Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Official Daily Newspaper 5 May 2008
www.breakingtravelnews.com OFFICIAL DAILY NEWSPAPER
Aldar inks deal with Taj page6
Emirates makes serviced apartment debut page7
Alabar’s passion inspires AHIC audience
BTN interviews Mark Dardenne of Emaar page13
H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC
His Excellency Mohamed Ali Alabar scoops Leadership Award for transforming Arabian hospitality industry.
Dubai UAE The who’s who’s of the hotel investment industry gathered in Dubai yesterday as the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference kicked into full force. Over 1,000 of the most influential movers and shakers in the industry sparked debate, inspired ideas and swapped business cards at what is proving the busiest and most successful AHIC in its four-year history. Highlight of the day was the Patron of AHIC, His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, presenting the AHIC 2008 Leadership Award to H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar. As Chairman of Emaar Properties, H.E. Alabar is recognised as one of the leading figures in the hospitality industry who has helped transform the Middle East into a lifestyletourism destination.
Speaking exclusively to Breaking Travel News, Official Daily Newspaper of AHIC, H.E. Alabar said: “It is amazing to be appreciated. I hope this award will inspire other people to do good work too.” He also chose the weekend to unveil a new luxury hotel brand, The Address Hotels & Resorts, which will roll out later this year with the opening of flagship hotels in Downtown Burj Dubai and Dubai Marina. Whilst the fall-out of the U.S. subprime market has dominated discussions throughout the conference, H.E. Alabar had a more phlegmatic take: “The credit crisis has been caused by banks forgetting what banking is all about, opening their vaults and letting people take what they want. The secret however is to balance their profit and losses like a little Chinese shop where people don’t like
borrowing.” “Running a public company the size of Emaar is not easy,” he added. “But if you’re really passionate about what you do, have the right people and good leadership, then nothing is impossible. “In Dubai, under the leadership of Sheik Mohammed, we are in the business of truly dreaming – but also daring and doing it. We are blessed to be given this chance and also being born at the right place at the right time.” The theme of the conference, the ripple effect of the hotel investment in the Middle East, also took centre stage in an inspiringly hard-hitting speech by Philip Lader, U.S. Ambassador and Chairman of WPP Group. He explored how the rise of the Middle East and Asia will replace America in the global market place.
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“We’re going back to the future. In 1870, China and India generated around 49% of world GDP. They are now heading for the same share in 2025. Muslims globally represent 20% of the world’s population and by 2030 will total 30%. These circles too will have a considerable impact on the region’s own ever increasing circle.” “The question to ask is ‘Are we as prepared for it as we may think?’” he added. With minds buzzing from a day of thought-provoking talks, delegates headed across town for some R&R at the The Palace, Old Town. Day Three promises to be equally stimulating with branding in a global market and sustainability set to take centre stage.
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To subscribe to the free daily newsletter: subscribe@breakingtravelnews.com or sign, via the website For editorial: alex.lewis@breakingtravelnews.com For advertising: advertising@breakingtravelnews.com Chairman, CEO: Graham Cooke Executive Vice President: Manon Han Senior Vice President: David Falcon Publisher: Tony Pancaldi Global Directors: Sion Rapson, James Khan Editors: Alex Lewis, Anton Strack Writers: Daniel Rourke, Holly Pester Production Manager: Laura Tavernor Head of Photography: Mark Hakansson Video Producer: Gareth Morris Administrators: Scott Holland, Rosalyn Newbery Design: Nomad Graphique
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Rezidor marks a strong start to 2008
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The Ultimate Quest for Travel Excellence
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BTN Special Interview Roger Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Gettys
26-27
BTN Special Interview Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa
30-31
BTN Special Interview David Ryder, Managing Director, Worldmobi Ltd
33-35
World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2008 “Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence”
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What new features does Durban bring to world tourism, and how is it going to achieve them?
38-39
Sydney – the city of celebrations
40-41
Shanghai – driving the China boom
42-43
Go green-make money
44-45
Europe Awards heading to Crete
46-47
Brazil’s position in a globalised context
48-49
Travel Excellence Guaranteed
50-51
A Prospect for Greatness: Abu Dhabi
52-53
Las Vegas: Bigger and Better than ever
54-55
Turks & Caicos
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Full steam ahead for Bawadi
58-59
Casa de Campo where Mi Casa es Tu Casa! (My Home is Your Home!)
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Global expert to outline huge Russian potential
62-63
Building for the Future with Jamaica’s Tourism Today by Edmund Bartlett, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Jamaica
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A rocket for business email
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Ras Al Khaimah: Forging bonds with the old and reaches for the new
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Networking reception lights up the Old Town
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Soho - the cities’ Square Mile in Sharm
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Aldar inks deal with Taj
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IFA takes key stake in Legends Resort
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Emirates makes serviced apartment debut
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IHG to launch world’s first ‘green’ hotel
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Business booms on Day Two
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Staff retention critical to success
10-11
AHIC applauds Alabar
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BTN Special Interview Mark Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group
World Online Travel Awards heads to the Silicon Valley of India
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HMH launches in Dubai
84-84
Abu Dhabi plans Desert Islands roll out
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Tatweer reveals major theme park deals
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Cousens to lead Jumeirah operations in Asia Pacific
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Alabbar receives Leadership Award
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Networking reception lights up the Old Town The buzz from a really productive day at the conference was transferred into the night as Accor Hospitality hosted the Networking Reception in the breathtaking surroundings of The Palace - Old Town. Delegates chatted by the pool in The Palace's gardens beneath stunning views of the Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower.
Olivier R. Heuchenne, General Manager, The Palace, Jean-Luc Motot, MD, Accor MEA & IO, Christophe Landais, Managing Director, Accor Middle East & Christophe Caron, Director of Operations, Accor Middle East
Nick van Marken, Lead Partner Corporate Finance, EMEIA Tourism Hospitality & Leisure, Deloitte & Touche LLP & Tim Hansing, Senior VP Acquisitions & Development, Kingdom Hotel Investments
The Palace - Old Town
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Networking Reception, The Palace - Old Town
Mel Morris & Ambassador Philip Lader, Chairman, WPP Group PLC, Senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Nishant Kumar, Development, Chandrasen Shrivastava, Senior Manager Development, Ram S Ramasundar, Senior Executive Director & Punit Monga, Chief Manager Development, all from DLF Hotel Holdings Ltd
Laura & Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench
Katie Steibelt, MEED, Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of MEED Events & Trish Stubbins, MEED
Maru & Pablo Sidaoui Dib, Fiansc Capital
Tracey Sawyer, Igloo Design Group & Ali Tabbara, COO, Neos Interactive Ltd
Negar Yazdani, Royal Bank of Scotland
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ALDAR inks deal with Taj ALDAR Properties, has signed an exclusive agreement with one of Asia’s largest, premier international hospitality providers Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces.
Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, The Indian Hotels Company Limited
The agreement was signed byMr. Paul Bell, Managing Director, ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality, and Mr. Raymond N. Bickson, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of The Indian Hotels Company Limited, which owns and operates 79 Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces across the world. The signing took place on the opening day of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference which included a Summit on India highlighting prime Indian investment deals and projects being undertaken in the Subcontinent as well as Indian brands making an entrance into the Middle East. “Aligning with leading internationally recognised hospitality brands is part of ALDAR’s strategy to bring high quality investment opportunities to our developments. This agreement signifies ALDAR’s commitment to bring world-
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class players to our market, and to Abu Dhabi,” commented Ronald Stephen Barrott, CEO of ALDAR Properties. The exclusive agreement between ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces will cover a number of hotel projects. The first hotel to be developed by ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality under the agreement is a five-star, 500 room luxury resort hotel which will be in a spectacular waterfront location on ALDAR’s mega entertainment destination, YAS Island. The hotel will be branded as a ‘Taj Palace’ Hotel on the lines of the elegant, original palace hotels of the Taj and will have facilities and services to match the exceptional location. Commenting on the agreement Paul Bell, Managing Director, ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality stated, “Signing this agreement after the
Summit on India during the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference is significant as it brings together Abu Dhabi’s leading development company with one of India’s foremost luxury international hospitality brands. This Summit on India is a testament to the growing popularity of Indian brands in this region and ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality is delighted to be able to partner with Taj Hotels and Resorts to further our objective of combining world class brands with world class locations “ Raymond Bickson, Managing Director & CEO, The Indian Hotels Company Limited, who owns & operates Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces commented, “We are delighted to enter into this strategic exclusive agreement with ALDAR Hotels and Hospitality as they re-define Abu Dhabi’s
hospitality landscape. We are looking forward to becoming a part of the phenomenal YAS Island destination and to delivering the Taj brand of service and product to this exceptional project and others in Abu Dhabi. Indian international brands are becoming widely sought after as this Summit on India has revealed, and Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces is very pleased to be working with leading companies such as Aldar Hotels and Hospitality to develop its brands in the region. Today, the UAE, forms part of a strategic group of countries in the Gulf region. Leisure and hospitality in this region is growing exponentially and it is important for the Taj Hotels to be present in this region, which is rapidly morphing into a tourism hub of the future.”
www.aldar.com www.tajhotels.com
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Emirates makes serviced apartment debut Emirates Hotels & Resorts has revealed the latest edition to its portfolio - Green Lakes Serviced Apartments this week, its venture into the luxury serviced apartments market, and its second citybased property in Dubai. Promising to be a fitting addition to Dubai’s hospitality credentials, the Green Lakes Serviced Apartments are the focal point of the much soughtafter Jumeirah Lake Towers precinct. Comprising two stylish, high-rise apartment towers the operation opens its doors on Phase One as it enters its soft-opening period. Set to showcase Emirates Hotels & Resorts core values of exceptional service, luxurious facilities and best location in any destination, the Green Lakes will help to realise the Government’s vision of transforming Dubai into one of the world’s top tourist centres. The Green Lakes sets new benchmarks in this sector of the hospitality market, with topnotch service levels, and modern and exceptionally highstandard facilities. Tony Williams, Senior Vice President, Resorts & Projects noted: “Offering the comforts of a glamorous home with the services of a luxury hotel, serviced apartments are an increasingly popular alternative to traditional hotel stays. Recent statistics released by the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) reflect an escalating demand for serviced apartments in Dubai. GCC countries have been particularly fast in catching on to this cost-efficient option, and have alone showed the largest market share, making up 37 percent of serviced apartment
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visitors last year.” According to DTCM the number of serviced apartment guests rose by 11 percent in 2007 and stays averaged at 4.29 nights. Dubai’s deluxe serviced apartments had an average occupancy of 81 percent last year. Over 200,000 visitors from the European Union utilised luxury serviced apartments last year, led by the United Kingdom with nearly half of these visitors. He added: “Serviced Apartments are growing in popularity worldwide, as their convenience, comfort, and cost benefits are realised, especially amongst those requiring longerterm stays. In Dubai regular business travellers, family groups, and a large number of corporate consultants and contractors require accommodation for periods of up to three or four months, and they choose to have a home rather than a standard hotel room as a base. Equally we see a strong demand for even longer-term stays; where the convenience of serviced apartments means that residents have none of the individual hassles associated with having to sort, register and take care of monthly utility bills, maid and maintenance services, and the numerous other domestic chores associated with renting.” Chicly furnished, and yet homely, the apartments are designed for comfort and
Tony Williams, Senior Vice President Resorts & Projects
convenience. The Green Lakes’ 141 one-bedroom, 29 twobedroom, and 11 three-bedroom luxurious apartments each have generously-sized bedrooms, fully-fitted kitchens with all appliances and generous, openplan living and dining areas. Bespoke en-suite bathrooms and luxury furnishings complete the setting. Some apartments have dedicated rooms for domestic aids; a facility welcomed by families. Every apartment is equipped with flat screen LCD satellite TV’s, DVD / CD players, ipod docking stations and broadband internet. The first guests of Green Lakes have started checking in, and as the Jumeirah Lakes location matures in the following months it is set to become a very popular location for Dubai visitors, as well as for longerterm residents. Panoramic views of the Emirates Golf Club and the convenience of easy access to the Dubai Marina, Mall of the Emirates, the Sheikh Zayed Road commuter routes, and the surrounding business districts of Media City and Jebel Ali are all attractions.
Guests staying at Green Lakes have direct access to the Timeless Spa facilities at the Harbour Hotel & Residence. The Timeless Spa, Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ signature spa brand, provides relaxation massage beauty treatments developed by specialists and complemented by an extensive range of treatments and products from globallyrenowned Sodashi and Babor. Green Lakes Serviced Apartments is the third in a series of projects launched by Emirates Hotels & Resorts. Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa is recognised internationally for its contribution to conservation. The success of Al Maha is being used as the basis for designs and operations in subsequent conservation-focussed properties: the Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa scheduled to open in late 2009 in Australia's Blue Mountains, and the Cap Ternay Resort & Spa currently in its detailed design phase and scheduled to open in 2010. The Harbour Hotel & Residence is a 52-storey luxurious property located at the Dubai Marina.
www.emirateshotelsresorts.com
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Business booms on Day Two An early start didn’t prevent delegates turning up in droves for Day Two of AHIC, with CoOrganiser Jonathan Worsley opening the forum for serious debate, and an impressive line-up of speakers that included Ambassador Philip Lader of WPP Group, and Arthur de Haast of Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels. Whilst outside the conference arena, delegates networked over coffee and cakes‌
Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench
Ambassador Philip Lader, Chairman, WPP Group PLC, Senior Advisor, Morgan Stanley
Kent Cooper, Executive Director Sales & Marketing MEA, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts & Barbara Sukmonowski
Abid Baloch, Sales & Marketing Executive, Al Sahra & Graham Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards
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Yann Caillere, CEO, France Southern Europe & MEA, Accor & CEO, Sofitel & Gerald Lawless, Executive Chairman of Jumeirah Group
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Lisa Hughes, Vice President & Publisher, Conde Nast Traveller
Richard Hartman, CEO, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels
Talal Jassim M. Al-Bahar, Chairman & Managing Director, IFA Hotels & Resorts, Honourable Wayne Garland, Executive Chairman, Turks & Caicos Tourist Board & Clayton E. Been, Investment Manager, TCInvest
Omer Z. Kaddouri, Area Vice President, Selim El Zyr, CEO & Amal Harb, Associate VP, all of Rotana Hotels & Resorts
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Jamie Afnaim, Associate, Frank Croston, Partner, Line Rode, Senior Associate & Tobias Weissinger, Associate all from Hamilton Hotel Partners
Arthur de Haast, Global CEO, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
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AHIC applauds Alabar At lunch, His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum awarded H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar the AHIC 2008 Leadership Award. Delegates got to see and hear why the Emaar Chairman is such a business inspiration by hearing his thoughts on the hotel industry in Dubai, the Middle East and beyond in an interview conducted by John Defterios of CNN.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO of Emirates Group
Susan Furness, CEO of Strategic Solutions
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H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO of Emirates Group & Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
Edmund O’Sullivan, AHIC Co-organiser & Chairman of MEED Events
Paul Be Hospita Develop
John Defterios, Host of CNN Marketplace Middle East interviews H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC
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Edmund O’Sullivan, Chairman of MEED Events, H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC, H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO of Emirates Group, Jonathan Worsley, Chairman of The Bench & Susan Furness, CEO of Strategic Solutions
H.E. Mohamed Ali Alabar, Chairman, Emaar Properties PJSC & Graham Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards
Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports
John Podaras, Operations Manager, TRI Hospitality Consulting moderates ‘Plan Abu Dhabi 2030’ with panelists Ivor Mc Burney, Vice President Development, Hilton Hotels, Paul Bell, Managing Director, ALDAR Hotels & Hospitality, Lee Tabler, CEO of Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) & Imad Elias, Executive Vice President & CEO of Rotana
Paul Bell, Managing Director, ALDAR Hotels & Hospitality & Lee Tabler, CEO of Abu Dhabi Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
Fahad Al Joaib & Abdullah Al Joaib, Apex Investment Group
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Marc Dardenne, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group Mr. Marc-Francois Dardenne is the Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Hotels & Resorts steering the development of luxury projects in key cities and emerging markets globally. The flagship of the company is the Armani Hotels & Resorts and Armani Residences, a joint venture with haute couture major Giorgio Armani SPA.
Currently also the CEO of Emaar Hospitality Group, Mr Dardenne has been instrumental in providing a new direction of growth for Emaar Hospitality Group. Owing to his years of experience and expertise, in a short span of time, he has managed to build a worldclass team across various disciplines of Emaar Hospitality Group while continuing to establish it‘s extensive roster in the UAE and beyond. At AHIC Marc is a panellist on today’s session – ‘New Brands Emerging in the Region’. BTN spoke to Marc to find out what he hopes to achieve at this year’s event. BTN: What sort of year has it been for your business? MD: For Emaar Hospitality Group, the past year has been one of consolidating our base and building further on new growth opportunities. Today, with total assets of development value US$1 billion (AED 3.67 billion), Emaar Hospitality Group owns and manages a diversified portfolio of hospitality assets such as hotels, serviced residences, golf resorts, polo and equestrian club, recreation clubs, and the
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Dubai Marina Yacht Club and Marinas. Key value propositions in the past year, were the opening of three hotels in Dubai – Al Manzil, Qamardeen and The Palace, The Old Town – all in Downtown Burj Dubai, and revamping Dubai Polo and Equestrian Club with varied leisure and business amenities.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. All properties employ sustainable measures – especially with regard to energy and water use efficiency. Emaar’s hospitality projects are also associated with the Earth Watch initiative launched by Emaar Properties that promotes recycling.
BTN: How do you propose to meet the challenges of the current global downturn? MD: The geographic footprint of Emaar Hospitality Group is currently in high-growth areas in the Middle East and North Africa, and the Indian Subcontinent. We continue to focus, currently, on these markets, which have shown increasing resilience to the global economic downturn due to the strength of the local economies.
