Breaking Travel News Special Edition - Arabian Travel Market 2019

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2019

WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS REVEALS MIDDLE EAST WINNERS IN ABU DHABI The Middle East’s finest travel brands have been unveiled at a star-studded gala ceremony in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates

The elite of the Arabian travel industry gathered for the World Travel Awards Middle East Gala Ceremony 2019 at the new Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to find out who among them had been crowned the best in the region. Winners at the red-carpet reception included Oman Air, which celebrated a double victory by collecting trophies for both Middle East’s Leading Airline – Business Class and Middle East’s Leading Airline – Economy Class, while Muscat International Airport, Oman fended off stiff competition to emerge as Middle East’s Leading Airport.

The strength of Abu Dhabi’s tourism economy was reflected in a range of victories. The emirate was voted Middle East’s Leading Business Travel Destination, while Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority was named the Middle East’s Leading Tourist Board. Emirates Palace was voted the Middle East’s Leading Luxury Hotel and the Middle East’s Leading MICE Hotel.

Meanwhile, Etihad Airways picked the titles of Middle East’s Leading Airline –

First Class and Middle East’s Leading Cabin Crew.

Graham Cooke, founder, World Travel Awards, said: “What an incredible evening it has been here in the magnificent emirate of Abu Dhabi. We have had the privilege of recognising the Middle East’s leading hotels, destinations, airlines and travel providers and my congratulations to each of them.”

The red-carpet evening formed the second leg of the World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2019 – a global search for the finest travel and tourism brands in the world.

Following its opening last summer, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi earned the title of the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ racking up more votes than its fellow nominees, while fan-favorite Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi was recognized as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Water Park.

Home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park’ for the third year running.

Mark Gsellman, vice president of theme parks at developer Farah Experiences, said: “It’s a real honour to have not one, not two, but all three of our Yas Island theme parks recognised by what is undoubtedly the travel industry’s most prestigious awards body. At our parks Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi - we aim to deliver nothing less than a worldclass guest experience for our visitors who hail from across the globe.”

As part of the Grand Tour 2019, World Travel Awards is also hosting ceremonies in Montego Bay (Jamaica), Mauritius, Madeira, La Paz (Bolivia) and Phu Quoc (Vietnam), with the winners progressing to the Grand Final in Muscat (Oman).

MORE INFORMATION Find out more about World Travel Awards at www.worldtravelawards.com.

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NEWS

LARGEST EVER FLEET RENEWAL UNDERWAY AT DELTA AIR LINES

Over the next three years the carrier will take delivery of 222 planes, with a further 108 slated to arrive in the following years – some 330 in total.

As the first Airbus A220s enter service in the United States, Delta Air Lines has begun the next stage of its largest ever fleet renewal. Over the past decade the Atlanta-based carrier has recovered from near bankruptcy to become the industry leader in the United States. Having rebuilt its balance sheet, Delta is now building for the future.

Speaking to Breaking Travel News in London, Nadia Clinton, Delta country manager for the UK & Ireland, explained: “This is one of the biggest ever investments at Delta Air Lines and everything

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is designed to enhance the customer experience.

This was always the plan, that Delta would renew its fleet at this stage, as well as retrofitting the existing aircraft we have.”

This year alone Delta will welcome 24 Airbus A220100s - as the former Bombardier C Series project finally takes to the skies in the United States. The new aircraft will initially be used on routes from New York LaGuardia to Dallas and Boston.

“The launch of the Airbus A220 has been very exciting for us – the feedback

has been great,” adds Clinton. “The oversized bins on board are great for our passengers, as well as the larger windows, the ambient lighting and the configuration is a real bonus. The plane only has one middle seat, in a two and three configuration – and I think that will be a big part of its success. Although it is a narrow body aircraft, it feels larger and roomier for passengers.”

jets to its fleet this year. In total, 87 new planes will be welcomed, the largest number in the history of the carrier.

Delta Air Lines is considered North America’s Leading Airline Brand by voters at the World Travel Awards.

Delta will also welcome 32 Airbus A321-200, four Airbus A330-900neo, two Airbus A350-900, 18 Boeing B-737-900ER and seven Bombardier CRJ-900

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NEWS

ALL THE LATEST NEWS FROM BREAKING TRAVEL NEWS AT ATM 2019 commitment to offering passengers a variety of options to the US. “TAP is following its expansion plan in the United States. We know that there is still a long way to go, but we are even closer to making this market one of the most relevant to TAP, along with Brazil,” commented Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive of TAP. Etihad Airways will increase its flights from Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow, from three to (up to) four daily services, to meet peak demand during the month of April.

Commencing April 5th, the flights will be operated by a two-class Boeing 787-9, configured with 299 seats.

The increase in service coincides with Etihad Holidays launch of its best ever holiday offer from the UK to Abu Dhabi.

James Harrison, general manager for Etihad Airways in the United Kingdom & Ireland, said: “We are thrilled to announce more flights to London during April, in response to increased demand in the lead up to and post the Easter holidays. This is a busy travel time for families looking to enjoy the extended school

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holiday. This extra service will allow our guests more choice and flexibility with their travel plans.”

These services will operate in addition to Etihad Airways’ regularly scheduled three daily Abu Dhabi to London services, which will continue to operate with Airbus A380 aircraft.

TAP AIR PORTUGAL TAP Air Portugal will launch a new route between Lisbon and San Francisco from June 10th.

The route will operate five days a week (except for Wednesdays and Fridays) with the flight departing from Lisbon at 10:00 and arriving in San Francisco at 14:40. On the return, the flight will depart San Francisco at 16.10 and arrive in Lisbon at 11.25, the following day.

San Francisco will be the TAP’s eighth destination in North America and the third new destination for TAP in the United States next year. Chicago and Washington are also available for sale, with operation starting on June 1st and 16th respectively.

The new San Francisco route and TAP’s first entry point into the US West Coast reinforces the company’s interest and

The San Francisco route will be operated with the new Airbus A330neo and TAP will be the first airline in the world to fly this new aircraft. In the North American market, TAP had three destinations in 2015, and now has nine routes, increasing its weekly frequencies from 16 to 56. TAP has also reinforced the number of weekly flights from Porto to Newark (from two to six weekly flights).

