Travel Trade Weekly Issue 132

19 MAY 2012

ISSUE 132

19 MAY 2012

ISSUE 132

Swiss-Belhotel: Regional Expansion Swiss-Belhotel International is to significantly expand its presence in the Middle East.

Warwick International Hotels has opened two hotels in Jordan, marking the company’s debut in the Kingdom.

08 Qatar Airways Commences Flights to Croatia Qatar Airways celebrates the addition of its 30th European destination, Zagreb.

14 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

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WEEKLY NEWS

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ACCOMMODATION

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AIR NEWS

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WHO'S MOVED

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TRAVEL TALK

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AGENT'S CORNER

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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RENDEZVOUS

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NEWS & EVENTS

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Warwick Debuts in Jordan

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MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS

Jazeera Airways: Record Q1 Earnings Jazeera Airways Group closed the first quarter (Q1) of the year with a record net profit of KWD1.2 million (USD4.3 million), marking its seventh consecutive profitable quarter since Q3 2010.

Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou

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SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Brighite Ess Katerina Dalal DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

espite the global and regional challenges, the group’s net profit showed a robust 17.8 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2011, while, operating revenue reached KWD12.7 million (USD45.7 million), up 11.8 percent, and operating profit rose 25.5 percent to KWD2.3 million (USD8.3 million). Average yield grew 20.7 percent over Q1 2011.

“This is the first time in our history that we record seven straight quarters of profitability,” highlighted Marwan Boodai, chairman, Jazeera Airways Group. “Our strong performance clearly demonstrates the agility of the company’s business model, which continues to perform in the wake of increasing fuel costs and political turmoil in Syria.”

In line with the encouraging development of the Kuwaiti economy, the company’s outlook for the full year remains positive.

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

17/05/2012 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.04

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,505.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

63.05

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.58

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.70

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

12,270.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

213.32

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

75.37

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.26

STR Global: MEA Performs Well in March Data compiled by STR Global has revealed that the Middle East and Africa region's hospitality sector recorded positive performance results in March.

During the specified month, the entire region’s occupancy rates jumped 14.6 percent to reach 65.1 percent while its average daily rate increased 3.3 percent to earn USD175.33 and RevPAR rose 18.4 percent to gain USD114.07.

Highlights among the region’s key markets for March included a year-on-year rise in occupancy levels in Manama of 112.1 percent to reach 45.1 percent, said to be the highest reported increase in that metric, followed by Cairo with a 96.9 percent growth to achieve 45.7 percent occupancy, and Amman, rising 54.6 percent to result in 80.9 percent.

Additionally, Manama’s RevPAR propelled 143.1 percent to USD97.96, while Cairo's figures flourished by 81.3 percent reaching USD49.26. Meanwhile, with an increase of 54.7 percent Amman's RevPAR was USD118.81, while Beirut rose 42.1 percent to USD122.83.

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WEEKLY NEWS Big Bus Tours Enters Oman Big Bus Tours has announced the launch of its latest service, which, in partnership with Travel Point Oman, will provide visitors with an introduction to Oman's capital city.

Customers will be shown all the sites of Muscat, from the historic Muttrah Souk to the waters of the Gulf of Oman, panoramic mountain views, and traditional forts and palaces. The service will commence with a two-hour tour of the capital, departing at

STR Global: Saudi Arabia Outperforms GCC Peers The Saudi Arabian hospitality industry recorded solid gains in RevPAR for the first quarter (Q1) of the year, while other markets reported mixed results, based on data compiled by STR Global.

Following mostly positive 2011 year-end performance levels, Jeddah, Al Khobar, and Dubai continued to experience notable RevPAR improvements with a 30.8 percent, 18 percent, and 17.6 percent rise respectively. Jeddah is said to be the star performer as the city also benefitted from demand growth of 17.3 percent, while Al Khobar’s occupancy levels increased 13.4 percent versus the corresponding period in 2011, to reach 57.3 percent. Dubai, in the meantime, witnessed an 8.2 percent occupancy growth to reach 86.6 percent.

