BTN March 2012 Day 3

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:31 Page 1

ITB Berlin Special Edition

Etihad: Rise and rise of UAE flag-carrier p30

Friday 9 March 2012

www.breakingtravelnews.com

Egypt at ITB: ITB Berlin’s Partner Country Egypt p 44

Egypt is among the most popular tourist destinations in the world

Savoy Group: Savoy Sharm tops TripAdvisor polls p 9 History is key to the Egyptian offering

Egyptian recovery gathers pace at ITB Berlin Nobody could have predicted this.

When Egypt signed on to become partner country for ITB Berlin 2012 back in 2010 the landscape was very different to the circumstances in which the country now finds itself. But after a year of headlines, Egypt the tourist destination is beginning to assert itself once again. Visitor numbers are up, with many consumers taking advantage of once-in-a-lifetime holiday offerings, while stability is also returning to the national government.

The peaceful revolution has been the theme dominating the participation of this popular tourism destination at the annual ITB Berlin.

Having taken up his post just weeks ago, the new minister of tourism expressed his delight that ITB Berlin was the destination of his first trip abroad. “This is extremely important for us,” Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour told Breaking Travel News, adding, “we stand by our business partners and will be honouring all our agreements.”

He noted, as the sector contributing most to the Egyptian economy, tourism would continue to remain important, with the livelihood of one in seven Egyptians depending directly or indirectly upon the industry.

The tourism authorities have reacted quickly and adjusted their promotional campaigns to accommodate recent events. Taking as its slogan ‘Welcome to the country of the peaceful revolution’, a campaign has been launched focusing on a peaceful new beginning.

History of Egypt Showcased Egypt has been exhibiting at ITB Berlin ever since the show’s launch in 1966. In 2012 it occupies close to 2,000 square metres of floor space in Hall 23, making it one of the largest exhibitors at the show. Visitors to the hall can experience the diversity of Egypt’s holiday regions, including the Nile Delta, Red Sea, desert landscapes, vast oases and the Mediterranean coast. At a bazaar ITB visitors can also purchase the country’s handicrafts, sample regional specialities, or enjoy a musical foretaste of Egypt with atmospheric live music and folk presentations. Badawy, one of the country’s best known chefs, will be cooking dishes at the Brandenburg Restaurant in Hall 24.

A colourful Egyptian carnival procession has also been taking place in the various halls on each day of the fair. An impressive performance of traditional Tanoura dancing, which involves an artistic display of dancers’ skirts, has caused a stir in Hall 4.1. Samaa, a group of Islamic and Coptic singers, blends different religious beliefs with its sounds, expressing peace among faiths and Egypt’s uniformity as a nation.

On March 11th, at the closing ceremony of ITB Berlin, Egypt will put on an artistic performance with The Festival of the Delphic Games.

David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, added: “Egypt is one of the world’s oldest travel destinations and nowadays it combines modernity and tradition; a culture that goes back thousands of years.

Exciting desert areas, the Nile and endless beaches make this country one of the world’s most attractive holiday destinations.

“Its diversity of tourism attractions ranges from high quality hotels in every price range to excellent value for money offers in areas such as golf, diving, desert tours, health tourism and wellness, as well as cultural trips and city tours.”

For more information visit www.egypt.travel or head over to Hall 23.A/100.

for all the latest travel news: www.breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:31 Page 2

News

Momentum House Lower Road, Waterloo London SE1 8SJ United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 www.breakingtravelnews.com To subscribe to the free daily newsletter subscribe@breakingtravelnews.com or sign up via the website

UNWTO pledges support for Egypt

For editorial feedback Christopher O’Toole – Editor Anna Gouldman – Features Editor editor@breakingtravelnews.com For advertising advertising@breakingtravelnews.com Chairman, CEO Graham Cooke Executive Vice President Manon Han Senior Vice President David Falcon Group Vice President Kevin Taylor Global Directors Sion Rapson Chris Frost Khalil El-Mouelhy Tony Prince Max Miller Editor Christopher O’Toole Marketing & Publishing Manager Stuart Gordon Online Marketing Manager Chris Whitfield Head of Development Kelly Footit Online Media Publishing Ben Roberts Project Manager Sid Thaker Head of Photography Mark Hakansson Video Producer Gareth Morris Design Nomad Graphique Follow us in a reader RSS Feeds www.breakingtravelnews.com/feeds/ Follow us on Twitter twitter.com/btn_news BTN on your mobile breakingtravelnews.mobi BTN YouTube channel www.youtube.com/breakingtravelnews

UNWTO have once again pledged their support for Egypt as it gears up to host the 2nd UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and the Media in the country’s the Red Sea town of Marsa Alam on April 17 - 26th. Key media, UN agencies and the tourism ministers are expected attend the important event that seeks to enhance relationships and understanding between the media and National Tourism Organisations.

The event, which was organised by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt, with the support of CNN as a media partner, will bring together major players from the media and tourism worlds to strengthen the working relationship between the two, particularly in challenging times.

Seeking to provide participants with insights into tourism-related communications and to facilitate a better understanding of the media reality by National Tourism Organisations, there will be a host of workshops touching on issues from crisis communications, to the way a newsroom works and the emerging role of social media. The conference promises to be highly interactive and practical.

Held in the Red Sea town of Marsa Alam, Egypt, the conference has an added significance, given Egypt’s position as a leading tourism destination that has undergone extraordinary changes over the past year.

“Partnering with the Media in Challenging Times is the second in UNWTO’s series of conferences on the multifaceted relationship between tourism and the media.” Explains UNWTO Secretary-General, Taleb Rifai. “With economic and social upheavals dominating the headlines, it’s more important than ever that tourism officials understand the media landscape and how to work closely with journalists to get their messages across. Without this working relationship, the media is often unaware of tourism’s socio-economic relevance, as well as how its coverage of a range of issues impacts the sector.”

He added: The Conference will be held in Marsa Alam, Egypt, a country where tourism has been

2

a central component of the economy for decades; international tourism receipts represent nearly 30% of the country’s exports.

“Egypt underwent extraordinary changes over the past year and media coverage of events had also an impact on the country’s tourism sector.

Against this background, Egypt represents the ideal location to debate the links between tourism and the media.”

Organized by UNWTO and the Ministry of Tourism of Egypt, with CNN as the official media partner, the conference will convene tourism authorities from around the world and members of the mainstream and trade media.

Playing host to the UNWTO International Conference on Tourism and Media is the latest coup for Egypt, which was the host destination for World Tourism Day (WTD) celebrations under the theme Tourism – Linking Cultures in 2011.

Egypt’s Minister of Tourism Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour was among speakers at the WTD Think Tank, who highlighted tourism’s role in linking cultures and fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, respect and peace.

During a special address on WTD, Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary-General, commented: "World Tourism Day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of tourism to global well-being. As we travel, let us engage with other cultures and celebrate human diversity. On this observance, let us recognise tourism as a force for a more tolerant, open and united world."

For more information visit www.unwto.org or go to Hall 20/127.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:32 Page 3

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:32 Page 4

Your guide to ITB Berlin

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 10:29 Page 5

Feature

Regine Sixt named ‘Woman of the Year’ Regine Sixt, president of Sixt Rent a Car, has been named ‘Woman of the Year’ by World Travel Awards. Ms. Sixt was honoured for her exceptional contribution to the travel and tourism industry over the past year, as well as for her philanthropy work.

The presentation took place during Sixt’s star-studded ITB party, which also included a live performance by the music legend Sir Cliff Richard.

In 2000, she launched her own children’s charity – Drying Little Tears - which supports and finances various projects for children throughout the world. These include a kindergarten in the townships of Cape Town, an orphanage for kids whose parents died of Aids in Gabon, a school in Jerusalem and a children’s hospital in Ecuador.

Regine Sixt has been named ‘Woman of the Year’ by the prestigious World Travel Awards. Breaking Travel News was on hand as the Sixt Rent a Car president picked up the award at a Gala Ceremony during ITB Berlin.

World Travel Awards WTA, considered the “Oscars of the travel industry”, is recognised globally as the highest accolade in travel and tourism, and serves to raise the service standards throughout the tourism industry.

She also serves at many global advisory boards including ABTA, ASTA, USTOA, Travel Industry Club and Skal.

Born and raised in Germany, Regine Sixt began her career at a local car rental company based in Munich. With her husband Erich Sixt, chief executive of Sixt AG, she has helped build Sixt into a global mega-brand, operating more than 230,000 cars across 3,500 locations and 105 countries.

Its 2012 Grand Tour, a global search for the best travel organisations in the world, will include regional legs in Dubai (UAE), Turks & Caicos, Nairobi (Kenya), The Algarve (Portugal) and Seoul (South Korea).

Graham Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards, said: “Regine Sixt is one of the most prolific entrepreneurs in travel and tourism. On behalf of World Travel Awards, I am delighted to honour a true industry leader and a truly inspirational woman.

The winners of these regional heats will progress to the Grand Final, which will take place at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, New Delhi, India in December.

She is the driving force behind the Sixt expansion throughout the world, and directs everything from the corporate identity to the performance at airport locations.

He added: “She has also leveraged the phenomenal success of her business to conduct a number of admirable charitable projects.”

breakingtravelnews.com

5

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 10:29 Page 6

Spotlight

Hundreds of leading lights from the travel industry turned out to pay their respects

Sixt president Regine Sixt and World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke

Sixt celebrates centenary at ITB Berlin Breaking Travel News catches up with Sixt Rent a Car president Regine Sixt as the company she helped build celebrates its centenary at ITB Berlin.

Sixt is a market leader in Europe

Sixt, Germany’s largest car rental company, has celebrated its 100th anniversary at ITB Berlin with a VIP party headlined by the British pop legend Sir Cliff Richard. The party took place at Berlin Goya and included a raffle in aid of Regine Sixt’s charity Drying Little Tears - which helps children in need around the world.

Sir Cliff Richard played a number of classics from throughout his illustrious career during an hour long performance – including Congratulations, Living Doll, and Summer Holiday.

In its 100-year history, Sixt has grown into a global car rental company with a fleet of more than 230,000 cars, in nearly 4,000 locations, across 105 countries. Services include one-way car rentals, weekend rentals, car hire, van rental, and so much more.

Speaking at the event Regine Sixt said: “We have come a long way from a very small organisation in Bavaria, to a market leader in Germany and a market leader across Europe. We are still a family company, but one that has come to define the market in terms of innovation and customer satisfaction.”

“But, still, we will try harder,” she added.

During the event Ms Sixt was also presented with a trophy recognising her selection as ‘Woman of the Year’ by the World Travel Awards.

Addressing the audience, WTA president Graham Cooke said: “Regine has used the phenomenal success of her business as a force for good. In 2000, she launched her own children’s charity – Drying Little Tears. She supports and finances projects for children from around the world.

“This is just one of many examples why we have recognised her incredible achievements this evening,” Cooke added.

6

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 10:29 Page 7

Sir Cliff Richard attended the event at the invitation of Regine Sixt

Sixt Rent a Car

Sixt staff

Sixt, which still has its headquarters in Pullach near Munich, is an international, high-quality mobility service provider.

The company was founded in Munich in 1912 by Martin Sixt and is now, together with their franchisees and partners, present in over 100 countries. The company started with just three rental cars in the city and was the first car rental service in Europe. Martin Sixt was an innovator for his time and the family is still managing the company.

Martin Sixt’s appetite for innovation continues to thrive and Sixt has grown to become the market leader in Germany and Austria and one of the biggest independent Full-ServiceLeasing-Providers in Europe. Sixt Group generates revenues of €1.6 billion annually and employs 3,000 people all over the world.

Locations are situated in the top tourist hotspots around the globe such as Italy, Germany, Spain, Greece, France, Dubai, Great Britain, and so many other fascinating destinations.

Sixt is presently in the process of entering the USA, with four rental car locations recently opened in Florida; at Miami International Airport, Orlando Airport, Fort Lauderdale Airport, and Palm Beach Airport. This year Sixt will expand its rent a car service within the country and worldwide - so if you are planning on renting a car don’t forget to check out Sixt Rent a Car.

For more information on Sixt visit www.sixt.co.uk or head over to Hall 9/119, Hall 7.1C/102, or Hall 12./102 right here at ITB Berlin.

breakingtravelnews.com

7

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 10:29 Page 8

Live at ITB

ITB Berlin meets rocketing demand Visitors at the Etihad Airways stand

Egypt was confirmed as partner country in 2010

Phelisa Mangcu, acting chief executive of Johannesburg Tourism Company, welcomed guests to the South Africa stand

Breaking Travel News brings you all the latest from the world’s leading travel trade show.

All available space in the 26 halls on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds has been occupied during the 46th incarnation of ITB Berlin – with 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries present.

With every aspect of the value-added chain of the tourism industry present, there was not enough space in some of the halls to meet demand, leading to a record breaking number of two-storey stands.

Messe Berlin will welcome over 110,000 trade visitors from all over the world.

A new feature, the ITB Buyers’ Circle, also made its debut, making it easier for leading buyers from small and medium-sized firms, as well as the very biggest companies, to conduct business at the fair.

The many panel discussions and papers presented by well-known experts and practitioners from tourism also provided visitors to ITB with useful information.

A wide range of topics will be covered during the 2012 event; from business and politics to corporate social responsibility, health and technology.

Egypt is partner country at ITB Berlin 2012

8

Angola offered a splash of colour

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 16:04 Page 9

News

Savoy Sharm tops TripAdvisor polls Since opening in 2002, Savoy Hotels & Resort International has become one of the most favoured destinations on Egypt’s Red Sea coast, offering flawless hospitality in one of the world’s most desirable locations. This was recently evidenced by impressive ratings on TripAdvisor for the Royal Savoy which was praised by travellers for its spa offering and high quality of service.

The Savoy Group invested in SOHO Square, a square mile of restaurants, entertainment facilities and shops that have won the admiration of foreign and domestic visitors, shifting traveller perceptions of Sharm.

In the next few months exciting new developments will be rolled out in this extraordinary development, including the opening of a new 150 room hotel in SOHO Square, a new bakery and a three-story, Eg yptian focused shopping mall with an Egyptian food court.

Throughout the development of SOHO Square, sustainability has been has been a top priority for the hotel group. “Promoting an eco-friendly environment and impeccable hygiene standards are top priorities for the group,” a spokesperson for the Savoy Group told Breaking Travel News.

“Underwater cameras which monitor the house reef are connected to scre en monitors in SOHO Square. Red Sea water is desalinated. Treated wastewater is used for irrigation.

Other energy-saving initiatives include the introduction of solar power, acrylic cups in the Sierra, the use of energy-saving light bulbs and the replacement of plastic bags for paper.

Savoy brings style to Sharm The Savoy is spread over 200,000 m sqr of lush tropical foliage, waterfalls and serene surroundings. The hotel lies at the heart of the spectacular White Knight Beach. Stunning in

breakingtravelnews.com

architectural design, the property boasts impeccable style.

Some 470 superior rooms range from single, double and triple rooms to the lavish Presidential Suite. There are a selection of quality restaurants and bars, pools, a dive centre, sports facilities and a health club and spa.

Royal Savoy launches honeymoon suites The ultra-luxurious wing of the Savoy Hotel, The Royal Savoy, has recently opened sixteen new honeymoon suites to provide a romantic experience for newly-weds with Jacuzzis in each room.

The hotel, which offers high-end accommodation, privacy and service, offers eighteen high quality superior rooms, two lavish suites and nine magnificent villas overlook the tropical grounds, pools or the Red Sea. Royal Savoy guests enjoy a private lounge where breakfast is individually prepared, a terrace, two private pools and a beach.

Complimentary canapés, snacks and drinks are served during the day and evening.

The private villas, each separately themed from contemporary to the Pharhaonic era, are for guests seeking elegance and the privacy of private swimming pools in their gardens.

It is hardly surprising that the stunn ing property came in the top 25 for TripAdvisor

ratings in three areas, including Best Spa in the Middle East, Best Service in the Middle East and the property was also rated number two out of the top 25 hotels in Egypt.

Sierra caters to families The Sierra is an all-inclusive hotel offering spectacular views from 393 deluxe rooms on two levels.

At the heart of the complex, a spectacular 2,000 sq m heated swimming pool bordered by swaying palm trees and relaxing sun loungers adds to the sociable appeal, enjoyment and fun. In all there are six pools.

The Health Club and Spa have treatment rooms and a sauna, Jacuzzi and steam facilities. A Kids’ Club has a mini-football pitch, trampoline and swings.

SOHO Square continues to innovate SOHO Square features superior wining and dining, entertainment and was recently voted Africa’s Leading Entertainment Centre by the prestigious World Travel Awards.

An ice-skating rink, 10-pin bowling alley and nightclub cater for all and international artistes attract huge crowds at concerts throughout the year.

For more information visit www.savoy-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

9

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 16:04 Page 10

Special Interview

UNWTO expects one billion arrivals in 2012 With international tourist arrivals expected to reach one billion a year by the end of 2012, BTN catches up with Taleb Rifai, UNWTO secretary general, to find out what is on the agenda for the organisation this year.

Taleb Rifai, Secretary General, UNWTO

10

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 16:04 Page 11

Breaking Travel News: Talk us through what is on the agenda for UNWTO in 2012?

Taleb Rifai: 2012 is an exciting year and something of a milestone for international tourism, with international tourist arrivals expected to reach one billion by the end of the year. Celebrating one billion tourists gives us an unparalleled opportunity to get across our main message: that tourism is a major player in economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction and a more sustainable future.

Yet, to fulfil these opportunities, and stimulate travel demand, particularly under the current economic conditions, we need to work more closely to remove some of the existing barriers to the expansion of the sector and expand its capacity to generate much-needed economic benefits and jobs. Examples of such barriers include unbalanced taxation, as well as lengthy and expensive visa procedures.

During 2012, UNWTO, alongside other organisations, such as WTTC, IATA, the WEF and ICAO, will work to advance the agenda of visa facilitation.

Major UNWTO events in 2012 include, among many others, World Tourism Day (September 27th), celebrated this year under the theme, ‘Tourism and Sustainable Energy: Powering Sustainable Development’, and officially hosted

by Spain. Sustainability is, in fact, one of our top priorities this year, with the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, or Rio+20, taking place in June.

On the whole, UNWTO will continue to work closely with its members on policies and practices to develop their tourism sectors in a competitive and sustainable manner. Work will continue on the issues of tourism in the Green Economy, consumer protection, market trends and statistics. We will also be supporting Egypt and Tunisia where UNWTO will hold two major conferences in April this year. At the same time, UNWTO will continue to implement technical assistance projects in over 100 countries around the world covering issues from tourism master planning to hotel classification.

BTN: International tourist arrivals grew by over 4% in 2011 to 980 million, according to the latest UNWTO World Tourism Barometer, with Europe leading the way. To what do you attribute the impressive 6% growth in Europe?

TR: Despite the economic uncertainty, Europe was the best performing region in 2011 with, for the first time in history, over half a billion international tourist arrivals. Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Mediterranean destinations experienced the best results, each growing by 8%. Although part of the growth in Southern Mediterranean Europe resulted from a shift in traffic away from the Middle East and North Africa, destinations primarily profited from improved outbound flows from markets such as Scandinavia, Germany and Russia and the flexibility demonstrated by the sector and the right choice of public policies.

BTN: Next year you have predicted a 4% 6% growth in Africa. How can lesser known destinations in the region take advantage of this expected surge? You recently urged companies to invest in Africa, which areas specifically would you say are priorities?

breakingtravelnews.com

TR: Africa has been one of the fastest growing regions in the international tourism market.

International tourist arrivals grew from 27 million in 2000 to 50 million in 2011, while tourism receipts, a vital source of foreign exchange for the continent, tripled in just one decade (from US$ 10 billion in 2000 to US$ 30 billion in 2010).

Lesser-known destinations have a lot to gain from building-up on brand Africa, while developing their own niche markets which often attract specialised high-end segments. In general, the factors critical to destination development are the existence of a business environment conducive to growth, adequate infrastructure and trained human resources.

Another key issue, particularly for Africa, is connectivity: improving air access to and within the region. A further important opportunity lies in increased regional cooperation in areas such as joint product development, marketing and travel facilitation, namely visas, making it easier for, and incentivising, tourists to travel between destinations.

Diversification is also key. Africa’s principal tourism products for the major source markets currently revolve around culture and nature.

These cultural and nature-based trips could be packaged in combination with Africa’s numerous other attractions such as beach tourism or the meetings industry, especially as Africa’s economic and trade links increase with other world regions such as Asia.

Sustainability should, of course, underlie all of the above. Tourists are increasingly aware of the culture and environment of the places they travel to. They are looking for destinations that not only do no harm to their surroundings, but actively make a positive difference. Emerging destinations and potential investors would be wise to keep this in mind as they develop tourism; investments in sustainability today will certainly pay off tomorrow.

BTN: With confidence in emerging markets expected to surge ahead of more advanced economies, which destinations do you expect to emerge as hotspots for 2012?

TR: Emerging economies had been leading tourism growth until 2011 when advanced economies took the lead. This was mainly due to the very strong results in Europe and the drop in arrivals in the Middle East and North Africa. This trend is expected to reverse once again in 2012, with emerging economies in Asia and the Pacific and Africa regaining the lead (growing at 4%-6%), followed by the Americas and Europe (2%-4%).

BTN: UNWTO is urging governments to consider advancing travel facilitation – in what ways can governments successfully do this?

TR: At a time of serious economic crisis, travel facilitation can be one of the most effective ways to boost national economies through tourism growth. Currently, complicated, lengthy and overpriced visa processes make it extremely difficult for many to travel, especially from rapidly growing emerging markets. By implementing measures to facilitate travel, in particular revising visas procedures, countries can stimulate demand and UNWTO is urging governments to consider

advancing travel facilitation, an area in which in spite of the great strides made so far there is still much room for progress.

Technology, much of which has already been developed (biometric passports for example, or online visa applications) will play a major role in travel facilitation and we encourage countries to share their ideas and best practices in this field.

UNWTO has also embarked, together with WTTC, on a research project that aims to evaluate the impact of visa facilitation on job creation in tourism across the G20 economies.

This study will be presented during the meeting of the T20 Ministers (Tourism Ministers from the G20 economies) to be held in Merida, Mexico (May 14th-15th, 2012).

