Marking a milestone
DAY 1
As Arabian Travel Market opens its doors, the show celebrates 25 years at the forefront of tourism in the region and looks at the trends set to change the industry’s future
Over the course of the past two decades, Arabian Travel Market has played an integral role in the rapid development of the region’s tourism industry. As the largest gathering of its kind in the Middle East, the show has brought together leaders from all facets of the region’s travel sector and beyond. Offering valuable insights, thoughtprovoking analysis and stimulating debate, the show has facilitated countless business deals worth billions of dollars, offering an important platform for companies to grow. At the same time, from its very first edition in 1994, Arabian Travel Market has acted as an important industry barometer, identifying new trends and shining a light on
Creating a more sustainable future
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the way forward as the tourism proposition across the region has matured. Now, 25 years later, both the show and its host city Dubai have greatly changed. To mark the milestone, this year’s edition looks back at the successes, but also focuses on the decades to come. “We are exceptionally proud of what Arabian Travel Market, and the region’s destinations, have achieved over the past 25 years. During this year’s show there will be a strong sense of celebration for some of those achievements, but we also want to look ahead at the exciting developments still to come,” said Nadege Noblet, Exhibition Manager, ATM.
With a special focus on responsible tourism, Arabian Travel Market 2018 is highlighting one of the most pressing issues facing the tourism industry today. As Gulf economies look to diversify their offering by expanding into new tourism markets, responsible travel is a major focus. An increasingly high priority for modern travellers is the notion of sustainability, which is also set to feature prominently as a key theme during Expo 2020 Dubai. Simon Press, ATM Senior Exhibition Director, said: “It is important to highlight that the GCC is one of the fastest growing regional hospitality markets on a global scale and is a resource-intensive industry. “Its impact on the environment is multidimensional, ranging from CO2 emissions
“ATM 2018 will build on the success of last year’s show, which was the largest edition in its history, showcasing over 2,500 exhibitors, welcoming almost 40,000 industry professionals and agreeing business deals worth US$2.5 billion (AED9.1 billion) over the four days. “In celebration of its 25th year, this year’s show will host a series of special seminar sessions looking back on the tourism revolution in the MENA region over the last quarter of a century, and also forecasting what lies ahead for the industry over the next 25 years.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
to noise and light pollution. Travellers have C become very conscious of the carbon footprint they are leaving. This growing trend has M meant the entire industry has had to look Y long and hard at how sustainability drives CM business strategy. “At ATM 2018, we will be showcasing MY some of MENA’s leading examples of busiCY nesses that make the rich heritage of the region accessible to tourists, bring economic CMY development to local communities and help K preserve their cultures.” Encompassing everything from ecoinitiatives to giving back to communities, responsible tourism also seeks to safeguard the local heritage of destinations.
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The industry’s call for change
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On the fast track
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A history of successes
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5
Welcome
Welcome to the 25th edition of Arabian Travel Market Arabian Travel Market (ATM) opened its doors for the first time in Dubai in 1994, covering just 2,000 square metres of space and attracting 7,000 visitors. Now in its 25th year, ATM has grown to cover more than 26,000 square metres and is attracting more than 40,000 travel professionals including Buyers’ Club members, CEOs and senior executives. Showcasing over 2,500 exhibitors and brokering business deals worth US$2.5bn (AED9.1 billion), ATM 2017 was the largest edition in the show’s history.
Nadege Noblet, Exhibition Manager, ATM
These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without the parallel growth of the region’s hospitality industry that over the last 25 years has emerged as one of the world’s fastest growing regional markets. Today, the GCC is home to the world’s tallest building and hotels; the busiest airport, and leisure attractions that are the envy of the world. ATM 2018 will reflect on these achievements, while exploring how the industry will take shape over the next 25 years in light of huge technological advances and the trend of responsible tourism. With Expo 2020 now just two years away, these are exciting times for the industry as investment into transport infrastructure, hotels, waterways, beach resorts and F&B concepts gathers pace, creating opportunities for the UAE and wider GCC. Despite the economic benefits, growth often comes at a price and in the resource-intensive tourism industry, the environmental impact is multidimensional.
Creating a more sustainable future
Marking a milestone
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More than 1.2 billion international tourists crossed the globe in 2016 and this is expected to grow to 1.8 billion by 2030. However, the UN’s World Tourism Organisation estimates that tourism is responsible for about five percent of global CO2 emissions. P r e s s a d d e d : “ I n te r n a tional tourism provides jobs for millions, particularly in the MENA region where nations are trying to diversify their economies. It is important that hoteliers, local communities and tourists alike, take responsibility to ensure tourism becomes more sustainable.” ATM 2018 will integrate the theme throughout the show in a series of focused seminars. Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, will moderate panel discussions and deliver a series of insightful sessions, kicking things off with ‘The Hospitality Sector The Next 25 Years’ on the Global Stage today from 3pm. Other related sessions include tomorrow’s ‘Taking Responsibility for Environmental Impacts - Water and Energy’ at the Showcase Theatre from 11:30am, and Tuesday’s ‘The Commercial and Socio-Cultural Advantages of the Experiential Economy’, at the Showcase Theatre from 11:30am.
The show gets underway with this afternoon’s opening session on the Global Stage at 1.30pm, ‘Future Travel Experiences’, which takes a look at the travel revolutions predicted in the years ahead. With a particular focus on innovations bound for Dubai, from lightning-speed Hyperloop trains and autonomous vehicles to smart airport strategies, highprofile speakers will consider how the visitor experience is set to become even more exciting. Leading the prestigious panel is Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One. The future focus continues today at 3pm on the Global Stage when industry experts will come together for ‘The Hospitality Sector – The Next 25 Years’, addressing some of the biggest disruptions facing hoteliers today. Everything from the environmental challenges of carbon, water and waste, to the growth of the experiential economy will come under the spotlight, This year’s show theme is Responsible Tourism, which encompasses everything from eco-travel to preserving the past, appreciating local culture, and developing strategies to safeguard the future of tourism.
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To that end, Responsible Tourism – including sustainable travel trends – has been adopted as the official show theme for ATM 2018. Debuting at this year’s show is the inaugural Destination Investment panel in conjunction with International Hotel Investment Forum (IHIF) organisers. Taking place on the ATM Global Stage, the session will discuss what drives investment in travel destinations across the Middle East as well as the neighbouring regions. Also new is the ATM Student Conference, ‘Career in Travel’ a programme aimed to provide students with a greater understanding of the industry and potential career paths. On behalf of the Reed Travel Exhibitions team, I’d like to thank you for your continued support of ATM over the last 25 years and wish you a successful 2018.
Nadege Noblet
A host of special sessions on the Global Stage, as well as workshops and seminars, will delve into the topic to take an in-depth look at a global travel trend that is worth billions of dollars. Picking up the thread across all four days, responsible tourism expert Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor, will deliver daily sessions on various aspects of the topic through several informative sessions. Popular elements making a return this year include the Halal Tourism Summit on Day Three, the Travel Agents’ Academy and the Wellness & Spa pavilion. The hotly contested Best Stand Awards will also be back, with an expert panel of judges seeking out the best stands on the show floor, across five categories. Meanwhile, new for this year, the ATM Student Conference presents a special programme for students and graduates looking to pursue a career in the tourism industry. Taking place at the Showcase Theatre on Day Four, the programme sees guest speakers and travel industry leaders share valuable insights on the industry and look at potential career paths. Noblet added: “This is a very special year for us and we are looking forward to welcoming all of our colleagues, partners and friends in the industry to help us celebrate our shared success.”
Contents 06 | News 17 | Embracing change A digital movement
18 | Destination on the rise Tourism in Sharjah 20 | Taking responsibility Sustainable travel 22 | Seminar schedule 32 | On the fast track
Pioneering transport solutions
34 | Success story Celebrating 25 years at ATM 38 | Destination profiles 42 | Vox pops 36
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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 is 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 ME1265 All images from npimedia archive, Alamy/Phocal Images or supplied
4/19/18 3:18 PM
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News
Al Hokair Group steps up expansion of MENA Hotels & Resorts Saudi-based hospitality and entertainment group Al Hokair has outlined bold plans for expansion of MENA Hotels & Resorts across the Middle East that will be unveiled during Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. Confirming the group’s presence at the show, Sami Al Hokair, Managing
Director, Al Hokair Group & MENA Hotels & Resorts, stated: “Al Hokair is a trusted name in hospitality and we are eager to capitalise on the massive opportunity for growth in the industry with our MENA Hotels & Resorts brand. “Focused on high-growth markets, our expansion is driven by long-term
MENA Plaza Al Barsha Dubai
sustainability while strengthening our diverse portfolio of brands. Our target is to reach 25 hotels by 2022.” MENA Hotels & Resorts is currently present in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Jordan, with seven hotels boasting 1,015 keys in operation. The brand is expected to double its existing portfolio of hotels by 2019 thanks to a strong development pipeline. Fadi Mazkour, Co-Founder, Regional Director of MENA Hotels & Resorts, said: “MENA Hotels & Resorts is a distinctive collection of properties offering a comprehensive mix of lifestyle brands, from luxury to budget, all reflecting the pulse of Arabian hospitality delivered by world-class hoteliers. “We are well-placed to serve any market segment with a balanced portfolio of five superb brands that have been developed to respond to the needs of today’s guests. “The service excellence seamlessly translates into every aspect of MENA
Sami Al Hokair
Fadi Mazkour
Hotels & Resorts, ensuring the highest quality at all of our hotels.” He added: “In keeping with Arabian culture and traditions, all our properties are strictly committed to providing a safe and comfortable environment for families.” VISIT STAND HC0570
This year’s Arabian Travel Market boasts the largest ever hotel exhibition space Arabian Travel Market is celebrating its 25th year as more than 2,500 exhibiting companies and an expected 40,000 visitors are set to take part in four days of business networking opportunities and insightful seminar sessions. Ahead of the show, a press conference was held on April 18, with key members of the region’s travel industry in attendance, including Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) and Thierry Antinori, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline. However, it was Simon Press, Senior Exhibition Director, ATM, who kicked off proceedings by revealing that hotels will comprise an impressive 20 percent of the total show area this year.
ATM 2018 Press Conference
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“Arabian Travel Market continues to be the preferred route to market for many international and regional hospitality brands and the increase in hotel exhibition space in 2018 reflects the hundreds of new property and brand launches we have seen during the last 12 months,” said Press. “Over the coming years, we will see these new properties prosper as millions more tourists visit the region for the first time. The last 12 months brought unprecedented developments in major markets and the region is poised for further great developments in 2018.” Highlights of this year’s exhibition were also discussed, including the Hyperloop and future travel experiences seminar on ATM’s Global Stage, today from 1.30 to 2.30pm.
Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas
Rotana showcases a host of new properties at ATM 2018 Rotana, one of the leading hotel management companies in the region, will share information throughout ATM on its robust pipeline of 48 properties that are scheduled to open before 2020. The company currently operates 16,161 keys across 60 hotels in 23 markets and with the launch of the hotels under construction, Rotana will have a presence in 40 markets globally. Among the key hotels on display at this year’s event are the three latest openings in the UAE, including Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, a five-star hotel in Abu Dhabi that features 354 rooms and suites, in addition to 13 private villas. Rotana will also be highlighting its newly opened four-star property in Abu Dhabi, Pearl Rotana Capital Centre. Located near Rotana Centro
and Capital Centre Arjaan by Rotana, the new hotel features 315 rooms. “Firmly aligned with our longterm growth strategy, Rotana continues to expand its global footprint by opening new hotels in strategic markets,” said Omer Kaddouri, President & CEO, Rotana. With the aim of extending its geographic reach, Rotana will also expand to new markets in Africa with hotels planned in Luanda, Dar Es Salaam, Nouakchott, Lagos and Cairo. Within its home region, Rotana will add 32 new hotels in existing markets as well as new cities such as Medina, Dammam, Al Khobar, Sohar, Baghdad and Suleimaniyah. VISIT STAND HC0720
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News
Swiss-Belhotel set for strong showing at this year’s ATM Company poised to open six new hotels in the coming months With a number of strategic global and regional announcements lined up for ATM, Swiss-Belhotel International is set to showcase the strength of its development pipeline. The company is due to open 16 new hotels, featuring more than 2,600 rooms in 12 cities across the Middle East and Africa, including Riyadh, Manama and Makkah. Laurent A. Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations and Development
for the Middle East, Africa and India for Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “This year marks the 25th anniversary of ATM, which is the leading travel and tourism trade exhibition in the Middle East, and we feel privileged to be part of it. “With six new hotels opening in quick succession across the GCC over the next few months, it is also a very significant year for us at Swiss-Belhotel International. “In addition, we are in advanced negotiation of some fabulous new projects
Muttrah Corniche, Muscat
in various other parts of the region that will be announced during ATM.” This comes as Swiss-Belhotel unveiled a new management agreement with Al Salaam International Hotel LLC to operate Swiss-Belinn Muscat in Oman. Expected to open in 2019, the three-star hotel enjoys an outstanding location in the Seeb area, close to Muscat International Airport. Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “We are thrilled to debut in Oman with a reputable partner like Al Salaam International Hotel LLC. “It is an exciting time for us as we continue to strengthen our presence in the GCC. The scale and diversity of our brands allow us to serve any market segment or need. Swiss-Belinn Muscat will be ideal for travellers looking for comfortable and affordable accommodation.” With 120 rooms, Swiss-Belinn Muscat will also offer an all-day-dining restaurant as well as a host of meeting and conference venues.
Laurent A. Voivenel
Voivenel added: “We are proud to add the Swiss-Belinn Muscat to our superb portfolio of hotels in the Middle East. Oman’s tourism industry has experienced strong growth over the past few years, and this is expected to continue. “We are delighted to expand our footprint in the region, adding exciting new destinations as we continue to deliver consistent growth and brand excellence for our hotel owners and guests. We are well positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for quality hotels in the region and are eager to capitalise on the various opportunities.” VISIT STAND HC1130
東洲斎写楽 三世瀬川菊之丞の田辺文蔵_妻おしづ 東京国立博物館 Image:TNM Image Archives
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It's our first time at ATM! Please visit our booth at AS 2422 008_ATM_2018_D1_News_TSJC.indd 8
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At TIME Hotels, our simple approach to hospitality means that you can always expect to receive the warmest welcome straight from the heart and an uncomplicated yet professional service delivery. Whether for business or leisure, short-stay or long-stay, we currently have four different property brands represented across a growing portfolio of properties. To find out more about our present and future locations, visit our website or come talk to us at ATM 2018, Stand HC 1255.