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NEWS

SANDALS MONTEGO BAY COMPLETES OVERHAUL IN CARIBBEAN

Sandals Resorts International has concluded a transformation of its flagship resort and the completely redesigned Sandals Montego Bay. “Sandals Resorts was built on the simple principle of exceeding guests’ expectations, and this especially rings true today with the complete transformation of our hallmark resort, Sandals Montego Bay,” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, chairman of Sandals Resorts. “I am very proud of how far Sandals has come since 1981, and I am very proud of where we’re going.”

Sandals Montego Bay expanded its mouth-watering culinary offerings with

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the openings of two new restaurants and a new bar.

Butch’s Steak & Seafood provides an incredible culinary experience and takes the name of Sandals Resorts International’s founder, while Soy serves unmatched Asian cuisine in an authentic décor setting.

The all-new Palms Bar services both restaurants and is a spot to grab an after-dinner drink. The Jerk Shack opened at Sandals Montego Bay in autumn 2018 and is known for its irresistible Jamaican cuisine – including jerk chicken, pork or sausage, roasted fish in foil, festival, roast breadfruit and roast sweet potato.

To complement its unmatched dining options, Sandals has opened its second Latitudes Overwater Bar at Sandals Montego Bay. The resort’s newest bar boasts 360° ocean views from its prime location just off the coast of the resort’s pristine white-sand beach.

Guests can lounge on a hammock suspended above turquoise waters by day and enjoy sunset cocktails gathered around the intimate fire pits by night.

Another recent unveiling at Sandals Montego Bay is the Over-the-Water Serenity Wedding Chapel, elevating the resort’s wedding experience to unprecedented heights

and bringing guests closer than ever to the water. Brides and grooms looking to tie the knot can choose this unique and stunning venue featuring breath-taking panoramic water views and a signature glass floor aisle. The chapel can host up to 40 lucky guests.

MORE INFORMATIONSandals Montego Bay recently hosted the World Travel Awards Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2019. During the prestigious event the resort was honoured with the title of Jamaica’s Leading Resort.

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NEWS

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD SIGNS BEAUTIFUL DESTINATIONS PARTNERSHIP White Jamaica Tourist Board director. “Beautiful Destinations brings vast experience and an inspiring and unique perspective that makes them a perfect match to continue driving the high-demand of Jamaica and help us promote the destination in an ever-evolving landscape of travellers.”

Beautiful Destinations will begin working with the Jamaica Tourist Board immediately.

Jamaica Tourist Board has named New York-based Beautiful Destinations as its new creative advertising agency of record.

The selection follows a highly competitive agency search conducted in 2018.

The agency will be responsible for spearheading the destination’s inspired and aggressive campaign efforts, showcasing Jamaica’s distinct offerings and further driving the consistent and impressive tourism growth the island

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has experienced in the last decade.

As a fast growing, award-winning media company with over 15 million social media followers in 180 countries, Beautiful Destinations is best equipped to build upon the success of Jamaica as a top destination. Working closely with the destination’s existing partners and global agencies, the agency’s committed and talented team will drive

exposure and continued growth for Jamaica across global audiences through the development of creative content, integrated initiatives and digital engagement.

“We are excited to work with Beautiful Destinations in developing and executing strategies to further showcase Jamaica as a top Caribbean destination across diverse audiences and travellers,” said Donovan

“We at Beautiful Destinations are excited to partner with the Jamaica Tourist Board to showcase Jamaica as a top Caribbean destination for travellers,” said Jeremy Jauncey, Beautiful Destinations founder. “As global storytellers, Beautiful Destinations is excited to explore, celebrate, and share the colourful narratives of Jamaica’s history, people, and culture with the world. We are honoured to be a part of the country’s story and are eager to learn more about and experience the authentic Jamaican vibe.”

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DUBAI PREPARES FOR GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT AS EXPO 2020 NEARS Some 190 countries have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, with the event also welcoming contributions from corporations and multinational organisations. Here Breaking Travel News finds out more

Plans for an exceptional World Expo are advancing rapidly, with developments being seen daily across key areas relating to content and programming, country pavilion designs , commercial partnerships, construction and legacy impact. With just over a year and a half to go, the event is really starting to take shape. Organisers also recently announced 11 premier partners, five official partners and two official providers. These partnerships will play a vital role in delivering a successful Expo 2020

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Dubai and supporting its legacy.

The site itself is fast taking shape, with construction well advanced in the three thematic districts – ‘Opportunity’, ‘Mobility’ and ‘Sustainability’. More than 56 million work hours have been completed and construction is on track for all Expo-built structures to be complete a year before the gates open. Expo 2020 Dubai will host the world for 173 days, each one brimming with new experiences.

Organisers hope it will be

a time to create, collaborate and innovate. We are talking eye-catching, mind-bending, taste bud-tickling, grin-inducing, good-weird, did-that-reallyjust-happen fun.

Expo 2020 also continues to work towards its socio-economic impact.

Officials continue to provide business of all sizes with economic opportunities and have registered more than 25,000 suppliers from 149 countries to do business with Expo 2020. The theme of the event, ‘Connecting Minds,

Creating the Future’, is exemplified through the global innovation partnership programme Expo Live, which allocates funds to projects that offer creative solutions to pressing challenges faced globally.

The event is also committed to inspiring and empowering youth. The Expo School Programme is activating several initiatives to engage the younger generation through interactions with schools and educators across the United Arab Emirates.

F E AT U R E

TRADE From a trade perspective, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a valuable business opportunity for tour operators to offer a once-in-a-lifetime visitor experience.

During the six months of the event, Expo 2020 will be the destination to visit within Dubai and tour operators will be able to purchase and bundle Expo into packages.

As the emirate gets ready to welcome millions of visitors, organisers are constantly looking to work with travel agents and MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) companies that can promote Expo 2020 by selling tickets with value-added travel and visitor services.

The brand-new Dubai Exhibition Centre is pivotal to this ambition. Located on the doorstep of the world’s largest meeting of minds, the DEC will provide guests with access to a truly global stage. This is not only a place to host events; it is also a venue

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for delegates to connect and network with Expo 2020’s 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions from around the world.