Furthermore, performance levels in other major regional markets such as Manama, Kuwait, Muscat, Doha, Riyadh, and Abu Dhabi, were affected by constant supply growth outpacing demand thus resulting in declining occupancy.

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intervals throughout each day from Muttrah Souk, with a dedicated tour guide available to provide commentary on valuable historical information and an insight into the ways and workings of the city. According to Mike Lees, general manager, Big Bus Tours, Dubai, this new service will provide the growing numbers of tourists in this destination with a great opportunity to discover the city and its history.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Accor Expands in Algeria Accor has reaffirmed its commitment to Algeria with the inauguration of Novotel Constantine and ibis Constantine.

The properties share a brand new purpose-built building in the heart of the third largest city of Algeria, nicknamed the ‘City of Suspended Bridges’. The establishment features 117 Novotel and 172 ibis rooms, as well as bars, restaurants, a fitness centre, and meeting rooms.

Sébastien Mary, director of operations, Algeria and Tunisia, Accor, commented, “The buzz around the ibis brand is spreading across the country, and will of course be enhanced by the deployment of the ibis megabrand project before the end of this year as well as by the construction of another Novotel/ibis combo with 240 rooms in Setif in summer 2013.”

HMH Reveals Three New Hotels Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) has introduced three new properties to its portfolio; two in the UAE and one in Oman.

Conveniently located in Deira Corniche, EWA Deira Dubai features 76 rooms and suites while EWA Hotel Ajman offers 72 one-bedroom apartments along with 36 two-bedroom apartments. EWA Mahdha Hotel, Oman, designed in resortstyle and situated in the heart of the mountains, provides guests with 48 rooms.

“EWA is a fantastic brand offering the right mix of facilities and services,” said Michel Noblet, president, HMH. “The mid-market accommodations remain a niche segment with very limited supply against significant demand. Of the vast supply of hotel accommodation of 210,000 hotel rooms in the Middle East region, the budget range accounts for a meager 3,000 rooms, while mid-scale a mere 11 percent thus offering massive opportunities. Our strategy is to expand more in this lucrative sector that holds an enormous potential for growth.”

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Warwick Debuts in Jordan

Warwick II Palazzo Hotel and Suites

Warwick International Hotels has opened two hotels in Jordan, marking the company’s debut in the Kingdom.

Representing the newest resort on the shores of the Dead Sea, Winter Valley Warwick Resort & Spa boasts 160 rooms and suites, three restaurants, a pool bar, kids club, and a spa. Having begun operations on the same day, the five-star Warwick II Palazzo

Hotel and Suites is situated in the heart of the capital city and features 78 units, including 24 suites, an Italian restaurant, a sky bar, a wine and cigar bar, swimming pool, and a fully-equipped gym.

Further strengthening the company’s presence in the region, Warwick Pangea Beach Resort and Spa in Lebanon is scheduled to welcome its first guests on May 25.

Swiss-Belhotel: Regional Expansion Swiss-Belhotel International is to significantly expand its presence in the Middle East with the addition of four new properties to its regional portfolio.

Reinforcing its trust in the continued economic growth of Oman, the company is to unveil a 32-room boutique property, The Beach Bay Hotel by Swiss-Belhotel Muscat, as well as the 95-room SwissBelexpress Muscat in the first quarter of 2013.

Marking the group’s foray into Saudi Arabia, Swiss-Belresort & Spa Sharma in the emerging region of Tabuk, is being developed in phases; the first of which includes the main hotel building, expected to be launched later this year.

Completing the quartet, Swiss-Belhotel Erbil, Iraq, a 108-key town centre property is also due to welcome its first guests in 2013.

Based on the success of the company’s operating properties in Kuwait and Qatar, the Middle East represents a focal point for its future expansion, emphasised Gavin Faull, president, Swiss-Belhotel International.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Expands in the Middle East Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide’s 100 top global executives recently met in Dubai for the company’s annual leadership conference, marking the first time the event was held in the Middle East, and underscoring the importance of the region as one of the hotel group’s fastest growing markets.

