ATM 2019 DAY 2

DAY 2

Part of

M O N 29 A P R

Discover Expo 2020 Hall 3, Stand ME2520

Experiences galore

Visitors enjoy a fun and interactive travel extravaganza.

See story on page 7 as Yas Island welcomes record numbers

RETREAT TO AN URBAN SANCTUARY IN THE HEART OF ABU DHABI.

LIFE IS A JOURNEY. Visit anantara.com 001__ATM 2019 D2___Cover.indd 1

EASTERN MANGROVES HOTEL & SPA BY ANANTARA 4/28/19 11:38 PM

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WELCOME TO YAS ISLAND ABU DHABI A world of opportunity awaits you at Yas Island! Located just 25 minutes to Abu Dhabi and only 45 minutes to Dubai, guests will discover worlds within worlds as they explore the various charms Yas Island has to offer.

TAKE A SWING AT YAS ISLAND’S CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF COURSE

On the western shores of the island, overlooking the sparkling Arabian Gulf, Yas Links is a picture perfect golf course.

TM & © DC., TM & © HB., TM & © WBEI. (s19)

FIND YOUR SPARK IN NEW THRILLS

Thrill. Adventure. Imagination. Curiosity. Joy. That’s what moments are made of at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. With 37 record-breaking rides & attractions for everyone in the family, your spark could be closer than you think.

WATER’S GREATEST PLAYGROUND

Splash into over 40 rides, slides and attractions at the Middle East’s leading waterpark and enjoy everything from the region’s first water cinema to the world’s longest suspended rollercoaster.

EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING YOU’VE IMAGINED!

EXPERIENCE THE ROAR OF FORMULA 1® RACING

GET A LITTLE SUN, SAND AND SURF

7 INTERNATIONAL HOTELS FOR GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP

Enjoy a variety of premium motorsport events, or take part in a driving experience in Yas Marina Circuit’s own fleet.

White sands, crystal clear waters and natural mangrove surroundings make Yas Beach a serene escape from the bustle of the island.

BE WHERE IT’S ALL HAPPENING

LIVE ACTION AT YAS ISLAND’S

Abu Dhabi’s largest mall offers an exciting range of enhanced shopping concepts, more than 400 retailers, 20-screen VOX cinema and Fun Works.

OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT VENUE

Feel the buzz of the crowd at the city’s largest open-air, live venue from musical legends to cutting edge new talent.

Enjoy six uniquely themed lands, 29 stateof-the-art rides, interactive family-friendly attractions and unique live entertainment at the world’s first ever Warner Bros. branded indoor theme park.

YAS ISLAND From 3-5 stars, Yas Island’s range of internaHOTELS tionally branded hotels provides 2200 rooms

and more than 15 world clas restaurants for you to choose from.

DINE, DOCK, DISCOVER

‘The place to be’ with it its long corridors, sea views, 7 al-fresco restaurants and children’s play areas. Here, jet cruises and yachts take you to the tranquil sunset glow along the Abu Dhabi coast.

Meet us at Hall 2, Stand ME 2350 yasisland.ae

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5

Welcome

Contents

Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inaugurating Arabian Travel Market yesterday

06 | News 22 | A bold new vision

Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential

26 | Seminar schedule 34 | Sustained approach

Adopting responsible practices

36 | Flying high

Commercial airlines in the Gulf 40 | Destination profiles 46 | Vox pops 39

Welcome to the 26th edition of Arabian Travel Market

Nadege Noblet, Exhibition Manager Arabian Travel Market

The opening day of Arabian Travel Market 2019 was another resounding success, delivering an array of insightful seminar sessions and providing a platform for business networking opportunities.

Highlights from day one included the Arabia China Tourism Forum which explored ways in which international destinations can attract and cater for the ever-changing trends of outbound travel from China as well as the Buyers’ Club Speed Networking sessions.

Kicking off day two on the Global Stage will be a session titled ‘The Big Picture – Who will sell travel best in the future?’. With the global travel landscape rapidly evolving and the lines between traditional and non-traditional travel retailers blurring, this session will discuss what the future holds for an industry where every major tech firm, social media channel

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and online retailer is fighting to sell travel and what it means for traditional providers as we look ahead to the next decade.

Also taking place on the Global Stage over the next few days will be a focused seminar on Saudi Arabia’s tourism potential as the Kingdom undergoes a period of rapid economic diversification and forges ahead with its Vision 2030 blueprint as well as the Global Halal Tourism Summit which will explore the top trends within the sector as well as the growing role of technology in the Muslim space, including the digitalisation of the Umrah.

Debuting at this year’s show will be the ATM Hotel Industry Summit, which takes place on Tuesday 30th April. With a panel of key industry experts, the summit will turn a spotlight on upcoming developments, technologies and concepts that will shape the region’s hospitality sector going forward - from new infrastructure and regional development hotspots to technologies and hotel models that put the guest experience first.

Another debutant will be CONNECT Middle East, India and Africa – a new route development forum. Taking place on Tuesday 30th April and Wednesday 1st May 2019 in Hall 1, the forum will bring together airports, airlines and

aviation suppliers in a format that offers formal one-toone pre-arranged meetings, engaging industry seminars as well as social opportunities to cement relationships with existing clients and engage with new ones.

In the Travel Tech Theatre, which is sponsored by Sabre Corporation this year, seminar sessions will explore how to positively change the perception of destinations using the power of social media as well as discussing how immersive technology will transform the visitor experience at mega-events such as the upcoming Expo 2020.

And, in the Inspiration Theatres, expert panels will discuss how the travel and tourism industry can best reduce carbon emissions as well as the evolution of bespoke luxury travel and the opportunities that both medical and wellness tourism present today.

Other popular features include ILTM Arabia which will conclude today in Hall 1, the Digital Influencers’ Speed Networking, Best Stand Awards, Career in Travel and the Travel Agents’ Academy.

On behalf of the Reed Travel Exhibitions team, I’d like to thank you for your continued support of Arabian Travel Market and wish you a successful and rewarding exhibition.

08 36

Sun 28 Apr - Wed 1 May 2019 The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published on behalf of:

Gateway House 28 The Quadrant, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1DN, United Kingdom  +44 (0) 20 8271 2158,  arabian.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk  www.arabiantravelmarket.wtm.com The Arabian Travel Market logo, ATM and Hosted Buyer are trade marks of Reed Exhibitions Limited. RELX Group, RE symbol, Reed Exhibitions and Reed Travel Exhibitions are trade marks of RELX Group plc.

Published by: npimedia

PO Box 500573, Office 704, Executive Heights, Barsha Heights, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 4 4243640, Fax: +971 4 4327505 Email: enquiries@npimedia.com Web: www.npimedia.com

© Copyright The Arabian Travel Market show dailies are published by npimedia under licence from Reed Exhibitions Limited. The copyright in the design and content of the Arabian Travel Market show dailies is owned by npimedia, Reed Exhibitions Limited and its licensors. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form, by any means – electronic, photocopying or otherwise - without the prior written permission of Reed Exhibitions Limited.

VISIT NPI AT STAND ME1350 All images from npimedia archive, Shutterstock Images or supplied

4/29/19 12:40 AM

6

News

Expo 2020 Dubai’s ticket to success Expo 2020 will be a must-have ticket for leisure and business travellers worldwide

A visit to Expo 2020 Dubai will be a value-packed experience, with the global celebration releasing ticket prices that aim to ensure the event is accessible to all.

On the first day of Arabian Travel Market, Expo 2020 announced that a single-day ticket will cost AED120 (US$33) for an adult aged 18 to 64, while a three-day adult ticket will be priced at AED260 (US$71) and can be used on non-consecutive days.

The same tickets will be offered at a 50 percent discount – AED60 (US$16.50) for a single day and AED130 (US$35.50) for three days – for youths aged six

to 17 and for students of any age.

Children aged five and under and seniors aged 65 and over will enter for free, as will people of determination – while their caregivers will benefit from a 50 percent discount.

Single-day and three-day tickets are already available for authorised ticket resellers to bundle into their packages offered worldwide.

The ticket prices are expected to help entice global attendance. With 25 million visits expected to Expo 2020, the event is an incredible opportunity for travel and MICE organisers to add a unique component to client itineraries.

A wealth of unique meeting and conference venues located throughout the site are also on the doorstep of Expo 2020 making it ideal for business events. These include the Dubai Exhibition Centre, which features 45,000sqm of flexible meeting space.

Tour operators, destination management companies, event organisers and other travel trade entities worldwide can engage with Expo 2020 directly to become an authorised ticket reseller.

This enables companies to market comprehensive valueadded packages, combining access to Expo with services such as flights and hotels, leisure activities such as desert safaris and MICE offerings for business visitors.

Speaking at ATM, Sanjive Khosla, Deputy Chief – Sales and Marketing,

Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 will sell its tickets through both direct and indirect channels globally to ensure a widespread reach and welcome many millions of visitors.

“With a significant portion of our visitors expected to come from abroad, Expo 2020 presents a huge opportunity for travel companies to sell tickets with value-added travel and visitor services, developing their own packages and creating one-of-a-kind, exceptional experiences for leisure and business travellers.”

Single-day and three-day tickets will go on sale to the general public in April 2020, although visitors will be able to buy monthly and season passes directly from Expo as of the fourth quarter of 2019. Details of these will be announced later this year.

VISIT STAND ME2520

Marriott targets major expansion within MEA region

Global operator aims to launch 100 new properties by the end of 2023 Marriott International expects to add 19 new properties and more than 3,000 rooms to its Middle East and Africa portfolio in 2019.

The additions are in line with the company’s expansion plans to launch

Courtyard by Marriott Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter

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100 new properties and 26,000 rooms across the region by the end of 2023.

New five-star openings this year include the W Muscat and the JW Marriott Muscat Convention Center as well as St. Regis hotels in Amman

and Cairo. Other premium openings include the Sankara Nairobi, which is the Autograph Collection’s debut in Kenya.

Seven hotels are set to open in the select-service sector including a quartet of Four Points by Sheraton, Residence

Inn’s debut in Algeria, Protea Hotel by Marriott Naguru Skyz in Uganda and Element Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

“Our growth across the Middle East and Africa is fuelled by a strong demand for our diverse range of well-established brands, each offering different attributes that cater to this region’s ever-changing and evolving marketplace,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International.

“While the majority of our growth will be through new-builds, we are seeing an increasing number of conversion opportunities, especially in the luxury space.”

VISIT STAND HC0650, HC0750

4/28/19 11:22 PM

News

Record numbers for Yas Island

Visitor numbers to Yas Island Abu Dhabi hit record levels in 2018, with all major global source markets reporting double-digit growth compared to 2017.

Russia led the way with a 49 percent hike in tourists to the UAE capital’s entertainment and leisure destination, followed by the UK, India, the GCC and Germany.

The strong results follow a significant international sales and marketing drive led by Experience Hub, the destination’s new trade and promotion arm, which spearheaded

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several initiatives. These included setting up new representation offices and multiple landmark trade partnerships in India, China, Russia, Europe and Saudi Arabia.

With a robust network of retail agents, wholesalers and Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) now established in these key destinations, Experience Hub is focusing on creating tailormade packages that meet the unique needs and booking behaviour of travellers in each market.

“The creation of Experience

Hub, which serves to promote all of Yas Island’s assets, from hotels and attractions to theme parks and events, under one umbrella, has proved a real game-changer,” said Bruno Wiley, Vice President Sales, Experience Hub. “It has enabled us to create packages and exclusive rates that offer compelling experiences and take them to our trade partners in each region, which has proved highly successful.”

To further boost sales in 2019, Experience Hub is fine-tuning its packages for each market, as well

7

as offering add-on experiences that showcase the best of Abu Dhabi’s cultural attractions, including Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan presidential palace.

The promotion company has also launched a new online training module for wholesalers and agents, which includes dynamic content such as gamification to help them sell the destination by bringing the Yas Island experience to life.

“It is crucial for us to keep growing the volume of UAE residents visiting Yas Island too, so we are launching several packages designed to appeal to the home market,” said Wiley.

“We want to give them more reasons to visit – and for longer.”

These include action-packed weekend breaks and summer stays that are bookable on yasisland.ae.

New attractions such as Warner Bros.

World Abu Dhabi and sporting events, including the new World Rally Cross Championship, which took place on Yas Island for the first time this year, are also adding to the destination’s appeal.

“We already have the F1 and the FIA World Rally Cross Abu Dhabi added yet another moment for visitors to experience on Yas,” said Wiley.

This summer will also see the launch of a ‘kids go free’ offer, he added.

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4/28/19 11:22 PM

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News

Millennium doubles up in Business Bay, launches first Studio M regionally Operator aims for 14 openings in 2019, growing MEA portfolio to more than 50 hotels

Best Western buys Worldhotels and unveils boutique brands

Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MEA) is stepping on the development pedal and targeting 14 openings in 2019, swelling its portfolio to more than 50 hotels.

Business Bay is a key focus with the newly opened 30-storey Millennium Atria Business Bay – the operator’s 40th property regionally – representing developer Deyaar’s first venture into hospitality.

The serviced apartments tower contains 347 units, comprising studios to three-bedrooms, as well as duplex apartments designed by YOO Studio, the design company founded by John Hitchcox and Philippe Starck.

It follows the opening of the 251-room Grand Millennium Business Bay along the Dubai Water Canal, which contains seven F&B venues, 11

meeting rooms, a 455sqm ballroom, a health club and swimming pool.

Across the city, Millennium has also launched Studio M Arabian Plaza, the budget lifestyle brand’s first property regionally.

Close to Dubai International Airport and Al Qiyadah Metro station, it targets young travellers and those seeking affordable stays with its colourful animal-themed sculptures and ‘Hello Grab ‘N Go’ in the lobby. Adjoining the hotel are 100 apartments for long-stay guests.

It signals the first venture of Hala Hospitality Group, part of the Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group, into the hospitality industry.

US hotel group Best Western has bought the Worldhotels brand, adding 300 upscale and luxury properties to its portfolio.

Worldhotels acts as a ‘soft brand solution’ for independent hotels and resorts, across Worldhotels Luxury, Worldhotels Elite and Worldhotels Distinctive tiers.

“There is tremendous synergy between Best Western and WorldHotels,” said David Kong, President/CEO of Best Western Hotels & Resorts. “By joining forces in this new partnership, we will create competitive advantages for both companies.”