EXPO 2020 HIGHLIGHTS For six months, Expo 2020 will be the biggest live event on earth. With 60 events a day, for 173 consecutive days, there will be something for every taste,

including live performances, street shows, digital theatre, workshops and cultural and special festivities. An extensive offering of 200 food and beverage outlets will share dishes and flavours from every corner of the world.

World-class architecture and design elements will be on show - include the world’s biggest 360-degree projection surface on Al Wasl Plaza’s steel dome and the all-natural materials that are being used to construct the Opportunity Pavilion. A rotating observation tower will provide visitors with a bird’s eye view of the Expo site, while the Dubai Exhibition Centre will encompass a 17,000sqm conference complex featuring multipurpose exhibition halls, an auditorium and events spaces. The Expo site will also be home to largescale venue spaces and

parks serving as meeting points and facilitating outdoor celebrations.

Visitors will be able to venture through immersive country pavilions, enjoy cultural experiences and discover what makes each participating nation unique. The UAE Pavilion, designed in the shape of a falcon in flight, is expected to be a major attraction.

It will tell the history of the nation as a connected global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitions for the future.

MORE INFORMATION As preparations for Dubai 2020 reach the final straight, find out more on the official website at www.expo2020dubai.com or head over to ME2520 here at Arabian Travel Market 2019.

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ANTHONY ROSS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, JA RESORTS & HOTELS Just over a year ago Dubai-based hospitality firm JA Resorts & Hotels announced the appointment of Anthony Ross as its new chief executive.

Here he tells Breaking Travel News about his ambitions for the role Breaking Travel News: You took over as chief executive at JA Resorts & Hotels last year. Can you tell us about your ambitions for the role and how you hope the company will develop under your leadership?

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particularly and the luxury end. What has your experience been of your home markets in recent months?

Anthony Ross: JA Resorts & Hotels is a hospitality company with a rich history and very well-respected shareholders. The assets are unique, and the group has the potential to own the resort landscape in the Middle East and Indian Ocean from its flagship in Jebel Ali to more recent acquisitions in the Maldives and the Seychelles.

The idea of growing a niche owner operated brand from the dynamic business hub of Dubai was very enticing.

AR: The market is certainly full of choice and I know many hotels are struggling with owner expectations versus market decline and some very significant rate drops. However, JA Resorts & Hotels is lucky to be in a great position as all of our properties are quite unique, even in this market. Take for example JA Ocean View Hotel - its directly on Jumeirah Beach with every single room offering a full sea view, without obstruction.

JA Oasis Beach Tower, a favourite of GCC families, offers huge, luxury serviced apartments right in the heart of Jumeirah Beach.

BTN: There have been concerns of late of the Dubai hospitality market reaching saturation point,

JA Hatta Fort Hotel is a unique mountain escape with its own micro climate, and we know Dubai res-

INTERVIEW

idents think of it immediately when craving the outdoors.

Then we have JA The Resort - Dubai’s largest experience resort, with three unique hotels and over one million square metres of experiences, 22 restaurants and more than

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40 activities from water sports to golf to tennis to shooting. A family can stay at JA The Resort and everyone from the grandparents down to the baby will have a great time.

We’ve also maintained our strong position because of our 38-year history and experience in the market,

which our repeat guests coming to us year after year seem to really value.

BTN: How big a role do you expect Expo 2020 to play in the development of the tourism sector in Dubai in the next two years?

AR: Expo 2020 is a tourism milestone to strive towards, it will be a moment in time when Dubai will dominate the world stage and all eyes will be on us.

The theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is bound to create a huge buzz and we already know Uber has signed an agreement with the Dubai Roads & Transport Authority to test flying cars at the Expo for example. All of this will create a huge

surge in interest in Dubai as the most forward-thinking city in the world and will bolster the tourism sector.

JA Ocean View Hotel is 15 minutes from the Expo site and JA Oasis Beach Tower and JA The Resort are just 20 minutes away, so we are excited to be a real part of the experience, especially since more than 80 per cent of the site is planned to be reused or repurposed in the legacy phase and is expected to be home to about one million residents and 500,000 jobs.

BTN: JA Resorts & Hotels has been traditionally strong in its home base in the United Arab Emirates,

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having only recently begun its global expansion. Will your experience, having managed independent hotels in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and Australia, while also spending several years with Swire Hotels, help the company go truly global?

AR: Well this remains to be seen, but I would like to think yes. We have recently signed a joint venture, with a company based in the US to develop three luxury lodges in an Indian Ocean location and are deep in discussions to manage a portfolio of three- and four-star hotels in Asia. The future is certainly exciting, and it is not lost on the JA

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management team that many of the well-known hotel companies built on a small portfolio of owned assets to become globally successful. The secret is in understanding and refining our value proposition and developing a niche which we can own, a niche that separates us from the giant commoditised hotel brands.

Our intent is creating resorts and hotels which thrill all generations and our Jebel Ali resort is the template.

BTN: JA Resorts & Hotels has recently joined the Global Hotel Alliance.

What benefits will that bring?

AR: We recognise that these days loyalty and rewards matter more than ever to customers, particularly in the younger generations. Travellers of the future want instant gratification and expect to be rewarded for supporting a brand. The Global Hotel Alliance allows us to be part of a loyalty scheme with 33 hotel brands and 550 hotels in 77 countries. It allows us to offer rewards, while still retaining our much-loved individuality and legacy, without a ‘mass market’ approach.

BTN: Can you bring us up to date with the development pipeline at JA Resorts & Hotels. Where

INTERVIEW

can we expect to see the brand next?

AR: You can expect to see significant growth for the JA brand. We will begin with the September 2019 opening of Lake View Hotel at JA The

Resort in Jebel Ali. This will bring our room count to 791 keys, making it Dubai’s largest experience resort. We will also have announcements regarding new Indian Ocean properties and potentially other global locations coming

soon. In addition, we have looked at refreshing the brand image and have just launched a new website that is much more modern and user friendly.

BTN: JA Resorts & Hotels was recognised with several top titles at the World Travel Awards during 2018. How important are accolades such as these in the development of the brand?

