the only major airline from the Gulf to

Did You Know The Airline has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operation, currently operating a modern fleet of 127 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, AsiaPacific, North America and South America. The Airline has an extensive reach in India with 95 flights every week from 12 cities which further connect various destinations in Europe, Middle East, North and South America via Doha.

date to join any of the global airline alliances.

Besides being named as the Best Airline in the Middle East for the seventh year in a row, the Premium Terminal at Doha International Airport was named as Best Premium Service Airport for the third consecutive year in 2013.

With the recent integration of Malaysia Airlines into Oneworld in February 2013 and the future membership of Sri Lankan by early next year, Oneworld is rapidly leaving its print in the entire Asia/Pacific region.

Qatar Airways currently holds 4.4 per cent of the Indian market with bilateral traffic rights of 24,000 seats every week. It awaits word from MoCA on a request to increase that number to 72,000. The Airline has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operation, currently operating a modern fleet of 127

great sense of pride to have witnessed the unprecedented expansion of the Airline consecutive growth from a modest regional carrier to a world leader in the airline industry. By 2015, our fleet size will rise to more than 170 aircraft covering a global network of destinations that will also increase to over 170,” he further informed.

aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America and South America.

“As a global brand, Qatar Airways is known for setting new industry benchmarks and product innovations to further enhance the travel experience for our customers. With an expanding network covering six continents, India is one of our key networks,” discussed Henry Moses, Country Manager, India, Qatar Airways highlighting India with regard to Qatar Airways’ growing potential of India as an aviation market.

In addition, its strategies to tap the growth, importance of travel agents as distribution channel and the Airlines’ plan for this market in coming years.

“In this highly competitive environment, it gives a

Henry Moses Country Manager India, Qatar Airways

By 2015, our fleet size will rise to more than 170 aircraft covering a global network of destinations that will also be over 170

The entry into the world’s leading quality airline alliance will be a game changer for meeting the growing air travel demand.

It will enable passengers to enjoy a truly global network as some of the best names in the industry are a part of the alliance. In addition, it gives a competitive edge that comes from being part of this global alliance, with higher frequency and better connections which offer travel convenience through alliance hubs around the world.

Qatar Airways on October 2, further expanded its operations in Saudi Arabia with the launch of scheduled flights to Ta'if - the Airline’s sixth destination in the Kingdom.

Discussing the importance of India as a market for Qatar Airways, Moses confided, “India is one of the very important regions in Qatar Airways’ global network. The Airline is expanding strategically and India is a vital part of our growth and expansion plans. Since 2004, when Qatar Airways only operated to four cities in India, the Airline has gradually increased capacity and destinations across the country, the number of destinations have increased to 12 cities with 95 flights per week which connect various destinations in Europe, Middle East, North and South America via Doha.”

Contd. on page 14

AGENTS

NOVEMBER, 2013

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Disney Cruise Line in GCC Al-Futtaim ties up with ATPI From international travel products to holidays across To expand its footprint regionally, Al-Futtaim Travel Europe, and now their latest offering - Disney Cruise recently signed a partnership agreement with ATPI Lines - Al Tayer Travel Agency has a variety on offer.

Group, a leading travel management company. and expanding, much like their growth pattern which showed a 35 per cent increase in 2013 as compared to 2012. Among the products on offer are rail travel options from other geographical areas, including AMTRAK in America and Eurail.

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he company has been appointed a preferred operator for Disney Cruise Line in the GCC region. Al Tayer Travel Agency is, therefore, responsible for expanding the awareness of Disney Cruise Line besides Disneyland Paris. It is the convenience and flexibility of their products, that makes them stand out.

“We will launch Disney Cruiseline for the next season a little earlier as we have noticed that a certain set of people book early for the cruise,” informed Manu Mehrotra, General Manager, Al Tayer Travel Agency.

Stating that the Disney cruiseline was being brought

Manu Mehrotra General Manager Al Tayer Travel Agency

again to the Mediterranean, he revealed that they would be sailing from Barcelona and Venice. “They were enhancing the itineraries and increasing the number of sailings, a reason behind their success story,” he added.

Al Tayer Travel Agency had expanded their leisure team. In addition to their offices on Sheikh Zayed Road, Media City, Deira, they opened another office in Abu Dhabi a year ago. The office is fully operational, growing

The underlying factors their tour packages offer are convenience and flexibility to their customers. One can tailor-make a package and the options are limitless. One can enjoy a 14-day tour to France, Italy and Switzerland, England, or choose to travel to only a few select destinations.