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4/17/18 11:06 AM
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News
Yas Island showcases latest attractions
New theme park Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi to open July 25th As the region’s top family entertainment and leisure destination celebrates its 10th anniversary, Yas Island will use this year’s show to present its unique portfolio of world-class attractions and provide a sneak peak of what’s in store for visitors in the coming years.
With a vision to attract more than 48 million visits by 2022, Yas Island continues to expand its portfolio this year and beyond. The newest attraction joining the line-up will be Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, which will be home to 29 immersive rides,
Yas Island
New initiatives launched by Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau Tasked with transforming Saudi Arabia into one of the leading business destinations in the world, the Saudi Exhibition & Convention Bureau (SECB) has ushered in a series of initiatives that it hopes will raise the profile of the country. The kingdom has already established itself as a choice destination for the MICE industry with 10,139 business events attracting 4.5 million visitors across 2017. Now the SECB is hoping to foster further growth with the launch of its Envoy Programme, which recruits key Riyadh
figures from within Saudi government agencies, associations, chambers and federations. This is in order to engage with international organisations and discuss partnership opportunities for business events in the country. The Saudi Event Management Academy (SEMA) has also been launched to train and nurture the next generation of event professionals. “These initiatives will strongly enhance the image of Saudi Arabia as a meetings hub in the region and worldwide, and will make a positive contribution to the economy,” said Tariq A. Al-Essa, Executive Director of SECB. “Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arabic and Islamic worlds, it is a pioneering investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents. We are creating an environment for successful business events that will attract business, investments and knowledge to Saudi Arabia. “Additionally, to deal with the matter of accessibility, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to streamline the process to obtain visas for speakers and exhibitors. “Now international speakers and exhibitors who participate in Saudi business events can issue visas through an e-system and will receive their visa within five business days.” VISIT STAND ME4410
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entertaining shows and interactive attractions. It will also host retail outlets and plenty of dining options. “We are proud to announce that the new world-class theme park, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi is opening its doors to the public on July 25,” said Miral CEO, Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi. “This is yet another milestone in our successful journey over the last decade on how we are constantly evolving and innovating Yas island’s attractions, parks and in-bound tourism opportunities to become the favourite destination for families in the region. “We are confident that Yas Island will continue to attract visitors from all across the region especially with the Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi opening this summer.” Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi will join a host of leisure destinations on Yas Island, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the world’s first Ferrari branded theme park, Yas Waterworld and Yas Marina Circuit.
Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
The island is also in the later stages of the development of Yas Bay, a huge project that will comprise three zones where residents and visitors can find an entertainment district, a media zone and the Residences. The vibrant waterfront district will feature a recreational pier, over 50 restaurants, 20 shops and a new live entertainment venue, Yas Arena, with an 18,000 capacity for music, sporting and cultural events. VISIT STAND ME2350
The St. Regis Dubai
Al Habtoor City impresses with its all-encompassing offering Boasting an enviable location near the banks of Dubai Canal, Al Habtoor City brings together a stellar offering of luxury living, world-class entertainment and gourmet dining. In addition to three premium residential towers, the vibrant destination is home to three hotels, The St. Regis Dubai, which brings its signature New York-style glamour to the emirate; The W Dubai - Al Habtoor City, where cosmopolitan chic meets avantgarde design; and The Westin Dubai Al Habtoor City, offering an impressive 1,004 elegantly designed guest rooms. Each property also features a selection of high-end dining options, including a sophisticated
steakhouse, American diner and contemporary Asian eatery. In addition, La Perle by Dragone, the region’s first permanent show, delivers a line up of breathtaking stunts and aerial performances in a striking purpose-built theatre that features a central aqua-stage. Ahead of this year’s Arabian Travel Market, Al Habtoor Group expressed its intention to showcase to potential visitor markets Al Habtoor City’s unique proposition as a comprehensive hub of exclusivity and entertainment, as well as showcase the destination’s many upcoming developments. VISIT STAND HC0750
4/19/18 3:20 PM
News
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Abu Dhabi tourism hits a high
AVANI launching in west Muscat
As Abu Dhabi’s tourism proposition goes from strength to strength, the emirate witnessed stellar growth in overnight visitors last year. A record 4.875 million people stayed in Abu Dhabi’s 162 hotels and hotel apartments during 2017, meaning the emirate recorded an impressive 9.8 percent year-on-year rise. Figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT) for its hospitality sector reveal that the number of guests staying in Abu Dhabi city during the year rose by 10.3 percent to reach 4,295,030 across its 131 hotels and hotel apartments, which provide 26,821 rooms. The Al Ain region recorded a 5.5 percent increase to 450,328 guests across its 20 hotels and the Al Dhafra region rose 8.2 percent to number 130,180 guests at its 11 hotels and hotel apartments. The emirate benefitted from new openings such as the debut of Louvre Abu Dhabi in November. HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General, DCT, said: “Record numbers of people are visiting Abu Dhabi year after year as we position ourselves as a distinctive global tourist destination
business opportunities, will help us grow by 11 percent per annum to achieve 8.5 million visitors by 2021.” Visitors from China surged yearon-year by 60 percent to more than 372,000, making it Abu Dhabi’s largest overseas source market. India is the second largest international source market with more than 360,000 guests.
Minor Hotels is set to open a resort in one of the most up-and-coming areas of the Oman capital. The company, which operates 157 hotels and resorts across 24 countries, has signed a management agreement with Safari International Group to open a new AVANI hotel in Muscat. Scheduled for completion in 2020, the property will be located in Seeb, a residential area in the west of Muscat, where many of the latest development projects are underway. A sky bridge will connect the AVANI hotel to the new Al Araimi Boulevard – due to open in 2018, featuring more than 250 retail and dining outlets, a medical centre and 10-screen cinema complex. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels, said: “Bringing AVANI to Oman is a key component of our strategic expansion plans and we are delighted to be partnering with Safari International Group to develop this exciting new addition to Muscat’s hospitality scene. “Seeb is already a key residential area, which, as the city grows, will become a significant hub and we are confident AVANI will represent a great fit.”
VISIT STAND ME2115, ME2250
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Abu Dhabi skyline
steeped in culture and heritage. “A near double digit year-on-year growth in the number of guests staying in all three regions of the emirate is testament to our drive and determination in helping the emirate evolve into a ‘mustvisit’ place on any traveller’s itinerary. “Abu Dhabi’s unique cultural proposition, diverse natural landscapes, historic sites, dynamic family and leisure entertainment, as well as
4/18/18 7:19 PM
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News
Emirates partnership with flydubai reaps rewards
Emirates Airbus A380
New codeshare flights to Krakow, Poland and Catania, Italy are being added to the list of airports included in the Emirates-flydubai partnership, taking the total up to 81 destinations. Over 165,000 passengers have already benefitted from the agreement, which launched in October 2017. Initially available for 29 cities, the service has quickly expanded in response to mounting demand.
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Passengers benefit from increased flight frequencies, expanded access to global destinations on a single ticket, the convenience of checking in their baggage through to the final destination and smooth transfers during transit in Dubai. Emirates passengers booking under codeshare flights also have access to various advantages, including complimentary meals
and check-in baggage allowance on flights operated by flydubai in business and economy class. This year is already proving to be busy for Dubai’s flagship carrier, which is ramping up its fleet following the purchase of 36 A380s earlier in 2018. In January, Emirates signed an MoU with Airbus Commercial Aircraft for a deal valued at US$16 billion (AED58.7 billion), with deliveries due to begin in 2020. “We’ve made no secret of the fact that the A380 has been a success for Emirates. Our customers love it, and we’ve been able to deploy it on different missions across our network, giving us flexibility in terms of range and passenger mix,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group. “Some of the new A380s we’ve just ordered will be used as fleet replacements. This order will provide stability to the A380 production line. We will continue to work closely with Airbus to further enhance the aircraft and onboard product, so as to offer our passengers the best possible experience. The beauty of this aircraft is that the technology and real estate on board give us plenty of room to do something different with the interiors.” VISIT STAND ME3310
Jumeirah moves into new markets Jumeirah Group has set its sights on Bahrain, China and Bali this year, continuing its expansion throughout 2018. Jumeirah Royal Saray, Bahrain has already opened this year, while future plans include Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, Jumeirah Bali, Indonesia and Jumeirah Nanjing, China. “Jumeirah continues to strengthen its position as one of the most successful UAE brands,” said Linda Lewis, Vice President Global Sales MEASA & ASPAC, Jumeirah Group. VISIT STAND HC0330
Bahrain skyline
4/19/18 3:22 PM
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News
TIME targets mid-market sector As Saudi Arabia’s mid-market hotel proposition is set to grow, TIME Hotels’ CEO Mohamed Awadalla has underscored the brand’s commitment to expand in the lucrative market. Under a deal TIME Hotels signed with Saudi-based Al Fahd Investments, the UAE brand will expand its presence in the kingdom with the management of several new mid-market hotels.
The properties under TIME Hotels are set to open between 2018 and 2019 in Jeddah, Riyadh and other cities. While the TIME Express Hotel in Riyadh, due around 2019, will be the debut for the Express brand in the kingdom. Awadalla said: “TIME Hotels has been very strategic with its openings, both in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region by identifying and
TIME Beach Villas Resort, Jeddah
assessing demand within the market and implementing the most suitable brands from the TIME Hotels portfolio to best match consumer demand. “We’re excited by the prospects 2018 brings and look forward to adding further to our portfolio.” According to new research published by Colliers International, recent reforms and widespread investment in Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry are set to drive growth in the mid-market hotel sector at a compound annual growth rate of 16 percent between 2017 and 2021. The supply for mid-market hotels is expected to increase over the next five years, with Makkah, Riyadh and Jeddah to see the majority of hotel openings – accounting for 54 percent, 16 percent and 12 percent respectively of the forthcoming mid-market supply in the kingdom. Following recent reforms and the relaxation of visa regulations, Saudi Arabia is poised to capitalise on these factors as it nurtures a vibrant leisure and entertainment sector, supported by a new generation of mid-market hotels in its bid to pursue a target of 30 million visitors annually by 2030.
Hospitality Management Holding expands portfolio in Saudi Arabia As it continues to bolster its offering across the Middle East and North Africa, homegrown hotel brand Hospitality Management Holding (HMH) has confirmed that its newest property will open this summer in Saudi Arabia. The Coral Al Madinah Hotel will feature 404 rooms and suites, and is conveniently located overlooking Al-Masjid An-Nabawi Al-Sharif (the Prophet’s Holy Mosque). It will also offer an array of first-class restaurants, state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a business centre. “We’re delighted to announce that the opening of the Coral Al Madinah Hotel is progressing as planned, with the hotel scheduled to be ready for Hajj 2018,” said Aboud Asali, Chief Executive Officer, HMH. “The official opening of the property aligns with our expansion plans for the GCC and MENA regions, and specifically Saudi Arabia.” Scheduled to open before Hajj begins in August, the Coral Al Madinah Hotel will cater to the huge number of pilgrims visiting from all over the world. It will also be the fourth property from HMH within the kingdom, with the brand already operating in Al Ahsa, Al Jubail and Al Khobar.
Additionally, HMH has properties in Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Sudan and the UAE, including Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, with five brands ranging from luxury to budget including Coral Hotels & Resorts, Corp Hotels, EWA Hotel Apartments and ECOS Hotels.
Awadalla added: “As receipts from Saudi oil revenues have declined, some government departments and private companies have reduced their travel expenses, which in turn has led to an increase in corporate demand for more mid-market hotels, an area of the market that has traditionally been reserved for more luxury properties. “Our current pipeline of hotels and residences aims to offer a highquality hotel or serviced apartment for a market segment that is currently under-represented in the region.” VISIT STAND HC1255
THE PERFECT ESCAPES…
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News
Roda Hotels & Resorts to unveil seventh project in Dubai
Roda Al Murooj Hotel, Downtown Dubai
Further properties due for completion before 2020 will also be announced Dubai-based hospitality management company Roda Hotels & Resorts will showcase its soon to open luxury project and other mixed-use destinations throughout this year’s ATM. The group will unveil a seventh groundbreaking project, which is due to open by the end of this month in Dubai, adding a highly valuable destination to the emirate. In addition, Roda Hotels & Resorts will manage a number of mixed-use hospitality destinations currently under development in the city, which is expected to offer an additional 4,500 guest rooms. Among the notable properties are Roda Jewel of the Creek,
Roda Jewel of Jumeirah Beach and Roda Garhoud complex, all due for completion before Expo 2020 Dubai. “Roda Hotels & Resorts’ upcoming projects will further strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a leading tourist destination in the Middle East,” said Khalil Ibrahim Al Sayegh, Chairman of Roda Hotels & Resorts. “We will introduce a new concept of hotel service, dining and entertainment that will focus on the essential needs and lifestyles of today’s experienced travellers. The properties will offer exceptional services with a personal touch.”
Currently also under development are Roda Boutique Villas Nad Al Sheba and Roda Jebel Ali Hotel. “We are delighted to showcase our unique portfolio at this year’s show. ATM is the perfect platform to highlight what Roda Hotels & Resorts is all about,” said Sheikh Saeed Bin Hamdan Bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Chairman, Dubai International Real Estate.
