Middle East and North Africa Edition
oMAn BRAnDED oman has officially launched a new destination branding campaign. officials say the promotion was designed to reconcile oman’s modern focus on sporting and other events with its heritage and natural attractions.
An investment of USD368 million over the next three years has been committed to preserve and protect nine of Egypt’s most iconic hotels under a new brand – Historic Hotels of Egypt.
3 unwto’S uPDAtE According to the world tourism organisation (unwto), global tourism arrivals have reached, and surpassed, the record highs seen in the pre-crisis year of 2008. However, the organisation is calling on governments to place greater emphasis on tourism as the world begins to recover.
13 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events noVEMBER 13, 2010
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Egypt’s
Historic Hotels
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Editor Laura warne Deputy Editor Louis Dillon Savage
Taameer Investment Transforms to Closed Shareholding Company Shareholders and senior executives at Oman’s Taameer Investment Company have chosen to transform Taameer from a limited liability company to a closed shareholding company, with permitted capital value of OMR40 million (USD104 million).
Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Marianna tsiamas Dimitris Thomaidis Directors Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi Headquarters P.o. Box 25255 nicosia 1308 Cyprus tel: +35722820888 Fax: +35722318958 Website www.traveltradeweekly.travel Emails info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel
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uleiman Masoud Al-Harthy, CEo of taameer Investment Company, explained: “This transformation came in time with the sultanate’s development and in line with the country’s fortieth national day celebration… and our positive expectations on the future of the national economy, which we must tie together to achieve the expected growth across various investment activities, noting the strong financial position of the company and the strong ambitions to achieve
the objectives of the shareholders.” taameer Investment’s real estate portfolio includes a number of shopping malls, hotels, resorts and other tourism and hospitality projects. The company was established in 2006 as part of a joint collaboration between Muscat’s Golden Group of Companies; Kuwait’s Shamiya Real Estate Investment of Dakheel Al Jassar and Sons Group; and a group of strategic partners from the GCC, led by First Investment Company, based in Kuwait.
Taameer Investment, shareholders and executives
Air Arabia’s Net Profit Down, Turnover Up
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 11/11/2010 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the uS Dollar COUNTRY uAE (AED) Egypt (EGP) Saudi Arabia (SAR) Lebanon (LBP) Bahrain (BHD) Jordan ( JoD) Syria (SYP) Kuwait (KwD) Qatar (QAR) oman (oMR) tunisia (tnD) Morocco (MAD) Iran (IRR) Yemen (YER) Algeria (DZD) Libya (LYD)
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
1USD= 3.69 5.75 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.6 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.41 8.19 10,380 214.02 73.76 1.21
Third quarter results for Air Arabia show substantial increases in passengers, turnover and seat load factors, despite a slight drop in net profit compared to 2009. net profit for the three months ending September 30, 2010 stood at AED136 million (uSD37 million) – a 5.6 percent decline on last year’s performance. However, turnover rose by four percent compared to 2009, reaching AED568 million (uSD154.67 million). Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia, said the results were positive and sustainable, despite continued challenging market conditions. “Air Arabia continues to post sustained quarterly profits with a high seat load factor and rising passenger traffic, demonstrating the strength of Air Arabia’s business model and long-term expansion strategy,” he said. Also during the third quarter of 2010, Air Arabia took delivery of the first order of 44 A320 aircraft, ordered during 2007 and 2008. “The delivery of the first of our 44 aircraft is a milestone in the history of the region’s largest low cost carrier, allowing us to further strengthen our operations,” said Al Thani. noVEMBER 13, 2010
Beauty Lives in Oman, Say Destination Marketers Oman has officially launched a new destination branding campaign. The campaign centres around a logo that represents Oman and the tag line: Beauty Has an Address.
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ohammed Al toobi, undersecretary of tourism in oman, said the promotion was designed to reconcile oman’s modern focus on sporting and other events with its heritage and natural attractions. “The campaign's overriding message is to demonstrate how the sultanate sees its unique hallmark programme of arts, sports and cultural events as a reflection of oman's heritage, cultural and natural attributes,” he said. “our campaign showcases the unprecedented calendar of arts, sports
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and cultural events coinciding with oman's fortieth anniversary.”
Our campaign showcases [an] unprecedented calendar of arts, sports and cultural events The campaign will focus on oman’s key markets, as well as important emerging demographics; it will run in the uK, Germany, France, The netherlands, Belgium, Russia, the GCC, India and Australia. The promotion will be rolled out in two
overlapping phases; the first, to run from november, 2010 to January, 2011, will focus on raising awareness of oman as a destination. The second will focus on the promotion of special travel packages between December, 2010 and April, 2011.