“Other travel agents buy from us. They have the flexibility to choose the airlines, the different starred hotels to stay at… everything is possible. It’s a combination of tailor-made packages, the best part being the customer has to plan where he/she wants to go,” he concluded.

many of the same values and there is a strong cultural alliance between the organisations. The appointment of this latest network partner is part of the on-going global expansion addressing the sector focussing their clients like energy, shipping and financial sectors.

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e have grown from strength to strength over the past four years with our turnover remarkably rising over 35 per cent. The time was ripe for an association with ATPI as this will allow us to experience further success and expand our business in the UAE and throughout the Gulf region,” said William Horsley, General Manager, Al-Futtaim Travel.

He added, “This partnership will supplement AlFuttaim Travel and its UAE customer base with a worldwide office network, thus providing us with seamless travel management services across many countries with ATPI’s advanced technology and unrivalled travel management expertise.”

According to ATPI Group, it’s a very important partnership. Al-Futtaim Travel and the ATPI Group share

William Horsley General Manager Al-Futtaim Travel

The time was ripe for an association with ATPI as this will allow the agency to expand business in the UAE

It’s a joint enterprise between the ATPI Group, which has over 60 offices worldwide and successful operations in corporate travel, shipping and energy travel, corporate event management and travel technology and Al-Futtaim Travel, a leading corporate and retail travel management companies in the UAE.

Stronger Bond Al-Futtaim Travel and the ATPI Group share many of the same values and there is a strong cultural alliance between the organisations

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

FAMILY ALBUM

Thai Fest tantalises tastebuds in UAE The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) recently held ‘The Amazing Tastes of Thailand Fest 2013’ at 13-participating restaurants across the UAE. Throughout the week-long Thai Food Festival, UAE residents and visitors had the opportunity to win dining vouchers from all participating restaurants. The event was attended by local UAE celebrities and personalities to showcase their culinary expertise together with acclaimed Thai chefs in Dubai.

Seeking Govt. support in India Contd. from page 12

The Indian network covers daily flights to Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Goa, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Tiruvananthapuram, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, with 11flights-a-week to Kochi and double daily to the capital, New Delhi.

Qatar Airways has recently increased the capacity of flights from Kochi. The Airbus-330 will be operational on all 11 frequencies to and from Kochi connecting to more than 125 destinations around the world via its hub in Doha. Moving forward, the Airline plans to seek more capacity in India, increase frequency on existing routes and recruit more people from India.

“We have exhausted all the traffic routes allotted by the Government of India. We

hope Indian Civil Aviation authorities will give additional access to Gulf carriers in India and if that happens, we would like to operate more flights to cater to the demands of global traffic,” he further stated.

The Indian aviation sector has evolved significantly in the last decade with the air traffic growing over three times in the past decade. For travellers from India, which is one of our most important markets, there is significant traffic in various categories, especially in the VFR traffic (Visiting Friends and Relatives), followed by business and leisure.

The Airline deals with high ATF prices and heavily taxed Indian aviation sector.

At the moment, every dollar increase in oil price hits the operational performance of

Qatar Airways. However, to counter this it keeps investing in new-generation aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Newer aircraft will also help in reducing carbon emission and that’s why Qatar Airways has one of the industry’s youngest fleets with an average aircraft age under four years. Qatar Airways is well connected with all its business partners as they are an important segment for the aviation industry.

The national airline of the State of Qatar frequently organises premium familiarisation trips to the most exotic destinations in the world to give them a luxurious experience. This enables them to educate their clientele further about Qatar Airways and its highest levels of service standards.

FAM trip for Ukrainian agents Al Bustan Centre and Residence recently hosted travel agents from Oasis Travel from Ukraine. The visit has been coordinated by Voyage Tours of Dubai.

Eslam, Asst., Sales Manager headed the group’s tour of the property. They were introduced to the vari-

ous services and facilities offered by the property.

Oasis Travel, along with Voyage Tours, has been playing a significant role in promoting Dubai in the Ukraine market successfully, and sees a strong potential in Ukraine’s leisure travel market. Emirates Airline recently

announced its services to Kiev which commences on January 2014, and will provide convenient global connections via Dubai to Ukraine’s population of 45 million.

The property conducts FAM trips to affirm its commitment to CIS tour agents.