BTN: What and where are the new markets for your business? MD: Emaar Hospitality Group is focused on the emerging markets in the Middle East and North Africa region, the Indian Subcontinent and South Asia, currently. As a subsidiary of Emaar Properties, we will also expand our geographic base to all markets that Emaar operates in, as we fit in with the company’s objective of creating integrated lifestyle communities.
BTN: Sustainability was the key issue at last week’s WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit – what provisions are you making in your business for green development? MD: Emaar’s hospitality projects are aligned with the Green Dubai vision outlined by His Highness Sheikh
BTN: Why are you coming to AHIC and what do you hope to achieve here? MD: AHIC is one of the premier forums that promote investments in the hospitality sector. Through our presence at AHIC, we are showcasing
our diverse product portfolio and international expansion plans, and to evaluate potential partnership opportunities. Emaar Hospitality Group is proud to be a key gold sponsor for the event. As gold sponsors we are reiterating our commitment to the development and management of first class leisure facilities as well as our newly launched hotel brand, The Address Hotels and Resorts which we intend to develop into a world-class hotel chain in under a decade. AHIC gives us the perfect opportunity to showcase our new brand and liaise with key figures within the hospitality investment industry. At AHIC we want to further highlight our strength as a total hospitality solutions group, working towards the future development of the hospitality sector. BTN: Specifically, what sets AHIC apart from other events in your business calendar? MD: AHIC’s focus on investment promotion in the hospitality sector is a key differential that ensures huge international participation.
www.emaar.com
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Tatweer reveals major theme park deals
Mohammed Alhabbai, CEO, DUBAILAND
Tatweer has announced two landmark theme park deals in the last month. The first was a strategic alliance with US-based Six Flags to develop ‘thrill-driven theme parks across the Arab world’. The second deal was with Marvel Entertainment, the creators of a number of globallyrenowned super heroes, to develop the region’s first super heroes theme park at the world’s largest leisure, tourism and entertainment destination.
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The highlight of the strategic alliance with Six Flags will be the development of Six Flags DUBAILAND, a five million square feet multi-billion dirham theme park. The first Six Flags project to be developed outside of North America, the theme park comes as part of Tatweer’s tactical contribution to Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, which aims to develop the emirate into a leading global hub for tourism and leisure. Featuring its signature line-up of thrill and themed adventure rides and attractions, Six Flags DUBAILAND will boast world renowned entertainment franchises such as the children's musical group Wiggles and professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. The park’s unique components will complement Six Flags’ awardwinning productions and original programming, such as
Operation Spygirl, the 'Big E' Entertainment Award recipient at the 2007 IAPAA Trade Show and Convention. Tatweer and Six Flags DUBAILAND also will work together to integrate their expertise to create new concepts across the region, such as Six Flags theme parks, branded restaurants, hotels and retail outlets that will holistically offer unique travel and vacation opportunities for tourists, families and visitors worldwide. For the theme park project, Six Flags will conceptualise and oversee the master plan based on its history in that arena, which includes the development, ownership and management of 21 parks across North America. Groundbreaking is expected in 2009. Additionally, the Six Flags corporate alliance division will represent
Dubailand for international corporate sponsorship opportunities. Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman of Tatweer, said: "The addition of Six Flags, one of the world’s most reputed leisure and entertainment companies, to our burgeoning portfolio complements DUBAILAND’s value proposition as an unrivalled tourism destination. It is a privilege for Tatweer to be selected by Six Flags as its regional partner and DUBAILAND as the destination to host the first Six Flags theme park outside of North America.” Six Flags DUBAILAND will join the elite repertoire of Tatweerowned world class projects at DUBAILAND destination such as BAWADI, The Tiger Woods Dubai, Universal Studios DUBAILAND, DreamWorks Animation Park, Hit
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tremendous growth potential for our brands.” Originally announced last year as a partnership between the Al Ahli group and Marvel Entertainment, Tatweer has now stepped in to oversee and take the development forward, and strategically manage its theme park portfolio.
that include DreamWorks Animation Park, Six Flags, HIT Entertainment, Universal Studios Dubailand, Global Village, and several projects including Dubai Sports City, Motor City, Dubai Outlet Mall, Al Sahra Desert Resort, Al Barari, The Polo and Equestrian Club, City of Arabia, Legends, Dubai Wheel and Falcon City of Wonders.
The three billion sq feet DUBAILAND, a member of Tatweer, comprises projects
www.tatweerdubai.com
NEWS IN BRIEF Saeed Al Muntafiq, Executive Chairman, Tatweer
Entertainment and Global Village. Al Muntafiq added: “The new alliance with yet another global leisure and entertainment leader such as Six Flags consolidates Tatweer’s commitment to becoming a leading global tourism, leisure and entertainment investor, and a key contributor to the tourism objectives of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.” Mark Shapiro, President and CEO of Six Flags, said: "This is a historic day for our company. Expanding Six Flags beyond our current North American borders validates the growing strength and momentum of our brand. Through this partnership with Tatweer, we now have the opportunity to create a world-class theme park destination that will allow guests from around the globe to experience Six Flags' unique combination of thrills and entertainment." Allocated within DUBAILAND, the Marvel Super Heroes theme park will be one of its key anchor projects. Heroes such as Spider-Man, The XMen, Iron Man, the Fantastic
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Four and The Incredible Hulk will feature at the new park. The design and conceptual master plan of this 4.5 million sq ft development has recently been finalised. The park, expected to welcome visitors in 2012, will provide families an ultimate destination with new and exciting rides that will enable them to re-live their childhood and interact with their beloved super hero characters. Saeed Al Muntafiq said: “We are delighted to welcome Marvel as our latest member in the distinctive DUBAILAND portfolio. We are confident this landmark partnership will add further value to the exciting world-class offerings of DUBAILAND.” David Maisel, Executive Vice President of Marvel Entertainment and Chairman, Marvel Studios, said: “We are privileged to be a part of the DUBAILAND Destination, a unique entertainment experience that captures the world’s best creative concepts. The launch of the Marvel Super Heroes theme park in Dubai will mark our entry into a region that promises
Construction of Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Phase 2 enters Final Stage Phase 2 of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, one of the most modern exhibition centres in the world, has entered its final phase of construction. The main structural work of the AED 500 million Phase 2 development is complete. Construction is scheduled for completion in September this year. Simon Horgan, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) said, “Despite testing conditions within the regional construction industry, construction on Phase 2 has progressed on schedule throughout the entire development. This is a credit to all involved.” On completion of Phase 2, ADNEC will be one of the largest exhibition centres in the Middle East with over 55,000 square metres of fully interconnected exhibition space spread
across 12 halls. ADNEC has been developed as the centrepiece project of the AED 8 billion Capital Centre project, a fully integrated community development that is considered a strategic element of the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.
Airbus opens Material and Logistics Centre in the Middle East Airbus has officially opened its new Material and Logistics Centre in the Middle East. Located at the Dubai Airport Free Zone in the United Arab Emirates the centre gives Airbus greater proximity to valuable customers and helps reduce the time and cost in transporting spares. "With predicted passenger traffic growth of over six per cent and cargo of five per cent in the next twenty years, the Middle East will undergo one of the biggest aviation growth rates of anywhere in the world, so a world class logistics centre in the region is essential", said Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders.
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Jumeirah HanTang Xintiandi in Shanghai opens in late 2008
Cousens to lead Jumeirah operations in Asia Pacific Jumeirah has announced the appointment of Tony Cousens this week, to the position of Senior Vice President Asia Pacific based in Singapore.
“It is an honour to join an energetic company in such an exciting phase of its expansion, especially as we develop Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts and brand in Asia Pacific, including , Jumeirah’s first hotel in China and flagship property in the Asia Pacific region as well the Jumeirah Private Island Phuket opening in 2009,” commented Tony Cousens. “I am impressed with the Jumeirah Group’s vision and commitment to excellence.”
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Tony, who possesses dual British and Canadian nationality, has over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience, of which he has spent a significant part in the Asia Pacific region. Tony has managed some of the world’s greatest hotels including The Marina Mandarin Hotel in Singapore and Le Royal Meridien King Edward Hotel in Toronto, Canada which were both Leading Hotels of the World. Prior to joining Jumeirah, Tony has worked in senior positions for some of the world’s leading hotel companies including Le Meridien Hotels Group and Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts. “We are very pleased to welcome Tony to the Jumeirah team, in what is a very exciting time for all of us, said Guy Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Jumeirah Group.
Tony’s extensive international luxury hospitality experience and knowledge will help us to further build, develop and manage the key strengths of the Jumeirah brand in the Asia Pacific region, a geographical growth market of high strategic importance to us.” The Jumeirah Group’s name has recently undergone translation for the Chinese market - a move which provides insight into the global ambitions of this dynamic company. Developed with a meticulous understanding of the booming Chinese market, Jumeirah’s’ Zun Ya’ brand has helped establish the forthcoming Han Tang Xintiandi hotel as one of the most exciting prospects in the country. In December 2007 World Traveller Magazine named it Shanghai's ‘Most Expected Hotel', a huge accolade in the shared
Tony Cousens, Senior Vice President Asia Pacific, Jumeirah Group
development of the world’s fastest growing city. Jumeirah’s chosen Chinese brand, ‘Zun Ya’, embodies the company’s outlook in a way plain English is incapable. The character of ‘Zun’ communicates an aura of prestige and respect, literally conveying the image of a finely carved chalice filled with wine. The upper section of the ‘Zun’ logogram is ‘Qiu’, the symbol for ‘Emirate’ in Chinese – a connection with the heritage of the UAE and its founding families. The second part of the new brand, ‘Ya’, imparts a sense of uniqueness and alluring elegance, and can also be used to express the pursuit of freedom and individuality.
www.jumeirah.com
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Alabbar receives Leadership Award Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties was yesterday presented the AHIC 2008 Leadership Award by His Highness, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai’s Department of Civil Aviation and Chairman & CEO, Emirates Group. Alabbar, who is frequently acknowledged by the real estate and hospitality industries for his role in steering growth in the region, was singled out by the hotel investment sector in recognition of his contribution to the hospitality industry. According to AHIC coorganiser, Jonathan Worsley, Alabbar won the award following online nominations made by AHIC’s 50-strong, key industry leader, advisory board.
As an AHIC Leadership Award winner Alabbar joins HRH Prince Al Waleed bin Talal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, CEO of Saudi Arabia’s Kingdom Holding Company (2005); HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai (2006); and Maurice Flanagan, Vice Chairman and Group President of Emirates, UAE’s international airline (2007). “This award for leadership in the hotel investment sector
recognises Alabbar’s 15-plus years of dedication to the growth of the real estate sector in the region and for his efforts in helping to put Arabia on the ‘lifestyle’ map, especially through his steadfast role at Emaar Properties,” said Worsley. Worsley observed that the 2008 conference theme, The Ripple Effect, reflects the critical role that Alabbar has played in developing Emaar into a truly global brand and business.
For the fourth year running, AHIC is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. “We are thrilled to have His Highness Sheikh Ahmed confirm his support and attendance again this year. This is a true sign that AHIC has cemented its place as the significant event on the region’s hotel investment calendar,” Worsley said.
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Rezidor marks a strong start to 2008 According to the latest figures Rezidor is enjoying a strong start to this year despite concerns about a global downturn.
“The first quarter of 2008 has been yet another strong quarter for Rezidor. Adjusted for the estimated negative effect of Easter falling in March, we continue to show a robust development of both revenue and EBITDA, compared to the first quarter of last year. As Rezidor’s revenue is strongly driven by business guests in the Nordics and the rest of Western Europe we were heavily impacted by the Easter holidays, as foreseen, says Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor. Rezidor’s markets are in Western and Northern Europe as well as the emerging markets in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, where the economic activity has been relatively strong. Despite slowing activity in the US and fear of a global slow-down, the hotel industry in our markets continued to grow in the beginning of the year.
“In order to secure a profitable growth we continue to focus on growing the number of rooms on fee based contracts. In the first quarter of this year, we opened 1,000 new rooms; 100% of these were under managed or franchised feebased contracts. We also added close to 3,000 new rooms to our contracted pipeline, mainly managed or franchised”, Ritter continues. “We are aware of the turmoil on the financial markets and the continued uncertainties surrounding the global economy, which make it difficult to predict the market outlook for 2008. We are confident of achieving our target of adding 20,000 rooms to operations from 2007 to year-end 2009, and believe that the ongoing shift in our business model driven by more fee based revenue will continue to support our EBITDA margin target”, summarises Kurt Ritter.
www.rezidor.com Kurt Ritter, President & CEO of Rezidor
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www.breakingtravelnews.com
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The Ultimate Quest for Travel Excellence Raising the travel bar to new heights was the inspiration behind Graham Cooke starting the World Travel Awards. 15 years on, and with the WTA called “the Oscars of the Travel Industry” by the Wall Street Journal, Cooke is continuing his relentless search for excellence within the industry. His Royal Highness Prince Alwaleed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mr Graham Cooke, President & Founder of World Travel Awards and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Emirates Airline
He says: “It’s what drives me on. There are many well-run travel companies in the world, but what fine dividing line separates them from the exceptional? “What qualities do they possess so their names automatically leap to people’s lips when the word ‘excellence’ is mentioned, regardless of whether they are customers or fellow professionals? “It’s about selecting the exceptional from the alsorans, the superstars from the plodders; whose track records are poured over by their peers worldwide, who wish that even a sprinkle of this indefinable magic would rub off on them, their products and employees.” The quest for excellence, how you come by it and maintain it in the ‘bear pit’ of the international travel and tourism industry is the reason why Cooke founded the rapidly expanding World Travel Awards.
www.breakingtravelnews.com
In a few short years they have grown from a one-off annual event into a grand tour of eight regional and sector award events leading to the global final in December, this year being staged in the Caribbean’s Turks and Caicos. For winners, the awards are a symbol of excellence in everything they do and say, a warming reassurance for customers and an acceptance by the industry of their achievements. But when he launched the awards it was a different story. “Travel awards, as now, were commonplace. None of them really meant anything, apart from, of course to the winners. There was no real substance behind them and everyone frankly took them with an element of ‘So what?’ “I wanted to establish some kind of serious and constructive template for excellence by which the travel industry could measure its performance. I wanted to
improve standards, stimulate competitiveness and create and acknowledgment that there is a great deal more behind these accolades than just excitement, glitz and glamour. “This is the cornerstone of the World Travel Awards.” But as Cooke admits, there is still a lot further to go in the journey. “We need to foster trust in senior leadership that will, in turn, lay down a strong foundation for other key factors in this pursuit of excellence. “A great deal, for example, rides on employees, the opportunities to use their onthe-job skills and a sense of enjoyment and passion. “But it goes far deeper than that. Competitiveness and the quality of a company, its philosophy, culture and products need to be integrated with honesty and integrity. This means that
those nominated for the World Travel Awards are judged on quantifiable principles. These include understanding visitor needs and the expectations for a first class customer experience; maximising business performance; valuing personnel and innovative development of company products. But as the industry increasingly recognises the importance of securing the future, Cooke is anxious that businesses adopt sustainable tourism strategies with a clear focus on environmental practices. “There are, however, two further qualities that perhaps take precedence in the exceptional travel company. It’s the fundamental drive for creativity and enterprise and clear communication, not only externally but internally. “These are the ingredients that help to fire the magic.”
www.worldtravelawrds.com
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Roger Hill, Chief Executive Officer, Gettys balance of right-brained creativity and left-brained business acumen, Gettys is uniquely positioned to bring world-class design to our projects while collaborating with our clients to discover effective, compelling, and value-added design solutions.
Roger is CEO of Gettys, a leading hospitality design and development firm he co-founded in 1988. He is a respected hospitality industry veteran whose expertise and influence have helped to place Gettys among the most recognised and published firms in the hospitality design industry.
BTN: What sort of year has it been for your business? RH: Certainly a strong one. Gettys has experienced significant growth in the last 12 months, including the establishment of our Hong Kong office and a new development office in New York City. We are delighted to continue seeing our portfolio grow with fantastic new hospitality design,
www.breakingtravelnews.com
development and procurement projects across the globe. BTN: How do you propose to meet the challenges of the current global downturn? RH: Gettys will continue to succeed by maintaining our core philosophies of innovation, collaboration, and a focus on our client’s return on investment. With a strong
BTN: Sustainability was the key issue at last week’s WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit – what provisions are you making in your business for green development? RH: Gettys has a global sustainability practice – Gettys EQ. EQ stands for Environmental Quotient, and reflects our focus on not only providing sustainable design solutions for our clients, but infusing environmentally sound business practices into our own company. We have set aggressive goals, including professional accreditation for all of our studio members, completing an in-depth analysis of our company’s carbon footprint, and achieving U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification for all projects in the US in which Gettys is an investment partner. We are currently working on three sustainable projects in the US, one of which will be the first LEED certified hotel in the city of Chicago. BTN: What and where are the new markets for your business? RH: Asia Pacific and the Middle East continue to be strong growth markets in hospitality, so we will continue to focus on increasing our project work in those regions. And as hospitality specialists, Gettys can bring expertise to all
types of projects including branded and boutique hotels, resorts, mixed-use developments, restaurants, spas, and fractional ownership developments. BTN: Why are you coming to AHIC and what do you hope to achieve here? RH: We are so honoured to be a part of this industry-leading event. As an international hospitality design, development, and procurement firm, we are looking forward to collaborating with other industry leaders in the region to get acquainted, discuss creative solutions for the future of our industry, advocate for continued sustainable development throughout the world, and continue to establish outstanding relationships with the leading hoteliers in the Middle East. BTN: Specifically, what sets AHIC apart from other events in your business calendar? RH: AHIC provides an outstanding opportunity to meet and hold dialogue with those who are at the forefront of the burgeoning hospitality investment sector in the Middle East. As developers ourselves, we enjoy the opportunity to learn from others’ challenges and successes. And as consultants, we appreciate the alliances we are able to build and the insightful dialogue we participate in on the future of the hospitality sector that, in turn, creates long-term relationships for our business. www.gettys.com
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Jean-Paul Herzog, President, Hilton Hotels, Middle East & Africa Hilton Hotels has unveiled plans to double its Middle East & Africa portfolio by 2012 and already has 16 hotels in the pipeline in the region. Arabia. We currently have an opening pipeline of 16 Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Hilton brand hotels in Middle East & Africa, with the goal of signing an additional 20 management agreements and doubling our portfolio by 2012. In addition to the key cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, development in locations such as Ras Al Khaimah, Riyadh and Bahrain is a focus of HHC’s development strategy.