Oman
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Middle East Sweeps World Travel Awards Once again the Middle Eastern travel industry, especially from the UAE, has made a strong showing in the grand finals of the World Travel Awards.
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he Middle East has claimed 17 awards, including the front position in several big ticket categories. Abu Dhabi performed strongly, receiving recognition for its tourism authority, Abu Dhabi tourism Authority (ADtA, which was awarded the world’s leading tourism board), and national airline, Etihad (world’s leading airline and world’s leading first class). Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, director general of ADtA, said his organisation’s award reflected the combined efforts of Abu Dhabi’s tourism industry. “It is as much an award for Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism sector as it is for the
authority, as we now work so closely together that we can very much be viewed as one,” he said. Established and new hotels in the emirate were also rewarded, with Emirates Palace chosen as the world’s leading meetings and conference hotel, while Yas Hotel took the gong for best new hotel.
It is as much an award for Abu Dhabi’s expanding tourism sector as it is for the authority Despite Abu Dhabi’s growing prominence, Dubai remained the uAE’s star performer
in the awards, topping the podium in 10 categories. Awards claimed by the emirate included world’s leading: hotel and presidential suite (Burj Al Arab); serviced apartments (Grosvenor House); shopping centre hotel and leisure hotel (Kempinski Mall of the Emirates); beach resort (Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort and Spa); travel management company (Dnata); tourism development (Burj Khalifa); landmark hotel (The Address Downtown); and cruise port. outside the uAE, Al Faisaliah Centre in Saudi Arabia was tapped as the best mixed use development, while Regency travel and tours from Qatar was picked as the world’s leading travel agency.
Qatar Industry Gets Behind the 2022 Ball In an attempt to stimulate support for its 2022 FIFA world Cup Bid, Qatar has launched a promotional travel package with the co-operation of industry players within the country. Grand Hyatt Doha, Doha Marriott Hotel, Grand Regency Doha and Ramada Plaza Doha are participating in the packages, which have been arranged by Qatar tourism Authority (QtA), and are to be sold by Qatar Airways Holidays. Ahmed Al nuaimi, chairman of QtA, said the scheme would encourage travellers to spend 48 hours in Doha, to develop awareness of the city’s attractions and build hype for its world Cup bid.
Local residents essentially become ambassadors for Qatar to international visitors Visitors taking advantage of the packages will receive promotional material from Qatar’s 2022 bid committee. “Combining QtA’s 48 hours campaign with the country’s bid to host the FIFA 2022 world Cup will raise the excitement around our bid,” nuaimi said. nuaimi noted that the programme was aimed mostly at domestic and regional travellers. “A strong culture of domestic tourism is important to our longterm strategy, as local residents essentially become ambassadors for Qatar to international visitors,” he said. 4
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- Accommodation
Egypt Commits USD368m to Historic Hotels Restoration Nine of Egypt’s most iconic hotels have been drawn together under a new brand – Historic Hotels of Egypt.
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n investment of uSD368 million over the next three years has been committed to preserve and protect the hotels; the investment will come from the Holding Company for tourism, Hotels and Cinema (HotAC) and its subsidiary, the Egyptian General Company for tourism and Hotels (EGotH). HotAC and EGotH will renovate 1,277 existing rooms and construct 320 new rooms across the nine properties, which have been chosen for their historical and architectural value. The Historic Hotels of Egypt include: n Cairo Marriott Hotel and omar Khayyam Casino; a former royal palace built in 1869.
n Mena House oberoi, located at the foot
and now managed by Sofitel.
of the great Pyramid and built in 1869. n The Shepheard Hotel; built in 1841 and to be managed by Rocco Forte Luxury Collection following its renovation. n The nile Ritz-Carlton Cairo, which is currently closed for renovation and is set to re-open in 2013. n The old Cataract, Aswan, built in 1899 and currently closed for total renovation, to be re-opened in mid-2011. Managed by Sofitel. n The winter Palace, Luxor, built in 1886 and now managed by Sofitel. n The Luxor Hotel, a boutique hotel currently under renovation, set to re-open in 2013. n The Palestine Hotel, Alexandria, built to host the Arab League Summit in the 1950s. n Cecil Hotel, Alexandria, built in 1929
HotAC and EGotH have already spent uSD260 million on renovations across the portfolio of properties. Aly Abdel Aziz, CEo of HotAC, said the establishment of Historic Hotels of Egypt was important for the future of the hotel industry in Egypt. “These historic buildings have now been protected by the government and will never be sold to outside investors,” he said. “As part of this commitment, these properties will undergo total renovation to bring them back to their former glory, whilst conserving their original features. “we will closely manage these historic assets to ensure that sales are increased and we are able to compete with Egypt’s growing private sector.”