HIGHLIGHTS

NOVEMBER, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Strengthening joint venture A sure-shot crowd-puller Global Distribution Systems provider, Travelport and The 18th edition of Global Village opened its doors to Kuwait-based Jazeera Airways announced on October 7, visitors on October 5, 2013, with entrance free for the 2013, the renewal of a global full content agreement. first day of the new season.

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Hughes, Senior Director, Supplier Services, Travelport, Middle East and Africa.

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he new agreement will ensure, content from Jazeera Airways, continue to be available exclusively to Travelport GDS users in Kuwait. It will be preferred access to the carrier’s best inventory and fares.

In addition to the new content deal, Jazeera Airways will also subscribe to Travelport Sponsored Flights Advertising. Its an advertising tool that enables carriers to place flights in a separate area above the neutral display on the travel agent’s

New Office Travelport has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi with the new premises in Shining Tower, Khalidia.

More than 50 Travelport customers, industry partners and staff gathered for the official opening.

“Working with low-cost carriers is the key part of our business strategy

Will Owen Hughes Senior Director, Supplier Services, Travelport, Middle East and Africa

availability results screen for optimum visibility.

This industry first solution can promote new destinations or expanded service on existing routes, market reduced or promotional fares and offer alternative airport choices.

“Travelport’s agreement with Jazeera Airways provides a level of agency access to the airline that is unmatched by any other GDSs,” informed Will Owen

and this enhanced agreement will allow Jazeera Airways to take full advantage of Travelport’s global reach, take their business to the next level,” he added.

According to Jazeera Airways, this new agreement will enable them to continue building strong partnership with the travel industry across the region. It will also offer travellers better access to enhance competitive fares through their local agent.

Having solid distribution strategy is a key element, continuing strategic growth across the Middle East and Travelport is the best partner, helped achieve it.

Etihad & Korean Air boost ties Etihad Airways has expanded its codeshare agreement with Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, to include six new destinations. The new arrangements augment the airlines’ existing codeshare services between Abu Dhabi and Seoul Incheon. James Hogan, President and Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways, said the expanded codeshare with Korean Air would enable both airlines to

grow their networks in a mutually beneficial way and broaden their appeal to world travellers.

The three new codeshare destinations will enhance Etihad Airways’ business and leisure travel offering to the Asia Pacific and North America. The flights to Honolulu and Vancouver, in particular, will provide convenient one-stop access from Abu Dhabi to these two destinations. Increasing inter-

national visitors to Abu Dhabi is key to enabling economic growth in the Emirate and helping realise the Government’s visionary Abu Dhabi 2030 plan.

“We forecast this trend will continue with the opening of new routes from Asia and North America,” he added. The airlines commenced codeshare operations between Abu Dhabi and Seoul Incheon on July 22, 2013.

Ramada Ajman gets green award Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman was presented with the Wyndham Green Award during the Wyndham Hotel Group’s Global Conference held in Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on October 13. The award recognised the property’s commitment to sustaining the environment through its various initiatives. Bani Haddad, Regional Vice-President for Middle East and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, accepted the award on behalf of Ramada Ajman during the event.

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Many of the entertainment offerings will be making their Middle East debut including Chinese circus performers, UK street artistes and regular fun-packed and colourful parades, coupled with fireworks, fountains with a ‘son et lumiere’ show featuring fire effects and much more.

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he opening day saw thousands of visitors enjoying a range of cultural and entertainment facilities, with visitors receiving raffle draw coupons for an Audi A4 and refreshments courtesy the Global Village management.

At a press conference before the opening day, Ahmad Hussain bin Essa, Executive Director, Operations Global Village informed,

Ahmad Hussain bin Essa

“The team is ready to unleash spectacular 148 days of world-class attractions,

the Park being open for extended hours: from 4pm to 2am throughout the Eid season, further extended to 3am on the first and second day of Eid. Each festive day saw record crowds thronging the Park.

12,000 entertainment shows, fantastic dining, shopping and family fun featuring a wide range of brand new activities for visitors from the UAE, the region and around the world.” Eid Al Adha festival running from October 10-19, saw

Executive Director Operations Global Village

“Global Village’s 18th season running for 148 days has an exciting line-up of innovative new events and attractions. And what’s more, this season has more prizes than ever before to be won,” he further stated.

The Global Village has introduced this season a brand new funfair concept called ‘Fantasy Island’, featuring 36 rides and skill games with instant rewards.