Best Western hope that the acquisition will play a pivotal role

in enhancing the brand’s portfolio, with boutique conversion brands Sadie and Aiden to compete in the upscale and luxury segments.

“Best Western is one of the largest, most respected and trusted hotel brands,” said Geoff Andrew, CEO, WorldHotels. “As we join forces, the combined power of our brands sets the stage for a bright future for both Best Western and WorldHotels.

Best Western’s portfolio also includes Vib (pronounced ‘Vibe’), which is positioned as a stylish technologycentred boutique hotel concept for today’s connected traveller.

VISIT STAND HC0210

VISIT STAND HC0550

Shaza Hotels partners with Shurooq to manage Sharjah properties The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has appointed Shaza Hotels to manage three retreats - Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer and Al Faya Lodge in Mleiha.

The high-end destinations, which fall under the ‘Sharjah Collection’ brand

by Shurooq, will be operated under the management of the Mysk by Shaza brand, specialised for its internationalbased qualities and hospitality experiences that service unique lifestyles in the travel and tourism market.

Marwan bin Jassim Al Sarkal, Executive Chairman of Shurooq, said: “Our three upcoming luxurious

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lodges will further strengthen Sharjah’s positioning and leading rank in the world of authentic and eco-tourism experiences worldwide.”

The Kingfisher Lodge will offer guests a gateway to a unique world of conservation. A 60-minute drive from Kalba is Al Badayer Oasis, which is the perfect example of a classic roadside inn.

At Al Faya Lodge, near Fossil Rock in Mleiha, guests can immerse themselves in the region’s ancient culture and history through archaeology, recreational activities, wellness and natural landscapes.

VISIT STAND ME4150, HC1050

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©Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi / Photo by Hufton+Crow. Architect: Jean Nouvel.

DESTINATION: LOUVRE ABU DHABI LONG GAZES WELCOME From the first look, you’ll realise Louvre Abu Dhabi isn’t like any other museum. A micro-city on the sea, it links the past to the future, and gathers the world under a canopy of light. Encounter art here, and come face to face with all that it means to be human.

Come with questions. Leave with more.

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BOOK A DAY AWAY

louvreabudhabi.ae

4/28/19 4:08 PM

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News

Early photos in the frame at Louvre Abu Dhabi Louvre Abu Dhabi is currently showcasing its first photography exhibition and second international exhibition this year, with Photographs 1842–1896: An Early Album of the World on display until July 13.

Works on show mainly originate from musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac’s collection and “several exceptional loans” from the Bibilothèque Nationale de France, and in all there are 250 photographs on display from the Middle East, Africa, Americas and Asia.

“Visitors will be able to travel to new places and explore different regions of the world through the eyes of 19th Century European travellers in the museum’s first-ever photography

JA Resorts rings the changes JA Resorts & Hotels is busy transforming its flagship Dubai property with the 348-room JA Lake View Hotel due to open in September.

The changes are designed to reposition the established site as ‘Dubai’s largest experience resort’ – as its grounds swell to more than 1 million square metres – and appeal to leisure travellers given its proximity to Dubai Parks & Resorts.

JA Lake View will contain modern F&B concepts and five meeting rooms for ‘bleisure’ minded clients. It complements JA Palm Tree Court and the main resort, which is undergoing refurbishment.

Key attractions are the ninehole golf course and Leadbetter

Golf Academy but the resort’s broad range of amenities cover activities such as tennis, squash, beach volleyball, horse riding, shooting ranges and numerous watersports.

Cluster General Manager William Harley-Fleming said: “The new property will spearhead the repositioning of the resort and help to solidify its standing as one of the most recognised family-friendly resorts in the UAE.” The recently renovated JA Hatta Fort Hotel completes the operator’s UAE portfolio. Internationally, it operates resorts in Seychelles and the Maldives.

exhibition,” said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi.

Middle East highlights include the earliest images of Saudi Arabia and Yemen by Auguste Bartholdi and the first photo of Mecca by Egyptian photographer Sadiq Bey. Educational and cultural activities, including four film screenings, will be held to support the exhibition.

Louvre Abu Dhabi has already hosted more than 1,000 school trips, 5,000 guided tours and programmed more than 115 special events since opening in November 2017.

VISIT STAND ME2115, ME2250

VISIT STAND HC0420

THAI-STYLE HOSPITALITY IN THE CITY OR ON THE BEACH #BookCentara Centara’s hospitality and value are well-known in Thailand, at destinations ranging from luxurious city hotels to tropical island retreats.

Our winning formula is also available in Vietnam, Sri Lanka, the Maldives and now, the Middle East. Each location offers something special: spectacular nature; romantic ambience; prime shopping; or hi-tech style.

Your clients will find a world of delicious cuisine – not only expertly-prepared Asian dishes, but also European and Middle Eastern favourites.

They’ll be pampered in our famous Thai spas. Families appreciate our Kids’ Clubs and water features.

Most of all, our guests appreciate Centara’s graceful, Thai-style service. For a unique experience your customers will thank you for, find out more at the contacts below.

Visit out dedicated trade website centarahotelsresorts.com/b2b THAILAND

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MALDIVES

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OMAN

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SRI LANKA

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VIETNAM

4/28/19 11:28 PM

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News

Two Seasons opening new hotels in Dubai and Morocco Two Seasons Management Company is planning to launch brand new hotels in Dubai and Morocco in the coming years, including deluxe hotel apartments, beach resorts and boutique lifestyle hotels.

Two plots are currently under construction in Dubai, one is a hotel with 188 rooms, while the other is a building that will consist of 256 apartments and is set to open in 2021.

The expansion within Dubai comes after the successful rebranding of Gloria Hotel to Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments. The property underwent substantial refurbishments from the lobby to the top floor, breathing new life into the hotel.

Two Seasons Hotel & Apartments boasts 1,010 rooms and suites and has a prime location directly opposite Dubai Internet City metro station.

“The creation of our homegrown brand, and the upgrading of our current property will certainly enhance guest interaction by offering personalised service and increasing quality standards to our customers,” said Freddy Farid, Managing Director of Two Seasons Hotel Management.

Two Seasons has plans for two properties in Morocco. One will be a beach resort in Dakhla, while the other will be a boutique property in Rabat.

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Wyndham expands across region and buys La Quinta to fuel growth Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has “robust” expansion plans for EMEA in 2019 with anticipated openings in Crete, Nicosia, Tbilisi and Yerevan.

Operating 9,200 hotels in more than 80 countries, the global operator bought 900 La Quinta hotels to fuel growth in the competitive mid-scale sector and added the ‘by Wyndham’ suffix to boost brand identity across its portfolio.

Dimitris Manikis, who celebrates his first year as President and Managing Director for the region this month, said: “With our robust development pipeline and our solid performance over the past

year, we see tremendous potential to further expand our footprint in both new and existing markets across EMEA.” Gulf highlights included the opening of Wyndham Garden Dammam, the brand’s first hotel in Saudi Arabia.

Turkey was a busy market with 13 openings and the first Trademark Collection by Wyndham hotel opened in the UK (Bliss Hotel Southport).

Upcoming hotels include three properties at Dubai’s Deira Waterfront (Wyndham, Days Hotel and Super 8).

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Dusit International plans to triple its presence in the GCC by end of 2019 Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, has outlined its plans to expand significantly in the GCC market.

The operator aims to open six new hotels across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and other GCC countries.

“The GCC is one of the most increasingly important markets for our portfolio and we are delighted to introduce our unique brand of Thai-inspired, gracious hospitality in new destinations in this market,” said Prateek Kumar, Regional Vice President – EMEA region.

“Our planned expansion is in line with Dusit’s three-pronged strategy for sustainable and profitable growth, which includes balance, expansion and diversification. We aim to have more than 14,000 keys in operation across more than 20 countries by 2021 and our planned expansion in the GCC is a step forward to achieving this goal.”

Bangkok-based Dusit opened

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its first hotel in the Middle East more than 15 years ago in Dubai and today operates five hotels across the region.

These include three in the UAE, namely the Dusit Thani Dubai, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi and dusitD2 Kenz Dubai.

Among the Dusit hotels slated to open in the GCC this year are Dusit Resort and Spa Lagoona Beach, Budaiya, Bahrain and dusitD2 City Centre Bahrain.

Dusit is also focused on its core Asia market with five new hotels to open in the Philippines, one in Singapore, and two in China before the end of 2019.

Dusit’s core brands include Dusit Thani Hotels & Resorts, Dusit Princess Hotels and Resorts, dusitD2 Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Residence Serviced Apartments, and Devarana Hotels and Resorts. ASAI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand, is set to open its first property early next year.

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4/28/19 11:49 PM

Raja Ampat, West Papua • Indonesia

Come to the place where the magic stays Come and Visit Indonesia Pavilion at Arabian Travel Market - Dubai on April 28 - May 1, 2019 Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre

#AS2550

www.indonesia.travel indonesia.travel indonesia.travel @indtravel @indtravel

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News

Barceló Hotel Group expands rapidly in UAE A fifth hotel from the Spanish brand will open in Dubai later this year Spanish operator Barceló Hotel Group is set to expand even further in the UAE as it prepares to open a fifth property in the country.

The family-run group, which operates 247 city and leisure hotels across 22 countries, is aiming to significantly increase its footprint in the Middle East over the next five years, and the next launch will be the 376-room Occidental Al Jaddaf Dubai in Q4.

Goulam Amarsy, CEO of Barceló Gulf, said: “We continue to grow in the UAE and we’re adapting our strategy to suit the unique needs of the location, residents as well as international business and leisure travellers.”

The new property will sit alongside the group’s current portfolio in the UAE which consists of the Barceló Residences Dubai Marina and Dukes Dubai, a Royal Hideaway Hotel,

which marked the debut of Barceló’s premium brand in the emirates, and two four-star Occidental properties.

The Occidental IMPZ Dubai opened last year and is close to the Expo 2020 Dubai site, while the group – the third largest chain in Spain – has also rebranded the Sharjah Grand Hotel to the Occidental Sharjah Grand.

“We’re excited to continue building our Occidental brand in the region, as this property joins the recently launched Occidental IMPZ Dubai, Conference & Events Centre,” said Jaime Buxó, Chief Development Officer at Barceló Hotel Group.

“We wanted to elevate the offering of the property, especially given that it is a popular spot for residents as well as travellers.”

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C Central Beach Hotel The Palm opening soon

2,500+

EXHIBITING COMPANIES

ATM 2019

100+

NEW EXHIBITORS

150

COUNTRY PAVILIONS

30,000

VISITORS EXPECTED

Centara gears up for Deira Islands resort Centara Hotels & Resorts is expanding its presence in the Middle East with Centara Deira Islands Beach Resort Dubai set to open next year.

Located on Deira Islands, currently being developed by Nakheel, the familycentric resort will feature a waterpark, multiple restaurants, kids’ club, spa, fitness centre and business facilities.

The 601-room property will contain 114 rooms specifically aimed at families that cover 450sq ft, while there will also be standard and deluxe rooms,

Continuing its expansion in Dubai, Central Hotels confirmed that C Central Beach Hotel The Palm will open this summer.

The fourth hotel under the Central Hotels banner, the contemporary resort will contain 206 ‘luxe studios’ along with five food and beverage venues, fully equipped fitness centre, spa, pool and MICE facilities.

Abdulla Al Abdulla, Chief Operating Officer for Central Hotels, said: “It is great to expand our footprint in Dubai and enhance our portfolio of hotels at this historic time when the emirate is preparing to host Expo 2020.”

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suites and 1,200sq ft duplexes.

The overall Deira Islands development will feature retail, tourism, residential and leisure projects, and will add 40km – including 21km of beach – to Dubai’s coastline. The major retail projects include Deira Mall and Deira Islands Night Souk.

At present, Centara has 68 hotels and resorts worldwide and it plans to double its global collection to 134 by 2022.

VISIT STAND AS1950

Ammar Kanaan, Group General Manager of Central Hotels, added: “C Central Beach Hotel The Palm is a stunning property equipped with premium lifestyle amenities. It is ideal for honeymooners, leisure seekers and families.

“Looking ahead, we are confident in the strong outlook for tourism in the UAE and glad to contribute to its success as a homegrown brand.”

Upcoming Central Hotels properties include Diamond Central Business Bay, Island Central on Deira Island and the 60-key Central House Citywalk.

VISIT STAND H0810

4/28/19 11:40 PM

Ready – Steady

GROW WITH US • Legacy UAE brand • 8 distinct properties and growing • Multi award-winning resorts and hotels • Over 60 experiences to thrill all generations

• Over 40 diverse restaurants and bars • 3 Chefs with Michelin star acclaim • Expansion plans across new continents • Committed to creating unforgettable memories For more information on JA Resorts & Hotels, please visit jaresortshotels.com or contact us on +971 4 315 4058 development@jaresorts.com

Visit us during ATM Stand HC0420, Sheikh Saeed Hall 1

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JAtheresort

JAtheresort

4/23/19 11:27 AM

16

News

Festivals fuel Sharjah’s year-round tourism profile Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority outlines plans to welcome 10 million visitors by 2021 Sharjah is continuing to push its cultural credentials as it places a growing emphasis on festivals in a bid to promote itself as a yearround destination for tourists.

Recently designated ‘World Book Capital 2019’, the emirate has

welcomed growing numbers of visitors in recent years, with both the Sharjah Summer Festival, which will be an annual event, and Sharjah Light Festival proving particularly successful.

The latter attracted 1.2 million visitors when held earlier this year.

“We have been making great progress in promoting Sharjah as a year-round global tourist destination,” said Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority.

“We are currently working with local

entities to achieve more successes in the tourism sector. These efforts will contribute to raising the emirate’s profile as a destination with a thriving tourism and hospitality industry. We are confident that the Sharjah Light Festival will attract even more crowds in the years ahead to enjoy its innovative themes and unique light creations.”

Sharjah has consistently attracted huge numbers from the Arab and Asian markets, which last year accounted for 704,882 and 382,919 visitors respectively, but Al Midfa revealed that this year there will be a focus on marketing the emirate to the Scandinavian, northern European and Far East markets through specially designed trade campaigns.

These campaigns are in line with the Sharjah Tourism Vision 2021 that aims to attract 10 million visitors to the emirate annually by 2021.