Green Hotel Leaders Review Best Practices Dubai Department of tourism and Commerce Marketing (DtCM) joined forces with winners of the Dubai Green tourism Award 2010 this week to review best practices in the hotel sector. winners shared their experiences and suggestions with more than 250 decision makers from the tourism industry and government departments. Eyad Ali Abdul Rahman, executive director of the media relations division and business development for DtCM said the meeting was designed to promote the ideals of the award. “It was also a way to motivate non-winning hotels to work harder and make their facilities more environmentally friendly, enabling them to improve their standings in the next edition of the award,” he said.
It was also a way to motivate non-winning hotels to work harder “By honouring top performing hotels, DtCM seeks to recognise the efforts they have exerted to improve their level of services and environmental systems.” The meeting also featured several workshops, where hotel representatives presented various ways to save energy and discussed the role of management and employees in creating a healthy working environment. 6
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- Accommodation
TDIC on Track to Deliver Six New Hotels in 2011 Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) is set to add 1,600 hotel rooms and residences to the emirate in 2011, with six new hotels scheduled to open.
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he pipeline includes a number of new introductions to Abu Dhabi, with the St Regis and Rocco Forte Collection brands both making their debut. Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, managing director of tDIC and director general of Abu Dhabi tourism Authority (ADtA) said the new properties would contribute to ADtA’s goal of attracting more than 2.3 million hotel visitors to the emirate by 2012. “Abu Dhabi has strategically attracted a first-class portfolio of unique hospitality brands that will cater to a variety of international and domestic travellers,”
said Al Muhairi. “The first eight months of this year witnessed a 15 percent increase in the number of hotel guests compared to the same period in 2009, and with the staging of key events and the opening of new museums, arts and sports venues, along with the attraction of desert culture and beach lifestyle, Abu Dhabi is an increasingly appealing destination.” tDIC and its partners have already completed six hotels in Abu Dhabi, including Qasr Al Sarab; Desert Islands Resort and Spa; Shangri-La Hotel; traders Hotel; Park Rotana and Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. Lee tabler, CEo of tDIC, said Saadiyat
Island would be a cornerstone of the company’s future growth. “By continuing to deliver a series of unique hotels, tDIC, along with its partners, is building on the success of the past four years, delivering a solid hospitality infrastructure that will support our flagship museum projects on Saadiyat Island as they move ahead on schedule over the coming years,” said tabler. “together with AtDA, tDIC will leverage the positive momentum we have already generated, and we look forward to building Abu Dhabi into an international tourism and business destination through 2011 and beyond.”
TDIC’s 2011 Openings St Regis Hotel and Residences: developed as part of a cluster of nine hotels on Saadiyat Beach, St Regis will feature 380 hotel rooms and 292 branded residences. Eastern Mangroves: an integrated resort, marina, retail and residential destination located alongside Abu Dhabi’s protected mangroves habitat. The project’s resort will be operated by Angsana Hotels and Resorts, featuring 223 hotel rooms and 220 branded residences. Rocco Forte Hotel Abu Dhabi: a joint venture between tDIC and Al Farida Investments Company that will see the Rocco Forte Collection enter the Middle East for the first time. This centrally located hotel will feature 281 rooms and a European shopping boulevard. Westin Hotel and Spa Abu Dhabi: with 172 rooms, this hotel will overlook the Abu Dhabi Golf Resort, catering to golfing and business travellers. Al Yamm Lodge and Al Sahel Lodge: located on Sir Bani Yas Island, these two lodges will combine luxury accommodation with wildlife tourism. Al Yamm Lodge will feature 30 villas, 15 of which will be located on the beach, with the remaining overlooking a salt water lagoon. Al Sahel Lodge will feature one and two bedroom chalets and is located within Sir Bani Yas’ Arabian wildlife Park. Park Hyatt, Saadiyat Island: developed with Abu Dhabi national Hotels, this property will adjoin Saadiyat Beach Golf Course, featuring 300 guestrooms and 13 villas. noVEMBER 13, 2010
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- Accommodation
Strong Showing for Sharjah in Third Quarter Sharjah’s overall hotel occupancy rates hit 70 percent in the third quarter of 2010, according to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), signaling a five percent increase on the same period of 2009.
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CtDA’s latest report shows an increase in guests across the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments, with 1,100,872 guests – up from 1,051,212
in 2009. Hotel apartments slightly overtook hotel rooms, with 563,856 guests compared to 537,016 guests in hotel rooms. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, chairman of SCtDA, said the statistics showed the resilience of the emirate’s tourism sector, as well as charting a strong course for future growth. “The SCtDA is working in line with its ambitious strategies and will continue to exert every possible effort to further
upgrade the tourism sector in keeping with the emirate’s general policies that aim at promoting Sharjah as one of the region’s most prominent tourist destinations,” he said. “The SCtDA has worked extremely hard and the statistics clearly demonstrate the positive outcome of our efforts and the authority’s success in its strategy towards empowering the emirate to occupy the position it deserves in the global tourism arena.”