AR: Yes, we were delighted to receive five awards for our Maldives, Seychelles and Dubai properties – including the title of Middle East’s Leading Family Resort for JA Beach Hotel. These accolades are a much-appreciated acknowledgement of our success, however not a measure of it. Our

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focus is guest satisfaction, and this is how we assess our performance from a reputation perspective.

That being said, we are thoroughly grateful to be recognised and have the opportunity to be exposed to new audiences globally.

Going forward, we will be considering awards for our new exciting food and beverage concepts, in addition to recognition for some of our outstanding team members.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more about JA Resorts & Hotels on the official website at www. jaresortshotels.com or head over to HC0420 here at Arabian Travel Market 2019.

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JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT WOWS CROWDS IN SINGAPORE

A US$1 billion development, Jewel has helped Changi cement its place as the World’s Leading Airport

Jewel Changi Airport has been opened to the public following a sneak peek for Singaporean residents.

The 135,700 sqm complex, designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, features a distinctive dome-shaped façade and firmly cements the

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facility’s position as the World’s Leading Airport as voted by the World Travel Awards.

extensive shopping and dining experiences, as well as airport and accommodation facilities.

More than four years after ground was broken on the development in 2014, Jewel will offer travellers and visitors unique attractions,

Hung Jean, chief executive of Jewel Changi Airport, said: “The unique proposition of world-class shopping and dining,

seamlessly integrated with lush greenery, fulfils the needs of increasingly discerning travellers for a meaningful and experiential journey, even for brief layovers.”

The majestic 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, the

F E AT U R E

world’s tallest indoor waterfall, will greet visitors upon entering Jewel.

Surrounding it are the manicured grounds of the Shiseido Forest Valley.

Play attractions such as the Manulife Sky Nets, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze and Discovery Slides were designed to blend into the unique indoor garden environment and will open in June. Multiple retailing formats are present in Jewel, including duplexes, outdoor terraces and spaces within the Canopy Park on the topmost level.

Jewel Changi Airport is set to become an iconic landmark on the Singapore skyline, designed as an extension of Singapore’s reputation of being a city in a garden.

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Safdie added: “Jewel Changi Airport juxtaposes the centre of being in nature and enjoying a vibrant marketplace, dramatically extending the concept of an airport to serve as an urban centre, engaging travellers, visitors, and residents.

ate a dramatic waterfall, dropping seven storeys to the lowest building level.

As an integrated whole it creates a new typology –transforming the airport’s principal function as a transit hub into that of an interactive civic and urban centre.”

He added: “Jewel demonstrates the potential for urban centres that offer the vitality of the traditional city square or galleria within a park setting. The Jewel toroidal inverse dome creates a new kind of spatial experience, a daylit vast landscaped garden, combined with seven levels of shopping and airport facilities. Light penetrates everywhere, while the roof drains through the dome to cre-

Jewel will also house the first YotelAir property in Asia.

With smartly-designed cabins that can be booked for a minimum of four hours, it is ideal for short daytime layovers or overnight stays. The opening of Jewel further increases the airport’s wide range of shopping, dining and accommodation offerings.

Changi Airport’s existing terminals house 400

retailers and 140 food and beverage outlets. With Jewel, another 280 shops and eateries are added, bringing the total number of shopping and dining offerings to 820. As for accommodation offerings, there are currently a total of 780 rooms in the transit hotels and Crowne Plaza Hotel combined.

With YotelAir opening within the Jewel complex, a further 130 rooms are now available, bringing the total number of rooms to 910.

MORE INFORMATION For more on the new Jewel Changi Airport head over to the official website at www.jewelchangiairport.com.

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FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is the award-winning Ferrari inspired theme park located at the heart of Yas Island. Opened to its fans in 2010, it is the first Ferrari-branded theme park in the world which celebrates the spirit of the legendary marque.Â

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Formula Rossa with a top speed of 240km/ hr, the record-breaking rollercoaster, Flying Aces, as well as the gravity defying Turbo Track. It also offers guests a range of thrilling experiences that include Benno’s Great Race, Karting Academy, Junior Training Camp, Driving Experience, Fiorano GT Challenge, and many more.

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Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is also home to family-friendly attractions, state-of-theart simulators, spectacular live shows, as well as popular seasonal events and festivities that bring together extraordinary performances from around the globe.

Since its opening, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi has been recognized by a number of leading industry awards. The Park was recognized by the World Travel Awards as ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park’ in

2019, 2018 and 2017. The park was also named ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ for the years 2015 & 2016, the ‘2018 Middle East’s Best Theme Park’ by the Middle East and North Africa Leisure and Attraction Council (MENALAC), in addition to receiving the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence in 2017 and 2018. www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

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YAS WATERWORLD

Located in Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, the World’s Leading Water Park is a one-of-a-kind waterpark that draws inspiration from the UAE’s pearl diving heritage offering families fun-packed adventures, the warmest welcome, and the most engaging themed experience.

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Home to more than 40 exhilarating rides, slides and attractions, and a diversity of seasonal events and shows, guests of Yas Waterworld can enjoy the chance to create new memories with every visit in every season.

Paying tribute to the Emirati culture and heritage of pearl diving, Yas Waterworld is based on an original story developed exclusively for the waterpark around the Story of ‘The Lost Pearl’ that follows the adventures of Dana, a young Emirati girl in search

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of a legendary pearl which had once brought prosperity to her village.

Open since 2013, Yas Waterworld has garnered more than 30 industry awards and accolades. Recognized with the “Certificate of Excellence” every year since its opening , Yas Waterworld earned its place in the TripAdvisor “Hall of Fame” in 2018. Voted the ‘Middle East’s Leading Waterpark’ at the World Travel Awards in 2019 and 2018, Yas Waterworld later received recognition as the ‘World’s Leading Waterpark’ in December

2018, cementing its position as Water’s Greatest Playground. To top it off, Yas Waterworld was also recognized as Best Water Park by the MENALAC awards 2019.

Considered the pearl of Yas Island, the UAE’s premium leisure and entertainment destination, Yas Waterworld combines fun aquatic adventures with local personality to provide guests with an experience unlike anything else. www.yaswaterworld.com

MIDDLE EAST GALA CEREMONY 2019

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WARNER BROS. WORLD ABU DHABI

Located on Yas Island, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi is one of the world’s largest indoor theme parks, delivering an unparalleled fan experience. While at the park, guests are transported to six truly immersive lands, including Metropolis and Gotham City, Cartoon Junction, Bedrock, Dynamite Gulch and Warner Bros. Plaza, and enjoy 29 state-of-the-art exhilarating rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment.