With visitor numbers expected to rise, the hospitality offering in the emirate is expanding, with new hotels including Novotel Sharjah Expo; the Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah; DoubleTree

by Hilton Sharjah; and Pullman Hotel.

Collectively they add another 1,160 rooms to the emirate’s hospitality market, while hotel apartments are set to contribute 1,116 units.

Another eye-catching launch was the distinctive Kalba Kingfisher Lodge, which meets rising demand for experiential and authentic hospitality experiences.

VISIT STAND ME4210

Swiss-Belhotel International speeds up regional expansion

Bentleys, butlers and beach access at Habtoor Palace

Swiss-Belhotel International is targeting 25 hotels in the MENA region by 2025.

Unveiling the group’s expansion strategy at Arabian Travel Market, Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India, Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “Our key focus is to expand and reinforce our position in the GCC through strong organic growth with an objective to have a hotel in operation in every GCC country by the first quarter of 2020.”

Around 60 percent of its portfolio will be in the high-growth business

For exclusive and luxurious stays, Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts is the place to stay within the threehotel Al Habtoor City complex – Dubai’s first integrated urban resort.

Guests are assigned a butler throughout their stay and can ride in beautiful Bentley cars to their meetings, or drive to the beach at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, while a helipad is also available.

Highlights inside the 234-room hotel, located on the banks of Dubai Water Canal, include the Middle East’s first

Laurent A. Voivenel

Bentley Suite (195sqm), the two-storey Winton Churchill Suite (913sqm) and the 358sqm Royal Suite. In all, the hotel contains 52 opulent suites.

The Habtoor Ballroom spans 800sqm and can host up to 700 guests, while the Habtoor Palace Garden serves as an outdoor event space.

Signature restaurants include BQ – French Kitchen & Bar and World Cut Steakhouse, while entertainment is ready made with the dazzling La Perle show.

VISIT STAND HC0830

and leisure destinations. Kuwait and Bahrain are key markets for the operator this year – with two new properties apiece – and new hotels are also opening in Oman and Saudi Arabia.

“The region continues to present us with fantastic opportunities to further enhance and diversify our portfolio,” he added. “The huge investment in airports, infrastructure and hotels, broadening portfolio of attractions and facilities, diversification of source markets and collaboration between various business sectors are all accelerating the pace of the GCC’s growth.”

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4/28/19 11:41 PM

Discover Expo 2020 in Hall 3, Stand ME2520

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18

News

Work and play at V Hotel Dubai The V Hotel Dubai, Curio Collection

by Hilton is the place to blend work and play – and its direct connection to La Perle by Dragone ensures the colourful hotel flies high all year round.

Inside are 356 rooms and suites, including a stunning two-bedroom Sky Villa offering dazzling views of Dubai Canal and Business Bay. Foodies are spoilt for choice, with NAMU specialising in Korean cuisine and Level Seven serving up Mediterranean fare. Meanwhile, V

Deck is the place for daytime social gatherings and upbeat night scenes.

There is also plenty for planners to take advantage of, with the Amazing Room a dome-shaped ballroom with a two-storey glass façade that can host up to 500 delegates. This is supported by five studios that are ideal for meetings.

The hotel is part of Hilton’s upscale Curio Collection which showcases hotels with distinct history or character.

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First S Hotel in the Middle East opens in Dubai The S Hotel Management hospitality group, a new operator based in the UAE, has opened its first property in the Middle East.

Containing 234 rooms and 12 suites, The S Hotel Al Barsha in Dubai Science Park features 3,000sq ft of banqueting space, a spa, wellness centre and three F&B options.

General Manager Shailesh Grover said: “ATM offers a fabulous platform to

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introduce the first S Hotel in the Middle East. We are excited to meet our peers, share ideas with trade professionals as well as investors and developers.

“We also have a unique opportunity to touch base with our key partners.”

Further properties from the group are set to be added to the operator’s portfolio in the coming years.

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24/7 TOURIST HELPLINE: 1800-11-1363 (WHILE IN INDIA)

20

News

Jakarta showcases its broad tourism credentials

Ferghal Purcell

HMH bringing Corp brand to Oman Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) is continuing to expand its portfolio across the Middle East and has confirmed that it will open a new property in Oman before the end of the year.

The Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel, the second Corp hotel in the HMH portfolio and first in Oman, will be located in Muwaleh, in close proximity to Muscat International Airport.

The hotel will feature 132 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, onsite spa and extensive meeting spaces, while Al Muzn Mall is located adjacent to the property.

One of the world’s largest megalopolises, Jakarta is a melting pot of cultures, languages, architecture and cuisine.

In fact, you can find all aspects of Indonesia in the massive capital thanks to it attracting people from across the country’s more than 17,000 islands.

The city is also in the midst of a transformation as it bids to welcome visitors from across the globe.

“There is so much for visitors to enjoy in Jakarta. There are 66 hotels in either the four or five-star category

with a total of 20,094 rooms, as well as amazing golf courses, stunning spas, excellent restaurants and plenty of cultural attractions,” explains Agung Priosusanto, Jakarta City Government Tourism and Culture Office.

“We are also an important business destination in Asia and have several excellent facilities for the MICE industry, whether it is for exhibitions, conferences or meetings.”

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“We are very excited to announce the launch of this new property, our second in Muscat,” said Ferghal Purcell, Chief Operating Officer of HMH. “Oman is a key development market for HMH and has become a strategic market attracting more tourists each year.

“The hospitality Industry in Oman is witnessing sustained growth at the moment and Corp Muscat Al Muzn Hotel will add tremendous value to our growing presence in the region while offering our guests more properties to choose from.”

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Crowned by superior hospitality, the VIP Terminal offers lavish Majlis areas for discreet privacy in a royal ambience. Rest and relax, or catch up on business; both on arrivals or departures.

Enjoy luxurious transfers to and from your flight, a variety of dining options as well as high-speed Wi-fi, entertainment, and shower facilities.

Our custom packages help provide the best in class services to guests coming to or leaving from Abu Dhabi.

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4/28/19 11:42 PM

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Feature - Saudi Arabia

A bold new vision As Saudi Arabia looks to maximise its tourism potential, we take a closer look at the ambitious strategies and huge investment that is set to transform the kingdom

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Saudi Arabia - Feature

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1 Riyadh skyline 2 Makkah 3 Riyadh Saudi Arabia

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It was three years ago that the first details of Saudi Vision 2030 were announced as the kingdom looked to diversify its economy away from a reliance on oil. A major part of the forward-thinking blueprint for the nation’s socio-economic development was a focus on travel and tourism, with the country aiming to attract 8.5 million visitors annually by 2025 and increase tourism revenue by 18 percent by 2030.

In order to achieve this, the kingdom has looked to attract investment in hotel developments, improve its infrastructure and build new attractions, as well as spearhead policy reforms to help promote tourism and hospitality. There has also been an emphasis on entertainment, with a host of international stage shows, top music concerts, food festivals, sporting events and comedy gigs set to be held in the country.

With numerous plans in place, Saudi Arabia is hoping to position itself as one of the top four tourism destinations in Asia and top ten worldwide.

HOLY LAND Religious tourism for the annual Hajj or Umrah pilgrimages, where Muslim pilgrims journey to the holy sites of Makkah and Madinah, has always been one of the mainstays of Saudi Arabia’s travel sector. According to the Makkah Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 25 to 30 percent of the private sector’s income in the region around the two holy cities depends on pilgrimage.

Under Vision 2030, there is a hope that Umrah visitors will increase from eight million to 30 million annually.

In 2017, the kingdom unveiled plans to spend nearly AED183 billion (US$50 billion) over the following three years to

boost Hajj and Umrah pilgrim numbers.

This included the construction of the largest Islamic museum in the world, an upgrade of the Grand Mosque at Makkah and the establishment of the high-speed Al Haramein railway, linking the two holy cities. There will also be a major expansion of Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport, which is expected to be able to handle 30 million passengers annually once work is completed.

HOME OF HERITAGE In addition to religious tourism, Saudi authorities are implementing plans to make the kingdom a destination of choice for leisure and adventure tourism. Part of this is highlighting the five stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the country that include the Al-Hijr Archaeological Site.

Similar to Jordan’s famous Petra, the location is comprised of rock carvings, monumental ruins and tombs.

Al-Ahsa Oasis is another destination that the country is looking to promote.

The largest oasis on the planet, it lies between Riyadh and Dammam, and is home to nearly 2.5 million palm trees. It also has natural springs, a lake, historical monuments and even ancient sites dating back more than 10,000 years.

The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) has also unveiled several investment programmes in and around Al-Ahsa, including the restoration and rehabilitation of nearby heritage sites and buildings, and the construction of a regional museum.

Saudi Arabia has also signed a 10-year partnership with the government of France that will see archaeological digs, transport infrastructure and the construction of museums and hotels completed in what is estimated to be an AED73.4billion (US$20 billion) investment designed to turn the Al Ula region into a “cultural tourism hub”.

A host of international stage shows, concerts, comedy gigs and food festivals will be held in the country 3

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Feature - Saudi Arabia

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PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE One of the biggest tourism projects currently under development is the AED1,160 billion (US$500 billion) smart city, called NEOM. Dubbed the Silicon Valley of the region, it will be built along the country’s Red Sea coastline near Egypt and Jordan, making it the first private zone to cover three countries.

“NEOM will focus on nine specialised investment sectors and living conditions that will drive the future of human civilisation, energy and water, mobility, biotech, food, technological and digital sciences, advanced manufacturing, media, and entertainment with liveability as its foundation,” stated Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.

The mega-development will comprise 12 small cities, with the first set to be completed by 2020. It is also expected to pave the way for autonomous cars, advanced robotics, artificial intelligence (AI) and a slew of other ultramodern technologies. NEOM will have a zero-carbon infrastructure and will operate solely on wind and solar power. Thousands of solar panels will supply all of the city, all year round, with low-cost regenerative energy.

In January, the first urban area of the megacity began construction after the creation of the closed joint-stock NEOM Company, which will develop the project.

The masterplan concept for NEOM Bay has been approved and will include homes, lifestyle and tourist facilities, as well as luxurious hotels and villas.

“The year 2019 will be a milestone in NEOM’s journey. We are now preparing for the development of NEOM Bay area, which will provide a new concept of urban living that will enable it to become a platform for

attracting the world’s top minds for creating advanced economic sectors,” said NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr.

ENTERTAINMENT HUB Saudi Arabia also has plans to transform the kingdom into the ultimate entertainment destination, with AED235billion (US$64 billion) set to be invested to boost its entertainment sector over the coming decade. The most significant development in this area is the Qiddiya project, which will be located on a 334sqkm site 40km from Riyadh.

“Qiddiya will be an integrated destination forming the capital of entertainment, sports, culture and the arts in the kingdom. It will be a catalyst for national transformation creating a richer life for Saudi citizens while spurring innovation in the creative, hospitality and entertainment sectors,” explained Michael Reininger, CEO, Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

Another tourism mega-project set to transform the kingdom is the construction of 22 islands in the Red Sea. Helmed by the developer Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), the first phase of the master plan is set for completion in 2022 and will comprise 14 luxury and hyperluxury hotels, boasting 3,000 rooms.

It will also include leisure and lifestyle amenities, an airport and marinas.

TRSDC CEO John Pagano said: “The design concepts that we have presented to the board will provide visitors with a uniquely diverse, immersive experience, while setting new standards in sustainable development, and positioning Saudi Arabia on the global tourism map.”

Qiddiya will be an integrated destination forming the capital of entertainment, sports, culture and the arts in the kingdom

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Saudi Arabia - Feature

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4 Dammam Corniche 5 Al-Hijr Archaeological Site 6 Jeddah Saudi Arabia 7 Top concerts are heading to Saudi Arabia

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With its thriving economy and flourishing religious and domestic tourism, Saudi Arabia has remained as one of the fast-growing hospitality markets in the world MICE INDUSTRY GAINS The kingdom also hopes to cement its position as a leading destination for the MICE industry, as announced in its Vision 2030. Saudi Arabia aims to become the country of choice for those planning to host conferences and exhibitions in the Middle East by 2020 and plans to invest US$1.6 billion (AED6billion) in its MICE tourism industry until the end of this year. Several centres and venues have already benefitted from this financial boost, and are reaping the rewards.

This investment has already had an impact, with Saudi’s MICE industry growing by 16 percent in 2017, with around 4.5 million people attending more than 10,000 business events. However, the vast majority of conferences and

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exhibitions were held in Riyadh and there are plans to push other destinations within the country, such as Jeddah and Makkah.

This year will see several highprofile exhibitions taking place in Jeddah, including Foodex Saudi and the Saudi International Motor Show.

The latter, taking place between December 8 and 12 is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors and will feature in excess of 500 exhibitors.

In fact, Jeddah is currently scheduled to host nine trade shows before the end of the year, while 34 are set to take place in Riyadh in the coming seven months.

These events are across a multitude of industries, including travel and tourism, education, engineering and automotive.

BRIGHT OUTLOOK Thanks to a forward-thinking vision, ambitious strategy and sound planning, Saudi Arabia appears on track to become a leading travel destination in the region. This is supported by the number of hotels which are set to be built in the country in the coming years.

Rotana recently revealed its plan to open four new properties in the kingdom, with Acting CEO, Guy Hutchinson saying: “With its thriving economy and flourishing religious and domestic tourism, Saudi Arabia has remained as one of the fast-growing hospitality markets in the world. It will continue to be a key focus market for Rotana and we are optimistic that the kingdom’s hospitality market will expand enormously.”

Hilton Hotels & Resorts also placed a firm emphasis on expanding operations in Saudi Arabia as it announced that it would open 35 new hotels in the country in the coming three to five years.

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Seminar Schedule - Global Stage

ATM Global Stage MONDAY 29TH APRIL the airline has recently refreshed its First Class offering and is also working on the introduction of a premium economy cabin. There is also considerable investment in digital technology, both for customers and in terms of business processes and efficiency. Don’t miss this exclusive keynote session which will be sure to provide some fascinating insights.

