Exhibitor news

The future of travel takes the spotlight

As Arabian Travel Market opens its doors today, it reunites 1,500 exhibitors and representatives from 112 destinations with an anticipated 20,000 attendees. The show floor this year is over 85 percent larger than last year, with Dubai World Trade Centre hosting one of the industry’s largest gatherings since the pandemic.

This year’s show will spotlight the future of international travel and tourism. Highlighting the theme, the programme features an array of sessions and events, enabling industry professionals to discuss current trends and explore long-term opportunities within the fields of travel, transportation, tourism, hospitality, events, attractions and more.

The 29th edition of ATM will form an essential part of the UAE’s annual Arabian Travel Week, which sees ITIC, ARIVAL Dubai and ILTM Arabia also taking place.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “ATM 2022 will see a diverse range of industry leaders take to the stage, offering expert insights on trends, challenges and opportunities from across our sector.”

Issam Kazim, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), said: “Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism is pleased to be part of this significant fixture in the

Dubai

global tourism calendar and is looking forward to discussing and exploring opportunities for sustainable growth, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make Dubai the most visited destination and the best city in the world to live and work in. Since reopening to the global market in July 2020, Dubai has never looked back. We have been able to build on this momentum year on year, leading to a hugely successful Expo 2020 Dubai. And ATM comes at a time when the rest of the world wants to be a part of this remarkable journey with Dubai. As the host city, we welcome our industry partners and travel and tourism professionals to this vibrant networking environment to share experiences, insights and best practices to reinvigorate tourism growth in a post-pandemic world.”

Farnek to launch ‘Trendz’ hotel management company at ATM

Farnek, the leading UAE-based smart and green facilities management company, is set to launch ‘Trendz’, a new standalone hotel management entity. Offering a unique 360-degree service for hotel owners and operating companies, Trendz accents technology and sustainability, two of the most important trends in hospitality today.

Walter Knight, Director of Hospitality at Farnek, said: “Farnek, which has over 8,000 employees, has traditionally provided manpower and outsourcing services, such as cleaning, security and property maintenance. However, Trendz takes that proposition one stage further, managing front office requirements, reservations, concierge, housekeeping and room service. We can also manage sales operations, marketing and PR.

“It is a cost-effective and flexible hospitality proposition. Hotels can engage with us for specific operational requirements or contract us to manage an entire property, either under the Trendz brand or as a white label product.”

One of Farnek’s most recent accomplishments was the development of an app called ‘Flexi-Guest’, which digitises the guest journey from pre-arrival to check out. The app, which was developed in-house, interfaces with a hotel’s property management system affording guests a whole suite of services, from uploading travel documents to ordering a car on arrival, room service and laundry. The app can also send automated electronic updates and alerts to the guest as well as e-registration documents, e-invoices and e-receipts, all in one convenient space.

Farnek recently completed a successful trial of the app, having secured a contract for Expo Village, situated at the Expo 2020 Dubai site. The company was responsible for managing reservation services, concierge, front office services and housekeeping for 2,273 apartments during the show.

Sustainability is key to Farnek’s hospitality strategy and Flexi-Guest can estimate the carbon emissions generated by any guest during their stay and provide a cost should the customer wish to offset their carbon footprint.

Visitors to Farnek’s stand at ATM will be able to measure their own carbon footprint, with an option to contribute to a range of sustainable projects to offset their impact on the environment.

Hoteliers will also be able to take advantage of Farnek’s Hotel Optimizer software, which records, analyses and benchmarks energy and water consumption as well as waste generation, resulting in a more costefficient and sustainable operation. The company can also support hotels that wish to develop and implement net zero carbon strategies.

Furthermore, Farnek is a preferred partner and auditor for Green Globe, the worldwide sustainability accreditation system. It is based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses and is an essential attribute for green listings on Booking.com or to be labelled ‘Eco-Certified’ in Google search results.

“We believe that our 360-degree market proposition for the hotel sector is unrivalled and our participation at ATM provides us with an ideal platform to showcase our services to a targeted audience of over 20,000, local, regional and international travel and tourism professionals.”

Erth Abu Dhabi to present new product at ATM

Amit Arora

Erth Abu Dhabi

With robust development currently underway at Erth Abu Dhabi, the hotel is set to showcase its new offering at ATM 2022. As part of the property’s transformation, the hotel is set to raise the curtain on its new beach, pool and villa offering in the last quarter of 2022.