Brought to Global Village by UK fairground specialist operator Mellors, it will feature themed wooden decking and deliver a classic ‘Coney Island’ fairground atmosphere that has never been seen before in the region.

This year there will be 30 pavilions with more than 65 countries represented from every continent. France, Germany and Italy will have pavilions this season.

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HOTELS

TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

Stressing on green issues at WTM

Hotel apartments are here to stay

Joining the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing Delegation at the World Travel Market in London, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Hotel apartments will be in for the Dubai is promoting and highlighting its convenient location in Dubai. long haul in the Gulf because it has become a preferred option for both from travel agents to the informed Scott Butcher, T T B U R E AU extent of 12 per cent.”

General Manager, Park Regis leisure and business clients.

Kris Kin Hotel Dubai. t has fabulous facilities for

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travellers, especially from the UK, which is the number one market for the hotel.

The event is being used for reacquainting themselves with their partners from within the industry and updating them on the hotel’s products and services.

This is the third year that the hotel is participating at one of the most significant B2B events that is being held in London from November 4 to 7, 2013.

“Participating at WTM is central for the hotel’s marketing strategy, as the UK is its top market, followed by India and the GCC in that order,”

In recognition of the vital role that travel agents play, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai has been continually running familiarisation trips to the hotel for agents, the results of which speak for them with year-on-year growth.

Since the beginning of 2013, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai has been working on managing its excellence programme, tuning and refining the hotel’s service delivery and guest experience.

“Staywell Hospitality Group, which runs the hotel,” Butcher added, “is in discussion with a number of parties to expand the group’s presence in the Middle East.”

These talks, as they are carried forward, represent a number of exciting opportunities in the Middle East region.

An area, which Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai is passionate about, is its commitment to sustainability and the environment, one of the hot topics to be discussed at this year’s WTM. Meetings are regularly held to review the progress

Scott Butcher General Manager Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai

of this preparation and set new green targets. For instance, in 2013, the hotel has seen a 9 per cent reduction in energy usage over 2012.

“Coming to business,” Butcher stated, “the travel agents have always been a very significant part of our growth story, with approximately 23 per cent of the total business this year being contributed by them. When compared to 2012, there has been an increase in business

The hotel has a long-term approach to growth, which when tied with Staywell Hospitality Group’s expansion plans in other regions, its management believes, will enhance the hotel’s profile significantly.

Green Targets Meetings are regularly held to review the progress of this preparation and set new green targets In 2013, the hotel has seen a 9 per cent reduction in energy usage over 2012

Repositioning as a family resort Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa aims to position itself as the best family resort in the UAE. Extensive plans are in place to create a thorough family concept, targetting both the local market and international visitors.

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65 per cent of business was channeled via travel agencies through tour operators/ DMCs, which is expected to grow to 70 per cent in 2014,” he added.

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elighted to be back at WTM 2013 in London, the exhibition is being used as an opportunity to meet the hotel’s existing partners and to build relationships with prospective ones. “UK is a key market and WTM serves as a perfect platform to explore new opportunities,” stated Hossam Kamal, General Manager, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa. The property has a very diverse guest segment. It has been especially popular with guests from Russia, Ukraine, Germany and the UK, with local residents making a beeline for the resort on the weekends and during longer holidays.

The resort feels that it is imperative for the travel trade industry to understand the uniqueness of its product, besides experiencing first-hand the high standards of service that it has to offer.

Familiarisation trips are therefore arranged for travel

Hossam Kamal General Manager Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa

In 2013, over 65 per cent of business was channeled via travel agencies, which is expected to hit 70 per cent in 2014

On issues regarding the environment, as with the rest of the hospitality industry, which has become innately aware of sustainability of the environment, Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa is currently working on an elaborate utility reduction plan targetting non-renewable energy, including water, electricity and other energy like LPG. A food waste reduction programme aims to reduce general food waste, which in turn goes as land fill and into a recycling agenda.

agents to ensure a wholesome experience of the resort.

A step towards green initiatives also includes active participation on occasions like World Environment Day, besides working closely with the local government and civic body to protect the aquatic eco system.

“Travel agencies have been instrumental in its business growth. In 2013, over

“Sustainability is the resort’s stated priority and it is working towards closely

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loria Hotels and Resorts operate Gloria Hotel and Yassat Gloria Hotel Apartments in Dubai.