BTN: Tourism Towards 2030 indicates potential for further expansion in coming decades. What will be the main challenges for the travel and tourism industry in realising this vision?

TR: UNWTO’s long-term forecast, Tourism Towards 2030, estimates that tourist arrivals will increase by an average 43 million a year over the next twenty years, reaching 1.8 billion by 2030. Both established as well as new destinations stand to benefit from this growth, provided they shape the appropriate conditions and policies conducive to growth.

The challenge lies in making sure this growth is sustainable, with maximum social and economic benefits for local communities and their built and natural environments. As such, it will be more important than ever that all tourism development be guided by the principles of sustainability.

BTN: What are the key priorities for the UNWTO going forward?

TR: While competitiveness and sustainability remain at the heart of UNWTO’s agenda and programme of work, there are also a number of more immediate priorities going forward. As I have mentioned, travel facilitation is a key issue and an area of particular relevance as countries look to grow their economies but cannot make use of fiscal incentives or public investment. Taxation is also a major concern.

The recent trend in introducing unbalanced taxation on travel continues to represent a serious setback for the sector and the hundreds of millions it employs, particularly in developing countries.

The political recognition of tourism’s economic potential continues to be a challenge. In this respect, UNWTO and WTTC will continue to present heads of state and government around the world with an Open Letter on the impact of tourism. So far, 18 heads of state and government have joined what we call the Leaders for Tourism Campaign, and in all cases it has been a unique occasion to draw their attention to the economic and social value of the tourism sector.

For more information visit www.unwto.org or go to Hall 20/127.

11

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 16:04 Page 12

Interview

Dieter Geiger, general manager, Savoy Sharm

Royal Savoy bucks the trend Despite a turbulent time for Middle Eastern tourism, the multi award winning Royal Savoy has gone from strength to strength and most recently has enjoyed tremendous benefits from the outstanding facilities offered at SOHO Square.

Breaking Travel News catches up with Dieter Geiger, the hotel’s general manager, to find out what’s new at the property.

Breaking Travel News: How is business at the Royal Savoy?

Dieter Geiger: As Royal Savoy has limited number of rooms demand is high. The Royal Savoy has a large number of repeat guests and occupancy for the Royal Savoy is between 60 per cent and 70 per cent throughout the year.

BTN: What is the main factor that differentiates the property from any other in the region?

DG: We are the World’s Leading Dive Hotel, which was awarded by TripAdvisor in the category. We have fantastic personalised service, excellent facilities, a private beach and extensive access to some of the best restaurants in the region.

BTN: Can you describe your recent developments and what will be rolled out in coming months?

DG: Currently we are in the final stage of completing additional standard rooms, suites, a new reception and lounge in order to satisfy the high demand for the Royal Savoy.

12

BTN: To what extent is being ‘green’ a priority for the Savoy group? Can you describe one of the top sustainable initiatives you have in place?

DG: Being green is a top priority. Various initiatives are implemented; these include sustainable garbage disposal, selection of green suppliers, and working with guests to conserve water so they can enjoy clean green holidays with us.

BTN: What types of travellers do you mainly target?

DG: The hotel is popular with mainly British and Scandinavian German, Dutch, Belgium, French, Italian, Ukrainian, Russian Polish, Rumanian and Bulgarian travellers.

BTN: Which emerging markets will you look to tap into in coming months?

DG: We are targeting Poland, Rumania, Bulgarian and Ireland.

BTN: To what extent are the internet, social media and mobile technologies a priority for the Savoy?

DG: In view of the fact that digital methods of communication and marketing are faster, more versatile, practical and streamlined, we made it a priority to move into the digital age as soon as possible.

Digital marketing is infinitely more affordable than traditional offline marketing methods. An email or social media campaign, for example, can transmit a marketing message to consumers for the merest fraction of the cost of a television advert or print campaign, and potentially reach the same, if not a wider, audience. The main benefits of conducting some of our marketing digitally include the ease with which results can be tracked and monitored.

BTN: Can you comment on how Sharm has evolved and changed over the past few years?

DG: Sharm El Sheikh has grown into a major player within top world destinations. Sharm has a generous spread of everything the leisure segment could wish for, and is excellent for family holiday’s, diving, relaxing, nightlife, ecotourism and cultural and religious holidays. We have the new SOHO Square which suits all segments of the client base, and provides shops, restaurants, ice skating and a wide range of entertainment for all guests to Sharm El Sheikh.

BTN: What do you consider to be the main challenges for the Savoy group this year?

DG: Rebuilding confidence in the destination, and ensuring that the impact of the current political status does not affect our markets.

BTN: In what ways has the political unrest in the Middle East affected business? What is your message for travellers who want to visit but have seen negative reports on the news?

DG: Tourist arrivals were down by 30 per cent from those in 2010. Our message to the travellers is this is a safe friendly destination dedicated to serving the needs of guests in a fun and relaxing manner; we look forward to welcoming everyone to our Oasis.

BTN: What are your main goals for 2012?

DG: Continuing to provide the best and finest service and facilities to guests, every day of the year. We look forward to welcoming one and all to our home in Sharm El Sheikh.

For more information visit www.savoy-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:19 Page 13

Interview The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh will host World Luxury Expo

James Blewman of World Luxury Group

World Luxury Group executive director, James Blewman, sits down with Breaking Travel News at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski to discuss plans for World Luxury Expo.

Breaking Travel News: We are here at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski to discuss the launch of World Luxury Expo – the first broad-based luxury exhibition in the Middle East. Can you tell us a little about the project?

James Blewman: World Luxury Expo will showcase the world’s leading ultra-luxury brands in a whole new light; a first in the Middle East. This is the first comprehensive luxury event of its kind in the region. We will be presenting the very best of all luxury sectors; everything from automobiles, aviation and hotels, to cigars, fashion, jewellery and even more will be on display

breakingtravelnews.com

World Luxury Expo headed for Saudi Arabia at new and iconic Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh from November 14th-16th 2012.

We have meticulously researched and targeted only the very best luxury brands from each industry sector to participate in World Luxury Expo, based on our strict participation criteria.

Robb Report Arabia is the leading luxury publication in the Middle East and is also the media partner for World Luxury Expo.

BTN: Who will be in attendance?

JB: The World Luxury Expo team are here at ITB Berlin with all the leading figures from the travel industry. We have received an overwhelming response from the luxury industry sector, especially among those from the Middle East.

Attendance is by invitation only, targeting an ultra-affluent and highly discerning audience.

A significant segment of the population in Saudi Arabia consists of young people with incredibly high purchasing power combined with an appetite and appreciation for luxury goods and services. The Middle East remains a hugely lucrative market for luxury goods, and major growth is expected in the region.

BTN: What is the attraction of hosting the event in Riyadh?

JB: Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia, which is the largest economy in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is also the number one in the world in terms of the number of households worth more than US$100 million. The wealth of GCC investors is set to grow to US$3.8 trillion by 2012.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, is an iconic and spectacular venue that is perfectly suited to host a prestigious event of this nature. The Ritz Carlton, Riyadh, is the pre-eminent address in Saudi Arabia to host the world’s leading luxury brands at World Luxury Expo.

BTN: How about the future for World Luxury Expo? How will it be judged a success?

JB: While this year is the inaugural event, World Luxury Expo will be an annual showcase in the Middle East. Our success will be measured in terms of attendance as well as exhibitor satisfaction.

World Luxury Expo is a truly unique event to the Middle East, offering a luxury platform that covers all luxury categories.

For more information on World Luxury Expo please visit www.worldluxuryexpo-riyadh.com

13

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:19 Page 14

Events

World Luxury Expo welcomed guests to the Hotel Adlon Kemplinski in Berlin

World Luxury Expo wows crowds at Hotel Adlon Kempinski During a star-studded event at the iconic Hotel Adlon Kempinski, World Luxury Group has outlined its plans for the first ever World Luxury Expo, which is set to take place at the Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh in November 2012.

Plans for the first ever broad based luxury exhibition designed to tap into Saudi Arabia’s ultra-affluent consumers have been unveiled at Berlin’s Hotel Adlon Kempinski.

World Luxury Expo will be staged in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital and commercial hub, at The Ritz-Carlton on November 14th-16th 2012, and will showcase the world’s leading luxury brands to Arabia’s fast-growing audience of high-net-worth consumers.

Prestige brands from a host of industries are lining up to take floor space at the inaugural event later this year with high net worth individuals also jostling for space at the invitation only event. World Luxury Expo will encompass everything luxury; with exhibitors in fields as diverse as fine dining, fragrance, furniture, banking, art and luxury automobiles taking their places.

Paul Jackson, chief executive at World Luxury Group, said: “Our aim is bring together the world’s most prized collection of luxury experiences for the most discerning clientele.”

Saudi Arabia is the perfect place to host just such an event, with a significant section of the

14

local population consisting of young people with incredibly high purchasing power. This, combined with an appetite and appreciation for luxury goods, makes Riyadh the ideal location.

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, also enjoys a preeminent address in the Saudi capital, set in 213,500 square metres of luxuriantly landscaped gardens. Originally envisioned as a royal guest palace for visiting dignitaries and heads of state, the hotel’s stately architecture is modelled on traditional Arabian residences.

World Luxury Expo forms part of a portfolio of events scheduled for 2012.

On the agenda for October 23rd-27th, World Luxury Fashion Week will present collections from the leading luxury fashion houses of the world to an exclusive and select group of private clients and invited guests from the Gulf Cooperation Council region.

Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, will play host to the event as it continues to rapidly establish itself as the luxury fashion capital of the Middle East. Over the next eighteen months this reputation will be further

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:19 Page 15

Paul Jackson, chief executive of World Luxury Group, left, with president Graham Cooke, right, at the Hotel Adlon Kempinski

enhanced as over seventy luxury fashion boutiques open, a trend which is forecast to continue for some years. Luxury fashion brand retailers have planned a rapid expansion into Abu Dhabi, which is set to nearly double its retail space by a further 900,000 square metres over the next four years.

The inaugural World Luxury Fashion Week is being staged at the new and iconic Jumeirah at Etihad Towers hotel; a contemporary and innovative design symbol of the new Abu Dhabi – modern, sophisticated and luxurious. The first Jumeirah hotel to open in the capital of the emirates, the dramatic sculptural form and spectacular design innovation has set a new scale for luxury experiences in Abu Dhabi.

This landmark hotel will set the scene for luxury experiences with 382 rooms and suites, 199 serviced residences, exceptional leisure activities, and uniquely designed, cutting-edge facilities for event and hospitality productions.

World Luxury Swimwear Show and World Luxury Lingerie Show complete the line up for 2012, with both set to be staged at worldleading Mardan Palace in Antalya, Turkey.

The property marks a longed for return to days of experiential luxury, paying homage to the elegance of an enchanting past. It offers a magnificent world where the royal splendour of illustrious empires meets today’s modern luxuries. The architecture of the hotel takes inspiration from the Ottoman Empire and the famous Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul.

World Luxury Swimwear Show is first up, taking place over the weekend of August 24th26th. During the event some of the world’s leading luxury swimwear brands will team up with some of the world’s most beautiful

Guests at the World Luxury Expo launch at Hotel Adlon Kemplinski

swimwear models, to show their collections at one of the world’s most breathtaking resorts.

Daily swimwear photo shoots and evening activities will take place on location. The main show will feature capsule catwalk collections from the world’s most luxurious swimwear brands, interspersed with celebrated live music acts, in the truly magnificent Dolmabahce Ballroom.

All of this will culminate in the ultra-affluent post-event celebration of the year.

For those looking to explore, Antalya, on the Mediterranean coast of south western Turkey, was the fourth most visited city by number of international arrivals in 2010 and has a population of just over one million. It is the eighth most populous city in Turkey and country's biggest international sea resort.

The Ice Bar at Hotel Adlon Kemplinski

The city stretches along the bay bearing its name, and is built at 39 meters altitude on a rocky coastline. Visiting, one is immediately struck by the Taurus Mountains rising to 3,086 meters above this coastline, interspersed with valleys of varying sizes. Land and sea everywhere meet the beaches stretching for miles or the steep cliffs.

The following weekend, August 31stSeptember 1st, World Luxury Lingerie Show will welcome leading luxury lingerie brands from around the globe to the resort.

Both events are set to be among the highlights of the fashion calendar this year.

For more information on World Luxury Expo please visit www.worldluxuryexpo-riyadh.com World Luxury Expo

breakingtravelnews.com

15

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:19 Page 16

News

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker shows the Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit the airline’s new Boeing 787 Business Class seat

Qatar Airways new 787 seats

Qatar Airways unveils new business and economy seats Qatar Airways has unveiled its new spacious and high-tech Business and Economy Class seats for its highly anticipated Boeing 787 aircraft that will be added to the fleet this summer.

The Mayor of Berlin Klaus Wowereit, together with other VIPs, joined Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker for the official unveiling of the seats on the opening day of ITB Berlin. The seats are a central feature of Qatar Airways’ new-look exhibition stand, which is making its debut at the five-day event.

Qatar Airways’ new 787s will feature a total of 254 seats in a two-class configuration of 22 i n Business Class and 232 in Economy.

Touch screen Android technology control units with a dual screen interface will debut on Qatar Airways’ 787s. Passengers will be able to select from 1,000 movie, TV programmes, music and gaming entertainment options.

Passengers can be fully connected through WIFI and GSM telephony, sending both text and MMS messages. Voice calls, although possible, will be disabled to minimise passenger disruption.

show drawer and side compartment for personal belongings. The seats, produced by B/E Aerospace, also feature generous 17-inch personal touch screen TV monitors and a wood trimmed sliding table In Economy Class, configured 3–3–3, the Recaro-produced seats embody the very latest in design technology and materials assuring all passengers have a high degree comfort and personal space. wth 7 inches of recline, both the seat cushion and backrest adjust to ‘cradle’ the passenger into greater comfort. The slimline seat design offers more personal space with an adjustable hammock-style headrest.

Each Economy Class seat is f itted with 10.6inch seat back TV monitors offering passengers optimum viewing of a wide array of in-flight entertainment options.

With Wi-Fi and GSM telephony options, all passengers throughout the aircraft can always be in touch with the ground during their flight.

Personal power ports are available in every seat, equipped with USB, MP3 and other charger ports, including laptop power outlets.

With a 1–2–1 configuration in Business Class, the layout features two less seats than conventional wide body aircraft, which Qatar claims is more typical of a First Class cabin in terms of space. Passengers can sit back and relax in a 22-inch wide armchair that converts at a touch of a button into different cradle positions before reaching an extremely generous 80-inch long, 30-inch wide flat bed offering exceptional legroom.

USB ports e nable holiday pictures from digital cameras to be viewed on the personal screens, while iPort connectors enable iPod and iPhone content to be displayed on passengers’ mini TVs ensuring they are fully connected to work and play.

Adjustable armrests can complement different body positions while dining, reading, working or resting. There is ample storage space such as a

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker explains: “As we prepare to take delivery of our first Boeing 787 just months away, we are

16

delighted to announce today a whole new passe nger travel experience with the unveiling of our brand new seats that will be onboard the world’s newest aircraft.

“The 787 aircraft architecture is such that a lot of attention has been placed by Boeing on spacious cabins, which we are maximising to ensure our passengers get what they pay for – value for money and a great travel experience,” added Al Baker, speaking at ITB Berlin, an event that attracts tens of thousands of travel industry professionals from around the world.

Qatar Airways is the first Middle East customer of the Boeing 787, with 60 aircraft on order, including options. The Doha-based airline is preparing to take delivery of five 787s during 2012, with the first set to arrive in Qatar this summer.

The carrier will initially operate the aircraft on intra-Gulf routes to provide flight crew with training hours before Qatar Airways’ 787 is scheduled to appear on static display at the Farnborough Air Show in July and then enter its first long-haul commercial service on the Doha – London Heathrow route.

As part of its 2012 expansion programme, the airline recently launched flights to the European capital cities of Tbilisi in Georgia and Baku in Azerbaijan.

For more information www.qatarairways.com or go to Hall 22.B/207.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:42 Page 17

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:42 Page 18

Egypt Special

Ruetz, Zaazou, and Buck, welcome the public to ITB Berlin

All the latest news from ITB Berlin partner country Egypt...

Breaking Travel News brings you up to date with all the latest from the Egyptian tourism sector.

Egypt welcomes public to ITB Berlin Egypt has outlined the attractions which are open to the general public at ITB Berlin during a press conference at the Messe Berlin Exhibition Grounds in Hall 5.3.

Speakers included Egyptian senior assistant minister of tourism Hisham Zaazou on the side of Egypt the Official Partner country of ITB Berlin, Martin Buck, vice president, CompetenceCenter Travel & Logistics, Messe

18

Berlin, and David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin, Messe Berlin.

The press conference was presented by ITB Berlin press officer Astrid Ehring.

Buck and Ruetz welcomed Egypt as official Partner country of ITB Berlin 2012 and then gave a briefing about this years' all-round ITB Berlin activities including country activities, travel raffles, extra shows and exhibitions, digital activities as well as the opening and closing ceremony.

The event was then handed over to Zaazou who held a compassionate speech about Egypt's touristic status quo after the revolution and tagged the ITB partner country project as a chance to rebuild tourism for Egypt. He gave a full briefing about all activities at and around ITB, starting from "Project ANKH" the outdoor

art project, to the food carts all over Berlin and the concert of Samaa band in the famous Gedaechtniskirche in the city centre of Berlin up to the theme of fusion at the grand ITB Opening Ceremony describing the panorama walkway "Egypt The Place and The Time", the folkloric dance show "The colours of Egypt", the ballet MalgrĂŠ Tout (In Spite of Every Thing) of the Cairo Opera and a Moulid where guests will be invited to dance with the performers.

After the speech there was a quick question and answer round before the speakers came together for a photo shoot in front of one of the ANKH sculptures, created by contemporary artist Mohamed Radwan, which depicts the faces of Egyptians of all backgrounds, ages, moods, reflected on the Ankh as the actual source for Egypt's eternal spirit of survival.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:42 Page 19

New flights from Sun Express Sun Express has confirmed it will operate, for the first time, charter flights between six different airports in Germany and touristic destinations in Egypt, namely Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Luxor.

Sun Express will serve 22 flights per week, seven flights of which to Hurghada, five to Sharm El Sheikh, five to Marsa Alam and five Double Touch flights to Hurghada via Luxor.

The airline carries over 4,158 passengers per week from the main German airports of Frankfurt, Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Dusseldorf and Stuttgart

Sun Express will offer flights to Luxor

Almost 16 tour operators acquired seats on Sun Express airline flights for the winter season, including RFI, RWE, Oger Tours, Schauinsland, Alltours, Oft Reisen.

Singer’s Tomb unearthed in Egypt

Sheraton Cairo Closed for major renovation Starwood Hotels & Resorts has confirmed the Sheraton Cairo Hotel Towers & Casino will be closed to allow renovation works to be completed while ensuring an on time re-opening in the summer of 2012.

The renovation, which began in 2010, is considered one of the most comprehensive ever completed within an operating property. The project includes 656 fully renovated guest rooms, nine renovated restaurants and bars, a new entrance, new façade, fully-equipped business centre, new ballrooms, health club and lobby.

All public areas will continue to reflect the historical standing of the hotel as one of the city’s landmarks since its opening in 1970.

The tomb was unearthed in the Valley of the Kings

Archaeologists have unearthed the 3,000-year-old tomb of a female singer in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, officials have revealed.

It is the only tomb of a woman not related to the Ancient Egyptian royal families ever found there, said Mansour Boraik, the top government official for the antiquities ministry in the city of Luxor.

The coffin of the female singer is remarkably intact. The singer’s name, Nehmes Bastet, means “she was believed to be protected by the feline deity Bastet”. The tomb was found by accident, according to Elina PaulinGrothe, field director for excavation at the Valley of the Kings with Switzerland’s University of Basel.

Archaeologists concluded from artefacts that she sang in Karnak Temple, one of the most famous and largest open-air sites from the Pharaonic era, according to evidence at the site. The unearthing marks the 64th tomb to be discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

Dahab International Festival of Watersports set for April return The Dahab International Festival of Watersports, Culture & Desert Adventure will be held in Dahab, Egypt, from April 14th-20th 2012. The festival, which is run by members of Dahab’s expatriate and the local community, is a symbol for the coming together of Egypt’s people and a Mecca for watersports, healing arts, music and Bedouin culture enthusiasts alike.

Hundreds of volunteers from the community of the resort are supporting the event which includes aqua sports, yoga and alternative healing professionals. Dahab, which is the Arabic word for gold, is located on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula and home to one of the world’s most famous diving sites, the Blue Hole.

The event offers visitors the opportunity to experience south Sina i’s watersports culture in full, offering free diving with experts, workshops, professional windsurf and kite surf displays. Those who are already a little bit more experienced can take part in wind or kite surf competitions as well as diving and buoyancy challenges.

breakingtravelnews.com

The festival also has free yoga classes and taster sessions of healing treatments such as facial rejuvenation, Reiki massages and crystal treatments. Street art, exhibitions and special movie screenings will also cater for all alternative arts lovers.

More events that promise to make the Dahab festival one of the most exciting holiday experiences in April include a kite competition, an underwater treasure hunt and photography competition, camel races, a sunset tow-in and a raft race across the bay with vessels made of plastic bottles.

In the evening, the city lights up with parties and bands playing all over Dahab, featuring not only local musicians and bands from Cairo but also DJs from throughout Europe for a truly multicultural nightlife experience.

Holidaymakers might also get lucky enough to experience another world record made or spot a celebrity.

In 2011, free-divers already set a new record by having 19 people holding their breath for at least three minutes at a time while world record free-diving champion Sara Campbell was one of the well known names to be involved in the event.

Watersports are a big part of Egyptian tourism

19

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:42 Page 20

News

City.Mobi develops mobile guide for Cairo As Egypt moves into the spotlight with a raft of new travel and tourism initiatives in 2012, leading city web development company World.Mobi have rolled out their latest mobile city guide for colourful Cairo.

Travellers can tap into what’s hot and what’s not during their stay in Egypt’s capital city via Cairo.Mobi, a simple, state of the art city travel guide which is available via desktop or mobile browsers.

From awe-inspiring pyramids and exquisite Islamic monuments to bustling bazaars, energetic belly dancers and buzzy public squares, this lively mobile guide showcases the heart of Cairo, dubbed the mother of the world.

