Exhibitor news

Amadeus explores solutions to refining travel strategies

Changes in the travel and tourism industry keep accelerating. Not only the impact of COVID-19 but also technology advancements, changing business realities and shifts in consumer trends are transforming the travel landscape. On the ATM Travel Tech Stage yesterday, experts discussed how technology is helping rebuild travel with tangible examples of what is already in place and what is coming.

Jamel Chandoul, Senior Vice President, Amadeus Travel Sellers – Middle East & Africa, opened the session by highlighting that technology has been crucial for recovery from the pandemic. He said that travellers were eager to use technology to make their journeys safer.

A recent Amadeus survey found that 95 percent of travellers were willing to provide personal data to be used in digital health passports or certificates. When asked which technology will help normalise travel, mobile applications and contactless technologies were at the top, followed by self-service check-in.

As part of the panel discussion, Brent Roberts, Director of Sales, Amadeus Hospitality and DMOs, said that personalisation had become a vital component of the travel industry. “Thanks to a data-driven approach, it is now possible to create messaging that speaks to different demographics.

“Through these targeted approaches and analyses, we can see who the campaign was resonating with and rephrase the messaging based on the things that travellers cared about.”

He emphasised that having access to this data gives foresight into the market and seasonality demand, which can help businesses plan for more sustainable itineraries for travellers. It can also help spot any challenges, which can help businesses work with individual stakeholders to avoid or address them.

The need of the hour is also ensuring platform integration, stressed Cem Cetinturk, Regional Vice President Middle East, Africa and Turkey, Amadeus Hospitality. For example, in the hotel industry, different systems are often sitting on other platforms and this might not provide the correct data sets to offer the complete picture.

“Attribute selling is the next big thing in the hospitality industry, which involves offering tour booking in addition to the hospitality experience. The idea is to connect the data between these different systems to leverage the rich information we collect,” he added.

Some key technology trends have been around for a long time but have only just started to accelerate in the industry, while some are still in their development stages. These include digitalisation, sustainability, and interconnectivity collaboration. Therefore, innovation is another key theme, said Christophe Roux, Senior Vice President Commercial, Amadeus Airline Business, Middle East, Africa and Turkey. He noted that several airlines are sponsoring programmes in universities to involve the youth and work with them to accelerate nascent technologies.

Maldives celebrates 50 years of tourism

The past two years of the pandemic have taken a toll with the repetitive Zoom meetings. The Maldives is looking to break this monotony by offering incentive trips. The idea is to host meetings in a non-traditional setting, far away from air-conditioned rooms, and where employees don’t have to wear their suits and can lounge under the shade of palm trees while discussing their next big project.

Speaking on Day 2 of Arabian Travel Market, Thoyyib Mohamed, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Maldives Marketing & Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), said: “We are known to be a popular honeymoon destination, but last year, we launched a new initiative that looks to redefine the MICE concept. Companies are always looking for out-of-thebox ideas for where to host their meetings, and the Maldives can offer one of the most unique environments in the world to make this happen.”

Mohamed emphasised that the island destination performed remarkably despite the pandemic and has become one of the world’s leading destinations in the last two years.

“This year marks 50 years of Maldives tourism. While in the past two years, the Maldives has gone through a lot, the tourism product has also changed a lot. But still, one thing remains the same – the beauty of the white sandy beaches and the turquoise blue waters hasn’t changed. Moreover, several new hotel chains will be up and running in the next six months.”

Her Excellency Aminath Shabeena, Ambassador of the Maldives to the UAE, highlighted that the island nation received the highest number of travellers from the UAE after reopening its borders in July 2020.

She said: “A recent survey revealed that the Maldives ranked sixth in the top 10 destinations of choice for UAE travellers. We reached the target of 1.3 million tourists in 2021 and have set a target of two million tourists for this year. We have also launched homestay tourism this year, which will give tourists a glimpse of the Maldivians’ exemplary hospitality and local culture.”