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From the action and adrenaline-fueled adventures of DC Super Heroes to the wacky and wonderful world of Looney Tunes, this captivating and interactive new experience brings together some of the world’s most iconic characters and stories under one roof for the first time in the region including: Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman as well as Bugs Bunny, Scooby-Doo, Tom and Jerry and The Flintstones, among others.

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With an exciting year-round calendar of events, there’s no shortage of memorable moments for families and friends to enjoy together.

Since its opening, Warner Bros. World was awarded the Best Day Out, Gold Award by Pride of Abu Dhabi 2018 and was named amongst TIME Magazine’s 100 World’s Greatest Places to experience in 2018. Warner Bros. World also

won Best Theme Park by the Theme Park Insider Awards 2019 and was named this year’s Best Theme Park by the MENALAC awards. The park was also recognized at the World Travel Awards as the ‘Middle East’s Leading Tourist Attraction’ for 2019. www.wbworldabudhabi.com

MIDDLE EAST GALA CEREMONY 2019

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Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas Situated in the prime location of Non Nuoc beach, on one of the six most beautiful beaches on the planet (as voted by Forbes magazine), lays Vinpearl Da Nang Resort & Villas. Overlooking the ocean, with its back resting on the majestic Marble Mountain range, this resort is the ideal holiday destination for you.

Vietnam's Holiday Paradise www.vinpearl.com

ABU DHABI FALCON HOSPITAL WOWS CROWDS IN MIDDLE EAST

Apart from being an internationally renowned tourism attraction, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the leading centre for falcon medicine worldwide

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the world’s largest falcon hospital with an influx of more than 11,500 falcon patients per year from all over UAE and the Gulf region. Since the location started its tourism program in 2007, the number of tourists visiting its facility has increased every year by an average

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of 20 per cent, showing the tremendous interest of visitors from all over the world for the stunning experience of the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital.

Nowadays Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is one of the leading tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi and has been recognised with

the Middle East’s Responsible Tourism Award by the World Travel Awards for its high-quality tour program.

The unparalleled Falcon World Tours cover the fascinating history of falconry in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates, the cradle of modern falconry.

It then takes the visitors in the real life of modern falconry where they can interact with live falcons, take pictures with falcons on their arm and watch the feeding of a falcon.

Another tour highlight is the aviary where falcons are flying freely inside which gives an adrenalin boost to the guests. The

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tour ends in a beautiful museum with historic photographs of traditional falconry. Fun and excitement is guaranteed by the sheer number of falcons that can be seen during the tour. Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital tours give unforgettable memories to the visitors.

However, the tourism offerings of Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital are not only for leisure tourism, but also cover MICE tourism with its state-of-the-art conference facilities. The Shaheen Conference Centre is the ideal and unique corporate venue for innovative events, meetings, workshops and conferences. Apart from the modern

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conference room with advanced technologies, it houses a beautiful museum of the Emirati tradition of falconry as well which gives a special twist to conferences and events.

MORE INFORMATION

Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is open to visitors for guided tours from Sundays to Thursdays at 10:00 and 14:00 and on Saturdays at 10:00. In order to facilitate bookings, an advanced and easy-to-use online booking portal has been established so that tours can be booked and paid conveniently online.

For more information or bookings, please visit www.falconhospital.com.

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F E AT U R E

EMAAR HOSPITALITY GROUP UNVEILS PLANS FOR FIVE NEW HOTELS Emaar Hospitality Group has announced that it will open four new hotels in Dubai under its premium luxury Address Hotels + Resorts and upscale lifestyle Vida Hotels & Resorts, this year

Further, Rove Hotels, the joint venture of Emaar Properties and Meraas, will open a new hotel, further adding to the contemporary midscale hotel choices in the city.

Two hotels will open under Address Hotels + Resorts, Address Fountain Views and Address Sky View, both of which are in downtown Dubai.

The new hotels to open under Vida Hotels & Resorts are Vida The Hills and Vida Harbour Point. The new Rove Hotels property

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to welcome guests this year is Rove At The Park.

All the hotels have commenced online booking and the response from guests is strong.

Chris Newman, chief operating officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, said: “The five new hotel openings this year further cement our credentials and competencies as the leading homegrown hospitality provider, welcoming visitors from around the world with a diverse portfolio of hotels that

meet their lifestyle aspirations. The new hotels also strengthen our role as the Official Hospitality & Hotel Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, with the city gearing up to welcome over 25 million visits during the six-month period of the much-anticipated event.”

He added: “We are committed to supporting the Dubai Tourism Strategy to welcome 25 million annual visitors by 2025 through our robust portfolio of upcoming hotel projects and will also focus on

expanding our geographic footprint through new hotel management agreements.”

MORE INFORMATION Emaar Hospitality Group will be showcasing its extensive portfolio of operational and upcoming hotel projects in the UAE and international markets at Arabian Travel Market, the region’s leading travel and tourist industry event.

Head over to stand HC0220 to find out more.

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E N J O Y C H A M P A G N E L A U R E N T- P E R R I E R R E S P O N S I B LY

LATAM LAUNCHES NEW QUITO-SANTIAGO CONNECTION Latam Airlines Ecuador has launched its inaugural flight on the new direct route between Quito and Santiago at a special event for passengers and city authorities

The new direct flight to the south of the continent is served by an Airbus A320neo, which departs from Quito at 09:55 and is scheduled to arrive in Santiago at 16:55 each day.

Ecuador minister of tourism, Rosi Prado de Hol-

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guín, said: “The arrival of new airlines to the country and the increase in flights confirms business confidence in Ecuador as a destination and in Mariscal Sucre Airport, which in its six years of operation has won an array of international awards including

the title of South America’s Leading Airport at the World Travel Awards.

“In 2018 alone, 45,000 tourists from Chile visited Ecuador, an increase of two per cent compared with 2017,” she added.

Latam Airlines will offer approximately 72,000 seats per year on this route, a 62 per cent increase in capacity between Ecuador and Chile.

