Middle East and North Africa Edition
NEW CLASSIFICATIONS Under a new initiative by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), all food and beverage outlets and desert camps across Abu Dhabi will be subjected to a new classification system. The mandatory classifications have been designed to further develop industry standards and deliver confidence to consumers.
The UAE’s national tourism promotion body, National Council for Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA), has held the first meeting of its board of directors. Adel Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, UAE Minister for Culture and chairman of NCTA, described the meeting as historic, saying it laid the foundation for unified promotion efforts of the UAE as a destination.
4 EMIRATES IN THE US Dubai’s national carrier, Emirates, has opened a new service for travellers from the US, offering connecting flights with Virgin America. Executives at Emirates say the new services will make travelling to the Middle East more accessible throughout the US.
In This Issue Market Update General News Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events DECEMBER 18, 2010
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UAE’s National Tourism Body
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Jazeera Chases Leasing Market Jazeera Airways, based in Kuwait, has poured additional capital into Sahaab Aircraft Leasing, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the group.
Deputy Editor Louis Dillon Savage 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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he new capital adds KWD9 million (USD31.88 million) to Sahaab’s initial funds of KWD20 million (USD70.85 million). A desire to take advantage of new market opportunities has prompted the investment by Jazeera, the airline has revealed. Sahaab was purchased by Jazeera in February this year as part of a drive towards vertical integration. Marwan Boodai, chairman of Jazeera Airways Group, explained the decision to expand the leasing company’s finance. “Sahaab's acquisition brought immediate benefits to our business as planned, such as consistent and stable revenue streams as well as access to global leasing markets,” he said. “Now, less than a year since our acquisition, we see additional growth opportunities opening up
in the leasing market – thus, Jazeera Airways Group committed to increasing Sahaab's capital through internal resources.” Clients of the company include Jazeera itself, US-based Virgin America and SriLankan Airlines.
We see additional growth opportunities opening up in the leasing market 2010 has proven to be a record setting year for Jazeera, with the company reporting its best performing third quarter since launching in 2005. The airline has recently released a report showing that it has achieved the leading market share on a number of key routes from Kuwait including flights to: Beirut, Lebanon; Amman, Jordan; Damascus, Syria; Alexandria, Egypt; and Manama, Bahrain.
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 16/12/2010 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 5.79 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 47.04 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.44 8.43 10,470 214.18 74.46 1.25
Nasair Debuts Package Holiday Offerings Nasair has stepped into the package holiday sector for the first time. The company is now offering combined airline ticket and accommodation packages through its call centre. Dubai has been chosen as the first package destination, to complement Nasair’s recently launched routes linking that city to Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Turki Al Jawini, sales director for Nasair, said the decision to offer package holidays would improve the carrier’s competitiveness. “Our aim is to give our valued customers one more reason to fly with Nasair by providing a very attractive and competitive package that suits their needs,” he said. According to the airline, the programme will next be rolled out in Saudi Arabia, where it will focus on domestic tourism. DECEMBER 18, 2010
UAE’s Federal Tourism Body Commences Operations The UAE’s national tourism promotion body, National Council for Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA), has held the first meeting of its board of directors.
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CTA was legally established in 2008, but has taken until now to assemble its board – the process of defining the roles of the board, chairman and director general of the body were only finalised in the meeting itself. Adel Rahman Bin Mohammed Al Owais, UAE Minister for Culture and chairman of NCTA, described the meeting as historic, saying it laid the foundation for unified promotion efforts of the UAE as a destination. The UAE’s individual emirates currently operate their own tourism boards, but the UAE has so far lacked a tourism promotion body for the country as a whole. In the meeting, the board reviewed their budget and discussed a strategic plan for the next three years. Members of the council include: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Abdallah Bin Sultan Al Noaimi, director general of Free Zone and Customs in Ajman; Mubarak Bin Mohamed Al Muhairy, director general of Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority; Khalid Ahmed Bin Sulayem, director general of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing; Abdallah Bin Mohamed Al Owais, director general of the Culture and Media Department of Sharjah; Mohamed Ahmed Al Keit, Diwan consultant for Ras Al Khaimah; Obaid Sultan Tuwairsh, director of planning and area department for Umm Al Quwain; and Saeed Bin Saeed Rashed Al Hammodi, chairman of Authority for Tourism and Antiquities in Al Fujairah. Mohammed Khamis Bin Hareb Al Muhairi has been named as the body’s director general. DECEMBER 18, 2010
Early Success NCTA has already met with success in pursuing its mandate for promoting the UAE. Returning from the seventh Islamic Tourism Conference – which was held recently in Tehran, Iran – director general Al Muhairi said interest in international tourism co-operation was growing. “The tourism sector in the Islamic world has grown significantly in stature and importance over the past few years," he said. "There is growing realisation among the concerned countries to escalate efforts to create an even more attractive environment to attract tourists to the region.” He said improved promotion would be
vital for cementing the Middle East’s recent success in attracting tourism. “Better promotion of our tourist attractions and joining hands in taking measures to create awareness of our plus points and unique destinations is essential in today's increasingly competitive tourist industry," he said. "The tourism sector has become a vital industry in the past few years with higher growth levels than many other sectors of the economy." Among recommendations generated by the conference were a focus on youth travel and the streamlining of visa processes to better facilitate movement between countries in the Islamic world.