At the show, MMPRC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Qatar Airways to increase the inbound air traffic to the Maldives through several joint efforts and individual campaigns.

Jamaica marks inaugural ATM participation

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) made its ATM debut this year in a bid to develop and deepen trade relationships within the Middle East’s travel industry. Visitors to the busy JTB stand are discovering the island’s world-class hotels, spa and wellness offerings as well as soft adventure activities.

Travel trade professionals, including leading tour operators, travel agents, aviation partners and industry GCC and wider MENA region, enabling visitors to sample authentic cuisine from the nation and sip on exquisite coffee from the Blue Mountains in Jamaica during the networking event.

Mr. Bartlett said: “We’ve seen some great interest from the MENA region and made strong headway with leading industry professionals from the region. We look forward to undertaking further meetings to discuss potential collaboration during the next two days of the show which will further raise the profile of the destination.”

White commented: “We have been delighted with the warm welcome we received during the first two days of ATM and were pleased to welcome new and existing partners from across the MENA region to the stand for an authentic ‘Taste of Jamaica’.

“The positive meetings and interactions we have undertaken with new and potential strategic partners will further develop tourism ties and help build a solid foundation for exponential success within the MENA market.”

At the show yesterday, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, received Mr. Bartlett, White and Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Executive Chairman of Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority at the Emirates stand.

During the meeting, the delegation explored opportunities to increase inbound tourism flows through enhanced connectivity from the UAE and across the Emirates network into Jamaica via the airline’s codeshare partners.

stakeholders, as well as members of the media, visited the stand to meet with members of the Jamaican delegation to discuss new and expanded partnerships, opportunities for collaboration and platforms for elevating the reputation of Jamaica as a destination of distinction for Middle East travellers. The delegation is led by the Honourable Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism of Jamaica, and accompanied by Donovan White, Director of Tourism, JTB, along with industry representatives.

During the first two days of the event, the delegation connected with key industry stakeholders and met with new and potential partners to discuss ways to further promote Jamaica to Middle East-based travellers.

JTB also hosted a ‘Taste of Jamaica’ on-stand activity for media and industry delegates from across the

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Licensed restaurant opens for the first time at ATM

The Pavilion, a restaurant, bar and café, is now open at ATM. Bringing a licensed concept for the first time to the show floor, the venue is sponsored by the Philippines and is located at stand AS1955 in Hall 6.

With its relaxed atmosphere, The Pavilion is ideal for coffee catch-ups, work breaks and restaurant-grade lunches, served with a selection of beverages. The venue gets livelier as the day progresses with live music and an on-site DJ. On the menu, guests will find a range of international dishes.

Opening hours are from 10am to 8pm, while happy hour runs from 5pm to 6pm daily.

Swiss-Belhotel opens first Māua branded hotel

Malaysia to focus on Middle Eastern market

Tourism Malaysia is showcasing the best of the destination to the Middle Eastern market at ATM. Highlighting the latest attractions and venues for shopping, family fun, eco-adventure, honeymoons and luxury holidays, Malaysia will also underscore its reputation as a safe travel destination.

This year, the Malaysian delegation is led by the Honourable Minister Dato’ Sri Hajah Nancy Shukri, Minister of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia, and consists of 64 delegates representing 32 organisations, eager to meet key industry buyers from the Middle East.

Malaysia reopened its international borders on April 1, 2022. Dato’ Sri Nancy said: “It was indeed a significant milestone for our tourism industry as we welcomed more international visitors, first time and returning visitors alike, to further boost our economy. Now that our borders are fully open again, we are confident that we will witness a strong rebound in tourism numbers to bolster the recovery of our economy. We estimate two million international tourist arrivals this year, generating more than US$2.4 billion in tourism receipts.”

Pre-pandemic, in 2019, Malaysia received 397,726 tourists from the MENA region. Saudi Arabia was Malaysia’s top market, accounting for 121,444 tourists, more than 30 percent of arrivals.

The Malaysian delegation at ATM this year is comprised of hotels and resorts, travel agents, tourism product owners and representatives from state tourism boards, presenting their respective tourism products and services that cater specifically for the Middle Eastern market.