“Last year at ATM, Erth Abu Dhabi announced the ‘Birth of Erth’ and a lot has happened since then,” said Amit Arora, Chief Operating Officer.

“Now we are in the final stages of launching our leisure product – pool, beach and villas – which we are showcasing to the travel trade at this year’s show. Erth is well poised to capitalise on the pent-up demand for leisure travel and staycations and also cater to the MICE sector and the business of weddings. Our state-of-the-art ballroom is also due to launch this year.

“Furthermore, we are strengthening our business in the leisure and wellness segment under our Etizan Fitness brand with the opening of the pool and beach. And finally, we also have Erth Catering, which continues to deliver excellence at scale across the UAE. With the successful repositioning of Erth Abu Dhabi and a brand new prime product imminently set to launch, we are very excited about what lies ahead.”

The brand – formerly known as the Armed Forces Officers Club & Hotel – has been participating in ATM since its inception and has now taken its own stand to exhibit itself as a standalone independent homegrown company.

Arora added: “As a true homegrown brand, we aspire to be the beacon of Emirati hospitality. We have a very attractive proposition for the local and regional markets. Staycations are already an important part of our business. With the new product coming soon, we will be tapping into the higher end of the market seeking bespoke luxury experiences rooted in Emirati heritage and culture.”

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India’s outbound travel sector set to boom

India’s travel industry is projected to make a buoyant recovery in the coming years, accounting for 29 million outbound trips per year by 2025, showing positive recovery for the post-pandemic era. Analysis from Global Data and ResearchandMarkets.com predicts India’s outbound tourism market will surpass US$42 billion by the end of 2024.

Data from Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) shows that the country ranked top of the emirate’s source market list for 2021, accounting for 910,000 inbound visitors. Short-haul flight queries for destinations including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Egypt witnessed a 30 percent uptick among Indian tourists, according to Thomas Cook India.

ATM 2022 will host a dedicated India forum in addition to a range of high-profile exhibitors from India, including India Tourism, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board and ITC Hotels.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “The global pandemic had a major impact on India’s travel sector but, as our industry’s global post-pandemic recovery continues to gather pace, Indian tourists appear eager to return to their favourite Middle Eastern destinations. We are excited to explore the vast potential of this vital source market as part of our dedicated buyer forum at ATM 2022.”

The number of inbound tourists travelling from India to the UAE has witnessed a 50 percent increase, with VFS Global processing 40,000 travel visas since Dubai reopened its borders following the pandemic.

With the reopening of the Indian skies, connections to and from India now reach 3,250 flights per week by 66 airlines. Emirates alone is now back to pre-pandemic frequencies, operating 170 weekly flights to nine cities, which underscores the importance of the Indian market for the region.

News

9 Japan set for strong showing at ATM

Himeji, Japan

Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is set for a strong showing at ATM 2022. A key objective for JNTO at the event is the generation of awareness amongst the Middle East region’s leading travel and media professionals. This year’s efforts will highlight Japan’s unique and diverse tourist attractions under the banner of ‘Japan. Endless Discovery’.

JNTO’s participation this year is particularly significant as 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the UAE. Coming on the heels of the opening of the JNTO Dubai Office in 2021, as part of the Japanese government’s strategic goal of welcoming 60 million international visitors by 2030, this year’s participation is a further commitment to JNTO’s focus on making the Middle East a priority market.

Mizuki Onishi, Senior Director of the JNTO Dubai office, said: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at ATM 2022, the largest travel trade fair in the Middle East. We are also very honoured to be participating during the year marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the UAE and Japan, a significant milestone. Through our participation at such events as ATM, we plan to strengthen our cooperation with the region’s airlines and travel agencies while raising interest in the Middle East for travel to Japan.”

JNTO has recently launched social media channels in Arabic to engage with potential travellers from the region. The new Facebook and Instagram channels are designed to inspire with engaging posts that show the natural beauty, culture and heritage of Japan, along with interesting information and stories that are sure to spark interest.

With Expo 2020 Dubai having recently closed its doors after a successful run, the excitement is continuing in Japan as the country gears up to host the next edition of this much-loved global event. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan will take place from April 13 to October 13, 2025.