The key figure in driving Hilton’s presence here is Jean-Paul Herzog, President of the Middle East & Africa for Hilton Hotels. Based in Dubai, he is responsible for 44 hotels in the Arabian Peninsula, Egypt, Africa and Indian Ocean, plus these exciting new hotel developments in these regions. Mr. Herzog started his career with Hilton in Zurich some 35 years ago and underwent management training at the London Hilton. His subsequent managerial positions have taken him to cities across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A Swiss national, he is fluent in six languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Hungarian, and Turkish. He is also knowledgeable in Classical Greek and Latin. Jean-Paul is one of the panellists of Session 5, today, at AHIC: Operators’View of the Industry. Breaking Travel News caught up with him to find out more: BTN: What and where are the new markets for your business? JPH: The G.C.C. presents significant growth opportunities for Hilton, in particular the U.A.E, Bahrain and Saudi
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We have also signed two management agreements in Africa recently, marking our entry into Ghana and Cape Verde, an archipelago of ten islands off the west coast of Africa. The 186-room Hilton Accra Airport City and the 268-room Hilton Cape Verde are expected to open in 2010. These developments are testament of HHC’s ambition to have a Hilton Family hotel in every African capital city. BTN: Why are you coming to AHIC and what do you hope to achieve here? JPH: AHIC is a key development event for us, where real business is conducted. It provides a perfect platform to further our development ambitions; this is where we review and agree management contracts, as well as promote the full spectrum of the Family of Brands. AHIC provides a great forum for dialogue and networking opportunities with key industry investors, and fellow hoteliers. BTN: Specifically, what sets AHIC apart from other events in your business calendar? JPH: As mentioned earlier, presence and participation at AHIC strategically serves our development ambitions. This event draws participation from key industry players and provides a prolific networking forum for serious business. There is no other event in the Middle East calendar that offers the same opportunities. BTN: What sort of year has it been for your business?
The last year has been a milestone in our company’s history. We were the fastest growing international hotel company in 2007, with over 32,000 rooms opened – an average of five new hotels per week. We accelerated our development ambitions, boasting the industry’s largest development pipeline for any US-based hotel company – we have 900 hotels with 120,000 rooms in the pipeline – 16 per cent up on the previous year. In Middle East & Africa we have a signed development agreement of 16 new hotels. With our new owners Blackstone, we are well positioned for the future, focusing on operational excellence and delivering on our development targets. BTN: How do you propose to meet the challenges of the current global downturn? JPH: The impact of the recent economic imbalances has not as yet impacted us, and we are unsure as to whether they will. In the Middle East, the possible challenge could be a new one: inflation. This will be compensated by growing emerging markets. These markets are now coming of age in terms of disposable income and education to become the new priority for the travel and tourism industry. According to the WTTC, the Middle East is the only region to remain on course for its five per cent growth in the travel and tourism industry for 2008. For our business in the Middle East, a region which boasts one of the highest RevPARs in the world, we will continue full steam ahead. BTN: Sustainability was the key issue at last week’s WTTC Global Travel & Tourism Summit – what provisions are you making in your business for green development? JPH: Addressing the needs of tomorrow’s traveller is reflected in each aspect of our business; be it negotiating management contracts with developers or implementing responsible tourism programmes across our properties. We strongly promote company-wide policies which help
www.breakingtravelnews.com
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW preserve the environment. As part of our water conservation programme, nearly every hotel within the Family of Hotels takes part in the ‘Green Programme – Conserve to Preserve’. By asking guests when they would like their sheets and towels changed, over 12 million gallons of fresh water are saved per month. Most recently, Hilton Hotels across Middle East & Africa participated in the global Earth Hour initiative which entailed switching off non-essential lighting and appliances for one hour on March 29th. 44 of our properties in 14 countries across the region took part in the initiative, underscoring the connection between energy usage and climate change. Current policies in place address energy efficiency, waste reduction, water efficiency and minimised pollution in each of these 44 properties. We are also about to announce a new global-wide sustainability initiative, so stay tuned for more information!
www.hilton.com
The Hilton Family of Hotels in Middle East & Africa – Opening Pipeline: U.A.E: Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Beach Residence UAE (371 rooms and apartments) – opening November 2008 Hilton Dubai Beach Club – UAE – opening Q1 2009 Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort & Spa – UAE (second phase of 160 rooms opening January 2009, with third and final phase of 165 rooms opening Q2 2009) Conrad Abu Dhabi – UAE (500 rooms) – opening Q2 2010 Conrad Dubai – UAE (500 rooms) – opening Q3 2010 Hilton Mina Al Arab Resort - Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (400 rooms) – opening December 2010 Qatar: Hilton Doha – Qatar (324 rooms) – opening January 2009 Kuwait: Hilton Olympia Kuwait (200 rooms) – opening Q2 2009
Egypt: Hilton Luxor Resort & Spa (235 rooms) re-opening October 2008 Lebanon: Hilton Beirut (158 rooms) – opening date TBC Jordan: Hilton Amman - Jordan Gate (590 rooms) – opening Q2 2009 Hilton Tala Bay Aqaba – Jordan (346 rooms) – opening Q2 2010 Africa: Hilton Malabo – Equatorial Guinea (211 rooms) – opening Q1 2009 Hilton Accra Airport City – Ghana (186 rooms) – opening Q1 2010 Hilton Kampala – Uganda (272 rooms) – opening date TBC Hilton Cape Verde – Sal Island, Cape Verde (268 rooms) – opening Q2 2010
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW
Hail the revolution Mobile Internet access is revolutionising the way travellers book hotels, find restaurants and entertainment. Worldmobi is one of the key players at the leading edge of this brave wireless world.
have the most up-to-date and comprehensive information available in their hands via these city mobile sites. Additionally they are trialling a number of applications with specific lines of businesses including airlines, hotels and convention organisers. Worldwide sales of mobile phones outstrip those of PCs by approximately four to one, with 1.3 billion people connected to the internet through their mobile devices this year, according to the GSM Association. So the potential is huge. David Ryder, Managing Director of Worldmobi Ltd
Accessing the web through a mobile phone is becoming as commonplace as through a PC thanks to new handset and network technology. The travel and tourism industry is particularly set to benefit from the wealth of new online opportunities, given that travellers are even more reliant on their mobiles for online access. Even those with laptops find it hard to always get internet access when on the move.
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One of the brands at the forefront of mobile internet technology for the travel industry is Worldmobi. The London-based start-up is launching over 600 mobile websites, based on actual city names under its city.mobi brand providing valuable and relevant information to residents and visitors alike. For example users here at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference should type in dubai.city.mobi into their
browser to experience what this incredible city has to offer. Worldmobi has already tested the concept and will be replicating what you see on this site to all sites under its control, including london.mobi, capetown.mobi, nyc.mobi, vegas.mobi and rio.mobi, to name a few. Worldmobi works with tourists boards, hotels, restaurants, airlines and other travelrelated businesses around the globe to ensure that visitors
The Managing Director of London-based Worldmobi, David Ryder, says, “These sites contain simple data, typically with lists of hotels, restaurants, bars and other useful information but over the next few months will evolve to a fully interactive experience that will make users want to come back to the site time and time again.� The city.mobi sites join a groundswell of travel and tourism companies who’ve gone mobile including the
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SPECIAL INTERVIEW American Automobile Association (AAA), Amtrak, Air France, Hilton, KLM, Marriott, Renfe, SAS, Spanair, Thalys, The Weather Channel and ZAGAT Survey.
even skipped a generation in technology and only rely on their mobile phone. We strongly feel that the future for providing information is the mobile.
Breaking Travel News caught up with David Ryder, Managing Director of Worldmobi Ltd to find out more:
BTN: What puts you in the best position to capture the market for mobile websites for travellers? DR: We want to, and are, working with tourist’s boards so that the content on these sites are a true reflection on what the user needs. We have
BTN: What is the inspiration behind Worldmobi? DR: This time last year I was the Chief Marketing officer at dotmobi, the toe-level domain name company that sells .mobi names. I noticed that we had over 600 reserved names based on actual city names, sitting around not offering any value to anyone. I also knew that mobile operators opened up access to their networks allowing access to the internet from the mobile phone. These names and the dotmobi standard meant that internet portals made for the mobile could be built that offered quick and simple access to the user. I met Graham Cooke from previous business ventures and we agreed that we could use these names to offer value content to travellers and residents within cities. Most importantly we also realised that there are no worldwide mobile internet portals out in the market offering such service. Graham has extensive contacts in the travel industry and combined with my knowledge of the mobile internet it seemed a natural fit to start Worldmobi. As travellers ourselves we knew the value that this service can bring to the user would be tremendous. Additionally, there are more than a billion internet-enabled phones worldwide compared to about 800 million PCs. In some countries they have
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and shopping plus a host of other essential guides like where to find a bank, hospitals, airport, taxi, and general emergency services. If there is a McDonald’s here you will find it.
Users here at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference should type in dubai.city.mobi into their browser to experience what this incredible city has to offer.
BTN: Where are the best nightspots in Dubai, and restaurants and shopping? DR: Check out dubai.city.mobi!
over 600 names based on cities, no one else has this. We will be deploying a world class user interface shortly that will make access even easier. It is also simple for the user since they don’t have to think too hard to know what name to type in so if you are in London all you need to remember is London.mobi. BTN: What type of information would, for example, you find on Dubai? DR: The information is very specific and tailored to those using the mobile internet, you do not get larges multimedia files like on the internet. It will be text based information on hotels, restaurants, nightlife
these portals to reach countries and audiences that may never have otherwise heard about them. Booking systems and updates to user travel and booking via will need to be simplified and adapted to the mobile. Here
BTN: What implications does world.mobi have for the whole travel and tourism industry? DR: Users now have access like never before to a whole range of services that they only before experienced on the PC. The travel industry is set to benefit from this increased exposure but must adapt so that they do not miss out. Firstly they need to ensure that their website is now mobile enabled; this means that they need a different version aimed solely at the mobile phone. Worldmobi can help advise and even design these sites. Next they need to ensure that they are present on the listings on the Worldmobi mobile portals so that users can get to them when looking at the city guides. They also need to realise that for the first time their brand can be accessed by the billion plus handsets worldwide, thus the opportunity to advertise on
again worldmobi can help. We have just built an application that updates airline travellers on road conditions, traffic, delays etc so that they can allow greater time to travel and the fact that the airline knows about their situation. BTN: As well as Dubai, what other cities and regions do you offer? DR: Dubai.city.mobi is our pilot site but we are launching sites worldwide and will have over 600 deployed by the end of this year. In the local area we already have some data up for abdhabi.mobi and will be launching other cities shortly. BTN: What is your five-year plan? DR: To be the leading provider of information to the mobile user over the mobile web. Worldmobi will be as common as using google on your PC. BTN: What’s the difference between a .com and a .mobi? DR: Very simple .com = PC; .mobi = mobile phone – WHY? - because of the standards enforced to ensure that .mobi sites are made for mobile only.
www.worldmobi.co.uk
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Grand Tour 2008
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www.worldtravelawards.com
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“World Travel Awards – Celebrating 15 Years of Excellence” Africa Awards Ceremony Durban, South Africa 12th May Australasia Awards Ceremony Sydney, Australia 10th June Asia & Indian Ocean Awards Ceremony Shanghai, China 18th June Green Awards Ceremony Poprad, Slovakia 20th September Europe Awards Ceremony Crete, Greece 3rd October South America Awards Ceremony Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 21st October World Travel Awards Gala Reception London, England 9th November
Graham Cooke & Mr. Awadh Seghayer Al Ketbi, DTCM Executive Director Conventions and Heritage Division
Middle East Awards Ceremony Abu Dhabi, UAE 27th November North America Awards Ceremony Las Vegas, USA 3rd December World & Caribbean Gala Ceremony Turks & Caicos Islands 12th December
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www.worldtravelawards.com
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Etihad Airways celebrate their win - Graham Cooke, Chairman of World Travel Awards, Reigning Miss World, Tatana Kucharova, Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan (Chairman of Etihad Airways), James Hogan (CEO of Etihad Airways), Sari Vahakoski (Director Markets CESE & MEA, Amadeus) and Chris Noth
World Travel Awards is the most prestigious, comprehensive and sought after awards programme in the global travel and tourism industry. Established in 1993 to acknowledge and celebrate excellence in all sectors of the industry, World Travel Awards are recognised as the hallmark of excellence, with the winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire. The Wall Street Journal recently heralded the World Travel Awards as the "travel industry's equivalent to the Oscars". World Travel Awards is proud
www.worldtravelawards.com
of its impartial nature and the comprehensive process of its voting programme. Votes are cast by an audience of 167,000 travel agents and tourism professionals from 198 participating countries. Voted for by industry peers, this level of accountability makes winning an award the greatest form of recognition in the travel business. Attended by the industry’s key decision makers and figure heads, Word Travel Awards brings together all corners of the globe and all areas of travel and tourism to celebrate both individual success and the collective achievements of the industry.
The Word Travel Awards attracts an unprecedented amount of both trade and consumer media coverage spearheaded by BBC World – our global media partner – whose coverage spans a global audience of over 274 million. In recognition of “15 Years of Excellence”, World Travel Awards has expanded its portfolio by adding a Grand Tour of Regional Awards to recognise winners in their own territory.
Regional Awards will be staged in each key geographic region, culminating in the World Travel Awards Gala Reception in London on the eve of World Travel Market and the Gala Ceremony in Turks & Caicos in December. In addition, the growing importance of sustainability is recognised in the launch of the inaugural Green Awards taking place in Poprad, Slovakia and excellence and innovation within the online travel industry will be celebrated at the Online Travel Awards in Bangalore, India.
www.worldtravelawards.com
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What new features does Durban bring to world tourism, and how is it going to achieve them?
Durban, South Africa’s busy port city, is a town of natural beauty and enviable weather, enough assets to attract a wealth of visitors. But Durban Tourism is working hard to promote and develop its organised attractions as much as its coastal splendour. With an ever increasing focus on cultural, sporting and trade events this part of the ‘Zulu Kingdom’ is implementing marketing strategies that will realise Durban as a prime destination for leisure, event and business tourism. In developing these key areas the KwaZulu Natal tourist managers are committed to feeding the income back into the local economy and rural heritage.
The city has ample capacity for the visitors it’s coming to expect, with the highest hotel occupancy in KwaZulu Natal and a growing average of 12 million domestic and one million international tourists per year. Events like the unique Durban Beach Festival, attracting 1.5 million people and the regularly hosted Indaba, Africa’s foremost tourism trade show, are contributing to Durban’s efforts in securing a renowned brand; representing authentic African heritage, corporate diversity and exclusive world attractions. Indaba attracted more than 12,000 participants last year. However during this year’s
event, May 2008, Durban’s showpiece International Convention Centre (ICC) will host the globally prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA). The ceremony will be the first of the WTA 2008 Grand Tour and it seems fitting to combine it with the continent’s biggest travel tradeshow. The initiative to stage the “the Oscars of the travel industry” during Indaba was proposed by the ICC team itself, “The ICC Durban, its staff and stakeholders, are elated by this coup as the event is one of the most illustrious awards events in the industry,” said Miller Matola, Chief Executive Officer of the ICC. “The ICC Durban has yet again
demonstrated its influence by securing such an event. This is not just a coup for Durban but for South Africa and Africa as a continent. We feel honoured to be kicking off the WTA 2008 Grand Tour.” The WTA Committee in London have confirmed that some 500 guests will be attending the Africa Awards, many of whom are VIPs of the travel industry. The prestigious event also promises to bring global exposure to South Africa overall. Moeketsi Mosola Chief Executive Officer of SA Tourism confirms this saying, “South Africa is already well on its way to being a world class tourism and events destination. Many South
African tourism businesses have been nominated and have won a World Travel Award in the recent past. We are confident that we will rank highly in this year’s global awards.” The significance extends as the world watches South Africa with keen interest ahead of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As a host city during the tournament Durban can expect a massive influx of international visitors, an opportunity to position itself as a key African destination. Durban Tourism recognises its potential to benefit from the continued growth in world tourism, and intends to do this through long-term
Proud Sponsors of World Travel Awards Grand Tour 2008:
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www.worldtravelawards.com
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This is not just a coup for Durban but for South Africa and Africa as a continent. We feel honoured to be kicking off the WTA 2008 Grand Tour.” Miller Matola, CEO of ICC Durban developments of ‘event tourism’. Last year events contributed R1,447 billion to the local economy, with sporting and cultural activities bringing the city R58 million in direct publicity and marketing. There is an average of 20 business, sport and entertainment events per month, and each one is used as a catalyst for tourism development. The local economy is already seeing the benefits of Durban’s event attractions, something that the tourist managers are confident in securing through their longterm approach to increased length of visitor stay and increased visitor spending
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opportunities, now also aimed at the newly marketable disadvantaged areas of the municipality, which are seeing increased levels of investment. In addition to regenerating the urban areas through visitor spending, the tourist sector is committed to investing the revenue into the rural heritage areas just north of Durban. These areas, also open to tourists as part of Zulu Heritage and Cultural Trail tours, have been promised large investments of money. Operating naturebased tourism in order to fund sustainable development of the rural and heritage environments is a major aspect of Durban’s tourism enterprises.