Cairo.Mobi includes extensive information ranging from accommodations to restaurants,

shopping, nightlife, and transport. In addition there is emergency information to hand.

Additional innovative features include a currency converter and translating tool while web links and contact details are provided for all the featured services.

Commenting on the launch, Kelly Footit, head of development at World Mobi said: “Despite the challenging political situation in the region, Cairo has historically been a top holiday spot for travellers who are looking to combine culture, spirituality, history and excitement.

“Cairo.Mobi aims to help visitors (and residents) identify the best of Cairo with carefully researched information on local services that can be accessed quickly and easily while users are on the move.”

Designed specifically for the needs of travellers on the go, the guide loads efficiently and uses location awareness to help users find their nearest listings.

For more information visit Cairo.Mobi

World.Mobi enhance city guides World.Mobi have launched a desktop version of City.Mobi to enable more access to their portfolio of over 800 city guides for 185 countries. The directories list everything travellers have asked to know about hundreds of cities around the world.

Each city guide includes extensive information that travellers may need, ranging from accommodations, to restaurants, shopping, nightlife, and transport. In addition there is emergency information to hand. Other innovative features include a currency converter while web links and contact details are provided for all the featured services.

Kelly Footit, head of development at World Group explained: “Due to strong customer demand, we have rolled out a desktop version of City.Mobi which provides desktop users with a richer experience when visiting our popular city guides.

“Travellers can access up to date information to over 800 mobile city guides to 185 countries either on their mobile devices or on their desktops via a simple, state of the art tool that is quick and easy to use.”

For more information visit www.city.mobi

20

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:15 Page 21

Feature

Travel and tourism expected to pass $2 trillion in GDP Travel and tourism is set for a milestone year as the industry’s direct contribution to the global economy is expected to pass $2 trillion in GDP and 100 million jobs, according to the latest findings released by World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) during ITB Berlin.

David Scowsill at ITB

According these findings, the global travel and tourism industry will grow by 2.8% in 2012, marginally faster than the global rate of economic growth, predicted to be 2.5%.

This rate of growth means that Travel & Tourism industry is expected to directly contribute $2 trillion to the global economy and sustain some 100.3 million jobs.

When the wider economic impacts of the industry are taken into account, travel and tourism is forecast to contribute some $6.5 trillion to the global economy and generate 260 million jobs – or 1 in 12 of all jobs on the planet.

In 2011, Travel & Tourism’s total economic contribution, taking account of its direct, indirect and induced impacts, was US$6.3 trillion in GDP, 255 million jobs, US$743 billion in investment and US$1.2 trillion in exports.

This contribution represented 9% of GDP, 1 in 12 jobs, 5% of investment and 5% of exports.

WTTC president and CEO David Scowsill reveals: “In 2012, when international travellers are expected to surpass one billion for the first time, the industry will pass two other major milestones: a direct contribution of $2 trillion to

breakingtravelnews.com

the world economy and 100million jobs. But these numbers are dwarfed by the total forecast contribution of our industry –$6.5 trillion to the global economy and 260 million jobs.”

Meanwhile Qatar looks set to be the rising star in the Middle East, parts of which have been impacted by civil unrest and violence. Qatar is expected to see the fastest growth in the region this year at 13.2%.

Over the medium-term, the prospects of the industry are even more positive with average annual growth expected to be 4% through to 2022 by which time Travel & Tourism will employ 328 million people – or 1 in 10 of all jobs on the planet.

For more information visit www.wttc.org or go to Hall 6.3/415.

Scowsill continued: “It is clear that the travel and tourism industry is going to be a significant d river of global growth and employment for the next decade. Our industry is responsible for creating jobs, pulling people out of poverty, and broadening horizons. It is one of the world’s great industries”.

Other highlights that were discussed were South & Northeast Asia as the fastest-growing regions in 2012, growing by 6.7%, driven by countries such as India and China where rising incomes will generate an increase in domestic tourism spend and a sharp upturn in capital investment, and recovery in Japan.

21

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:15 Page 22

Live at ITB

Emad Aziz, Chairman Savoy Group

ITB 2012 is full This year at the world’s biggest trade show, ITB Berlin, all 26 halls at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds have been fully occupied with 10,644 exhibitors from 187 countries. An incredible array of colourful stands, tasty regional cuisine, costumes and lively music and dancing have filled the halls of ICC as over 110,000 trade visitors from all over the world descended on Messe Berlin. Some of the highlights include displays from leading hotels groups Jebel Ali International, Jumeirah, Rotana Hotels & Resorts and the Savoy Group who are among travel organisations bringing their latest innovations to the forum.

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers

22

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:15 Page 23

Anabela Radosevic, director of sales and marketing, Jebel Ali International Hotels at ITB Berlin

Sharjah wowed crowds

breakingtravelnews.com

Rotana is among the biggest hotel chains in the Middle East

23

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:15 Page 24

News

Qatar Tourism Authority appoints Hills Balfour

The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has appointed public relations firm Hills Balfour as it looks to establish itself as a leading destination for both leisure and business travel. This is the latest step for the destination as it seeks to grow its tourism industry by 20% in the next five years With 95% of visitors to Qatar currently arriving as part of business trips or in transit to other destinations, a key focus in the short term is attracting these visitors to spend an additional 48 hours in the country. And with coastline, dunes, year-round sun, great shopping and hotels as well as a packed calendar of sporting events, it has plenty for travellers seeking adventure and relaxation alike.

Qatar’s meetings and events sector is already a flourishing industry hosting over 60 major conferences each year. This will be boosted by the addition of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre, due to open in 2014, alongside a 263% increase in bed capacity from 8,000 to 29,000.

Following its successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as its bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, and its annual hosting of 80 international sports tournaments, the coming years will also see a focus on raising the destination’s sporting profile.

Hills Balfour will provide the Qatar Tourism Authority with trade and consumer marketing support, travel trade sales, meetings and convention marketing and an overarching strategic public relations programme to raise

24

awareness of the destination.

Qatar Tourism Authority chairman, Ahmed Abdulla Al Nuami commented: “Qatar has witnessed a significant increase in its profile following the decision in December 2010 by FIFA to base the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. We must now capitalise on this opportunity by establishing the country as a centre for leisure and business tourism. Our partnership with Hills Balfour is a very positive step towards this aim, as we look to grow this area of our national economy.”

Qatar is a modern and thriving country in the heart of the Middle East, which offers a blend of authentic Arabian experiences, top class accommodation and facilities.

From a centre for fishing and pearling trades in a bygone era, its identity has been shaped by an age-old seafaring civilization. Despite embracing growth, Qatar has stayed true to its roots, offering attractions and activities that reflect the culture and environment of the region.

Among the highlights, the capital city of Doha is home to the world renowned Museum of Islamic Art, which boasts one of the largest and finest collections of pieces from one of the

world’s great civilizations. For those looking for a truly Arabian experience, a camel back safari in the desert, camping in a luxury Bedouin tent is hard to beat.

With nearly 80 new hotels and 42 hotel apartments under construction, Qatar’s hospitality sector is growing at a great rate.

When complete, these developments will add a total of 21,107 rooms to the market. In the last few weeks alone the St Regis Doha and the Intercontinental Doha The City have become the latest world-class hotels to open their doors in Doha.

The Qatar Tourism Autho rity’s overriding strategy is to position the nation as a centre of business and trade in the Middle East, but with attractions that bear the characteristics of the unique Arab civilisation. To this aim, communications will draw inspiration from the country’s unique position as the link between the ancient Arabic culture and the world’s modernity and developmentand operational quality.

For more information visit www.qatartourism.gov.qa or head to Hall 22.B/206.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:46 Page 25

Feature

SOHO Square repositions Sharm as nightlife hotspot Since its grand opening in 2009, the award winning SOHO Square has catapulted Sharm El Sheikh into the spotlight, with an ever-growing array of bars, clubs and restaurants, offering a total holiday experience for all types of travellers, from families to newlyweds.

Conveniently located in-between the elegant five-star Savoy and the vibrant Sierra hotels, regular shuttle buses carry guests from their hotels to witness the incredible range of entertainment and buzzing nightlife in SOHO Square. An eclectic range of entertainment is available for the family during the day, from a soft-play area, to ten-pin bowling, ice skating and a Culturama Panorama. But it is during the evening that SOHO square swings into action.

Visitors from around the world have been flocking to witness and experience the fun and action . Most recently, the famous Pangaea nightclub has become a resident club for London’s hottest Kiss FM DJ’s including Jez Welham, Manny Norte, Charlie and Shortee Blitz.

For more mainstream music lovers, acts such as Peter Andre, UB40’s Ali Campbell and the legendary Boney M have taken to the stage in SOHO Square in recent months to play to their fans at the ‘World’s Leading Entertainment Centre in 2010’, as named by the World Travel Awards in 2010.

With resulting rising visitor numbers to Sharm el Sheikh, to ensure the local environment remains protected and even enhanced, SOHO Square developers have been committed to innovative environmental initiatives throughout

breakingtravelnews.com

its progression, with extensive garden fauna, solar-panel heating, water recycling and waste management.

Reflecting on the growth and success of this extraordinary development, Emad Aziz, Chairman of Savoy Hotel & Resorts International, which owns SOHO Square, revealed that it has exceeded all expectations.

“SOHO Square has outshone our wildest dreams,” commented Emad: ‘It is drawing tens if thousands of new visitors to Sharm El Sheikh.”

“We opened officially in April 2009 after all the restaurants and bars were completed. SOHO Square’s appeal is proving to be one of the top attractions for holidaymakers and residents in the Red Sea region,” says Mr. Aziz. “Interest in SOHO Square is fantastic.”

Seven restaurants offer a range of international cuisine ranging from traditional Egyptian food, to grill, or English pub style dining, and Asian cuisine including Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Indian. Meanwhile the new Hakuna Matata food hall has been designed with families in mind, catering to both adults and young children.

Most recently Africa’s first ever Ice Bar opened in SOHO Square, joining the other five stylish bars already available. In this popular spot, where warm weather clothing is provided, the walls, bar, seats, tables and even the glasses are made from ice.

SOHO Square boasts some of the best souks in Arabia including the recent opening of the new

As the Easter holidays approach, SOHO Square has a raft of events planned, sure to lure the most seasoned of clubbers as well as families and couples. In recent months, visitors have been flocking the lively square mile in Sharm el Sheikh, which now boasts some of the Middle East’s finest bars, cafes, restaurants, shopping and entertainment options.

Khan el Khalili bazaar. Meanwhile those looking high fashion and the latest accessories from all over the world can visit a collection of shops to rival any big cities. In addition there are shops which sell leather bags, purses and a specialist carpet shop offers hand-made Persian rugs, souvenirs and T-shirts.

As Jacques Peter, general manager of SOHO Square explains: “SOHO Square has definitely broug ht a new image to Sharm el Sheikh, with its multiple concepts, restaurants, bars, night clubs, entertainment, kid’s areas, outdoors facilities and shops.”

Developments in the pipeline include a sparking new Egyptian shopping mall that will span three floors, the spectacular 150 room SOHO Hotel and a tasty boulangerie. Although these plans are currently on hold following the turbulent year faced by the Egy ptian tourism industry, they should be rolled out soon.

In the meantime, a host of exciting events are set to take place, entertaining guests including performances by Kachacho Cuban band, Judge Jules and parties throughout the Easter period.

In recent months, as SOHO Square’s reputation continues to spread, airlines have been adding new routes to Sharm el Sheikh. Most recently, Monarch increased its programme of flights from Manchester to Sharm due to phenomenal demand.

For more information visit www.soho-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

25

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:46 Page 26

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:47 Page 27

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:47 Page 28

News Achieving profitability in 2011, a year earlier than planned, Etihad Airways has continued its meteoric rise in the world of aviation. Now, following deals with airberlin and Air Seychelles, the United Arab Emirates flag-carrier has its sights set on further growth in 2012.

Etihad Airways took another stride toward the summit of the global aviation industry in 2011, reporting a full-year profit for the first time.

Although initially only expecting to break even for the financial year, the flag-carrier of the United Arab Emirates reported a net profit of some $14 million.

Etihad soars into profit

While the figure may seem modest on a global scale, it must be remembered the carrier only took away for the first time in November 2003.

Now, just over eight years later, Etihad boasts annual revenues of £4 billion and a worldwide network that spans 259 destinations – more than any other Middle Eastern carrier.

This success was recognised by the World Travel Awards in 2011, with Etihad Airways walking off with the title of World’s Leading Airline for the third consecutive year.

But this is just the start for Etihad, with an ambitious team in Abu Dhabi outlining plans to maintain the carrier’s meteoric growth.

As chief executive James Hogan told Breaking Travel News: “Five years ago we said we would be profitable by 2011. Despite the global financial crisis, continued high oil prices, regional instability and natural disasters, we have delivered.

“Everything we said we would do, we have done. Now, we move into the next phase of our development whereby we deliver consistent, sustainable profitability.”

But it is not just the headline figures which are impressive at Etihad, scratch below the surface and there is much for the carrier to be proud of. Etihad carried a total of 8.3 million passengers in 2011, up 17 per cent on 2010, for example, while Etihad Crystal safely delivered 310,188 tonnes of cargo. Five new routes – Bangalore, the Maldives, the Seychelles, Chengdu and Düsseldorf – were also added last year.

airberlin Among the most striking developments at the carrier in the past few months has been the intensification of the successful partnership strategy, with Etihad making its first equity investment in another carrier – airberlin, Europe’s sixth largest airline. Announced in December 2011, the move adds 157 destinations to Etihad’s route network and offers access to 35 million new passengers.

28

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:03 Page 29

“The airberlin deal will be our most important catalyst for growth in 2012,” explained Hogan, “it has given us instant access to Europe’s largest travel market, and will have a major impact on revenues in 2012, with an expected contribution of up to US$50 million.

“And of course, 2011 marked the first full year of Etihad Airways’ strategic partnership with Virgin Australia, which offers 45 destinations in Australia and the Pacific, and boosted revenue by 700 per cent over what we achieved with our previous Australian airline partner.”

Back on the ground, Etihad has also signed partnerships with Formula 1 and Manchester City Football Club in the past year.

Manchester City will receive up to £400 million under a sponsorship arrangement with Etihad, making it the largest deal of its kind in sport.

The agreeme nt, which saw City’s home ground renamed the Etihad Stadium, also includes a ten-year extension to an existing shirt sponsorship deal, as well as financial backing for what will be known as the Etihad Campus, a vast area of land around the stadium that already includes the City Square fans' village, and has other major developments planned, including a new training ground and sports science centre.

Back in the Middle East, the carrier recently signed a four year extension to its title sponsorship arrangement with the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The deal will see Etihad fly two F1-liveried aircraft across its network over the coming years.

the airline setting a passenger traffic target of ten million along with a corresponding increase in profits.

“We will continue to look at opportunities in 2012,” continued chief executive Hogan.

“Already this year we have announced a second equity investment, in Air Seychelles, which is an important step towards growing our operations in the increasingly popular leisure markets of the Indian Ocean and Africa.”

Following the airberlin deal, Etihad to ok a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles as part of the strategic partnership alliance initiative. Under the terms of the deal Etihad will invest US$20 million in the carrier, with the sum to be matched by an equal capital injection by the government of Seychelles. In addition, Etihad Airways will also provide a shareholder’s loan of US$25 million to meet working capital requirements and support network development.

In the mid-term, Etihad ordered 100 new aircraft and 105 options and purchase rights at the 2008 Farnborough Air Show. This gives the carrier flexibility in its network growth, enabling it to meet passenger demand over the next ten years. To date, Etihad Airways has raised US$5 billion in external fleet financing, through a portfolio of 41 different financial institutions.

The airline is also set to continue its policy of fuel hedging, which has protected it from the volatility of oil prices. More than 80 per cent of fuel costs were hedged in 2011, while the figure for 2012 is currently 75 per cent.

Hogan said cost control had been a significant contributor to the airline’s profit, with costs per available seat kilometre, exclu ding fuel, being cut by 4.6 per cent in 2011 and 16.6 per cent over the last two years, representing annual savings of more than US$187 million.

“While we deliver an exceptional full service product, our management culture is that of a low cost airline,” he explained. “We have a forensic focus on cost control in every area of the business, aggressively targeting operational efficiencies.”

Back in UAE Despite its developing position on the global stage, Etihad has also remained true to its routes in the United Arab Emirates. At the end of 2011, the company had 9,038 employees, with Emiratis now making up 18 per cent of the headquarters workforce.

“Together, we have created the world’s leading airline, widely acclaimed for its best-in-class service,” added Hogan. “We have developed an extensive network across five continents, connecting the world through our hub in Abu Dhabi with the world’s most modern fleet of aircraft.”

Despite ongoing economic uncertainty, Etihad will again aim for strong growth in 2012, with

“We remain a business t hat is investing heavily in new routes, in new aircraft and in new infrastructure,” said Hogan. “In 2012, we will add seven aircraft and have already announced plans to extend our network in Asia and Africa.

In January, we commenced operations to Tripoli, and Shanghai and Nairobi will follow – all in the first quarter. In July, we will add an additional African destination – Lagos – and will continue to announce new destinations in the coming months.”

Etihad Chief Executive James Hogan

Peter Baumgartner, COO, Etihad Airways, celebrates at World Travel Awards

Moving Forward

breakingtravelnews.com

For more information check out www.etihadairways.com or visit Hall 22.B/211.

29

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:03 Page 30

Egypt Special Interview

Emad Aziz, Chairman of the Savoy Group Sharm el Sheikh tells Breaking Travel News about his extraordinary idea to recreate London’s Oxford Street in the spectacular SOHO Square.

The entrepreneur, who has been supporting the Tourist Board’s drive to rebuild consumer confidence in Egypt, sees a bright future for sunny Sharm, which has been attracting new visitors in recent months following exciting new developments at the Savoy Group.

Savoy Group brings boom to Sharm Breaking Travel News: What are your activities at ITB Berlin? Why is it such an important event?

BTN: Why did you decide to build SOHO Square? Has your vision been fully realised?

Emad Aziz: ITB is one of the best contracting and relationship building platforms in the world. This event allows us to promote not only the hotels’ profiles, but also that of the destination.

EA: SOHO Square was built to uplift the entire destination. Sharm needed an upmarket family entertainment centre and that’s exactly what it is. Good shopping, supervised children entertainment areas, restaurants for fine dining, coffee shops, bars and recreation are essential features and offer a calm upmarket and peaceful home to all within the destination.

In addition we seek to build new relationships with tour operators to ensure arrivals bounce back to pre-February 2012 levels.

BTN: What attracted you to the hospitality industry?

EA: I always wanted the world to experience the beauty and the sights of my country, the more hotels I build the closer I will come to fulfil my vision.

30

BTN: What’s new at the Savoy Group?

EA: We have only reached approximately 35% of our potential. We are constantly enhancing and improving our facilities. The expansion of the Royal Savoy has resulted in a new reception and lounge, which is in the final

stages of being built. The SOHO Hotel and Sky Hotel are under construction and the addition of Oxford Street, which will be an extension to SOHO Square is on the drawing board at the moment.

BTN: Can you comment on how Sharm El Sheikh has changed over the past few years? How do you see it evolving in future?

EA: Sharm has become a very reasonably priced, upmarket destination. It appeals to all market sectors and as it develops it will be a product and destination with nature and ecotourism at its heart which will continue to appeal to one and all.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:03 Page 31

Shops at SOHO Square

View of the stunning Savoy Sharm at night

BTN: What do you consider to be the main challenges that you need to address right now?

EA: To rebuild confidence in Egypt and the project the reality that Sharm is a city of peace and an ideal holiday maker’s destination.

BTN: What are your main goals and priorities for the next 12 months?

EA: To ensure that SAVOY Group continues to be the leader in our industry.

BTN: Are you looking to tap into any new emerging markets?

EA: Yes we are looking at Poland, Romania, Bulgaria and Ireland. We are also promoting Sharm as a night life destination with year

breakingtravelnews.com

round visits of top 50 DJ’s and international Superstars like Peter Andre and UB40 most recently. The Savoy’s excellent sporting facilities ensure that we remain on the cutting edge of the industry. The new international standard squash courts and hosting of the World Squash Series over the next few years is an additional enhancement which will tap into new market segments.

BTN: What is your message to travellers who are thinking of taking a trip to Egypt but uncertain due to media reports?

BTN: Is the future bright for travel and tourism in Sharm El Sheikh?

EA: The strength and resilience of both Egypt and Sharm El Sheikh combined with the natural ecosystems, cultural and entertainment resources will ensure as steady recovery for the region.

For more information visit www.savoy-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

EA: Egypt is a people loving country and continues to welcome tourists to their home.

The warmth kindness dignity and resilience of Egyptians will ensure that the beauty on land and in the sea, remain the shared home and domain of all people and friends of Egypt.

31

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:04 Page 32

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:18 Page 33

“T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U ST RY” WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

G R A N D TO U R 2012 Dubai • Korea • Kenya • Turks & Caicos • Portugal • India

Global Reach • Global Recognition • Global Rewards

awards@worldtravelawards.com

worldtravelawards.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:18 Page 34

News

Breaking News Breaking Travel News brings you up to date with the biggest stories from the global tourism industry.

Qatar Airways opens Oryx Galleria Qatar Airways has officially opened Oryx Galleria – a brand new boutique designed exclusively for Privilege Club members to redeem their Qmiles.

The walk-in-store, spread over two floors and located close to Doha International Airport, offers a wide range of over 600 branded products covering fashion apparels and accessories, fragrances, luxury watches, jewellery, electronics, toys, luggage, household appliances, gadgets, sporting goods and much, much more, which members can ‘purchase’ using their Qmiles.

Other items include Apple products such as iPods and iPads, exercise equipment, gaming

Malaysia Airlines joins Global Explorer oneworld member elect Malaysia Airlines has revealed it will be participating in Global Explorer, adding one of the most attractive networks in south-east Asia to the round-theworld fare offered by all members of the alliance and selected other airlines. For customers, the move represents a first step by Malaysia Airlines towards its integration into oneworld, which is on track for later this

34

consoles and digital SLR cameras. From a Mini Cooper ‘priced’ at just over 7.5 million Qmiles, a popular fragrance for only 10,500 QMiles, or a pool table on offer for 202,000 Qmiles, the choice is wide and varied. Gold card members will pay a special Qmiles rate on all products.