“The hotel apartments addressed the need to make long stay viable,” explained Freddy Farid, Area General Manager, Gloria Hotels and Resorts. “The concept of the hotel apartment became more required for the last few years due to the comfort it provides as well as the savings on cost for companies. In the UAE, where people need to stay on a monthly, even yearly basis, hotel apartments is a logical choice for accommodation,” he added.

According to him, the two properties, which opened respectively in 2010 and 2012, have achieved occupancy projections of over 85 per cent year-to-date. The number of units (over 2000 units) exceeded expectations with the occupancy figures.

The hotel apartments’ guests are mostly travellers and holiday-makers from

Freddy Farid Area General Manager Gloria Hotels and Resorts

Germany, Russian, China and the Gulf Cooperating Council as well.

These unique hotel apartments offer guests a wide range of rooms, suites and apartments to suit all needs. The executive suites available in Gloria Hotel are located on the first three levels of the hotel and provide its guests with five-star experience like access to the executive lounge on the 41st floor, breakfast and snack throughout the day and dedicated butlers with check-in/checkout reception desk. Both the properties offer a wide range of restaurants and cafes.

Gulf Air increases flights to Riyadh

monitoring food waste and reuse of clean bed linen to help water conservation,” asserted Kamal.

Going forward, the hotel aims to deliver a better guest experience, with new product inclusions for a memorable stay.

A new gymnasium with state-of-the art facilities was recently added, affording a stunning view of the beautiful Hajar Mountains.

Eco-Friendly Plan The hotel is currently working on an utility reduction plan targetting non-renewable energy, including water, electricity and other energy like LPG A food waste reduction programme aims to reduce general food waste, which goes as land fill and into a recycling agenda A step towards green initiatives also includes active participation on occasions like World Environment Day

Gulf Air, Bahrain’s national carrier has added seven additional flights to its existing schedule to Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to meet increasing passenger demand. Starting from October 27, the Airline will operate one extra frequency per day from Bahrain to the Saudi capital, increasing the number of weekly flights between the two destinations from 21 to 28.

This decision reinforces the Airline’s strategy of strengthening its core network and maximising convenience for its customers.

Passengers travelling between Riyadh and Bahrain who wish to conduct their business and return home the same day, now have even more flexibility to do so. Furthermore, passengers travelling

onwards via Bahrain to other destinations in the Middle East, Europe and Asia, through Gulf Air and beyond to North America with codeshare partner American Airlines, now have access to more convenient connections.

Maher Salman Al Musallam, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Gulf Air said, “The introduction of additional flights between Riyadh and Bahrain emphasises the importance we attach to Saudi Arabia, one of our key markets, and our business strategy to concentrate on high-demand pointto-point routes to ensure our core customer base is served effectively and efficiently.

Customers from Riyadh now have over 200 weekly connections in less than three hours via Bahrain.”

HOTELS

NOVEMBER, 2013

TRAVTALK

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Home away from home Offering themed facilities while catering to a melting pot of different tastes that hail from across the world is what makes Dubai’s Xclusive Group of Hotels unique.

The current year has started on a steady note, with the Group’s properties maintaining an occupancy rate of 87 per cent, quite similar to that in 2012. However, daily average rate has seen a rise, in comparison to 2012.

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he Xclusive Group plays host to travellers from regions and continents across the world, ranging from Europe to USA, and Asia, Middle East, Africa and also the CIS countries.

“The forte of the Group is to introduce different themed apartments and hotels that deliver to their guests not only a memorable stay but a choice of different facilities that are expected from a truly world-class hotel,” informed Nischay Dheer, Group General Manager, Xclusive Group of Hotels.

The concept of a hotel apartment, that caters to its

Nischay Dheer Group General Manager Xclusive Group of Hotels

guests both the freedom of staying in one’s own apartment and the flexibility that a hotel affords, has been catching on of late.

Looking at the increase in demand of such a concept, the Xclusive Group of Hotels has added two more new properties in its portfolio this year, the Xclusive Casa Hotel Apartments and the Xclusive Clover Hotel Apartments. “In addition to these two, we are introducing two more properties in 2014,” added Dheer.

“The travel trade plays a very important role in promoting a destination,” Dheer mentioned, “We, representing the Group, too, have benefited from their contribution. In 2013, business through travel agents saw a 7 per cent increase as compared to that in 2012. The Group has various incentive packages for agents, including familiarisation trips for foreign travel agents.”

Future plans include adding more room keys in the coming years at different locations in the UAE, while adhering to the Xclusive Group’s motto of delivering to its guests a ‘home away when away’.