Better promotion of our tourist attractions …and unique destinations is essential in today's increasingly competitive tourist industry
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ADTA to Classify Desert Camps and F&B Outlets Under a new initiative by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), all food and beverage outlets and desert camps across Abu Dhabi will be subjected to a new classification system.
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he mandatory classifications have been designed to further develop industry standards and deliver confidence to consumers, according to Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of ADTA. “This classification system was, in true Abu Dhabi style, created in consultation with our stakeholders and will be governed by transparent implementation systems geared to delivering quality throughout the entire hospitality chain,” said Al Muhairi. The minimum standard classification process for food and beverage outlets will
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begin in January, 2011. Outlets will be given six months to implement rating criteria before specific classifications are awarded – all outlets will be rated by the end of 2011. Nasser Al Reyami, director of tourism standards for ADTA, said the classifications would be publicised during the upcoming Gourmet Abu Dhabi event in February, 2011. Al Reyami added that classifications would also be applied to the emirate’s desert camps, taking into consideration aspects such as food standards, space and luxury. Similar to the restaurant classifications, minimum standards for desert camps will
be introduced early in 2011, with star ratings to follow once the industry has been given time to adjust. While there are currently only a small number of desert camps operating in Abu Dhabi, Al Reyami told Travel Trade Weekly that several more were on their way. “There are a couple that are being built and will be online from next year, which is when our criteria will come in,” he said. “The ones that are being developed now have very big areas, but only say 20 or 30 beds, so it’s a big space but also luxurious. “We don’t want to move a hotel from the city to the desert – we want to do something different.”
DECEMBER 18, 2010
UAE Gets Ancient Christian Christmas Present The only Christian archeological site in the UAE has been opened to the public on Sir Bani Yas Island, off the coast of Abu Dhabi.
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iscovered in 1992, the monastery was built in around 600AD, according to Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC). That date places its origin in the same period as the founding of Islam in 610 AD. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of TDIC, said the monastery would contribute to the cultural side of tourism in Abu Dhabi. “We are proud of our heritage and are therefore focused on creating a multi-
experience tourism destination where guests are able to enjoy a variety of activities, while protecting and preserving the history and culture of our country, as well as the natural environment of the island,” he said. Dr Joseph Elders, the academic overseeing excavation at the site, agreed that opening to the public was an important step. “Opening the site to visitors marks an exciting tourism development for the island as we seek to discover and share more about the past lives and human stories that have played their part in creating its fascinating history,” he said.
Opening the site to visitors marks an exciting tourism development for the island Sir Bani Yas is home to a range of archaeological sites, including a tomb thought to be 4,000 years old, but the monastery is the first Christian site discovered on the island or in the UAE at large.
Malta – the gateway to your dream Mediterranean cruise. Set sail from an island with 7,000 years of history!
Truly Mediterranean www.visitmalta.com 6
DECEMBER 18, 2010
- Accommodation
Hilton Signs Fourth Property in Hurghada, Egypt Hilton Worldwide has signed a management deal for its fourth property in the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada, in Egypt.
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he new build property will be called the Hilton Makadi Resort and is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2012. It will be located at Makadi Bay, 30km south of Hurghada, and will supplement Hilton’s existing properties in and around the town: Hilton Hurghada Resort, Hilton Hurghada Plaza and Hilton Hurghada Long Beach Resort. The new resort is being constructed by Afak Company for Touristic Development. Hazem Saad Zaghloul, chairman of that company, said Hilton had been chosen in light of its strong presence in the country.