Durban proudly sees itself as a figurehead for new development in South Africa. Its original initiatives in tourism are setting examples in ways to feed the local economy and social wellbeing whilst positioning itself as a recognised destination for commercial and entertainment travel. Partnership with the World Travel Awards is a prime example of Durban’s promoters making crucial steps to elevate this vibrant city to global distinction.
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Africa Awards Ceremony 12th May ICC Durban Durban, South Africa
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Sydney – the city of celebrations
Sydney’s laid-back outdoor lifestyle and physical allure make it one of the world’s easiest and most pleasant cities to visit. The people who live there are a friendly, energetic bunch with a tell-it-like-it-is approach to life.
Sydney is Australia’s truly global city. It has a sense of style, a love of sport and some really exuberant celebrations for New Year’s Eve and Australia Day. In Sydney there’s so much you shouldn’t miss. You can catch the perfect wave at Bondi beach then dine waterside in the historic Rocks precinct, by the beach at Balmoral or on the wharf at Woolloomooloo Wharf. You could climb to the very top of Sydney Harbour Bridge’s huge, over-arching span then catch the Manly Ferry at sunset. From the natural world, why not see the native fruit bats and 30 hectares of themed gardens in the Royal Botanic Gardens on a guided Aboriginal heritage tour or learn about Australia’s unique
animals at Taronga Zoo or at Sydney Wildlife World. Culture cannot be neglected, so be inspired by a magical performance at the Sydney Opera House or be enthralled by one of the best Aboriginal art collections in the world at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. All of Sydney’s attributes lie within easy reach of the city centre. Sydney’s harbour is its natural playground, the dominant factor in so much of what the city has to offer. The city has a wide-ranging cultural life, dynamic food scene and vibrant cityscape of outstanding contemporary and colonial architecture. Iconic beaches and five major national parks deliver unforgettable experiences.
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It will be an honour for The Observatory Hotel Sydney to host the next Australasian regional awards ceremony in June. Like the World Travel Awards, we are also commemorating our 15th year anniversary and we can’t think of a better way to celebrate.�
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Australasia Awards Ceremony 10th June The Observatory Hotel Sydney, Australia
Patrick Griffen, Regional Marketing Director, Orient-Express Hotels, Australia
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Shanghai - driving the China boom
Tourism in China is a booming industry and it has become one of the fastest growing sectors for China's economy. It is estimated that, by 2020, China could be the world’s No.1 tourism destination and the fourth-largest nation of tourists.
China is forever linked to its ancient civilisation, friendly people, and many of the world’s most revered treasures, such as The Great Wall, Terra-Cotta Warriors & Horses and the Yangtze River. One of the countries key attractions are its major cities, and Shanghai is developing very quickly, the leading light of China's recent economic growth. Shanghai has a history dating back 700 years, and was once the financial centre of the Far East. Since the reforms that began in the 1990s, great changes have taken place in the city and the municipal government is
working towards building Shanghai into a modern metropolis and into a world economic, financial, trading and shipping centre by 2020. Like everything in this region, Shanghai is changing fast and in recent years a number of new buildings and attractions have been added to the city. These include the Oriental Pearl TV Tower; Shanghai Museum; Shanghai Library; Shanghai Stadium; Shanghai Grand Theatre; Shanghai Circus City; Shanghai Science & Technology Museum; Shanghai City-Planning Exhibition Hall and Jin Mao Tower. They have literally
changed the face of Shanghai. The city has many colourful festivities, like the Shanghai Tourism Festival and Shanghai China International Art Festival and these have attracted an increasing number of tourists from home and overseas. Shanghai's tourist infrastructure is getting more and more accomplished. There are more than 300 starrated hotels with over 50,000 rooms. Shanghai is an ideal "paradise for shoppers". It has flourishing commercial streets and shopping areas like the famous Nanjing Road
Pedestrian Mall; Huaihai Road; Sichuan Bei Road; Yuyuan Commercial and Tourist Area; the Ever Bright Commercial City; Xujiahui Commercial City and Zhangyang Road Commercial City in Pudong. Shanghai is also a paradise for gourmets. There are over a thousand restaurants serving the 16 different styles of food in China, such as the Beijing, Sichuan, Guangdong, Yangzhou and Fujian. There are also Western restaurants serving French, Russian, Italian, English, German, Japanese and Indian food, and also Muslim and vegetarian food.
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In 2002 Shanghai succeeded in winning the bid to host the World Expo 2010. World Expo 2010 is the occasion for China to “bring the world home, and for the world to feel at home in China.” By dedicating a 5.28square-meter area at the core of the city to exhibitions, events and forums on the Expo theme, "Better City, Better Life," Shanghai is hoping to build a powerful and lasting pilot example of sustainable and harmonious urban living. Asia Luxury Travel Market is the region’s only event exclusively for the luxury travel industry, and will be held in Shanghai from June 16-19,
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2008, at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. This follows the resounding success of its inaugural event in June 2007. Most of the world’s top sellers of luxury travel who attended the three-day invitation-only gathering in 2007, have already signed-up for ALTM 2008 and another 1,000 sq metres of exhibition space has been added to fulfil demand. Organised like a private club, the unique invitation-only event showcases leading luxury travel suppliers to fully hosted VIP travel buyers. ALTM now intends to double the number of hosted buyers attending the event in 2008. Unlike any other trade show,
ALTM works on a unique prearranged appointment system, where all appointments between buyers and sellers are organised prior to the event. It has proved to be very successful.
Asia & Indian Ocean Awards Ceremony 18th June Shanghai, China
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Go green make money Affordable, luxurious and eco-friendly are three adjectives rarely used together at the same time. Yet all three apply to a remarkable water park in Slovakia. Geraldine Faulkner reports.
AquaCity in Poprad, Eastern Slovakia, uses geothermal energy as its primary energy source and produces almost zero emissions, planning to be virtually energy self-sufficient by the end of 2008.
and was being pumped into Poprad’s sewers.
Set in the foothills of the High Tatras Mountains, AquaCity sits above a vast underground lake of hot mineral water 1,200m below the surface. The water is naturally heated to a temperature of 49ºC and is believed to measure some 70km by 30km, and is up to 500m deep in parts.
Further investigation of the site, which used to house a municipal swimming pool and tennis courts (heated ironically by fossil fuels), gave Mr Telensky the idea to build an affordable luxury and sustainable spa resort/hotel/conference centre that would use hot water from the underground lake beneath it to supply it with all the heat and energy it needs, as well as bring economic prosperity to Poprad; a rundown industrial former communist town.
Thanks to this massive natural resource, the spa can rely on an inexhaustible supply of natural heat to provide all the water, heating and electricity that it needs for decades to come. Surprisingly, the potential of the huge underground geothermal lake was only realised in 2002 when millionaire property developer and entrepreneur, Czech-born Jan Telensky was taking his baby son for a walk in Poprad (his wife‘s home town). While pushing his son’s pram along some waste ground, he came across a large rusty pipe pouring out hot water. He was told that it was hot water from the earth that the town council saw no use for (in the early 1990s it had been drilling, hopefully in search of natural gas) and consequently the naturally heated water (emerging out of the ground at 50ºC) was seen as useless
Mr Telensky says he stumbled across two of the most precious resources; energy and water. And for free.
With this in mind, he negotiated a deal with a private investor and the city of Poprad where he would own 85% of the resort and the city council owns the remaining 15% before investing some £50 million into the construction of AquaCity. “His vision was to produce affordable green luxuries and plough the benefits back into the local community,” says Jan Profant, AquaCity’s Marketing Manager. “If he had to pay for coal and gas to heat and power the resort, the cost would be three times higher.” Today, the thermal water resort with its utilitarian design and high glass walls boasts two hotels, a 350-
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delegate conference centre, 14 geothermal swimming pools, including an Olympic sized 50m long pool; 15 saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs, whirlpools, a snow room (where it snows all year round) and a cryochamber. So how is this vast array of facilities fed? A system of heat exchangers harnesses the raw power produced by the mineral rich hot spa water that bubbles up from the earth under its own steam. Surprisingly the water, containing minerals rich in calcium, magnesium and sulphur flows without the need of man-made pumps at a rate of nearly 218,212 litres per hour. The original bore hole discovered by Mr Telensky some five years ago, sits today in splendid isolation in an incongruous shed 300m away from the water park surrounded by a high wire fence and security cameras. At the top of the bore hole is a valve that enables the maintenance team to control the flow; either manually via a giant wheel or remotely by computer from AquaCity. According to the resort’s maintenance manager, Antonin Hiuska, the flow is reduced in the summer and, obviously, increased in the winter. What process is used to filter the water? “The water is disinfected via an ultraviolet system,” explains Mr Hiuska. “The UV filters kill the live bacteria and
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the stainless steel lining in some of the pools help prevent corrosion.” Due to the mineral-rich water, corrosion is an on-going challenge to the maintenance team. As well as keeping an eye on the corrosive property of the mineral rich hot water, cleanliness is high on the agenda. Currently, all the water in the pools is cleaned once a day and twice a year the pools are completely emptied for a thorough going over. “All the water in the pools is returned to the nearby river where it goes back to the underground lake at a considerably lower temperature than when it first emerged from the bore hole,” adds Mr Profant. A second bore hole is being drilled 2,500m below the High Tatras Mountains. This is particularly significant since plans are well underway to expand AquaCity. The intention is to double the sauna centre, create an indoor tropical beach under biomes (similar to those used on the Eden Project), offer undercover activities such as water skiing as well as increase the number of pools to 38 and supply part of Poprad’s homes with hot water and heat. At the end of 2008, it is planned that three giant solar panels, each the size of a
tennis court, will be sited on the roof of the complex and three wind turbines less than a mile away. All in all, this is intended to ensure that AquaCity will eventually use no outside energy whatsoever.
me a business edge and because I think the environment is important. I believe that every businessman’s motto should be: ‘Go green - make money’,” he says emphatically.
What would be the scenario if the water park was not being fed its water, heat and power from the underground lake? Jan Telensky reckons that if the water park had used fossil fuels as its energy source, it would have generated around 50,000 tonnes of C02 each year.
Adapted from Geraldine Faulkener's article in Sustainable Solutions.
So does the Czech-born millionaire believe it’s all about ethics? “I use environmental technology because it gives
Green Awards Ceremony 20th September AquaCity Poprad, Slovakia
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Europe Awards heading to Crete Aldemar Hotels & Spa, one of the leading hotel chains in Greece, has declared 2008 as the Environmental year for the company with a number of actions, activities and synergies with non government organisations. Aldemar has incorporated the green way of thinking in its business strategy since its foundation, and has been transferring it to its employees via continuous training either on their daily work and tasks or through their active involvement. Aldemar embodies its environmental culture in its everyday practices. Whether it involves partnerships with environmental groups, or providing communications material raising awareness on environmental issues, the goal remains the same. It is about respecting the environment through a different enhanced way of life. Aldemar Group contributes to the environment and invest in it. This philosophy is expressed via its environmental program and policy. “Mare Verde” is Aldemar’s environmental program for the protection of nature and the improvement of life’s quality and also a commitment to the responsible management of energy, water, raw materials and all assets given by nature. The environmental policy is applied to all hotel units and comprises of actions and initiatives concerning:
• Energy saving: Every year, Aldemar invests in prevention maintenance programs for its facilities reducing energy loss at significant levels. • Responsible management of water reserves: Each hotel unit is equipped with biological wastewater treatment systems for the proper storing and biological cleaning of wastewater. • Responsible management of raw materials • Recycling: It is another important pillar proven by the annual recycling results of the hotel units, such as paper, glass, cooking oil, plastic, electronic equipment. • Blue Flag certificate: Maintenance of all hotels clean coasts • Creation of Aldemar farm and cultivation of dietary biological products • Support of Non Government Organisations (NGOs) with environmental actions:
Aldemar invests in the local communities it operates, by supporting local initiatives and responding to local needs. Reforestation forms an important area of action. In cooperation with NGOs and the public authorities, special campaigns are organised, aiming to restore the natural environment. 1) Environmental Protection Aldemar invests significantly in the creation of environmental awareness through sound corporate practices, and with its Mare Verde program develops targeted actions and initiatives focusing mainly on: Energy saving • 7,010 m2 of solar panels – one of the biggest solar fields in Europe • 85% of energy needs (hot water) is met by solar energy • 40% annual saving in electrical energy through the use of sea-water cooling for
the air conditioning system • 1,320,000 Euros total investment cost on solar collectors Water management • 2 biological treatment systems in each hotel • 35% annual saving in water consumption through the use of biologically treated water • 25 hectares of land are irrigated using biologically treated water Responsible management of raw materials • 25% of summer fruit and vegetable requirements are met by produce from Aldemar’s own organic farm • In 2007, it produced 30.000 litres of organic wine and 2.082 kgrs of organic olive oil Recycling 4,500 kgs of paper, 25,000 kgs of glass, 8,000 kgs of cooking oil, 345 kgs of batteries and 230 PC equipment.
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Support for environmental organisations Aldemar has been supporting the work of the Non Government Organisations and aims at contributing to their objectives on a long-term basis. Indicatively some of them are WWF Hellas, Mesogeios SOS (for the protection of the Mediterranean sea), Arcturos (the protection of bear and wolf in Northern Greece), Clean-up Greece, Green Globe, the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, Clean up the Med, ArchelonSea Turtle Protection Society of Greece. Moreover, the Blue Flag distinction is one of “Mare Verde” main objective and aims at ensuring that the coastal region stays clean and is managed to advantage. In the past nine years, Aldemar’s beaches were awarded with the “Blue Flag” recognition for
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the quality and purity of the sea waters and coasts. 2) “Green Room” Initiative Aldemar also initiated an important project on a pilot phase. As a member of the Association of Greek Tourist Enterprises, and its Council of Idea & Action, Aldemar with the synergy of companies in the field of hotel, presented the Green Room in the context of XENIA exhibitions & conferences. The Green Room comprises of a number of technologies and products for energy saving. It is also divided into three parts, a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom with big glass surfaces among the corridors and graphics decoration. That attempt intended to raise awareness to visitors, guests and other companies
activating in the field of tourism and hotel. Mr. Alexandros Angelopoulos, Executive Director of Aldemar and Chairman of Council of Ideas & Action stated: “The creation of the Green Room, should excite us all. We have the power, the choice and the obligation to renew our contract with our planet”.
Europe Awards Ceremony 3rd October Aldemar Hotels & Spa Crete, Greece
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Brazil's position in a globalised context Written by Mario Garnero, CEO, Brasil Invest As one of the major emerging economies on the planet, Brazil is leaving behind its reputation as a "country of the future"; to actually become one of the leading players of the global market, whether denominated as one of the BRIC countries, as coined by Goldman Sachs, or any other name we Brazilians may create.
From an economic vantage point, Brazil is already benefiting from an ever increasingly interconnected economy. Some 50% to 60% of total exports are already being handled by multinational Brazilian trading companies. Furthermore, the management skills needed to train personnel for the business are also a vast and productive legacy that foreign trade left to Brazil. Other relevant contributing factors are the exchange of knowledge prompted by the universities brain exchange and by the products and technology imports this country currently receives, and exports. Before Brazil entered the global market, it lacked people equipped with the skills needed to take advantage of the opportunities; but today Brazil has an extraordinary diversity of brains and technologies.
Brazil's first giant step towards becoming more aligned with the world economy was the creation of Mercosur (The Southern Cone Common Market), which initially lifted trade barriers imposed on its neighbouring countries – Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina. Notwithstanding, the opening of the Brazilian market to the world economy brought the clearly foreseeable problems inherent to any country that is not ready in terms of structure and technology to face foreign competition. Many domestic economic sectors suffered a hard blow and, unfortunately, many companies succumbed. But, with time, the Brazilian business community adjusted, and continues to adjust, to the new global market reality. Both large and small entrepreneurs realise that it is useless to complain. A lot of effort is required to compete in a globalised
Mario Garnero, CEO, Brasil Invest
market, but no matter how tough it may seem, it does pay off in the end. After undergoing an economic slowdown in 2003, when GDP rose a puny 1.1%, Brazil managed to get back on the sustainable growth track, and grew 5.2% in 2004, 3.1% in 2005, 3.7% in 2006 and 5.4% in 2007. These growth rates could have been even higher were it not for some age-old problems the country has had to deal with. From a social viewpoint, Brazil is still a country of extreme contrasts, in which one sees extremely wealthy areas and poverty-stricken areas side-by-side. But, then, does, any country lack contrast? Switzerland or Norway, perhaps. The problem here is not poverty itself, as poverty is intrinsic to the capitalist development model. What is unacceptable is to have a large majority of poor, while all the wealth remains in the hands of a few.