Qatar’s Civil Aviation Authority chairman, H.E Abdul Aziz Al Noaimi and Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker officially opened the new boutique at a media reception. Al Baker said Oryx Galleria was a unique retail proposition, different from the airline’s airport and in-flight duty free business. Al Baker added: “This new showroom has a wide selection of the world’s finest brand and product categories, designed to provide Privilege Club members with a world-

year – when it will start participating in the full range of the alliance's fares and offering all the alliance's other services and benefits.

Malaysia Airlines' full global schedule, covering 60 destinations in nearly 30 countries worldwide, will be covered by the Global Explorer round-the-world fare. This will add almost 20 more cities in south-east Asia and two more countries - Brunei and Myanmar - to the Global Explorer map, expanding the roundthe-world fare's global coverage to more than

class customer experience, as well as an alternative to redeeming Qmiles on air tickets.”

“At Qatar Airways, we always keep looking for ways to bring additional value to our customers.

This latest initiative reinforces our commitment to provide o ur most loyal customers with new and unique benefits that are fitting for being members of the best frequent flyer programme in the region. Customer research has shown our loyalty club members are looking for more redemption options and greater flexibility, so Oryx Galleria was conceived not as a paper catalogue but a real boutique where customers can walk in and browse through the large variety of products available for redemption using their Qmiles,” Al Baker concluded.

900 destinations in some 150 countries.

Global Explorer also covers all routes offered by oneworld's existing member airlines American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, LAN, Malév Hungarian Airlines, Qantas, Royal Jordanian and Russia's S7 plus some 20 affiliated carriers, including LAN Argentina, LAN Ecuador, LAN Peru, China's Dragonair and South Africa's Comair.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:18 Page 35

AMV BBDO appointed to head up press for Eurostar

decision to develop a unified and coherent approach across all of its different markets.

Eurostar has selected AMV BBDO to provide creative and advertising services across all markets, following a multi-stage pitch process. AMV BBDO will work alongside Eurostar as lead creative agency in the strategic development of its pan-European advertising. In partnership with CLM BBDO who will take responsibility for activation in France and Belgium, they will deliver a suite of communications for the UK, France and Belgium, with the first campaign due in the autumn.

Lionel Benbassat, director of marketing and brand for Eurostar commented: “In September 2010 our business transformed from a partnership into a single, unified corporate entity with ambitious growth plans and an increasingly international outlook. To underpin this new direction we require creative agencies that can execute our brand strategy across all of our global brand communications as a well as from a local perspective.

The decision to appoint a new creative agency followed Eurostar’s strategic

“During the pitch process AMV BBDO and their partner CLM BBDO showed they were best equipped to deliver our objectives and

demonstrated a real understanding of the market, the opportunities and the challenges we face. They are a great fit for us and we’re looking forward to working with them during what will be an exciting period of growth for our business.”

In 2011, as part of this same, strategic process, Eurostar unveiled a new visual identity and its first pan-European advertising campaign to reflect the evolution of its business and its new, consistent brand personality.

This appointment follows a final stage pitch process, which included CHI & Partners with JWT Paris and Leg with Euro RSCG London.

New Premium Economy Class at Cathay Pacific Cathay Pacific has taken delivery of a new Boeing 777-300ER, the first aircraft to feature its Premium Economy Class product and new long-haul Economy Class seats.

The aircraft – the airline’s 25th 777300ER – arrived at Hong Kong International Airport earlier this month.

New ship for Royal Caribbean Royal Caribbean Cruises has exercised its option to build a second Sunshine-class cruise ship to be delivered in the spring 2015. The ship will be built by German shipbuilder Meyer Werft on substantially the same terms as the first Sunshine ship. “This confirms our continued confidence in the success of this new generation of ships and our strong conviction about the Royal Caribbean International brand,” said Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Royal Caribbean Cruises is a global cruise vacation company that also operates Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, Pullmantur, CDF Croisieres de France, as well as TUI Cruises through a 50 per cent joint venture with TUI AG. The company owns a combined total of 40 ships and has three ships on order. It also offers unique land-tour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Dubai, Europe and South America.

breakingtravelnews.com

Speaking at a ceremony celebrating the event, Cathay Pacific chief operating officer Ivan Chu said: “This is an important development for Cathay Pacific – another big step in our commitment to provide outstanding products and services to our passengers. We’re confident that both these new products will be winners, especially when combined with the famous Cathay Pacific service.”

As well as introducing a totally new seat and entertainment system, Cathay Pacific has designed the entire customer experie nce to be more special for its new Premium Economy Class passengers. To begin

with, the new Premium Economy experience features a quieter, more spacious cabin than the traditional Economy Class with between 26 and 34 seats per aircraft. The seat pitch is 38 inches – six inches more than Economy Class – and the seat itself is wider and has a bigger recline.

It has a large meal table, cocktail table, footrest, a 10.6-inch personal television, an in-seat power outlet, a multi-port connector for personal devices and extra personal stowage space.

Complementing these features, passengers will also benefit from priority check-in at dedicated counters and priority boarding before Economy Class passengers.

Increased baggage allowances, an environmentally friendly amenity kit, larger pillows and noise-cancelling headsets will also be offered to Premium Economy passengers.

Passengers can book the Premium Economy seats for flights departing from April 1st onwards which will initially be featured on selected flights on Sydney, Toronto, Vancouver, and New York routes.

35

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:18 Page 36

Welcome to the most luxurious resort in the Mediterranean where the finest Turkish Hospitality is delivered with passion and commitment. The Mardan Palace Antalya marks a long return to the days of experiential luxury, paying homage to the elegance of an enchanting past. An awe inspiring world where the royal splendor of illustrious empires meets today’s modern luxuries.

A place recreating the extraordinary palatial architecture of ancient Ottoman days combined with a great passion for service and quality are the prime ingredients to tailor-make oriental fairytales.

World’s Leading Spa

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:34 Page 37

Mardan Palace, the new grand palatial splendour for the modern luxury traveller in Antalya on the Turkish Riviera.

Home to the destination’s first real sumptuous resort located on 180.000m² highlighting 560 elegantly decorated rooms & suites, 25 different restaurant/bar concepts brought from around the world, various meeting and conference facilities, the gigantic 7.500m² spa and one of the biggest swimming pools of the world complementing various recreational facilities. Additionally 4 international aquariums, a traditional amphitheatre, tremendous water trick fountains and a unique swim reef are just some special amenities to be featured.

The highest expectations of today’s international luxury traveler will be exceeded.

A luxury Destination is Born again.

Kundu Köyü Oteller Mevkii, Lara 07110, Antalya • Tel: +90(242) 310 4100 • Fax: +90(242) 310 4200 www.mardanpalace.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:34 Page 38

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:34 Page 39

Join the reading revolution ■ ■ ■ ■

33% of digital content readers are spending more money on buying things online They watch 25% less television 43% want dynamic advertising – allowing them to interact with ads 54% want to be able to purchase the things they see in magazines directly from the magazine Research: Harrison Group

Since we launched in 1993, the World Travel Awards team has had the rather enviable task of scouring the globe in search of the ultimate in luxury travel – those out-of-this-world places and experiences where memories forged will last a lifetime.

Best in Travel blends our unrivalled first-hand knowledge with leading-edge interactive technology to create the definitive guide to the world’s most glamorous travel experiences.

Opportunities for advertisers include: flash page • embedded video box • giant video box • giant video box advertorial • bespoke page advertorial

advertising@bestintravelmagazine.com subscribe@bestintravelmagazine.com bestintravelmagazine.com

The digital magazine for luxury travel by World Travel Awards Produced by

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:34 Page 40

Egypt Special World Travel Awards has honoured the Pyramids at Giza

Top stories from ITB Berlin partner country Egypt...

EgyptAir announces new chairman and CEO Captain Hossam Kamal has taken over the position of chairman and chief executive of EgyptAir Holding Company. He brings more than 29 years of experience within EgyptAir and with the move following his 2009 appointment as EgyptAir vice chairman.

According to EgyptAir, during his tenure as a vice chairman Kamal achieved a significant level of success and played a substantial role in many influential projects that actively supported and enhanced EgyptAir’s performance.

Kamal is known for offering excellent business solutions, the company has said. He was a board member of EgyptAir Holding Company where he played a key role in the EgyptAir expansion plan and businesses modernisation.

Moreover, Kamal chaired several strategic committees adopting the qual ity improvement in all EgyptAir subsidiaries and coordinating with Egyptian airports to bring forth simplifying the operation. He also led the EgyptAir investment plan committee that added positively to the development and cost reduction initiatives.

He headed the branding committee which managed the transition period of EgyptAir to the new brand and upgraded customer service.

Captain Kamal is an active B777 pilot, trainer and examiner with experience exceeding 13,000 flying hours. His subsequent career within the flight operation sector brought him to the position of GM Flight Operations Training in which role he was involved in promoting safety and operational quality.

40

Over one million Brits visit Egypt in 2011 The Egypt Tourism Authority has announced that a total of 1,034,413 British holidaymakers visited Egypt in 2011. This makes the UK the second most popular tourist nationality to visit the home of the ancient Pharaohs, topped only by Russia with Germany coming third.

It has also been announced that the average UK holidaymaker spends 11.45 nights per annum in Egypt; which is well known for its warm and timeless hospitality and its great value for

money. With an excellent climate throughout the seasons, year-round sunshine, two stunning coastlines and desert beauty, its broad cultural spectrum with relics of history that date back thousands of years never cease to attract travellers.

The statistic shows that Egypt continues to be an important and very popular tourist destin ation for British holidaymakers. The fact that tour operators have recently increased their capacity and Egyptair has expanded their flight offer emphasises this and indicates that visitor numbers will continue to grow in 2012.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:24 Page 41

Sonesta Nile Cruises at the World Travel Awards

Egypt wins big at World Travel Awards The resilience of Egypt’s travel and tourism industry has been acknowledged at a Gala Ceremony hosted by the World Travel Awards at the SOHO Square in Sharm el Sheikh. A number of Egyptian tourist attractions, hotels, and organisations emerged victorious at the WTA 2011 Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony.

Winners included the Pyramids of Giza, which beat off stiff competition from Victoria Falls, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro to win the title of “Africa’s Leading Attraction”.

Egypt also won “Africa's Leading Marketing Campaign”, Sharm El Sheikh was acknowledged as “Africa's Leading Beach Destination”, and Soho Square also won “Africa's Leading Entertainment Centre”.

On the other side, Abercrombie & Kent won “Africa's Leading Luxury Tour Operator”, Four

Hertz records boom in Egyptian car rental The boom in online shopping across the Middle East is spreading to car rentals, and Hertz UAE expects major growth in 2011 to continue at the same rate this year.

The UAE market leader has announced it experienced a 35 per cent increase in online bookings for daily and weekly car rentals in 2011 over 2010.

This follows a recent report by research firm Euromonitor International which said online sales in the Arab world are forecast to top US$2 billion by 2016, amid a boom in ecommerce in markets including the UAE and Egypt.

Online shoppers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt spent $1.01bn on internet retail sites last year, and Hertz UAE’s online sales growth was driven by increased brand awareness.

“We ran various inbound and outbound campaigns on Hertz.ae and Hertz.com and used collateral, indoor and outdoor media, and direct marketing to promote both websites,” said Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE. The increase is split evenly between inbound and domestic UAE business, with the biggest increase inbound coming from western audiences, largely from Europe and the US.”

breakingtravelnews.com

Season's Sharm El Sheikh was recognised as “Africa's Leading Luxury Resort”, Savoy Sharm El Sheikh took home the “Africa's Leading Resort” title and Sonesta Nile Cruises won “Africa's Leading River Cruise Company”.

Meanwhile, Egypt Air saw off the likes of South African Airways, Air Namibia, Kenya Airways and Royal Air Maroc to collect the title of “Africa’s Leading Business Class Airline”.

Other blue ribbon winners included Sheraton Miramar Resort El Gouna, which walked off with the title of “Africa’s Leading Beach Hotel”, Kempinski Nile won “Africa's Leading City Hotel”, Jolie Ville Golf & Resort was “Africa’s Leading Golf Resort” and Savoy Group “Africa's Leading Hotel & Leisure Management Company".

The industry’s elite – including government ministers, tourist board chiefs and chief executives of blue-chip travel companies – travelled from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to attend the glittering Gala Ceremony,

which was headlined by Lebanese music sensation Carole Samaha.

Graham Cooke, president and founder, World Travel Awards, highlighted travel and tourism’s crucial role in Egypt’s new era of democracy and opportunity. He said: “Egypt is proving a textbook example of world-class destinations demonstrating an incredible ability to bounce back.

“Its phenomenal array of attractions – from the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to the diving and beaches of Sharm El Sheikh – will ensure that tourism remains integral to the evolution of the new Egypt. Hosting our Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in Sharm el Sheikh is a celebration of how travel and tourism is serving as a force for good and a catalyst for change,” he concluded.

For more information go to www.worldtravelawards.com

Grand Egyptian Museum to open in 2015 Egypt's antiquities minister Mohamed Ibrahim Ali has announced the start of the final phase of construction at the Grand Egyptian Museum, scheduled for inauguration in 2015.

The new museum is being built on the Cairo-Alexandria Road, overlooking the Giza Pyramids. Ali said that the project will cost LE5billion, adding that the Japanese government had provided a large part of the funding as a soft loan to be repaid within ten years of inauguration.

The present phase of construction is scheduled to last three years and four months, ending in August 2015. The opening was previously scheduled for March of the same year. The project, that was the initiation of the previous minister of antiquities, currently provides 5,000 job opportunities, with another 15,000 work opportunities expected once it is opened.

The new museum will secure a substantial income for Egypt.

41

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:24 Page 42

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:24 Page 43

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:24 Page 44

News

Breaking News Breaking Travel News brings you up to date with the latest from around the world.

Renovations at Sandals Sandals Resorts International (SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, has announced exciting enhancements to a variety of its Luxury Included resorts this upcoming season. As a recognised leader in the luxury hospitality sector, SRI has built a reputation for creating timeless holidays through exceptional services and amenities. In order to stay ahead of the curve, SRI has undertaken large scale renovation projects at several of its resorts which are part of a huge investment plan to expand and enhance the company’s offerings in the Caribbean over the coming decade.

“Innovation is essential to staying relevant” said Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, founder and chairman

of SRI. “We have restlessly pursued exceeding guest expectations and as we move forward we will continu e to invest in our products and our people.”

Properties in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Turks & Caicos, Antigua and Saint Lucia will all be upgraded, with Sandals in line to spend over $500 million on the projects. As with all Luxury Included holidays, guests of the newly upgraded Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts will experience the finest beaches of the Caribbean, with unprecedented luxurious amenities that include deluxe accommodations, premium brand wine and spirits including wines by Beringer Vineyards and El Dorado Rum, international a la carte culinary delights, land and water sports including SCUBA for certified divers, airport transfers and all resort taxes and fees.

Etihad raises baggage allowance for premium guests Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, has increased baggage allowances for all Pearl Business class and Diamond First class guests by ten kilograms. Guests travelling in Pearl Business class will now have an allowance of 40kg, and guests in Diamond First class will have an allowance of 50kg.

Members of the Etihad Guest frequent flyer programme travelling in the Diamond First class or Pearl Business class cabins will be able to enjoy additional baggage allowances. For example, an Etihad Guest Gold member will now be able to take as much as 65kg of baggage when flying in Diamond First class.

Etihad Airways chief commercial officer, Peter Baumgartner, said: “We are delighted to be able to reward our premium guests and loyalty program members with an additional luggage allowance. At Etihad Airways, we are always looking to make the experience of flying as simple, convenient and rewarding as possible. We believe this increased allowance will prove very popular with our guests.”

44

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:14 Page 45

Ten years at Gatwick for easyJet easyJet has celebrated ten years since its first flight took off from Gatwick. In the decade since that first flight to Barcelona easyJet has become the biggest operator at the airport. easyJet now operates 50 aircraft flying around 300 flights a day to and from Gatwick, with a choice of 94 destinations throughout Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Since first taking off at Gatwick, easyJet has flown more than 70 million passengers from the airport and is celebrating the milestone with commemorative gifts and entertainment for passengers checking in for flights throughout the morning.

Last year alone easyJet added more than ten new routes from Gatwick, including: Amman, Bari, Catania, Fuerteventura, Seville, Izmir, Bologna, Verona, Zagreb and Aberdeen.

Catherine Lynn, easyJet's customer and revenue director, said: “We’re excited to be celebrating a decade of service to passengers at Gatwick Airport and are proud that we have grown to become the largest airline at the airport in that time. Our success is testament to easyJet’s commitment to listening to our passengers and adding routes to the destinations they tell us they want to fly to at the most convenient times. Our mission is to make

travel easy and affordable and we are dedicated to sustaining further growth over the coming years.

“Over the past ten years easyJet has developed its offering to business passengers, the airline now offers 45 business destinations to choose from with many flights leaving before 09:00.

Frequency has also increased across many routes including Barcelona, which now flies six times day from London Gatwick,” concluded Lynn.

Nuaimi, who chairs the WOC 2012 Host City Sub-committee on behalf of the congress supporter Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

And the congress, the world’s oldest continuous medical meeting which is being held in the Middle East for the first time, is also expected to spur interest in Abu Dhabi as a host venue for major meetings.

“Regional convention spin-offs are a likely outcome of staging an international convention of such a large scale and size,” explained Al Nuaimi.

World-class events in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi has hosted its largest ever convention, the World Ophthalmology Congress 2012. More than 10,000 attendees passed through the doors of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) with the event delivering a huge direct economic benefit to the emirate with predictions that it will also spur increased interest in the city as a vibrant meetings hub.

breakingtravelnews.com

An economic impact forecast by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority suggests WOC 2012’s direct economic benefit to Abu Dhabi is US $21,880,540 with an average delegate spend of US $523.

“Of course the return for the emirate will be much more substantial once combined with the indirect economic benefit, such as the spend in local shops on services, souvenirs and at attractions and on tours,” explained Mubarak Al

The congress is considered a benchmark for Abu Dhabi’s meetings capabilities. “It is allowing us to show, to a highly influential audience, our much stronger business tourism credentials,” said Al Nuaimi. “For instance, the WOC 2012 Chairman’s dinner was held at Yas Marina Circuit and was attended by around 600 WOC officials and their guests and a Cultural Night was held at Emirates Palace with demand being so great that once the event sold out, organisers had to put in every possible extra seat within the confines of the venue. There delegates and guests got a taste of Arabin hospitality and also become acquainted with this iconic hotel, which ranks amongst the world’s most opulent. We are showing our diversity of venues and how meeting requirements can be met in innovative and inspiring surroundings.

45

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:15 Page 46

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:15 Page 47

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:15 Page 48

Interview

Jacques Peter

SOHO Square shines

Tepanyaki Bar at SOHO Square

Breaking Travel News catches up with Jacques Peter, SOHO Square general manager to find out the latest news from this spectacular development.

Breaking Travel News: How is business at SOHO Square?

tournaments for visitors and residents. SOHO has become trendy and is the place to be!

Jacques Peter: SOHO square is doing quite well these days as it has now established a strong reputation. We are currently experiencing 2,000 to 2,500 visitors a day and on special nights more than 3,000 visitors.

BTN: What new developments have taken place at the square over the last 12 months?

BTN: What impact has SOHO Square had on tourism in Sharm?

JP: SOHO Square has definitely brought a new image to Sharm el Sheikh, with its multiple concepts, restaurants, bars, night clubs, entertainment, kids’ areas, outdoors facilities and shops.

We deliver on our promise of; quality, service, value for money, prime products, high standards of hygiene, safety and discipline.

There is an array of cuisine to sample from the food court, ranging from fine dining, to casual or semi-formal bars. In addition there is daily entertainment for the whole day, daily shows and bands, hassle free shopping, price labelling, cleanliness and safety. We are trusted by our patrons, tour operators, travel agents, locals and residents.

SOHO is now a landmark part of Sharm el Sheikh and a must see for all travellers.

BTN: Can you comment on the evolution of the amazing development?

JP: We have succeeded in creating a major attraction combining entertainment, dinning, shopping and night life. With weekly very well attended parties in Pangaea and Caligula night clubs. Dining spots such as Bombay and l’Entrecote restaurants are now rated as number one in Sharm el Sheikh by visitors and residents. The dancing fountain has become one of the most visited spots in Sharm el Sheikh. Countless events are held on a monthly basis including birthday parties, kids’ days, special dinners, bowling and squash

48

JP: Due to the current situation in Egypt most of the developments are on hold.

We are therefore concentrating on uplifts, renovations, staff training. Strengthening our position on the market is a priority.

Major projects currently on hold include: • A three story Egypt Mall, which sells Egyptian products only including a food court.

• The 150 room SOHO Hotel • A Boulangerie (Bakery) BTN: What plans do you have in the pipeline in coming months?

JP: DJ Judge Jules will play a spectacular outdoor party on 16th April, while the Kachacho Cuban band will play live performances between April and May. In addition there will be Easter parties and promotions and we are planning the transformation of the Teppan-yaki restaurant, to include an additional grill table.

BTN: What types of travellers do you mainly target?

JP: SOHO Square targets and welcomes all visitors including Western and Eastern European and Middle East travellers, not to mention Egyptians, residents and expatriates!

And all types of travellers are catered for from families to children, couples and clubbers.

BTN: What types of activities do you have to cater to children?

JP: There is a wide range of activities for children including: • Child Game Zone including computer games • Soft Play Zone, which is a room with slides, obstacles, fun climbing

• The Children Zone offers a carousel, mechanical cars, planes, helicopters, fairy grounds • A Bowling Alley with six lanes • Akuna Matata, which is a food court serving fast and easy food In addition to these facilities, we celebrate kids’ day, with shows and animation, face painting, dancing and competitions. We also host kids’ birthday parties for visitors and local residents.

BTN: Which emerging markets will you look to tap into in coming months?

JP: Following the Sharm el Sheikh markettrends as mentioned before, we welcome everyone! In terms of current emerging markets, we are targeting Poland, Romania, Bulgarian and Ireland BTN: There has been a lot of focus on musicians and DJs playing in SOHO Square.

What effect have these gigs and events had on the destination?

JP: International stars and DJ’s have helped to place SOHO and Sharm el Sheikh on the “map” for providing top entertainment. It has ensured huge exposure to the British and MiddleEastern markets. We currently have a number of on-going campaigns with UK radio stations promoting the SOHO and Savoy group.