The statistics clearly demonstrate the positive outcome of our efforts
occupancy rates and tourist arrivals are expected to further increase over the next three months, due to a number of major events; Sharjah water Festival, the world Powerboat Racing Championship and Sharjah Lights Festival are all set to draw strong crowds.
Sharjah
Jumeirah Signs on for Syria Development Dubai’s Jumeirah Group will manage Souria Holding’s newly planned hotel development, Jumeirah Abraj Souria, to be located in central Damascus, Syria. The hotel will be part of Abraj Souria, a mixed-use development featuring commercial and retail outlets, including a shopping mall. The development is expected to be completed in four to five years. Jumeirah Abraj Souria will feature 350 guestrooms and 100 serviced apartments, plus a talise Spa and extensive conference and banqueting facilities.
Mövenpick Bur Dubai Unveils Refurb Mövenpick Hotel and Apartments Bur Dubai has completed an extensive refurbishment, which covered the hotel’s 255 guestrooms, lobby, Fountain restaurant and café lounge. Robert Barker, general manager of the hotel, said the refurbishment had significantly refreshed the hotel’s image. “our goal was to renovate the interior decoration, furniture and fittings of the guest rooms and the main public areas as well as our dining facilities in order to introduce a fresh and contemporary lifestyle look, which will appeal to the local community and international traveller,” said Barker. Martin wojnowski, principal designer of the refurbishment, said the new design was more home-like. “I think that the modern traveller is seeking the feeling of comfort and understated elegance,” said wojnowski. He added that the new lobby was now one of the most guestfriendly spaces in Dubai. 8
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- Air Travel
British Airways to Resume Flights to Morocco British Airways (BA) has revealed plans to resume flights to Marrakech, Morocco in 2011, ending a two year absence from the market.
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A formerly operated flights to the city under its GB Airways franchise from 2002 until 2008, when the company was sold to Easyjet. Flights will operate thrice weekly between London Gatwick and Marrakech Menara airports. Hamid Addou, CEo of Morocco’s national tourism office, said his country would collaborate with BA to market the north African nation to travellers from the uK and wider Europe. “we’re delighted that British Airways is
returning to Morocco and Marrakech, where we know that there is a strong demand from the uK tourist market for flagship carriers,” he said. “Marrakech is one of the key tourism destinations in the southern Europe and Africa regions – its brand image is very
Marrakech is one of the key tourism destinations in the southern Europe and Africa regions
strong and we will reinforce it in our joint marketing programme.” Richard tams, head of sales and marketing in the uK and Ireland for BA, said the full service airline would not have a problem competing in the Moroccan aviation market, which is heavily serviced by low cost carriers. “British Airways offers a real alternative to discerning travellers to Morocco,” he said. “unlike the low cost carriers, we offer fantastic all-inclusive fares with no stealth extras.”
Saudi Arabian Airlines to Add 12 Boeing Aircraft to Modernised Fleet Saudi Arabian Airlines is undergoing a fleet expansion and modernisation programme. The carrier has declared a uSD3.3 billion order of aircraft from uS manufacturer Boeing, covering 12 new 777-300ER (in which ER stands for extended range) aircraft, with the option for 10 more. Khaled Al-Mulhim, director general of Saudi Arabian Airlines, said the new aircraft would enable the carrier to realise its aspiration to modernise its fleet. “our decision to order the 777-300ER is part of a long-term growth strategy to expand and modernise our fleet with 10
newer, more fuel-efficient airplanes, and is based on the airplane's proven efficiencies,” he said. “we see direct benefit because of the 777-300ER's improved fuel efficiency, seat-mile costs and the economics of operating a twin-engine airplane over long distances.” Jim Albaugh, CEo of Boeing Commercial Airlines, said the deal marked the latest phase in his company’s longest-standing relationship in the region. “In 1961, Boeing was privileged to have witnessed Saudi Arabia's entry into the jet age with a Boeing 707 when it became the first country in the Middle
East to operate a jet airplane,” he said. “today's order is yet another milestone in our relationship and is also a powerful endorsement of 777 which is one of our most successful airplanes to date.” The 777-300ER is a long range, twin engine aircraft with a maximum capacity of 365 passengers and a range of 14,685km.