In another bold move to emphasise the company’s approach to cultivating a more global culture, the group recently announced that it will relocate its US-based headquarters to the Middle East in 2013 for a month-long managerial endeavour. With this move, the team will delve into the company’s extensive operations throughout the Middle East, meeting with regional customers, partners, developers and owners, while also touring new properties.

In addition, the hotel group has outlined plans to unveil another five new properties in Dubai by 2017, debuting the W and St. Regis brands in the emirate.

Southern Sun to Open in Abu Dhabi Southern Sun Middle East is to launch a new property in Abu Dhabi in mid-2013 with the aim of catering to business and leisure travellers alike.

Occupying a prime location in the business district of the UAE capital, the four-star hotel will provide guests with an array of facilities, including restaurants, a reflection pond, a roof-top gym, and pool deck.

The African hospitality group’s announcement comes five years after the launch of its two flagship properties in Downtown Dubai, namely Southern Sun Al Mazil and Qamardeen Hotels, which have both established successful positions as deluxe four-star hotels.

Founded in 1969, Southern Sun Hotels has now over four decades of experience in providing hospitality to its guests, boasting an extensive portfolio in South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, Seychelles, Tanzania, and Mozambique.

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Accommodation

TIME to Manage Egyptian Resort TIME Hotels Management has secured the management contract for an Egyptian Nile resort with plans to upgrade it to a deluxe four-star status.

Under the terms of the deal, the 79-room boutique hotel will forthwith operate under the name TIME Tuthotel and will soon undergo a complete refurbishment that will take its total inventory to 161 rooms. The property, which oversees the River Nile, is expected to be fully-operational by the end of the year.

“Located in Luxor, away from the noise and chaos of Egypt’s big cities, TIME Tuthotel will offer leisure travellers a tranquil retreat with stunning views of ‘the great river’,” Mohamed Awadalla, area vice president, TIME Hotels Management, commented, adding that the property’s location will allow guests to participate in various activities, including Nile cruises, as well as Luxor and Kaman temple day-trips.

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Paramount Pictures Enters Hospitality Following a century of success on the silver screen, Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC) is to make its debut in the hospitality industry and bring Hollywood glamour to the Middle East.

Already in active development by PHR LLC, which secured an exclusive, long-term agreement with Paramount Licensing, the licensing division of PPC, the project is aimed at establishing a chain of Paramount-branded hotels and resorts around the world, including Oman, Qatar, and the UAE, in the region.

The new brand envisions to deliver the ultimate in ‘star-treatment’ for guests with studio-inspired entertainment and other world-class amenities.

“Our goal is to deliver on the expectations of the brand with experiences that are ‘unmissable, unforgettable, and unmistakable,’” said Thomas van Vliet, CEO, PHR LLC.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Cristal Hotels and Resorts: Three New Hotels Cristal Hotels and Resorts is to expand its network with the opening of three new hotels this summer.

The company, which already operates two properties in Abu Dhabi, will soon debut in Lebanon, Iraq, and Union of Comoros, announced Peter Blackburn, president, Cristal Hotels and Resorts.

Located in the centre of Zahle, 45km from Beirut, the landmark Cristal Grand Hotel Kadri will offer 83 rooms and suites while Cristal

Canyon Hotel, located just 10 minutes from Erbil International Airport, Iraq, will comprise 93 rooms and suites.

Marking the company’s debut outside the region, Cristal Itsandra Beach Hotel, Union of Comoros, will be situated on a rocky outcrop upon a sandy beach, and is set to feature 36 rooms and chalets.

All three properties will provide facilities to cater to both corporate and leisure guests.

Steigenberger to Sail across the Nile In an unprecedented attempt, Steigenberger Hotel Group is to begin operating three luxury cruise ships on the River Nile and Lake Nasser, Egypt, as of October.