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Meet us at ATM on stand HC0720

At Rotana, we believe time well spent, is a life well lived. This enduring thought is at the heart of every experience we promise when you stay with us. Our distinct collection of brands include Rotana Hotels & Resorts, Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Centro Hotels, Resorts and Hotel Apartments by Rotana, Rayhaan Hotels & Resorts and The Residences by Rotana. Transform moments into memorable experiences as we present a selection of diverse destinations, ideal for every journey. To find out more, visit rotana.com Treasured time. Our promise to you. P.O. Box 95100, Abu Dhabi, UAE. T: +971 (0) 2 699 4444 F: +971 (0) 2 699 4445, head.office@rotana.com

Wellness and ecotourism to feature at Diriyah’s Wadi Hanifah

Wadi Hanifah

Wellness and eco-tourism are at the top of Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s (DGDA) agenda for ATM as the group announces its plan for Wadi Hanifah. As one of Saudi Arabia’s most iconic nature-based escapes from Riyadh, it will connect visitors and the community to nature, culture and history.

Plans outline the restoration of two square kilometres of unique palm groves containing hundreds of thousands of trees from species native to the wadi, as well as creating new parks with walking trails, biking tracks, outdoor areas for games and picnic spots.

The valley of Wadi Hanifah fringes the western edge of historic Diriyah, which is the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the home of Al Saud. These rich, fertile farmlands surrounding the banks of the oasis valley of Wadi Hanifah provided a source of food and shade for its past inhabitants, protecting them from harsh desert conditions. It also offered a geographically strategic location for the citadel of At-Turaif.

At-Turaif, a collection of beautifully preserved historical palaces, was the capital of the first Saudi state. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is imbued with Saudi Arabia’s national history and identity and is a defining cultural influence on the broader Arabian Peninsula.

The wadi will feature easy access to a walkway which offers stunning, unparalleled views of the site. Wellness spaces, activity zones and eco-tourism attractions will be at the heart of the wadi’s enhancement, which aims to improve the quality of life. Visitors can take part in a variety of outdoor pursuits throughout the entire area, offering opportunities for a healthy, active lifestyle.

The Wadi Hanifah master plan will comprise four interactive zones, including the Heritage and Culture zone, Wadi Living with various recreational spaces in nature, the Eco-Tourism zone, which will feature the Barari Diriyah Wildlife Conservation Centre and the Palm Heritage Centre for Research and

Wadi Hanifah Development, and, lastly, a Sports and Activity zone for adventure activities.

The restoration of Wadi Hanifah forms a key part of Diriyah’s US$50.6 billion master plan that will transform Diriyah into one of the world’s most exciting cultural tourist destinations. Hospitality, commercial, retail and nature offerings will both leverage and elevate the exceptionally distinctive character and cultural importance of the area and support Diriyah’s overall mission to share, protect and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s national heritage.

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Swiss-Belhotel International ups expansion plans

Swiss-Belhotel International has announced ambitious expansion plans with a strategic focus on Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As part of the move, the group recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Odyssey Group to support its expansion in Japan.

The Hong Kong-headquartered company is looking at other asset management alliances globally to support its expansion and is presently negotiating more opportunities. This is a pivot in the company’s expansion approach by working with third-party asset managers and investment bankers.

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “We are well placed to take advantage of the growing confidence in travel and very excited to continue our global expansion with a strong focus on Central and Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. These regions hold enormous potential for our brands and are important growth markets for us.

“Today, we are at 125 hotels and are aiming towards a healthy growth of 250 hotels by 2030. Working closely with our owners, we have been successfully navigating the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic and look forward to driving value to our owners, associates, employees and guests through our diverse brands.”

As part of its robust expansion in Southeast Asia, Swiss-Belhotel International recently set up a regional office in Thailand. The company is looking to capitalise on new opportunities in priority markets like Thailand and Vietnam where it has multiple hotel projects in advanced negotiations.

Faull added: “While we are particularly pleased with our progress in Thailand and Vietnam, Southeast Asia as a whole offers tremendous opportunity to expand our footprint further. Our collaboration with the Odyssey Group, which is one of Asia’s leading mid-market private market asset managers providing differentiated and bespoke investment solutions across multiple asset classes, is aimed at bolstering our expansion in Japan.”

As the travel market continues to recover, Swiss-Belhotel International is also looking to increase its presence in Africa with several deals under negotiation.