The A320neo is an aircraft with new-generation technology offering passengers a more efficient,

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Corporación Quiport, congratulated Latam Airlines on the new flight and said: “We are very pleased with the launch of this new route which is a welcome addition to the connectivity of the city. I would like to thank Latam for all its efforts and the joint work which has made this new route a reality today.”

more sustainable flight and significant environmental performance. Álvaro Maldonado, secretary of productive development and competitiveness at Quito Municipality, said “Latam has been a strategic partner who has known how to make the most of the advantages offered by Mariscal Sucre Airport, the city as a

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destination and the open skies policy implemented by the national government. These factors have aligned to increase connectivity, tourism, foreign currency, wealth and the wellbeing of our citizens.”

Thanks to the route development work by Corporación Quiport and the support of the ministry of tourism, ministry of trans-

port and public works, the municipality of Quito, General directorate of civil aviation and strategic partners of Quito International Airport, in 2019 the city will be connected to new destinations: Paris – Air France, Santiago, Chile – LATAM and Toronto – Air Canada Rouge.

Andrew O’Brian, president and chief executive of

He added: “At Quiport we continue our efforts to open new routes and increase flights to connect Quito and Ecuador with the world. We wish the airline every success and we hope that passengers enjoy its quality of service.”

MORE INFORMATION Find out more about Mariscal Sucre International Airport on the official website at www. aeropuertoquito.aero.

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MILLENNIUM AIRPORT HOTEL DUBAI TO SHOWCASE OFFERING AT ARABIAN TRAVEL MARKET

The award-winning four-star Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai has confirmed its participation at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai

The hotel – considered the Middle East’s Leading Airport Hotel by voters at the World Travel Awards - is part of Millennium & Copthorne Hotel Group stand, located at stand HC0550 in Sheikh Saeed Arena at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre. Arabian Travel Market will display new developments, destina-

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tions, offers and technologies which attracts over 2,800 exhibiting companies to meet and do business professionals within the UAE travel industry.

Simon Moore, general manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said: “It is a great opportunity for us to be part at the Arabian Travel Market which

is the largest gathering of inbound and outbound tourism professionals in the Middle East. A perfect time to showcase our fabulous business and leisure facilities to all travellers at the exhibition.

Arabian Travel Market is also a good platform for networking to strengthen the partnerships with key players and opening new

business opportunities between travel trade professionals.”

The Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai is a contemporary lifestyle destination for those who desire to be at the centre of Dubai’s pulsating business and leisure scene.

The hotel is conveniently located few steps away

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Copthorne, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class.

from the GGICO metro station, five minutes from Dubai Intentional Airport Terminal one and three, city’s major central business, historical districts, tourist spots, shopping centres and entertainment hub.

The hotel features 341 spacious rooms and suites, distinctive choice

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of eight restaurants and bars, magnificent Al Garhoud ballroom with 6,448 sq. ft. space, seven meeting rooms with highend meeting facilities, outdoor garden area for social events and a range of leisure options including a superb large outdoor swimming pool and fully-equipped fitness centre.

MILLENNIUM HOTELS & RESORTS Millennium Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel,

Currently operating 35 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline.

Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first-class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels & Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture.

The company is considered the World’s Leading Corporate Hotel Brand by the World Travel Awards.

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ALI HAMAD LAKHRAIM ALZAABI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MILLENNIUM HOTELS & RESORTS, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA

Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi is celebrating a successful spring having been recognised as an industry leader during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference this month. Here we find out more

54

INTERVIEW

Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi can look back on a successful time in Ras al Khaimah for AHIC. On a personal level, the hospitality leader was recognised with the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award from organisers Bench Events during the three-day showcase.

Having launched the brand with a single property in Abu Dhabi 16 years ago, Alzaabi has spearheaded major growth for the company. Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the Middle East and Africa now comprises 40 hotels in operation totalling 12,619 keys in the region. Under his leadership, the hotel company has its eyes set on a massive expansion plan with more than 35 hotels in the pipeline – and it was this growth that was recognised with the title.

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On collecting his award at, Alzaabi said: “I have envisioned a great potential in the hospitality industry that inspired me to introduce an array of distinct brands to the region, serving different market segments over the last 20 years and I am proud that the Millennium brand has firmly established itself as one of the fastest growing hotel management companies in the Middle East region.”

Alzaabi added: “Our commitment as a brand is not only to our employees, owners and customers but also to causes and organisations that make a difference in the lives of others.

“Hence we have launched programmes like ‘Taddamon’, a corporate social responsibility initiative in collaboration with Al

Jalila Foundation, and ‘TooMooH’ a concerted, consistent programme to accelerate nationalisation by integrating nationals in the private sector and offer increased opportunities in the hospitality industry, thus allowing us to truly create an impact within the hospitality sector.”

MILLENNIUM PLACE BARSHA HEIGHTS But away from the spotlight, there was work to be done. During the show Millennium Hotels & Resorts signed a management agreement to operate Millennium Place Barsha Heights. The second Millennium Place property in the United Arab Emirates, the Millennium Place Barsha Heights is expected to open in quarter four this year and is comprised of 915 rooms, suites and serviced apartments.

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“We are grateful to Leadersport for entrusting us with the management of Millennium Place Barsha Heights. The Barsha Heights is a dynamic and

growing community and operating another Millennium property in this area reflects our commitment to support the country’s growing tourism and hos-

pitality industry. We are enhancing our portfolio to offer quality accommodation to varied guests and the Millennium Place promises to bring unique

and more personalized experience,” said Alzaabi.

A four-star lifestyle hotel, the two-tower Millennium Place Barsha Heights will feature a speciality restaurant, all-day dining outlet and a lounge. The spacious bedrooms will have separate living and dining areas. Facilities include a fitness centre, two outdoor swimming pools with two kids pool, business centre, lady’s saloon and a travel desk.

EXPANSION The deal follows the well-received opening of the Millennium Atria Business Bay and comes at the start of an exciting period Millennium Hotels & Resorts in the region.