EXHIBITORS AT ATM IHG increases foothold in the UAE
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VISIT STAND HC1260
Amadeus inks new MENA airlines deal
InterContinental Fujairah Resort
InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) is expanding its footprint in the UAE with the opening of a five-star mountain resort, and a planned city property. Cementing the company’s position as one of the leading operators in the area, IHG has announced a new Holiday Inn & Suites hotel in Dubai’s Business Bay, which is expected to open in 2021, close to major attractions including The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. A commercial and lifestyle hub, the property will offer 350 rooms, two restaurants, a ballroom and meeting facilities. It will also be part of a mixeduse development featuring 400 residences and a shopping arcade. Pascal Gauvin, Chief Operating Officer, India, Middle East & Africa, IHG, said: “We are delighted to have this opportunity to further expand our presence in Dubai, a city that continues
“We are a homegrown 100 percent Emirati brand and we offer a different concept of hotel service that meets the need of our travellers while preserving Arab values. Roda is created with the vision to offer personalised Arabian hospitality, readapted in a contemporary setting.”
to offer excellent growth opportunities for our hotels. “Business Bay is the fastest growing district in Dubai and this signing is in line with our strategy to grow the well-recognised Holiday Inn brand.” This comes after IHG opened its first resort in the Middle East at the start of the year as part of an expansion plan that will be rolled out across the region. Located in Dibba, the new InterContinental Fujairah Resort is set on a stunning stretch of shoreline along Al Aqah Beach. “This marks an important milestone in our journey in the region, as we expand our luxury portfolio. “Fujairah is fast emerging as a tourist haven that attracts the most discerning travellers,” added Gauvin. VISIT STAND ME4410
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Amadeus has agreed a new 10-year deal with 15 airlines in the Middle East and North Africa to deliver the very latest advances for millions of passengers. The deal will see the firm solidify its status as a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Amadeus services benefitted from an estimated total of one billion passengers during the course of the previous 10-year deal. Maher Koubaa, Vice President, Head of Airline Group, Middle East and Africa, Amadeus, said: “Airlines in the Middle East have been some of the most successful in the industry over the past decade. “Whether their focus is on providing travellers with a premium product, capitalising on the region as a hub between Asia and Europe, or pursuing a partnership approach, airlines see the value in an omnichannel distribution strategy.” VISIT STAND TT1520
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Oaks brand to debut in Beirut Lebanon expansion is part of wider Middle East strategy Beirut cityscape
South America, Africa and the Indian Ocean. Thirteen of its properties are located in the Middle East, including the Anantara, AVANI, Tivoli and Oaks brands. The coming years will see numerous new launches across all four brands throughout the region as it enters new markets and establishes a stronger presence in the Middle East’s most dynamic destinations. VISIT STAND HC0665
Oaks Beirut guest bedroom
Recognising the importance of social media to the tourism landscape, ATM is this year featuring a series of sessions dedicated to Instagram and travel. The special panels kick off with ‘Inspire Action: Destination Instagram’, this afternoon between 3.40pm and 4.20pm at the Travel Tech Theatre. Priya Patel, Brand Development Lead, Instagram, will host a lively discussion with leading travel marketers on how to stand out from the crowd in a highly competitive industry. Look out for vital advice and tips, including best practices from actual campaigns that made the most of Instagram’s visual nature to drive results, bring their brands to life and engage audiences. Next up, look out for tomorrow’s ‘Inspiring the Explorers - Destination Instagram’ panel on the Global Stage at 11am. During the session, Terry Kane, Head of Travel, Facebook and Instagram, will demonstrate the unique opportunities that Instagram has created to connect with audiences.
SOFITEL DUBAI THE PALM RESORT AND SPA
Minor Hotels is set to launch its Oaks brand in Lebanon with the opening of Oaks Beirut in the capital’s Sodecco neighbourhood. Scheduled for completion in mid-2018, the hotel will cater to business and leisure guests seeking a comfortable, convenient base in the heart of Beirut’s commercial district. Boasting 110 rooms, the property will also have an all-day dining restaurant, lounge bar, rooftop pool and bar, and modern conference facilities. It will replace the former Hotel de Ville Beirut, which is now closed for refurbishment before reopening as Oaks Beirut. Dillip Rajakarier, CEO, Minor Hotels, said: “For Minor Hotels, adding Lebanon to our portfolio has considerable strategic value and we are very pleased to be partnering with Allied Investment Group to launch our first hotel in the country. Beirut is a dynamic city with so much to offer and is widely regarded as one of the most influential trendsetters in the region.” Minor Hotels has a portfolio of 158 hotels and resorts in 25 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Europe,
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News
Mövenpick looks to Oman for growth Oman has been earmarked for expansion by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts as it invests in the country’s growing reputation as a hub for tourism and trade. With plans to open a third property, Mövenpick Hotel Muscat Airport, in the sultanate by 2021, the group is taking its inventory pipeline to almost 1,000 keys countrywide, after recently signing deals to manage Mövenpick Hotel & Apartments Al Azaiba Muscat and Mövenpick Hotel Vausher Muscat. The three properties are well placed to build Muscat
on Oman’s growing regional importance as a destination for business and leisure tourism with a slew of new infrastructure projects coming online. This includes the renovation and expansion of Muscat International Airport, which will have an increased capacity of 48 million passengers when complete. “Adding a third property to our Muscat portfolio reinforces our position as a prominent hotel operator in the sultanate’s capital and supports our
cluster strategy for the city, with each hotel offering a unique product, design and location to target different guest demographics,” explained Andrew Langdon, Chief Development Officer, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. He added: “Mövenpick Hotel Muscat Airport is just minutes from one of the Gulf’s most active airports, Muscat International Airport, and its home carrier, Oman Air, which continue to witness strong growth, bringing millions of visitors to Muscat each year.” Elsewhere in the region, the group is opening its first property in Basra, tapping into the city’s status as Iraq’s economic capital and a regional oil and gas hub. The fivestar Mövenpick Hotel Basra is located in the heart of the city, 25 kilometres west of Basra International Airport. “Basra is one of the Middle East’s fastest-growing economic centres, a major oil producer that is undergoing rapid infrastructure development, so the time is right for Mövenpick to strengthen its presence in this flourishing city,” said Olivier Chavy, President & CEO, Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts. VISIT STAND HC0630
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Bangkok
New apps to drive tourism in Thailand As part of a strategy to widen Thailand’s tourism proposition , the country’s convention bureau has unveiled two new apps aimed at business visitors. Smart BIZ Event and Smart BIZ Organizer are loaded with handy features to make arranging meetings and events in Thailand smooth and efficient. The apps, from the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), offer comprehensive event information, a one-touch registration system and calendars with the use of QR codes. Both are free to download and form part of a wider plan to increase the number of business visitors. VISIT STAND AS2150
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Phocuswright - Interview
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Embracing change Driven by a tech-savvy generation with an appetite to explore, the Middle East travel market is undergoing a digital revolution There is a significant shift happening across the Middle East when it comes to travel and tourism. As the region’s young and affluent population moves swiftly into the Internet age, embracing all things digital, the influence of online travel agents (OTAs) is growing. With nearly 40 percent of the Middle East’s 165 million residents under the age of 20 and another 27 percent between the ages of 20 to 34, the way in which holidays are researched and booked is moving away from the traditional use of travel agents and is now increasingly happening online. According to the latest report from Phocuswright Inc. – the global travel market research company – online gross bookings across the Middle East were expected to increase 16 percent in 2017 to $24.8 billion (AED91 billion) and reach $44.5 billion (AED163.4 billion) in 2021. There was also a considerable move to mobile apps and websites as smartphone use across the region continues to skyrocket. “The online travel market in the Middle East is growing at a fast pace and by 2020, online penetration will be on a par with Eastern Europe,” explains Cristina Polo, Middle East market specialist for Phocuswright. “The region is highly connected with 72 percent of people now owning smartphones, while the figure rises to 74 percent in the UAE, which is the highest in the world. “The dreaming stage of a traveller’s booking journey is now happening online, even if they ultimately choose to book offline. Therefore, digital marketing has become a key component of the budget for all successful travel players. There is SEO marketing in all key native languages of targeted travellers.” Gross bookings for OTAs in the Middle East were projected to leap by 15 percent to $10.2 billion (AED37.4 billion)
in 2017 and by 2021, mobile-direct revenue will represent 22 percent of all online gross bookings. These figures are buoyed by the hospitality industry, with 57 percent of all revenues from OTAs in 2017 expected to come from hotels. The UAE has particularly embraced this change, with revenue from offline travel agencies shrinking annually. Mobile bookings are expected to represent 21 percent of all online revenue by 2021, thanks in large to emerging OTAs such
as Musafir and innovative hotel websites from brands including Jumeirah, which offers virtual tours of its luxury properties. In fact, more and more hotel chains across the Middle East are embracing the digital revolution, with hotel booking sites set to supersede traditional airline websites as the UAE’s most visited by 2021, rising from a 35 percent share in 2017 to nearly half of travel gross bookings. Meanwhile, the online revenue for
hotels is projected to reach $5.1 billion (AED18.7 billion) in 2017 - a substantial 28 percent gain over the previous year. With more hotels being built across the UAE in preparation for Expo 2020 Dubai, the strength of a brand’s online presence will play an important role in making sure rooms are filled across the country both during and after the exhibition ends in April 2021. “Expo 2020 is a great opportunity for the Dubai travel market, with new attractions and developments contributing to the emirate’s success, ” adds Polo. “On one hand the room inventory is viewed as a threat by many hoteliers fearing oversupply, but the opportunity for growth is there for all. Therefore embracing the shift to online is crucial. “Additionally, the demand is still expected to remain higher than the increase in supply for hotel rooms as per projections by Colliers International, which shows five percent growth in demand and only 3 to 3.5 percent in supply.”
The online travel market in the Middle East is growing at a fast pace and by 2020, online penetration will be on a par with Eastern Europe” ATM_2018_D1_INTERVIEW_Phocuswright_RG.indd 17
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Interview - SCTDA
A destination on the rise
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Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, reveals the plans in place to attract more visitors to the emirate
Sharjah’s tourism offering has long proved enticing for those across the Middle East thanks to the rich heritage, authentic experiences and array of cultural attractions. In recent years the emirate’s appeal has begun to extend far beyond the region with more than 468,000 European tourists visiting in 2017. This impressive 36 percent rise on the previous year was supplemented by a significant increase in visitors from across Asia, as China became the leading source market outside of the GCC. With visitor numbers expected to grow in the coming years, we speak to Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), to discover how the emirate plans to attract 10 million visitors by 2021.
Corniche and will feature art spaces, public squares, prayer areas, landscaped gardens and plenty of restaurants.
Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE STRATEGIES IN PLACE TO ENTICE MORE VISITORS TO THE EMIRATE? A. The SCTDA has adopted four strategic pillars to achieve the goals set by our tourism vision. The primary one is to promote Sharjah as an ideal family destination by offering packages specifically designed for families. Many of our hotels now offer special prices for larger group bookings and we are offering our website and tourism literature in more translations than ever before. Additionally, we are building on Sharjah’s reputation as an international cultural hub, enhancing our efficiencies in the tourism sector through partnerships and implementing an innovative approach to improve our tourism experience.
Q. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DEVELOPMENTS ON THE HOSPITALITY SIDE THAT YOU FEEL WILL BE CRUCIAL? A. One major landmark is Al Bait Hotel, a five-star luxury retreat that highlights Sharjah’s legacy and thoughtful vision to revive the regional heritage. Kalba Kingfisher Lodge is a groundbreaking eco-tourism project, while Fossil Rock Lodge offers an experience for desert adventurers and nature lovers, reinforcing the emirate’s position on the world tourism map. In addition, we will soon announce details of another three prominent projects in the emirate including a desert park resort in the Mahthab area featuring 134 rooms, as well as other hotel projects, which will add over 500 rooms to the emirate’s hospitality sector.
Q. THERE ARE NUMEROUS PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE THROUGHOUT THE EMIRATE, WHICH DO YOU IDENTIFY AS KEY TO THE TOURISM SECTOR? A. The new arrivals terminal at Sharjah International Airport is perhaps the most important as it will be equipped with smart self-check-in kiosks and advanced parking facilities that will add great value to the tourism and hospitality sector. There is also an array of developments and construction projects to connect the port city of Khorfakkan through the Hajar Mountains with Sharjah’s central region. The Sharjah Beach Development Project is important too, as it will stretch 3.3 kilometres along the
Q. WHAT ARE THE LONG-TERM GOALS AND DEVELOPMENTS THAT YOU BELIEVE WILL CHANGE THE FACE OF THE EMIRATE? A. We will be intensifying our efforts to sustain the growth rate with continuous enhancement of our beaches, museums, public parks, and a host of attractions such as the Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Montazah Amusement and Waterpark, Al Qasba, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre, as well as the Al Noor Mosque. We are optimistic that these initiatives will attract a bigger number of tourists to our shores, which, in turn, will help boost the local economy and attract substantially more investment.
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1 Khalid Jassim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA 2 Souk Al Shanasiyah 3 Desert safari 4 Paddleboarding 5 City view of Sharjah 6 The Butterfly House, Al Noor Island
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Feature - Responsible Tourism
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By Gemma Greenwood
Taking responsibility As responsible tourism takes centre stage at this year’s Arabian Travel Market, we take a look at the region’s response to an important worldwide shift The global tourism landscape continues to evolve and 2018 has been dominated by the demand for a more sustainable approach to all aspects of travel, from hospitality to transport. It’s one of the fastest growing industry segments, and a rapidly rising expectation among the much sought-after luxury and millennial traveller demographic. Once considered the preserve of an eco-friendly audience, now the sustainable spectrum encompasses everything from the social impact of travel to minimising economic disruption. Underscoring the importance of sustainability in travel, 2017 was declared the International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The campaign turned the spotlight on the UN’s sustainable development goals for 2030 – a roadmap which spans sustainable economic growth, social inclusiveness, employment and poverty reduction, cultural values, resource efficiency, environmental protection and climate change. In response, some of the Middle East’s most prominent destinations have started addressing these issues, which is sure to impact the success of their tourism industries going forward. From reducing water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions to preserving culture, generating jobs and leaving an economic legacy for generations to come, their responsible tourism strategies are wide ranging. The Dubai Sustainable Tourism Initiative, under the umbrella of Dubai Tourism, aims to position the emirate as a world-leading sustainable tourism destination and commercial hub aligned with national priorities, from Expo 2020 Dubai to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050. Harold Goodwin, Responsible Tourism Advisor for the World Travel Market (WTM) portfolio, including ATM, notes: “The emirate acknowledges that its goal of attracting 20 million visitors by 2020 comes with the responsibility of ensuring that future generations enjoy the benefits of sustainable tourism development.