Hurghada
“Hilton Hotels and Resorts enjoys tremendous brand recognition in Egypt, which made them a natural choice for us,” he said. “As the country continues to witness a growth in tourism and with the increasing popularity of Makadi, we’re delighted Hilton will manage our new property and
look forward to a long and fruitful partnership.” Dave Horton, global head of the Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand, said the property reflected good overall growth in the company’s leisure-focused portfolio. The resort will feature 679 rooms and 400m of private beach.
Middle East Targeted by Medical Hotel Oetker Hotel Collection is targeting the Middle East as a potential source of patronage to its medical spa in Germany. Samir Daqqaq, senior vice president of development in the Middle East and Africa at Oetker Hotel Collection, said the company was pursuing a campaign to attract Middle Eastern clients to Brenner's Park Hotel and Spa, in the valley of Baden-Baden, Germany. The property is a dedicated
medical spa, offering treatments conducted by specialised doctors. “The Middle East is one of the most important markets for us,” Daqqaq said. “We have been actively investing our time and resources in promoting the health benefits offered at Brenner's Park.” According to Oetker, 20 percent of medical travellers worldwide are from the Middle East.
The Middle East is one of the most important markets for us
DECEMBER 18, 2010
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- Air Travel
US Opens up to Emirates with Virgin America Partnership Dubai’s national carrier, Emirates, has opened a new service for travellers from the US, offering connecting flights with Virgin America.
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igel Page, senior vice president of commercial operations for the Americas and Africa at Emirates, said the new services would make travelling to the Middle East more accessible throughout the US. “Our new agreement with Virgin America will bring our American West Coast gateways within easier reach of dozens of US cities, making travel more convenient for customers travelling to or from the Middle East and beyond,” said Page. “This partnership is a further demonstration of our commitment to the United States and we will continue to look for new opportunities to enhance our
service provision moving forwards.” Adam Green, director of network planning at Virgin America, praised the world-class flying experience, as well as the focus on upscale amenities and service onboard Emirates aircraft.
Our new agreement with Virgin America will bring our American West Coast gateways within easier reach of dozens of US cities
on two airlines known for the quality of their service,” said Green. Emirates currently flies twice daily from Los Angeles, Houston and New York City, and daily from San Francisco non-stop to Dubai. The airline plans to launch its first Emirates lounge at San Francisco International Terminal in February of 2011.
“We hope this new agreement will offer guests a more seamless travel experience
SAS and Egyptair to Code Share in Northern Europe and Egypt Egyptair and SAS Scandinavian Airline (SAS) have established a code share agreement covering a variety of flights in and between Europe and North Africa. Egyptair customers are now able to access SAS routes between Copenhagen in Denmark and Stockholm, Sweden; Copenhagen and Oslo, Norway; Copenhagen and Gothenburg, Sweden; Copenhagen and Brussels, Belgium; and from Athens, Greece to Copenhagen. SAS customers now can fly on Egyptair between Cairo and Copenhagen; from Cairo to Athens; and from Brussels to Cairo. Alaa Ashour, CEO of Egyptair, said the agreement would make Northern Europe easier to access for customers of his airline. According to SAS, the agreement went into effect on December 15, 2010.
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DECEMBER 18, 2010
- International
Japanese Operators Call for Better Language Training Tourism professionals in Japan say tour guide training in the country must be improved in order to meet the expectations of international guests.
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vi Lugasi, managing director of Windows to Japan, a tour operator offering tailor-made packages, said that many guides were unable to understand guests’ needs, or unwilling to adjust to them. “The guide training system in Japan is off the mark!” said Lugasi. “A guide who finishes the training as an English guide, 80 to 90 percent of the time does not speak sufficient English to guide tourists and his level of understanding is quite low [compared] to my and my guests’ expectations.” Lugasi said that better communication between industry representatives and
tourism authorities could improve the situation. “I wish I could have an open channel to the decision makers in the Japanese tourism business and government to say my opinion, give suggestions and co-operate towards effective solutions,” said Lugasi. Language issues are set to become increasingly important over the next decade, as Japan’s tourism agencies look beyond their own borders to target international tourists. Kozan Hashimoto, of Japan’s 120-year-old Imperial Hotel, said the past two years had seen considerable growth in China and other Asian countries, which was expected to boost tourism.
Japan
The guide training system in Japan is off the mark “We expect to enjoy a continued heavy increase in patronage from European, North American, Asian and other visitors from around the world during the coming 10 years,” said Hashimoto.