To situate Brazil in a world ranking, its current human development index stands at 0.800, placing it 70th among 177 countries – in the high human development group for the first time though. Nevertheless, there is a development model Brazil could follow in order to improve its economic and social position – the international insertion model followed by many economies. Brazil has all it takes to double its exports by 2010, from the current US$ 160 billion to little over US$ 300 billion. At this level, the Brazilian economy would consume between US$ 220 billion and US$ 250 billion in imports, resulting in a spectacular trade balance that would ensure Brazil's standing membership to the club of the world's wealthiest and most prosperous nations. Optimism? No: Merely a projection base on recent results achieved by the
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Brazilian private sector's export efforts. From 2001 to 2007, Brazil jumped from US$ 50 billion to US$ 150 billion in foreign market sales. Moreover, growth is sustained – roughly 60% of this result is due to sales and purchases among companies themselves – and furthermore, exponential. The numbers indicate that the trend will continue. Coupled with other important factors, the volume of exports has caused our economy to reach its current total of US$ 1.5 trillion, which makes it larger then Italy's, for example. An economy of this size need not indulge in wishful thinking; it needs to establish doubling its total exports as a real objective for its export agenda. However, Brazil's weight in the world today is still very small when compared to its
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potential, given that its foreign trade accounts for a mere 19% of GDP. It is pointless for Brazil to claim regional leadership, when its actions on the international market are out of step with this assertion. In relation to the Middle East, Brazil is half-way along to road to building successful trade relations with its countries. Brazil currently exports insignificant amounts to the region, but the region's population has a great potential to consume Brazilian products, especially those of the build and food sectors. One of our weaknesses is that we have not yet set up any distribution centre in the Middle East although some Brazilian companies are already operational in the area. Others will certainly follow suit since Brazilian and
Middle Eastern business interests seem more aligned then ever before. Over the last three decades Brazil has numbered amongst the world's 15 largest economies and has become a leading regional power both in political and economic terms. It has a vast and varied gamut of natural resources and boasts stateof-the-art technology in such sectors as bio fuel, oil drilling and aviation. In fact, a country of such geographic and economic proportions as Brazil cannot possibly remain content to play a minor role in the world.
conquer new markets. We must establish direct contacts with other major players in the world economy, be they located in the Americas, Africa, Asia, or in distant Oceania. The course to take is daring – daring to ensure Brazil's position as a leader among the nations of the world.
South America Awards Ceremony 21st October Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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Travel Excellence Guaranteed
World Travel Awards cordially invites you to celebrate the achievements of the travel industry in an evening of relaxed dining and networking on the eve of this years World Travel Market.
In the elegant surroundings of London’s Grosvenor House’s Great Room, you are invited to a night of cocktails, fine cuisine and conversation with an invited audience of the travel and tourism industry’s leading lights. The World Travel Awards Gala Reception will be a unique opportunity for the global travel trade to meet, network, and conduct business on the evening prior to World Travel Market in an informal and relaxed setting.
• Network with fellow Senior Industry Figureheads • Sample the finest cuisine from around the world • Enjoy cocktails and wines from award winning vineyards • Relax and socialise in exceptional style To register your attendance at this year’s most exclusive networking event please visit www.worldtravelawards.com /galareception
The Award bolsters London’s position as the number one city destination in the world and tops an incredible year for the UK capital.”
Great Room, Grosvenor House
James Bidwell, Chief Executive, Visit London, comments on winning Europe’s Leading Destination in the 2007 World Travel Awards
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London – the most popular city destination in the world
doing it with style and sophistication – because after all they are in London.
London is a city full of contrasts – it inspires, stimulates and mystifies at the same time. With its diverse attractions, fascinating history and endless opportunities for entertainment by day and night, the city is undoubtedly one of the greatest destinations the world has to offer. Whether visitors stop for afternoon tea in colorful Piccadilly Circus, take a regal stroll past Buckingham Palace or later in the evening enjoy a show at the famous Royal Albert Hall, whatever they decide to do, they will be
As the capital and largest urban area of England and the United Kingdom, London has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world which has increased over the years due to the city’s economic growth. London boasts various World Heritage Sites such as the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, the historic settlement of Greenwich and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. It is one of the world’s leading business, financial and cultural centres and its influence in politics, education,
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entertainment, media, fashion and the arts all contribute to its status as a major global metropolis. London’s diverse population draws from a wide range of people, cultures and religions, and over 300 different languages are spoken within the city. It is an international transport hub, with five major international airports serving the area and a large port. It serves as the largest aviation hub in the world, and the multi-terminal Heathrow Airport carries more international passengers than any other airport in the world.
World Travel Awards’ Gala Reception 17:00-21:00 9th November 2008 Great Room, Grosvenor House, London
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A Prospect for Greatness: Abu Dhabi
60 years ago anyone standing on Abu Dhabi’s 1,300 metre Jebel Hafeet peak would have had to strain their eyes to see the glimmer of civilisation sparkling in the baking desert sun, just before the distant ocean. Back then the city of Abu Dhabi was merely a buffer-zone between the sea and the desert; a firm, but simple cross-roads settlement where the camel herding, date growing and pearl diving that had sustained the city’s economy for millennia still continued. No imagination outrageous enough could have foreseen that within six decades the mud huts and barasti palm fronds would be replaced with a grid of tower blocks and skyscrapers resembling a miniature Manhattan; that the traditional trades, so cherished by the families of Abu Dhabi city, would represent the staple for one of the fastest growing tourism enterprises in the world. The desert oasis of Abu Dhabi has blossomed in those 60
years, fuelled at first by oil revenue attained during the 60s and early 70s, but maintained by Arabian ingenuity and the vision of its first family, the ruling Al Nahyan. Lying on a T-shaped island that juts into the Persian Gulf, Abu Dhabi city is the capital and second most populated city in the United Arab Emirates (approx 900,000 population as of 2008). A mere hour and a half drive South from the city of Dubai, Abu Dhabi bursts with dazzling business-comeleisure facilities ranging from cutting-edge convention centres, luxurious hotels, spas, designer golf courses, theatres and very soon, some of the world’s most famous museums. Abu Dhabi was recently pinpointed in the Harvard Business Review, an influential American publication, as one of the four places to invest over the coming decades. In an April 2008 report entitled 'The Tourism Time Bomb', Paul F.
Nunes, an executive research fellow with the Accenture Institute for High Performance Business in Boston, and Mark Spelman, the London-based global managing director of Accenture’s strategy practices, wrote of the skyrocketing demand for travel, remarking, "With new centres of economic power emerging, companies should also establish themselves in rising metropolises such as Beijing, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow and Abu Dhabi, where prices on the prime real estate will surely climb as demand outpaces availability." A sure sign that just over the shimmering desert horizon more changes are waiting for one of the most exciting economic hubs in the UAE. The Abu Dhabi Emirate was recently selected as one of the top ten destinations in the world by expedia.co.uk, UK’s largest online travel agent. The Emirate is ranked among New Zealand, Argentina, China, Cape Verde, Alaska, Reykjavik,
Berlin, Boston and Liverpool as one of the Top Ten places to visit in 2008. Explaining the choice of Abu Dhabi as a leading global destination, expedia.co.uk wrote, “Few places can have undergone such fundamental change over the past 50 years as the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Today visitors can enjoy the beach, desert safari’s, variety enough to quench even the strongest thirst for retail therapy.” Abu Dhabi’s eclectic mix of sea, sun, sand and luxurious leisure facilities has emerged from a unique ethos and heritage, establishing the Emirate as one of the cultural hubs of the Middle East. Abu Dhabi city itself is home to a number of cultural institutions including the Cultural Foundation and the National Theatre. The Cultural Foundation itself houses the UAE Public Library and Cultural Centre. Various cultural societies such as the Abu Dhabi Classical Music Society have a strong and
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The World Travel Awards has become one of the most important awards in the travel industry and we feel very honoured to be part of it.� Selim El Zyr, President & CEO, Rotana Hotels visible following in the city. The recently launched Emirates Foundation makes grants in support of the arts, as well as to advance science and technology, education, environmental protection and social development. IPAF, the International Prize for Arabic Fiction, was launched in the capital in April 2007. On March 24 the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI) to facilitate the online completion of formalities for the issuance of new and renewal of existing licenses for the tourism-related activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The
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agreement was inked at the ADTA headquarters by ADTA Director General His Excellency Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi and ADCCI Director General His Excellency Ahmed Hassan Al Mansouri. The egovernment initiative is in line with the ADTA's mission of developing the tourism industry in the emirate in partnership with its stakeholders while ensuring the highest quality standards. It is also in line with the ADTA's values of innovation, customer focus and leadership, ensuring the city stays ahead in world tourism activities. The next few years will see numerous development projects in and around Abu Dhabi, which include luxury
residential, resort communities and cultural acquisitions in the emirate’s coastal areas, shopping malls and hypermarkets and low, mid to high-income residential communities within the main island and the new selfcontained communities. Developments in neighbouring islands likewise engender the construction of several infrastructure projects, mainly bridges, to facilitate transportation and to encourage businesses and consumers to invest in these properties.
Middle East Awards Ceremony 27th November Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi
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Las Vegas: Bigger and Better than ever
Las Vegas is the “Entertainment Capital of the World” and it shows no signs of relinquishing it hold on the title. Visitation figures grew to 39.2 million in 2007, marking the fourth consecutive year Las Vegas has set a new visitation record.
Las Vegas also matched its highest occupancy level in history, reaching 90.4 percent for the year, tying its previous record set in 1996. The destination's average occupancy level now stands at 27 percentage points above the national average. Clark County's gaming revenue also broke the previously set record, rising 2.2 percent to $10.9 billion. "The strength of the Las Vegas brand continues,” said Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
when Governor Fred Balzar signed a bill that legalized gaming in Nevada. Since that day, Nevada, and especially Las Vegas, has become recognised worldwide as the premier gaming destination. From traditional card and dice games, to slot machines and race and sports book betting, the casino industry has flourished and evolved into an international phenomenon. The development of Las Vegas has stemmed from this and now, more than 75 years later, Nevada celebrates the very industry that has supported economic growth in the state.
It all began on March 19, 1931
But when you're not winning in
the casino you'll find that Las Vegas has a variety of mustsee attractions and entertainment options to keep you and the whole family occupied. From thrilling roller coasters to virtual-reality simulator rides and erupting volcanoes to wax museums, Las Vegas' attractions appeal to people of all ages, interests and budgets. Las Vegas' array of accommodations and amenities offer something for nearly every taste, including visitors seeking a luxurious experience, both in and out of the casino. In fact, in the last several years, Las Vegas has
established its place among the ranks of the world's most plush destinations. And it’s not just the hotels. Once known for its all-youcan-eat buffets and bargain shrimp cocktails, Las Vegas has transformed itself into a top culinary destination. Within a decade, Las Vegas has redefined the culinary and wine experience by offering the most comprehensive collection of celebrity chefs and world-class restaurants, more Master Sommeliers than any other city in the world and more wine sold per capita than in any other destination.
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Nightlife is Las Vegas and from elaborately themed nightclubs that stay open until dawn to the new wave of trendy, ultrachic lounges sweeping the Strip - visitors know when they step out in Las Vegas for the night, it will be an experience they won't forget. In daylight Las Vegas is no longer golf's best-kept secret. In fact, Las Vegas recently was named the top emerging golf destination in the world by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators. Today, more than 60 golf courses are available for play in Las Vegas throughout the year thanks to the area's inviting climate. Las Vegas offers challenging, yet
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beautifully sculpted courses developed by world-renowned designers including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Weiskopf, Billy Casper, Arnold Palmer and Pete Dye. One of the most fascinating aspects of Las Vegas is that it is a city that is constantly changing. It continues to be a dynamic construction market. Between now and 2012, approximately 46,000 new hotel and motel rooms are planned or already under construction. The excitement of continuous re-invention and
rapid growth has helped Las Vegas to achieve recordbreaking popularity. Plus, with more than $30 billion in projects under construction or in planning stages, it is safe to say that, in 2008, visitors will see and experience more in Las Vegas than ever before.
North America Awards Ceremony 3rd December Las Vegas, USA
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Turks & Caicos
Home to pristine beaches, breath taking hues from inviting waters and legendary diving, snorkeling and fishing, the Turks & Caicos Islands beckon to an undiscovered Caribbean. Just a short flight from the east coast of the US, the islands are a tropical classic, a throwback in time where relaxation is unavoidable and rejuvenation ensured. World class hotels, spas and restaurants await, as do their famous stretches of uncrowded beaches and vibrant coral reefs. On land or below the water, the unique serenity, hospitality and
beauty of the islands offer pure relaxation. The Turks & Caicos Islands consist of 40 islands and cays, eight of which are inhabited. The islands are located about 550 miles southeast of Miami, Florida, just below the Bahamas chain and just to the east of Cuba and the island of Hispaniola. Technically, the Turks & Caicos are located in the Atlantic Ocean, not the Caribbean Sea. Covering 193 square miles of the Atlantic Ocean, the islands have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a premier
diving destination. The islands’ economy is mainly based on tourism, with more than 200,000 tourists annually. In addition to this the islands are also a major offshore financial centre. There is a small traditional fishing industry that continues throughout Turks & Caicos. One of the most valuable possessions of the islands are the white sandy beaches, which in total cover 230 miles and are complimented with crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand
dunes to lush green vegetation. The inhabitants are known for their friendliness. Today, Turks & Caicos stands on the threshold of an exciting future boasting the fastest growing economy in the Caribbean coupled with strictly controlled development to protect the islands heritage as a pristine sanctuary for both local residents and tourists to enjoy.
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Turks & Caicos were delighted to host the event. The quality, beauty and tranquility of the islands complimented the already auspicious ceremony.� Mike Misick, Premier of the Turks & Caicos Islands
World & Caribbean Awards Ceremony 12th December Turks & Caicos
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Local information, places to eat, events and the best nightlife are just some of the things you will find at Dubai.city.mobi
World Mobi Limited +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 info@world.mobi www.worldmobi.co.uk +971 (0)4 301 7777
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Casa de Campo w her eMi Casa es Tu Casa! (My Home is Your Home!)
It’s where world leaders, corporate CEO’s, and Hollywood celebrities have been going for years in the Caribbean to enjoy pampering service and relaxing, enjoyable times with their families and friends.
For over two decades, the corporate elite and the rich and famous of the world have jetted to Casa de Campo, aptly called “The Caribbean’s Most Complete Resort” on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, on the Caribbean island of Hispaniola. Once you visit it is clear to see why: privacy, ease of accessibility by air and by sea, unpretentious, world-class service; and the incredible variety of choices at your fingertips. At Casa de Campo, spending quality time with families and friends is clearly understood as the true essence of living. A vast 7,000-acre hotel, resort and residential community, Casa de Campo is unlike any other Caribbean destination. It boasts its own private La
Romana-Casa de Campo International Airport, La Romana (LRM), just eight minutes from check-in. Guests can choose to stay in enchanting, oversized hotel rooms, or in one of the unique, luxurious villas, some of them overlooking the outstanding golf courses or with breathtaking views on the ocean. There is an international variety of 21 restaurants, serving the finest cuisine, now including The Beach Club by Le Cirque, and the soon to be inaugurated Osteria del Circo, both by the famed Maccioni family of New York. With unmatched levels of service provided by the warm Dominican people, Casa de Campo is a gem that provides
Claudio Silvestri, President & CEO of Premier Resorts & Hotels with J. Pepe Fanjul, Vice-Chairman of the Board and President of the Executive Committee, Central Romana Corporation; and Alfonso "Alfy" Fanjul, President, Central Romana Corporation. Casa de Campo is a subsidiary of the Central Romana Corporation. (Courtesy of CasaLife magazine)
impeccable service and features a unique cache of facilities both for first-time visitors and for those who have been coming for years… an exceptional Caribbean treasure! Golf: Legendary master golf architect Pete Dye, designer, has created four courses at Casa de Campo, with a fifth under-development. The Caribbean’s #1 ranked course is the dye-abolical Teeth of the Dog. The inland Links course features an undulating layout and meanders within the resort’s interior. Exclusive to villa-owner members is the La Romana Country Club course and the newest Pete Dye gem, Dye Fore. Located at the resorts’ Altos de Chavon village, Dye Fore is elevated 300 ft above the Chavon River.
True to its name, the Dye Fore course is spectacular, with over 7,740 yds of play, expansive fairways, vast greens and dramatic views. Family Programs: Casa de Campo is more than golf. In all their varying sizes and differing opinions, there is indeed something at Casa de Campo to keep everyone in the family happy. Family programs, award-winning children’s activity programs and “adventures” that can be tailor-made for families to play together are among the options. If Tennis is your game, the La Terraza Tennis Center at Casa de Campo has been called the Wimbledon of the Caribbean! For a light volley or an intense match, you will find 13 har-tru
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courts, pro shop, and bar, and even ball boys to chase down errant shots!
Caribbean sunset, even take sailing lessons from world class Italian professionals.
Equine enthusiasts saddle up at the Equestrian Center where there is equipment for English and Western trail riding, international jumping competitions, rodeos and the sport of kings –Polo— played from November to April. And, just for fun, they even have Donkey Polo…dubbed the “great equaliser of sports at Casa de Campo” and great fun for all ages!
The new Cygalle Healing Spa is a luxurious eco-friendly sanctuary where ancient and modern techniques converge to enhance health, beauty and longevity. Guests pamper themselves with holistic spa services and 100% natural products administered by the industries most experienced masters
Test your aim at the Shooting Center, an Olympic regulation range boasting over 150 stations featuring trap, skeet, and sporting clays that simulate shooting in the wild. The mark of a great destination – is the shopping available. Casa de Campo has been cited as one of the best places in the world to shop with its designer brand apparel and treasures found at the boutiques in Altos de Chavon and the chic Marina shops. Water sports choices range from hobie-cat or sunfish sailboats, snorkeling or banana boat rides at Minitas Beach to private island excursions arranged by the Concierge. From the Marina, guests take off for half- or fullday deep sea fishing excursions and catamaran sails to experience the glorious
The Village in the Sky: A unique combination of drama, creativity, culture, and fashion, there is an exclusive facet to this incredible resort that exists nowhere else. A 10-minute ride from the resort lobby is the amazing Altos de Chavon village – a 16th century Mediterranean village replica – an architectural wonder perched 300 feet above the Chavon River. Altos de Chavon features resort restaurants, quaint shops, exclusive boutiques, art galleries, an archeological regional museum, the breathtaking St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, and a 5,000 seat-Grecian style amphitheatre, inaugurated by the late great Frank Sinatra and the venue of choice for international concerts. Altos de Chavon is also a working artists’ village affiliated with the famed Parson’s School of Design in New York and Paris. Presently under development is another attraction: The Emilio Robba Botanical
Gardens at Altos de Chavón. By Land or by Sea: Corporate and private jets fly in and American Airlines provides non-stop commercial flight service from the US to the Casa de Campo / La Romana International Airport (code: LRM), a class 8 facility located just 8 minutes from check-in. There is additional air service to the resort’s airport from Puerto Rico, Brazil, Italy and more. By Sea, private yachts up to 280’ cruise into the resort’s Marina & Yacht Club with over 300 slips! Commercial air carriers into the Santo Domingo Airport also bring guests to Casa de Campo, where they can then take 75-minute land transfer to the resort or, a 15-minute ride by helicopter to Casa de Campo’s private helipad. After all time is the ultimate luxury.
www.casadecampo.com.do
positioning of the resort in the high-end, luxury resort marketplace. Dr. Silvestri introduced the first commercial airline flights by American Airlines and American Eagle to Casa de Campo’s small private airport, generating the growth of air traffic into the resort, subsequently requiring the construction of the Casa de Campo International Airport.