Boeing was privileged to have witnessed Saudi Arabia's entry into the jet age noVEMBER 13, 2010
- Air Travel
Grand Prix VIPs to Stimulate Private Aviation The Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix will provide a major boost to private aviation, according to Al Bateen Executive Airport.
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he airport, owned and operated by Abu Dhabi Airport Company, is located within 20 minutes drive from the Yas Island location of the race and is expected to serve as a gateway for drivers, officials and VIPs jetting in to attend. Steve Jones, general manager of Al Bateen, said the event was an opportunity for the young facility to showcase itself to important customers. “we will be accepting a range of aircraft from all over the world, from light helicopters to Boeing 757s and will be handling many high profile visitors," he said.
Yas Island F1 track
"The Etihad Airways Grand Prix is a terrific opportunity to showcase Al Bateen Executive and demonstrate our exemplary customer service.” Al Bateen is a dedicated business jet airport in Abu Dhabi, and according to
ADAC, is the first of its kind in the region. The main race of the Grand Prix falls on november 14.
We will be handling many high profile visitors
Oman Air Reports Thailand Success Oman Air’s flights to Thailand have met with enough success to spur the carrier into opening a second distribution office in the country. Ahmed Hazeem Al Balushi, district sales manager for oman Air, explained that Pattaya has emerged as an important satellite destination for passengers to Bangkok. “The new oman Air office is aimed to meet the increased demand and to facilitate the tourist passengers in Pattaya on reservation and ticketing,” he said. “oman Air’s flights to and from Bangkok have been doing extremely well ever since we commenced operations in 2008, and the tourists who visit Bangkok make it a point to visit the scenic white-sand beaches of Pattaya and the other attractions.” Pattaya is located 110km southeast of Bangkok, on the eastern side of the Bay of Bangkok.
Oman Air’s flights to and from Bangkok have been doing extremely well
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- International
Caribbean and African Travel Partnership The Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) has signed a partnership agreement with the Africa Travel Association (ATA), in a move that is aimed at increasing the promotion of tourism to both regions.
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ncreased business opportunities and the development of sustainable tourism are two cornerstones of the new memorandum of understanding, according to Hugh Riley, secretary general of the Cto. “The Cto and the AtA share many common tourism interests and challenges - including the British air passenger duty and this partnership agreement paves the way for us to support each other’s ideals,” said Riley. under the agreement, Cto and AtA will share reciprocal membership and offer discounted services and products. The two groups will also consider a joint
Caribbean
tourism research project and encourage their members to travel to each other’s regions and participate in major events, trade shows and congresses. Edward Bergman, executive director of AtA, said the agreement provided mutual benefits. “Cto and AtA both understand the
value in building a strong link between the African Diaspora in both the Caribbean and Africa, and the role tourism promotion and investment can play in this process,” he said. “AtA is excited to partner with Cto and learn from the association’s vast experience in turning the Caribbean into one of the world’s most popular destinations.”
The CTO and the ATA share many common tourism interests and challenges
Marriott Expansion to Add 89 New Indian Hotels by 2015 Marriott International has launched an ambitious roadmap for expansion in India, stating a goal of 100 hotels in the country by 2015. The company currently operates only 11 hotels in India and has 23 properties in its active pipeline. Demonstrating commitment to rapid growth Marriott made a simultaneous announcement of seven new management agreements, over and above the existing 23-hotel pipeline. According to the company, pipeline properties will all be operating by 2013, nearly quadrupling Marriott’s existing portfolio. The newly announced hotels include: Jaipur Marriott Hotel (to open in 2011); Courtyard by Marriott Bhopal (2011); Courtyard by Marriott Kochi/Cochin International Airport (2012); Courtyard by Marriott Chembur (2013); Courtyard by Marriott nashik (2013); Courtyard by Marriott Hyderabad Hitec City (2013); and Renaissance Raipur Hotel, opening in (2013). Though the new hotels emphasise Marriott’s business focused Courtyard by Marriott brand, the company reported that expansions would cover seven of its brands. According to Arne Sorenson, Marriott’s pipeline now accounts for approximately 10 percent of India’s development pipeline over the next three years, which totals more than 120,000 new rooms. 12
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- International
Arrivals Exceed Pre-Crisis Levels: UNWTO According to the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), global tourism arrivals have reached, and surpassed, the record highs seen in the pre-crisis year of 2008.