BTN: What are your main goals for 2012?

JP: Out goals include continuing and focusing on providing the best service and entertainment to our patrons. We are also reaching out to the maximum target audience with the SOHO VIP card, extending the applications to Cairo and Egypt’s main cities.

On-going marketing campaigns are mainly taking place in the UK, Middle East and locally.

For more information visit www.soho-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:17 Page 49

Feature

Pangaea night club at SOHO Square

Sharm el Sheikh – Egypt’s party capital Sharm el Sheikh, on the shores of the Red Sea, is renowned as the party capital of Egypt, with the resort now attracting some of the world’s most discerning clubbers.

The laid-back desert vibe, the beautiful setting, and a packed roster of world-class DJs have helped transform Sharm el Sheikh into a worldclass clubbing holiday destination.

The area’s tourism potential was first spotted by the diving fraternity back in the sixties, with beach lovers from around the world falling in love with the incredible diving of the Red Sea. Word soon spread and Sharm also became popular as a family holiday destination.

The crystal waters of the Red Sea, the perfect climate and a backdrop of mountains make it ideal for families of all ages.

Clubbing in Sharm el Sheikh Sharm is now also now becoming a clubbing hotspot with some of the best music around and a music scene to rival the other holiday clubbing hotspots.

SOHO Square is a hub of entertainment and activities. It hosts live music as well as the more

breakingtravelnews.com

experimental electronic-based sounds. There is something for everyone, with Boney M and Peter Andre having taken to the stage, while UB40’s Ali Campbell also popped in.

This coming August guests will be watching the square come alive with DJ Judge Jules bringing the house down under the clear warm skies.

The legendary Desert Party thrown by Dolce Vita is one of the highlights of the annual calendar. Set against a perfect backdrop of stars and mountains, this is a party not to be missed by regular clubbers and those just looking for a new experience.

Dolce Vita opens its desert parties every Wednesday night and the Taj Mahal every Friday Space is another essential club experience. The club boasts two outdoor areas and a covered lounge area. It is situated at the top of Naama Bay and is famous for its laser and light show produced by the same team behind the sight and sound show at the Pyramids of Giza.

Situated inside the Savoy Hotel, Caligula is a club with a difference with stunning décor designed to imitate a Roman amphitheatre. The club s pecialises in the latest hip hop every Sunday night and has a reputation that brings in a crowd from far and wide.

Pangaea nightclub, situated in the heart of SOHO Square, has become home from home for many of the Kiss FM DJ’s over the last year with visits from Jay Z’s favourite British DJ Manny Nortes; Drive Times Jez Welham; the breakfast show host Charlie, renowned for playing the very best in house music when she lets loose into the clubs and the UK’s number one hip hop DJ’s Shortee Blitz.

Upcoming events include Judge Jules in Soho Square 16th April 2012, while Kiss Weekender moves to Sierra Hotel in June for a week with all top DJ’s details to be announced.

Sierra is part of the Savoy Group Hotels.

For more information visit www.soho-sharm.com or go to Hall 23.A/100.

49

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:17 Page 50

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:17 Page 51

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 11:18 Page 52

Feature

The Oberoi, Gurgaon, is setting the trend in luxury space

World Travel Awards 2012 Grand Tour set for flying start World Travel Awards has confirmed Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa will host the first of its five regional ceremonies on April 30th as the 2012 Grand Tour begins. The winners will progress to WTA’s Grand Final, which will take place at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, India in December.

World Travel Awards – known as the ‘Oscars of the travel industry’ – has announced plans to host its Middle East Gala Ceremony at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa in Dubai on April 30th 2012. The evening will mark the opening leg of WTA’s 2012 Grand Tour, a global search for the very best travel and tourism organisations in the world, covering five continents with nominees drawn from 162 countries.

WTA’s Middle East Gala Ceremony will be held in Dubai for the fifth year in succession, underscoring how the emirate is driving travel trends not just in the region but throughout the world. Located close to Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is home to a breathtaking range of attractions, including an 800-metre palm-lined private beach, championship golf course, horse-riding stables and diving centre.

World Travel Awards founder Graham Cooke believes the selection of hosts is fundamental to the success of the world’s most influential travel awards programme.

52

He said: “I am delighted that we will be returning to Dubai for what promises to be the most exciting and competitive Middle East Gala Ceremony yet. The emirate is a hotbed of fresh ideas being put into practice, as exemplified by our host, Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. The resort has remained the market leader for families throughout its illustrious 30-year history by continually reinventing itself and staying ahead of the curve.”

in 2011, winning the World’s Leading Family Resort trophy, we are keen to show our Middle Eastern colleagues the changes we’ve made at the resort that justify this prestigious award. At Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa we pride ourselves on being a family resort and are constantly reinventing the offering in order to push the boundaries of travel excellence.”

Europe Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa is the flagship resort of Jebel Ali International Hotels, and consists of two five-star properties, Palm Tree Court & Spa, which has recently undergone a full refurbishment, and Jebel Ali Hotel, which offers views over the Arabian Gulf.

David Thomson, regional general manager, Jebel Ali Internationals Hotels, is delighted to host WTA Middle East Gala Ceremony. He said: “World Travel Awards is the highest global recognition in the travel industry and we’re thrilled that the winners will celebrate at Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa. After our success

WTA’s Europe Gala Ceremony 2012 will take place at the brand new Conrad Algarve on October 6th 2012.

Set on the dramatic Atlantic coastline in the southernmost region of Portugal, the breathtaking luxurious hotel represents the first Conrad Resort in Europe and is located at the alluring Quinta do Lago, the home of world-class golf courses, stunning beaches and next to the stunning Ria Formosa Natural Park.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:35 Page 53

Located just 20 minutes from Faro airport and built to resemble an 18th century palace, the Conrad Algarve boasts a range of luxurious rooms and private residences offering unparalleled quality in modern design, comfort and technology. All accommodations feature beautiful marble bathrooms, private balconies and modern entertainment systems. Private residences also offer spacious living and dining areas and a whirlpool tub.

Guests can enjoy stylish sophistication and exquisite cuisine at some of the most exclusive restaurants in the Algarve. From refined dining to casual poolside dining, the Conrad Algarve offers a unique blend of dining opportunities. Savour the finest selection of grilled-to-order meat and fresh seafood in the hotel's signature restaurant, Gusto, or enjoy the seclusion of a private cabana as you sip cocktails by the outdoor pool.

Additional hotel features include a fitness center, a golf simulation area, an outdoor tennis court, a beautiful outdoor swimming pool and a luxurious spa.

Oscars of the Travel Industry Three other events complete the 2012 Grand Tour itinerary.

World Travel Awards will visit Turks & Caicos for its Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony on September 14th, to be followed by the Africa & Indian Ocean event in Nairobi, Kenya on September 27th. Seoul, South Korea, will welcome the Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony on October 30th.

Winners from the five regional events will then convene for a Grand Final at The Oberoi, Gurgaon, India in December.

The WTA organisers chose Delhi as host for the prestigious event due to the Indian capital’s

Jebel Ali is considered the only true resort in Dubai

breakingtravelnews.com

continuing evolution as a world-class business and leisure destination. In particular, Delhi’s luxury hospitality sector is enjoying a golden age, spearheaded by The Oberoi, Gurgaon.

This was reflected at the recent WTA 2011 Grand Final in Qatar, when The Oberoi, Gurgaon, emerged victorious in the hotlycontested World’s Leading Luxury Hotel category. Meanwhile India saw off competition from London, New York, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro and Sydney to win the award for World’s Leading Destination.

WTA founder Graham Cooke added: “The selection of our hosts is very important to the success of our awards programme, and Delhi possesses all the ingredients to rise to the challenge of hosting our Grand Final. The ceremony also aims to highlight the growing contribution of travel and tourism to the Indian economy.”

He adds: “The Oberoi, Gurgaon, exemplifies India’s emergence as a new tourism superpower. Since opening last year, this exquisite property has set a new precedent for luxury, not just in India but globally, and it serves as an excellent hub both for business and for leisure.”

Set over nine lush acres of landscaped gardens, The Oberoi, Gurgaon, offers an urban sanctuary presiding over a quiet resort setting, personalised service and the best of modern amenities, all in the heart of the business and commercial district of Delhi. The hotel is a 15minute drive from Delhi International Airport, and also within easy reach from the New Delhi city centre, major sightseeing destinations and the entertainment, shopping and recreation hubs in Gurgaon city.

Kapil Chopra, executive vice president, The Oberoi Group, said: “We are indeed privileged to host the Grand Final Gala Ceremony in December 2012. World Travel Awards

celebrates the best in the hospitality and tourism industries. Having just bagged the honour of World’s Leading Luxury Hotel in 2011, we are very excited to welcome the crème de la crème of the travel industry to The Oberoi, Gurgaon, and look forward to offering them a memorable experience. The event is also an excellent opportunity for Indian tourism industry. The spotlight of the world’s travel industry will definitely be shining on India this December.”

The glittering WTA Grand Final 2012 will attract the most important decision-makers in global travel and tourism as they compete for the most revered accolade in the industry.

World Travel Awards WTA was launched in 1993 to acknowledge and recognise excellence in the global travel and tourism industry. Now celebrating its 19th anniversary, it is regarded as the very highest achievement that a travel product could hope to receive. Votes are cast by 217,000 travel professionals including travel agencies, tour and transport companies and tourism organisations in 162 countries.

WTA’s global media partner network has a monthly readership of 1.2 million and a TV audience reach of 90 million.

Main sponsors include Qatar Tourism Authority, BBC World News, Oberoi Hotels & Resorts, Jebel Ali International Hotels, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Tourism Authority of Thailand, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, Conrad Hotels, World.Mobi, Sandals Resorts and WeClickMedia.

For more information visit www.worldtravelawards.com

Jebel Ali is the perfect place for the whole family to escape

53

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:36 Page 54

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:36 Page 55

Portugal’s Leading Hotel

Portugal’s Leading Golf Resort

Portugal’s Leading Resort

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:36 Page 56

Egypt Special

Thousands of guests visit Egypt each year

More breaking news from ITB Berlin partner country Egypt...

Egypt.travel goes live

Breaking Travel News brings you the latest news from Africa’s leading tourism hotspot, Egypt.

Located at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and Europe, Egypt has always been a pioneer for emerging communications and technologies. As one of the first to launch a .travel web domain, the Egyptian Tourism Authority has continued this trend. Since its introduction, www.egypt.travel has had 6.5 million visits and the board expects exponential growth.

In fact, www.egypt.travel already ranks number one in Google search above all other Egyptian travel sites.

With the great success of Egypt’s first .travel website assured, the Egyptian Tourism Authority has developed another .travel domain, www.trade.egypt.travel. This secondary site was created for a more confidential audience, dire cted at travel professionals and the media.

Upon visiting the site, all viewers are asked to register. In kind with the parent website, this site gives detailed travel information, but also access to photographs, media kits, and press releases. Since going live, the site has had 50,000 plus visits.

With the combination of the staggering growth in visits to www.egypt.travel and the quick successes of the new addition to their web family: www.trade.egypt.travel, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, has set an example as to how to make .travel work effectively.

56

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 57

Archaeological project at Mady in Fayoum begins The second phase of the project to develop the archaeological area in the city of Mady in Fayoum has officially begun. This project is in the framework of the Italian-Egyptian partnership to protect archaeological sites by respecting the environments and the archaeological finds.

The project includes the creation of the first archaeological park that connects the two archaeological sites of the city of Mady and Wadi Ryan to Fayoum through a 27 kilometre long natural corridor that respects the distinctive features of this geological, desert and natural area.

The project, which began in 2005, also includes the preparation of the archaeological site in the city of Mady through sand removal and examination of the ruins, as well as the drawing and preparation of maps for the visitor’s centre.

The visitor’s centre is one of the pivotal points of the project that has been built

with the use of local natural materials. It includes a natural hotel and a cafeteria that can also serve as a hall for the holding of lectures and conferences. The hotel consists of twenty simple tents.

The city of Mady is a very important archaeological site in Fayoum and it was established by Kings Amnahat III and Amnahat IV from the twenty-second dynasty (1981-1802 BC). In that period, the temple dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god was established and the city remained popular in the Greek, Roman and Coptic eras. The temple of the twenty-second dynasty was enlarged during the Ptolemaic period and the city continued to grow and blossom. Arabs gave the city the name of Mady (which means past).

The University of Pisa (Italy) began excavations in the area in 1978 and its activity focused mainly in the south of the city (the Coptic area) and since then around ten churches have been discovered dating back to probably between the 5th and the 7th century AD.

Cairo, the city that never sleeps A global study conducted by Badoo, the world's largest social network for meeting new people, with 122 million users across 180 countries, has shown that Cairo is by far the world's most 24-hour city.

The study shows that online chatting in Cairo peaks at nearly 01:00, a full three hours later than in New York, which has been always famed for being the "city that never sleeps!"

The big surprise is that New York ranks 32nd in the global ranking of the planet's most round-the-clock metropolises, well behind many Spanish cities, Beirut, London, Paris, Rome and many more!

Inauguration of the Suez National Museum The new Suez National Museum has been inaugurated in Egypt. A large celebration was hosted to coincide with the first anniversary of the Egyptian revolution, in recognition of the city of Suez as the first city to launch the first spark of the revolution.

The LE48 million project in Suez is built over 6,000 m² and houses 2,500 archaeological pieces that tell the story of the city of Suez from prehistoric times to the modern era.

The Suez Museum will display, in one big hall, archaeological artefacts and illustrations that reveal the modern history of Suez and the residents’ battles against the British occupancy, and will also highlight the struggle of the city that lasted for many years until their victory in the October 24th, 1973 battle.

The museum is also equipped with 221 electronic guide systems in Arabic, English and French, in addition to 48 fixed surveillance cameras.

breakingtravelnews.com

The minister of antiquities confirmed the feasibility study conducted for the project before the kick of work in early 1994, confirmed that the museum is expected to originate important revenue. The museum, that is to be listed among the main Egyptian touristic sites, is expected to receive more than one million visitors per year. The minister called on for the foundation of an association for the Museum’s friends, from the youth and businessmen to promote it both locally and internationally.

Suez National Museum is expected to welcome one million guests a year

The Suez National Museum is a modern, two-storey building. The ground floor includes an exhibition hall, stock rooms, a VIP Lounge, a library, a cafeteria and administrative offices. While the first floor displays t he uncovered archaeological pieces and the second floor includes six exhibition halls each specialized in a different era of the ancient Egyptian times. The museum’s building is surrounded by a 10 m² garden and a 12,000 m² parking area.

The museum also includes, in an adjacent area, restoration laboratories equipped with the latest equipment for restorations.

57

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 58

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 59

LET’S VISIT DUBAI LetsVisitDubai is a unique travel industry booking engine that does all the easy work for you, Book the cheapest hotels, flights & car rental in Dubai.

We support over 29 different languages and tap into the world’s largest database to find you the cheapest deals in today’s market.

Dubai is the land of smiles, and you too will be smiling when you book with LetsVisitDubai.

www.letsvisitdubai.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 60

News

Tourism key to economic recovery Tourism will play a key role in the recovery of Egypt, argues David Scowsill of the World Travel & Tourism Council.

World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) president David Scowsill has argued, as the leading foreign exchange earner, tourism is a crucial factor in Egypt's economic recovery following a year of unrest.

Following a recent meeting with the Egyptian prime minister, Scowsill expressed the commitment of the international tourism community to support the sector as a key component of Egypt's transition.

Prime Minister Kamal el-Ganzouri confirmed the strategic importance of tourism for the country's economic recovery and social stability, especially in the current transition period. “We appreciate your visit and support; tourism is a critical activity for Egypt,” he said.

“This is a time for action which will help us get through the current bottleneck; the more we do together, the better,” he added.

International tourists are slowly beginning to return to Egypt. The sector is a lifeline for the economy and in 2010 accounted for 11.5 per cent of GDP and US$ 13 billion in revenues.

UNWTO general secretary Taleb Rifai praised the high political support shown for tourism; the principal foreign exchange earner and a leading job creator in Egypt.

“Tourism is clearly seen as a national priority involving all areas of public policy and thus can be a major contributor to consolidate the

60

transition," he said. "Moreover, it is very clear that the Egyptian tourism sector is fully operational and ready to receive visitors.”

Scowsill also highlighted the importance of close collaboration between global public and private tourism players, along with the need to clearly communicate the stability in the country. “Egyptian tourism has recovered quickly from setbacks in the past, and it is good to see that visitors are now coming back.

Given the current difficulties in the region, it is important for the industry to get a clear message out that the new Egypt is stable and open for business," he said.

In his meetings with tourism stakeholders, Rifai underscored the importance of the backing of the international community to Egypt, both politically and financially, as witnessed by the recent announcements of the G8 and the World Bank to commit substantial funds for the country.

“Egypt is not only the leading tourism destination in the region, but also a central piece for its political and economic stability,” he said.

Tourism Growth New figures from the WTTC have also revealed just how important tourism is to Egypt, with the largest industry in the country set to grow further over the next decade.

At present tourism employs over three million people in the country, or some 13.1 per cent of the population, with this figure set to rise by 2.2 per cent per annum until 2022 when a huge 3.8 million Egyptians will find work in the sector.

While there is expected to be a slight drop this year, the WTTC figures highlight the significance of the tourism industry. The total contribution of the sector to GDP in 2011 was EGP204 billion, or 14.8 per cent of the total, with the figure expected to rise by 4.8 per cent per annum to EGP321.4bn in 2022.

The total contribution of tourism includes its ‘wider impacts’ (i.e. the indirect and induced impacts) on the economy. The ‘indirect’ contribution includes the GDP and jobs supported by tourism investment spending, which is an important aspect of both current and future activity and includes investment activity such as the purchase of new aircraft and construction of new hotels.

Government 'collective' spending, which helps tourism activity in many different ways as it is made on behalf of the ‘community at large’ – e.g. tourism marketing and promotion, aviation, administration, security services, resort area security services, resort area sanitation services – is also included in the figure.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 61

Abou el Abbas el Morsi Mosque in Egypt

Kick-start Market Demand

Egypt is blessed with world-class attractions

Tourism is key to economic growth in Egypt

“Egypt is one of the most successful destinations of recent years, working to attract new tourism business despite frequent crises,” continued Scowsill.

“The north African country has enjoyed mass-market growth, particularly in the Red Sea resorts, following huge investment in infrastructure, hotels and attractions.

Benefiting from one of the world’s biggest budgets for tourism promotion and marketing, Egypt’s government has always recognised the value of its visitor economy, stepping in with major campaigns after crises.

“Indeed it has worked with industry to adopt sensible policies that have helped travel and tourism thrive, for instance liberalising air access to stimulate aviation growth and offering minimum seat and load guarantees to give tour operators and carriers the leeway to kick-start market demand,” added Scowsill.

World Travel & Tourism Council The World Travel & Tourism Council was established in 1990 with members representing the world's foremost leaders in the private sector of travel and tourism.

It aims to promote the importance of the industry as a generator of economic growth, encourage public-private partnerships, and persuade governments to adopt policies that will allow the industry to thrive.

The WTTC annual Global Summit – which will this year take place in Japan - brings together over 1,000 delegates to discuss the opportunities, challenges and issues facing the industry, while its Tourism for Tomorrow Awards recognise the industry's power to be a positive force in sustainability.

For more information visit www.wttc.org or head to Hall 6.3/415.

breakingtravelnews.com

61

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 62

The World’s Leading Production Company of High Definition Vir tual Tour s and Digital Production Company 785 domains covering the world’s major countries & cities

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:41 Page 63

www.virtual-qatar.com

Email: virtual@virtualworldinternet.com Phone: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:42 Page 64

Leading International Luxury Fashion Brands on show at the inaugural World Luxury Fashion Week at the new and iconic Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi.

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:36 Page 65

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates 23-27 OCTOBER 2 012 abudhabi@worldluxuryfashionweek.com www.worldluxuryfashionweek.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:36 Page 66

Egypt Special Egypt has a wealth of historic sites

Giza Pyramids

Diving in the Red Sea

Leading lights of Egypt Breaking Travel News takes a tour of the top tourist attractions of ITB Berlin partner country Egypt.

Dive the Red Sea

Visit the Sahara

Be amazed by temples of Luxor

With the wealth of temples and ancient monuments on land, it is sometimes easy to overlook the fact Egypt is also home to some of the world’s greatest diving. Its Red Sea coastline is blessed with extensive reef formations, islands and stunning underwater scenery, rich with coral-covered walls and beautiful gardens – an underwater wonderland that both beginner and advanced divers can enjoy.

Of the millions of tourists that visit Egypt every year, the vast majority stick to the Nile Delta or the Red Sea. But in the unexplored Western Desert, which covers two thirds of the country, travellers will discover some of the most breathtaking scenery our world has to offer.

Often described as the world’s greatest open air museum, Luxor is home to an unrivalled number of monuments, including the incredible Luxor and Karnak Temples. Even in ancient times, during the late Dynasties of the Greek and Roman periods, the area attracted visitors and has been doing so ever since.

The thriving holiday town of Sharm el Sheikh provides a convenient place from which to explore the Red Sea’s finest dive sites.

Out of the water, you’ll find year-round good weather, historical sites and range of desertbased activities such as quad biking and camel trekking. For accommodation, The Savoy Hotel & Resorts Group is widely represented in Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh. A true paradise for those who love nature and water sports, there are a range of accommodation choices to suit the varying needs of guests from the vibrant and fun Sierra Hotel to the exclusive Savoy Villas.

66

The White Desert, which forms part of the Western Desert, boasts weird and wonderful wind-sculpted limestone formations – you can travel by camel or by 4x4 to experience the overwhelming beauty of this desolate moonscape. Take a trip to Gilf Kebir National Park and visit the martian terrains, lunar features, volcanic and meteorite craters as well as the prehistoric rock-art caves.

Also be sure to stay at Siwa, one of the world’s last remaining pristine oases, and home to ancient historical ruins and unique cultural traditions that have been maintained for thousands of years, due to the relative isolation of the oasis. The area is home to majestic rock formations, lush groves and brilliant salt lakes throughout the oasis. The Siwans are warm and welcoming to all visitors, taking you on a journey into the past where you can experience an indigenous cultural heritage in a spectacular natural environment.