Sol Kerzner Knighthood Confirmed The UK’s Queen Elizabeth II honoured hospitality giant Sol Kerzner on December 13, confirming that he was invested with the insignia of Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG). The honour was bestowed for Kerzner’s contributions to business and community in the Bahamas, where Kerzner International operates Atlantis and One and Only properties. It is the latest in a string of accolades received by Kerzner
Sol Kerzner DECEMBER 18, 2010
over 2010; he was presented with lifetime achievement awards by ILTM in Cannes, The Variety Club Children’s Charity and Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. Cornell Hospitality also celebrated Kerzner with the title of hospitality innovator of the year. “I am truly humbled and most honoured by these recent accolades,” said Kerzner. “I would not be here today without the hard work and dedication of our people around the world. “While I feel proud of all we have accomplished, there is still much more work to be done and we look forward to reinventing the hospitality experience yet again in the next decade.” 9-
Al Tayer’s Disneyland Paris Contract Al Tayer Travel Agency has been named as a distributor of Disneyland Paris in the GCC; the collaboration will take effect on April 6, 2011. Norbert Stiekema, senior vice president of sales and distribution at Disneyland Paris, confirmed the partnership with Manu Mehrotra, general manager at Al Tayer Travel Agency, during a recent trip to Dubai. “The Middle East market in general, and the GCC in particular, constitutes an important segment for our business,” said Stiekema. “Disneyland Paris is one of the nest attractions for the Gulf, especially for those families that want to enjoy an atmosphere tailor-made for family tourism.”
Agent’s Insight Name: Naveen Vats Position: Senior Holidays Consultant Company: Al Rais Travel Location: Dubai Who are you – tell us a little about your company. Al Rais is a 30-year-old travel company. We deal with hotels, corporate clients, we offer travel agency services and online services. We service both business-to-consumer and business-to-business; the consumer side is more walk-in clients, and we have online services for our business-tobusiness clients.
When did you first get involved in the travel industry, and how has it changed since then? I have been in the industry for 12 years and it has definitely changed a lot. Earlier, people were still conscious of cost, but now they are looking at all of the options online and comparing prices a lot more than they used to. However, some people still just want a hassle free holiday, or perhaps they don’t trust online bookings, so they will opt for a travel agent. That way, we’re responsible for their bookings and they don’t have to worry.
What is your best career memory so far? My career highlight so far was handling a group booking of 300 people from around India, who were travelling to Cairo, Dubai and Sri Lanka. I was working in India at the time for Make My Trip – then I moved to Dubai in 2006.
Where would you personally like to visit next? I am planning to go to Australia – I am a destination specialist for Australia, but I haven’t been yet. I will be visiting Cairns, the Gold Coast and Sydney.
Why is Dubai a strong tourism destination? Everyday there is something new coming up in Dubai – new attractions, new hotels. It is an attractive new country and people visit to see what is new. Dubai is always alive in the minds of travellers – it is always growing. Dubai
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DECEMBER 18, 2010
Give the Green Light for Energy Efficiency in Hotels With always-on corridor lighting, grounds illumination, hundreds of watt-hour hungry televisions and – particularly in the Middle East – huge climate control requirements, the hospitality industry ranks among the most voracious consumers of energy.
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amer Abolghar, general manager of lighting in East Africa for electronics company, Philips, said energy efficient lighting is one of the most effective ways for hotels to decrease their energy use. DP Smedema, lighting chairman in Africa for Philips, revealed just how much of an impact a change in lighting technology could make. “On average, 19 percent of world electricity consumption is attributed to lighting and almost USD150 billion could be saved annually if the world switches to energy-efficient lighting,” said Smedema.
DECEMBER 18, 2010
With low energy LEDs often fetching many times the price of standard bulbs, the initial layout for efficient lighting can be discouraging. However, in the long term, the figures speak for themselves. Abolghar pointed out that hotels have a different energy profile to most consumers, making the value of low-
energy lights even more important for hospitality businesses. “Nearly 42 percent of electricity expenditure in hotels is attributed to lighting,” he said. “Energy efficient technologies could potentially save 80 percent of that cost, which would certainly help to improve the bottom line of every hotel.”
Nearly 42 percent of electricity expenditure in hotels is attributed to lighting
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Edward A Reizian
Akbar Al Baker
General Manager, Oryx Hotel Abu Dhabi “We are a four star pure business hotel and in this area we have a few hotels both operating and coming up. They are not competing with our property in terms of the product, however if they are there they can still divide the cake. What we’re trying to do to keep our piece as big as it is, is to open other markets and to attract others. We are depending on online bookings, weekend visitors and foreign companies opening here or in Dubai.”