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“Dubai understands that sustainability is a good business practice – lowering costs and leading to the more efficient management of resources. “It reduces harmful business practices, increases the economic life of assets and ensures the next generation has sufficient resources to sustain healthy livelihoods.” Sustainability, this year’s ATM show theme, is also a key aspect of Expo 2020 Dubai, with a focus on doing more with less and preserving and protecting the environment for future generations. Goodwin says: “Climate change remains one of the most significant challenges facing our species and Expo 2020 provides an opportunity to trigger new thinking about ‘Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability’ (the three Expo 2020 sub-themes) for long-term effect in the region and the wider world.” Expo 2020’s Sustainability Pavilion, a future icon currently under
construction, is designed to be one of the most self-sustaining buildings in the region, producing much of its energy and water requirements through solar panels and recycling water, among other methods. Post event, it will become a Children and Science Centre in Expo 2020’s legacy development District 2020, but it is by no means the only structure in the 4.38 kilometre-square site with impressive sustainability credentials. The target set by Expo 2020 is to achieve at least the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification for all permanent buildings – which will form the core area of District 2020 – and ensure half of its electricity will be garnered from renewable sources. As arguably the most advanced tourism destination in the Middle East, it is no wonder the UAE is trailblazing sustainable practices. However, neighbouring Saudi Arabia, while less vocal about its achievements, has been recognised by
WHAT IS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM? “Responsible Tourism is about how we make tourism happen. It is about making tourism better for the host communities and their natural and cultural environments and for the tourist who should have a better experience of the place they are visiting.” WTM and ATM Responsible Tourism Advisor, Harold Goodwin
Dubai understands that sustainability is a good business practice lowering costs and leading to the more efficient management of resources” ATM_2018_D1_FEATURE_Responsible Tourism_TS.indd 20
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Responsible Tourism - Feature
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Taleb Rifai, UNWTO Secretary General
Jeremy Smith, Author, ‘Transforming Travel – Realising the Potential of Sustainable Tourism’
DON’T MISS: Taking Responsibility for Environmental Impacts - Water and Energy Monday, 11.30 – 12.15 April 23, 2018 Showcase Theatre Moderator: Harold Goodwin
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the UNTWO as a pioneer in sustainable tourism for development, led by HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH). “Prince Sultan has been able to develop the society’s concepts about tourism. He has focused on the primary issue that a country should be first for its people and then for its visitors. People who do not enjoy the country cannot appreciate its value, or estimate their wealth and capabilities,” explains UNWTO Secretary General Taleb Rifai. Meanwhile, HRH Prince Sultan says the SCTH involves Saudi citizens as major partners and advisors. Sustainable development is a crucial component of Saudi’s National Tourism Development Strategy, National Transformation Programme (NTP) 2020 and Saudi Vision 2030. HRH Prince Sultan explains: “The transformation that took place in our country happened from the top to the bottom, and for SCTH, the citizen was the main target.” The overarching goal within Saudi’s sustainable strategy is to create a tourism sector that is economically, socially, culturally and environmentally feasible and sustainable, while guided by Islamic principles and values. Both Vision 2030 and the NTP 2020 focus on the tourism and heritage sector and include the development of domestic tourism, which creates business, jobs and investment opportunities – all part of the kingdom’s transformation programme designed to reduce dependence on oil revenue. Many SCTH tourism initiatives focus on culture and heritage, with the SCTH recently announcing more than US$213 million (AED782 million) worth of investment in projects of this nature. They range from the establishment of new museums to enhancing archaeological sites, which fall under the framework
of HM King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud’s programme for cultural heritage – an initiative that now spans more than 230 projects related to antiquities, museums, sites of Islamic history, urban heritage, handicrafts and more. But while Saudi has set out a robust blueprint for sustainable tourism for development, some societal imbalances still need to be addressed, as they do elsewhere across MENA. “The region needs to use tourism to further the development of human rights and gender equality through its employment practices, developing community tourism designed to empower women and foster meaningful exchanges between tourists and local people,” argues Jeremy Smith, author of the new book, ‘Transforming Travel – Realising the Potential of Sustainable Tourism’. “I’d like to believe that going forward, we will also see greater transparency and
moves towards a more honest calculation of tourism’s impact on the environment – in particular its carbon costs.” Responsible tourism goals, challenges and opportunities will be debated during this year’s Arabian Travel Market in a series of educational sessions, with a focus on water and energy consumption management; the drive to boost local employment; and ways in which travel and hospitality firms can capitalise on demand for travel experiences. “While visitors are looking to enjoy theme parks, shopping and sporting events, cultural and environmental experiences are equally valuable,” argues Goodwin.
1 UNWTO meeting on sustainable tourism 2 Harold Goodwin 3 Al Wasl Plaza rendering, Expo 2020 Dubai site 4 Dubai desert 5 Sustainability Pavilion rendering, Expo 2020 Dubai
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DID YOU KNOW? Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability Pavilion will generate enough energy to power a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle to travel nearly halfway to Mars (around 23 million kilometres) while producing 22,000 litres of water per day at peak capacity – more than enough to fill three Olympic-sized pools.
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Seminar Schedule - Global Stage
ATM Global Stage
Sunday 22nd April 13.30-14.30 Future Travel Experiences The way in which we travel is set to rapidly evolve over the next few years as technological advances bring new modes of transport and in-flight and airport experiences to the market. Countries across the Gulf are leading the way – on the ground and in the air – with the government and leading transportation entities rolling out several exciting initiatives that will transform the journeys of visitors and residents forever. From lightning-speed Hyperloop train systems and autonomous vehicles to ‘smart airport’ strategies and in-flight innovations that are world class, the travel experiences of the future will
be far from dull, as our high-profile panellists explain. Moderator: Richard Dean, UAE-based business broadcaster and presenter Speakers: Sir Tim Clark KBE, President, Emirates Airline; Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM); Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One 15.00-15.45 The Hospitality Sector-the next 25 years In tourism and hospitality, 25 years is a long time, and in the 25th year of ATM, we have brought together an eminent panel to share their views about how the hospitality sector will address the
environmental challenges of carbon dioxide emissions, water scarcity and waste, the growth of the experiential economy and the demand for a more authentic local experience with implications for employment as well as the destination experience. Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: H.E. Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism of Oman; Peter Stubbs, Director of HSE and Compliance, Jumeirah Group; Inge Huijbrechts, Global Vice President Responsible Business, Radisson Hotel Group; Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President, Legacy Impact and Development, Expo
2020 Dubai; HE Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Industry, Commerce & Tourism, Kingdom of Bahrain
13.20-14.20 The Alternative Accommodation - Driving growth for destinations or disruption? The hospitality industry worldwide is feeling the pressure from the vacation homes segment with companies such as HomeAway and Airbnb leading the segment. Despite hoteliers claiming that OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) are disrupting the ability of hotels to drive higher margins, there is an argument that with their global reach, selling power and technology, OTAs bring economic added value to the industry. The panel session will investigate the alternative accommodation segment with an in-depth discussion on the ability of OTAs to drive added value to assets and promote new destinations.
Moderator: Sasha Vakulina, Business Editor, Euronews Speakers: Anna Trushkina, Director for Hotels, Wego; Filippo Sona, Director, Head of Hotels MENA, Colliers International; Flavio Leoni, VP Sales, Distribution & Marketing, AccorHotels Middle East & Egypt; Paula De Keijzer, Senior Director of Market Management Middle East, Africa, Greece & Turkey, The Expedia Group
16.15-17.15 One to One interview with Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways CEO Peter Baumgartner will talk about the challenges and opportunities that the airline has faced and answers questions about the business strategy. Moderator: Alan Peaford, Editor-inChief, Arabian Aerospace Speakers: Peter Baumgartner, CEO, Etihad Airways
Monday 23rd April 11.00-11.40 Inspiring the explorers - Destination Instagram People who love to travel are always on the lookout for inspiration and ideas. Instagram is where their adventure begins. The social media platform is a thriving international community and is the perfect home for people with a passion for travelling. Travel plans are made, shared, and made again on Instagram, making it the perfect place for brands to inspire key audiences. In fact, with 67 percent of travel lovers discovering inspiration for their next trip on Instagram (1) it helps businesses to reach the right people, at the right time during their travel planning and journey. Terry Kane, Head of Travel, Facebook and Instagram, will demonstrate the unique opportunities that Instagram has created
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for businesses and marketers to connect with these highly-engaged audiences. (1)“Instagram Passions” by Coherency (Facebook-commissioned study of 1,662 people aged 18-65 in the US), Oct 2016. Speakers: Terry Kane, Head of Travel, Facebook and Instagram 12.00-13.00 Aviation Panel Hear experts in the industry talk about trends, strategies and the Middle East market, and what challenges and opportunities they face. Moderator: Alan Peaford, Editor-in-Chief, Arabian Aerospace Speakers: Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Chief Commercial Officer, IndiGo (Interglobe Aviation Ltd.); Mr. Jaan Albrecht, CEO, Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAUDIA)
14.40-15.40 Hotel Landscape of the Future What will the hotel landscape of the future look like? How dominant will the new wave of hip lifestyle properties become and how will the industry adapt to the new types of tourists that are visiting the region? Our panellists discuss how the region’s hospitality industry is evolving, which will
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Global Stage - Seminar Schedule
see new hotel brands and concepts soon arrive in the region, and what advanced technology will soon be adopted, including AI and robots. The panel will also discuss the importance of sustainable hotel concepts and practices, as travellers increasingly expect their hotel to be managed responsibly and ethically. Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Tom Skyring, Design Director, Wilson Associates; Guido E. De Wilde, Chief Operating Officer-Middle East,
Marriott International Inc; Richard Wiegmann, Managing Director & Chief Commercial Officer, EMEA Sabre Hospitality Solutions; John Rogers, SVP, Brand & Franchise Operations, EMEA, Hilton Worldwide; Olivier Harnisch, CEO, Emaar Hospitality Group 16.00-16.45 IHIF at Arabian Travel Market: What Drives Investment in Travel Destinations IHIF at ATM will look at what drives investment in travel destinations in the
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Middle East and neighbouring regions: who is investing, what assets are they looking for, what can destinations do to attract investment, what kinds of destinations or projects are most likely to attract investment and what are the particularities of making a destination investment deal in the Middle East? Speakers: HE Maitha Saif Majid Al Mahrouqi, Undersecretary, Ministry of Tourism of Oman; Tariq Bsharat, Strategy & Business Development Director Al Marjan Island; Antony Doucet, Brand
Director, Kertern Hospitality
Moderator: Pippa Jacks, Group Editor, TTG Media Speakers: Lisa McAuley, Managing Director B2B Tour Operations, dnata Travel Europe; Deidre Wells OBE, Chief Executive, UKinbound; Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board
staying at the world’s best hotels and resorts falls, more families are checking in, creating a generation of travelling tots and journeying juniors accustomed to enjoying fabulous travel experiences. The increasing numbers of well-heeled youngsters at luxury resorts and their demand for ever more sophisticated experiences means hoteliers have to rethink the way they accommodate junior travellers, from the way they plan their kids’ clubs and teens’ facilities, to the way they design their menus. We’re already seeing major changes to the kids’ club concept at some highend resorts, with the introduction of transformative travel experiences such as educational programmes, health and wellness itineraries, and activities designed to engage and inspire: think DJ lessons with state-of-the-art equipment, or lifeguard certification on a stretch of pristine beach in Mauritius. But how is the hotel industry preparing for the next wave of discerning junior travellers? How do hotels stay ahead of the game (and the competition) when it comes to providing unforgettable travel experiences for the sons and daughters of their most affluent consumers? In this ATM Global Stage seminar, Destinations of the World News talks to some of the trendsetters in the junior travel sphere – companies whose innovations are held up as examples of best practice across the industry – to find out what’s new in the world of luxury kids’ travel and what comes next. Moderator: Joe Mortimer, Editor-at-large, Destinations of the World News Speakers: Philippe Zuber, President and Chief Operating Officer, One&Only Resorts; Simon Casson, President, Hotel Operations, EMEA, Four Seasons; Kate Dicker, Business Development Consultant, Worldwide Kids
17.00-17.45 Airbnb for everyone How the home sharing platform that once rented airbeds is on track to host one billion guests a year by 2028 and what role the Middle East will play in those plans. Speakers: Hadi Moussa, General Manager-ME and Africa and Head of EMEA Business Development, Airbnb
Tuesday 24th April 11.00-13.30 ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit The second ATM Global Halal Tourism Summit will build on the success of the inaugural summit, which took place at the 2017 show. Leading travel professionals from the halal and mainstream travel sector will come together to discuss the development of an industry that is growing at such a fast rate that it should no longer be deemed niche. It will also encompass themes that range from inclusivity and investment opportunities to the Muslim traveller of the future. 11.00-11.40 Halal tourism – how far have we come? What is the halal travel and tourism industry now worth, what trends are defining the sector in 2018 and where is the sector heading in the future? What are the growth markets to look out for, including Muslim millennials? How important is the sector to the Islamic economy regionally and globally, what are the major growth markets and why? What opportunities are there for investment? Our industry analysts answer these questions and more, providing a market overview and the latest statistics. Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Rafi-uddin Shikoh, Managing Director, DinarStandard; Faeez Fadlillah, Founder & CEO, Salam Standard and Tripfez; Mario Hardy, CEO, PATA 11.40-12.15 Halal travel becomes mainstream As the halal travel market blossoms, mainstream travel companies and suppliers and non-Muslim destinations around the world are adapting their business models to cater to Muslim travellers. We find out why from the industry organisations and destinations that are leading the way. Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Maggie Bootsman, Manager UAE, Travel Counsellors; Miguel NietoSandoval, Tourism Counsellor, Embassy of Spain - Gulf region; Omar Ahmed, Founder and CEO, Hadith of the Day and Sociable Earth; Tamara Tawil, Market Manager, Geneva Tourism 12.15-12.50 Marketing to the modern Muslim traveller : DinarStandard Find out the latest travel behaviours of Muslim travellers from around the
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world from leading industry authority, DinarStandard. The authority will share the findings of their latest social media listening analysis, which includes Muslim travel sentiment and popular terminology. Our panellists will share their marketing strategies and programs in successfully reaching the Muslim travel audience. You will also hear from a digital marketer about how to use the power of inbound marketing to attract your audience to your platform, brand or product, rather than having to ‘buy, bug or beg your way in’ through interruptive ads, poorly targeted billboards and more. Moderator: Reem El Shafaki, Senior Associate, DinarStandard Speakers: Syed Irfan Ajmal, digital marketer; Riyanto Sofyan (BSEE, MBA), Chairman, Team for Accelerated Development of Halal Tourism, Ministry of Tourism of The Republic of Indonesia; Mohsin Tutla, Chairman, World Hajj & Umrah Convention; Shaji Abu Salih, Area Director - Sales & Business Strategies, Shaza Hotels 12.50-13.30 Muslim travellers of the future What will the Muslim traveller of the future look like? How will this demographic evolve from the Muslim Millennial and what will they demand? Our panellists look into the future and suggest how the industry should planning for the boom in Muslim travel, led by tech-savvy nomads. Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Nabeel Shariff, Founder, Serendipity Tailormade; Elena Nikolova, MuslimTravelGirl.com; Ikbal Hussain, Founder, Islamic GPS 13.45-14.45 Going Solo: how Brexit is likely to affect tourism between the UK and the Middle East The UK is scheduled to divorce from the European Union in March 2019, but there are currently many unanswered questions about what this will mean for inbound and outbound tourism. Our panel considers how the weak pound and Brexit-related caution has already impacted tourism flows between the UK and Middle East, and discusses how the post-Brexit landscape might shape up: how could being outside the EU affect aviation into and out of the UK – including for the Middle East market? What other regulatory changes or challenges are anticipated, and how might economic factors play out?
