Middle East and North Africa Edition
CRUISING DUBAI Dubai has experienced so much interest from the cruise sector that it has established a second, temporary cruise terminal to handle extra ships.
The team of Travel Trade Weekly and Travel Trade Monthly join in saying thank you and wishing you a happy holiday and a prosperous new year.
3 MOZAMBIQUE RESORT Rani Resorts, a hospitality group owned by Saudi Arabian Aujan Group, is set to begin work on a USD100 million flagship resort on Paradise Island in Mozambique.
8 In This Issue
Market Update General News Accommodation News Car Rental News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events
DECEMBER 23, 2010
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Editor Laura Warne Deputy Editor Louis Dillon Savage Design & Layout Elina Pericleous
UAE’s Tourism Expenditure to Increase, Along with Visitors Expenditure on the UAE’s tourism sector is expected to increase gradually, while tourist arrivals and the total number of overnight stays are expected to rise from the end of 2010.
Sales & Marketing Marianna Tsiamas Dimitris Thomaidis
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ubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has released an analysis of the long-term Headquarters prospects for the tourism P.O. Box 25255 industry in Dubai and the Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +35722820888 UAE, as highlighted by Business Monitor Fax: +35722318958 International’s UAE Tourism Report for Q4 2010. Website Demand for rooms may increase, with visitors www.traveltradeweekly.travel from the Gulf and wider Middle East remaining Emails a pillar of the UAE’s tourism sector. info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel A strong oil price was acknowledged as one of the sales@traveltradeweekly.travel key drivers of growth in tourism from the nearby region; the disposable income of Middle Eastern travellers is expected to rise, along with the forecasted price of oil. Now is the time to capitalise on Dubai’s strategic location, according to the chamber of commerce. The analysis indicated that Dubai could benefit from increased tourism flows from China and
Directors Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi
IATA’s Upward Revision on 2010 Profit Outlook
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 22/12/2010 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
India to Africa and Europe. Further growth was reported to lie in exploiting the flow of tourists from Asian countries, as personal affluence rises in this region. Co-ordinated action between the government and private sector will be required, said the chamber, to formulate an effective and competitive strategy. Visas in particular were listed as one area that could be changed to attract more visitors from target countries. Government assistance was also recommended for supporting infrastructure in the tourism sector, such as telecommunication, emergency assistance and sanitary facilities. In the private sector, greater co-operation was suggested between tourism related entities, such as hotels and restaurants. Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry concluded that the current challenging times could be expected to give way to new prospects, facilitating a recovery in Dubai and the UAE’s tourism sector.
1USD= 3.69 5.80 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.87 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.45 8.47 10,380 214.25 74.54 1.26
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has revised its industry outlook for 2010, forecasting a net profit of USD15.1 billion (up from USD8.9 billion in September). Upward projections have also been made for 2011, reaching USD9.1 billion (up from USD5.3 billion forecast in September). Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA, said the profit projections for 2010 and 2011 were based on an exceptionally strong third quarter in 2010. However, he noted that not all the news was good. “Despite higher profit projections, we still see the recovery pausing next year after a strong post-recession rebound,” he said. Bisignani added that profit margins continued to disappoint. “Margins remain pathetic. With a 2.7 percent margin in 2010 shrinking to 1.5 percent in 2011, we are nowhere near covering our cost of capital,” he said. “The industry is fragile and balancing on a knife edge. “Any shock could stunt the recovery, as we are seeing with the results of new or increased taxation on airlines and travellers in Europe.” DECEMBER 23, 2010
Dubai Expansion Doubles Cruise Facilities Dubai has experienced so much interest from the cruise sector that it has established a second, temporary cruise terminal to handle extra ships.
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he temporary terminal is capable of berthing two ships, doubling the emirate’s capacity to accommodate cruise liners. It has been outfitted with a baggage area, 40 service counters, an ATM and a reception area. Dubai opened a new permanent cruise terminal last year, which has received ships from major cruise lines including Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean. According to Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the number of cruise ships visiting the city has grown steadily and is expected to increase in coming years.
DECEMBER 23, 2010
Royal Caribbean Cruises
100 ships arrived at the port in 2009 and an estimated 120 are expected to have arrived by the end of 2010, carrying 325,000 passengers. DTCM expects 135 cruise ships with 375,000 passengers in 2011; 150 ships with 425,000 passengers in 2012; 165
ships with 475,000 passengers in 2013; 180 ships with 525,000 passengers in 2014; and 195 ships with 575,000 passengers in 2015. A German cruise ship, Aida Vida, carrying 2,616 passengers has already become the first to dock at the new facility.
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DTCM to Help Promote The Hotel Show 2011 Annual Dubai event, The Hotel Show, is expecting to increase its profile in 2011, following a new deal with Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
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TCM will act as a consultant for the event, suggesting forum topics and speakers, as well as including one of its executives on the Hotel Show advisory board. The department will also use its global network of contacts to help promote the event. The Hotel Show is expecting growth of 20 percent in 2011, based on increased participation from international exhibitors from countries such as China, Germany, the UK, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Greece.