Moderator: John Strickland, Director, JLS Consulting Speaker: Sir Tim Clark, KBE, President, Emirates Airline

11:00 - 11:50 THE BIG PICTURE: WHO WILL SELL TRAVEL BEST IN THE FUTURE The global travel landscape is rapidly evolving with the lines between traditional and non-traditional travel retailers blurring. Tech giants such as Amazon and Google, who already have successful retail models, are increasingly influencing traveller purchasing decisions and muscling in on the travel space, while airlines, hotel groups and travelrelated platforms such as AccorHotels, TripAdvisor and Airbnb are looking to become online travel and lifestyle retailers in their own right. Even social media and online messenger platforms are getting in on the action, while traditional OTAs, fearful of being cut out of the picture as the ‘middle man’, are investing in emerging technologies such as AI and voice search to stay relevant and customer focused. Our high-profile panellists will discuss what the future holds for an industry where every major tech firm, social media channel and online retailer is fighting to sell travel and what it means for traditional providers.

Moderator: Richard Dean, presenter of the Business Breakfast on Dubai Eye 103.8FM and Director

of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Charbel Sarkis, Regional Business Lead for Travel & Retail, Google; Matt Raos, Senior Vice President B2B Corporate and Leisure, Emirates; Fouad Talaat, Regional Manager of Partner Services - MEA, Booking.com; Ben Vinod, Senior VP & Chief Scientist, Sabre Corporation 12:10 - 13:10 EMIRATES: STILL LEADING THE WAY Emirates is the leading airline in the Gulf and remains amongst the top global players. Its President, Sir Tim Clark, is recognised globally as one of the most experienced and influential airline leaders and there will be many topics to discuss with him. Despite numerous challenges, including higher fuel prices and geopolitical issues, Emirates continues to be profitable and innovative in its approach to network and product development. It is rolling out an increasingly important partnership with flyDubai, offering many joint route opportunities to customers. Emirates will also introduce new generation aircraft in the coming years including Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, which will facilitate new network growth. On the product front,

13:30 - 14:30 ATTRACTING THE SUSTAINABLE VISITOR This panel discusses the impact of attracting the sustainability-focused visitor, both locally and globally, through various sustainability, eco-tourism and biodiversity initiatives in the UAE. It will also highlight the importance of studying the visitor/tourist demographics that the country aims to attract and how the tourism industry is seeing this movement as an opportunity for growth. In addition, the panel provides an insight into Expo 2020’s aim to be a catalyst for sustainable practices and the partnerships taking place to influence and attract mindful visitors.

Moderator: Gus Schellekens, Partner, Ernst & Young Speakers: Shannon Scott, Senior Manager Environment Affairs, Emirates; Alma Au Yeung, Corporate DirectorStrategic Projects & Partnerships, Emaar Hospitality Group; Dina Mustafa, Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai: Yousuf Lootah, Executive Director, Dubai Tourism; Jasmina Popov-Locke, Director of Programme and Research Development, Modul University 14:50 - 16:00 WHY TOURISM IS SAUDI’S NEW ‘WHITE OIL’ As Saudi Arabia undergoes a period of rapid economic diversification and forges ahead with its forward-thinking Vision 2030 blueprint for the nation’s socio-economic development, this session discusses the positive impact on the Kingdom’s travel, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Industry experts will discuss what steps

need to be taken to maximise Saudi’s tourism potential and boost its economic contribution, from attracting investment in hotel developments, infrastructure and tourism attractions to supporting and spearheading policy reforms and promoting tourism and hospitality as a number one career choice for Saudi nationals. The opportunities to further leverage Saudi’s religious tourism industry, but also put the Kingdom on the map as a global leisure and MICE destination, will also be up for discussion.

Moderator: Richard Dean, presenter of the Business Breakfast on Dubai Eye 103.8FM and Director of Roar Interior Design Speakers: Majed M. AlGhanim, Segment Director of Tourism, Saudi General Investment Authority; Reema Al Mokhtar, Head of Destination Marketing, Jabal Omar Development Company; Dr. Fahad Aljarboa, CEO, Saudia Private Aviation; Dr. Badr Al Badr, CEO, Dur Hospitality; John Davis, CEO, Colliers International; Alex Kyriakidis, President MEA, Marriott International 16:15 - 17:15 WHAT ARE THE HOT TOPICS IN THE AIRLINE WORLD? AN AIRLINE AND AIRPORT PANEL DISCUSSION In the fast moving airline world, we’ll examine some of the key issues currently on the agenda. How is traffic performing against a backdrop of geopolitical challenges and volatile fuel prices? What are the latest developments in airline products such as long haul low cost and long haul premium service? Are there any specific opportunities and differences for next generation passengers? How is stopover traffic developing? We’ll also consider the importance of new airport infrastructure developments and assess how the digital world is affecting services and options for customers in their airline and airport experiences.

Moderator: John Strickland, Director, JLS Consulting Speakers: Gavin Harris, Commercial Director, Skyscanner; Joey Seow, Regional Vice President West Asia & Africa, Singapore Airlines; Deema Anani, Commercial & Customer Service Director, Airport International Group

TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 11:00 - 13:00 ATM GLOBAL HALAL TOURISM SUMMIT 2019: THE FUTURE OF HALAL TOURISM The third ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit will look to the prosperous future of this fast-growing sector. Some of the world’s leading halal travel authorities will talk top trends and the growing role of technology in the Muslim space, including the digitisation of Umrah, while non-Muslim destinations will reveal their

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successful halal tourism strategies.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. 11:00 - 11:40 SESSION 1: HALAL TOURISM TREND WATCH Find out the latest trends dominating the halal travel and tourism space, from noodle trips and the rise of affordable leisure and Umrah packages to ‘niches’ now considered mainstream including

eco, ethical, CSR, all-female, experiential, personal development, gastro and adventure tourism. Halal travel experts reveal what’s hot, what’s not and what halal travellers of the future will demand from destinations and travel providers.

Speakers: Rafiuddin Shikoh, CEO and MD, DinarStandard; Chris Nader, Vice President-Development, Shaza Hotels; Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director-MENA, Wego Middle East

11:40 - 12:20 SESSION 2: THE DIGITISATION OF MUSLIM TRAVEL We look at trends and players in the online travel space with new OTAs emerging offering a range of packages, travel options and experiences that meet the leisure and Umrah needs of Muslim travellers.

Speakers: Faeez Fadhlillah, CEO, Tripfez; Nabeel Shariff, Founder, Serendipity Tailormade; Nazaruddin

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ATM 2019 – Stand AM1755

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Seminar Schedule - Travel Tech Theatre

Othman, Founder and CEO, Mosafer C by Ummah Collaboration; Mohammed M.S Binmahfouz, Founder and CEO, Umrah Business at HolidayMe 12:20 - 13:00 SESSION 3: HALAL TOURISM SUCCESS STORIES Non-Muslim travel destinations around the world are successfully targeting and catering to the halal tourism sector. We find out their strategies for attracting this lucrative market, from their provision of accommodation, facilities and services, to their marketing tactics, and more.

What are their next steps as they look to attract Muslim travellers of the future?

Speakers: Ed Fuller, CEO, Orange County Visitors Association, California; Enver Duminy, CEO, Cape Town Tourism; Mr. Kenji Ichimura, Deputy Manager, Global Projects Group, Global Projects Department, Japan National Tourism Organization 13:20 - 14:20 ONE TO ONE WITH ADEL ALI, CEO AIR ARABIA Air Arabia trail blazed the LCC (Low Cost Carrier) business concept to the Gulf region and recently celebrated its 15th birthday. From small beginnings the airline has grown to its current size as an operator of more than 50 A320 aircraft, flying more than eight million passengers a year and delivering strong profitability.

From the outset, Air Arabia has been led

by Adel Ali, a widely respected leader

with vast experience in the industry. In this ATM exclusive interview with him, we’ll explore the reasons behind the airline’s success and discuss its plans for future network and fleet growth as well as learning about its customer profile.

Moderator: John Strickland, Director, JLS Consulting Speaker: Adel Ali, CEO, Air Arabia 14:40 - 17.00 ATM HOTEL INDUSTRY SUMMIT: OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS The first ATM Hotel Industry Summit will turn the spotlight on upcoming developments, technologies and concepts that will shape the region’s hospitality sector going forward. From new infrastructure and regional development hotspots to technologies and hotel models that put the guest experience first, a panel of industry experts will discuss how the industry will evolve.

Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc. 14:45 - 15:30 SESSION 1: REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT HOTSPOTS Discover which areas of the Middle East are hotel development hotspots and why.

Speakers: Christopher Lund, Head of Hotels, Colliers International MENA; Louis Abboud, VP Development, Accor; Tariq Bsharat, Director of Strategy & Business Development, Marjan Properties; Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President Middle East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

15:30 - 16:05 SESSION 2: THE ‘NEW NORMAL’ - DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION SECRETS REVEALED To stay relevant, hospitality brands must place guests at the centre of all innovation and transformation strategies, leveraging technology to create meaningful experiences at scale. How can hotel firms create seamless, cross-channel journeys for their customers that prioritise personalisation? Our speakers reveal how hotel groups can excel in digital transformation, successfully satisfying the self-interest of each and every guest.

Speakers: Olaf Slater, Senior Director International Strategy & Innovation, Sabre Hospitality Solutions; James Britchford, VP Commercial for IMEA, IHG; Gaurav Vijh, Regional Director Digital, Accor MEA; Kamal Parida, Vice President, Retail & Commerce, Data & Services, Mastercard 16:05 - 16:20 SESSION 3: GUEST SPEAKER DIRECT BOOKINGS IN THE BAG It’s time for hotels to stand up to commission-hungry OTAs and claim back ownership of their guests, says guest speaker Charlotte Gossage, the founder of new direct hotel bookings platform BookedHappy. Gossage will explain how her Dubai-based start-up empowers hotels to be much more than a room booking portal and drives direct business to their websites. The result?

Happy hotels, happy customers, happy partners, so it’s a win-win-win situation.

Don’t miss this lively session designed to

Travel Tech Theatre

make hoteliers think outside of the box.

Speaker: Charlotte Gossage, Founder, BookedHappy 16:20 - 17:00 SESSION 4: NEW HOSPITALITY CONCEPTS MAKING WAVES IN THE MIDDLE EAST Fresh hotel concepts are making their Middle East debut as the region attracts a more diverse range of visitors, as well as the next generation of modern travellers who demand a new type of hotel and dining experience. This session takes a look at upcoming market entrants that are reinventing the Middle East’s hospitality offering to find out what’s different – and why.

Speakers: Duncan Fraser-Smith, Vice President TFG Food & Beverage, The First Group; Ritesh Agarwal, Founder & CEO, OYO Hotels & Homes; David Lessard, Design Director, H+A; Bastien Blanc, Vice President Operations, InterContinental Hotels

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MONDAY 29TH APRIL 10:30 - 11:15 HOW IMMERSIVE TECHNOLOGY WILL TRANSFORM THE VISITOR EXPERIENCE AT MEGA-EVENTS Visitors are increasingly seeking immersive experiences, with technologies such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) becoming commonplace and often expected. This trend is transforming how we design experiences to engage visitors with their surroundings and create a holistic experience.

Speakers: Iman Alomrani, Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Innovation and Future Technology, Expo 2020 Dubai; Alaa AlShroogi, Director – Immersive Technology – Innovation and Future Technology, Expo 2020 Dubai 11:45 - 12:15 VIRTUAL PAYMENTS FOR A SEAMLESS TRAVELLER EXPERIENCE Technology is playing a significant role in boosting companies’ efficiencies and payment methods are no exception.

Traditional payment methods such as credit cards, BTAs, cash and accounts payable, carry fraud risk and

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reconciliation process costs. Evolving consumer payment trends are influencing changes in business payments. The increased availability and acceptance of consumer technology has created the need for corporates to adapt and respond to customers’ expectations.

Join this session to learn how virtual payments solutions help provide a seamless traveller experience and solve many other obstacles in business travel.

Speakers: Robin Boudsocq, Strategic Products Sales, Sabre EMEA; Andrew Sims, CEO, NEC Payments B.S.C 12:30 - 13:30 HOW TO POSITIVELY CHANGE THE PERCEPTION OF DESTINATIONS USING THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA People use social media for inspiration when planning their travel, and how a place is perceived strongly impacts their travel choices. Learn how DMOs have used Social Media to positively change perceptions about their destination.

Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel Speakers: Paul Johnson, Editor, A Luxury Travel Blog; Natasha Amar,

Digital Content Creator, TheBohoChica. com; Siba Zada, Community Manager, The Jordan Tourism Board 13:45 - 14:30 TECHNOLOGY TAKING THE TRAVELLER EXPERIENCE TO THE NEXT LEVEL People travel to explore new countries, meet old friends. And travel is about emotion. Technology and innovation are enablers which help us personalise, offer end-to-end services and remove friction.

Come discover how it’s done at Amadeus.

Speaker: Julia Barry, Innovation Manager, Amadeus IT Group 14:45 - 15:45 THE DIGITAL VISITOR CYCLE RE-IMAGINED: A FRESH PERSPECTIVE FOR 2020 In this session, the Digital Tourism Think Tank will take a fresh look at the visitor path to purchase and look at the disruptive factors from the past five years which have changed the way we think, plan, book and experience travel. We’ll be bringing together experts from across the industry to share insights and discuss their take based on the latest data, first-hand knowledge and strategies.

Moderator: Nick Hall, CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank Speakers: Iva Kutle Skrlec, Industry Manager Travel and Tourism, Google; Ernesto Sanchez Beaumont, Director - MEA Partner Markets & Retail Commercial Operations, Amadeus 16:00-17:00 THE STRATEGIES INFLUENCER MARKETING EXPERTS USE TO MAXIMISE CAMPAIGN VALUE AND AMPLIFY REACH This seminar will teach you how to leverage the two main strategies experts use to squeeze maximum value out of influencer campaigns: 1) Generating owned content for multiple brand platforms and 2) Planning plug-andplay evergreen content campaigns that will continue to generate leads and customers year after year.

Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink Speakers: Amanda Mouttaki, Owner, MarocMama; Ken De Pauw, DirectorDigital, Edelman Middle East

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Come for the sunshine, stay for the unforgettable experiences.

Whether you want to hike to the lush fern canyon in Redwoods national park, splurge at a high-end exclusive resort on the coast, ride your bike along the Golden Gate Bridge, or shop till you drop on Rodeo Drive, California has you covered. The endless array of experiences in the Golden State will leave you California dreaming long after you’ve returned home.