The cruise ships Steigenberger Minerva and Steigenberger Legacy will operate on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan in three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries, while the Omar El Khayam will operate on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel in three- and four-night cruises. All three luxury vessels, which have recently been constructed, offer passenegrs some 80 cabins, including suites, a range of restaurants, and swimming pools.

In co-operation with the Cairo-based company Travcotels, which operates 20 cruise ships, making it the largest cruise provider in Egypt, the new ships will enable the Frankfurt-based Steigenberger Hotels to supplement the range of hospitality venues it provides in the North African country where it already has four five-star hotels in Hurghada, Luxor, and El Gouna.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air News

Jet Airways Boosts its UAE Connectivity Jet Airways has enhanced its operations to the UAE, through the introduction of a fourth daily service between Mumbai and Dubai.

Having commenced operations on May 18, this new service complements the three flights already being operated by Jet Airways on the Mumbai-Dubai route, as well as the daily direct services to Dubai from Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

According to Sudheer Raghavan, chief commercial officer, Jet Airways, the airline has already established itself as a prestigious brand in the intensely competitive Indo-Gulf sector, in a relatively short period of time, on accord of the warmth of its service and quality of its in-flight product. “The new flight will also help in connecting our guests flying in from Tier II and III cities following an increased demand due to the flow of tourist and business traffic to and from Dubai,” he concluded.

Etihad Airways Expands Ethiopia and India Networks Etihad Airways is set to add Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, and Ahmedabad, India, to its rapidly growing network, as of November, commencing with five-weekly flights and daily services respectively.

In 2013, the UAE-based airline will serve the Ethiopian city daily which, together with the introduction of Ahmedabad, will expand Etihad Airways’ reach to 86 passenger and cargo destinations around the world. The new service to Ahmedabad will offer nearly 1,000 seats a week into the Guajarati city and the November launch will coincide with the beginning of the peak travel season in India.

James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, commented, “Addis Ababa and Ahmedabad are economic centres in their respective countries and daily flights to Abu Dhabi will build greater ties with the UAE’s capital as it continues to invest in world-class development projects and attract business and leisure travellers.”

Qatar Airways Commences Flights to Zagreb Qatar Airways has celebrated the launch of its 30th European destination with daily scheduled flights to the Croatian capital, Zagreb.

Addressing guests at the inaugural ceremony, Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, said he was delighted to celebrate Qatar Airways’ long-awaited arrival into Croatia. “Our new daily air link between my home city of Doha and Zagreb is further testament to Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding our presence in Europe. Over the past 18 months we have grown our footprint significantly in Europe, and I am very pleased to say that today Zagreb becomes Qatar Airways’ 30th destination on the continent, 114th overall worldwide, and the first route linking Croatia with the Gulf.”

Further commenting on the launch, Tonči Peović, general manager, Zagreb Airport, added, “We are happy and proud that Zagreb has became part of the network of destinations of Qatar Airways. The carrier is one of the leading airlines in the world, a welcome partner to every airport, and we see their arrival as the confirmation that our airport is on the right course of development.”

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WEEKLY NEWS

Etihad Airways and Royal Air Maroc Establish Partnership Etihad Airways has announced a reciprocal frequent flyer agreement with codeshare partner Royal Air Maroc.

The partnership will allow Etihad Guest members to earn and redeem Etihad Guest Miles when flying on Royal Air Maroc to an additional 74 destinations in Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America. Members of the Royal Air Maroc Safar Frequent Flyer programme will also be able to earn and redeem Safar Flyer Miles on Etihad Airways flights.

Both Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, and Abderrafia Zouiten, deputy executive officer, Royal Air Maroc, expressed delight for this joint effort which will offer a plethora of opportunities to loyal guests and more ways in which to earn and burn miles, simultaneously strengthening the joint will of both carriers to extend the cooperation field, as Zouiten highlighted.

Air News

Emirates Intensifies its Commitment to Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia will receive a 12 percent boost in Emirates’ services this year, as the airline increases its commitment to the country with Jeddah and Riyadh benefitting from the added flights as of June 1 and August 1 respectively.