Dr. Claudio A. Silvestri, President & CEO, Premier Resorts & Hotels Prior to joining Premier Resorts & Hotels as President and Chief Executive Officer in 1982, Dr. Silvestri managed a joint venture between Hyatt International and Valores Industriales, S.A., which operated nine hotels in Mexico, and served as Area Director for Hyatt International in Mexico. Casa de Campo is Premier’s flagship property and Dr. Silvestri has played a leading role in the
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Dr. Silvestri was instrumental in developing the flourishing cruise business in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, which started in 1992 with the creation of a port-of-call at Catalina Island, a beautiful destination with white sand beaches just off the coast of Casa de Campo. After several successful cruise seasons, the Casa de Campo International Port was inaugurated in 2002, in order to provide cruise ship lines with more services, including homeport operations, excursions, shopping and the famous Kandelá show at the amphitheater.
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Global expert to outline huge Russian potential
Dr Daniel Thorniley, Senior Vice President of The Economist Group, is to give his views on economic growth in Russia as the opening keynote speaker at the forthcoming Russia & CIS Hotel Investment Conference (RHIC).
Based in Vienna, Thorniley is The Economist Group’s senior global and emerging markets consultant. He has more than 25 years' experience observing and advising senior executives on global business strategies, with particular expertise on the BRIC markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China) along with other emerging markets. In his most recently published paper, Thorniley states that: “Russia is potentially the best business market in the world and appears to be on the edge of exploding… in a positive sense, into one of the major economic powerhouses of the world and certainly of Europe.” The report reveals that whilst Russia faces serious risk issues, these are manageable and better than those in most emerging markets. Although costs and inflation are rising with global trends, Russia is reporting very strong growth and profits with a very positive outlook. According to Thorniley, Russia accounted for 40% of EU export growth in 2007 and
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now represents about 3050% of all Central and Eastern Europe business for the major western players in the region. The Russian market, for a growing number of companies will start to be the driver of European business, and with the government’s massive engagement in infrastructure spending, the country represents one of the biggest investment opportunities globally. RHIC is hosted by The Bench, co-organisers of International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) and the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference and Questex Media Group, coorganisers of the IHIF and HotelWorld, over 400 senior level hotel industry executives are expected to attend, making it a must-attend event for stakeholders in Russia & CIS hotel investment. Jonathan Worsley, RHIC conference co-organiser, explains: “As the fastest growing economy in Europe, Russia is changing the face of investment in the hospitality industry and with the hotel
market in Russia & CIS in its infancy, it offers exciting and unmatched returns for investors, developers and operators.” Worsley also states “the primary objective of the conference is to raise awareness of investment opportunities, to provide a forum to meet new partners and to facilitate dialogue, debate and best practice.” Taking place at the newlyopened Ritz-Carlton, Moscow on 21-22 October 2008, the conference is already attracting much interest. It will be opened by HRH Prince Michael of Kent GCVO, who has agreed to be the Patron of this year’s conference and provide the opening address. Through his strong ties to Russia, His Royal Highness travels extensively on business and has led numerous delegations of businessmen to Russia in recent years. Other speakers confirmed include Ian Carter, CEO, Hilton
International; Arthur de Haast, Global Chief Executive Officer, Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels; Ed Fuller, President & Managing Director, Marriott International, Inc.; Davor Gjivoje, Chairman, Networld; Vladimir Ilichev, Development Director Russia & CIS, RMHC (ACCOR Group); Michael O’Hare, Managing Director, Horwath HTL Hungary & Russia; Kurt Ritter, President & CEO, The Rezidor Hotel Group; Igor Romanoff, Head of Research, Nerl; Roeland Vos, President EAME, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide and Murat Yilmaz, Director, Capital Partners; amongst many others. Gerald Gaige, Real Estate Industry Leader for Ernst & Young CIS, recently said: “The hospitality business in Russia and CIS is expanding rapidly. RHIC will provide a venue for new entrants to get up to speed on best practice and meet international players from the rest of the world.”
www.russia-cisconference.com
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Building for the Future with Jamaica’s Tourism Today by Edmund Bartlett, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Jamaica
Just about every Caribbean island offers the natural lure of sun-filled days on white-sand beaches gently lapped by an azure sea. But for travellers in search of a rich experience in a setting of extraordinary beauty, Jamaica presents a fascinating diversity of vacation options. Jamaica’s moderate climate, lush tropical surroundings and a culture all of its own make it a truly unique getaway with the perfect blend of adventure, elegance and practicality. The variety found within the Jamaican culture is what distinguishes it from anywhere else in the Caribbean, and the world. Jamaica’s destination resort areas, each with its own distinctive personality, include Port Antonio, Ocho Rios, Negril, Kingston, South Coast, and Montego Bay, and are ideal locations for luxurious getaways, family holidays or a corporate event. The diversity
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of accommodation, music, geography, flora and fauna, art, literature, and cuisine is truly invigorating, and the hospitality of the Jamaican people is unsurpassed. As we move forward into a new summer season, when vacation planning is top of mind with travellers on all continents, Jamaica is ready with an impressive range of new and expanded accommodations and attractions that are adding a compelling and dynamic element to our tourism product. It’s an exciting time, and the activity level is higher than ever before. In 2007, Jamaica recorded our best year of arrivals ever, welcoming over 1.7 million stopover visitors and an almost equal number of cruise
passengers. Preliminary figures for the first quarter of 2008 show an increase of 13 percent over the comparable period last year. This growth is supported by increased arrivals from traditional markets that include the U.S., the U.K. and Continental Europe, with significant increases from Spain and Portugal, and also augmented by arrivals from emerging markets that include Asia, Mexico and South America. The momentum that gathered force through 2007 continues at a remarkable pace, and Jamaica’s rising popularity as a world tourism destination is dazzlingly reflected by the impressive roster of awards and accolades garnered lately from such prestigious organisations as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). The Jamaica Tourist Board was declared the Caribbean’s Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel Awards (WTA) for 2006 and 2007, while Jamaica earned the accolade last year as the Caribbean’s Leading Destination, the Caribbean’s Leading Cruise Destination and the World’s Leading Cruise Destination. Tourism is a primary engine of growth for Jamaica. It represents our best means of driving economic growth as the largest provider of foreign exchange to the country, accounting for almost 50%. The industry employs more than 80,000 persons directly, and 180,000 indirectly. To support continued growth, our targeted initiatives are designed with a focus on product development and investment. Exciting Developments and Expansion Over the last three to four years, the number of hotel
rooms in Jamaica has been increasing at a rapid rate, primarily associated with luxury developments along the island’s North Coast. The room count is projected to increase to roughly 30,000 by the end of 2008; increasing at a rate of about 3,000 rooms each year of diverse size, style and price points. Among the major international investors are the RIU Group, who are about to open their fourth property in Jamaica, and Iberostar, with an investment of US$850 million. Pinero Bahia Principe, Fiesta Hotels, and Grupo Excellence are also significantly adding to our hotel room inventory. Just outside Montego Bay, Palmyra Rose Hall is nearing completion as a private resort village. Additional major new developments include Harmony Cove, also near Montego Bay, incorporating a 1,500-room hotel, a megayacht marina, two golf courses, attractions and other amenities; and DeCameron, Holland Day, in eastern Jamaica, with a four-star hotel, townhouses and golf villas. Several established properties have been expanded and improved, among them the celebrated Goldeneye, in Oracabessa. With a focus on spa and wellness, Half Moon has opened its new Fern Tree Spa, Rose Hall Resort and Country Club offers its Soothe Spa, Palmyra Rose Hall is introducing ESPA to Jamaica, and in the rustic South Coast area, Jake's Resort welcomes visitors to Driftwood Spa. In the Port Antonio area, a truly beautiful and exotic region, plans are now underway for major development projects, both in the accommodations and attractions sectors. Among them is the upscale Trident Hotel, currently
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MInister Bartlett
undergoing extensive renovation and set to reopen later this year. Smartly Designed Attractions The conservation of Jamaica’s natural beauty and precious environment remains always top of mind as development is planned. With our new manmade attractions, created to blend with their surroundings, there is an emphasis on smart design and environmentally friendly construction, as well as wonderful diversity. Mystic Mountain in St. Ann is a perfect example, offering visitors an ecologically friendly and technologically advanced aerial rainforest adventure. Outameni, which resonates nicely with our national motto Out of Many, One People, represents an interactive journey through 500 years of Jamaican history that is educational as well as entertaining. Kool Runnings in Negril introduces a new water park, adding to those in Rose Hall Resort & Country Club,
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Sunset Jamaica Grande, Sunset Montego Bay, the teen nightclub, Liquid, at Beaches Negril Resort & Spa, and Pirate’s Island Club at Beaches Boscobel Resort & Golf Club in Ocho Rios.…after all, Jamaica is the land of wood and water. With the new Jamspeed Rally Experience in the Rose Hall area, visitors take the passenger seat of a Peugeot 206 GTI/SW, Mitsubishi Evolution III or Subaru Impreza STI V5 to enjoy the same adrenaline rush as a co-driver in a real-life high-speed rally race. In Trelawny, the new MultiPurpose Sports Complex is just one example of the investment being made in world-standard sports facilities that enable us to present Jamaica as an exceptional venue for international sporting events. Dramatic Infrastructural Improvements With its geographic position, Jamaica is naturally a strategic hub to the Caribbean and the Americas for travellers from Asia and the Middle East, with expansion plans to provide a base for Airbus A-380s and 787 mega lines. Growth plans for Jamaica’s tourism are being strongly supported by the Government’s commitment to a programme of major infrastructural improvements to road networks, airports and cruise ship ports. Extensive expansion and renovation are transforming our two international airports,
Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, into world-class facilities that will expedite arrivals and departures, and add attractive features to explore before boarding. In fact, it is easy for travellers to visit our country via legacy carriers such as American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways, and of course our national flag carrier, Air Jamaica from major gateways in the United States including Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Newark and New York. London and Toronto are also two other major international gateways to Jamaica with service via British Airways and Air Canada. The North Coast Highway from Negril in the west, to Port Antonio in the east is aimed at providing increased ease and comfort of travel between major tourism centres, while Highway 2000, connecting the north and south of the island, is a catalyst for development, allowing easier access to the growing number of hidden natural and heritage attractions across the island. The Port Authority of Jamaica is now in the advanced stages of completing plans for the Falmouth Cruise Ship Pier. The new pier is expected to welcome the 5,400-passenger Royal Caribbean Genesis in November 2009, and will have the capacity to handle two Genesis-size ships simultaneously. Improvements have been made also to both the Montego Bay and Ocho Rios cruise ship piers, including the conversion of Montego Bay’s Berth 2 Terminal to a comfortable air-conditioned area for cruise passengers.
Our Youth, Our Future As our tourism industry grows, we aim to attract an estimated 12,000 to 15,000 new hospitality student recruits over the next five to 10 years, and to guide them in shaping successful careers in this exciting industry. When Jamaica’s new Hospitality School in Montego Bay opens in late 2009, this superbly planned and staffed facility will offer courses that illustrate tourism’s allimportant role as a key driver of the national economy. The school will be a powerful addition to our excellent range of training facilities that includes Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART), the University of the West Indies, the University of Technology, and Northern Caribbean University. Courses at the new hospitality school will complement those in existence and will fully communicate the importance of service, from the welcome at the airport to the welcome at the hotel. It’s our warm welcome that brings visitors back again and again to Jamaica’s shores, which over the years have become an irresistible magnet for travellers around the globe. The first visit to Jamaica is just a beginning, a prelude to a lifetime love affair with the Caribbean’s most extraordinary island. A return trip is inevitable … because, as we say in Jamaica, once you go, you know!
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A rocket for business email Rocketseed corporate email technology cures a nasty corporate communication blind spot: everyday business email. Phil Williams CEO of Rocketseed
In Europe, 80% of online consumers use email regularly, and 14% of all consumers say that email is their preferred way of contacting companies to resolve problems and queries. However, everyday corporate email remains an ignored branding and marketing channel, even though many customers prefer it as a communication channel. Rocketseed’s corporate email service is challenging this inertia, providing a low-cost, easy-to-implement platform that enables your corporate email to carry dynamic, targeted branding and marketing messages, as well as deliver data and analytics on both recipient and sender behaviour. Rocketseed offers an application that enables corporations to standardise branding and messaging on business mails, and incorporate dynamic content to send a targeted message depending on both sender and recipient. Integration of corporate branding At its most basic level, Rocketseed enables every outbound email to carry consistent corporate branding, such as logos and straplines. This ensures that every message leaving your
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company has the same look and feel for all staff. Dynamic, targeted marketing messaging Every email sent can carry an embedded banner that focuses on either your marketing, sales or reservations communication, such as details on upcoming food and beverage promotions, special-rate packages, or offers on your banqueting and conference facilities. Hotels can target these messages depending upon both sender and recipient, with all banners being clickable and trackable, generating between 3% to 39% click through rates and therefore driving traffic to relevant pages on your website. Recipient and sender data feedback and analysis, combined with web analytics Rocketseed technology also provides insights into the behavioural preferences of both sender and recipient via real time analytics. It can be set up to provide email alerts that notify the sender when someone clicks on a link within the template, providing insight into who responded to which message and which tracker was clicked on. For example, The Imperial Hotel in Delhi, India, uses the technology to add a
professional look and feel to all their emails from their sales and reservations teams that raises awareness of all their promotional offers from guest chefs to seasonal promotions at Christmas time. They consistently generate over 15% click through rates on all emails and their reservations team have enjoyed click through rates ranging from 28% through to 39%. What’s more, once a template has been clicked on, you can now pass the email address of a receiver to your web analytics, thereby enabling your web analytics to identify for the first time who is coming to your website. This ability is becoming increasingly important in the drive for measurability in all things digital and provides closed loop marketing and ROI. Consistent branding and flexible marketing In recent tests carried out by Forrester Research, none of the analysed companies’ service email passed its email review tests; common problems were inconsistent layouts and typographies and missing privacy statements. Today, email is a free-for-all, with a myriad of designs, colours, fonts, and styles that simply don’t adhere to the corporate brand guidelines and server to undermine the
efforts of creating a brand identity over years of hard work. Fast integration and rapid insight into ROI Traditional email marketing develops a relationship within one specific method, bulk mail, but ignores the power of an integrated cross-channel relationship via email, leading to missed opportunities and potential messaging conflicts. Because email is immediate, firms using Rocketseed can keep tabs on the results of messages going out within hours, and rapidly track return on investment, which is why the likes of The Maybourne Group, Sarova Hotels, QHotels, Cape Grace, Mount Nelson, The Observatory and many others use Rocketseed for their everyday corporate email. So the next time you’re thinking of a new marketing initiative, think Rocketseed and how it can provide a costeffective and measurable alternative to your above the line marketing. For further details, contact Jean-Philippe Cossé Email: jeanp.cosse@ rocketseed.com Cell: +44 (0)7789 550 813
www.rocketseed.com
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Ras Al Khaimah: Forging bonds with the old and reaches for the new The story of this emirate is one of a rich cultural past and pioneering tourism strategies for a radical future. Tourist attractions are to be both excavated from historical tombs and built on man-made islands.
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is on the very northern tip of the Persian Gulf, close to the Oman border. Although in close proximity to Dubai, and with Abu Dhabi less than 240 km further along the coast, Ras Al Khaimah maintains a definite distinction from the other two destinations. Unique to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah are its deep stretches of archaeological wealth, something the tourist board are keen to employ as a main visitor attraction. Excavations and discoveries in the region revealed the existence of settlements dating back to around 5000 BC. For more than 30 years RAK has protected and developed these and other important archaeological sites. The famous medieval trading town of Julfar has been protected since 1976 and the archaeological area of Shimal, the largest prehistoric cemetery on the Oman Peninsula, since 1986. Many other areas and historical monuments are now maintained with regular
surveys helping to add new sites. The emirate’s keen interest in its buried history is mirrored in its leadership, with H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr alQasimi’s himself harbouring a profound interest in the history and heritage of Ras alKhaimah. Parallel to the region’s current developments and modernisation plans, he endorses and encourages the safeguarding of archaeological and historical sites. Monuments of local and visual importance are also benefiting from government attention. Sites of interest and local value, such as the watchtowers of the coastal towns Jazirat al-Hamra, Ma’arid and Rams, are being restored in line with the cultural policy of preserving heritage. In conjunction with RAK Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism has developed an “Action plan” for Heritage Tourism, promoting and caring for the emirate’s historical sites. This
It is partly due to [their] management of cultural heritage that Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry has experienced steady growth over the past few years.