15.00-16.00 Seas of Change These days, more cruise ships are sailing the seven seas than ever before. There has also been a meteoric rise in demand for river cruising worldwide, plus ports around the globe are growing their cruise infrastructure. There have never been so many opportunities to grow the Middle East’s outbound cruise market, so how can we help the region’s travel trade sell it better? This session looks at cruise market trends, lines that are targeting Middle East travellers with tailored offerings and the new technology helping agents, operators and wholesalers to sell cruises better than ever before. Moderator: Gemma Greenwood, Director, Content Inc Speakers: Sabrina Badhan, Business Improvement Manager, Imagine Cruising; Lakshmi Durai, CEO, CruiseXplore; Kenny Picken, President and CEO, Traveltek Group Ltd; Mohamed Saeed, General Manager - Middle East Royal Caribbean Int’l, Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Club Cruises; Kyriakos ( Kerry ) Anastassiadis, CEO, Celestyal Cruises and Chairman CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) Europe 16.20-17.20 Smart kids: shaping the luxury travel experience for a new generation of customers Let’s face it: kids are getting much more discerning when it comes to luxury travel. As the average age of adult guests
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Seminar Schedule - Travel Tech Theatre
Travel Tech Theatre
Sponsored by
Sunday 22nd April 13.00-14.00 Branding and Selling on Social Media Social media can be an important part of the marketing strategy for your brand. Learn how to create your USP (Unique Selling Proposition) on social media and how to integrate social media in order to create a successful driver of sales for your business. Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel Speakers: Khaled Absi Halabi, Travel Lead, Solutions Manager, Facebook; Tom Otton, Managing Director, Create Media Group 14.20-15.20 Distribution evolution and the latest industry trends The travel industry is evolving, driven by advanced infrastructure and the high adoption of consumer technologies, backed with an increased appetite for travel. As a result, the landscape of the industry is transforming, and thus the roles of the travel players are changing. This panel addresses the latest industry trends, distribution evolution, digital transformation, retailing and merchandising, and how to achieve personalisation in order to create a seamless travel experience. Moderator: Fatin Said, Regional Communications Manager, Sabre Travel Network Middle East Speakers: Jorge Vilches, Senior Vice President, Air Line of Business, Sabre;
Muhammad Chbib, Founder & CEO, tajawal; Ross Allan Veitch, CEO and Co-Founder, Wego. 15.40-16.20 Inspire Action: Destination Instagram panel The global travel industry continues to grow, with people’s passion for travel more apparent than ever. And people who love to travel, love Instagram. Those in the Middle East and across the globe seek the chance to be inspired, make memories, share travel tips and uncover hidden gems. Travel plans are made, shared, and made again on Instagram with 72 percent of travel lovers in the KSA and UAE on Instagram purchasing a trip abroad in the last year (2). Priya Patel, Brand Development Lead, Instagram, will lead a panel discussion with travel marketers on how they stand out for from the crowd in this highly competitive industry. They will share best practices from their campaigns to illustrate how Instagram’s visual nature has given them the opportunity to drive real results, bring their brands to life and engage their audiences. (2) Global Web Index, Instagram Users, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, September 2017 Moderator: Priya Patel, Business Development Lead, Instagram Speakers: Charlie Taylor, Digital Director, Jumeirah Group; Aida Al Busaidy, Director C@C marketing and Campaigns,
Dubai Tourism; Michelle Karam, @traveljunkiediary and Founder of Travel with Purpose 16.35-17.35 The most common mistakes in influencer marketing in 2018 (and how to fix them) The most successful influencer marketing campaigns can yield far better results dollar-for-dollar than any other strategy. But, on the other hand, every year a large number of campaigns also fail. Influencer campaigns can create a tremendous buzz when well run by experienced pros,
but newcomers to the field often struggle because the reality of influencer marketing is very different from the image they’ve been fed by the marketing hype. A few simple misconceptions about influencer marketing are responsible for the handful of mistakes that cause the vast majority of headaches for the industry. In this talk we’ll dispel the myths, explain the mistakes, and give you the foundation to build a successful influencer marketing strategy. Speakers: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink, Outbound President, PTBA; Nicholas Montemaggi, Chief Marketing Officer, iambassador
Monday 23rd April 10.30-12.30 ATM GENESYS - Digital Futures Summit Travel distribution has undergone radical change over the last few years. Traditional sales and distribution techniques are fading into obsolescence as we move further and further into a digitally connected world. At this summit, you will hear from the experts about how distribution is set to change for our two primary travel products: flights and accommodation. Attend the ATM Genesys Digital Futures Summit to find out how to stay ahead of the game. Moderator: Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys Digital Transformation 10:30 to 11:30 Accommodating the Future The issue of accommodation distribution has become increasingly complex in recent years with hotels seeking to optimise their channel mix between resellers such as the OTAs and their own websites and other outlets. During this seminar you will hear from industry experts about how accommodation distribution is set to develop in the future. Speakers: Frank Reeves, CEO, Avvio; Alex Morriss, Director, Affiliate Partnerships, Expedia Affiliate Network; Laurent Voivenel, Senior Vice President, Operations &
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Development for Middle East, Africa & India, Swiss-Belhotel International 11:30 to 12:30 The Future of Air Distribution With IATA launching its New Distribution Capability and technologically sophisticated flight aggregators competing with the GDSs, air distribution is undergoing a period of significant change. At this session, you will learn about the developments that are taking place, the concerns for the industry and how air distribution is set to shake out in the future. Speakers: David Rutnam, Manager, New Distribution Capability Regional Implementation, IATA; Rajeev Kumar, CEO, Mystifly; Jorge Vilches, Senior Vice President, Air Line of Business, Sabre Travel Network 12.45-13.45 What Middle East Businesses can do to capture the attention (and wallets) of Chinese Luxury travellers As the number of Chinese visitors to the Middle East continues to grow, this panel discussion looks at the key businesses who are developing services, products and strategies to successfully attract these sophisticated travellers.
Moderator: Chloe Reuter, CEO and Founder, Reuter Communications Speakers: Mark Kirby, General Manager, Armani Hotel Dubai; Zan Wu, CEO, Zanadu 14.00-14.30 The Middle East Travel Landscape In a dialogue between online and offline experts, Raymond Vrijenhoek from Sabre Travel Network, ME and Antonio Fellino from Dnata Travel will speak about the landscape of the travel industry in the Middle East including both online and offline travel. They will discuss the challenges and opportunities in both industries, the trends affecting its landscape and what are the best marketing strategies to apply. Speakers: Raymond Vrijenhoek, Vice President, Sabre Travel Network, Middle East; Antonio Fellino, VP, B2C Retail & eCommerce, dnata 14.45-15.45 Mastering Your Social Media A panel of accomplished social media professionals that cover the major social media platforms in the Middle East share their tips and strategies for social media success. Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel
Speakers: Sally Prosser, Food and Travel Blogger, MyCustardPie; Jessica Edwards, NEST Curator, Wyndham Dubai; Archana Singh, Brand Strategist & Travel Journalist, travelseewrite 16.00-17.30 Leveraging the Power of Content & Influencers In this session the #DTTT (Digital Tourism Think Tank) will bring together a brilliant line-up of leading players in the content marketing field. Recognising that amazing content is your biggest asset in a constantly moving digital space, this set of speakers is making waves with content and really showing the rest of us how to do it right. Gain perspectives on content creation and learn about the importance of crafting your destination or travel brand through an engaging story framework that transcends throughout your digital strategy. Also learn how to match the right influencers and leverage the power of their audience to activate your brand. Moderator: Nick Hall, Founder, Digital Tourism Think Tank Speakers: Saufeeya Goodson, Fashion Blogger; Sai Mansano, Freelance Social Media Manager; Dominique Audibert, Associate Director, Whalar
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Seminar Schedule - Travel Tech Theatre
Tuesday 24th April 10.30-11.30 The Speed of Change: Private Accommodation & the Middle East Trends in the Middle East travel market are simulating those in Europe, with a few years’ gap. Now an established segment in Europe, private accommodation is emerging in the Middle East. Join travel industry research leader, Phocuswright, and regional private accommodation players for a lively conversation exploring this burgeoning slice of lodging. Get answers to questions such as: Are Middle Eastern travellers asking for this kind of accommodation? How do the region’s serviced apartments perceive these new distribution opportunities? And more! Moderator: Cristina Polo, Market Specialist, Middle East, Phocuswright Inc Speakers: Joost Vermeulen, Regional Manager, Middle East & Africa, Booking.com; Vincent Miccolis, Regional General Manager, Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Ascott International Management, Dubai; Berthold Trenkel, CEO, Fursan Travel 11.45-12.45 Smart Tourism 2020 Smart tourism is the new frontier for destinations. It describes the increasing reliance of tourism destinations, their product providers and their tourists on emerging forms of digital technology. From artificial intelligence to advanced mobile apps to the use of virtual and augmented reality, destinations are competing to use the latest digital technologies to bring in and retain tourists. What are the smart tourism trends that are going to matter over the next two to three years? Find out by attending Smart Tourism 2020.
Moderator: Paul Richer, Senior Partner, Genesys Digital Transformation Speakers: Faisal Memon, Founder & CEO, Illusions Online; Ghassan Teffaha, Global Head of Sales & Partnerships, Mobile Amadeus; Karim Saad, Founder & VR Filmmaker, Giga Works 13.00-13.30 Beyond NDC – the evolution of travel retailing and distribution With IATA (International Air Transport Association) and NDC (New Distribution Capability), the next generation of airline distribution has begun. In the next few years we will see a paradigm shift in flight distribution that will reshape the value chain and transform the way billions of consumers travel. Technology has made entirely new forms of “airline retailing” possible. What will retail offers in the age of NDC look like, and how will business models and customers’ booking behaviour change? Find out why this topic is Sabre’s top strategic priority. Speakers: Madhavan Kasthuri, Senior Director, Customer Enablement, Sabre Travel Network, EMEA 13.45-14.15 GlocalMe - Your Best Travel Mate uCloudlink was established in Hong Kong in 2009 and with offices in China. GlocalMe is the brand of uCloudlink and is the world’s first SIM-free portable Wi-Fi hotspot. You will always have local network connection globally, with GlocalMe. Attend this session to find out more. Speakers: Mursaleen Sajid Khan, Sr. Manager and Head of MEA region, uCloudlink Technology Ltd
14.30-16.00 DxO: The Future of the Destination Brand The future DMO is a DxO. Nick Hall will be sharing a vision on how Destination Marketing Organisations are having to shift their focus and truly redefine themselves, as the macro trends which dictate change start to have a profound impact on the entire travel chain, looking at how the top-of-funnel discovery process has been dramatically disrupted by an explosion of touch points, down to the huge importance of content from deep and immersive to short-form, native and distributed. We’ll also examine how the gig economy is disrupting the fundamental ownership and distribution of product and also at how the visitor experience is about to be turned on its head as it becomes increasingly technology driven. If you’re strategising for the future, this is a session you must attend. Moderator: Nick Hall, Founder, Digital Tourism Think Tank
Speakers: Alaa Al-Hindi, Director, Digital Marketing,Visit Jordan; Vahid Jacob, Director Digital Marketing, Seychelles Tourism Board; Reza Saeedi, Manager of Business Development, CrowdRiff 16.15-17.15 Successful Social Media Influencer Partnerships Learn how to work with influencers from people within the travel industry, including how to select the best influencers and how influencers have fitted into their online marketing strategy. This session will be filled with many practical and successful examples. Moderator: Shane Dallas, Social Media Specialist, The Travel Camel Speakers: Amit Garg, Director of Sales and Marketing, Al Nahda Hotels and Resorts; Ferry Trinidad, Cluster E-Commerce Manager, The Cove Rotana Resort and Fujairah Rotana Resort and Spa; Thuymi Do, Co-Founder, AdventureFaktory
Wednesday 25th April becoming the most-consumed forms of media on the internet, but relatively few travel brands have committed to long-term video and podcast strategies. This panel of experienced creators will discuss the wild growth of audio and video consumption, why the fields are still wide open for new voices, how they’ve cultivated their success, and how your brand can get ahead of the curve by creating its own content and collaborating with professional creators. Moderator: Matt Gibson, CEO, UpThink, Outbound President, PBTA Speakers: Reem A-Hameed, Co-Founder, CollectiveBKP; Omar Tom, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Cause Culture; Thuymi Do, Co-Founder, AdventureFaktory 11.00-11.30 Value of Customer Data across the Guest Journey Most hoteliers aren’t taking advantage of the data asset they already have. In this session, Revinate’s Rani Croshal will outline how hotels can benefit from guest data to drive revenue and enhance the guest journey. Through real-world examples, she will showcase how to collect, analyse and interpret data that Revinate provides for hotels to improve
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business and guest satisfaction results. Hoteliers will walk away with actionable insights on how data can help (or hurt) their business. Speakers: Rani Croshal, Sr. Director Customer Success, Revinate 11.45-12.45 Vlogging And Podcasting Are Taking Over The Internet, And It’s A Great Opportunity For Your Brand Online video and podcasts are rapidly
choice, find areas to enhance your margins and build trust into your sourcing with flexible payment options. Citi specialises in this space with solutions tailored to travel industry models, delivering operational efficiency and improving working capital to give your business global scalability, rapid growth and investor value. Speakers: Dinesh Daphale, Director and Head of Cash Management (EMEA), Citi Commercial Bank; Piotr Tyminski, Head of Digital (EMEA), Citi Commercial Bank
13.00-14.00 Rebooting the Travel Industry: Driving Automation and International Growth Increasingly, travel industry players and aggregators rely on automation and managing big data to attract clients and source deals from providers in aviation and hotel space. One of the important integration points that deserves attention is enabling an end-to-end financial and operational automation to manage FX risk and provide your clients currencies of their
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Seminar Schedule - Showcase Theatre
Showcase Theatre Sunday 22nd April 13.00-13.30 How smart destinations use big data to attract ideal visitors What defines a smart destination? Come hear how Amadeus for Destinations is using big data combined with unique advertising channels to maximise the economic and social impact of the tourism industry and enable the next generation of smart destinations. Speakers: Ramon Sanchez, Head of APAC & Reseller Sales, Amadeus 13.45-14.15 How can you capture the attention of the Chinese millennial? There are 500 million Chinese millennials today. Chloé Reuter, Founder of Reuter Communications, an award-winning agency in China focusing on luxury communications, shares unique insights into this demographic group and tangible examples of what brands can do to successfully engage and capture their attention. Speakers: Chloe Reuter, Founder, Reuter Communications
14.30-15.00 Service Fees: To charge or not to charge? The remarkable growth of travel e-commerce in the past decade has disrupted travel agencies’ revenues. With zero percent commission model on air tickets, margins continue to shrink. Explore what could be your most optimal strategy to fill this gap. And discover which of your services can be best monetised, and how. Speakers: Tom Kulinski, Customer Solutions Manager, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus 15.15-18.00 ATM & Women in Travel presents Entrepreneurship In Travel 15.15-16.15 Panel: From Start Up to Grown Up: How to successfully develop and grow your enterprise The female start-up world is on fire. According to recent statistics, more than 126 million women entrepreneurs were starting or running new businesses in 67 economies in
2012. In the Middle East, female entrepreneurship is often a success story. So what does it take to thrive as a female entrepreneur in travel and tourism? Once the company is set up, how do we ensure that it will grow and succeed beyond the early steps? Finance and capital are a big factor in all of this, with women starting businesses that are under-capitalised with around a third of the level of capital enjoyed by their male equivalents, as well as the right support, networking and access to the market. If you are interested in entrepreneurship, have a business and want to understand how to go take the next step, join our stellar line-up of panellists, who will provide inspiration, tips and practical answers to your entrepreneurship questions. Moderator: Alessandra Alonso, Founder, Women In Travel CIC Speakers: Nada Badran, Founder, Wander With; Genevieve Hathaway, Founder, ArchaeoAdventures; Catherine Ridley, Founder and CEO, Sama Sama Holiday Homes
16.15-17.15 Group Mentoring Sessions For the first time, we are introducing mentoring to Arabian Travel Market. This year we have gathered some amazing industry professionals to offer their mentorship! We are providing group mentoring sessions on pre-agreed topics of relevance to today’s women in travel that you will be able to book in advance to access two to three mentors per table as well as fellow mentees. Topics may include entrepreneurship, female leadership, work and career, personal and professional development. Mentoring is on a first come, first served basis.