CEO, Qatar Airways “It was imperative for the continued development of Qatar that the existing airport infrastructure was expanded. The new Doha arrivals terminal is the latest step in the infrastructure improvements to handle the influx of passengers through the airport. We are eagerly awaiting the opening of the New Doha International Airport in 2012, which will provide an even better facility for the people of Qatar and for international travellers flying on Qatar Airways and other airlines.” Akbar Al Baker
We are depending on online bookings, weekend visitors and foreign companies
It was imperative … that the existing airport infrastructure was expanded
Ghassan Fares General Manager, Mafraq Hotel “For the past year supply has been more than demand and it is not as easy as it used to be. For the long term it is for the benefit of Abu Dhabi because the more hotels you have, the more you’re developing. We will see stability at a later stage. During 2009 and 2010 everybody struggled; although for us it’s a little bit different and we’re a bit unique in that we’re in an industrial area and even though there are a few things that have affected us, there is demand for our area.” Ghassan Fares
We will see stability at a later stage 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 12
DECEMBER 18, 2010
Mohammed Khamis Bin Hareb Al Muhairi
Dr Fahd Al-Jarboua
Mohammed Khamis Bin Hareb Al Muhairi has been chosen as the first director general of the UAE’s fledgling national tourism promotion body, the National Council for Tourism and Antiquities (NCTA). His appointment was approved by the Ministerial Council for Services, chaired Mohammed Khamis Bin Hareb Al Muhairi by Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister of the UAE. Al Muhairi has more than 17 years experience in the fields of tourism and international marketing and is a member of several tourism bodies and organisations in addition to NCTA.
Dr Fahd Al-Jarboua has been named as the new CEO of Saudi Arabian company Al Tayyar Travel Group (ATG). Al-Jarboua holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Denver – both in the US – as well as a bachelor’s degree from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Saudi Arabia. His most recent position was vice president in charge of marketing at the Saudi General Authority for Tourism and Antiquities. Al Tayyar is based in Riyadh and is one of the largest travel operators in Saudi Arabia.
Vanessa Kong Vanessa Kong has taken on the role of director of sales and marketing at the Dusit Princess City Centre in Dubai. She worked at Dusit Residences Dubai Marina for three years as director of sales before joining the Dust Princess City Centre team. Kong started in sales at the Sunway Lagoon Theme Park in Malaysia, where she held the position of sales executive. She subsequently worked with Sheraton Subang Hotel and Tower Malaysia, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Singapore and Shangri-La in Singapore, before moving to Dubai to join the Dusit Thani Dubai in 2006.
Georges Karam InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort and Spa has a new director of sales and marketing. Georges Karam has stepped into the post, bringing 11 years of experience in the hospitality industry with him. Karam first worked for InterContinental Hotels Group at its InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut property, where he began working in 2000. He rose to become director of sales at the Phoenicia before taking up his current position at the InterContinental Mzaar. Georges Karam 14
DECEMBER 18, 2010
Q&A with Sami Ayari Sami Ayari, the CEO of One to One Hotels and Resorts, spoke to Travel Trade Weekly about his two existing properties in Abu Dhabi and Lebanon, as well as the company’s ambitious plans to increase its portfolio over the next five years. Travel Trade Weekly: How does your property fit into the tourism landscape of Abu Dhabi? Sami Ayari: One to One Hotel – the Village has been developed as a boutique property. In fact, it is the only four star, boutique urban resort in Abu Dhabi. With short distance from Abu Dhabi’s commercial centre, international airport and top attractions, it proves to be centrally located and provides easy access for business and leisure travellers. One to One Hotel – the Village comes from the family of One to One Hotels and Resorts, emphasising the approach of distinctive hospitality by catering to individuality. We are indeed distinctive by providing service that is delivered beyond guest’s expectations. The hotel has been developed as a village with a number of villas, each hosting a selection of nine rooms and suites. Each villa has its own private pool perched on the rooftop. With 127 stylish rooms, seven world-class food and beverage outlets serving a selection of cuisines and state of the art health club facilities, we are not just another hotel, but are determined on delivering value through ‘audience of one’ experiences. We try to be active and competitive in today’s evolving market conditions and help the brand grow stronger, which in turn makes One to One a preferred choice for our end consumers.