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cooperative endeavour represents RAK’s wish to use its archaeological assets as a tool to attract cultural tourists, bringing new markets of travellers to the north of the U.A.E.. Heritage sites included in the Action Plan for Heritage Tourism are the medieval trading town of Julfar, where an archaeological park and site museum are planned; Dhayah Fort with its spectacular position between high rising mountains and palm gardens; the archaeological area of Shimal, where prehistoric tombs will be partially reconstructed and nearby Sheeba’s Palace - the Falayah Summer Residence where a heritage park will be themed around the palm garden.
heritage that Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry has experienced steady growth over the past few years. As a destination Ras Al Khaimah now receives close to half a million visitors per year, with a projected growth of 2.5 million by 2012. Its key markets are at present Germany, France, Italy and Switzerland, though this is expanding to include Russia and the Baltic States. Just 50 minutes travel north from Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah’s guests enjoy an average of 40% lower rates in similarly luxurious 5 star hotels. The emirate is packaged as an authentic Arabian experience, directly linking present-day RAK to its past. In addition a
Ras al-Khaimah society is deeply rooted in its traditions. Through this preservation of heritage sites, their restoration and reconstruction, an archaeological legacy is publicly facilitated. The most important archaeological and historical sites are included in the Tourism Action Plan and will be presented with a wide range of measures including the creation of archaeological parks, reconstruction of monuments and historical buildings. Most important will be the creation of educational and informational devices, enlightening visitors as well as keeping Ras al-Khaimah’s public in touch with their own cultural inheritance. It is partly due to this management of cultural
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huge importance has been placed on its eco tourism potential. Many of the destination’s most important ecological natural areas will also be preserved and cultivated as prime tourism attractions. Local and natural environments such as Al Hajjar Mountains, the coastline and beaches, and the un-spoilt desert landscape, fall into this category of prosperous landmarks. Ras Al Khaimah Tourism, with the help of RAK Investment Authority, the Department of Antiquities and Museums and the Environmental Protection and Development Authority, is playing a key role in delivering a quality and authentic
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tourism product. Traditional local events and activities such as Awafi, camel racing and shopping in the old town and souq areas are typical of the unique selling points which symbolise the authority’s main concerns: local economic growth, increased tourist spending and investment, and cultural integrity. To occupy this rise in tourism a range of new hotels and resorts are being developed. Expected to open late 2009, the Palace Ras Al Khaimah, Banyan Tree Desert Resort, Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, Marriott Ras Al Khaimah, and the Cove Rotana will result in approximately 2,000 new
rooms in the region. To cater for the business travel market the RAK Convention Centre, a US$400 billion project, will be developed by RAKEEN, the land master-planner for the destination. The new convention centre will have capacity for 5,000 delegates with three hotel categories on site plus a sophisticated retail and business centre.
The grand finale of this growth operation is Al Marjan Island, the first man-made island in Ras Al Khaimah. The US$1.8 billion project will house 6 hotels with an average of 350 rooms each. Al Hamra Village, the largest leisure resort of its kind in the UAE will contain an 18 hole golf course, a modern marina and The Palace Hotel. Spread over a 5 million sq metre estate, the complex is expected to be completed in the first months of 2009. In the year ahead Ras Al Khaimah will realise a more prominent presence at major international tradeshows, promoting its distinctive cultural heritage and newly developed tourist products. It will also strengthen its communications and public relations activities across the developing leisure market, raising awareness of Ras Al Khaimah as a unique leisure destination in the Emirates.
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Soho - the cities’ Square Mile in Sharm Savoy Hotels & Resorts International is well represented in Egypt's famous holiday destination: Sharm El Sheikh, “a true paradise for those who love nature and water sports”. They provide a wide choice of accommodation to suit the varying needs of guests and the company has been enjoying a successful time at the forefront of Egypt’s tourism boom. Their latest development is Soho’s Square Mile at White Knights Bay. It provides a complete family entertainment centre, catering for tastes both young and old. Guests can indulge in some fabulous high class shopping before sampling the exquisite
international cuisine from one of four themed sea-view restaurants. At the Bombay Indian Restaurant, Chef Tilak Raj prepares his Tandoori and Tikka Masala Chicken favourites in a style gleaned from his twenty-one years experience, commanding fivestar restaurants around the world. In the Zen Chinese Restaurant you’ll find Chef Zhu who, after studying his profession in
China, travelled to the Middle East ten years ago and has been cooking Chinese dishes in the best restaurants ever since. Chef Sergei prepares the traditional Ukranian dishes of Borsch, Pork Chops and Potato Pancakes at the Kalina Ukrainian Restaurant and at the Saffron Middle Eastern Restaurant you can enjoy a wide-ranging experience in all varieties of Mediterranean, Italian, Moroccan, Lebanese & Middle Eastern Cuisine.
After easting the options are numerous. You can cool off in Egypt’s only Ice Bar or heat up in the disco, try your luck at the Casino or the 6-pin bowling alley, skate on an ice rink or soak up the local history at the Pharaonic culturama centre. www.royalsavoy-sharm.com
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IFA takes key stake in Legends Resort IFA Hotels & Resorts has unveiled its entry into the wildlife hospitality market in South Africa by acquiring a 50% stake in a Joint Venture Company formed for the purpose of obtaining the Legend Golf & Safari Resort development.
18 of the world’s top golfers have contributed to the design of what is set to be South Africa’s most spectacular new course. Dominic Pedler toured the site and the stunning safari setting which is also home to the planet’s most phenomenal par-3. “A world in one country” goes the marketing mantra for South Africa – but a pioneering new development north of Johannesburg is close to completing a
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world in one golf course. In a notable first for course architecture, the 18 holes on the Signature Course at the Legend Golf & Safari Resort are individually designed in collaboration with 18 leading tour pros, representing 16 countries across all five continents.
Appropriately starting and ending with the contributions of South Africans Trevor Immelman and Retief Goosen, respectively, Legend takes us on a golfing adventure though the ‘Big Five’ Entabeni Safari Conservancy which basks in a vast 22,000-hectare, malaria-free zone in the Waterburg mountains. The ‘signature concept’ was the ambitious vision of travel entrepreneur
Graham Cooke, and made possible by Legend owner and CEO, Peet Cilliers, who was determined to “team up with the world’s best golfers to design the world’s best golf course”. What should have been a white elephant is rapidly becoming a reality, with the new jewel in the crown of the Limpopo Province set to open in March 2009, courtesy of an amazing site, serious contacts and even more serious money. For starters, the scheme would have been impossible without the clout of IMG who networked diligently to bring the 18 tour stars on board. Meanwhile, European Golf Design (IMG’s joint venture design company with the European Tour) coordinated each player’s strategic input with the South African DDV Golf Design group responsible for the underlying routing and construction.
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With the name of each pro appearing on a brass plaque by the relevant tee box (along with their strategic thoughts in the course planner) the ‘one-hole brief’ represented an unusual challenge for all concerned. Starting with some unintended rivalry – to the great benefit of the final design. “All these players are competitive animals and there was a certain degree of competition between them during the design process,” explains EGD director, Jeremy Slessor, who liaised with every player in turn. “Some of them were rather keen that their particular hole should be the most memorable!” Indeed, the novelty of naming each hole after each player cleverly enhances the memorability of the entire course. Merely walking the site you can instantly appreciate landmarks like Immelman’s Valley Of Sin at the opening par 5; Padraig’s Alley at the 10th; Garcia’s Tiger line at the 16th; and Goosen’s Gamble reflecting Retief’s insistence over the position of the final watery grave. For all the individual highlights, most impressive is how the course succeeds in incorporating the various disparate design thoughts into a single cohesive vision. “It was certainly a balancing act,” admits Slessor. “It required standardising certain elements, like bunker styles – but, within
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that, giving the pros freedom in terms of positioning and strategy.” Equally, there were recurring themes which united the pros as a group. “To a man they insisted on clear definition from the tee with no hidden hazards,” confirms Slessor. “Many also wanted areas around the green where slope and contour would act as a hazard – rather than simply a bunker; while any water hazard had to be tight to the putting surface – albeit with generous bail-out areas for the less bold.” The numerous teeing grounds also ensure the course is manageable for all levels of golfers. Tour players, and those in search of the ultimate macho test, should note that Legend measures an eye-watering 7,748 metres off the tournament tips (yes, some 8,500 yards), making it one of the longest tracks in the world. Admittedly, in terms of playability, you can knock off a good 10 per cent for both the temperature and the altitude in this region (some 1,200m above sea level). Then again, the Kikuyu grass fairways are not the fastest running – especially in the wet – so mere mortals will happily settle for a ‘daily play’ figure unlikely to top 6,534 metres. While construction was still in full swing during my visit, the magnificence of the setting and the drama of the layout was already evident, with fairways winding their way through a heady blend of open
Gary Player
grasslands and dense bushveld. Huge bunkers complement the scale of the terrain while, more subtly, the ‘roll-over’ edges of the cleverly-contoured bent grass greens deliberately mirror the mist that often clings to the adjacent peaks. In fact,
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Entabeni translates as ‘Place of the Mountain’, with the awesome Hanglip Peak dominating the setting whether reflected in the layout’s many lakes or forming an imposing backdrop to several holes (most notably Raphael Jacquelin’s 11th and KJ Choi’s 17th). Aside from the pros’ strategic input, architects Douw van der Mere and David Riddle deserve great credit for picking the ideal site from the vast expanse at their disposal; for the consistently engaging routing; and for the high-spec construction involving some 500,000 cubic metres of earth-moving. While nearing completion, the course will be manicured for the remainder of the year to ensure it is presented as the definitive article on its official opening, with special care to blend the peripheries into the bushveld to preserve the natural feel. Not least because of the safari setting and the context of ‘eco tourism’ in which the resort is being developed, Legend is committed to the most stringent of environmentally-friendly standards. Green keeping practices, especially the use of pesticides, will be in line with USGArecognised Audubon International standards, with formal controls on everything from water-quality management down to the monitoring of earthworms and microbes. Of course, rather larger animals are the defining feature of the Legend resort, but while the ‘Big Five’ of elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard will be (just) the other side of the perimeter fence, golfers will still
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be sharing the Signature course with a host of more friendly fauna. Lurking in the rough (along with giant baobab trees and wayward Pro V1s) will be giraffe, antelope, kudu, impala, zebra, eland, steenbuck, warthog, jackal and giant bullfrog; while kingfisher, egret, hornbill and black eagle are guaranteed birdies. I spotted all these (and more) during my own visit, while Justin Rose captures the scene perfectly. “Just being in South Africa is amazing; getting back to nature, seeing the animals, being out in the bush,” said Europe’s No.1 when checking on the progress of his par-5 9th hole last November. “For me it’s a first dabble in design work, which is something I’m very interested in. I’m excited about putting my name to it and I’m sure it’s going to be a great project.” Aside from the star names, discerning course enthusiasts will be interested that the renowned golf consultant, Richard Wax, rates Legend as one of only three “perfect 10” golf course sites to have met his detailed criteria for world-class potential, from some 1,000 sites visited in his career. The other two are Vidauban in the South of France and Kingsbarns at St Andrews. “I haven’t the slightest doubt that Legend will be one of the most spectacular venues for golf in the world. It has every quality required,” Wax told Golf International.
Peet Cilliers, Legend Owner & CEO, with Gary Player & Werner Berger, CEO of IFA Hotels & Resorts
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Meanwhile, the Signature course is being joined by a host of other golfing facilities and attractions, including the
extraordinary Extreme 19 – which is already sealing Legend’s reputation. A delightful further addition is the plan for a par-3 ‘Tribute’ course modelled with precision on 10 of the world’s most famous short holes, right down to the contouring, hazard positioning and, wherever possible, the grasses. The 12th at Augusta National, 17th at TPC Sawgrass, 11th at St Andrews, the Postage Stamp at Troon and the legendary Redan at North Berwick are just some on the shortlist for immortalisation in the African bush. Meanwhile, the golf academy will feature state-of-the-art technology and practice facilities including a dedicated shortgame section sporting a variety of different grasses and elevations allowing golfers to practise some 150 specified shots to, and from, any surface. While we look forward to the finished product, it is clear that Peet Cilliers and his golf mastermind, David Riddle, are leaving no stone unturned in delivering Legend a premium specification in every area – right down to the design (indeed the actual texture) of the scorecard. “We will change the way people feel about South Africa,” promised Cilliers as the Limpopo dignitaries gathered recently for a formal ceremony. With the Signature Course they will certainly change the way people feel about golf course design. And, with The Extreme 19, perhaps golf itself.
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AROUND THE WORLD IN 18 HOLES Here are the 18 tour professionals who have each contributed to the design of a hole on the Signature Course at Legend, together with some of the highlights currently under construction. (Distances are the expected daily play/tournament tees.)
HOLE 1, PAR 5, 531/586 METRES TREVOR IMMELMAN (SOUTH AFRICA) A double dogleg featuring the South African’s dramatic St Andrews-like swale short left of the green, which will leave a tricky choice between exacting pitch, bumpand-run and ‘Texas wedge’.
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HOLE 5 PAR 4, 421/474 METRES MICHAEL CAMPBELL (NEW ZEALAND) The longest par 4 features Cambo’s macho challenge of a 310-metre carry from the back tee over a bunker to the ideal landing area. Two perfect shots to reach the picturesque green at the extremity of the layout.
HOLE 6 PAR 3, 186/215 METRES MIKE WEIR (CANADA) Weir focused on the variety of lengths and the angle of the tee positions to ensure that all players would appreciate this short hole. Chipping areas left and long highlight Weir’s fondness for short-game challenges. HOLE 7 PAR 4, 436/461 METRES COLIN MONTGOMERIE (SCOTLAND) Monty demanded “clarity of strategy” here, and sure enough, a Monty-like long fade to a snaking downhill fairway will set you up, while another fade with the approach should avoid the left-hand greenside traps. HOLE 8 PAR 4, 311/400 METRES CAMILO VILLEGAS (COLUMBIA) A teaser defined by the Colombian’s riskreward conundrum. The brave will attempt the 260-metre carry over a steep-faced, links-style bunker to set up a birdie chance, while a wide fairway greets the amateur line.
South African Trevor Immelman winning the Masters
HOLE 2 PAR 4, 418/485 METRES THOMAS BJORN (DENMARK) Bjorn was keen to create a memorable early test early in the round and he’s done just that with an approach played to a deep green backed by a ‘wrap-around’ lake that creates a stunning peninsula effect. HOLE 3 PAR 4, 394/447 METRES JIM FURYK (USA) A classic risk-and-reward ploy with Furyk tempting us to take an aggressive line from the tee to avoid treacherous bunkers at standard driving distance and ensure an easier and shorter shot to the green. HOLE 4 PAR 3, 143/209 METRES BERNHARD LANGER (GERMANY) The shortest hole at Legend, with clusters of natural bushes framing the putting surface. Langer’s input focused on the set-up of the green, in particular a deceptive ‘false front’ that will gather any tentative shot.
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HOLE 9 PAR 5, 519/592 METRES JUSTIN ROSE (ENGLAND) Rose has made the most of the vast vista here with a downhill drive that must avoid a lake on one side and bunkers on the other. The second shot is a gem over distance-deceiving undulations to a waterguarded green. HOLE 10 PAR 4, 357/451 METRES PADRAIG HARRINGTON (IRELAND) Harrington admits he was inspired by Hogan’s Alley at Carnoustie for the ideal drive here to set up a shorter pitch to the green. A finger of fairway on the tiger line duly tempts your tee shot down Padraig’s Alley. HOLE 11 PAR 5, 471/568 METRES RAPHAEL JACQUELIN (FRANCE) Hanglip Mountain dominates this hole played gently uphill from a tee in a natural wetland area. Jacquelin’s bunkers define this double dogleg which will be made reachable in two for tournament play.
HOLE 12 PAR 3, 210/250 METRES IAN WOOSNAM (WALES) The longest par 3 on the course finds the Welshman carefully shaping the entrance to the green so as to encourage the shorter hitter to run the ball between cavernous guarding bunkers. HOLE 13 PAR 4, 371/456 METRES. LUKE DONALD (ENGLAND) A slightly uphill tee shot to an attractive fairway where a controversial tree is still under discussion. Donald asked for the green contours to counter the prevailing wind direction to allow confident approach play. HOLE 14 PAR 4, 415/480 METRES ROBERT ALLENBY (AUSTRALIA) A dogleg involving a memorable drive framed by the open plains to a landing area defined by large, daunting bunkers. Allenby insisted on firm bunker slopes to guide errant balls back towards the base of the traps. HOLE 15 PAR 4, 346/439 METRES VIJAY SINGH (FIJI) Played through the layout’s most dense vegetation – and yet the contouring is almost linksy in places. Vijay even added a cheeky pot bunker short of the green to catch a less-than perfect approach. HOLE 16 PAR 4, 363/463 METRES SERGIO GARCIA (SPAIN) Garcia demanded a back-tee carry of 265 metres over exotic mounding to tempt the pros down the ideal line, while his generous contouring around the green also encourages aggressive play. A great birdie chance. HOLE 17 PAR 3, 158/195 METRES KJ CHOI (SOUTH KOREA) Framed by the reddish hue of Hanglip Mountain, Choi felt that strategy at this picture book par 3 should not detract from the exceptional location. Not overly testing but still requiring a well-struck shot to a shallow green. HOLE 18 PAR 5, 484/577 METRES RETIEF GOOSEN (SOUTH AFRICA) The course climaxes with a downhill drive between bunkers before a decision on tackling a transverse lake which Goosen enlarged and brought closer to the green – complete with an Augusta-like grassy slope.
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Here comes your... 19th Nervous Breakdown
If you thought golf wasn’t an extreme sport, think again. Dominic Pedler flew 10,000 miles round-trip (not counting the helicopter ride to the tee) to play the craziest golf hole in the world. And it’s only a par 3.