Tia Hoang

Travel Trade Manager thoang@visitcalifornia.com

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Seminar Schedule - Travel Tech Theatre

TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 10:30 - 11:15 CIRIUM WILL EXPLORE HOW INDUSTRY LEADERS ARE SHAPING AN INTELLIGENT FUTURE FOR TRAVEL Hear from a mix of airline, airport and technology experts as they discuss partnership opportunities that improve the traveller experience, now and in the future.

• How are your partnerships designed around positively impacting the traveller journey?

• What are examples of how that is impacting travellers now?

• What do you see coming in the future through these new open partnerships?

Moderator: Kevin O’Toole, VP Strategy, Cirium Speakers: Abdul Mikati, Managing Director, Dubai Technology Partners LLC; Louise Blake, VP Data, Seera (formerly Al Tayyar Travel Group); Khalil Lamrabet, Senior Vice President, Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports 11:30 - 12:30 USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ENCOURAGE YOUR STAFF TO BECOME YOUR ONLINE AMBASSADORS

Social media can be used in many ways. It is an important tool in dealing with customer issues – but how can you make better use of this medium?

Plus, your staff can promote your brand on their own social media channels – but how do you best achieve this? Learn from tourism professionals on how to increase the effectiveness of your Social Media.

Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel Speakers: Fatin Said, Regional Communications Manager, Sabre Corporation; Shefali Vyas, Head of Social Media, Etihad Airways 12:45 - 13:45 HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT INFLUENCERS FOR YOUR BRAND IN AN EVOLVING DIGITAL LANDSCAPE This talk will first teach you current influencer vetting best practices you can start using right now before moving on to discuss the future of influencer marketing, how the digital landscape is evolving, and the challenges and opportunities these changes will create.

Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink

Speakers: Joonas Halla, PR & Media Manager, Visit Finland; Natasha Amar, Digital Content Creator, TheBohoChica.com; Amanda Mouttaki, Owner, MarocMama 14:00 - 14:30 SMART BUSINESS TRAVEL TO ELEVATE TRAVELLER’S EXPERIENCE: AN INTERVIEW WITH ITL TRAVEL Business travel in the Middle East is going through many transformations driven by high investments in the travel and technology infrastructure as well as well informed and techsavvy travellers with high adoption of latest technology. Those travellers, who are accustomed to a high level of customer service and experience in other sectors, are setting the expectation high in the business travel market.

Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, vice president, Sabre Travel Network Middle East will speak to Sajish Tampi, Regional Manager- Saudi Arabia & Bahrain ITL World Travel Management Company, the leading travel company in the Middle East, about the landscape and dynamics of the business travel sector, challenges and opportunities

in the Middle East and how Business Travel can be smarter to elevate the business traveller’s experience.

Moderator: Abdul-Razzaq Iyer, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network Middle East Speaker: Sajish Tampi, Regional Manager- Saudi Arabia & Bahrain, ITL World Travel Management Company 14:45-16:15 CONTENT & STORY TRENDS GIVING CENTRE STAGE TO EXPERIENTIAL TRAVEL The Experience Economy is ripe for the picking and we’ve seen rapid growth over the past two years in the activities sector as everybody tries to get on board with this growing trend. We’ll be looking at what makes a robust product and experience strategy for a destination, how to dovetail this with authentic messaging and storytelling and how to deliver this with effective targeting.

Moderator: Nick Hall, CEO, Digital Tourism Think Tank Speakers: Dominique Audibert, Associate Director, Whalar; Sofia Panagiotaki, CEO & Founder, NEEDaFIXER; Mary Ames, Director of Strategy, Xische & Co

WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY 11:00 - 11:45 THE FUTURE OF PRICING INTELLIGENCE IN THE AGE OF NDC, PERSONALISATION AND MACHINE LEARNING In the age of NDC, airlines are regaining control of their distribution model, allowing for more sophisticated retailing techniques with differentiated and personalised offers. Complexity is increasing, along with the pressure on revenue. Pricing intelligence based

on up-to-date airfare information is changing the rules of the game not only for airlines but for the travel industry at large. Join us to hear how the travel landscape is changing and how machine learning and business intelligence are playing a role in this transformational journey.

Speaker: Harald Eisenaecher, Chief Commercial Officer, Infare

12:00-13:00 CREATING DESTINATIONS OF CHOICE Tourism Organisations are committed to developing and implementing successful Destination Marketing strategies and tactics to maximise tourism value for visitors while ensuring local benefits and sustainability.

Moderator: Maya Hojeij, Chief Editor & Senior Presenter, Dubai Media Incorporated

Speakers: Tricia Warwick, Director - Asia Pacific, Middle East, Africa, VisitBritain; Sigrid De Mazieres, Director - Gulf Countries, German National Tourist Office; Gamal Sadek, Regional Director, Oman Ministry of Tourism; Hazem Al Sawaf, Director of Marketing and Communications, Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority; Mamoun Hmedan, Managing Director - MENA and India, Wego

Inspiration Theatre 1 TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 10:30 - 11:15 TRUE OR FALSE: THE INTERACTIVE TRAVEL QUIZ Think you know all there is to know about the link between data creative?

Place your bets and beat the audience as some creative and travel myths are busted. See some real applications of the data and creative working together in harmony, for the most effective results. An interactive session that analyses what works best in the creative advertising world of travel with the chance to win some vouchers.

Speakers: Jenny Stanley, Founder & CEO, Appetite Creative; Nick Mott, Managing Director Data Architecture & Strategy EMEA, ADARA 11:30 - 12:15 HOW CAN TRAVEL AND TOURISM BEST REDUCE THE CARBON EMISSIONS OF OUR INDUSTRY?

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With high rates of growth, the sector will become more and more significant as polluters come under increasing pressure from regulators applying the polluter pays principle. The business case for reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all parts of the sector has never been stronger and public awareness of the issue and its consequences is rising. Climate change is happening now with wildfires, heat waves, flooding sea level rise and extreme weather events. The most recent IPCC report reminds us that human activities have caused a one degree celsius increase on pre-industrial levels. Recently emissions have begun to rise again and the IPCC is now forecasting, with a high degree of confidence, that global warming is likely to reach 1.5 degree celsius between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate. Life will become

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Inspiration Theatre 2 - Seminar Schedule

increasingly unpleasant and dangerous for millions of us unless we take action.

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Aravind Bryanna, Director of Engineering, Middle East & Africa, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG); Amer Arafat, Technical Manager, Dubai Carbon Centre of Excellence; Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development-MEA and India, Swiss-Belhotel International 12:45 - 13:30 UTILISING DESTINATION BRANDS TO ATTRACT HIGHER VALUE TRAVEL CONSUMERS With the ongoing disruption in digital technologies, travel consumers around the world are increasingly empowered in the travel path to purchase – able to view, research and engage directly with accommodation and transportation providers, attractions and in-market tour operators. This industry shift has resulted in a highly competitive environment for destinations, especially those in the Middle East. Brands and specifically how destinations position

their unique selling points (USPs) are becoming increasingly important, as well as key for tour operators to align to. This session, jointly sponsored by travel and tourism management consultancies Twenty31 and Skylight Intelligence will explore the business case for strong destination brands, how tour operators can align their product and experience offerings and methods for measuring impact. The session will start with a presentation from Skylight’s latest destination brand assessment index, TravelView and then involve an engaging facilitated discussion with marketing strategists from select DMOs. Moderator: Oliver Martin, Partner, Twenty31 Consulting Inc. Speakers: Joe Naaman, EVP, Skylight Intelligence Corp.; Olof Yrr Atladottir, Director, Destination Marketing, The Red Sea Development Company; Sveccha Kumar, Director of Marketing & Promotion, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority

13:45 - 14:45 THE EVOLUTION OF BESPOKE LUXURY TRAVEL Once upon a time we used to sit across a desk from a high street “travel agent” whenever we wanted to book a holiday.

It may sound strange, but it’s true.

Factoring in our holiday goals, timeline and available budget, these face-toface interactions would determine our best possible travel options - until these package holiday vendors gave way to the convenience of online booking.

History may not quite be repeating itself but (for some) the experience has almost come full circle. Luxury travellers now have the opportunity to experience a hybridised experience that combines the convenience of the internet with the hyper-personalised experience of liaising with travel experts to curate bespoke itineraries. One of the key growth areas is destination weddings, where a third party is more likely to be involved in order to design the “perfect day”. This seminar explores the trajectory of bespoke luxury travel, with brand leaders and travel operators weighing in on how established brands can adapt their products and facilitate customers who are seeking something far from a generic hotel or resort experience.

Moderator: Steven Bond, Editor, Destinations of the World News Speakers: Michael Marshall, Chief Commercial Officer, Minor Hotel Group; Candice D’Cruz, VP Luxury Brand Marketing & Management, Marriott Luxury Brands MEA; Saurabh Rai, Executive VP-South Asia, MEA and Australasia, Preferred Hotels; Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer and President, One&Only Resorts

15:00 - 15:45 RAISING AWARENESS OF SUSTAINABILITY For centuries, people across the MENA region have developed in countries subject to water stress and more aware than most of the importance of conserving natural resources. Three speakers from the region will discuss what role the travel and tourism industry can play in raising awareness of the importance of addressing sustainability and showcasing the practical solutions to the challenge of sustainability which have been developed in the region.

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Dina Mustafa, Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020; Peter Stubbs, Director of HSE & Compliance, Jumeirah Group; Xavier Halbi, Hotel Manager & Regional Responsible Business Coordinator, Radisson UAE 16:15 - 17:00 TRAVEL ACROSS THE GCC: WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS REGION? Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Editor-in-Chief, Rhea Saran and CEO of Chalhoub Group, Patrick Chalhoub discuss trends in regional travel, luxury retail and the relationship between the two.

Moderator: Rhea Saran, Editor in Chief, Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Speaker: Patrick Chalhoub, CEO, Chalhoub Group

WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY 10:15 - 11:15 BURGEONING BLEISURE TRAVELLERS: HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE BOOMING TREND Bleisure travel, the practice of combining business and leisure travel, has seen significant growth year after year, and will likely continue to boom as younger generations enter the workforce. A recent study commissioned by Expedia Group Media Solutions and conducted by Luth Research reveals what influences bleisure traveller decisions, including their preferences, priorities, resources and financial factors, as well as what makes

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a destination appealing for bleisure.

Through in-depth research findings and industry case studies, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how to reach, engage and convert bleisure travellers from around the world, and leave with actionable insights to apply in their own marketing strategies.

Speaker: Andrew van der Feltz, Senior Director, EMEA & APAC, Expedia Group Media Solutions

11:30 - 12:15 TOURISM BROADENS THE MIND: CAN WE DO MORE? Tourists are increasingly demanding memorable experiences and opportunities for meaningful connections with local people. One of the great benefits of travel and tourism is the opportunities it creates for people from very different religions, cultures and backgrounds to meet and for the traveller or tourist to learn more of the history and way of life of the communities they visit. As Krippendorf, the founder of Responsible Tourism pointed out, “every

individual tourist builds up or destroys human values while travelling”. What can those of us in the industry do to foster understanding and celebrate diversity?

Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Husam Jubran, Director of Tour Guide Development, MEJDI Tours; Nada Badran, Founder, Wander With Nada; Dr. Hayat Shamsuddin, VP, Arts and Culture, Visitor Experience Division, Expo 2020 Dubai

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Seminar Schedule - Inspiration Theatre 2

Inspiration Theatre 2 TUESDAY 30TH APRIL 10:30 - 13:00 MEDICAL TOURISM AND WELLNESS TOURISM: UNDERSTANDING THE OPPORTUNITIES Major trends heating up in wellness travel and medical travel will be explored with our esteemed group of speakers and panellists. We will discover the challenges and opportunities for both medical tourism and wellness tourism in the MENA region (and globally) and the rise of a new kind of holistic – or integrative – or medical wellness travel. How can travel professionals get involved? Where are the opportunities to make money?

Attendees will also hear the latest research and insights on the Middle East-North Africa wellness tourism and spa markets – the fastest-growing regional market in the world. With MENA wellness tourism growing 13.4 percent annually and MENA spa revenues growing 30.4 percent yearly. This new data will span everything from which nations are rising fastest in wellness travel across MENA to the eye-opening spending premiums wellness travellers are paying in some MENA nations.

10:30 - 10:45 LATEST RESEARCH, LATEST TRENDS: MEDICAL TOURISM AND WELLNESS TOURISM Speaker: Susie Ellis, Chairman & CEO, Global Wellness Institute, United States 10:45 - 11:00 PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF HEALTH TOURISM FOR DUBAI Speaker: Linda Abdullah, Consultant, Health Tourism Department, United Arab Emirates 11:00 - 11:15 THE INTERNATIONAL PICTURE AND THE LATEST MEDICAL WELLNESS CONCEPTS Speaker: Dr. Yasser Moshref, CEO, Premedion, Germany 11:15 - 11:35 CEO PERSPECTIVE: THE STATE OF MEDICAL TOURISM Speaker: Andre Daoud, CEO, Medcare, United Arab Emirates

11:35 - 11:50 THE FIRST MIDDLE EAST HOLISTIC WELLBEING RESORT: WHAT IS THE DISTINCTION? Speaker: Samir Arora, General Manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai, United Arab Emirates 11:50 - 12:05 AYURVEDA IS BECOMING WILDLY POPULAR: WHAT TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS SHOULD KNOW Speaker: Dr. Hafeel Ambalath, Founder & CEO, The Healers’ Clinic, United Arab Emirates 12:05 - 12:20 UNDERSTANDING INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS AND WHAT CONSUMERS WANT Speaker: Dr. Abhishek Jain, VP International Operations, WTS International, Inc., United States 12:20 - 12:55 PANEL Q&A: LET’S TALK ABOUT THE FUTURE Moderator: Susie Ellis, Chairman & CEO, Global Wellness Institute Speakers: Linda Abdullah, Consultant, Dubai Health Authority, United Arab Emirates; Andre Daoud, CEO, Medcare, United Arab Emirates; Dr. Abhishek Jain, Vice President, International Operations, WTS International, United States; Yasser Moshref, PhD, CEO, Premedion, Germany 12:55 - 13:00 MINDFULNESS BODYSCAN MEDITATION Speaker: Maria Paz, Wellness Coach & Co-Founder, MBS- A Happiness Center 13:15-14:15 TTN AND AUDIENCE ALIVE - PECHA KUCHA TRAVEL AGENTS COMPETITION 20 slides, 20 seconds, 20 questions.