Their mission aims to enhance the commitment to establishing good tourism cooperation, engaging in future collaborations, and cooperation with the travel and tourism industry in the region.

“We will continue to place a strong emphasis and focus on attracting Middle Eastern tourists to Malaysia, so naturally we will be stepping up our promotional efforts here,” said Dato’ Sri Nancy. Swiss-Belhotel International announced the opening of the world’s first Māua branded hotel – Māua Nusa Penida in Bali, Indonesia. The heritage, environment-friendly brand by Swiss-Belhotel International, which was launched at ATM last year, has been developed to offer an array of unique and inspiring experiences to travellers seeking wellness, peace and health. With the debut of Māua Nusa Penida, Indonesia is now home to 75 properties under the SwissBelhotel International group.

Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, said: “Surrounded by serenity, Māua Nusa Penida, combines the elements of nature, wellness and authenticity to provide unique and meaningful ‘manuhiri’ (guest) experiences. With sustainability as a key focus, it is ideal for those seeking an escape from everyday life and looking for healthy rejuvenation in a calm and relaxing ambience. Thoughtfully curated earthfriendly amenities allow guests to have a balanced and healthier lifestyle.”

Nusa Penida is a small island located off the south-east coast of Bali, which is quickly becoming a popular attraction. This island paradise is a world away from high-paced city life and is just 40 minutes by speed boat from Sanur, Bali where visitors can explore the stunning vast highlands and roam around the spectacular beaches decorating the edges of the island. Beyond the hills and beaches, is the fantastic marine life breeding in the pristine seas encircling the island.

Inspired by the Maori culture of New Zealand, at the heart of the Māua brand are togetherness and openness that connects people with nature. The new property features 25 villas offering the perfect setting for forging a connection with beauty, romance, nature and island lifestyle. The property highlights natural elements by combining concrete modernist architecture, the original limestone terraces and Nusa Penida flora in iconic landscaped terraces and gardens that accentuate the natural beauty of the island.

The resort offers an elevated stay experience with a great mix of accommodation choices providing the ultimate relaxation.

There are a whole lot of activities for guests to enjoy at the resort, from cooking classes, yoga and meditation to relaxing at the spa. On site are Kowhai Restaurant and Aroha Bar, both of which are designed to offer uniquely crafted organic dishes and beverages that are both healthy and tantalising to the taste buds.

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New digital art centre unveiled in Saudi Arabia

Diriyah Art Futures

Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) has revealed its plans for the kingdom’s first art education centre dedicated to digital arts, which is now a burgeoning sector. The centre is due to be completed this year in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Culture.

Diriyah Art Futures will provide a platform for interaction between local and international artists, scientists, creatives, intellectuals and entrepreneurs across multiple industries through a dynamic centre for creative exchange.

Among other innovative and future-focused offerings, the centre will hold collaborative digital events known as ‘hackathons’, which will see developers, designers, communicators and other experts gather to intensively work on digital solutions.

Artist residencies and year-long educational curriculums focusing on the digital aspects of the art scene will also be a staple at Diriyah Art Futures, which will transform over 6,000 square metres of space in the desert into a museum featuring the latest fabrication and tool-based facilities for emerging artists. The centre will provide accommodation for artists in the heart of Saudi Arabia’s thriving cultural destination at Diriyah and offer a library, art store and café for tourists, the community and visiting artists alike.

Diriyah Art Futures will complement the nearby UNESCO World Heritagelisted At-Turaif, the mud-brick palaces that made up the kingdom’s first capital and centre of government.

Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO, Diriyah Gate Development Authority, said: “Saudi Arabia has a burgeoning scientific and digital art scene, which is an integral part of Riyadh’s artistic and cultural ecosystem. It is fitting that this new hub for contemporary culture will make its home in Diriyah, which is the cultural heart of Saudi Arabia’s past, present and future.