Speaking to Breaking Travel News during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, Alzaabi explained: “We are excited to add 14 new hotels to our portfolio in 2019 where we will be operating more than 50 hotels, growing from 26 properties in 2016 which position us as the fastest growing hotel operator in the region. The 14 new hotels and the existing portfolio of 40 hotels in the Middle East and Africa region will help grow tourism demand in the GCC including UAE – who will be hosting the World Expo 2020 and is expected to receive 25 million visitors in six months.

“Our fast-developing hotel portfolio is geared to support the vision of the UAE government. This year,

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INTERVIEW

connectivity and include sleek and practical furniture backed by discrete fuss technology. Facilities include a fitness centre, swimming pool.

MILLENNIUM HOTELS & RESORTS Millennium Hotels & Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages or operates over 130 hotels worldwide. The company is considered the World’s Leading Corporate Hotel Brand by voters at the World Travel Awards.

we will add 14 hotels in addition to 35 new hotels that are in the pipeline. In order to bring variety to the market and to offer customised hospitality offerings, we have introduced two contemporary products – Studio M and Millennium Place – to suit the varied budgets of our valued customers.

“Studio M is a three-star lifestyle concept, offering savvy travellers, chic design and contemporary functionality as well as a personal sanctuary of urban living for those that appreciate the work-life balance,” he added.

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STUDIO M AL BARSHA Among the new contemporary properties is Studio M Al Barsha, which is expected to open at the end of the year in partnership with Jersey Properties.

The hotel includes 155 rooms offering a personal sanctuary of urban living for the self-sufficient and independently minded travellers looking fresh, minimalistic and tech-savvy comfort.

“We greatly value the trust and confidence that Jersey Properties placed in us for the management of Studio M Al Barsha.

Millennium Hotels and

Resorts continues to introduce innovative concepts that address the guests’ changing needs and contemporary functionality as well as personal sanctuary in their accommodation,” said Ali Zaabi.

Studio M is a chic urban hotel concept featuring thoughtful and well-designed spaces with the “cool” factor combined with stylish, high-quality rooms and fuss-free technology. The hotel will feature an urban deli style restaurant, all-day dining outlet and coffee shop.

The rooms combine chic design, functionality and

With almost 40,000 rooms worldwide, the company is present on all continents with a portfolio of brands which serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. In recent months Millennium Hotels & Resorts has also expanded its My Millennium loyalty scheme while expanding its booking options for small- and medium-sized enterprises with an improved Millennium for Business.

Find out more on the official website at www. millenniumhotels.com or head over to HC0550 here at Arabian Travel Market 2019.

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F E AT U R E

PORT AUTHORITY OF JAMAICA WELCOMES SEAWALK TO PORT ROYAL DEVELOPMENT

The Port Authority of Jamaica has taken a major step forward in the planned development of a cruise terminal in Port Royal after securing a floating pier for the historic site

The floating articulating pier, known as a SeaWalk, arrived in Kingston in February as preparations for the new Jamaican attraction continue. The structure received anchorage at the Port of Kingston and was off-loaded and secured ahead of the planned opening of the

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new facility next January. The SeaWalk is a floating articulating pier that is motorised and under electronic control.

It unfolds to meet a ship which is anchored in a stationary position off the shore.

The ecological and historical environment

in Port Royal (which include a sunken city, buried artefacts and archaeological assets) is highly sensitive and protected. As such, the Port Authority of Jamaica hope the new SeaWalk will allow the berthing of vessels in Port Royal without the dredging and extensive infrastructural

works typically required to construct a conventional system. The body noted this advantage led to the decision to use the technology in Sweden and Norway due to similar environmental sensitivities.

The use of the SeaWalk technology in Port Royal

63

enables it to both adhere to its environmentally conscious operational practices as well as fulfil the objective of establishing Kingston as a permanent cruise port destination.

Gordon Shirley, Port Authority of Jamaica president, noted: “The acquisition of the SeaWalk is a significant investment

64

and cost approximately US$8.5 million, a fraction of the estimated US$40 million that the entire Port Royal Cruise Port development will cost, inclusive of marine and land side works.”

He added: “Port Royal’s appeal and allure is due largely to its rich history and heritage which are

major attractions and advantages of the town. It has always been the Port Authority of Jamaica’s focus to ensure the preservation of the sunken city while undertaking the development of the cruise port and the use of the SeaWalk allows us to achieve these goals.”

Following the delivery of

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the SeaWalk, it is anticipated that phase one of marine works, including the construction of a new structure at the Old Cold Wharf in Port Royal, the site earmarked for the construction of the new cruise port, will be completed this month. After the completion of marine

works, the installation and connection of the SeaWalk will begin and is expected to be completed by May. Land side works, which include the construction of a terminal building, ground transportation areas and other amenities, as well as subsequent phases

of the development, are anticipated to begin in July and be completed by January next year, the Port Authority said.

William Tatham, vice president, cruise shipping and marina operations at the Port Authority, indicated that there is

already keen interest in Jamaica’s newest cruise destination. “Discovery 2 of Marella Cruise Lines is already scheduled to call on January 20th next year and confirmation of other calls are imminent,” he explained.

MORE INFORMATION Jamaica was recognised as the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination by the prestigious World Travel Awards earlier this year.

To find out more about the destination head over to the Caribbean Tourism Association stand at AM1757 here at Arabian Travel Market or visit www. visitjamaica.com.

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FETTAH TAMINCE, FOUNDER, RIXOS HOTELS When Breaking Travel News visited the Middle East for the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference earlier this month, there was only one man everybody wanted to speak to – Fettah Tamince. Here we take a look at the career of a hospitality visionary Returning to Ras al Khaimah for the second year in succession, the Bench Events-organised Arabian Hotel Investment Conference welcomed more than 100 speakers to the stage at the new Al Hamra International Exhibition & Conference Centre as they offered their unique perspectives on the hospitality sector in the Middle East and north Africa. All were insightful, many added to our understanding of the region and a few were truly perceptive - but one man stood out, Fettah Tamince of Rixos Hotels.

The leading businessman joined presenter Nick van Marken and Gaurav Bhushan, global chief development officer of Accor, to discuss the joint venture between the two, with the industry leaders revealing how they have been disrupting the all-inclusive business model. They also

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revealed how they intend to grow the Rixos brand and develop the experience side of the business.