Three extra services to Riyadh together with four additional frequencies to Jeddah are set to offer passengers an increased capacity of 1,722 seats in each direction per week.

Commenting on the airline’s loyalty to the Kingdom, Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial operations, Gulf, Middle East, and Iran, Emirates, said, “Emirates has ambitious growth plans in Saudi Arabia and these added frequencies are an integral part of our long-term strategy. The domestic growth within Saudi Arabia is staggering. Over 31 percent of all construction projects within the Middle East are in progress within the Kingdom and this 12 percent capacity increase will enable Emirates to capitalise on this growth, whilst supporting the country’s burgeoning economic development.”

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Air News

EGYPTAIR Offers New Product

EGYPTAIR

EGYPTAIR has introduced its newest product, EGYPTAIR Holidays, helping customers to discover the attractions of the North African country.

According to Hossam Kamal, chairman, EGYPTAIR Holding Company, EGYPTAIR Holidays is one of the key projects adopted by the company in a bid to promote tourism to the country, and it offers a wide range of programmes for customers to choose from.

Virgin Atlantic Adds Daily Service Virgin Atlantic Airways has announced a fourth daily service between London Heathrow Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York City, providing a seamless connection with its Dubai route.

Commencing on October 28, the service will allow connecting passengers greater flexibility to change onto other flights including to Delhi, Accra, and numerous African destinations. Commenting on the latest addition, Brad West, country manager, UAE, Virgin Atlantic, said, “The introduction of this fourth daily service offers passengers a smooth journey from Dubai to London Heathrow and across the Atlantic to New York.”

Lufthansa: 30 Years in Cyprus This year marks Lufthansa’s 30-year anniversary since it first launched non-stop flights to the coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus. To celebrate three decades of success, the German airline recently organised a party dedicated to its highly-esteemed customers and partners, at the Hilton Park Hotel, Nicosia.

According to Carsten Schaeffer, vice president, sales and services, Southeast Europe, Africa and Middle East, Lufthansa, Cyprus has long been a haven of stability, both politically and economically, and has been a reliable attribute to the airline’s results since it first landed on the island in 1982.

Throughout 2011, the German airline carried nearly 117,360 passengers to and from the Mediterranean island and according to Patrick Borg Hedley, general manager, Cyprus, Lufthansa, the outlook for the current year remains positive. “For the summer, an increase in the number of passenger bookings has already been registered compared to 2011, of Paulo Yoshikawa, general manager, incoming as well as outgoGreece and Cyprus (left), Patrick Borg Hedley, ing passengers,” he said.

Carsten Schaeffer

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Air Arabia Launches Flights to Taif Air Arabia is to introduce weekly services to Taif, Saudi Arabia, from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah, UAE, as of June 2.

Highlighting, in particular, the business opportunities in the kingdom, Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, commented, “Given the strong economies and the commercial demand for air travel between the two countries, we are confident that the new service will offer our customers a new option for affordable air travel and a great connectivity to the wider MENA region.”

WHO'S MOVED

Rami Serhal Rami Serhal has been appointed executive assistant manager at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island, UAE. Serhal joined InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2000 as chief concierge for InterContinental Hotel, Phoenicia. During his 12 years with IHG, he has shown great dedication to

the success of the company and the properties which led him to his most recent position as front office manager at InterContinental Abu Dhabi.

Serhal now looks forward to continuing his successful career with yet another brand and hotel within the IHG family.

Mark Kirk Mark Kirk has been named general manager of ShangriLa’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa, Oman.

Kirk returns to the Sultanate after having worked in the same position at Shangri La’s Boracay Resort and Spa in the Philippines.

Previously, he was also a member of the pre-opening team of his current property as resident manager between 2005 and 2007, before moving to the UAE to take on the general man-

19 MAY 2012

ager role at Traders Hotel, Dubai, a position he held until 2009.