Sitting on the east banks of the Nile, it’s right opposite the incredible Valley of the Kings on the West Bank and handy for the Temple of Karnak with its forest of pillars built by Ramses II. And clustered around are other mindboggling treasures of a scale and grandeur that’ll leave you breathless.

Beyond the amazing ancient sights, this captivating city has plenty more up its sleeve.

Stay at one of several luxury resorts where you can unwind in palm-fringed pools, with views over the Nile.

Quad bike across the Sinai Desert There something mystical about the Sinai Desert and the Bedouin people who make it their home. This vast desert, with its mountains and canyons, offers a glimpse into a

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:36 Page 67

world far removed from the stresses of modern living.

You can trek by camel through this baron landscape, or climb the fabled Mount Sinai. If you are short on time, a quad-biking trip is a great way to get a taste of this magical land, and the world-famous National Park of Ras Mohammed of South Sinai captures the finest scenery in the area.

After a short practice session to get used to the bike, you will be taken on a guided adventure across the desert towards the Sinai Mountains. There are plenty of open plains where you can open the throttle and you will also relish negotiating the dunes, valleys and canyons. Sunrise or sunset are the best times for the adventure, when temperatures are cooler and you can soak up the extraordinary beauty of the desert colours.

You can stop at a Bedouin camp where they will serve you with transitional Bedouin tea and offer you a shisha pipe while you gaze up in awe at the black desert sky.

Cruise the Nile Cruising the Nile has long been regarded as the most romantic way of visiting the monuments of Ancient Egypt, and the perfect way to negotiate the gentle waters of the Nile.

Cruises typically run from Luxor to Aswan and back again, giving you the chance to explore some of Egypt’s most important sites, including the Valley of the Kings, Philae Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Karnak Temple and the Aswan High Dam. For a taste of opulence of old try one of Abercrombie & Kent’s Sunboats. Its programme includes fascinating shore excursions accompanied by an experienced Egyptologist, whilst you’ll spend your nights

relaxing in style, watching the magical waters of the world’s greatest river go by.

The Pyramids of Giza No trip to Egypt would be complete without a visit to the last remaining of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the greatest testaments to their power of the Pharaohs, the Great Pyramids of Giza.

After visiting Giza be sure to spend a few days enjoying Cairo. Wander down to Islamic Cairo and you’ll be sucked in through the looking glass to a bygone medieval era. The city’s main museum bursts at the seams with the priceless wealth of ancient Egypt’s antiquities. But the real charm of Cairo lies somewhere in the quiet moments in between: sipping a sugary shai while watching the life of the city whirl by.

The Valley of the Kings On the banks opposite Luxor lies the Valley of Kings, where the majority of Egypt’s pharaohs are buried. You can view numerous underground wall paintings that will set your imagination alive. You can enter the tomb of King Tut, the only pharaoh still buried in the valley (the rest of the pharaoh’s can be found at the museum in Cairo). Nearby you can also visit the incredible Hatshepsut temple. Although the gardens have been reclaimed by the dessert the entire temple complex remains in pristine condition.

Smoke a shisha In a land blessed with so much to do and so much natural beauty, it’s important to step back and soak it all in. One of the simplest ways to step back and savour real allure of Egypt involves popping into a café to sip a sugary shai

(Egyptian black tea) or puff leisurely on a shisha while watching the world go by.

SOHO Square in the thriving resort of Sharm el Sheikh is a relaxing entertainment hub perfect for soaking it all in. Bordering the Red Sea, the pedestrianised square mile offers everything from a nightclub hosting world-class DJs and restaurants from all over the world to Egypt’s only ice bar and traditional shisha cafes.

The shops offer all the glorious colour and variety of the Egyptian souk, with carpets, aromatic oils, traditional jewellery and, of course, shisha water pipes. You’ll also find highend fashion from all over the world

Sail the Suez Canal The only way to really absorb the majesty of the world’s most important canal is to sail on cruise for its entire 100-mile length. Opened in 1869 by financiers from Britain and France, the canal greatly shortened trips from Europe to the Far East. Since the canal empties into the Red Sea you can visit beautiful beaches and even go diving nearby.

Visit Aswan Aswan, Egypt’s southern most city and ancient frontier town, has a distinctively African atmosphere. Small enough to walk around and graced with the most beautiful setting on the Nile, the pace of life is slow and relaxing. Spend your days strolling up and down the broad Corniche watching the sailboats drift by or explore the souk, full of the scent and colour of spices, perfumes, scarves and baskets.

For more information on Egypt visit www.egypt.travel or head over to Hall 23.A/100.

Luxor

breakingtravelnews.com

67

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:36 Page 68

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:05 Page 69

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:05 Page 70

Enter a world of unique experiences at World Luxury Expo

Hosted in The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, World Luxury Expo will showcase the world’s leading luxury brands to an ultra-affluent and highly discerning target audience.

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:05 Page 71

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 14 -16 N OV E M B E R 20 1 2

The World’s Leading Luxury Brands… including Luxury Travel

ATTENDANCE BY INVITATION For all enquiries, please contact: riyadh@world-luxury-expo.com

www.world-luxury-expo.com

Media Partner

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:05 Page 72

Feature

Universal CityWalk®

Historic year for Universal Orlando Resort American Express card members who visit the iconic Universal Orlando Resort will be able to enjoy the benefits of a brand new air-conditioned lounge with complimentary beverages and electronic charging stations within Universal Studios Florida theme park from May 2012. This is the latest in a raft of new entertainment and experiences being rolled out by Universal, marking more new developments for 2012 than during any other year in its history.

72

The stylish American Express Lounge will open to guests who purchase a multi-park ticket or an Annual Pass with their American Express Card at UniversalOrlando.com or at the theme park front gate.

The Lounge will provide an air-conditioned space with complimentary chilled beverages and light refreshments.

Concierge will be available to help guests make dining reservations, or secure tickets and the lounge will be as being equipped with an electronic charging station for guests’ cameras, phones, and other devices.

American Express senior vice president and general manager of the National Client Group, Shane Berry, explains: “We share with Universal Orlando a firm commitment

to providing guests with unparalleled customer service, and we are proud to offer our card members this innovative and valuable benefit.”

Open seven days a week, the lounge is conveniently located within Universal Studios Florida, near the Music Plaza and across from Shrek’s Ye Olde Souvenir Shoppe.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer even more benefits to our guests through the amenities at the American Express Lounge,” said Bill Davis, president of Universal Orlando Resort. “It’s the perfect complement to the world-class theme park thrills we offer at Universal Orlando.”

Collaboration on the American Express Lounge is the latest initiative between

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:03 Page 73

American Express and Universal. For the last three years, American Express has been the official card sponsor of Universal’s theme parks, and the partnership also includes working together to create enhanced cardmember experiences associated with Universal’s other properties.

Universal Orlando Resort features two theme parks – Universal Studios Florida and Universal’s Islands of Adventure; three magnificently themed on-site hotels – Loews Portofino Bay Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel and Loews Royal Pacific Resort; and a night time entertainment complex called CityWalk.

Incredible rides offer exhilarating entertainment, ranging from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, to The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man. Guests are invited to enjoy experiences such as soaring above Hogwarts on Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, sipping Butterbeer in Hogsmeade and being inside Ollivanders and seeing a wand choose its wizard.

New for 2012 Universal Orlando Resort is rolling out a raft of new rides and experiences in 2012, which began debuting last month.

A 36-hole miniature golf experience, Hollywood Drive-In Golf, inspired by the classic drive-in movie era opened in February.

In the summer, the Wet ‘n Wild water park will open its first interactive family water play area. Amidst lush, tropical landscaping, the new area will feature 15 water slides and more than 100 soakers, jets, waterfalls and water cannons - making it the largest interactive water play experience in Florida.

Meanwhile later this year will see the opening of a retail entertainment experience that will become home to SpongeBob SquarePants and other characters from the number one kids animated TV series, Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants.

The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man will soon feature all-new, 4K digital high-definition animation, new high tech 3-D glasses and upgrades to the set, audio and lighting systems. The re-animation of the ride film will include an entirely new level of detail for guests to discover, including a cameo by legendary comic book icon and Spider-Man co-creator, Stan Lee.

Events at Universal

Poolside at the Hard Rock Hotel®

A host of events and shows are taking place at Universal this year to ensure all guests are fully entertained, ranging from Halloween Horror Nights to Harry Potter Home Entertainment Celebration and Mardis Gras.

Guests have been enjoying the exhilarating entertainment of a new Blue Man Group show.

In coming months they will be able to enjoy breathtaking new animation and effects in The Amazing Adventures of Spider-Man; dancing with their favourite animated characters during Universal’s Superstar Parade and reliving memorable moments from Universal Pictures most powerful films during the night time show Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular – 100 Years of Movie Memories. Universal Orlando will also be marking the Universal Pictures Centennial Anniversary Celebration during 2012 with a series of events being announced throughout the year.

This year’s Mardi Gras celebration features one of Universal Orlando’s most powerful and diverse musical line-ups ever. With a combined total of more than 350 million albums sold, guests are rocking out this spring to some of the biggest names in music during an authentic and family-friendly version of the famed New Orleans street party.

This Saturday night, Nickelodeon’s hottest music group Big Time Rush will be taking to the stage at Universal Orlando Resort’s Mardi Gras celebration. Their debut album “BTR” sold more than 500,000 copies and debuted at No.3 on the Billboard Top 200 album chart.

Meanwhile an elaborate Mardi Gras parade will include, dozens of colourfully costumed performers, authentic New Orleans bands, delicious Cajun cuisine and live concerts by some of today’s most popular artists. This ultimate street party runs every Saturday and select nights through April 14.

Revenge of the Mummy® at Universal Studios®

The Incredible Hulk Coaster® at Universal’s Islands of Adventure®

Some of today’s most beloved characters and stories will bring new adventure to the streets of Universal Studios during Universal’s Superstar Parade – an all-new daily parade that features larger-than-life floats, state-ofthe-art technology and hundreds of energetic street performers. Guests will sing and dance along with characters like the minions from Despicable Me, E.B. from the hit comedy, Hop, Nickelodeon’s Dora & Diego and SpongeBob SquarePants during the interactive experience.

100 Years of Movie Memories Universal Orlando’s newest attraction, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, will take guests on a 3-D adventure with their favourite characters from the hit film – Gru, Margo, Edith, Agnes and the mischievous minions.

The experience begins when guests enter Gru’s home, where they learn that they’re being recruited to become minions and undergo “minion training.” Things don’t go as planned, and guests find themselves on a wildly hysterical journey with Gru and his daughters. Once guests make it through training, they join an interactive, minioninspired dance party where they can show off their best moves. The motion-picture event Despicable Me 2 arrives in theatres on July 3, 2013.

Narrated by award-winning actor and recent Golden Globe - Cecil B. DeMille honoree, Morgan Freeman, Universal Orlando’s brandnew night time show, Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular, will celebrate the most powerful and emotional moments from Universal Pictures’ most iconic films – all on cuttingedge waterfall screens within the Universal Studios lagoon and surrounded by colourful fountains and pyrotechnics. The experience will take guests on a journey through epic cinematic moments filled with heroes, horror, laughter, good vs. evil and triumph. The new show opens this spring.

Universal®

For more information visit www.universalorlando.com Caviar bar Al Majlis at Emirates Palace

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & ® 2012 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

breakingtravelnews.com

73

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:03 Page 74

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:04 Page 75

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 13:04 Page 76

Feature

Hotel developments gather As Egypt prepares to welcome back visitors to its sunny shores in 2012, there are a number of new hotel developments and openings taking place around the destination. Breaking Travel News investigates.

Mövenpick Hurghada

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts pledge commitment to Egypt Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has underlined its commitment to Egypt’s tourism industry with the addition of Mövenpick Resort Hurghada, Mövenpick Resort Abu Soma and Mövenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh in Naama Bay. Mövenpick currently has a portfolio of four properties on the country’s Red Sea coastline.

In a further confidence boost for this year’s ITB partner country Egypt, Mövenpick has also strengthened its presence on the Nile with four new cruisers and one sail boat, including the ‘Misr’, once the private yacht of Egypt’s former King Farouk.

Mövenpick’s senior vice president for Africa, Roger Kacou, revealed: “We have a long and successful history in Egypt since 1975 and today managing 18 hotels, resorts and Nile boats. This announcement signifies an important step in our dynamic expansion programme that demonstrates our commitment to and total confidence in Egypt’s tourism.”

Operating under Mövenpick management, the Mövenpick Resort Hurghada is located in Hurghada Bay, 8km from Hurghada International Airport and offers 252 spacious rooms and suites, all with a direct view over the Red Sea. The resort has benefited from a programme of renovations throughout 2010 which will continue during 2012 in stages to insure a smooth operation.

Mövenpick Resort Hurghada facilities include a private beach, marina and freshwater pool and is ideal for waterskiing, snorkelling and diving, horseback riding, visiting Giftun Island and desert safaris.

In addition to this news, Mövenpick is returning to Sharm El Sheikh on April 8th, 2012 to operate Mövenpick Resort Sharm El Sheikh Naama Bay. With its prime location on Naama Bay the resort features 298 rooms and four villas with private pool, all with panoramic views over the property’s five private beaches.

76

The resort’s captivating architecture and design faithfully reflects its Arabian heritage.

Soft cream colours contrast with the rich dark wood of furniture and latticework, while domes and arches add to the sense of serenity. The Moorish style and elegance blend seamlessly with every modern facility and service.

IHG takes over Port Ghalib Resort, in Marsa Alam, Egypt Spanning four hotels, one expansive convention centre and incorporating over 1,200 rooms, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has revealed it has been awarded the exclusive management contract for Port Ghalib Resort, in Marsa Alam, Egypt.

This impressive resort site will now feature an InterContinental Hotel, two Crowne Plaza hotels and a state-of-the-art International Convention Centre. IHG will also manage the Marina Lodge Hotel which will remain individually branded. IHG is has commenced operation of the four primary properties.

The St Regis Cairo set to open on September 1 2014 and W Cairo planned for January 1 2016.

Starwood’s social media campaign that the hotel group rolled out last year sought to promote Egypt as a safe tourist destination, highlighting key destinations within the region such as Cairo, Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab.

"Starwood has a strong presence and a long history of operations in Egypt, managing ten properties under the Sheraton and Le Méridien brands. These campaign initiatives aim to highlight Egypt as a safe and attractive tourist destination for international travellers and Starwood's commitment to actively promote tourism to the region." says Hassan Ahdab, Starwood's Vice President and Regional Director of Operations for Africa and the Indian Ocean.

"In 2009 Egypt welcomed close to 14 million travellers from all over the world underlining our confidence in the market and our commitment to restoring the confidence levels of both business and leisure travellers."

John Bamsey, Chief Operating Officer, IHG, Middle East & Africa, commented: "This is a very significant moment for IHG and we are delighted to have been presented with this fantastic opportunity by Sovereign Hospitality Holdings. IHG has partnered several projects with Sovereign Hospitality Holdings and have formed a strong and lasting relationship. We look forward to continuing this partnership as we take the reigns of Port Ghalib Resort.

A dedicated website www.egypthospitality.com and a social media campaign has been launched, both of which are rich in video and interactive content, to highlight the history of hospitality and service of all 10 Starwood Hotels in the country. The campaign also features the culture, diversity and stunning beauty which encompasses Egypt's history and which are still present today.

Starwood rolls out Egypt friendly social media campaign

Hilton plans to grow Egypt pipeline to 20

On the back of its innovative social media campaign highlighting Egypt as a safe tourist destination, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has revealed it is planning to open three new properties in the destination over the next three years.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts opened two hotels in Egypt in 2011, including the 88-room and 76suite Cairo Zamalek Residences after receiving a U.S. $20 million upgrade, and the 360-room Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort.

These include the Le Meridien Oran Hotel & convention set to open in September 2013,

Situated on picturesque Zamalek Island, Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences is located between downtown Cairo and Giza, approximately 20

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:42 Page 77

pace in 2012

Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences

km from Cairo International Airport. It features five restaurants including an all-day dining restaurant, specialty restaurant, coffee shop, pastry shop and pool café. Guests can also make use of three meeting rooms, a business centre and a health club and spa.

Meanwhile the Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort forms part of an integrated mixed-use development, which includes an entertainment village, a congress centre and a residential town. Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort is specifically designed to reflect the ancient history and heritage of the Nubian culture, which dominated this area of Egypt for centuries.

Hilton Worldwide first entered Egypt in 1959 and since then has grown to 18 hotels, a total of 6,500 rooms, across Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Hurghada and the Sinai Peninsula. Hilton Cairo Zamalek Residences joins Ramses Hilton, Hilton Cairo World Trade Centre Residence and Hilton Pyramids Golf Resort as the fourth Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Cairo.

Rudi Jagersbacher, area president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide commented: "Within another few years we anticipate growing to twenty properties across the country, and this underpins our confidence in the long-term resilience of the Egyptian tourism market."

Grand Rotana Resort & Spa rolls out travel trade offer The Grand Rotana Resort & Spa, Sharm El Sheikh, is offering agents a luxurious stay with room rates starting from US$30 per night, including breakfast, valid through to the end of April 2012.

The 526 room Grand Rotana Resort & Spa offers breathtaking views of the Red Sea. The luxury property is home to nine specialty restaurants and bars, as well a stunning lagoon pool, diving centre and 450m private beach. The five-star resort caters to active

breakingtravelnews.com

Le Royale Sonsesta Collection Luxury Resort Sharm El Sheikh

travellers with a host of experiences, including snorkelling, windsurfing, horse and camel riding and desert safaris, while the first class Zen the spa at Rotana offers pampering treatments for guests looking to relax.

The exclusive travel trade rate is based on a bed and breakfast basis, inclusive of all local taxes and service charges. Bookings are subject to availability and stays are valid until the 30th April 2012, excluding the Easter period. Valid airline or agency ID is required to take advantage of this great rate.

Grand Rotana Resort & Spa

Currently under construction, Feddya is an exclusive and unique sail boat featuring four spacious suites, two with balconies, a dining room and lounge.

This vigorous expansion programme will gather pace later this year with the opening of Mövenpick Resort Abu Soma, a 424-room haven of comfort hugging the unspoilt golden beaches of the Red Sea, just 45 kilometres south of Hurghada.

Sonesta Kiroseiz Beach Resort Dahab set to open Mövenpick Nile Cruisers boosts fleet Mövenpick Nile Cruisers is boosting their fleet in October 2012 with the historical steamship ‘Misr’ and four more boats, the M/S Sun Ray, Darakum, Hamees and Feddya.

The hotel management company will then operate a total of seven ships on the Nile and one on Lake Nasser.

Originally built by the British Royal Navy in 1918 and later converted into a luxury Nile steamer for King Farouk, ‘Misr’ is the only steamship on the Nile and is a true time capsule that rekindles the nostalgia of a golden age, but with true luxury accommodation, cuisine and service.

‘Misr’ has 16 cabins and eight suites that recreate the days of Louis XV and XVI, memories of the British and Ottoman Empires and the stunningly cool chic of art deco.

The Sun Ray, Darakum and Hamees are among the largest and best-appointed craft on the Nile. Sun Ray and Hamees have a comfortable and contemporary design while Darakum features a Moroccan inspired decor.

All have five decks and on four of the decks offer a wide range of spacious cabins and suites with panoramic views of the Nile and feature air conditioning, satellite LCD TV, mini bar, safe and private bathroom with tub.

The Sonesta Kiroseiz Beach Resort Dahab, in Egypt is set to open in 2012. The 450-room resort, now under development, will open under a new management agreement between Sonesta International Hotels and Kiroseiz Hotels Establishment.

The Resort, which will be located on the Sinai Peninsula on the Red Sea, 50 miles north of Sharm El Sheikh, will have a range of facilities including: 3 restaurants; several cocktail lounges; lobby café; shopping arcade; several swimming pools and a children’s pool; floating sea pool; health club/spa; tennis; dive and windsurfing center and water park. The resort will also offer convention space for groups of up to 350 guests.

Sonesta has been operating deluxe hotels in the Middle East since 1982, primarily in Egypt, and continues to explore additional management opportunities in the region. The Sonesta Kiroseiz Beach Resort will be the 7th Sonesta hotel in Egypt and will bring the total (including the ships on the Nile) to 13 managed properties in the country.

For more information visit www.egypt.travel or go to Hall 23.A/100.

77

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:42 Page 78

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:42 Page 79

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 09:42 Page 80

News

Africa & Indian Ocean tourism honoured Top travel brands from across Africa & Indian Ocean have been recognised at the World Travel Awards, with Egypt leading the way.

80

Thabiso Magodielo, Director Corporate Affairs, Legend Golf & Safari Resort, centre, with WTA founder Graham Cooke

likes of South African Airways, Air Namibia, Kenya Airways and Royal Air Maroc to collect “Africa’s Leading Business Class Airline”.

The resilience of Egypt’s travel and tourism industry has been acknowledged at a VIP gala ceremony hosted by World Travel Awards at the SOHO Square, Sharm el Sheikh, the Red Sea’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment complex.

Sierra Resort Sharm el Sheikh was voted “Egypt’s Leading All-inclusive Resort”.

A number of Egyptian tourist attractions, hotels and organisations emerged victorious at the WTA 2011 Africa & Indian Ocean Ceremony.

The industry’s elite travelled from across Africa and the Indian Ocean to attend the glittering gala ceremony, which was headlined

by Lebanese music sensation Carole Samaha.

Winners included the Pyramids of Giza, which beat off stiff competition from Victoria Falls, Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro to win “Africa’s Leading Attraction”. Meanwhile Egypt Air saw off the

The raft of media in attendance included National Geographic Traveller, Discovery Channel, Newsweek, Weltexpress and Times of India.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:28 Page 81

Carole Samaha performed at the event

Business leaders from across Africa were in attendance

Firas Irsheidat, General Manager, Sheraton Sharm Hotel, Resort & Villas

World Travel Awards is considered the Oscars of the travel industry

World Travel Awards president Graham Cooke highlighted travel and tourism’s crucial role in Egypt’s new era of democracy and opportunity.

He said: “Egypt is proving a textbook example of world-class destinations demonstrating an incredible ability to bounce back. Its phenomenal array of attractions – from the Pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor to the diving and beaches of Sharm El Sheikh – will ensure that tourism remains integral to the evolution of the new Egypt.