German agents visit Sharjah On October 6, a German delegation representing 10 leading tour operators arrived on a private visit to Sharjah and Khorfakkan. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority underlined the Authority's keenness to step up the promotion of the Emirate in the crucial German tourism market, as Germany is one of the Emirate's strategic tourism markets.

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TRAVTALK NOVEMBER, 2013

MOVEMENTS

Amadeus Dubai

Hilton Worldwide Jordan

Dusit International Dubai

David Doctor is the Vice President, Western Europe, the Middle East and Africa of Amadeus. In his new role, he will lead commercial activities in Amadeus’ home Western European markets where the company has a strong base as well as in the exciting growth markets of the Middle East and Africa. He first joined Amadeus in 1999 as Market Manager for Western Europe, and was appointed as Director for Western Europe in 2003.

Kamel Ajami has been appointed as Hilton Worldwide’s first

Sameh Shawkat takes over the position of Regional Director of Sales and Marketing - Middle East and Africa, of Dusit International. He will be based in the Dubai regional office. Shawkat will focus on building and fostering relationships with key clients. An Egyptian national, he was formerly the Regional Director of Sales for Hilton Hotels (Egypt), followed by a tenure with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in Saudi Arabia as Regional Director of Sales (Middle East), and most recently as Executive Assistant Manager, Sales and Marketing at Grand Hyatt Doha.

Country Manager for Jordan. A hospitality industry veteran, he brings over three decades of experience to the newly created role, the most senior for Hilton Worldwide in Jordan.

Ajami will oversee all operational matters and support Hilton Worldwide’s growth plans in exploring new opportunities in Jordan.

His experience and knowledge will be invaluable in this new leadership role.

Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche Dubai

JA Ocean View Hotel Dubai

JA Oasis Beach Tower Dubai

Fares Yactine is the General Manager of Sofitel Al Khobar The Corniche. Bringing with him 13 years of extensive hospitality experience in the Middle East, Yactine will oversee the day-to-day operations of the property. He previously worked with Sofitel Thalassa Sea and Spa in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where he was the Hotel Manager for over two years. Yactine has also worked in Spain, Lebanon and Bahrain.

Otto Kurzendorfer will take over as the General Manager at

Torsten Obermann is the new General Manager of JA Oasis Beach Tower. In his new role, he will have the responsibility for the overall day-today operations as well as playing a key role in the development of long-term strategic direction of the property. A German national, Obermann has been with JA Resorts & Hotels for four years.

He has over 20 years’ experience, and has worked with brands such as Accor (Mercure) in Germany, Crowne Plaza and Marriott in the USA, and The Dolder Grand in Switzerland.

Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana UAE Timur Ilgaz has joined Al Ghurair Rayhaan & Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana as General Manager. He brings with him more than 27 years of experience in the field, and holds a Business Administration degree. He has worked in different countries such as Turkey, Canada, Czech Republic, Kazakhstan and UAE. Prior to his appointment, Ilgaz headed the pre-opening team of Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah BeachDubai, and was the General Manager of the hotel.

the JA Ocean View Hotel. He has extensive experience of the industry in Asia, where he opened internationally branded hotels. A German native, Kurzendorfer comes from a F&B background with experience across all hotel departments, and a 24-year career with positions in the Bahamas, Germany, Damascus, Qatar, UK and the Chinese main hotel locations, Shanghai and Sanya working mainly for Starwood and InterContinental Hotels Group.

Seven Tides Dubai

Emirates Grand Hotel Dubai

Rony Valeny has been appointed as the Executive Managing

Tarek Aouini is the Hotel Manager of Emirates Grand Hotel.

A Tunisian national, Aouini brings 13 years of hospitality experience. Prior to joining Emirates Grand Hotel, he was working as Director of Rooms in Dusit Thani Dubai and Dusit Hotels and Resorts in Bangkok, Thailand and served as Front Office Manager in successful pre-opening of three hotels. He speaks Arabic, English, French, Italian and German.

He will be responsible for the overall strategic planning, setting and achieving sales targets.

Director of Seven Tides. He previously worked with the Deloitte Middle East Financial Advisory Practice, where he headed up the Technology, Media & Telecommunications division for the region following a decade with PricewaterhouseCoopers in London.

In his new role, Valeny will define and execute the strategic direction of Seven Tides’ global portfolio with a specific remit to develop and support stakeholder relationships.