Frederique Maurell, event director of The Hotel Show, said the DTCM deal would help develop the show further. “DTCM has an enviable profile around the world and provides considerable support for all stakeholders in Dubai's hospitality sector,” she said.
international events, but their expertise in marketing Dubai as a business and leisure destination.” The Hotel Show is operated by DMG Events, and will be held for the twelfth time in 2011.
DTCM has an enviable profile around the world “Their support will be invaluable to us, especially their experience of not only attending and participating in many
Hotel Show 2010
Italian Cinema to Tempt Emiratis Italy’s government tourism promotion body, ENIT, has launched a cinema advertising campaign in the UAE, aimed at raising awareness of the country in the Middle East. According to ENIT, cinemas have been carefully selected based on attendance, popularity and prestige. The campaign focuses on iconic attractions within Italy and has been launched with the intent of raising awareness within the Emirati market. It has been timed to take advantage of high cinema attendance over the December and January period. ENIT opened its first Middle Eastern office in Sharjah in June, 2010 and has been undertaking research on the market as part of developing a regional strategy. Rome, Italy
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DECEMBER 23, 2010
- Accommodation
Al Raha Beach Hotel Extension Underway Construction is underway at Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach Hotel, with an extra 144 rooms and suites planned.
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he extension, which includes a new accommodation wing, will more than double the hotel’s existing portfolio of 110 rooms and 24 villas. The new wing will also include three new restaurants and an inner-atrium lobby. Kamal Zayati, general manager of Al Raha Beach Hotel, said the extension was expected to open for business in the final quarter of 2011. “This is part of an overall and gradual renovation of the entire property,” said Zayati. “Our aim is for the new building to blend in with the existing hotel as one signature
property with state-of-the-art technologies and amenities.” Work is also underway to upgrade the villa and outdoor pool facilities at the hotel, which will include a switch to solar energy for heating and cooling. “This is very much part of the group’s overall environmental drive and is really aligned to Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s Green Hotels initiative,” said Zayati. Other planned changes under the renovation scheme include an upgrade of Al Raha’s 900m of beachfront, with new landscaping along the seafront and boardwalk; the hotel’s spa will undergo a complete renovation; four meeting rooms will be added; and the third-floor gym
Al Raha Beach Hotel’s planned extension
and indoor pool will become part of a planned executive floor. “This is something quite unique in the city; we will be offering our business guests access to an entire dedicated executive floor with a VIP lounge and its own gym, pool and spa,” said Zayati. “Al Raha Beach Hotel is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the coming upswing in tourism.”
Malta – the gateway to your dream Mediterranean cruise. Set sail from an island with 7,000 years of history!
Truly Mediterranean www.visitmalta.com DECEMBER 23, 2010
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- Car Rental
Dollar Rental Picks Sharjah as Growth Market Dollar Rent a Car has opened two new outlets in the UAE and flagged Sharjah as a major growth market for car rental.
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ne outlet is located at the Ramada Hotel Apartments near Sharjah’s Sahara Centre while the other is situated in Dubai Media City. Marwan Al Mulla, general manager of Dollar Rent a Car UAE, said the Sharjah branch in particular showed promise. “We have identified a great deal of business potential in Sharjah, especially with the Arab population in the emirate,” he said. “The new outlet will accommodate the increasing number of local business startups, and will also serve Arab holiday
makers who prefer to stay with their families in the emirate.” He said that steady growth in demand made Sharjah a good investment for car rental. “The demand for renting vehicles in Sharjah has increased during the past two years, so our goal for 2011 is to meet the demands of customers with our supreme service and top of the range 2011 model cars,” he said. “Car rental will remain the preferred choice of travel for UAE tourists in 2011; we expect to see a surge in the influx of leisure travellers, with the level of business travellers remaining the same as in 2010.”
Marwan Al Mulla
Car rental will remain the preferred choice of travel for UAE tourists in 2011
Hertz UAE Opens Fourteenth Branch Hertz has opened a new branch within Etihad Plaza Village in Abu Dhabi. Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE, said he was excited about the development. “We are very pleased to open the latest addition to the Hertz UAE network,” he said. “The new branch will offer Etihad Plaza customers a fully operational vehicle rental solution that is convenient whilst offering great value and outstanding service to our customers.” The branch is the fourteenth in the UAE for the brand, which is operated in the country by Al Futtaim Group.
Hertz Etihad Plaza 6
DECEMBER 23, 2010
- Air Travel
Flydubai Targets Saudi’s Agricultural Heartland Flydubai has added a third destination in Saudi Arabia with routes to Gassim Airport near the city of Buraydah, capital of Al Qassim province.