Aimed at travel agents, destinations will be showcased through Pecha Kucha style presentations followed by a 20 question quiz with prizes up for grabs Moderator: Zamir Uddin, Presentologist, Audience Alive Speakers: Christopher Tutty, Director of Sales-Leisure, JA Hotels & Resorts;

Sherin Francis, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board; Timothy Njihia, Area ManagerUAE-GCC Countries-Pakistan-Offline Markets, RwandAir; Arnold Anthony, Sales Manager UAE, RwandAir 14:30 - 15:15 UNLOCK THE SECRET OF EMOTIONALLY ENGAGING AND MEMORABLE TRAVEL CONTENT Branded content in the travel sector means telling stories, but how can you be sure you are delivering your brand story with impact and efficiency? What is the relationship between emotions, memories and brand outcomes and how can this be used to create more impactful content for travel brands?

The Science of Memory – the latest research project from BBC Global News – set out to answer this. By combining our award-winning Science of Engagement methodology with cutting-edge neuroscience, we tracked the emotion and memory impact of six brand films, including Dubai Tourism, with audiences around the world.

Speaker: Dr. Hamish McPharlin, Head of Insight, BBC Global News 15:30 - 16:30 ATM & WOMEN IN TRAVEL PRESENTS TAKING THE PLUNGE – EMBRACING OPPORTUNITY In 2019, women are looking to forge opportunities of their own in the industry, either as entrepreneurs or professionals and see the sector as an increasingly important channel, given its growing role in the UAE. Expo 2020 Dubai and new island destinations are just some of the opportunities for women who wish to launch or grow businesses. Women who are seeking employment or are already employed in the sector are also looking at the current opportunity for a chance to self-develop, progress their professional career and gain invaluable skills. Yet all of this requires leadership, selfconfidence and great resilience, qualities that women often have inherently yet question through self-doubt and imposter syndrome. How do you take the plunge and get the confidence to lose sight of familiar ground in order to

achieve success? How do you access your innermost strengths and call upon them at the most challenging yet possibly rewarding times? The Women in Travel meetup at ATM 2019 will discuss these topics with an exceptional team of speakers and mentors. Attendees will find themselves inspired, challenged and yet encouraged to take the plunge in order to pursue and succeed in their own ambitions in travel and tourism.

Moderator: Alessandra Alonso, Founder, Women in Travel CIC Speakers: Sarah Gasim, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Consultant, NEOM; Andrea Bailey, Travel Counsellor, Travel Counsellors LLC; Emma Banks, VP F&B strategy & development EMEA, Hilton 16:30 - 18:00 ATM & WOMEN IN TRAVEL PRESENTS ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TRAVELMENTORING & NETWORKING For the second year we introduce mentoring to Arabian Travel Market.

Once again we have gathered some amazing women who are industry professionals and entrepreneurs to act as your mentors. We are offering group mentoring sessions on pre-agreed topics of relevance to today’s women in travel that you will be able to book in advance.

Topics for discussion may include: Entrepreneurship, Female leadership, Work and Career, Personal and Professional Development. From 17.30 18.00 the event will conclude with some great networking. Refreshments will be available and we will continue developing the conversations, finding the inspiration and building this amazing international community of women over a drink.

Mentors: Sarah Longbottom, Director of Strategy and Planning, Cicero & Bernay; Sarah Gasim, Hospitality, Travel & Tourism Consultant; Andrea Bailey, Travel Counsellor, Travel Counsellors LLC; Emma Banks, VP F&B Strategy & Development EMEA; Cristina Tschuppert, CEO, Pearls of Switzerland; Nada Badran, Founder, Wander With Nada; Dr. Heather Jeffrey, Senior Lecturer - Middlesex University Dubai Campus; Gemma Sisia, Founder, The School of St Jude

WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY 11:45 - 12:45 ATM CAREER IN TRAVEL CARVING A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN TRAVEL: ‘MY STORY’ Come and hear how these influential travel professionals have risen through the ranks and achieved their goals, as they share insight and anecdotes about what it takes to succeed. Whether you dream of being a sought-after travel influencer, or want to operate at the top of a leading hospitality company, our inspirational,

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all-female panel will talk you through the challenges they faced and their greatest accomplishments, with lots of great advice about following your own path.

This session is open to all attending ATM. Moderator: Faye Bartle, Managing Editor, Hot Media Publishing Speakers: Carly Neave, Content Creator and Influencer, Travel and Wellness Blog; Ailsa Pollard, SVP consumer ME&I, dnata Travel; Victoria Thatcher, Managing Director, Hot Media Publishing;

Gresha Schuilling, Manager, Field Marketing, Middle East & Africa, IHG 13:00 - 14:00 ATM CAREER IN TRAVEL - HOW TO GAIN A CAREER IN DIGITAL MARKETING: TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE PROS In this panel you will learn first-hand from expert influencers and digital marketers about their personal paths to success in the ever-changing digital landscape,

the tips they wish somebody had given them when they were first starting out, and their best advice for aspiring digital professionals in travel, followed by an open Q&A session with the audience. This session is open to all attending ATM. Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink Speakers: Natasha Amar, Travel Writer & Blogger, TheBohoChica.com; Paul Johnson, Editor, A Luxury Travel Blog

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Feature - Responsible tourism

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Sustained approach For a number of years, operators have talked about sustainability - now more of them are finally adopting practices which benefit the environment and save costs 1

We live in an era where we’re encouraged to frown on plastic bags and quite rightly with an estimated one trillion in global circulation. But not all of them are evil, take the ones in Avani Middle East’s Dubai office which are made from cassava plants and can perform their own party trick. Clients are encouraged to throw the ‘I am not plastic’ inscribed bags into water and watch them dissolve.

These along with birchwood cutlery, cartons, bowls and cups are just some of the sustainable products Avani is busy rolling out to greenminded hotels across the region.

It’s a clear sign that the hospitality industry is ready to make a change and embrace sustainability as a core part of their corporate social responsibility.

Perhaps most encouragingly, words are now also being backed by action.

Hilton removed plastic straws from all 650 managed hotels at the end of last year, while Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island

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Resort, which opened last December, is billed as the group’s first ‘eco-conscious resort’ with environmental awareness and water consumption written into its DNA. Jumeirah also partnered with Trust Your Water to reduce single-use plastics and provide guests with locally sourced filtered still and sparkling water, which can be refilled in reusable bottles at water stations. Straws are also made from recycled material.

“Our commitment to protecting the natural sand dunes and sea around this hotel means that we are also continuously trying to minimise the impact that guests have on this environment,” said General Manager Linda Griffin.

Marriott’s Serve360 lays out sustainability and social impact goals until 2025 with specific focuses on nurturing communities, sustaining its hotels and empowering ‘the unemployed and underemployed’, while IHG’s Green Engage programme allows hotels to measure and

manage their environmental impacts (in the US alone, an average hotel spends in excess of AED1.8 million [US$500,000] in energy expenses every year).

Furthermore, Accor spelt out its sustainable development credentials back in 2012 with Planet 21, which have since been enhanced in a ‘vision for 2020’. The global operator, which serves 200 million meals a year, is committed to healthy and responsible dishes and stemming food waste in its restaurants as well as operating carbon neutral buildings.

Accor’s sustainable development programme involves engaging in community work and social projects, protecting children, planting 10 million trees by 2021, introducing one major innovation to interact with guests around sustainable development each year, eco-designing products in 10 key hospitality categories and requiring all of its hotels to implement Planet 21’s 16 mandatory actions.

Bathroom plastic amenity bottles look to be next in the firing line after hotel giants Marriott and InterContinental Hotels Group announced pumpstyle dispensers will be introduced.

“It falls upon hotels, which deal with so many people on a daily basis, to incorporate sustainability in their culture and raise awareness with their clients,” added Xavier J.D. Halbi, Hotel Manager and Regional Responsible Business Coordinator at the Radisson Hotel Group.

“It is a very big challenge for hotels to educate their clients to be more responsible in this respect, because this has been a ‘luxury’ provided to them for the longest time. However, with millions of people travelling every year, there is a fantastic opportunity for hotels to reach people’s psyche and reason, and to eventually make a huge difference in the world.”

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1 Masdar City 2 Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park 3 Xavier Halbi 4 An Avani ‘plastic’ bag 5 Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort 6 Avani straws 7 Harold Goodwin

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Responsible tourism - Feature

pedestrians and cyclists, the transport system will feature a mix of electric vehicles and other clean-energy vehicles.

Sharjah also revealed plans to become the first city in the Middle East to achieve 100 percent diversion of landfill waste to energy by 2020.

The emirate’s environment company, Bee’ah, has selected French firm CNIM to design, construct and manage the country’s first waste-to-energy plant, which will process around 300,000 tonnes of the region’s waste annually and generate up to 30MW of electricity, enough to power 28,000 homes.

Similarly, Dubai is looking to move forward in the fields of renewable energy, sustainability and the environment. The Supreme Council of Energy has set a strategy to reduce carbon emissions by 16 percent, equivalent to reducing 11 million tonnes of carbon dioxide 5

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by 2021. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority is also striving to support the emirate’s efforts with a number of green projects and initiatives.

These include the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is set to the largest single-site solar project in the world. It will produce 5,000 MW by 2030 and will achieve a reduction of approximately 6.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Last year, Dubai Tourism also launched the 12 Steps Towards Sustainability User Guide which was created “to help hotels and hospitality establishments map out a sustainable journey and trigger a positive impact on the environmental performance of the tourism industry”.

Clearly sustainability is high on the agenda for the UAE and the country’s bold ambitions can perhaps best be summed up in the words of the UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi.

He said: “Through advancing innovation and leveraging the latest technologies, the UAE has emerged as a model of global sustainability stewardship. The country has adopted a set of effective policies that integrate efforts to achieve sustainability across diverse fields. It has also paved the way for the public and private sectors to work together to launch joint projects that drive sustainability at home and abroad.”

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The aviation sector is also rolling out a number of programmes, with Emirates introducing sustainable blankets which are made completely from recycled plastic bottles and use ecoTHREAD patented technology. They are now available on long-haul economy flights.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi International Airport opened an interactive walkway between Terminals 1 and 3 which converts the footsteps of 8,000 travellers daily into off-grid electricity and data.

TIME FOR CHANGE It is not just the hospitality and aviation industry that is firmly focusing on sustainability, the UAE has also stepped up its efforts to mitigate the effects

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of climate change and to overcome energy changes, spearheaded by Vision 2021 as well as strategies designed by the country’s individual emirates.

The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25 percent to 50 percent by 2050 and reduce the carbon footprint of power generation by 70 percent, providing savings of AED700 billion (US$190.6 billion).

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City project, funded entirely by Masdar, the clean technology investment fund of the Abu Dhabi government, represents the world’s first carbon-neutral, zerowaste city. Designed to be friendly to

SUSTAINABLE OR RESPONSIBLE?

While they are clearly interlinked, it can be difficult to understand the subtle differences in sustainable and responsible tourism. Here Dr. Harold Goodwin, Professor Emeritus and Responsible Tourism Adviser at the World Travel Market (WTM), explains: “Sustainability is an aspiration; responsible tourism is about what you do to achieve that aspiration.

“Responsible businesses and destinations should be able to measure and transparently report the contribution they are making. Meanwhile, responsible travellers buy locally produced art, craft and souvenirs and relish locally produced food and beverages. They choose to avoid creating waste [and] wasting water, and keep their carbon footprint as small as possible.”

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Feature - Aviation

Flying high

The Gulf’s major airlines are employing fresh strategies and creative plans to ensure continued success after a turbulent 12 months

1

Over the past year, the airline industry in the Middle East has witnessed a period of uncertainty due in large to the oil price slump, a tough economic environment and continued political tensions. This has forced the region’s aviation industry to come up with a number of creative strategies to navigate through this turbulent time. The major players are now opening up new routes, making strategic changes to their fleet, entering into new partnerships and investing in technology. And with the regional forecast looking far healthier for this year, airlines throughout the region are looking forward to a sustained period of success.

LEADING THE WAY One of the world’s most successful airlines, Emirates has made major moves to surge into 2019 on a strong footing. Its ‘extensive partnership’ agreement with sister low-cost airline flydubai has already opened a combined network of 216 destinations and throughout 2018, the two carriers jointly transported nearly 3.5 million passengers on codeshare flights to more than 80 destinations. This year, the partnership is set to grow even further.

“The partnership between Emirates and flydubai has really taken off and we are very pleased with what has been

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achieved,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of flydubai. “It has not only delivered tangible benefits to our collective customers, but also to both airlines in terms of the synergies that come with working closely together.”

The airline also embarked on an extensive AED550 million (US$150 million) initiative to refurbish its Boeing 777-200LR fleet, resulting in a two-class configuration with 38 Business Class seats and 264 Economy seats. The refurbishment presents travellers with wider seats and more spacious cabins. Furthermore, from 2020, the airline plans to deploy its Premium Economy product on its new-gen A380s, which promises bespoke designs and enhanced user experience.

In 2018, Emirates also became the first airline to offer web VR technology on its platform when it introduced 3D seat models on emirates.com, allowing customers to enjoy 360-degree views of their seats, cabin and all amenities on board Emirates’ A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft.

Towards the end of 2018, the carrier also announced plans for a ‘biometric path’, whereby Emirates customers

can check in, complete immigration, enter the Emirates Lounge and board their aircraft by simply walking in, thanks to the latest technology using a combination of iris and facial recognition.

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EMBRACING INNOVATION The UAE’s national carrier, Etihad Airways, also looks well on its way to recovery following a challenging few years. The carrier’s multi-pronged strategy ranges from reducing capacity, replacing older aircraft and focusing on more profitable routes to investing in luxury first-class suites and expanding its long-haul network. In 2018, the airline also celebrated its best OTP (operational on-time performance) since 2010.

Meanwhile, Etihad CEO, Tony Douglas, revealed plans to offer better optionality to customers. He said: “Etihad prides itself on being different by trying to provide optionality. Etihad will be the airline of choice, which will allow everybody who chooses to fly with us to have what they want, as opposed to the standard offerings, therefore allowing choice to be something that makes it special for you personally.”

Douglas also confirmed that the airline was working to identify new routes and had reached an agreement

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Aviation - Feature

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1 Emirates Airline 2 Abu Dhabi International Airport 3 Oman Air 4 Oman International Airport 5 Etihad Airways

with Airbus and Boeing for the delivery of new aircraft. This will see Etihad take delivery of five Airbus A350-1000s, six Boeing 777-9s and 26 A321neos in the coming years. This is in addition to plans to introduce a premium economy cabin to offer a wider variety of fares.