General Manager, Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, Ramada Beach Hotel Ajman and Wyndham Garden Ajman Corniche
Speakers: Davide Antonioli, Senior Sales Manager, Amadeus
17.15-18.00 Networking Reception 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.
Monday 23rd April 10.30-11.15 Swipe Right! Making Brilliant Connections with Your Mobile Travellers From getting the download, initial onboarding and discovery to continuous nurturing and engagement, learn what it takes to keep travellers addicted to your app. This includes essential practices for securing active users and creating compelling in-app and social media campaigns. Speakers: Ghassan Teffaha, Global Head of Sales & Partnerships, Amadeus Mobile 11.30-12.15 Taking Responsibility for Environmental Impacts-Water and Energy Since the first UN conference on the Human
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Environment in 1972, there has been a great deal of talk about sustainability. There are some major initiatives in the Middle East where people are taking responsibility and showing leadership in addressing the challenges of reducing water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The UN Sustainable Development Goals are demanding the government and businesses report their successes progress - is this an opportunity for MENA countries to get credit for their achievements in sustainability? Moderator: Harold Goodwin, WTM Responsible Tourism Advisor Speakers: Dina Mustafa, Head of Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020; Aaron McGrath, General Manager, Six Senses Zighy Bay; Iftikhar Hamdani, Cluster
12.45-13.15 A world without money: how the cashless revolution is turning payments into profit In November 2016, India removed 85 percent of all cash from circulation. In Australia, branches of Citibank no longer have any money in them at all. All around the world, countries are replacing coins and notes with bits and bytes, driving a new revolution in payments technology. Davide Antonioli, an expert in financial technology, provides an overview of this growing industry trend and what it means for travel agencies looking to turn payments into profit.
13.30-14.15 Future Trends in Hotels Industry As technology evolves and travellers’ interests and preferences change, the hotel industry has to cope with the fast pace to be ahead of the game globally. Competition is fierce, and hospitality services are no longer limited to certain customer profiles. This presentation will focus on the future changes in the hotel industry and how it is expanding to attract more travellers, providing global exciting cases. Speakers: Engy Naguib, Consulting Manager, Euromonitor International
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Seminar Schedule - Showcase Theatre
14.30-17.30 The Wellness Playground: Experience Wellness Travel Trends 2018 Wellness travel is now a mainstream and an increasingly competitive and creative market. In today’s world, all travellers care deeply about their wellbeing. So, understanding the shifting wellness travel landscape is an absolute must in order to truly understand travel in general, and the future in particular. The Global Wellness
Institute (GWI) has the most up-to-date research about travel, spa and wellness – and we’re once again pleased to partner with ATM to give the industry the latest data and most eye-opening new trends. Moderator: Susie Ellis, Chairman & CEO, Global Wellness Institute Speakers: Wissam Malaeb, Owner, State of One; Laura Kohlhase, Owner, State of One; Vyara Tosheva, Wellness Manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai; Dr. Grace Ravindran,
Naturopathic Doctor, The Retreat Palm Dubai; Master Du, Warrior Monk, Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy; Faten Telidji, Guest Service Supervisor, Sofitel The Palm; Dr. Maria Encarnacion Ridao Alonso, Medical Director, Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre; Zarine Dadachanji, Facilitator for Wellness, Wellbeing and Happiness, UAE; Sreela Sreeja Raveendran, Wellness Coach, The Retreat Palm Dubai; Carol Hay, Director of Marketing UK & Europe, Caribbean
Tourism Organisation; Stephan Wagner, Director of Spa & Wellness, Madinat Jumeirah Dubai, UAE; Sharon Barcock, Director Spa & Fitness Operations & Development MEA Global Wellness, Hilton; Dr. Abhishek Jain, Vice President, Business Development andOoperations-SE Asia, India and ME, WTS International; Laura Kay Brown, Spa Manager, Fairmont UAE; Lorena Lustenberger, Sales Executive, Burgenstock Hotels-Switzerland
Enhancement, Visitor Experience, expo2020; Tamara Withers, Corporate Sustainability, Senior Manager, Emirates Wildlife Society in association with WWF (EWS-WWF); Nada Badran, Founder, Wander With
15.45-16.15 Next Generation - Travel Automatisation Let next level Travel Automisation help your travel business get a robust kick off to save money and time. Our latest travel technology software solutions can compete with the market and give the best return on investment. Step ahead to understand, ticketing barcode system benefits, whereby barcodes eliminate the possibility of human error. Along with that, it takes you to the next level to save cost and avoid losses. Join gigantic tour suppliers within the travel industry who are already using our predefined barcode system. Be a part of our Activity Barcode Scanner launch, a proficient barcode scanner app. It doesn’t take more than minutes to master, a simple process of installing and scanning barcodes with much more to come, including a concept like Bedallocator, a Smart Tour Coordinator App that will be launched soon. Speakers: Vinod Kumar Kelwani, CEO, Technoheaven Consultancy Pvt Ltd
17.15-17.45 The Benefits of Digital Transformation Control, Visibility and Compliance Travel and expenses (T&E) is often the second or third-largest area of controllable spend – yet many organisations are still using outdated tools and processes. In this session, we will discuss T&E reimagined, capture all travel itineraries and gain complete visibility into booked expenses versus actual spending by integrating every part of your travel ecosystem. Moderator: Shehab Shoukr, Managing Director, MENA, SAP Concur Speakers: Ellen Trotochaud, Vice President, Global Business Development, Travel Channel; Darren Foster, Sr. Alliance Manager EMEA, SAP Concur
Tuesday 24th April 10.30-11.15 Responding to the evolving regional traveller Travellers are increasingly using technology to plan their trips and navigate their destinations; 83 percent used technology to plan their breaks in 2017 compared to 78 percent in 2015. Travellers are also evolving in terms of who they travel with, how often, and even how they want to pay. Executives from the hospitality industry discuss the latest trends in traveller preferences and practical ways that industry players are adapting to meet the evolving needs of the regional traveller. Visa - ATM Payments Technology Partner Moderator: Jagruti Mistry, Director – Regional Corporate Communications (CEMEA), Visa Speakers: Mohammed Ismaeel, SVP Marketing (CEMEA), Visa; Shaf Butt, Director of Marketing for Dubai & MEASA, Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts; Muhammad Chbib, Founder & CEO, Tajawal 11.30-12.15 The Commercial and Socio-cultural advantages of the Experiential Economy Over the last ten years, there has been substantial growth in the demand for experiences. Increasingly, consumers are concerned with booking experiences as much as they are with choosing the right hotel. Leisure travellers are both adventurous and discerning in their search for new experiences, ones that they cannot have in their own country. Those may be international sporting events, theme parks or performances, but equally valuable are the local culture, environment and way of life. It is these experiences that extend the length of stay and create local economic benefits for the destination. Moderator: Harold Goodwin, Responsible Tourism Advisor, WTM Speakers: Ahmed Alrayyes, Chief Commercial Officer, DXB Entertainments; Alaa AlShroogi, Director - Visitor
12.45-13.15 I think therefore I merchandise Let’s take a short walk down the merchandising memory lane to figure out where we are now and how we got here. Then, let’s peek into the future. Understand how current trends in customer and supplier behaviours (and yours!) have an unparalleled potential to shape your travel agency business. Speakers: Maria Malerba, Merchandising Sales & Adoption, Amadeus 13.30-14.30 TTN Travel Agents Competition Twenty slides, 20 seconds, 20 questions. Aimed at travel agents, destinations will be showcased through Pecha Kuchastyle presentations followed by a 20 question quiz with prizes up for grabs. Moderator: Zamir Uddin, Presentologist, Audience Alive Speakers: Tereza Matějková, Head of Trade Fairs, Czech Republic National Tourism Board; Rafael Soler, Market Manager GCC, The Bicester Village Shopping Collection
Wednesday 25th April
14.45-15.15 The Changing relationship between Hotels and OTAs The strength of the OTA in distribution and marketing, plus all the technology tools available to hoteliers, including Expedia Powered technology. Speakers: Paula De Keijzer, Senior Director of Market Management Middle East, Africa, Greece & Turkey, Expedia Group
UNDERSTANDING THE LATEST 2018 GLOBAL WELLNESS TRENDS Tuesday 24th April – 4pm – 5pm Wellness Lounge, Hall 1 Learn about the newest trends in the world of health and wellness travel by joining this discussion which will also delve into the exciting – and in some cases surprising – opportunities that are emerging. You will not only get up to speed, but you will be ahead of the conversations globally. Transformative Wellness Travel The First 1,000 Days The Wellness Kitchen Getting our “Clean Air Act” Together Extreme Wellness Wellness Meets Happiness A New Feminist Wellness
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16.30-17.00 INPLASS - Solution for Hotel Guests Comfort Presenting and Demonstrating the INPLASS solution. Speakers: Rafeeque Mohamed, Managing Director, INPLASS
10.15-11.15 ATM Career in Travel - How to gain a career in the industry Hear from leading professionals on how to make it or break it in the industry and their individual experiences. Moderator: Sarakshi Rai, Online Editor, Hotelier Middle East Speakers: Abdo Basmaji, Travel Counsellor; Alessandro Cabella, Area General Manager, Jumeirah Group, Fathuma Hamzi, Cluster Director of Human Resources, Radisson Blu 11.30-12.15 Developing Tourism Skills and Employment Opportunities in Travel & Tourism The MENA countries have growing populations and large numbers of young people looking for meaningful and well-paid employment. The travel and tourism sector offers a wide range of employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for young people. There are many opportunities in rural areas where the sector can create worthwhile employment for young people, removing the incentive to move away from their
communities to the cities. This panel composed of educators and trainers and employers will focus on training the next generation to make travel, tourism and hospitality their career - and show how it can be made attractive to young people and their parents. Moderator: Chris Warren, ICRT Australia Speakers: Aline Barhouche, Area Director Human Resources for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, Radisson Hotels; Koray Genckul, Senior Director Human Resources MEA & Turkey, Hilton; Heidi van der Watt, Director Better Tourism Africa; Samir Arora, General Manager, The Retreat Palm Dubai 12.30-13.30 ATM Career in Travel - How to create your own job in the travel and tourism industry Hear from leading entrepreneurs in the industry who will inspire with their journeys to success. Moderator: Eddie Taylor, Editor, Arabian Business Speakers: Rana Dababneh, Founder, Pomalo travel; Heba Bin Redha, Co-founder of Emirati Kashtas
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Feature - Future Transport
By Gemma Greenwood
On the fast track
From the world’s largest airport to driverless vehicles and hyper-speed trains, the UAE is pioneering game-changing transport solutions
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The way we travel is set to rapidly evolve over the next few years as technological advances bring new modes of transport, state-of-the-art in-flight experiences and mega airports. The Gulf region, and, in particular, the UAE, is leading the way – on the ground and in the air – with government and transportation entities rolling out several exciting initiatives that will transform visitor and resident journeys forever. Dubai is pioneering many transportation firsts in order to meet several government targets, which range from sustainable economic growth to cementing its status as a smart city. Speaking exclusively to the ATM Show Daily, HH Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, says: “Dubai’s transport sector continues to drive much of the emirate’s economic success and the government is fully committed to its development. “Aviation is a strategic pillar for Dubai’s growth, contributing almost 30 percent to the GDP and supporting close to 500,000 jobs. Economic and tourism opportunities are being made possible by efficient air transport links, accelerating the pace of Dubai’s economic growth and diversification.” Today, passengers have direct flight connections from Dubai to more than 149 cities with populations of more than one million people – that’s 13 percent of the
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His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline
world’s population – and the continued growth of Emirates’ operations, and consequently, Dubai’s connectivity, will be vital in the lead up to Expo 2020 Dubai and beyond, says Sheikh Ahmed, noting that the airline is on track to carry 70 millionplus passengers by the end of the decade. By 2020, Dubai expects to welcome 20 million tourists annually, generating around US$81.7 billion (AED300 billion) in tourism revenue and the airline will play a big role in supporting this goal, while simultaneously cementing the emirate’s position as a global transport hub. THERE IS NO FINISH LINE “A hallmark of Dubai’s transportation sector is that activity will always continue and in the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum - ‘there is no
finish line’.” says Sheikh Ahmed. One of the most significant developments in the near future will be the completion of the 220 millioncapacity Dubai World Central (DWC) – the biggest airport in the world – which will become a “customised, world-class hub for Emirates, offering the latest technology and ergonomic designs that speed up processing and moving times for the tens of millions of passengers passing through Dubai.” “In the meantime, we are working on increasing the efficiency of our skies and the capabilities at Dubai International as we continue to see an uptick of passenger numbers,” he adds. Disruptive technologies will play a major role in shaping the customer travel experience of the future, “at the airport, in our lounges, and on our planes”, Sheikh Ahmed notes, citing robotics, Artificial Intelligence, block chain, big data and intelligent algorithms as game-changers for Emirates. “They can give us real-time information on our passengers and every aspect of our operations to ensure we are offering as much customisation to their experience as possible,” he explains. “In the future, I am most excited to see an even more streamlined passenger experience at every touch point. From quick and efficient check-in, and smart luggage tags when bags are dropped off, to biometric immigration screening
1 Dubai World Central will be the largest airport in the world when extensions are complete 2 The first-ever public flight of an autonomous urban air taxi took place in Dubai last year 3 The driverless Dubai Metro 4 Emirates passengers can expect a tech-driven in-flight experience 5 Emirates Airline 6 Hyperloop One could achieve journey times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi of just 12 minutes
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Future Transport - Feature
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and customised messaging directly on smart devices as passengers make their way along to their departure gate, to a more intuitive boarding process.” In the air, passengers can expect better in-flight internet connectivity, potentially allowing passengers to uninterruptedly live-stream entertainment content from their own personal electronic devices. “We are also looking at the use of augmented reality in the way we interact with customers on board using predictive technologies to enhance their experience,” reveals Sheikh Ahmed. SMART ABOUT TRAVEL The customer experience is also a focal point of Dubai’s ground transportation strategy, which aims to ensure visitors and residents have access to convenient and sustainable modes of transport. The 2009 launch of Dubai Metro – then declared by Guinness World Records as the world’s longest fully automated metro network – followed by Dubai Tram in 2014, kick-started this plan, but there is so much more to come. In April 2016, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revealed his vision for 25 percent of all transportation trips to be smart and driverless by 2030. The Dubai Smart Autonomous Mobility Strategy, a joint venture between Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Future Foundation, aims to improve efficiency and reduce congestion and pollution, and will be the “first project of the foundation to build a model of a futurist city”, said Sheikh Mohammed. Since the smart plan was announced, the RTA has unveiled a raft of cuttingedge developments, from abra water taxis fitted with solar panels that generate energy to power the boats, to Dubai Taxis offering free Wi-Fi
In the words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum - there is no finish line
and interactive LCD touchscreens that are able to conduct customer satisfaction and happiness surveys. Dubai Taxi Corporation has also deployed 50 Tesla electric cars to its fleet of limousine taxis, all of which are offering self-driving features and are part of a major 200-car deal that the RTA has signed with Tesla. However, the RTA’s most progressive projects to date have involved the trial of autonomous (driverless) vehicles – on the ground and in the air. It has not only tested an electrically-powered ground-based smart vehicle, but also, in September last year, completed the first-ever public flight of an autonomous urban air taxi as part of its far-reaching
TALKING TRANSPORT AT ATM
Don’t miss today’s show opening session, between 13:30 and 14:30 on the Global Stage, bringing together leaders in global transportation. Among the panellists for ‘Future Travel Experiences’, is Harj Dhaliwal, Managing Director, Middle East and India Field Operations, Virgin Hyperloop One.