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owever, the travel landscape has been reshaped by the economic cataclysm of the past two years and the organisation is calling on governments to place greater emphasis on tourism as the world begins to recover. In order to help integrate tourism with the wider policies of world governments, unwto has launched a new event, the Global tourism Forum, which will be held for the first time in Andorra, Spain in 2011. According to unwto, the forum will be the first meeting of all major players from the tourism sector, both public and private, as well as economists, academics and representatives of civil society. this inter-sector dialogue will allow the tourism community to reach out beyond their sector and demonstrate its role in sustainable recovery, climate change and fair and inclusive development, according to the organisation. talib Rifai, secretary general of the unwto, said stronger than expected post-crisis recovery of tourism should raise government estimations of the industry’s place in economic management. “tourism has been seriously impacted by
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the global crisis, but less than other export sectors, and is currently rebounding faster and more robustly,” he said. “we call upon governments worldwide, as well as multilateral forums such as the G20, to place tourism higher on their agendas as the sector can contribute to our common objectives of sustaining recovery, regaining jobs and promoting sustainable development.” Rifai noted that many governments saw tourism as a source of much-needed revenue during the crisis, instituting taxation policies that restrained the developing sector. “There has been an increased temptation to introduce and increase taxation on
travel, particularly on air transport,” he said. “These impediments seriously affect our capacity to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth, namely through export earnings that are crucial to a stable economic recovery.” unwto’s calls for reform come in a context of exceptional recovery. Defying early expectations, the number of international tourism arrivals around the world has breached the record levels experienced in 2008. However, with consumer behaviour shifting towards value for money and cost cutting options, total expenditure remains depressed.
The sector can contribute to our common objectives of sustaining recovery, regaining jobs and promoting sustainable development
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Agent’s Insight The Address Montgomerie Dubai
The Address Joins GTA Travelport Emaar Hospitality Group’s The Address Hotels and Resorts brand has signed a distribution deal with GtA by travelport. The agreement will give GtA’s travel agency and tour operator customers access to the brand’s five properties across Dubai – a total inventory portfolio of 1,500 rooms, suites and serviced residences. Marc Dardenne, CEo of Emaar, said he admired GtA’s innovative approach to distribution. “The agreement with GtA to expand our strategic partnership will enable us to further promote all our properties across the GtA distribution channels globally,” he said. Jesper with-Fogstrup, vice president of global hotel strategy and EMEA sourcing for GtA, said Dubai was an important destination for GtA and attracted global demand. “The Address Hotels and Resorts range of five star premium hotel brands will allow our clients a wider choice at best-rate prices and availability when fulfilling travel plans for their customers,” he said.
Name: Ahmad Kassab Position: Travel Agent (ticketing) Company: Al Bashek Travel Location: Syria Who are your highest spending clients? Business clients are our highest spending, and of those the biggest percentage of our business comes from ticketing.
What are the most popular holiday activities for your clients? Shopping is a popular activity in Aleppo, and our clients are often interested in going to the uAE, both for business and shopping, as well as other holiday activities.
When did you get involved in the travel industry? I have been in the travel industry for the past ten years, mainly in ticketing and I am now a senior agent in this field.
Where are you most interested in visiting next and why? For Eid al-Adha, I am thinking of maybe visiting Lebanon, but I still have not decided yet. our clients are interested in Europe and the uAE.
Why do people visit Syria? we cover all bases here in Aleppo. There are many gardens, the citadel and many places to visit. There are lots of tourism attractions and things to do, however, we mainly deal with travel, ticketing and cargo, rather than tourism. Aleppo
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Tomorrow’s Hotel Guest: Emerging Behaviours In a study commissioned by travel technology provider Amadeus, the UK’s Fast Future Research has highlighted a series of hotel guest trends and behaviours that will shape the future of the industry.
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he study included research collected at international workshops in Delhi and Dubai, along with a global survey and a series of expert interviews. Among the key findings were the following three tips: n Complete tailor-made experiences: by 2020, Fast Future estimates hotel guests will be able to take advantage of a total service model, which will enable them to tailor every aspect of their experience, including technology, services, journey, pricing and communications. n Future hotels will be personal, connected and responsive. Expect to see in-
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novations such as intelligent furniture, adaptive room environments, personalised entertainment and individually tailored nutrition. n Successful hotel groups will be making use of horizon scanning, anticipation and rapid implementation. Rohit talwar, chief executive of Fast Future Research, said it was clear that guests want far more say over their hotel experience. “In response, what we see is a shift from neatly defined customer segments to a more fragmented set of service spectrums that will demand hotels act in a way that is guest-focused, personal, connected and informed,” said talwar.
We see a shift from neatly defined customer segments to a more fragmented set of service spectrums “This also opens the door for more partnerships with luxury and high street brands to enter the hotel market to create highly differentiated brand experiences.” Jérôme Destors, director of hotel It at Amadeus, added that intelligent and responsive technology would be critical for hotels to make the most of emerging opportunities and anticipate changing customer needs.