Etihad also announced in January 2019 that it had completed the first commercial flight powered by locally produced sustainable fuel. This milestone was achieved by an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 from Abu Dhabi to Amsterdam, which used a clean, alternative aviation fuel produced from plants grown in saltwater.

In addition to this, the carrier announced that it was collaborating with Microsoft to launch the first in-house AI Academy in the region.

The aim of this facility is to help the airline revolutionise the way it serves its customers by upskilling its workforce, optimising operations and creating alternative revenue streams. This will help showcase how artificial intelligence can find solutions to business problems.

INVESTING IN TOMORROW It is not just the UAE’s aviation sector that is planning for the future. A recent BNC Network report revealed that there are currently 95 active projects in the region, worth a staggering AED183 billion (US$50 billion). These include terminal upgrades, new airports and 27 ancillary projects.

The UAE has invested close to AED84 billion (US$23 billion) in order to expand phase four of Dubai International Airport; develop and increase the capacity of both Abu Dhabi International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport; as well as upgrade the terminal at Sharjah International Airport.

Saudi Arabia is also expanding Jeddah’s King Abdul Aziz International Airport, with the aim of serving 65 million customers per annum by 2020.

Additionally, the country’s national airline, Saudia, has launched numerous new initiatives to help grow its appeal, including the aim of significantly increasing its fleet to 200 aircraft by the end of 2020.

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Etihad’s multi-pronged strategy ranges from focusing on more profitable routes to expanding its long-haul network Oman’s flag carrier, Oman Air, is also increasing its fleet and has confirmed that it will add a number of new routes throughout 2019. This comes after the sultanate invested AED6.6 billion (US$1.8 billion) in a new terminal at Muscat International Airport that is expected to boost overall capacity to 75 million annual passengers by 2020.

Following this trend, Bahrain has invested AED3.67 billion (US$1 billion)

as it looks to increase the capacity of Bahrain International Airport to 14 million passengers per year. The kingdom’s national airline, Gulf Air, has also continued its amazing turnaround having been close to financial collapse back in 2013. The airline has been steadily updating its fleet and this year has already announced two new flight routes to Malaga in Spain and Salalah in Oman.

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PREPARE FOR TAKE OFF These investments and advances are right on schedule as the World Tourism Organisation revealed that the Middle East was one of the top destinations in 2018, welcoming 64 million visitors.

It also predicted that the region will see 290 million passengers on flights to, from and within the Middle East by 2037, increasing the total market size to 501 million passengers.

Thanks to the sufficient planning, solid strategies and government backing, Gulf airlines are well on course to handle this increase in passenger traffic and ascend to new heights in the years ahead.

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Feature - Culture

Culture club

Countries throughout the Middle East are adding to their already substantial offering through a host of intriguing venues that celebrate the region’s rich history While the Middle East may be home to sandy beaches, towering skyscrapers and modern hotels, there is also a rich history and a fascinating culture for visitors to explore. Highlighting this fact, countries throughout the Middle East are investing huge sums in cultural tourism programmes that encompass everything from art and antiquities to music and theatre.

Tourism boards are also increasingly keen to highlight cultural attractions, while governments are giving the green light to new projects that include the restoration of historic neighbourhoods and the construction of new museums and heritage centres.

These developments will help answer the increasing demand from tourists who are keen to immerse themselves in local culture when visiting a destination.

They will also prove crucial in attracting even more visitors and helping countries hit their ambitious tourism targets.

EMERGING EMIRATES For a number of years, Abu Dhabi has placed an emphasis on its cultural offering, investing heavily in numerous projects to help draw visitors to the capital. Late last year, following more 1

than a decade of construction and renovation, Qasr Al Hosn opened its doors to the public. A year-round tourist destination for cultural discovery and home to the city’s first permanent structure, it is already welcoming thousands of visitors every week.

Similarly, Louvre Abu Dhabi has attracted huge numbers since opening in November 2017. The striking museum welcomed more than a million visitors in its first year, leading Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, to comment: “Before the opening, we were

Countries throughout the Middle East are investing huge sums in cultural tourism programmes

often asked if there was an appetite for museums in Abu Dhabi and the amazing response we’ve had in our first year is proving that there is.”

The museum is now set to be joined by two more attractions in Saadiyat Cultural District, with Saif Ghobash, undersecretary at the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi revealing that the construction of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum “have been put into full gear”.

Dubai is also pushing ahead with plans to enhance its cultural offering. The multimillion-dollar Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which is designed to resemble an open book, is nearing completion, while the mega Dubai Historical District (DHD) project is starting to take shape.

The project aims to rejuvenate some of the oldest parts of the emirate to transform the area into a culture and heritage centre, focusing on trade, crafts and the pearling industry. The first phase is currently under construction and the Al Shindagha museum - which showcases the UAE’s past through exhibitions, organised events, and specialised publiclearning programmes - is now open.

Construction is also already well underway on The Museum of the Future. Located on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, the museum will be home to tomorrow’s trends and will be “an incubator for ideas, a driver for innovation, and a destination for inventors and entrepreneurs from around the world,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

SPOTLIGHT ON SAUDI In 2017, Saudi Arabia announced plans, as part of its Vision 2030, to boost its cultural tourism offerings. This included increasing the number of public and private museums from 155 to 241 and upping the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites from four to 10. It also outlined plans to increase the number of archaeological sites from 75 to 155, add 18 new archaeological heritage sites and

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Culture - Feature

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1 The Museum of the Future 2 Louvre Abu Dhabi 3 The Great Pyramids of Giza 4 Mada’in Saleh in Saudi Arabia 5 A render of Zayed National Museum

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expand the number of annual activities and cultural events from 190 to 400.

In September last year, the kingdom also launched Qiddiya, a 334kmsq entertainment, sports and cultural site situated 40km from Riyadh. Aiming to attract 17 million visitors by 2030, the first phase is set to open in 2022. Combining cultural and outdoor experiences, Qiddiya will comprise roller coasters, race tracks, cinemas, concert halls, indoor ski slopes, animal encounters, waterparks, sporting events and firstclass retail and dining options.

Meanwhile, in Jeddah, the creation of the Hayy: Creative Hub will provide artists, playwrights, photographers, filmmakers and entrepreneurs with a platform where they can support, advise and collaborate with one another.

“We will seek to offer a variety of cultural venues — such as libraries, arts and museums — as well as entertainment possibilities to suit tastes and preferences.

These projects will also contribute to our economy and will result in the creation of many job opportunities,” said a passage from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

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In fact, Saudi Arabia has budgeted AED235 billion (US$64 billion) for arts, tourism and entertainment investment over the next decade. This has led to a number of hospitality brands pursuing aggressive expansion plans in the country as they compete for the expected increase in visitors to the kingdom.

The likes of Marriott International, Hilton and Rotana all plan to open numerous new properties in the country in the coming years, with Rotana Acting CEO Guy Hutchinson saying “we are optimistic that the kingdom’s hospitality market will expand enormously and we remain committed to contributing to the evolution of the country as an economic powerhouse”.

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ENCHANTING EGYPT With sand covered tombs, awe-inspiring pyramids and towering temples, Egypt has always celebrated its rich culture and heritage. For decades, the country has attracted visitors wanting to explore ancient attractions and there continues to be an emphasis on showcasing all it has to offer.

One venue that is set to significantly boost Egypt’s appeal is the AED3.67 billion (US$1 billion) Grand Egyptian Museum, which is set to become the biggest museum in the world dedicated to a single civilisation. Due to open in 2020, it will showcase a huge number of artefacts, including 5,000 from Tutankhamen’s tomb.

“It is on the plateau of Giza, so even though you can see Egyptian artefacts in different museums around the world, this is the only museum that has the pyramids as its backdrop,” said Egypt’s Minister of Tourism, Rania A. Al-Mashat. “It’s a fantastic attraction for those who want to come and get a glimpse of Egypt’s history.”

Tarek Tawfik, GEM’s director, believes that the museum could attract as many as five million visitors a year once operational thanks to the opening of the nearby Sphinx International Airport - located just half an hour away from the centre.

“By the time of the complete opening of the museum, the airport will be up and running and will enhance the numbers of visitors to our museum,” said Tawfik. “It will be an important source of revenue to ensure the sustainability and maintenance of this huge museum.”

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Destinations

Bahrain

Bahrain World Trade Centre is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.

Each turbine produces 675kw of wind power

Visit Bahrain / ME1410

Blending history and modernity, Bahrain offers a wealth of attractions for those visiting the country. Tourists hoping to learn about the history of the nation can visit ancient forts, first-class museums and sprawling mosques, while the huge shopping malls and entertainment complexes appeal to a wide range of visitors.

The country also boasts numerous popular events, with Bahrain Food Festival proving a hit with visitors once again this year and the annual

Bahrain Grand Prix attracting huge numbers from all over the world.

The kingdom received 5.9 million tourists in the first half of 2018, up 5.8 percent, which followed 12.7 million visitors in 2017. The clear majority of visitors (43.4 percent) arrived for holidays and leisure with inbound tourism expenditure topping AED7.9 billion (US$2.2 billion) and average expenditure per visitor of AED742 (US$202) per night/day.

Beyond developing mainstay leisure and business, Bahrain Tourism

Manama

Jordan

Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority is eyeing medical tourism as a sector for future growth and keen to promote Bahrain as an ‘exotic wedding destination’

Bahrain Fort

The expansion of Bahrain International Airport and Gulf Air’s fleet modernisation programme is giving the kingdom’s travel scene a fresh identity. A novel aviation attraction includes a ‘sunken 747’, previously operated

by KLM, which will be the centrepiece of a new underwater theme park.

Meanwhile, new hotels include The Merchant House, Bahrain, while Thai-based Dusit International plans to operate Dusit Resort and Spa Lagoona Beach, complementing dusitD2 City Centre Bahrain.

The lowest point of dry land in the world is the shore of the Dead Sea in Jordan at 1,378 feet (420 metres) beneath sea level

Jordan Tourism Board / ME1450

With abundant natural wonders – think the dramatic lunar-like landscape of Wadi Rum – and ancient treasures found aplenty in the rock-hewn city of Petra, the Kingdom of Jordan lures an increasing number of foreign visitors year after year.

Thanks to its fascinating tourism offering, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and intriguing villages included, the country has also become a favourite among filmmakers. Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness has featured in a host of movies from Lawrence of Arabia, shot in

Amman Citadel

Monastery Petra

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& Exhibitions Authority is eyeing medical tourism as a sector for future growth and keen to promote Bahrain as an ‘exotic wedding destination’. Cruise visitors also continue to be courted seasonally in line with the ‘Ours, Yours’ tourism slogan and the 2030 economic vision.

1962, to 2016’s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. Tourism in Jordan also received another boost thanks to Britain’s Prince William visiting the country in July 2018.

An oasis of calm in the heart of the Middle East, Jordan is enjoying a boom in tourism numbers, witnessing one of its best years yet in 2018. Petra saw its second largest number of visitors during the year since it was established as an official tourism destination.

According to the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, some

826,993 arrivals were recorded in Petra, a 33 percent increase since 2017.

Meanwhile, Jerash, home to some of the best Roman ruins outside Italy, saw a considerable increase in visitor numbers, with 2018 recording a 13 percent rise since last year. According to data released by the Central Bank of Jordan, tourism revenues surpassed AED18.4 billion (US$5 billion) in 2018, marking an eight percent increase from the previous year’s AED16.9 billion (US$4.6 billion).

Without question, Jordan has its sights set firmly on the future, with The Jordan Tourism Board confident that the tourism sector will continue to strengthen in 2019. And to meet this boom, the country is working hard to train more tour guides to tailor the offering to visitors, especially focusing on those speaking Chinese dialects and other Far Eastern languages, with an increase in visitors expected from the region.

With abundant natural wonders, the Kingdom of Jordan attracts an increasing number of visitors year after year

4/28/19 11:22 PM

Destinations

Sharjah

Sharjah’s history dates back more than 6,000 years and appears as early as the second century AD in a map drawn by the Greek geographer Ptolemy

Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority / ME4210

The family-friendly emirate continues to raise its profile as it aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2021 under its Sharjah Tourism Vision plan. New hotels and the easing of UAE visa entry rules have provided a welcome impetus and its established airport – buoyed

by Air Arabia’s growing network and road connections ensure good international and local connectivity.

A popular destination for those looking to discover the cultural heritage of the UAE, the emirate has a sense of historic charm thanks to its museums, colourful souks and local attractions. There are also a great deal of events, with the ninth edition of the Sharjah Light Festival featuring large-scale light installations and projections inspired by subjects such as science, creativity and knowledge. The 10-day festival attracted more than half a million visitors to more than a dozen locations, while other key events include the Sharjah International Book Fair, Sharjah Heritage Days and Sharjah Biennial.

Beyond its strong cultural offering, the third largest emirate offers plenty for activity-minded visitors with its desert, mountains, beaches, wildlife and the oldest mangrove forests in Arabia. The family-friendly Buhaira

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Corniche is another popular destination, offering picturesque views and some of the city’s best cafés.

With more visitors heading to the emirate, the hospitality industry has responded. New hotel supply includes the 53-room Al Bait Sharjah, located in the Heart of Sharjah, which opened last September and symbolises Sharjah’s ongoing heritage drive. The hotel is the result of a major restoration and conversion project and illustrates the ‘cultural renaissance’ sweeping the emirate. Other notable openings include Four Points by Sheraton Sharjah, the Marriott brand’s first hotel in the emirate.

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) also recently appointed Shaza Hotels to manage three luxurious retreats; Kingfisher Lodge in Kalba, Al Badayer Oasis in Al Badayer and Al Faya Lodge in Mleiha. Anantara Sharjah Resort is set to open by 2020.

The family-friendly emirate continues to raise its profile as it aims to attract 10 million tourists by 2021

Al Noor Mosque

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Destinations

Ras Al Khaimah

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority/ME3510

Ras Al Khaimah is one of the few places in the world that has witnessed the continuous rise and fall of human settlements for more than 7,000 years

Ras Al Khaimah Corniche

In the first three quarters of 2018, the Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) reported a growth of 11.2 percent in comparison to the same period in 2017. Additionally, almost 795,000 guests chose to spend a night in the emirate last year.