Tamince told the audience: “It will be experiences that are key – this is how you get guests to visit your hotels, how you encourage them to spend money with you and, most importantly, how to get them to return.

Rixos welcomes around a third of our guests back for repeat visits – which is a great achievement – and it is experiences that drive that.”

Tamince added: “Our collaboration with Accor is part of Rixos’ objective for further expansion and growth globally with a strong partner in the hospitality industry. Combined with our partner’s strong brand portfolio, reservation and sales network supported by a wide range of digital marketing activities, Rixos will expand its

INTERVIEW

current geographic footprint and customer base.”

Rixos Saadiyat Island The deal between Accor and Rixos has been a success for both parties, with the latest milestone being the opening of Rixos Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi in October last year. The property features 366 rooms and suites, 12 four-bed villas with private pools, ten restaurants and lounges, a water park, spa, kids’ club, water sports centre and much more. The new hospitality formula proved an overnight success, appealing to guests from major regional and global source markets who appreciate luxury, high

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service standards, value for money and innovative entertainment and dining all under one roof.

Conveniently located less than 30 minutes away from all of Abu Dhabi’s most thrilling attractions, guests can indulge in the feeling of hiding away in an exclusive island enclave while still benefiting from proximity to city highlights including the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Mosque, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

capital. We hope to show visitors from around the world how to create a fully integrated resort that delivers ultra-luxury, innovation in cuisine and the highest standards of service. We are extremely proud of our new resort and of the team, we can’t

wait to mark a new chapter in our expansion and welcome guests to Rixos Saadiyat Island.”

Looking ahead, Accor is in advanced discussions to manage several more all-inclusive entertainment resorts operated by Rixos

On the opening Tamince said: “We are thrilled to be expanding Rixos Hotels into Abu Dhabi, showcasing our first all-inclusive, all-exclusive resort in the

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in major Gulf markets, as well as leisure destination favourite, Egypt.

MIDDLE EAST Across the Middle East, Rixos is one of only a handful iconic resort brands in the region that caters to both high-end transient and group customers. It is recognised as one of the leading luxury destination brands in Turkey and the Middle East due to its best-in-class facilities, dining options and entertainment venues.

Voters at the World Travel Awards have recognised the company as Turkey’s Leading Hospitality Development Company for the past four years. The Rixos collection includes

70

notable landmark assets such as Rixos Premium Belek in Turkey and Rixos the Palm in Dubai – the latter being known as the World’s Leading Lifestyle Resort.

LAND OF LEGENDS Additionally, Rixos has invested in Turkey’s largest life and entertainment centre, the Land of Legends theme park, which opened its gates in the country’s tourism capital, Antalya, in the summer of 2016. On stage at AHIC Tamince explained that his motivation behind the destination has been inspired by a gap in the market.

“In Antalya there was no downtown – we needed a focus and the Land of

Legends is perfect for that - it keeps the guests coming back our property,” he said.

first hotel specially designed for children – from the park, is a portal to those worlds.

A joint venture by Rixos Hotels, Emaar Properties and Dragone Productions, the Land of Legends mega-resort combines spectacular architecture with multi-sensory experiences and stage and visual art designs by Franco Dragone. The idea behind the imaginatively themed park, conceived by Dragone, formerly creative director with the Cirque du Soleil, is that a meteor fell to earth, spawning a variety of worlds, each rooted in a different legend. The Dragone Gate, dividing the Kingdom Hotel – Turkey’s

In addition to its many water attractions, the park is also home to a number of ‘firsts’ for the region.

These include The Magicone funnel slide and a SurfStream standing wave machine from American Wave Machines. Other highlights include kids’ attractions, a lazy-crazy river and a ladies-only area.

TAMINCE So, who is the man behind these projects? First of all, Fettah Tamince is a successful international businessman and one of the leading entrepreneurs

INTERVIEW

tegic relationships with presidents, prime ministers, and other important players.

MORE INFORMATION Established in 2000, Rixos is one of the world’s fastest-growing luxury hotel chains. in Turkey. His activities and investments extend to a wide range of industries including tourism, hotel management and investments, construction, real estate development and higher education. According to his staff, he is a risk taker and a problem solver with a mind toward bettering his surround-

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ings. Tamince focuses his business activities already in more than ten markets, primarily in Turkey, Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, the GCC and Middle East countries.

He has founded numerous successful companies and joint ventures in these countries and built stra-

Dedicated to providing unmatched hospitality amid luxurious surroundings, the international hotel employees over 8,000 members of staff worldwide, each dedicated to providing the best in hospitality whilst offering innovative guest experiences that perfectly blend the best of old and new.

At the heart of every Rixos hotel and resort is a revitalising wellness spa with an authentic Turkish Hammam, renowned for its unique selection of spa experiences.

Each hotel offers a distinctive selection of restaurants and bars, an exciting entertainment schedule and a diverse range of opulently appointed rooms and suites.

Find out more on the official website at www. rixos.com.

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Grand Final Gala Ceremony

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Tareek Alofuk Group OVERVIEW Treek AlOfuk is a group of companies, which provide all together a variety of travel and tourism services including flight bookings, hotels and transfers. It was founded in 2012 and since, it was eager to present its services in a modern way, in high standards making use of its long and inveterate experience in the tourism industry. The group is rich with its youth and capable staff and its comprehensive ability due to the solid infrastructure, witnessing huge expansion locally and internationally and moving forward in confident steps.

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Meet your new standard of living Bahrain • Ghana • Oman • Saudi Arabia • Turkey • UAE From the spacious exclusivity of Ascott, to the vibrancy of independent city living at Citadines, or the pampering touches for the family at Somerset, we have a serviced residence designed to make you feel at home.

www.ascottmea.com The Ascott Limited is a member of CapitaLand. It is one of the leading international lodging owner-operators with more than 670 properties in over 170 cities spanning more than 30 countries across the Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Its portfolio of serviced residence and hotel brands includes Ascott, Citadines, Citadines Connect, Somerset, Quest, The Crest Collection, lyf and the Tauzia portfolio of brands.

Hyatt® and Grand Hyatt® names, designs and related marks are trademarks of Hyatt Corporation. © 2019 Hyatt Corporation. All rights reserved.

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