The Signature Course was still some months from completion, but I was nevertheless able to play one hole of golf during my visit to the Legend Golf & Safari Resort. And what a hole it is. An utterly extraordinary, self-styled 19th hole played from a tee perched precariously atop the breathtaking Hanglip Mountain that dominates the resort, to a green carved out of the African bush some 1,400 feet below. Golf writers love to refer to every adventurous par-3 as “straight out of those cartoon calendars of The World’s Most Outrageous Golf Holes”, but The Extreme 19, as it is affectionately called, is just that – with an adrenaline rush to match. It even requires an obligatory 90-second helicopter trip to lift you to a veritable crow’s
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nest of a tee that offers an awe inspiring 30-mile view of the unspoilt Waterburg region, before you drive your golf ball back down a sheer cliff face the height of the Sears Tower in Chicago. This is the golfing equivalent of base jumping, with your ball enjoying a hang time of some 25 seconds before it finally falls to earth (compare that with a Tiger Woods drive in the air for a miserly 6 or 7 seconds). Rather bizarrely, this even gives you time to reach for your mobile phone and advise the team of spotters below where to look (though this is set to become significantly more hightech, as I mention later). 1st Hole-Trevor Immelman at the Golf Course Launch
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Adding to the surreal situation, the green far below you is in the shape of the continent of Africa, complete with a Madagascar-shaped mound rising from the protecting waste bunker. Unusually for a par 3, the putting surface is some 400 metres out from the vertical base of the cliff, making for some intriguing technical specifications. If you ‘do the math’, the straight line distance from tee to green works out at over 580 metres though, because of the vertical drop, the equivalent of a 280-metre drive should pitch on the green, wind permitting. Meanwhile, for average golfers, a more modest 180-metre carry should be enough to reach a small 70-metre long sloping fairway which (with a bit of luck) will kick your ball towards, or even onto, the green. Luke Donald, the first golfer to tee off at the Extreme 19 hole
While golfers only play the hole once, they can hit as many tee shots as they need for the spotters to find the ball (I admit I hit five drives but, hey, it’s a jungle out there!). You then climb back into the chopper and, once back at the helipad below, are met by a ranger proffering a putter (and in my case a wedge, too) for you to complete the hole. The Extreme 19 is more than just a novelty; it is already one of the world’s cult golfing experiences attracting an intrepid mix of golfing jetsetters, adrenaline junkies and tour pros. Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Trevor Immelman each made a special helicopter excursion here from Sun City last autumn, for a taste of golf’s Far Side. The Extreme 19 will set you back SAR3,500 (some £220) just to play the one hole, which
Entabeni Mountain
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is rather more than the anticipated green fee for a full round at the Signature Course, a 15-minute drive away. Though various packages will be available, including golfand-game drive deals; while corporate groups are queuing up to ‘hire the hole’ by the day for some serious team bonding. The extraordinary idea was dreamed up by English travel guru, Graham Cooke, while picnicking up on the mountain plateau as one of the popular excursions already offered to visitors at Legend. Resort CEO, Peet Cilliers, and his golf director, David Riddle, not only ran with the whole crazy scheme but have now developed it into an enticing standalone golfing experience of a lifetime. As well as the helicopter trip, the cost includes some rather nifty bonuses. Plans are afoot to give each golfer a short DVD of their experience, with their drive filmed by six 20-megapixel cameras while Z-Locity tracking technology relays the projected landing position to giant screens in the clubhouse below. Everyone who finishes the hole also gets a Certificate Of Achievement and an Extreme 19 logoed T-shirt (already a bit of status symbol in my neck of the
woods); while – and here’s the kicker – a hole-in-one will land you, the punter, a cool US$1 million. Peet Cilliers has duly insured against the eventuality at a knock-down premium based on a 1-in-100,000 statistical probability (reflecting an outcome far more unlikely than the 1-in-49,000 used by actuaries for more conventional aces). As a result The Extreme 19 is also attracting a steady stream of golfing bounty hunters – some of whom apparently even study the wind forecasts at www.windguru.com, given how the swirling mountain drafts can play havoc with the tee shot (that’s my excuse anyway). So far, however, no-one has even managed a birdie two that will get your name engraved on a Roll Of Honour on the clubhouse wall; while the proportion of punters who make a par 3 is running at under five per cent. Incidentally Luke Donald, Justin Rose and Trevor Immelman all made four on their recent visits. The Extreme 19 is about to get even more extreme with the construction of macho tee even closer to the edge of the cliff, which will require intrepid golfers to wear a special harness to prevent an unscheduled base jump back to terra (make that terror) firma. Out of Africa? More like out of this world, as can be seen from the spectacular helicopter fly-thru’ footage scheduled for YouTube in the next few weeks.
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IHG to launch world’s first 'green' hotel InterContinental Hotels Group has unveiled plans for what could be the world's first ever 100 per cent ecologically-friendly hotel - and they hope that its 'green' credentials will “set the benchmark for hoteliers around the world”. Speaking at AHIC yesterday Kirk Kinsell, President, EMEA InterContinental Hotels Group commented, “This is something we’ve been working on for a number of years and it has allowed us to have an engagement with our customers where they can then interact with the company on their concepts and their interests in green issues and sustainability. It’s allowed us to work out the kind of things we can do with a room, with their permission to make less of an impact on the environment. The results are quite surprising and lead us to believe that guests will still be able to enjoy the ‘luxury’ of a hotel experience but actually be greener than they are at home.” The solar powered 'Innovation Hotel' outlines the latest technology in energy and water conservation and recycling. Among the 'green' features of the futuristic hotel: • The forwarding of all unused non-perishable food to charities or foodbanks • Solar panels on the roof to heat water • A rainwater harvesting system to supply water to toilets • A roof garden rich in shrubbery to provide extra insulation
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S. Kirk Kinsell, President, Europe, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group
• Windpower to generate electricity for the hotel • Recycled glass windows • Furniture and fittings made entirely from recycled materials • And household waste to provide heat and power Hotel chiefs say the Innovation Hotel's features could be earmarked as standard across all IHG brands within the next few years. The virtual property has been put on the company website to get guests views on its features. David Jerome, Senior Vice President of Corporate Responsibility at IHG, who were also the first hotel chain to introduce a set of 'green' guidelines for hotels in 1991, said: ''People who do their bit for the environment when they're at home are likely to be interested in doing the same when they're staying in a hotel. Responsible tourism is about growing in a way that makes sense for business while managing our impact on the environment and community. We want to know what ‘green' features are important to guests before making them part of brand standards. This gives them a chance to weigh in with their ideas."
The first inkling a guest will get of the Innovation Hotel's green attributes is the green roof planted with low-maintenance plants - which improves the thermal performance of the hotel and helps keep it cool in warm weather and insulate it in winter. The plants and thin layer of soil work like a sound barrier, particularly when they're wet, helping to reduce noise pollution. Other environmental benefits include improvements to air quality, biodiversity and storm water run off. Natural lava stone signage at the entrance and on the lawns replaces traditional plastic and metal signs. All the furniture in the reception is made from recycled material and all the paper used by the receptionists will also be recycled. The decor is low emission paint, all the artwork produced by local artists to ensure a low carbonfootprint and there are recycling bins for guests to use. All unused food from the kitchens is packaged and delivered to local charities or food banks to cut wastage. And left over scraps are composted to create a rich fertiliser for use on hotel plants and lawns.
made from recycled materials, mattresses consist of natural fibre such as horsehair, as will carpets. Bathrooms feature lowflow showerheads and dual flush toilets. On the roof there will be up to four huge solar panels drawing energy from the sun to heat water and help cut back on non-renewable energy use. Harvesting systems collect rainwater in tanks either on the roof or underground. In regions where there's plenty of regular rain, harvesting is an effective and low-cost way of reducing demand on local water supplies. The hotel uses the rain water to flush toilets and water grounds, as well as for dishwashers and washing machines. Oil produced from household waste can be used as bio-fuel instead of fossil fuels to generate heat and power. David Jerome, added: ''We have some excellent examples of responsible tourism already underway in our hotels. Now we're looking at setting company-wide goals for our business to deliver real benefits to the environment, based on clear understanding of where we can make a difference and on guests' needs.''
In the bedroom all furniture and fittings including towels are
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Staff retention critical to success
Employee recruitment and retention is one of the major issues facing the Middle East hotel industry with only 10% of staff expected to stay with their current employers, says a report by Catererglobal.com – one of the world’s top hospitality recruitment agencies. The report, which will be launched at Arabian Travel Market this week, the Middle East’s premier travel and tourism event, surveyed over 3,000 hospitality professionals from across the region. When asked what employees next career move would be, a mere 10% said they would consider a move within the hotel group they currently work for. While a staggering 80% said that they were currently looking to switch companies. According to the report’s authors, this alarming attrition rate implies that retention is an area that regional hotels need to dedicate more attention to if they are to continue to operate successfully. “Global hotel growth is a topic that is rarely out of the news andhas seen double digit growth over the last 12 months. Asian countries such as India and
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China are witnessing the fastest growth, followed closely by the Middle East. This growth has only accentuated the existing global skills shortage problem,” said Peter Willis, Sales Manager, Catererglobal.com. “The challenge is to match growth with talent so service levels are maintained. At the same time keeping that talent within thehospitality industryvia training and career progression opportunities is essential. Naturally theworking environment and salaries are key hooks to attract new talent to the region. Hotels must look atwhat they offer candidates in terms of salary, benefits and accommodation in an increasingly competitive landscape.” According to the report, 61% of employees surveyed said they would be looking to stay in the Middle East – a shot-in-
Friendly employees at the Madinat Jumeirah on Saturday evening
the-arm for the regional industry given the increasing demand for hotel staff from the emerging markets of Asia and India. However, Willis says that hotel groups in the region need to go some way to addressing this outbound flow, and need to target staff in new markets. “Historically the Middle East hasrelied on a highly dependable Asian source of candidates. With the growth of these emerging markets, especially in India, we are now seeing the flow of candidates change direction. Indian hotel professionalsare now returning home as the strong Rupee and better living conditions can outweigh what they are being offered inthe Middle East,” said Willis. “The resource pool obviously needs to be extended and someHR teams are actively targeting new areas such asSouth America and Africa.”
Hotel groups are also changing their views on the criteria expected of candidates, adds Willis. “Hotels are now starting to look outside the hospitality industry forpersonalities who have enthusiasm, because the right people can be taught the key skills within a new industry,” he said. Willis is the latest addition to an impressive seminar speaker line up at ATM. During the seminar – Recruitment and Retention Strategies in the Middle East Hotel Industry, which takes place on Wednesday 7th May – Willis will lead a panel of industry HR experts to explore some of the recruitment challenges faced by Middle East hoteliers and examine some of the strategies and approaches that can be used to overcome these issues.
www.catererglobal.com www.arabiantravelmarket.com
www.breakingtravelnews.com
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World Online Travel Awards heads to the Silicon Valley of India
World Travel Awards, heralded by The Wall Street Journal as ‘the Oscars of the travel industry’ have announced the launch of the inaugural World Online Travel Awards. Taking place in September at The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore in India, the awards will be the first global forum dedicated to the online travel market, providing recognition and reward for the senior figure-heads and innovators behind the increasingly significant online travel business.
Graham Cooke, President & Founder, World Travel Awards & Ken Hill, Corporate Director Sales & Marketing, The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore,t
Graham Cooke, President of World Travel Awards, said at the formal launch of the event at the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference, “Online travel is the driving force behind a new era in travel and tourism and within the next 3 years will contribute an annual forecasted figure of almost US$275 Billion to worldwide travel and tourism receipts.” “It is evident that the market is entering a new level of maturity, evidenced by the large and definable community of senior managers responsible for its delivery.”
www.breakingtravelnews.com
“The online travel market needs an annual arena that can provide a benchmark of excellence during the most challenging and exciting times travel has witnessed. It is significant that Bangalore has been elected to host the inaugural World Online Travel Awards. “At the forefront of India’s booming economy, Bangalore is world renowned as the Silicon Valley of India, and we are proud and excited to bring a global ceremony of such significance to such a globally vital location.”
The World Online Travel Awards will recognise excellence and best practise across the globe and will attract major travel industry figure-heads and the world’s media. To register your interest to attend or for sponsorship opportunities please call: +44 (0) 208 925 0000 or email: awards@worldtravelawards.com www.worldtravelawards.com
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HMH launches in Dubai A new hospitality company, HMH – Hospitality Management Holdings, has been launched in Dubai. HMH consists of 6 independent firms out of which 4 are hotel management companies.
H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qassimi, ViceChairman, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas said, "We have had remarkable growth ever since the launch of Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas in 2004. Within 4 years we have created 4 strong hospitality brands. This necessitated the formation of a parent company i.e. HMH. The move follows the decision taken by the board of directors and is part of our efforts to restructure the corporation." The business operations of any of the subsidiaries under HMH will not change as a result of the organisation. Following the reorganisation, Coral International’s current directors will serve as the directors of HMH. Michel Noblet, Managing Director, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas said, "The creation of HMH is part of our strategy of consolidation. While giving a boost to our brands, it will strengthen our
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position tremendously. Single, independent entities are diminishing worldwide and the big groups growing. The formation of HMH would help us to align our company’s structure better with our subsidiaries while giving us the flexibility to achieve our global development objectives. In addition, it will help us to meet the challenges from the emerging markets and the competition. At this point it is extremely important for us to position ourselves strongly to materialise the upcoming opportunities." The group has been aggressively expanding in the Middle East with four niche brands and has already signed 40 projects across the region. It now has a strong interest in Asia, particularly China, India and Pakistan. Africa too remains big on its plans with several projects already lined up in North and South Africa. Highlighting the ambitions of HMH to expand internationally, Michel said, "We are well placed for the future and are looking for a bigger presence in the Middle
Michel Noblet, Managing Director, Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas
East, Asia and Africa. The move is aimed to maximise HMH’s presence beyond the region as well as to open other strategic options for the group. Our objective is to develop 100 hotels in the coming 4 years." Michel added, "Real growth lies in niche markets. Hospitality is all about providing guests services and products tailored to their needs. We offer our clients a full spectrum of choice in terms of hospitality - from topend luxury hotels to select service hotels, budget hotels and serviced apartments. Each of our brands – Coral
International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Corp Executive Hotels, ECOS Hotels and EWA Hotel Apartments – are designed to provide its clientele a unique experience. "HMH is gearing up for a huge splash at the upcoming ATM. The company has booked two independent stands, both in Hall 1 (Stand No. HC 550 and HC 540) next to each other. While one will be dedicated to HMH the other will be shared by the four brands under the umbrella i.e. Coral International Hotels, Resorts & Spas, Corp Executive Hotels, ECOS Hotels and EWA Hotel Apartments.
www.coral-international.com
www.breakingtravelnews.com
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Abu Dhabi plans Desert Islands roll out
The first phase of Abu Dhabi’s unique Desert Islands destination, which is set to be a regional showpiece of sustainability, is to open to tourists this winter heralding the entry of the emirate’s largely untapped western region on the international tourism and development landscapes.
From October, tourists will be able to stay on Sir Bani Yas Island – the former private eco-retreat of the UAE’s late President His Highness Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The opening of Sir Bani Yas Island, which is at the core of the multi-experiential Desert Islands destination, will be the first step in unlocking the latent potential of Abu Dhabi’s Western Region, according to Lee Tabler, CEO, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) – the emirate’s leading tourism asset developer and the name behind Desert Islands. Here at AHIC Tabler spoke of the opportunities within the western region, noted for its unspoilt beaches, dramatic desert terrain as well as natural assets, including mangrove reserves and significant archaeological deposits. “The region’s proximity to other GCC markets holds out significant advantages,” he added. Tabler said the Desert Islands, which comprises eight islands and an onshore gate just off the coast of Jebel Dhanna, a
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250 kilometre drive from Abu Dhabi city, will be a flagship destination designed to invigorate and inspire. In October’s first phase opening, guests will be able to stay in the fivestar, 64-room boutique Desert Islands Resort and Spa, or its beach villas and six two-bedroom ‘Royal’ villas, being managed by awardwinning Thai hospitality group Anantara Resorts & Spas. They can choose to dine in any of five outlets including The Palms, all-day dining restaurant, the specialty Samak seafood restaurant, a pool bar, deli and lounge, relax with a book in the comfort of the library or take in a game of night-time tennis in the 24hour fitness centre. Alternatively, guests can stay in a tented Arabian beach side camp where they can relax in nature without even leaving their room.
Lee Tabler, CEO, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC)
A series of adventure activities including 4x4 guided tours of the Arabian Wildlife Park, which will be home to a variety of animals, hiking trails, mountain-biking and snorkelling in the island’s surrounding waters, which are rich in marine life, including turtles, dolphins and coral reefs. “Desert Islands has been master planned as a regional benchmark in environmental, conservation and ecological tourism. “This destination will help us assert our sustainability credentials. It will be the quintessential
vacation escape enabling tourists to access the previously inaccessible,” explained Tabler. Desert Islands is to be a key element of TDIC’s planned promotion at Arabian Travel Market this week when advance bookings for the Sir Bani Yas Island experience will commence. “We are engaging some of the world’s top travel decisionmakers in the project to secure their support in advance of the opening,” explained Tabler.
www.breakingtravelnews.com
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“This initial first glimpse of Desert Islands will set the scene for visitors to cultivate a lasting relationship with Abu Dhabi’s western region. “Managed sensitively, with respect for local culture and traditions, Desert Islands will provide a significant economic boost to the region and the lives of nationals living there increasing employment, education and investment opportunities.” Desert Islands is expected to generate US$326 million in tourism revenues when fully
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operational by 2020 and create a total of 6,500 jobs. The tourism potential of Abu Dhabi’s western region will be given a further boost next year with the planned September 2009 opening of the deluxe Qasr Al Sarab retreat in the Liwa desert in the Empty Quarter (Rub Al Khali). “Additional development concepts for the region are currently being progressed and will address the business, as well as the leisure tourism segments,” explained Tabler.
www.desertislands.com www.anantara.com
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