“African countries are still underserved by branded hotel supply despite solid domestic demand. We are witnessing strong owner interest in our brands across Africa with many promising opportunities in the pipeline that we expect to finalise soon.”

Shurooq to showcase new hospitality projects

Lux* Al Bridi Resort

Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq), under the umbrella of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), marks its 15th consecutive participation in ATM.

Furthering its mission to continue boosting the region’s investment potential in the eco-inspired travel sector, Shurooq will unveil new hospitality projects at the show. The entity will also showcase its diverse portfolio of existing eco-destinations that champion the spirit of conservation and the preservation of local culture and heritage.

Marriott International has its sights set on expansion in Saudi Arabia with the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh. Marking the JW Marriott brand’s debut in the capital, the new hotel will open to guests this summer.

Tamer Taha Mohammed Khalaf, the hotel’s Executive Assistant Manager, said: “Working on the opening of JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh has been a one-ofa-kind experience and I am very excited to introduce the JW Marriott brand debut in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at ATM.”

Occupying one of the most coveted addresses in the capital – in close proximity to King Abdullah Financial

Among Shurooq’s latest projects, which will be making its ATM debut, is Lux* Al Jabal Resort, a luxurious beach resort in Khorfakkan overlooking the pristine waters of Soueifa Beach.

Also on showcase is Lux* Al Bridi Resort in Al Dhaid, set adjacent to the Sharjah Safari, the largest wildlife safari in the world outside of Africa, where Shurooq and the Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA) will collaborate to curate unique guest interactions with the wild. Lastly, Nomad, which explores the emirate’s nature

District – it will bring a new paradigm of five-star experiences for guests to enjoy in the kingdom, combining luxury, style and comfort to offer a transformative and elevated stay.

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh spans 66 floors, with 349 rooms and suites. Guests will be able to experience world-class dining outlets as well as exceptional facilities, including business and wellness. The flagship hotel will exude the brand’s philosophy of warmth, presence and unity through every corner and detail, from design to service. through a unique beach trailer experience in Al Hamriya, will also be highlighted.

Shurooq also aims to update industry stakeholders and investors on their latest contributions to the emirate’s travel sector, particularly through responsible and sustainable eco-tourism, beach tourism and culture and heritage projects.

Ahmed Obaid Al Qaseer, Acting CEO of Shurooq, said: “The tourism and travel sector is one of the key drivers of the global economy and it contributes significantly to the UAE’s GDP. Shurooq is building new destinations for travellers and planning several other projects, which will be announced in the near future. ATM is a significant platform for us and we look forward to reconnecting and sharing our latest developments and discussing new investment opportunities with global industry partners as we highlight Sharjah’s ever-expanding travel and hospitality sector, particularly in the heritage, nature- and eco-inspired and sustainable travel segments.”

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JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh to debut this summer

JW Marriott Hotel Riyadh

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Emirates showcases Premium Economy offering

Emirates Premium Economy At ATM this year, Emirates is unveiling its full Premium Economy cabin experience. Aligning with ATM 2022’s theme of ‘The future of international travel and tourism’, Emirates’ presence at the event this year will be fittingly themed ‘The future is now’.

The Emirates stand will also offer members of the travel and tourism industry from over 112 countries a chance to experience the airline’s signature products in every cabin class.

Over four days, Emirates’ executives and commercial teams will be at the airline’s stand with a busy agenda of face-to-face business meetings, taking the opportunity to network and reconnect with travel trade industry partners and establishing new partnerships in line with the airline’s work to help the industry collectively rebuild better for the future.

The popular Emirates Premium Economy seat, which will be on display at ATM, is a luxurious take on the traditional cabin, providing more comfort with legroom of up to 40 inches, wide seats that span 19.5 inches with a generous eight-inch recline and other thoughtful touches for customers to comfortably sit back and relax.

In addition, Emirates will also feature its show-stopping Boeing 777-300ER game-changer First Class fully enclosed private suite, Boeing 777 Business Class seat and the newest generation A380 Onboard Lounge, along with other products such as the First Class Shower Spa and its generously pitched game-changer Economy Class seats.

Earlier this year, the Dubai-based airline launched Dubai Experience, a platform for customers to easily browse, create and book customised itineraries, including flights, hotel stays, visits to key attractions and other dining and leisure experiences in Dubai and the UAE.