And with the numbers expected to grow in 2019, RAKTDA launched its new Destination Strategy 201921. The three-year programme draws on the success of its 2016 strategy, with a stronger focus on diversifying

the emirate’s vast tourism offering.

Boasting stunning natural scenery and a rich history, Ras Al Khaimah has always been the ideal destination for residents across the region looking for a weekend escape. Defined by 64 kilometres of pristine coastline, desert dunes and lush green lagoons, the emirate offers the perfect mix of traditional and modern experiences with a touch of luxury.

RAKTDA’s efforts in the last few years have strengthened the emirate’s proposition as the adventure capital of

Oman

Oman Ministry of Tourism / ME2110

For Middle Eastern-based staycationers, Oman’s Musandam and Salalah have always been popular, owing to its easy reach from all corners of the region and brilliant natural landscapes. But Oman has long been known as a destination of diversity to travellers from around the world. The lush greens in the south are brimming with wildlife while the vast desert terrain in the north, surrounded by rustic mountainous panoramas, make for breathtaking views.

But that’s not all there is to Oman. The sultanate is brimming with historical charm, picturesque beaches, dazzling fjords and canyons, and is renowned for scuba diving, whale watching and fossil hunting.

The year 2018 saw Oman strengthen its tourism proposition, beginning with the expansion of Muscat International Airport. It has also been a year of luxury openings with the debut of the Kempinski brand, the re-opening of The RitzCarlton Al Bustan Palace and the first W-branded hotel in the country, taking the room count from 10,924 keys in 2017 to 16,866 keys by the year 2021.

Travel to the country is on the up and the year to come will see a great deal of investment being made in the sector. The nationalisation quota for the travel and

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Measuring 2.83 kilometres long and situated 1,680 metres above sea level, Jebel Jais Flight is officially the longest zip line in the world

The sultanate’s tourism sector is well and truly on the rise with plans in place to position Oman as the new destination for all things luxury in the Middle East

Dhow Cruise, Musandam

the UAE, with the launch of Jebel Jais Flight – the world’s longest zip line on the highest mountain of the UAE – proving to be a milestone for 2018. And with an array of adrenaline pumping activities, from dune bashing to water sports, there’s never been a better time for daredevils to visit this booming emirate.

Those seeking a more relaxing stay can make use of the city’s picture-perfect golf courses, crystal clear waters and impressive roster of five-star hotels. In fact, the emirate is aiming to add 5,000 rooms this year, while several high-end brands are expected to arrive by the year 2021.

Al Dhayah Fort

It is estimated that people have been living in Oman for at least 106,000 years, making it one of the oldest human-inhabited countries on Earth

Riyam Park

tourism sector has increased from 42.1 percent in 2018 to 43.1 percent for 2019.

Oman has a clear target of reaching 12 million tourists by 2040 and some of the infrastructure to support this goal can already be seen. Plans to introduce more luxury beachfront resorts are underway, while new accessibility networks to the country are being developed, with older ones being improved. Visa restrictions are likely to be relaxed while new flights will be introduced such as the recently launched daily flight from Moscow to Muscat with visas upon arrival for Russian visitors.

4/28/19 11:23 PM

Destinations

Cyprus

Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Tourism / EU5640

With its clean sun-kissed beaches, historical sites and abundant natural attractions, Cyprus’ tourism offering rarely goes out of fashion. Consistently a popular destination for European travellers, especially during the summer months, visitors to the country will discover an array of activities and attractions.

There are numerous museums and galleries dotted around the island, as well as a range of cultural attractions

The Zenobia Shipwreck, a ro-ro ferry that sunk off the coast of Cyprus in 1980, is one of the top dive attractions in the world today

that provide a glimpse into the history of the country whose civilisation stretches back more than 11,000 years. Some of the standout venues include St. Hilarion Castle, Kourion Archaeological Site and the 2,400-year-old Tombs of the Kings in Paphos.

In recent years, the Cyprus Tourism Organisation has also looked to diversify its traditional ‘sun and sea’ strategy by targeting niche sectors such as

Kyrenia Castle

Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa

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wellness, sports and nautical. There are numerous cycling paths across the island, while Ayia Napa is embracing change with work continuing on a new marina, which will be able to accommodate up to 600 yachts and include commercial and residential units.

In order to attract more visitors, there has also been a spate of new hotels opening on the island. These include Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol, which is set in 100,000 square metres of landscaped gardens

and features a 300-metre beach as well as Amavi, which is billed as the first ‘couples only’ resort in the country.

Radisson Blu has also opened in Larnaca and has recently put pen to paper on a deal with SunnySeeker Hotels that will see Radisson Hotel Group expand its inventory in the country to 1,000 rooms by 2025.

These openings will help with the expected rise in visitor numbers. Last year saw 3,938,625 tourists arrive on the popular island, while there has been a significant rise in visitors from the Middle East (up 21.3 percent in 2017). Some ‘season stretching’ has also been apparent with more visitors arriving in April and October.

Realising the need for sustainable development, Cyprus is keen to develop a National Tourism Strategy which will focus on achieving 5 million visitors, improving staff training and utilising a host of new technologies.

Cyprus has diversified its traditional ‘sun and sea’ strategy and targeted niche sectors such as wellness, sports and nautical

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Destinations

USA

More than 800 languages are spoken in New York City, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world

USA - Brand USA - VisitTheUSA.com / AM1819, AM1830

As a wider number of destinations become available with direct flights from the region, the USA has never been so accessible. Emirates alone has 11 destinations including Boston, Fort Lauderdale and Los Angeles, while Etihad has six, including New York and Washington. Visitor numbers from the region are in turn, rising, from 1.3m in 2016 to 1.55m in 2018, those numbers predicted

to reach 1.89m in 2021. Whether travelling for business or pleasure, North America remains a year-round destination. From its shopping to adventure travel, stunning coastlines to food, nature and sporting attractions, the country remains one of the most popular destinations worldwide. Families are drawn to the country’s world-class theme parks and attractions while culture lovers flock

New York

to the likes of the Las Vegas shows, the Broadway theatre, not to mention some of the world’s best museums and galleries from The Metropolitan to The Getty.

Movie lovers can find themselves in the heart of their favourite films or TV shows as they stroll the streets of Manhattan, or Boston, go star-spotting in LA or visit

San Francisco

South Africa South African Tourism / AF5140

From its shopping to adventure travel, stunning coastlines to food, nature and sporting attractions, the country remains one of the most popular destinations worldwide

The world’s largest diamond was found in the Premier Mine in Pretoria on January 25, 1905.

The 3,106-carat stone weighed 1.33 pounds

Table Mountain

A long-time player in the world’s travel market, South Africa is a landscape with much to offer. From its treasured safaris to pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains and dramatic desert landscapes, there are few countries with as much in one destination.

Not only is the land mass vast, but the diversity from the Kalahari Desert in the north, where black-maned lions pad across sienna dunes, to the Overberg coastline that sees the annual return of

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Southern Right whales to calve and nurse their young; the soaring majesty of the Drakensberg peaks to the iconic flattopped mountain that embraces the port city of Cape Town, few countries can rival this variety of terrain and topography.

The largest tourism economy in Africa, its popularity continues to grow.

In 2017, 16 million visitors were recorded with projected figures of 19.5 million by 2022. Cape Town, made famous for its magnificent Table Mountain National

one of the many museums and memorials paying tribute to stars of today or yesteryear. With everything from mountains to the great lakes, impressive parks and waterfalls, nature lovers can find it all.

From the Grand Canyon to the Niagara Falls, Death Valley to the Everglades, the USA has some of the most magnificent natural wonders of the world. A recent report from TripAdvisor recently revealed that New York continues to top the US visitors’ choice, with Hawaii, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, San Francisco and New Orleans in the top 10. Clearwater Beach in Florida also made TripAdvisor’s 2018 top ten world’s best beaches, Florida taking 7 of 10 spots of the top US beaches in TripAdvisor’s readers choice poll. And there are plenty of hidden surprises in the lesser-known destinations. South Carolina’s French Quarter Inn in Charleston made the TripAdvisor top 10 best hotels of the world, with The Nantucket Hotel and Resort in Nantucket, Massachusetts, making the top 25.

From its treasured safaris to pristine beaches, breathtaking mountains and dramatic desert landscapes, there are few countries with as much in one destination

Park, is a medley of cultural and natural wonders. From the 3,000 or so strong Boulders Penguin Colony on the rocky waters of Foxy Beach and Boulder Beach, to the Cape of Good Hope, where activities from hiking to bird watching abound, Cape Town never disappoints.

Kruger National Park, one of the world’s most famous, is almost unparalleled in its diversity, density and numbers of animals. With all of Africa’s iconic safari species – elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, rhino, buffalo, giraffe, hippo and zebra – in addition to another 137 mammal species and over 500 varieties of birds, it is a hugely rich landscape.

A year-round destination, Cape Town and Durban offer between them welcoming beaches and blue skies from winter through summer, while the national parks are rich throughout the year.

From budget travel to luxury, the country has something for everyone, from backpackers to the boutique traveller.

4/28/19 11:24 PM

News

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Vox Pops

What the exhibitors say...

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FREDDY FARID Managing Director

ANANTARA THE PALM DUBAI RESORT “ATM provides Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort the best opportunity to meet new clients and strengthen relationships with existing ones. In this exhibition, we can find the regional and international business that we’re looking for and it is the ideal platform to reach buyers from around the world. It is also a great opportunity for us to expand our network, get information on new trends to remain at the top level of our industry and customise experiences for our guests.”

TWO SEASONS HOTEL & APARTMENTS “We are excited to be part of ATM where we will reveal our new vision of the Two Seasons brand. We will showcase our property, Two Seasons Hotels, and will also reveal updates on our three new upcoming properties. This trio of new and exciting properties, currently under construction, affirms our long-term strategy to grow our portfolio as well as improve our constant expansion in the GCC market and across the international hospitality sector while raising brand awareness.”

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EDWARD NICHOLAS Managing Director

HE MARWAN BIN JASSIM AL SARKAL Executive Chairman

NIA NISCAYA Deputy Minister of Tourism Marketing

THE SHARJAH INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (SHUROOQ) “Shurooq has committed to invest approximately AED10 billion (US$2.7 billion) in key infrastructural and tourism projects across the emirate of Sharjah, with its mission to drive, grow and diversify the emirate’s investment and cultural sectors.

Participating at ATM reflects our continuous objective to promote investment in tourism and to lead and transform business opportunities to the global tourism industry.”

THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA “Participating in ATM is very important, since the Middle East is one of the targeted markets for Indonesia. The importance of our participation is reflected in our attendance in this event with a total of 85 industries represented at our stand. With such huge participation, we expect that more people from the Middle East will come to Indonesia and discover that it is still one of the best destinations to visit.”

NO BOUNDARIES OMAN “Through our participation in ATM, we are looking to expand into new markets throughout the region and are also hoping to increase exposure for No Boundaries Oman. We will be showcasing our lodges and fleet, including our brand new mothership which has recently been constructed and is ideal for larger groups.

Attracting incentive travel is one of our key agendas for this year’s show and we also hope to build new customer relationships with our presence.”

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ABOUDI ASALI Chief Executive Officer HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT HOLDING “ATM is the region’s leading travel industry exhibition which plays a transformational role by hosting international and regional hospitality brands from across the world all under one roof. This is the 16th time we are participating in ATM and our goal for this year is to announce our new properties across the Middle East and Africa. ECOS Hotel Dubai Al Furjan is expected to launch in Q3 2020, which is one of the many new projects we will be announcing at this year’s show.”

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FLORA CASTILLON Visitor Experience & Sales Director LOUVRE ABU DHABI “It is important for Louvre Abu Dhabi to be present at one of the biggest travel industry events of the year, as part of the offerings of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. We are here to build our relationships and further raise awareness within the travel industry of our unique cultural offering that complements any traveller’s visit to the capital, where during the museum’s first year of operations, more than one million visitors from across the globe were welcomed.”

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DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM - PHILIPPINES “ATM is one of the best travel trade platforms in the Middle East and we are here to promote the Philippines as a holiday destination, while shining a spotlight on everything we have to offer, from our beautiful beaches, luxury properties and shopping spaces to our halal-friendly products. With a delegation of almost 28 companies, we are also looking to highlight our proposition – it’s more fun in the Philippines.”

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MYRA PAZ VALDERROSA-ABUBAKAR Assistant Secretary for Mindanao and Palawan

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As Arabian Travel Market 2019 opens its doors, a selection of international exhibitors share their goals and ambitions for this year’s show

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PAULINE CHEUNG Group COO – Lounges & Meet and Assist NATIONAL AVIATION SERVICES (NAS) “National Aviation Services (NAS) is the fastest growing aviation services provider in emerging markets. ATM is a leading global event for the Middle East travel industry and provides a strong platform to showcase our services and network with other businesses.

This year, we will be highlighting our lounges and services like Pearl Assist for Meet and Assist or Airside Transfers alongside www.fasttrack.aero, our online platform for airport services.”

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ANTHONY ROSS Chief Executive Officer JA RESORTS AND HOTELS “ATM is a one-stop shop for connecting with agents, media, partners and even consumers.

It’s a unique opportunity to build and maintain mutually beneficial relationships and to stay connected to the wider market. Our goals this year are to showcase the new and improved JA Resorts & Hotels and everything we are doing to stay competitive and raise our profile. Our stand will be a unique experience, introducing our repositioned brand. We also have very exciting news about our growth to share.”

4/28/19 11:21 PM

MARHABA

Explore the regions ancient Bedouin culture through information, recreational activities and breath-taking natural landscapes of Sharjah

+971 6 538 7857 | myskhotels.com |

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UNDER THE ARCHES OF AWE AND WONDER marbl e f l ow er s blossom ben eath you r fe e t towar ds gol den dom e s inspir e d by a great vi si onar y , whe r e y ou f i n d crystal date palms and a seam l ess hand-wov e n car pe t.

Wh en th e moon r ise s to illuminate every pattern, y ou will finally f i n d you rsel f at one with wonde r .

YOUR E X T RAORDI NA RY STORY

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque #InAbuDhabi

visitabudhabi.ae

Visit Stand ME2115 and ME2250 To Find Your Extraordinary Story #InAbuDhabi

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