Travel Trade Weekly: Are there any challenges you face as a hotelier in Abu Dhabi (and how could they be addressed)? Sami Ayari: One to One Hotels and Resorts, a home-grown company, is still relatively new in the market. This being DECEMBER 18, 2010
said, in a very short period of time our hotel in the capital city has made a strong name for itself. Indeed, our outlets are well patronised by the international and local guests alike and the hotel’s village feel is very much appreciated by all guests. The main challenge is to ensure proper yielding for the rooms. Year-to-date in 2010, we are a market leader in RevPAR in our competitive set and have even surpassed a number of well established five star properties. With the large increase in inventory in the coming years, the room rates will naturally dilute as the influx of travellers to the destination is not yet in a balanced proportion to the number of rooms available. It is regrettable to see that, with similar products as neighbouring cities, the room rates are not as high. We are confident this will be rectified once the supply and demand stabilises and Abu Dhabi further strengthens its position as a fully-fledged destination.
Travel Trade Weekly: How do you deal with increasing competition and growing hotel supply in the emirate? Sami Ayari: We were very fortunate from the beginning to have had owners with a long term vision. They have agreed to develop a destination-dining property with a coffee shop; a steakhouse; an Asian restaurant; 2,000m2 of outdoor garden, with a pool, serving a wide variety of food; a lounge bar; and a Lebanese restaurant. As you can see, the food and beverage offering is indeed wide and that does contribute to the success of the property. With this selection of offerings, we are able to remain competitive as a stay at the hotel is a real experience.
Sami Ayari
Furthermore, to reward our loyal guests and increase our patron base, we have recently introduced the Gourmet Club programme; a food and beverage loyalty programme. Finally, our focus is on our associates. There is no four star and five star service– rather, there is good or bad service. With our resort atmosphere, relaxed environment and training and development programmes, our associates feel at home and have the opportunity to learn and grow.
Travel Trade Weekly: Any further comments or updates on expanding? Sami Ayari: We planted our first flag in 2007 with One to One – the Village, a four star boutique hotel in Abu Dhabi and expanded in 2010 with One to One – Dhour Chouier, a four star luxury hotel in Lebanon. In the years to come we will operate a number of properties ranging from four to five stars: beachfront properties in Dubai, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Maldives and more city hotels in the Middle and Near East. Furthermore, we are considering a number of opportunities in Asia (China and Vietnam) as well as North Africa. In the next five years we aim to add at least 10 new properties to the existing portfolio. 15
Middle East’s Economic Importance to Drive Future MICE Sector The Middle East’s importance within the global economy, along with an abundance of venues, is set to drive meetings and events in the region, according to Lloyd Kenyon, exhibition manager of GIBTM. “The meetings industry in the Gulf has embraced and recognised the enormous potential in attracting meetings and events to the region,” Kenyon said. “The success and growth of GIBTM illustrates there is a hunger and a desire for the meetings sector to develop at a rapid pace in the region.” GIBTM 2011 aims to attract more than 2,000 industry professionals, 300 hosted buyers and more than 250 exhibiting companies.
Big names such as Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Government of Dubai, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, Oman Ministry of Tourism and Qatar Tourism Authority have already signed up as exhibitors. Silversea Cruises, Malaysia Convention and Exhibition Bureau and Seoul Convention Bureau will also be exhibiting at the event. Business tourism remains the key driver
of arrivals for most Middle Eastern nations, with MICE visitors making up a substantial portion of this market. “The potential for growth is considerable and over the next few years there is no doubt that the meetings industry could really enhance the economy of the Middle East,” said Kenyon. GIBTM is part of the Reed Travel Exhibitions portfolio and the 2011 event will run between March 28 and 30.
GIBTM
There is a hunger and a desire for the meetings sector to develop
Events Moroccan Travel Market Marrakech, Morocco, January 12-15, 2011 (en.mtm.ma) Exhibition for international travel professionals.
Hobex Tripoli, Libya, January 25-27, 2011 (www.wahaexpo.com/hobex) International hotel business exhibition.
Blossom Japan Tokyo, Japan, January 18-21, 2011 (www.blossomjapan.com) A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on the Japanese market.
India Travel Market - Mumbai, Mumbai, India, February 4-6, 2011 (www.indiatravelmart.com) Travel trade show for inbound, outbound and domestic tourism.
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.
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Emitt Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey, February 10-13, 2011 (www.emittistanbul.com) Istanbul’s only international trade fair: focused on tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean.
DECEMBER 18, 2010