Kirk, whose foundation is in the culinary arts and food and beverage, boasts 30 years of experience in the hotel industry, started his career in London.

He has later held various positions in Scotland, France, Thailand, Malaysia, China, the Philippines, as well as Taipei before transferring to the Middle East to continue his career.

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Jabir Ali Jabir Ali has been named country manager for Abu Dhabi at Gulf Air. With an aviation career spanning over two decades, Ali brings a wealth of experience to his new role. He has previously worked at a number of locations throughout Asia and the Middle East, and has an in-depth

knowledge of the UAE as well as the regional market.

During his extensive career he has also covered various management roles within Bahrain's Gulf Air, having previously served as sales manager for the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, prior to his relocation to the UAE capital.

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

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Walid Al-Awa

Tamas Fazekas

General manager, Tamani Hotel Marina.

General manager, Ramada Sharjah.

“We are delighted to be voted as the “Best Environmental Hotel” [at the MENA Travel Awards 2012] by seasoned luxury and business travellers.

The award is a clear endorsement of the superior green values we have adapted in the hotel, strong commitment to a long term plan to saving energy and reducing the carbon footprint, and excellent service standards of Tamani Hotel Marina.”

“Winning the [Best Deluxe Hotel Apartment award at the Sharjah Tourism Excellence Awards] is a testament to the efforts of the whole team.

Our unwavering commitment to providing a great and consistent service as well as our innovative promotions have allowed us to enjoy high occupancy rates throughout the year so this is just icing on the cake.”

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AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT'S INSIGHT NAME: Steve Byrne POSITION: CEO COMPANY: Travel Counsellors LOCATION: UK WEB: www.travelcounsellors.co.uk Who are you?

I am the CEO of Travel Counsellors. I have worked in the travel industry for over 10 years and believe passionately in businesses being there to change people’s lives for the better and in putting clients at the heart of everything we do.

Having recently launched our seventh international division in Dubai, Travel Counsellors offers the opportunity for experienced, customer service-focused professionals to run their own leisure and corporate travel business from their home office. Each individual agent, known as a travel counsellor, is supported by awardwinning technology and a team of over 200 full time office staff who handle all administration, allowing them to concentrate on what they love doing best – providing the upmost care for their customers.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

The opportunity to meet and work with fantastic people, and experience a wealth of different countries and cultures.

When is the best time to visit the UK? The spring and summer months from April to August see the most sunshine. However, if you do get caught in a rain shower there is still plenty to do. Britain is packed with historic monuments, royal palaces, and some of the world's top museums.

Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?

It has to be Italy for the food, culture, and scenery and California for the family as my daughters are convinced they will bump into a movie star.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

Travel Counsellors’ customers benefit from having their own personal travel counsellor who takes pride in getting to know their clients and providing them with the highest possible levels of service and taking care of all their travel requirements, down to the last detail.

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Travelport Strengthens Ties with easyJet Travelport and easyJet have signed a new agreement which is set to further grow the presence of the UK’s largest airline on the company’s global distribution systems (GDS).

The revised plan, built on the two entities’ initial agreement signed in 2007, brings the airline’s content to all Galileo-connected agency customers and Travelport Universal API users, and offers enhanced functionality that improves the booking process for agents.

Commenting on the advanced services, Andrew Hodges, director of sales, distribution and business, easyJet, said, “Travelport’s extensive global footprint provides us with an efficient distribution channel for distributing our popular low-fares, including the Flexi fare, especially to the managed corporate travel market.” Will Owen Hughes, senior airline director, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, added, “This revised agreement extends the scope of the distribution we are able to provide easyJet as we harness our technology investment to facilitate the sale of airline products and meet their changing needs.”

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TRAVEL CHANNELS Korea Sings Its Own Praises

Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Dubai, participated at this year’s Arabian Travel Market (ATM) with a larger presence than 2011.

Showcasing its products at the ATM for the 10th consecutive year, KTO's professionals, including tour operators, hoteliers, and government officials from provinces across Korea, had the opportunity to meet and interact with other fellow tourism trade experts.