SOHO Square’s pedestrianised square mile comprises restaurants, shops and

breakingtravelnews.com

entertainment facilities. The complex forms part of the Savoy Group, which also comprises three luxury properties: the Royal Savoy and Villas, the Savoy Hotel and the Sierra Hotel.

The hotels enjoy access to some of the most sought after diving and snorkelling in Sharm el Sheikh.

Emad Aziz, chairman Savoy Sharm el Sheikh, said: “From the Mountains of Sinai to the shores of the Indian Ocean, hundreds of thousands of people in the hospitality and travel industry demonstrate day in and day out the unfailing welcome they offer. This region is becoming the most sought after destination for discerning travellers. We are

proud of the achievements of all and celebrate the extraordinary examples of the winners of these, the most prestigious awards a hotel could receive.”

Event partners for the Gala were SOHO Square, Savoy Hotels & Resorts International, BBC World News and WeClickMedia, and the media partners included Magic 105.4, ABTA Magazine, eTurboNews, Breaking Travel News, Passport Magazine, National Geographic Traveller and Vox Africa.

For more information visit www.worldtravelawards.com

81

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:28 Page 82

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:28 Page 83

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:29 Page 84

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 14:34 Page 85

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 14:34 Page 86

Egypt Special

All the latest news from ITB Berlin ITB Berlin’s Partner Country Egypt has turned the halls of ICC in Berlin into a modern land of the Pharaohs at this year’s ITB. The mystical country has brought flavours, colours, sound, vision and Egyptian hospitality for visitors and travel trade professionals from all over the world to sample. Breaking Travel News takes a look.

ITB Berlin Grand Opening Performance During a special opening evening ceremony, Egypt invited visitors to share with them the beautiful diversity of their country. A panoramic walkway of historical exhibits from Pharaonic to Modern Egypt, “Egypt The Place and The Time” provided an unforgettable evening with a multimedia 3D video, an enchanting folklore show and the Cairo Opera ballet - which is an emotional show about the new beginning of mankind that alludes to a new beginning for Egypt and hope for a better future.

Meanwhile as a grand final, moulid (Egyptian festival), was an eclectic display of dancers who invited guests to join them for a united message of peace, harmony and welcome, before escorting them to dinner, illustrating the diversity of the country in dance, music and culinary specialties.

86

Official Partner Country 2012

www.egypt.travel

Egypt hosts ITB Book Awards As the official partner country of ITB Berlin, Egypt will play host to the ITB Book Awards 2012 ceremony in its hall on Friday 9th March. The invitation-only ceremony will take place from 4-5pm and will be moderated by television presenter Mary Amiri. Awards will be presented for best calendars, travel guides, travel books, illustrated books and journalistic innovations.

An exhibition of books featuring the winning titles at ITB Berlin Venue will take place in Hall 10.2, Stand 106 a. ITB Book Award prize winners will be presented in print in the Culture Guide Showtime für Kultur / for Culture 2012.

Egypt will also participate at the international film award “The Golden City Gate”. The Grand Finale of ITB Berlin 2012 is The Delphic Festival, staging artists and performers from all over the world in what promises to be a spectacular show featuring music, dance, fashion and film as to how to make travel work effectively.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 14:34 Page 87

Samaa Choir

Egypt at ITB Berlin This year at ITB Berlin, Egypt hall 23A has been uniting the four regional centres Nile Valley, Red Sea, Deserts&Oases and White med, showing the different aspects of the country.

Technological innovations such as interactive touch screens, tweets and livevideo streaming from Egypt have taken the hall to a new level. By contrast, a wellness corner has been offering relaxation for stressed-out trade fair visitors and a bazaar with crafts such as calligraphy, sand painting, beads, textiles and an Egyptian café has spread oriental Nile flair in the hall.

Giveaways have been delighting guests, with T-Shirts, bags, ankh flash drives, ankhbracelets, pins, stickers and poster books up for grabs. Entertainment has been provided by Egyptian drums and Tanoura dance.

Earlier this week at ITB, the choir “Samaa” (“divine”), consisting of Muslims and Coptic Christians, presented spiritual music from both religions, demonstrating a peaceful coexistence of cultures and the unity of Egypt as a nation.

In addition, “Ankh” sculptures, designed by contemporary Egyptian artists have been on display in central locations in Berlin as a sign of Egypt’s ITB partnership. Ankh is the hieroglyph for “eternal life” in Ancient Egypt, the symbol of the Cross for early Christians and today often found as statement in fashion and jewellery, thus, with its various meanings, symbolising the unique fusion of Egypt as a holiday destination and serving as Egypt’s brand sign during ITB. On the official international Facebook page of the Egyptian Tourism Ministry, “Experience Egypt”, photos and status posts of the project were published during the creation of the Ankhs.

Egypt launches “We’re Egypt” campaign Egypt has revealed its new touristic campaign “We’re Egypt” at ITB Berlin, following its soft launch at World Travel Market in November 2011. The campaign addresses potential tourists with the following message: “we are friendly, we are open-minded, we are proud of our country, we are Egypt, see you soon in Egypt”, as a warm invitation to come and share the outstanding experiences Egypt has to offer.

The branding, which highlights Egyptians enjoying their own country, seeks to emphasise the stability and security in Egypt and has been rolled out along side plans from the tourism ministry to develop and diversify the touristic offer in Egypt for it to include more efficiently eco-tourism, desert safari along with cultural and seaside tourism.

Egypt Walking Acts captivate ITB visitors All over the exhibition grounds, the Walking Acts “Egypt Everywhere” have been treating trade fair guests to music, colourful national costumes, artistic performances and little surprises.

Arab Spring Think Tank Visitors to Hall 23a at this year’s ITB Berlin have been invited to find out more about Egypt’s culture and history as well as tourism to this country. During the ITB Berlin Convention, the international travel industry’s leading think tank, discussion focused on the Arab Spring and its impact on tourism. The question as to what the future holds for the tourism industry in the Arab countries was debated under the session theme: “The Arab rebellion: an Arab Spring or tourism ice age?”.

Hisham Zaazou, senior assistant minister of tourism explained: “As the partner country of ITB Berlin 2012 Egypt is highly enthusiastic and committed.” He added; “This is a milestone for our tourism industry and signals continuity for our strongest branch of industry in these times of political change.”

breakingtravelnews.com

Brandenburg Restaurant in hall 24 has been turned into a traditional Ramadan tent, a haven of hospitality and celebration, full of oriental flavours.

Meanwhile Egypt has also been present in other halls: In hall 4.1 (stand 222a), Egypt has been presenting its deserts and leisure activities. In culture hall 10.2, the famous Tutankhamun-Exhibition of Semmel Concerts have been hosting their festival of Egyptian culture.

Fruitful discussions with high-ranking government officials and renowned scientists have been taking place since day one of ITB Berlin. Contents are lectures about the current developments of archeological sites, panels around the tourism development and the path into the future after the “Arabellion” and best case studies of sustainable tourism.

Photo exhibition highlights Egyptian revolution An outdoor photo exhibition at the Bürgerforum Berlin by studio kohlmeier berlin portrays Egyptian and German photographer’s impressions of the Egyptian Revolution. Egypt is also presented at the globetrotter’s store as a premium outdoor destination for fans of adventure and nature.

Meanwhile at Berlin Main Station, the Ku’Damm and Alexa, Egyptian craftsmen have been spreading the atmosphere of Khan El Khalili in the German capital.

Additionally, mobile Egyptian Snack Bars toured Berlin, giving out free snacks including popular flavours from the Nile Valley and Cairo.

For more information visit www.egypt.travel or go to Hall 23.A/100.

87

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 14:34 Page 88

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:05 Page 89

360 WORLD VIDEO LTD IS A MEDIA PRODUCTION COMPANY WITH A DIFFERENCE We specialise in 3D stereoscopic video production for the Travel, Tourism, Hospitality & Sports industry. Our previous campaigns have included 3D Animation, 3D Movies, 3D commercials for TV advertising and 3D for the internet.

WHY 3D? SPORTS, TRAVEL AND TOURISM BRANDS CAN UTILIZE THE ADVANCEMENTS IN 3D TECHNOLOGY TO FURTHER ENHANCE THEIR BRANDS TO CONSUMERS.

■

Hotels can utilise 3D movies to invite their audience to take a tour through their grounds, seeing the decadence of the décor, the spacious rooms and intimate details that make the property unique.

Hotels, sporting associations, airlines and tourism boards can now truly showcase their offerings by inviting audiences to experience for themselves what it is actually like to be there.

Through the power of 3D, audiences can step outside of their current location into a new destination, sporting arena or hotel and encounter what the venue can offer to them.

■

Airlines can create 3D TV advertisements to showcase the use of space onboard where before they could only describe it.

■

Tourism boards can invite audiences to experience the sights and sounds of their destination before planning a visit through the use of 3D internet.

3D reality goes beyond what photography and virtual tours have previously offered by creating a deeper sense of involvement for the consumer, therefore making them much more likely to want to live through the experience for themselves.

IT’S TIME TO JOIN IN NOW! Join 360 World Video Ltd and see how we can make a real difference to your marketing & advertising strategy.

AT 360 WORLD VIDEO LTD WE LOVE WHAT WE DO AND WOULD RELISH THE OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK WITH YOU FURTHER ABOUT YOUR 3D PROJECT. For more information on animation or live action 3D please contact us at: T: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000 F: +44 (0) 20 7925 2552 E: info@360worldvideo.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:05 Page 90

Winner of ‘World’s Leading Beach Resort’ at the 2011 World Travel Awards, Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort + Spa is a happy place to be.

Whether you’re checking in or being served a cool cocktail by the poolside we will make sure you feel very special.

World’s Leading Beach Resort Middle East’s Leading Beach Resort Middle East’s Leading Spa Resort Dubai’s Leading Spa Resort

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:05 Page 91

Introducing the new Grosvenor House and its two iconic 45 storey towers, Tower One and Tower Two, each redefining the world of luxury.

Glittering against the skyline, the Grosvenor House stands majestically as a landmark of modern elegance and grandeur in the heart of Dubai Marina.

World’s Leading Business Hotel World’s Leading Serviced Apartment Hotel Middle East’s Leading Business Hotel Dubai’s Leading Business Hotel

Welcome to the finer side of sophistication.

Step into a world of refined heritage, suave elegance and effortless chic.

Explore the collection at luxurycollection.com or contact your travel professional.

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 16:05 Page 92

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:52 Page 93

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:52 Page 94

News

STR Global: Tourism prepares to bounce back

One year since the beginning of the Arab Spring, hotel occupancy levels in Northern Africa, Egypt and the Levant region are showing signs of stability, according to the 2011 year-end data from leading hotel data provider STR Global.

Egypt has been investing in its tourism product with a raft of new activities and a new campaign set to bring visitor numbers back on track. As ITB Berlin’s Partner Country, Egypt new campaign “We’re Egypt” is expected to spread a welcoming message to travellers in 2012.

These positive and pro-active activities further demonstrate Egypt’s resilience after what has been a turbulent year, in which Cairo protests were widely broadcast around the world, impacting on traveller perceptions of this lively city destination. Occupancy declined by 29.5 percentage points to 36.1 per cent in 2011 and average daily rate (ADR) declined by 3.3 per cent to EGP706.26.

In the usually popular leisure destinations of Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and Hurghada, Egypt, occupancy reached 48.1 per cent (-38.6 per cent) and 57.2 per cent (-28.7 per cent), respectively. Unlike Cairo, ADR decreased more in Sharm El Sheikh (-17.3 per cent) to EGP333.69 and Hurghada (-6.2 per cent) to EGP329.15, as hoteliers tried to maintain demand volume by lowering rates.

In the Levant region, demand declined in the main cities such as Beirut, Lebanon (-12.2 per cent), and Amman, Jordan (-6.8 per cent). It resulted in a RevPAR drop by 22.2 per cent in Beirut and 9.2 per cent in Amman, despite that most of the unrest has been taking place in Syria and Egypt.

On the Arabian Peninsula, Manama, Bahrain, experienced the strongest demand decline across the region following the February political unrest in the country. As a result, occupancy

94

and rate declined by 37.6 and 12.9 per cent, respectively, year-to-December 2011, reporting 41.6 per cent occupancy and BHD77.44 ADR. Kuwait with limited new supply, saw a strong occupancy growth (+10.7 per cent) in 2011.

Robust demand growth helped to boost occupancy and ADR in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reporting occupancy increases by 7.0 per cent and 2.5 percent, respectively. ADR grew by 6.4 per cent in Riyadh and 3.4 per cent in Dubai.

New supply in Doha, Qatar (+13.0 per cent) and matching demand growth at 13.0 per cent led to flat occupancy levels (60.6 per cent) and only a slight increase in ADR (+0.7 per cent).

“A sense of insecurity across Northern Africa and Egypt has led leisure and business travellers to seek alternative destinations. As a result, hotels in the Arabian Peninsula saw demand increase by 13.2 per cent”, commented Elizabeth Randall, managing director at STR Global.

“Security in the region will be vital before expecting large numbers of tourists to return.

“The good news in the 2011 performance is that average rate across Northern Africa, Egypt and the Levant region has remained on par with the previous year (-0.5 per cent in USD) and declining occupancy has started to show signs of stability in the second half of the year”.

For more information visit www.strglobal.com

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:53 Page 95

“The World’s Leading Island Resort 2011”

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:53 Page 96

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:20 Page 97

News

GIBTM 2012 set influence GULF MICE A number of new initiatives are set to take place at GIBTM 2012, which is being held on 26 – 28 March in Abu Dhabi. The 6th edition of the event will provide the Arab community with education sessions solely dedicated to the improving knowledge and understanding of the value of this sector.

Presented by Ali Al Saloom of Ask-Ali.com, a recognised industry expert and Cultural Tourism Consultant Embrace Arabia Consultancy, he will discuss how business travel provides a big opportunity in the region linking this industry with Arabic traditions and culture.

increase in the region, GIBTM must continue to help the sector understand their own community, and use this event to not only gain knowledge and information but to also network with peers and colleagues – it is the most valuable 3 days to develop their careers and we urge them to participate” explains Reed Travel Exhibitions manager, GIBTM Lois Hall.

With the region’s continued expansion of products and services dedicated to the business tourism, meetings and incentives industry, GIBTM will seek to help to build a bridge with those professionals who are already working within the sector but are still unaware of their position within the developing meetings industry.

Another new focus at the event will be ACTE, The Association of Corporate Travel Executives who will provide ground-breaking educational sessions that aim to help individuals who are involved in planning business travel for their clients make well informed decisions, reduce costs, enhance performance and ultimately increase their network of suppliers. Other Associations joining the education programme include ICCA and MPI and the annual IBTM Middle East Industry Research Report will update and review the latest trends for the sector in the region and globally that will impact everyone in the coming year.

“This is one of our key challenges each year, as the growth of world–class infrastructure, new conference facilities and high quality venues

For more information visit www.gibtm.com

Abu Dhabi

Mövenpick Hotels in green focus Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts’ 21 hotels in Europe have achieved Green Globe certification, placing the Swiss hospitality company on target to become the most certified hotel company in the world to receive the Green Globe seal. The news was announced at ITB 2012.

“We have been very committed to achieving Green Globe certification across all our properties in Europe and in the process enjoyed very positive feedback and engagement from our employees,” explained Mövenpick’s chief operating officer for Europe, Ola Ivarsson.

Along with the certification process Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has been encouraging its employees to learn more about environmental and sustainability issues by developing an elearning tool kit that can be accessed online.

European employees spent a total of 10,000 hours in training, and each property established a team to liaise with Green Globe.

breakingtravelnews.com

Go Greener Mövenpick Employess

Based on their own successful model, which used the framework for Strategic Sustainable Development, Mövenpick have been sharing their knowledge and e-learning tools with other hotels and industry partners by making them available on their website.

Green Globe Certification CEO, Guido Bauer said, “Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts has taken a systematic approach to measure all the operational savings that have been made through the reduction of energy and water usage and non-recyclable waste.

“At the same time real commitments have been made to support the communities who host their hotels and resorts. I firmly believe that through the Green Globe Certification programme, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is now a world leader in sustainable tourism and it has our independent verification as an assurance of this achievement.”

Initiatives that the hotel group has rolled out across its European properties include the introduction of biodegradable pens, wooden key cards, ecological bathroom amenities and Mövenpick Fairtrade Coffee, as well as ensuring that where possible, food is sourced locally and from organic farming. Every hotel also collaborates with organisations that work towards improved community welfare.

Mövenpick’s Middle Eastern hotels have already achieved Green Globe certification and the programme is being rolled out across in Africa and Asia properties in coming months.

For more information visit www.moevenpick-hotels.com or head to Hall 9/307.

97

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:20 Page 98

Live at ITB

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker at ITB Berlin

Hot topics up for discus In 2012 ITB Berlin has been a more political event than ever before.

The European debt crisis, climate protection and sustainability, as well as the turmoil in the Arab world are some of the main themes and topics on people’s minds at the 46th annual event. As the global travel industry is confronted by a range of questions, ITB Berlin 2012 has explored these subjects with true industry leaders in search of answers. Leading hotels, airlines, destinations and travel organisations from all over the world are among those who have come to share their latest news and developments and to lend support to one another. Kenya, ITB partner country Egypt and Dubai are among destinations who have had a strong presence this year.

Wael Rashed, Area Director of Sales, Gulf and Saudi Arabia, Starwood Hotels, left, with World Travel Awards Founder Graham Cooke

98

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:20 Page 99

Pep Lozano, general manager at Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, which will open later this year

ussion at ITB

Anita Cremer, Director of Sales and Marketing, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

breakingtravelnews.com

Kenya Tourism welcomed guests to ITB

99

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 18:20 Page 100

News InterContinental Athens

IHG unveils reward card Barclaycard and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have launched the Priority Club Rewards Black Visa card, which offers loyalty club members more points on hotel stays and purchases which can be redeemed for free nights or a selection of other rewards.

Existing cardholders can instantly upgrade online. Black Visa cardholders can get double the amount of points compared to the standard Visa card, earning them four points for every £1 spent at IHG hotels and two points for every £1 spent elsewhere.

miles, high street shopping vouchers or experience days.

IHG’s director of partnership programmes Mark Shepherd explains: “Barclaycard has been genuinely passionate about our partnership from the start and our co-branded credit relationship continues to go from strength to strength.”

He added: “They recognise the importance of our brand and our goal to deepen the relationship with our membership base. They have helped us bring innovative, insightful solutions to our customers, like the launch of our Priority Club Rewards Black card.”

Cardholders will also earn a free night voucher valid at over 4,400 properties for each year they spend more than £10,000 on the card. Free nights can be redeemed from 10,000 points with luxury hotels such as Crowne Plaza or InterContinental available from 25,000 and 30,000 points respectively.

There is a £99 annual fee and the Priority Club Rewards Black Visa comes with 0% interest on balance transfers for the first 12 months with an APR of 39.7%. Those transferring balances will incur a 2.99% handling fee.

There are 60 million Priority Club Rewards members worldwide. Other rewards include air

For more information visit www.ichotelsgroup.com or go to Hall9/319.

Joy of Jazz in August, to Arts Alive, the Joburg Shopping Festival and Taste of Joburg in October, to Africa Fashion Week and the Sansui Summer Cup in November, to mention but a few.

“Our ongoing local and international promotional campaigns include exhibiting at business and leisure trade exhibitions where JTC shares its plans to maintain, defend and grow its market share,” says Phelisa Mangcu, acting CEO.

“In terms of the recently-launched Mayoral Outreach campaign to discuss the city of Johannesburg’s Growth and Development Strategy 2040, tourism remains an economic growth imperative on the city’s agenda. It is an important catalyst to encourage the development of the SMME sector in order to encourage the growth and development of a vibrant second economy. It is the Johannesburg Tourism Company’s strategy mission to attract visitors to Joburg, encourage them to stay longer, spend more, improve seasonality patterns and the spread of visitors across the city.”

“As the City of Johannesburg’s destination marketing organisation, JTC remains focused on positioning Joburg not only as the continent’s leading business hub, but also as an exciting, vibrant year-round destination for signature events, lifestyle, the arts, culture, fashion, sports – and of course, mega-events.”

Joburg's calendar of events have been attracting attention recently. Signature events throughout the year provide have been attracting attention. Joburg signature events throughout the year range from the Joburg Open Golf Tournament in January, the Joburg Fashion Week in March, the Africa Cup Polo and

InterContinental Berlin

Joburg brings campaign to ITB The Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC) has been making its mark at ITB Berlin this year, positioning Joburg as a year-round destination through a number of initiatives and campaigns, including a lively reception that took place at the South African Embassy in Berlin on 8 March.

100

Supporting these efforts is the regeneration work taking place around the city. City Parks and the Joburg Development Agency have been working alongside private investors on a number of projects including Braamfontein, Newtown, the inner-City, Arts on Main, the SOJO Route and the developments in Soweto and Sandton.

As the tourism board continues to position Johannesburg as an urban tourism destination, highlighting the city as a dynamic and thriving world class centre and an ideal place to live, work, study, invest and visit, Joburg looks set to attract a wave of new visitors in 2012.

For more information visit www.joburgtourism.com or go to Hall 20./138.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:39 Page 101

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:34 Page 102

we have the caribbean covered

Over 4400+ domains for 35+ Caribbean countries, each in 29 different languages: Countries covered: Anguilla, Antigua, Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Barbuda, Belize, Bermuda, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Cuba, Curacao, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Grenadines, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Puerto Rico, St Barts, St Kitts, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Martin, St Vincent, Tobago, Trinidad, Turks And Caicos, US Virgin Islands

Languages: Chinese traditional, Czechoslovakian, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, French Canadian, German, Greek, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Portuguese Brazil, Russian, Slovak, Spanish,Spanish Mexican, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese

ANGUILLAtoursandspas.com ANGUILLAtoursandtravel.com ANGUILLAtoursandvillas.com ARUBAtoursandvillas.com ARUBAtravelandflights.com ARUBAtravelandhotels.com BAHAMAShotelsandflights.com BAHAMAShotelsandspas.com BAHAMAShotelsandtours.com BARBADOSairportcarrentals.com BARBADOSbeachaccommodation.com BARBADOScarshire.com BARBUDAflightshotelsresortsspascarhire.com BARBUDAhireacar.com BARBUDAhirecar.com BELIZEhotelsandtravel.com BELIZEhotelsandvillas.com BELIZEnationalcarhire.com BERMUDAresortsandtravel.com BERMUDAresortsandvillas.com BERMUDAspasandflights.com cheapholidaysBONAIRE.com cheaphotelsBONAIRE.com cheapticketsBONAIRE.com cruisesBRITISHVIRGINISLANDS.com discounttraveltoBRITISHVIRGINISLANDS.com exploreBRITISHVIRGINISLANDS.com CARIBBEANhirecar.com CARIBBEANhotelsandflights.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:34 Page 103

GlobalTravelAds provides access to Global-Travel-Sites.com’s highly qualified audience and delivers unparalleled reach to in-market travellers across the Internet.