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Tom Rowntree
Royal Caribbean’s children’s programmes
Betsy O’Rourke Senior Vice President of Marketing, Royal Caribbean International “The planned enhancements of five ships in 2011 will help expand some of the most successful programmes that we have launched on our incredible oasis-class ships to deliver these new ‘wows’ to more ships in our fleet. with november 7 marking our fortieth anniversary, we are proud to continue to deliver more to see, do, and love than ever before to our guests.”
The planned enhancements of five ships in 2011 will help expand some of the most successful programmes that we have launched Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi
Vice President Commercial, MEA, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) “The Middle East is largely a business market with a lot of regional travel required for many individuals. Regular business trips and demanding schedules mean prioritising personal commitments can become quite difficult. In addition to this, the advancement of technology means that even when we are not working there is always one eye on the smart phone. [IHG’s] My weekend campaign seeks to raise the importance of work-life balance. It invites retrospective thought, challenges us to take ownership of our leisure time and opens up the possibility of taking that much needed time out to spend with loved ones, friends and family.”
Regular business trips mean prioritising personal commitments can become quite difficult
Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi Director General, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority “Abu Dhabi’s tourism ambitions are now six years old and I am pleased to report that the youngster is growing stronger by the day. we are on course to achieving our aspirations but cannot go forward without solid stakeholder support. we have taken a major leap forward on the leisure scene with the recent opening of Ferrari world Abu Dhabi – the world’s biggest indoor theme park. More intense focus on the leisure segment is in line with our strategy of increasing overall length of stay. we are looking for a wider geographic footprint, diversifying to complement our traditional Euro-centric markets with emerging source markets, in line with evolving industry dynamics. Promotional activities being carried out in these new markets will be supported by the work of our existing six overseas offices and supported by our increasingly dynamic international media hosting programme and the roll out of phase two of our global advertising campaign. In addition, we will participate in 18 international trade fairs during 2011 with first-time participation in shows in Russia, Korea and the uS.”
We are looking for a wider geographic footprint Travel Talk is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel 16
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Philippe Belhay
Lothar Quarz
Swiss-Belhotel International has appointed Philippe Belhay as general manager of the upcoming resort winter Valley Dead Sea by Swiss-Belhotel, in Jordan. Belhay has more than 25 years of experience in hotel management. He has worked across Europe, north Africa and the Middle East and specialises in food and beverage operations.
Sami Asad and Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak Aldar Properties has appointed Sami Asad as the company’s next CEo, following the retirement of former CEo John Bullough. Asad first joined Aldar in 2008 as technical director, later working his way up to his most recent position as chief operating oďŹƒcer. Before joining Aldar, Asad worked as deputy vice president of Dolphin Energy and also held several managerial positions at Abu Dhabi national oil Company (ADnoC). Mohammed Khalifa Al Mubarak will support Asad as deputy CEo, while continuing in his current role as chief commercial oďŹƒcer. Al Mubarak has been instrumental in the development of several key departments at Aldar, including sales and leasing, property and asset management and facilities management. Prior to joining Aldar, Al Mubarak worked with Barclays Capital investment bank in London, uK.
Makram Najjar Swiss-Belhotel International has appointed Makram najjar as general manager of Swiss-Belhotel Doha, in Qatar. najjar replaces previous general manager, Michel Sursok. Most recently, najjar was employed as the general manager of Holiday Inn Al Khobar in Saudi Arabia. He brings more than 16 years of hotel management experience to his new role.
Walid Al Awa
Lothar Quarz The Ritz-Carlton Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has appointed Lothar Quarz as general manager. Quarz has more than 27 years of senior management experience in the luxury hotel industry and was most recently general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, wolfsburg in Germany. He has also held senior positions at The Ritz-Carlton Berlin and Berlin Marriott Hotel. Quarz began his career as an apprentice chef before moving into sales and later management. Walid Al Awa
tamani Hotel Marina in Dubai has appointed walid Al Awa as hotel manager. Al Awa has held several senior management positions within the hotel industry; previous employers have included Radisson, The Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons. In his new role, Al Awa will oversee all operations and management of tamani Hotel Marina. 18
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Q&A with Fatima Al-Huraibi Yemen is one of the most maligned countries in the world. Commonly represented in the media as a hotbed of terrorism and conservatism, few people consider it an ideal holiday destination. Yet the country is also home to an ancient culture and magnificent heritage attractions. It has also recently appointed its first female tourism director, Fatima Al-Huraibi, who told travel trade weekly that common representations of Yemen are unfair. Travel Trade Weekly: Can you tell us about your career so far? How did you come to your current position? Fatima Al-Huraibi: I have been working as the general director in the Sana’a tourism office for several years and when there was an opening, because of my experience in the tourism office I was selected for the role. Before that I was secretary general in the Sana’a mayor’s office, so I was an elected official.