In 2011, Korea welcomed some 10 million tourists, versus approximately 8.8 million in 2010. Seunghyun Hwang, regional director, Dubai office, KTO, attributed these satisfying figures to the ongoing VISITKOREA campaign 2010-2012, and expects to accomplish the authority’s objective of receiving more than 10 million tourists before the end of the campaign.

Moreover, GCC tourist arrivals in 2011 increased 48.9 percent from 2010, with Saudi arrivals to the country having recorded a growth of 87.2 percent. Meanwhile, travellers from the UAE rose 21.5 percent and Kuwaiti visitors were up 20.3 percent.

IATA: Global Traffic Results The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced the global traffic results for March showing that total passenger demand rose 7.6 percent.

International air travel grew 9.6 percent compared to the corresponding month in 2011, while capacity climbed five percent, resulting in a load factor of 77.7 percent, up 3.2 percentage points.

European airlines recorded the strongest traffic growth among the major regions with demand up 8.8 percent yearon-year on a 4.1 percent increase in capacity, while load factor rose to 78.5 percent.

Furthermore, Middle East airlines demand jumped 20.9 percent on a 12.4 percent rise in capacity, propelling load factors to 78.7 percent, while African airlines reported a 14.3 percent rise in traffic and a 10.7 percent increase in capacity, resulting in a load factor of 64.8 percent.

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Stefan Viard Staying true to its name and core values, The Address Dubai Mall has established itself as a hotel offering much more than just accommodation. Stefan Viard, hotel manager, The Address Dubai Mall, talks about creating impeccable experiences and the destination’s ever-changing face.

Travel Trade Weekly: The hotel was earlier awarded the ‘Middle East’s Leading Shopping Destination Hotel’ at the World Travel Awards 2011. How do you uphold these standards?

the forefront of the hospitality industry.

From the food and beverage options to the services, we strive day-in and day-out to ensure that we can customise each individual’s experience at the hotel.

Stefan Viard: The Address Dubai Mall focuses on a distinct strategy that sets its standards apart, including location, service, and providing tangible guest benefits.

We are linked directly to The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, and centrally situated in Downtown Dubai. This provides the unparalleled advantage of being part of one of Dubai’s most vibrant lifestyle destinations, described as ‘The Centre of Now,’ for all our visitors. Being comfortably located in the midst of the city’s most upbeat tourist landmarks, further allows us to set our benchmark in terms of location advantage.

Our second pillar, service, is of utmost importance, as it is the most crucial quality of our guest approach. At The Address Dubai Mall we ensure that our service standards surpass the highest customer expectations.

The final, and the benchmark, of our entire strategy is the focus to provide our visitors with tangible guest benefits. As a property under The Address Hotels + Resorts group, we understand how important it is to provide true value for our guests.

Stefan Viard

Travel Trade Weekly: What do you believe makes The Address Dubai Mall unique?

Stefan Viard: At every mode, we continue to enhance and develop the services offered by The Address Dubai Mall, to ensure that we remain at

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Hotel manager, The Address Dubai Mall

Dubai. Of late, we see significant interest from Chinese tourists too.

Travel Trade Weekly: Based on your experience, what do travellers typically look for when staying at such prestigious hotels?

Stefan Viard: Personally, we believe that the one thing that any kind of traveller looks for, whether they are staying at a luxury hotel or a resort, is the unparalleled sense of comfort that every vacation is supposed to bring with it.

However, with luxury hotels, the average scale of comfort is not enough. When staying at a prestigious hotel, guests expect a 'home-awayfrom-home' experience, which is what the majority of hotels continuously endeavour to do.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your expectations for the remainder of the year?

We provide a vast array of service packages to visitors interested in a recreational lifestyle, to those who choose to spend their vacation in the divine retail offerings of Dubai.

At The Address Dubai Mall, we provide a one-stop-shop experience, offering guests everything under one roof.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are the property’s top source markets?