“The new building will be accessible, waste-free and designed in a contemporary style, which takes the best of the traditional Nadji architecture and brings new cultural, technological, and human richness to a long-settled historic area.”

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Meet us at ATM on stand HC0720

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

Eco-adventures with a difference

Based in an ancient ghaf tree forest, deep within the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve (DDCR), ecotourism and adventure company, Sand Sherpa, is exhibiting for the first time at Arabian Travel Market.

The company makes the wilderness in the UAE and beyond accessible to intrepid campers and explorers while teaching best practices in terms of preserving the natural environment and exploring the desert and mountains with minimal impact. Sand Sherpa is also the only authorised operator of self-drive safaris in the 225-square-kilometre DDCR.

Sand Sherpa’s guides are trained in conservation and off-road driving instruction with experience working in world-leading game reserves. They provide a unique insight into natural flora and fauna as part of the safari drives, nature walks and interactive birds of prey experiences that are a core component of their trips.

Sand Sherpa’s owners are Rob Nicholas and Pete Bergh. Nicholas has lived in the UAE for 34 years and has a passion for the natural landscapes of the region, having explored them for most of his life, and learned to drive in the desert when he was 12 years old; while his business partner, Bergh, also operates the region’s leading falconry business and has worked in the DDCR for over 20 years.

“So many people come to the UAE and don’t realise that there is an abundance of nature not very far from the city. We explore on designated tracks and set the example for best practices in the reserve, which represents five percent of Dubai’s desert. Our aim is for our adventurers to leave with a different approach to the other 95 percent and develop a true appreciation for the natural environment,” explained Bergh.

The company has brought along one of their camping trailers to ATM, complete with its penthouse suite rooftop tent, which is an impressive sight in the midst of Hall 1 opposite the Oman stand.

Sand Sherpa was inspired by the Himalayan mountaineers renowned

and introduced property management and training services for leading condominium developers in Thailand.

Recent notable openings include Dusit Thani Laguna Singapore, the first resort in Singapore with direct access to two championship golf courses, and ASAI Bangkok Chinatown, the first property under ASAI Hotels – Dusit’s new affordable lifestyle brand designed to link millennial travellers with authentic local experiences in the world’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.

In terms of new signings, Dusit has expanded to new key destinations, with its first hotels in Japan (Dusit Thani Kyoto and ASAI Kyoto) and India (Dusit Princess Serviced Suites Kolkata), all set to open next year.

Significant enhancements of its longest-running properties, such as Dusit Thani Hua Hin in Thailand, have also taken place in line with Dusit’s vision to position these hotels as dynamic and vibrant spaces that meet the lifestyle needs of all generations of travellers.

The most significant property in Dusit’s pipeline, the reimagined flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok, is also on the horizon – scheduled to open in mid-2024 – as part of Dusit Central Park, a landmark US$1.37 billion mixed-use development in the heart of the Thai capital. This highly anticipated project will also comprise ultra-luxury residences (Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside), a state-of-the-art office tower, a highend shopping mall and a large roof park, all expected to open by mid-2025.

The group’s property portfolio currently comprises 47 hotels operating under Dusit Hotels and Resorts (with five distinct brands) and 265 luxury villas under Elite Havens, the leading provider of luxury villa rentals in Asia, which was acquired in September 2018. This brings the portfolio to 312 properties (11,990 keys) operating across 16 countries and there are more than 50 hotels and resorts in the pipeline.

Elite Havens will be represented at ATM for the first time this year. This gives visitors a unique opportunity to discover more about the company’s bespoke services and private sanctuaries in awe-inspiring locations across India, Indonesia, Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and the Maldives.

for guiding and assisting adventurers in their quest to tackle the world’s toughest peaks. The company pays tribute by adopting their name and following their example as they guide their own adventurers into the deserts and mountains of the UAE and beyond.

Nicholas explained: “Sand Sherpa is only in our second season and has proven a tremendous success. We are here at Arabian Travel Market to encourage operators to book their visitors on experiences with us while also speaking to other potential destinations that are keen to add our unique brand of adventure to their offering.”