The platform allows Emirates’ customers in 19 countries to build rich and customised itineraries from a selection of over 100 hotels and 200 activities – all of which can be added to an existing Emirates flight booking or created around a new one.

Customers who plan and book their journeys via the Dubai Experience platform can enjoy savings on flights, discounted rates on hotel bookings and other benefits, exclusive pricing on activities and access to curated recommendations of the best things to do on their trip.

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Dubai Experience

Rotana introduces new dining platform

Homegrown hospitality leader Rotana announced the launch of its newest online platform ‘Rotana at the Table’. The platform aims to create a community of engaged dining enthusiasts and provide innovative content to drive awareness of the food and beverage culture in the UAE.

Commenting on the launch, Jarrett Beaulieu, Corporate Vice President – Food & Beverage of Rotana, said: “With Rotana at the Table, we want to inspire foodies and enthusiasts with creative and dynamic content, featuring the best dishes and beverages from Rotana outlets, the most desirable recipes from our experts and partners from around the world and showcase the latest global and local industry trends.”

With sustainability embedded at the core of its operations, Rotana at the Table will showcase the group’s ongoing efforts in sustainable dining. Since 2019, when Rotana introduced its first vegan menu, the group has continued to focus on sourcing sustainable ingredients from organic and local farms, introducing dishes crafted with guests’ health in mind and the wellbeing of the environment.

“With sustainable and zero waste meals rising in popularity, as consumers continue to understand the importance and implications of such practices, Rotana at the Table will ensure to promote mindful eating and offer the best of healthy eating choices with fresh local produce,” added Beaulieu.

Rotana continues to grow its expansive portfolio with 17 new food and beverage outlets projected in 2022. These venues are set to offer guests innovative and unique dining experiences, coupled with exemplary service standards while delivering on the company’s promise of ‘Treasured Time’.

Radisson expands in Saudi Arabia

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Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel

Globally renowned multi-national hospitality company Radisson Hotel Group is continuing its substantial expansion in Saudi Arabia as one of the fastest-growing companies in the region.

The opening of Radisson Hotel Group’s regional headquarters in Riyadh towards the end of 2022 was in response to its growing portfolio in the kingdom and, with this launch, it becomes the largest country for RHG in the region.

The move will help generate many new job opportunities and enhance the group’s commitment to developing and creating exchange programs for Saudi talent in the hospitality sector.

Saudi Arabia remains a key development area for Radisson. As part of its five-year transformation plan, the group aims to double its presence in the kingdom. Today, the hospitality giant operates 25 hotels, resorts and serviced apartments in the country and has another 20 under development.

The development momentum continues with several milestones. Radisson Hotel Group recently doubled its presence in Jeddah with the addition of over 600 rooms, most of which will open in 2022 with the launch of the Radisson Individuals brand in the region.

Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport also recently opened, with more launches on the way, including the Radisson Blu Hotel, Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center. Bringing the second Radisson Collection hotel to Riyadh is Mansard Riyadh, A Radisson Collection Hotel.

Building on the success of the group’s five-year expansion and transformation plan, Radisson Hotel Group remains firmly committed to becoming the brand of choice for owners, partners and guests. This growing portfolio will help to support Saudi Arabia’s goal of 100 million visitors by 2030 as the group’s portfolio in the kingdom now makes up around 50 percent of its presence in the Middle East.

Spain to highlight tourism offering at ATM

Mallorca

With the Middle East one of its primary markets, Spain will be showcasing its diverse tourism proposition at ATM with an aim to attract a higher number of travellers from the region this year. The European nation has positioned itself as an ideal destination for postpandemic travel this summer with low restrictions and easy access, guaranteeing the safety of all visitors.

The tourism board has its sights set on a successful summer this year, with 2021 seeing a favourable rebound to levels that were almost as significant as pre-pandemic numbers.

Daniel Rosado, Director-Spain Tourism - GCC and Iran, said: “Spain is open for travellers from the Middle East. In Spain, you can enjoy a range of activities, from world-class cities to stunning landscapes, beaches and mountains. It’s perfect for all types of travellers. With the ease of restrictions and Spain being one of the most vaccinated amongst European countries, it makes it even more attractive for tourists to visit the country and we are eager to welcome all travellers as before.”

Radisson Hotel Riyadh Airport