Stefan Viard: The hotel’s main feeder markets spread from the GCC, to the Indian subcontinent, and Europe, and this reflects the demographic trends of the tourism sector of

Stefan Viard: Dubai has firmly established itself as the ultimate tourist destination, be it in the Middle East, or in the world. With interest and curiosity in experiencing what the city has to offer tourists rising, we are confident that Dubai will continue to draw in visitors from all walks of life, and from cities across the globe. This is reflected in trade statistics: Dubai, in 2011, welcomed more than 9.3 million visitors, and Dubai International recorded about 51 million passenger arrivals.

Bearing that in mind, our main expectation for the remainder of the year is to continue to underscore The Address Dubai Mall’s credentials as a provider of world-class hospitality and leisure services. Building on this, we will continue to strive to enhance our brand name among guests from established and emerging markets.

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NEWS & EVENTS

COTTM 2012: Bigger and Better than 2011 China Outbound Travel & Tourism Market (COTTM) 2012, which recently took place in Beijing, saw 275 exhibitors from 60 different countries showcase their destinations and travel services to more than 4,000 leading outbound tour operators from across the country.

COTTM 2012 welcomed brand new destinations such as Armenia, Cameroon, Ecuador, Montenegro, Serbia, Nepal, Seychelles, and the Solomon Islands. Furthermore, a number of destinations made a welcome return to COTTM such as Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Dubai, Ethiopia, and Iran, demonstrating the global reach of the show.

In order to meet the demand for luxury travel, COTTM 2012 launched the Luxury Travel Showcase, which proved to be an ideal way for qualified visitors to instantly find high-end travel services and discover more about what luxury travel has to offer the Chinese outbound market.

DTCM Unveils New Hotel Classification Checklists As part of the new Classification Scheme, the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the soft launch of the new Hotel Classification Checklists for all categories.

Jointly developed by DTCM and the emirate’s tourism industry, the classification framework was designed to meet all consumer needs and facilitate further marketing of the destination, explained Majid Al Marri, director of classification, DTCM. The Classification Scheme and the checklists in particular are set to increase the emirate’s guest accommodation portfolio and encourage diversity in line with the international standards. The framework was developed by undertaking a number of steps and the initiative includes the introduction of new categories of accommodation and grading levels, automation of a new grading process, the launch of overnight assessments as well as self assessment processes and a designator programme, as well as the introduction of the Accolodate Programme, a new customer care centre, and a classification software.

EVENTS Made in Korea Expo (MIK) Abu Dhabi, UAE, May 21, 2012 (www.mikexhibtion.com) The only exhibition in the MENA region to showcase Korea and its entire splendor, opening up a plethora of new opportunities and possibilities.

Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) Beijing, China, June 15 – 17, 2012 (www.bitechina.com.cn) A tourism event that showcases destinations, tourism attractions, travel packages, products, and services.

Airport Show Dubai, UAE, May 22 – 24, 2012 (www.theairportshow.com) A vital link to the region's industry, providing industry insights and expertise covering all aspects of airport construction and operations.

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibitions (AIBTM) Baltimore, US, June 19 – 21, 2012 (www.aibtm.com) A leading exhibition for the meetings and events industry, bringing together professionals from all around the world.

IMEX Frankfurt, Germany, May 22 – 24, 2012 (www.imex-frankfurt.com) The show where the global meetings industry continues to do business while maximising connections and networking opportunities.

China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) Beijing, China, September 12 – 14, 2012 (www.cibtm.com) China’s leading meetings, incentives, and business travel show providing the ultimate platform for the world’s top suppliers to the MICE industry.

International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong, June 14 – 17, 2012 (www.itehk.com) A travel fair with impressive profiles of international exhibitors, buyers, and regional trade visitors.

PATA Travel Mart Manila, Philippines, September 25 – 28, 2012 (www.pata.org/events/pata-travel-mart-2012) Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show offering networking and contracting opportunities for hundreds of international buyers and sellers.

19 MAY 2012