autonomous urban air taxi project signed with German firm Volocopter. The Volocopter is an electrically powered multi-copter featuring 18 rotors and is designed to transport people by flight in city areas. “We have now publicly proven the safety, compliance, and relevance of Volocopter in the urban environment in one of the most forward-thinking cities in the world,” says company founder Alexander Zosel. “A new era of public transport has begun.” Smart transportation strategies are also being considered for city-to-city journeys, with studies underway into the feasibility of a Hyperloop rapid transport system between Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The RTA has signed a deal with US-based research firm Hyperloop One, which will see the two entities collaborate to make the groundbreaking project viable. This futuristic mode of transport involves using magnets to levitate pods inside an airless tube, creating conditions in which the floating pods shuttle people and cargo at speeds of up to 500mph. Hyperloop One, one of several firms currently researching how to build such a system, claims it will be able to transport passengers and cargo from Dubai to Abu Dhabi in as little as 12 minutes. “We have identified five transit means, global trends and emerging technologies, namely: self-driving transport, emerging transport modes (such as the Hyperloop and air taxi), shared mobility in several cities including transport on demand, and smart enablers assisting in the deployment of future modes,” says HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, RTA. “Sustainable transportation, such as electric/hybrid vehicles and hydrogenpowered vehicles, is also an important part of future trends.” He adds: “Dubai is keen to predict and shape the future of smart mobility, with the aim of becoming a world leader in this field by 2030.”
4/18/18 7:26 PM
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Feature - 25 Years of Tourism
Success story
As Arabian Travel Market celebrates its 25th anniversary, we take a look at the UAE’s spectacular transformation and milestone moments in that time Having risen from a humble desert settlement to become one of the world’s most futuristic destinations, rapid change is built into the very fabric of the UAE. During the past 25 years, both Arabian Travel Market and its host country have gone through major changes and witnessed stellar growth. Here, we take a look at some of the most iconic developments and brands that, over the course of the past two decades, have changed the face of tourism in the UAE.
1997 – JUMEIRAH GROUP Founded in Dubai, the aim of the company was to become a hospitality industry leader by establishing a world-class portfolio of luxury hotels and resorts. The group has certainly lived up to its mission with Burj Al Arab Jumeirah, Madinat Jumeirah, Wild Wadi Waterpark and Jumeirah Emirates Towers just some of its notable properties.
1996 – DUBAI WORLD CUP On March 27, 1996, Nad Al Sheba Racecourse held the inaugural Dubai World Cup. Attracting competitors from around the world, as well as four locally trained runners, American horse Cigar won the day, and a cheque for US$4 million (AED14.7 million). The event, now held at Meydan Racecourse, attracts more than 60,000 people and is the world’s richest day in horse racing, with an overall prize purse of US$30 million (AED110 million).
1997 – EMAAR PROPERTIES Real estate development company Emaar Properties was founded and incorporated by Chairman Mohamed Alabbar in 1997. In the decades that followed, the Emirati businessman has led the company to become a leading developer in property, retail, hospitality, leisure and shopping malls. Their flagship development is Downtown Dubai, home to Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
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1999 – BURJ AL ARAB JUMEIRAH Designed by architect Tom Wright, Burj Al Arab Jumeirah was built to resemble a billowing sail overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The iconic design also includes a helipad, while the hotel itself is located on its own island. Famed as one of the world’s most luxurious hotels, the property is among Dubai’s most exclusive addresses.
2003 – DUBAI MARINA Developed by Emaar Properties, Dubai Marina is a stunning waterfront development, defined by luxury yachts and fivestar hotels. The first phase opened in 2003 with a handful of buildings, but it has since grown to include dozens of futuristic skyscraper residences, hotel apartments and Dubai Marina Mall.
2003 – ETIHAD AIRWAYS National flag carrier Etihad Airways was established by UAE President HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with commercial operations beginning with a flight to Beirut. Now the airline travels to more than 100 destinations and last year carried some 18.6 million passengers.
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25 Years of Tourism - Feature
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2007 – SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE One of the world’s largest mosques, this ornate place of worship is an iconic part of the Abu Dhabi landscape. Able to accommodate 40,000 worshippers, the mosque is also a major visitor attraction thanks to its intricately decorated domes and columns, as well as 24-karat gold chandeliers and the world’s largest hand knitted carpet. The mosque’s first ceremony was the funeral of its namesake, Sheikh Zayed, who is buried at the site.
2004 – DUBAI INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE (DIFC)
One of the region’s most important business centres, DIFC was built to provide a strategic link between the financial hubs of New York and London in the West, and Hong Kong and Singapore in the East. The freezone soon became a regional and global powerhouse for trade and finance, and is home to top multinational companies and financial institutions.
2005 – MALL OF THE EMIRATES AND SKI DUBAI Developed and owned by Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Mall of the Emirates opened with more than 460 retail shops and 90 food and beverage outlets. One month later Ski Dubai was introduced, featuring an 85-metre high indoor snow-covered ski run, and five slopes of varying difficulty. Both hugely successful attractions, the mall attracts more than 40 million visitors annually.
2004 – THE PASSING OF SHEIKH ZAYED A major milestone in the UAE’s history was the passing of UAE President HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in November 2004. The country has celebrated his life and many achievements at every turn, with 2018 named the Year of Zayed to commemorate 100 years since his birth. 2008 – THE DUBAI MALL Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai and developed by Emaar Properties, The Dubai Mall officially opened on November 4 with more than 1,000 retailers. The world’s largest retail destination by total area, it welcomed 39 million visitors in its first year of operations. It has recently undergone a major expansion as it looks to accommodate 100 million visitors annually.
2006 – PALM JUMEIRAH One of Dubai’s most iconic attractions, this unique palm-shaped island was created using reclaimed land from the sea. Construction began in June 2001 and five years later the first residential units were opened. Now the luxurious island is home to stunning five-star resorts, including the famed Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai.
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Feature - 25 Years of Tourism
2009 – YAS MARINA CIRCUIT AND THE FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX The brainchild of renowned German engineer and former racing driver Hermann Tilke, the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit was designed to be a Formula One track. In the same year it was completed, more than 40,000 fans watched the final race of the 2009 season as Sebastian Vettel triumphed in the very first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
2008 – ATLANTIS, THE PALM, DUBAI The crowning glory of Palm Jumeirah, this was the first hotel to be built on the island and is themed on the mythical world of Atlantis. Officially opened on September 24, 2008, the 1,539 room resort has two accommodation wings, consisting of the East and the West Tower, linked together by the Royal Bridge Suite which has an average room rate of US$23,000 (AED84,000) a night.
2010 – DUBAI WORLD CENTRAL (DWC) First announced at Arabian Travel Market in 2006, DWC started operations in June 2010. Initially solely dealing with cargo, it is currently being expanded and will have the capacity to handle 26 million passengers a year before Expo 2020 Dubai. It will be the main feature of the 145-square-kilometre purpose-built city that has been renamed Dubai South.
2009 – THE DUBAI FOUNTAIN Created by WET Design, the same company responsible for the fountains at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, The Dubai Fountain is illuminated by 6,600 lights and 25 coloured projectors. Set on a 30-acre man-made lake, it shoots water 150 metres in the air accompanied by a range of classical and contemporary music. The very first show was on May 8, 2009.
2009 – DUBAI METRO On September 9, 2009, the Dubai Metro made its first journey. During the first week of its operation more than 280,000 passengers used the service, which then consisted of 10 stations. In just over eight years since its opening more than one billion passengers have used the driverless service that is currently being extended to include the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
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2010 – BURJ KHALIFA Construction began on the world’s tallest tower in 2004, but it was not until January 2010 that Burj Khalifa was officially opened. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, overlooking The Dubai Fountain, the striking structure is the city’s top attraction. It boasts 163 floors, 15 of which make up the luxurious Armani Hotel. There are also corporate offices, suites and 900 residential apartments as well as two observation decks and the ultra-exclusive At.mosphere restaurant on level 122.
2010 – FERRARI WORLD ABU DHABI On November 4, 2010, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi became the latest attraction to open on Yas Island. The first Ferraribranded theme park in the world, and covering an area of 86,000 square metres, it is home to Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest roller coaster, which has a top speed of 240 kilometres an hour. In 2017, it was named the ‘Middle East’s Leading Theme Park’ at the World Travel Awards.
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25 Years of Tourism - Feature
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2017 – LOUVRE ABU DHABI More than a decade in the making, Louvre Abu Dhabi officially opened its doors on November 11, 2017. Located in the Saadiyat Island Cultural District, and designed by acclaimed architect Jean Nouvel, the museum has a permanent collection of 620 works from paintings to archaeological discoveries, and will host four temporary exhibitions each year.
2012 – JW MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOTEL DUBAI It was during the Arabian Travel Market in 2006 that the twin-tower design of the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai was first presented. By November 2012, both towers were completed as it became the world’s tallest hotel (at the time) at 355 metres and 72 storeys. The Business Bay hotel has 1,364 rooms, 240 suits, four presidential suites, a banquet hall, an auditorium, 18 shops, 19 restaurants and a spa.
2013 – DUBAI WINS WORLD EXPO 2020 BID After four years of planning, it was announced on November 27, 2013 that Dubai had won the right to host the 2020 World Expo. It is projected that the six-month exhibition will result in 277,000 new jobs in the UAE, an injection of nearly US$40 billion (AED147 billion) into the economy, and an increase in visitors of at least 25 million during the event.
2018 – DUBAI FRAME Dubai’s latest landmark, which opened earlier this year, stands 150 metres high and is designed to ‘frame’ some of the city’s most iconic buildings. Located in Zabeel Park, it also features a glass bridge at the top of the structure, which provides a view of both old and modern Dubai.
2014 – DUBAI TRAM The first phase of Dubai Tram was officially opened to the public on November 12, 2014. Comprising of 11 stations over 9.5 kilometres, some 1,854,055 passengers used the tram in the first half of 2015. It also connects with the Dubai Metro at two stations, and with the Palm Monorail. A second phase, taking in stops such as Mall of the Emirates, is expected by 2020.
2016 – DUBAI PARKS AND RESORTS Spread across 25 million square feet, the sprawling leisure and theme park opened on December 18, 2016, with more than 100 rides and attractions. Consisting of three theme parks: Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai and LEGOLAND Dubai, which includes LEGOLAND Water Park, there is also a themed retail and dining destination called Riverland Dubai.
LOOKING AHEAD
Expo 2020 Dubai Some 25 million visitors are expected to flock to the city for the six-month mega event. Work continues apace at the expo site, which is set to feature state-ofthe-art architecture and some of the most sustainable building solutions available. Tourism Vision 2020 Announced by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing in 2013, Dubai’s strategic vision for 2020 aims to see 20 million overnight guests per year visit the emirate by 2020.