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Dusit International showcases new products

Dusit International is showcasing its expanding portfolio and range of new services and guest experiences at ATM. The group is also highlighting its response to the pandemic and how it reimagined its unique brand of Thai-inspired hospitality to deliver short-term financial improvement and long-term value for guests.

Dusit’s new concept, Devarana Wellness, is one of the developments to emerge from this approach. Specially designed to weave well-being elements throughout the stay, the concept addresses guests’ concerns, including destressing, detoxifying and enjoying a deep restorative sleep, by offering wellness activities, such as yoga, meditation and sound bath sessions.

Dusit has also introduced a new centralised corporate customer experience (CX) team tasked with ensuring that each of its properties is positioned to drive guest satisfaction by offering unique experiences beyond the standards and capabilities of the competition. Local collaborations and community-centric events and activities are central to this.

Despite the challenging business environment, Dusit expanded its operations globally over the past two years. The company opened nine new properties, signed an additional nine

Elite Havens - Villa Amanzi Kamala, Phuket

Sustainability and technology remain a key focus for Radisson

Caption Radisson Hotel Group has made a strong commitment to decarbonise its business by setting ambitious emission reduction targets to be net zero by 2050, in line with the SBTi Net-Zero Standard, as the group released its 2021 Responsible Business Report.

Building on its long heritage as a leading sustainable hotel group, the report outlines the company’s latest sustainability targets in line with its strategic five-year plan. These include its commitment to becoming net zero by 2050, accelerating the implementation of the cross-industry Pathway to Net Positive Hospitality and Hotel Sustainability Basics initiative and reaffirming the group’s commitment to ‘People, Community and Planet’ as an award-winning employer.

“In recent years, more travel and tourism operators have realised that sustainability is not only great for the environment but it makes good business sense, too. The pandemic has highlighted the importance of sustainability and responsible business, as well as the need for the hospitality industry to work together,” said Tim Cordon, Area Senior Vice President for the Middle East and Africa, Radisson Hotel Group

Technology, also, will take precedence for the group as, during the pandemic, technology helped businesses stay in touch with their audiences. Cordon believes that, in 2022, technology will become even more of an essential component of travel.

“The world has become accustomed to using apps for everything, from booking accommodation and ordering takeout to hailing a cab, and travel and hospitality companies will soon introduce the ability to order food or services via an app, just as the Radisson Hotels app does.

“Additionally, I predict that concierge services and virtual or augmented reality capabilities will allow guests to access support via messaging applications and take virtual tours of their hotels and attractions before they even step out of their home or onto an airplane.

“Already, Radisson+ allows our guests access to these types of services for a flexible, efficient and personalised experience. This builds on the Radisson RED hotels’ smartphone keyless entry and now allows guests at all Radisson hotels the ability to check in online and head straight to their rooms on arrival in the lobby without waiting in line, use our e-concierge and live chat functions to request in-room and other concierge services and make requests during their stay.”

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India promotes diverse tourism offering at ATM

India highlighted its diverse tourism offering during a press conference at ATM yesterday. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the ‘Incredible India’ brand, showcased the country’s various tourism destinations and products.

Rupinder Brar, Additional Director General at the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, said that the country’s efforts in the sector were geared towards positioning India as “a must-see, must-visit, 365-day destination”.

As a multi-faceted hub, India boasts a host of offerings that covers everything from culture, adventure and cruises to luxury, wellness, medical tourism and also MICE. Among up-and-coming states for tourism, the panel highlighted Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Sikkim, Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir and Chhattisgarh.

Moreover, to showcase the tourism potential in the north-east of India, Satpal Maharaj, Minister of Tourism, Government of Uttarakhand, highlighted the region’s pristine natural beauty and hidden gems that are becoming popular places for cine-tourism.

India resumed international flights in March 2022, following a gap of two years, restoring confidence in travellers. Now, the country hopes to attract foreign travellers to discover its many marvels and thus increase tourism footfall.