Yemen is a safe country, there are very few places in the country that travellers cannot go
There are terrorist attacks in countries all around the world, and there are no travel advisories against these countries Travel Trade Weekly: What challenges have you faced in becoming Yemen’s first female tourism director? Fatima Al-Huraibi: So far, there have been no real challenges. There were 10 men and myself who were being considered for this post as tourism director, and I was the most experienced, with my background and education. The board thought I was the most qualified, so I was selected for the job.
Fatima Al-Huraibi
negative image that people often see in the western media. I want to show that Yemen is a peaceful country. Most of the acts of terrorism that happen here are imported; they are performed by non-Yemenis. Yemenis are peaceful people and very hospitable. They will welcome any tourists that come to the country. Also, we want to demonstrate that Yemen is a safe country, that there are very few places in the country that travellers cannot go. only two percent of the country is not safe. Most historical and cultural areas are completely safe to visit.
Yemen, and also to let our Yemenia airline resume flying to the uK. we have very long historical ties to Britain. we still have statues of Queen Victoria in Yemen, and even a miniature Big Ben. Yemenis are very attached to the British people and it is unfair that we are treated as a dangerous country. There are terrorist attacks in countries all around the world, and there are no travel advisories against these countries. The other day there was a suicide attack in Istanbul, but there are no warnings for turkey. I hope they will work with us. we just want them to be fair.
Travel Trade Weekly: You have called on the UK Foreign Office to change its policy of advising against Travel Trade Weekly: Yemen is often associated with very conservative Travel Trade Weekly: What do you travel to Yemen. Can you tell me a gender relationships - is it unusual for plan to do now you are in the position? little about this? a woman to succeed in the country as Fatima Al-Huraibi: My plan of action Fatima Al-Huraibi: we have called on you have? is to introduce Yemen to the world - the the Foreign office to review their Fatima Al-Huraibi: It is unusual, but big picture of Yemen, and not just the restriction on British travellers coming to the government is encouraging any qualified woman to pursue any position that she wants to do. I was supported by men and women when I ran for election, and if a woman is qualified it is definitely possible for her to succeed. It depends on the personality of the individual, whether they are a man or a woman. The people wanted me to run, and they want me to run again. Hopefully I will run again for parliament in April next year. I would like to represent women and men, to fight for justified laws that do not violate human rights. noVEMBER 13, 2010
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Wildlife Convention Represents Al Ain’s First Major Event In 2015, Al Ain wildlife Park and Resort (AwPR) will play host to the seventieth annual conference of the world Association of Zoos and Aquariums (wAZA). Ghanim Al Hajeri, director general of AwPR, said hosting the conference would be a leg up for the park’s ambition to become a leading conservation centre. “Hosting this prestigious global conference will strengthen our position as a world leading wildlife and conservation organisation,” he said. “wAZA’s vision is aligned to ours and complements our ambition of reaching full conservation potential.” According to Abu Dhabi tourism
Authority (ADtA), in addition to recognition of Al Ain’s conservation importance, the event represents the city’s development as a meetings and incentive destination. Mubarak Hamad Al Muhairi, director general of ADtA, said the event would further raise the profile of the growing city. “This is a significant step forward in building awareness of Al Ain as an alternative meetings destination, particularly for subjects associated with heritage, culture and sustainability,” he said. AwPR was established as Al Ain Zoo more than 40 years ago, but has recently begun an extensive expansion project that
will see the renamed property grow to five times the size of the world’s current largest zoo: San Diego Zoo.
This is a significant step forward in building awareness of Al Ain as an alternative meetings destination
Events World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae) Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourism authorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers, airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers, universities, museums and heritage site organisations. EIBTM Barcelona, Spain, November 30 – December 2 (www.eibtm.com) Global event for the meetings and events industry, including networking opportunities, professional education seminars and a trade show platform for exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors. International Luxury Travel Market Cannes, France, December 6-9 (www.iltm.net) Annual business to business event for the global luxury travel industry. Showcases destinations and travel experiences, with a programme of networking events and pre-scheduled meetings.
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Moroccan Travel Market Marrakech, Morocco, January 12-15 (en.mtm.ma) Exhibition for international travel professionals. Blossom Japan Tokyo, Japan, January 18-21,2011 (www.blossomjapan.com) A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on the Japanese market. Fitur International Tourism Trade Fair Madrid, Spain, January 19-23, 2011 (www.fitur.es) Fitur is a meeting point for tourism professionals to establish lines of action, strategies and business alliances. Hobex Tripoli, Libya, January 25-27 (www.wahaexpo.com/hobex) International hotel business exhibition.
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