■

Create awareness with banner advertising targeted to users interested in travel – you control your message.

■

Target your campaign to specific sites within the Global Travel Sites’ network.

■

Target your campaign to Visitor’s Geography to maximise the best performance.

CARIBBEANhotelsandresorts.com luxuryCAYMANISLANDShotels.com luxuryCAYMANISLANDSresorts.com luxuryCAYMANISLANDSspas.com CUBAtravelandflights.com CUBAtravelandhotels.com CUBAtravelandresorts.com discounttraveltoCURACAO.com letstourCURACAO.com lowcostcarrentalsCURACAO.com DOMINICAcheapautorentals.com DOMINICAfivestar.com DOMINICAfivestarhotels.com DOMINICANREPUBLICtravelandtours.com DOMINICANREPUBLICvillasandhotels.com DOMINICANREPUBLICvillasandresorts.com GRENADAspasandresorts.com GRENADAspasandtours.com GRENADAspasandtravel.com GRENADINEStoursandtravel.com GRENADINEStoursandvillas.com GRENADINEStravelandflights.com beachresortGUADELOUPE.com beachresortinGUADELOUPE.com besthotelsinGUADELOUPE.com letsfishHAITI.com letsdiveHAITI.com PORTAUPRINCEcarhire.com NEVIShotelsandflights.com

NEVIShotelsandresorts.com NEVIShotelsandspas.com JAMAICAtravelandresorts.com JAMAICAtravelandtours.com JAMAICAvillasandhotels.com MARTINIQUEflightsandresorts.com MARTINIQUEflightsandspas.com MARTINIQUEflightsandtours.com MONTSERRAThotelsandtours.com MONTSERRAThotelsandtravel.com MONTSERRAThotelsandvillas.com NETHERLANDANTILLESfivestarresorts.com NETHERLANDANTILLESfivestarspas.com NETHERLANDANTILLESfivestartravel.com beachresortinPUERTORICO.com beachresortPUERTORICO.com besthotelsinPUERTORICO.com 5starSTBARTHELEMY.com beachresortinSTBARTHELEMY.com beachresortSTBARTHELEMY.com STKITTSairlines.com STKITTSairportcarrentals.com STKITTSbeach.com STLUCIAhotelsandspas.com STLUCIAhotelsandtours.com STLUCIAhotelsandtravel.com STMAARTENfivestarhotels.com STMAARTENfivestarresorts.com STMAARTENfivestarspas.com

cheaphotelsSTMARTIN.com cheapticketsSTMARTIN.com cruisesSTMARTIN.com STVINCENTresortsandtravel.com STVINCENTresortsandvillas.com STVINCENTspasandflights.com cheapflightTOBAGO.com cheapholidaysTOBAGO.com cheaphotelsTOBAGO.com cheapairfaresTRINIDAD.com cheapcardealsTRINIDAD.com cheapestflightTRINIDAD.com beachresortinTURKSANDCAICOS.com beachresortTURKSANDCAICOS.com besthotelsinTURKSANDCAICOS.com STCROIXfivestarhotels.com STCROIXfivestarresorts.com STCROIXfivestarspas.com STJOHNtouristinfo.com STJOHNtoursandflights.com STJOHNtoursandhotels.com STTHOMAStravelandflights.com STTHOMAStravelandhotels.com STTHOMAStravelandresorts.com hotelsinUSVIRGINISLANDS.com letstourUSVIRGINISLANDS.com lowcostcarrentalsUSVIRGINISLANDS.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:34 Page 104

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 08:54 Page 105

News

Pegasus taps into mobile technologies Pegasus Solutions is offering responsive web design for hotels, which allows hotels to deliver hotel content correctly formatted to any mobile device.

The solution, OpenFlex, is available now through Pegasus’ Open Hospitality division, and is credited for helping one customer realise major savings. The product was being promoted during ITB Berlin.

Responsive design offers hotels affordability and efficiency in providing mobile booking as an option for guests. Leveraging fluid widths, scalable images, and adjustable layouts, it allows bookers to quickly access important details via their preferred point of mobile contact – any smartphone, tablet, or operating system.

“Mobile is no longer a novelty or ‘nice-tohave’ for hotels that are competing for global business. It has become a must for generating revenue,” said David Millili, Chief Executive Officer of Open Hospitality and Chief Web Officer for Pegasus Solutions.

“Displaying a desktop version of a website on a smartphone will frustrate a customer, and spending additional budget designing

multiple mobile sites for each mobile tool will frustrate the hotel. With OpenFlex, we are the first hotel reservation solutions provider to offer hotels responsive design to optimize the significant business opportunity in mobile bookings.”

With OpenFlex, Pegasus also addresses the discord created when hotels create a mobile site that then links to the existing desktop booking environment, which will create attrition in the reservation process from mobile bookers.

“If you’re going to create an effective mobile hotel site, the guest must be able to enjoy the shopping and booking experience, or even the convenience of accessing hotel information, location details, and dynamic mapping features in a highly-compatible display size,” added Millili, “Make sure the experience is doable – ask whether they could manage it while walking the show floor at ITB, or hailing a cab at the airport. If not, your mobile bookers will go where they can book.”

Pegasus also offers hotels RezView Mobile, which enables hotels using Pe gasus’ RezView NG central reservations system (CRS) enterprise delivery platform to design

downloadable native applications for Apple and Android smartphones and tablets.

RezView NG customers can maintain centralised content and rate management while also establishing a brand presence in Apple and Android stores to encourage loyal consumers to access their hotel for bookings from their mobile device. Flags hip customer Utell Hotels & Resorts’ app is available in both app stores.

For more information visit www.pegs.com or head to Hall 8.1/111.

Sabre launches app marketplace Sabre Travel Network has opened the virtual doors to its Sabre Red App Centre, an online marketplace that connects travel buyers, including travel agencies, travel management companies and leisure operators, with application providers from around the world.

Travel buyers can access the Sabre Red App Centre and shop more than 60 Red Apps currently in the marketplace, with that number expected to grow significantly in the coming

breakingtravelnews.com

months. After identifying the desired Red App, customers can complete the check out process and then download and provision the app to the individual user. The Red Apps will be available in the agent’s Sabre Red Workspace, which is used to shop, book and manage travel.

“Today marks a milestone for Sabre and for the industry as we open the Sabre Red App Centre to the travel community,” reveals Chris Kroeger, senior vice president of marketing for Sabre Travel Network. “By creating this new

marketplace, our customers can now easily shop for, purchase and install specialised applications that further enhance and customise the Red Workspace to meet their individual business needs.”

For more information visit www.sabre-holdings.com or head to Hall 8.1/119A.

105

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 08:54 Page 106

Live at ITB

Local colour on the Egypt stand

Jacques Peter, General Manager, Soho Square, Sharm el Sheikh

James Howe-Davies, of 2morrow Group, left, celebrates with World Travel Awards executive vice president Kevin Taylor

Etihad makes a noise at ITB Berlin

106

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 08:55 Page 107

Kapil Chopra, executive vice president, The Oberoi Group talks about hosting the World Travel Awards Grand Final in December this year

Michael Lutez, regional director, Leading Hotels of the World

Many travel and tourism companies utilise ITB Berlin as a launch platform for their latest initiatives and to make announcements to the worldwide media. With tens of thousands of visitors and travel industry professionals in attendance, it is an ideal location to share new developments.

Sixt Rent a Car made a noise in its home market

Thousands of visitors are expected over the five days

breakingtravelnews.com

Dieter Geiger, General Manager, Savoy Hotel

107

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 08/03/2012 08:55 Page 108

News

Profits up at Royal Jet Royal Jet has reported a 226 per cent increase in net profits for 2011 when compared to 2010.

Revenues increased by 31.2 per cent from the previous year at the private airline.

The record performance followed a programme of organisational realignment that propelled the international luxury flight services company to its best-ever result in its eight-year history and sixth consecutive year of profitability.

The company is chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan.

Shane O’Hare, chief executive of Royal Jet explains: “As we examined every aspect of our operations and made changes where we felt improvement was possible, we were able to align more closely our commercial, operational and corporate activities to become more agile in line with market needs.

“We implemented an aggressive and wellsegmented sales plan featuring a new and sophisticated yield management program to provide our highest ever return on revenue block hours.

“That plan, allied to the operational streamlining process, led to a significant gain in productivity and a reduction in costs.

Simultaneously, we were able to focus on delivering better VIP customer service, further raising the benchmark for which we have been recognized worldwide.

“This earned us the ‘World’s Leading Private Jet’ award for an unprecedented fifth year in a row at the prestigious World Travel Awards,” O’Hare added.

Royal Jet recorded significant improvements across its brokerage, Medevac, aircraft management and Fixed Base Operations (FBO) business units. The brokerage team recorded an increase in gross revenue by 53 per cent and the Medevac team delivered a 65 per cent increase in revenue from 192 missions involving 309 patients.

“I am delighted to report that 2011 was the most successful year ever for Royal Jet and by a considerable margin - both operationally and financially,” O’Hare added.

For more information visit www.royaljetgroup.com

Optimistic future for hotel sector say industry CEO’s at the IHIF The second day of the International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) was opened by Marilyn McHugh, VicePresident, Global Hospitality Events, Questex Hospitality + Travel Group. The panel of the morning was the much anticipated CEO’s panel – Thinking Outside The Box. Moderated by Simon M Johnson, CBRE Specialist Markets who was in conversation with Denis Hennequin, Chairman and CEO, Accor, Hubert Joly, President & CEO Carlson and Chairman of the Board Rezidor Hotel Group, Steve Joyce, President and CEO, Choice Hotel International, Richard Solomons, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, IHG and Frits van Paasschen, President and CEO Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.

The session opened with Johnson asking each of the panellists how their respective businesses were fairing. All gave a positive response with Joly commenting that although there is a high rate of

108

unemployment generally, it is low amongst corporate travellers and therefore not affecting them and their need to travel.

Face-to-face meetings will always be the preference, a thought echoed by Professor Ian Goldin from Oxford University in yesterday afternoon’s session on globalisation and development. Johnson pressed the panel to state whether they were nervous about the current situation in Europe. Joly commented that although there were concerns over the reduction in China’s GDP growth “as the man who was falling from the 90th floor said when he got to the 5th floor, so far, so good”!

Joyce acknowledged that whilst people are still travelling, they are looking for better value and lower costs than before.

Solomons noted that the industry needs to move hotel assets to become assets that banks want to finance again.

Hennequin said that all markets are national before they become international

and Accor acknowledged this and believes growth will come from the emerging markets. He said that they, as a brand, need to penetrate these emerging markets with a product the local consumers need, not one we think they need.

Joly agreed and confirmed that 70% of his group’s pipeline is located in the developing markets and said that it was important that hotels were designed specifically for these markets and not just a case of picking up the European model and relocating to the emerging markets.

He added that all brands need to be conscious of the requirements of these guests when they travel into Europe as well.

Van Paasschen said we were witnessing a “great transformation of humanity” and pointed to the digital connectivity and emergence of a larger middle class as the key factors. He said he felt that now was “an extraordinary opportunity to be in a global branded business”.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:29 Page 109

THE NEW STANDARD OF

EXOTIC LUXURY what New York

ONLY 50 MINUTES FROM MIAMI AND 3 HOURS FROM NEW YORK TO GEORGETOWN, GREAT EXUMA, BAHAMAS

THE BAHAMAS

& UNMATCHED BEAUTY

THE GEM OF THE BAHAMAS

Award-winning Sandals® Emerald Bay brings unprecedented levels of luxury to the easy-going rhythms of The Bahamian Out Islands. This is a privileged enclave of romantic tropical elegance, where service is elevated to an art form and where championship golf†, a pampering Red Lane® Spa and oceanfront accommodations harmonize with sea, sun and serenity.

Miami

Sandals Emerald Bay G R E AT E X U M A , B A H A M A S

where SO EASY TO REACH

Sandals Emerald Bay is nestled along the sun-kissed shores of its own private peninsula on Great Exuma, idyllically isolated and surrounded by some of the bluest, most spectacular waters in The Out Islands of the Bahamas.

why

MORE QUALITY INCLUSIONS THAN ANY OTHER RESORTS ON THE PLANET • Oceanfront accommodations • Unlimited land and water sports, including scuba diving • Gourmet dining at seven restaurants serving exclusive Beringer® Wines • Premium brand liquors • Butler service • And MORE

WORLD-CLASS LUXURY

At Sandals Emerald Bay, luxury surrounds you with the most sophisticated refinements in the Bahamas. Emerald fairways rise above turquoise seas at the resort’s 18hole, par-72 tournament course designed by legendary pro Greg Norman. A grand pool features a cascading waterfall, misting columns, swim-up bar and a central firepit, while a mile-long alabaster beach offers relaxation and romance.

Emerald Bay GREAT EXUMA, BAHAMAS A Caribbean Family-Owned Company

1-800-SANDALS sandals.com †Greens fees not included. Spa services additional. For non-certified divers, resort dive course and night dives available at an additional cost. Butler service available in top-tier suites. Sandals® is a registered trademark and is represented worldwide by Unique Vacations, Inc.

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:29 Page 110

Visit the World’s Leading Travel Travel Events online at www.bre Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com//btn_news

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/breakingtravelnews

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:30 Page 111

el News resource for Global reakingtravelnews.com/events BTN on your mobile: breakingtravelnews.mobi

BTN YouTube channel: youtube.com/breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:30 Page 112

News Fine dining at Mena House Oberoi

A hotel with history – the majestic Mena House Oberoi The historic Mena House Oberoi, Cairo, is the only hotel located at foot of the Great Pyramids of Giza. BTN looks at its timeless appeal.

The Great Pyramids of Giza is a sight everyone should experience at least once in their lifetimes, and for the discerning traveller there’s only one place to stay – the historic Mena House Oberoi. Just 700 metres from the Pyramid of Cheops, the five-star hotel oozes a palatial splendour of a bygone era, and is the only hotel so close to the ancient wonder of the world.

This unique hotel has played host to countless kings and emperors, heads of state and celebrities from Chaplin and Churchill to Agatha Christie and Ralph Lauren, with its palatial rooms overlooking the Pyramids and a lush surrounding of 40 acres of verdant g reen gardens. The royal history of the hotel is reflected in luxurious interiors that are embellished with exquisite antiques, handcrafted furniture, original work of arts and magnificent antiques that are rarely found in luxury hotels.

112

You can gaze upon the magnificence of the Pyramids from your room at sunrise and sunset. After dinner at one of the many restaurants, you can return to see them lit up for yo ur private viewing pleasure. An ideal location for meetings in Cairo, the hotel’s banquets and conference centre offer venues for weddings, receptions and meetings ranging from 50 to 1,000 guests. Recreation options at the hotel include a heated swimming pool, a fully equipped fitness centre and spa.

Regarded as one of the leading luxury hotels in Cairo, the hotel combines the magical charm of a bygone era with unrivalled service fit for royalty. The Mena House Oberoi Golf Course is set to reopen this year, making The Mena House one of the few hotels in Cairo with its own course. Enthusiasts can tee off at the nine-hole golf course which is located in the shadow of the Great Pyramids.

The Mena House was originally built as a royal lodge for the ruler of Egypt Khedive Ismail, and used as a rest house for him and his guests when on hunting trips in the desert or while visiting the Pyramids at Giza. In 1885, a wealthy English couple, Locke-King bought and converted the estate into a luxurious hotel, and two years later Mena House hotel received its first guests.

For the past four decades, Mena House has been owned and operated by the luxury India hospitality chain Oberoi, with its incredible attention detail and personal service coming as standard. The property has 523 rooms and suites in the Palace and Garden wings and Cabana style rooms by the swimming pool.

All 13 Suites, 21 Palace Rooms and 140 Garden Rooms have a view of the pyramids.

Four Executive Suites have a separate living room and bedroom. Seven Deluxe Suites in the old Palace section of the hotel have separate living room, dining room and bedroom. The regally appointed Presidential Suites, Churchill and Montgomery, each have a large private terrace and a view of the Pyramids.

All Suites in the old Palace section feature beautiful traditional detailing, murals, screens, panelling, gilding, fine upholstery, original wooden balustrading and arched windows.

Guests in the Suites enjoy the privilege of private butler service and 24 hour in-room dining.

To find out more about Mena House Oberoi at ITB 2012 visit Hall 9/221. Also visit www.oberoihotels.com.

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:43 Page 113

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:43 Page 114

Live at ITB

Josef Forstmayr, Managing Director at Round Hill, with Mary Phillips of Jamaica Inn

Every tourism market is represented at ITB

Travel and tourism companies from every market around the world are represented at ITB Berlin 2012, including VIPs and industry leaders who are on hand to provide advice and expertise. Special workshops, panels and breakout sessions have been running at this year’s annual event to tackle some of the hot topics on the travel and tourism agenda.

Industry leaders from across the tourism sector were on hand to offer expertise

114

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:44 Page 115

Elhamy Eizayat, chairman, Egyptian Tourism Federation at ITB Berlin

Karl Pilstl, Blue Haven Hotel, Tobago

Celebrating with Sixt

Celebrations on the Nicaragua stand at ITB Berlin

breakingtravelnews.com

115

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 07/03/2012 19:44 Page 116

Feature The brand new glitzy O-Bar

Fairmont in food focus The Fairmont Nile City has been delighting visitors with the recent unveiling of a stylish new concept at its signature restaurant which includes an Asian fusion theme and a new lounge area, in addition to the opening of the brand new O Bar, bringing a new wave of glitz and glamour to this classy establishment.

New dining hub at Saigon Restaurant & Lounge Fairmont Nile City’s signature restaurant has revamped its concept, extending the French Vietnamese to a full-fledged Asian fusion theme as well as launching a new plush lounge area and a dedicated sushi bar.

The Saigon Restaurant concept offers a range of popular Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Indonesian, Singaporean, and Malaysian dishes such as curry laksa, nasi goreng, pad thai, pepper crab, chili crab, and glass noodle salads. The new concept also introduces a new sharing concept, adding more value.

Mai Phuong Nguyen, Asian chef de cuisine, brings her expertise and style of cooking to Cairo. Chef Mai first learned the secrets of Asian dishes from her mother’s kitchen. Her professional career spans Europe, Hanoi and Bangkok, where she worked at the Sofitel Metropole and Sofitel Grand Plaza.

The outlet’s contemporary design is decorated tastefully with distinct Asian touches, clean minimalist interior and walls covered in mother of pearl for an elegant dining experience. The wide floor-to-ceiling windows show off the dramatic Nile view.

116

The Saigon Lounge

On the other side of the outlet is a new private lounge area with spectacular views, which sells select items from all outlets from Middle Eastern to America. Additional features include a bar seating area. Cocktails are made with fresh juices, fruits and herbs.

For sushi lovers, a dedicated sushi bar was created as part of the Saigon complex offering fresh Japanese delicacies. All ingredients are locally sourced in accordance with Fairmont’s Green Partnership Programme.

O Bar makes glittering debut Fairmont Nile City has opened its long awaited O Bar in a wave of glitz and glamour that is typical of Cairo’s premier hotel. This latest addition is set to infuse energy, style and firstclass entertainment into the city’s bar scene.

Already tipped to be one of the liveliest destinations for a perfect night out in Cairo, the O Bar is taking up residence in the easy and secluded depths of the Fairmont Nile City where it’s expected to beco me a regular hang out for Cairo’s ever energetic glitterati.

Cory LeDrew. He was flown into Cairo from Toronto bringing his extensive global experience to put together a menu based on all-time favourite dishes. The international menu caters for all tastes with the likes of English fish and chips, Antipasto platter, whipped feta dip, cheese cake lollipops and much more.

In addition to the food selection, guests can choose from 16 pages of cocktails. For over 100 years, bartenders in many of the Fairmont's bars and lounges have helped invent, design, refine and serve drinks that can only be described as classic O Bar’s promise for an energetic and funky musical repertoire had party-goers on their feet all night at the recent opening ceremony with music playing out loud by DJ Amr Hosny. As with those nights, top-notch entertainment beckons, with news of big name entertainment making surprise guest appearances at the O Bar throughout 2012.

For more information visit www.fairmont.com

Complimenting the sleek and vibrant décor is an extensive food menu composed by Chef

breakingtravelnews.com

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:13 Page 117

Breaking Travel News is the proud official media partner of:

World’s No 1 Travel Industry News Resource

Breaking Travel News (BTN) has over the last 16 years established itself as the world’s leading online news and information service for senior travel industry thought leaders. Every day BTN’s readers visit the daily feed of market intelligence, trend analysis, exclusive video interviews and breaking news in order to keep their fingers on the travel pulse.

Visit www.breakingtravelnews.com for the latest travel industry news or read on your mobile at breakingtravelnews.mobi

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:13 Page 118

2 0 TH Y E A R A N N I V E R S A R Y G R A N D TO U R Caribbean & Central America Gala Ceremony MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA • 15 JANUARY 2013

Europe Gala Ceremony BERLIN, GERMANY • MARCH 2013

Middle East Gala Ceremony DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES • MAY 2013

Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony SHARM EL SHEIKH, EGYPT • MAY 2013

North America Gala Ceremony LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA • 8 JUNE 2013

Asia & Australasia Gala Ceremony SHANGHAI, CHINA • 13 JUNE 2013

South America Gala Ceremony RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL • 20 OCTOBER 2013

Grand Final Gala Ceremony LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM • NOVEMBER 2013

J O I N U S F O R T H E C E L E B R AT I O N S awards@worldtravelawards.com

w o r l d t ra v e l a w a rd s . c o m

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:13 Page 119

“T H E O S C A R S O F T H E T R AV E L I N D U S T RY�

WA L L S T R E E T J O U R N A L

For two decades World Travel Awards has been recognising companies in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry.

BTN_March_2012_Day3_Layout 1 06/03/2012 15:14 Page 120