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Destinations
Abu Dhabi
Department of Culture & Tourism - Abu Dhabi / ME2115, ME2250
A capital on the rise, Abu Dhabi is fast carving out its reputation as a major cultural centre and tourism hot spot. The much-anticipated opening of Louvre Abu Dhabi has firmly placed the emirate in the international spotlight, with thousands of visitors expected this year at the stunning new museum on Saadiyat Island. The iconic gallery is soon to be joined by a host of cultural heavyweights including Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and Zayed National Museum, while the capital is also set to welcome Warner Bros. World
Abu Dhabi to Yas Island this summer. Add to that a slew of new hotel openings, and the destination is well positioned for a leap in visitor numbers. Figures released by the Department of Culture and Tourism (DCT) revealed that last year the emirate recorded more than 4.4 million visitors, an increase of nine percent compared to 2016. They also hope to attract six million hotel guests this year thanks to increased visitor numbers from China. The Far Eastern country has become Abu Dhabi’s
The emirate boasts an abundance of natural attractions with lush green mangrove forests dotted around the capital’s islands, and wildlife from near and far roaming freely on the picturesque Sir Bani Yas Island.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
Abu Dhabi skyline
Dubai
Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing / ME3110, ME3140
Among the 164 new hotel openings in the pipeline this year for Dubai are the Rosemont Hotel and Residences, Barsha Heights, W Hotel, The Palm and Curio Collection by Hilton.
A destination very much defined by its dynamism, Dubai continues to evolve its diverse offering to ensure long-term growth and a well-rounded proposition for the millions of visitors who come each year. Famed for its record-breaking attractions, such as the world’s tallest tower Burj Khalifa and the world’s largest shopping space The Dubai Mall, the emirate’s strategy is now to make the most New attractions for of its cultural assets, 2018 include Bluewaters while at the same time Island, where the world’s adding exciting new entertainment options tallest Ferris wheel and to create a formidable tourism proposition. new hotels will offer a Giving the city’s vibrant area to explore cultural credentials a major boost, Dubai Opera has proved to be a runaway success since opening its doors in the heart of Downtown. Adding even more to Dubai’s live entertainment landscape, La Perle by Dragone at Al Habtoor City is a spectacular resident show from the creators of Cirque du Soleil, which made its debut last year. Over by Dubai Creek, the new Al Seef quarter is a vibrant dining and shopping district designed in the style of the city’s traditional areas. Downtown Dubai
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largest overseas source market, ahead of both India and the United Kingdom. Abu Dhabi International Airport also saw a rise in numbers last year, handling in excess of 10.1 million passengers during the first five months of 2017 alone, registering a 1.8 percent increase in traffic compared with the same period in 2016. There is plenty for tourists to see and do thanks to an eclectic mix of attractions. The majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is undoubtedly a jewel in the crown, while Louvre Abu Dhabi is now also a major draw for visitors. Meanwhile, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi and Yas Waterworld offer fun for visitors of all ages. Similarly the annual Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that takes place on Yas Marina Circuit is a spectacular showcase shining a light on all the destination has to offer.
A raft of new developments has also increased the emirate’s offering, with wildlife park Dubai Safari already welcoming thousands of visitors. Dubai Frame has added a stunning new landmark to the skyline, while chic new oceanfront lifestyle destination La Mer has become hugely popular. These developments will help cope with the rising tourist numbers as according to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, 15.79 million international overnight visitors arrived in 2017, reflecting a 6.2 percent increase over the same period last year. Dubai Creek
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Destinations
Finland
There are more than two million saunas in Finland, enough for the entire population of the country to take a sauna at the same time
Business Finland Oy - Visit Finland / EU6825
With rising visitor numbers, Finland’s eclectic offering provides something to suit a diverse set of tourism interests. In recent years, the capital Helsinki has made a name for itself as a destination for the arts and is a natural starting point for most visitors. Amongst the museums, art galleries, restaurants, and shopping malls, must-visit attractions include grand modernist building Finlandia Hall, the architecture around Senate Square, Suomenlinna sea fortress and the underground Rock Church carved into the earth. Moving on from the capital, northeast Old Town pier in Helsinki, Finland
Famed for its vast stretches of stunning, unspoilt scenery, Finland is one of Europe’s most picturesque nations with rich landscapes to explore. From the wintry expanse of Lapland in the north, to the lush greenery in the south, Finland is home to some of the world’s most famous natural phenomenon. This is the place to witness the shimmering Northern Lights or ‘Aurora Borealis’, the midnight sun and the silent majesty of the Arctic wilderness.
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Northern Lights over the Gulf of Finland
Forests and lakes make up much of the countryside and visitors who venture further in Finland will find the white sand beaches of the Åland Islands archipelago of the city is the historic town of Provoo, which can be reached by road or boat. The medieval castle at Hameenlinna lies to the north of Helsinki and is well worth a visit, while to the west you will find Turku, the ancient capital of Finland. Forests and lakes make up much of the countryside and visitors who venture further in Finland will find the white sand beaches of the Åland Islands archipelago. More and more visitors have been making their way to Finland each year, with 14.6 million arrivals in 2016. The expenditure of tourists while in the country also increased, with visitor spend rising by five percent in 2016. Helsinki Airport is the busiest in the country and has the capacity for 17 million passengers annually, while plans are in place to expand the terminal building between now and 2020.
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Destinations
Lebanon
Famed for its plush malls and quirky boutiques, Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut has been ranked as the 10th most popular shopping destination in the world
Lebanon Ministry of Tourism /ME1350
Harbour of Byblos, Lebanon
Imperial Roman architecture outside of Italy. Meanwhile, the ruins of many civilisations can be found at Byblos, one of the oldest Phoenician cities. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has been closely linked to the legends and history of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Around 20 kilometres north of Beirut is the coastal city of Jounieh. With the sea to one side and mountains on the other, this hamlet has been transformed in recent years from a sleepy fishing village Beirut cityscape
A bustling and cosmopolitan destination, standing at the crossroads between east and west, Lebanon’s unique charm lies in its mix of cultures and influences. From the hip capital Beirut to picturesque seaside towns, snow-capped mountains and ancient wonders, the country continues to attract a steady stream of visitors from all corners of the globe. Beirut is famed for top-notch shopping, dining and nightlife. Here, street signs are as likely to be in French as Arabic, while luxury five-star hotels
stand side by side with traditional buildings. Beirut’s cultural and historical sights also offer much to discover. Jeita Grotto is just one of Beirut’s many attractions, featuring nine kilometres of visually dazzling limestone caves. Venture further into the country and top attractions include UNESCO World Heritage Sites Baalbek and Byblos. The Phoenician city of Baalbek was known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period, and with its colossal structures, is one of the finest examples of
Saudi Arabia
Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage / ME4410
Riyadh
Makkah
to a buzzing resort-style destination, filled with restaurants, bars and clubs. Following a turbulent few years with fluctuating visitor numbers, 2017 showed strong signs of an upturn. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the number of tourist arrivals rose by a yearly 12.81 percent to 649,841 by May 2017, to hit a five-year high. The rise was attributed to an increase in arrivals from Arab countries following the lifting by GCC governments of a ban on visiting the country. A surge in numbers was also noted amongst visitors from Europe and America. Beirut–Rafic Hariri International Airport is the country’s main entry point and is the hub for national flag carrier Middle East Airlines. In August 2017, the airport broke its own records for passenger traffic to welcome more than one million visitors for the first time, recording a total of 1,067,471 passengers – an increase of 17 percent compared to the same month in 2016. To accommodate the increase in demand, the Lebanese government has announced plans to expand the airport, which currently can accommodate six million people annually, to allow it to handle an additional five million passengers.
Jeddah Tower is due for completion in 2020. It is set to take the title of world’s tallest building from Burj Khalifa and will be the first ever to reach one kilometre in height
With historic change sweeping the kingdom, Saudi Arabia is a country to watch in the years to come. Modernising Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is rolling out his Vision 2030 diversification strategy to stimulate growth and prepare the nation for a projected increase in visitor numbers. Religious tourism has always been a mainstay for the kingdom, but the country is also seeking to attract growing numbers of business and New developments leisure travellers. In the last year, plans have been announced in the pipeline include for billion-dollar smart cities, a Six Flags theme theme parks and the easing of park, a US$500million restrictions on entertainment across the country. Some of megacity on the Red the new developments in the
Sea coast, and a sports and entertainment city
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pipeline include a Six Flags theme park, a US$500 million (AED1.8 billion) megacity on the Red Sea coast called ‘Neom’, and a sports and entertainment city. All of this looks set to add to the historic and cultural charms of the country. According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), there are nearly 10,000 natural and cultural heritage sites in the kingdom, from the mountain city of Taif to ancient Nabatean tombs and the colourful underwater world of the Red Sea. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as climbing, cycling, diving and desert camping in addition to exploring a host of archaeological sites and palaces. Figures from the Tourism Research & Information Centre predict visitor numbers are expected to increase sharply in the coming years — from 18 million in 2015 to 25.8 million in 2020. To meet that need, Deloitte Middle East has estimated that there are 49,000 hotel rooms either in construction or final planning. Radisson expanded their presence in the country last year with two new openings and this year will bring the much-vaunted Nobu Hotel Riyadh. Meanwhile, the world’s largest hotel, the 10,000-bedroom Abraj Kudai, is due to open in Makkah in 2019.
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Vox Pops
What the exhibitors say...
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DAVID GARNER Vice President Sales & Marketing MINOR HOTELS ATM remains a vitally important event for Minor Hotels, which we have participated in for many years. The quality of the buyers both regionally and internationally remains high and we use the exhibition to develop relationships, drive marketing initiatives and maximise revenue opportunities for the year ahead. In 2018, Minor Hotels will be showcasing properties from Anantara, Tivoli, AVANI, Oaks and Elewana Hotels & Resorts alongside exciting new developments and openings.
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HE KHALID JASIM AL MIDFA Chairman
TIME HOTELS The main theme of Arabian Travel Market 2018, ‘Responsible Tourism’, sits perfectly with our brand, which boasts a multi-awardwinning and growing roster of corporate and social responsibility initiatives. ATM also gives us an excellent chance to network with our trade partners and peers, the media and our stakeholders. We are looking forward to highlighting our pipeline of properties, with new openings planned throughout the MENA region in the coming years.
THE DEPARTMENT OF CULTURE AND TOURISM – ABU DHABI This is our 14th year participating in ATM, and we’re very much looking forward to meeting with industry friends and colleagues, and discussing the latest market opinions and trends. Joined by more than 40 key partners, we aim to promote Abu Dhabi as a destination of distinction for world-class tourism. Our presence demonstrates our commitment to showcasing Abu Dhabi’s unique proposition, as we aim to attract 8.5 million visitors by 2021.
RODA HOTELS & RESORTS We’re delighted to participate for the first time at ATM, which offers a great opportunity to introduce the values and visions of Roda Hotels & Resorts as a homegrown Emirati brand. Our journey started in 2014 with a single property in JBR, and today we’re proud to have seven hotels and numerous future projects in the pipeline. This exhibition is an occasion to meet our peers and partners, and share our experiences in an industry that is getting more competitive.
SHARJAH COMMERCE AND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY We are delighted to attend our 21st ATM, which will be a valuable platform to focus on responsible tourism. It is a great opportunity to showcase our tourism assets and offerings, as well as new projects and attractions presently under development. These include Al Bait Hotel, The Sharjah Collection, Anantara Resort, Hilton Hotels and a number of Accor Group-driven projects, which will enhance our tourism offerings greatly.
AHMED AL RAYYES Chief Commercial Officer DXB ENTERTAINMENTS As the largest theme park destination in the region, Dubai Parks and Resorts is creating a new itinerary through our amazing and unique family entertainment experiences for the 20 million tourists that Dubai is on course to attract by 2020. We have a number of exciting campaigns that we will be running througout the upcoming year, and it gives us a great deal of pleasure to be back at the Arabian Travel Market in order to announce them to our various tour and travel partners.
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LAURENT A. VOIVENEL Senior Vice President, Operations and Development for the Middle East, Africa and India SWISS-BELHOTEL INTERNATIONAL With an outstanding portfolio of globally-recognised brands, we have an expansion strategy that is aimed at diversifying our offering and giving more choice to our guests. Our development pipeline in the Middle East and Africa includes 16 new hotels, featuring more than 2,600 rooms in 12 cities. ATM is a fantastic platform to share the news of our upcoming projects with our trade partners and to unlock new opportunities.
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KHALIL IBRAHIM AL SAYEGH Chairman
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AJMAN TOURISM DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT Ajman Tourism Development Department plan to make the most of our time at ATM by promoting our new tourism developments. Over the past 12 months some major new projects have opened, such as the Radisson Blu Hotel, the first five-star hotel in the centre of Ajman, as well as new activities at Al Zorah premier mixed-use community. There, we have launched kayaking tours, the seaplane and the Pearl Journey over the past few months.
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As Arabian Travel Market 2018 opens its doors, a selection of international exhibitors share their goals and ambitions for this year’s show
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AKITO TADOKORO Director of Tourist Promotion
ABOUDI ASALI Chief Executive Officer
TOKYO CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU It is an exciting time to visit Tokyo thanks to Japan hosting the Rugby World Cup next year and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. It is also easier than ever to travel to Tokyo thanks to the visa waiver arrangement that was introduced for UAE nationals last year. We hope to see many travel industry professionals from the UAE and other countries from the Middle East at ATM in order to establish mutually prosperous relationships.
HMH - HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT HOLDING Recognising the importance of connecting with various hospitality owners and professional partners, we see this year’s show as a great opportunity to highlight the launch of HMH’s two new properties in Saudi Arabia. Making our 15th appearance, we will also be introducing our redesigned and user-friendly website as well as making some strategic announcements about our upcoming projects and improved facilities.
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WHE R E W I S E MEN T URNE D T HE D ESERT G REEN y o u can still find t he i r a n c i e n t i r r i g a t i o n s y s t e m s , giv ing life to acres o f p alm-fringed tranquility. L o o k up and you’ll see the fruit of those settlers w ho man aged to bring water and s trength where once the re w as only sand.
Stand No.: ME 2155 | ME 2252 | Hall 2
Sir Bani Yas Island #InAbuDhabi
visitabudhabi.ae
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