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he area is one of Saudi Arabia’s main agricultural regions and is well known for the quality of its dates. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, said the route would be the first direct connection between Dubai and Gassim. “Flydubai will be the first airline to serve Dubai and Gassim non-stop and we are confident that the demand for this route will increase considerably in the near future,” he said. “Travellers from Gassim have had limited choices in terms of direct international flights and the introduction of this new route will
benefit passengers with significant reduction in travel time as well as cost incurred.” He explained that the connection had
Travellers from Gassim have had limited choices in terms of direct international flights
continue our strategic penetration into more markets,” he said. “This further solidifies our commitment to the Saudi Arabian trade, tourism and commercial industries and caters to the growing demand for low cost air travel in the region and especially in the kingdom.” Gassim is Flydubai’s thirtieth route; flights are scheduled to begin on January 18, 2011.
been chosen as part of a wider strategy, aimed of taking advantage of trade and commercial opportunities. “The new Gassim route marks an important step for the airline as we
Air France and SAA to Codeshare Air France and Saudi Arabian Airlines (SAA) have established a codeshare arrangement for flights between their respective countries. Routes covered by the agreement include those from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Paris, France; and between Paris and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Khaled Al-Molhem, CEO of SAA, and Pierre-Henri Gourgeon, CEO of Air France, released a statement saying further collaborations should be expected to follow. “This codeshare agreement is a first step of a partnership which will enable the two carriers to offer a better product while being more effective,” it read. The deal – which comes into effect on January 10, 2011 – falls within the framework of a wider co-operation agreement signed between the airlines in June, 2010. Khaled Al-Molhem
DECEMBER 23, 2010
This codeshare agreement is a first step of a partnership 7
- International
Aujan Group’s USD100m Flagship Resort in Mozambique Rani Resorts, a hospitality group owned by Saudi Arabian Aujan Group, is set to begin work on a USD100 million flagship resort on Paradise Island in Mozambique.
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onstruction will begin in 2011, with the property opening to guests in 2013. Adel Aujan, chairman of Aujan Group, said occupancy was picking up at the company’s existing resorts, adding that Mozambique was on track to be one of the world’s leading luxury tourism destinations. “Mozambique is shaping up to be Africa’s brightest rising star, with rich resources and outstanding potential for tourism,” said Aujan. The company already operates five hotels in Mozambique, including its current
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flagship, Indigo Bay Resort and Spa. The Paradise Island project will comprise an 80-room hotel; 50 holiday villas and apartments; restaurants; a kids club; spa and retail outlets; and sporting facilities. The island also features an airstrip for easy access to the mainland; it is two hour’s flying time from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mozambique is shaping up to be Africa’s brightest rising star
Adel Aujan
DECEMBER 23, 2010
Egypt
Agent’s Insight Name: Emily Douglas Position: Team Leader Company: Intrepid Travel Location: Brisbane, Australia Who travels to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from Australia?
Travco Adds Two Branches in Egypt Travco Group has opened two new retail travel outlets in Egypt – one in Giza and another within the Heliopolis Sporting Club. Both outlets will be operational before the end of December, according to the company. The Giza branch is Travco’s seventeenth standalone store, while the Heliopolis branch is its fifth implanted outfit. Both will offer a range of services including travel packages, ticketing and hotel accommodation, as well as Hajj and Umrah management. Travco has announced that the expanded retail presence marks a new stage of growth for the group.
We get all types of travellers – the age groups range from 20 to 75 years old. This is because we have a wide variety, from camping in the desert to comfortable luxury in Petra. Our most frequent clients for this region are single females, around 35 years old.
Where in the MENA region do travellers from Australia vist? Egypt and Jordan are our most popular. Often people will start in Cairo, then travel down to Luxor and Aswan. Then they’ll perhaps tack on a trip to Jordan and the Dead Sea at the end of their trip.
Why is the region interesting for your clients? One thing that I think is important is that people in Australia are used to the climate – it is not such a shock for them to experience a 35 or 40 degree day. Also, we have a lot of history buffs who are interested in the ancient cultures and archaeology in the region. The diversity of the landscape, from deserts to the lush green lands around the Nile is also of interest to many.
When is the busiest time of year for bookings to MENA? All year round, but lately the shoulder seasons are more popular because of the climate. March through to June and September through to November are busy. Around December the flights do get more expensive, so we don’t have as many people then.
What could be done to improve traffic to the region? It is already probably one of our highest sellers, but more could be done in North Africa. Across Libya and Algeria there are limited choices in terms of tours, and not much marketing. This is different to Egypt, where there is a huge range of tours at reasonable prices. Also, some of the other areas are harder to get to, which makes it more difficult.
Petra, Jordan 10
DECEMBER 23, 2010
To Succeed in Business, Do What You Want To Starting your own travel business can be difficult, but is also the dream for many already working within the industry.
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s the Middle East develops, opportunities continue to present themselves and governments are increasingly willing to help establish
start ups. Aboubaker Al Sakaf is a success story in the sector, having built up his own bike rental business on Abu Dhabi Corniche. “I used to ride my bicycle in the city but felt unsafe: the only safe place to ride was along the corniche, but when I wanted to cycle on the corniche, I had to take my own bike in my car beforehand,” he said. “That gave me the idea to establish a business which would provide bikes for rent.”
He gave his advice for other young entrepreneurs looking to work in the travel industry. “I would suggest for [Emiratis] to have the courage to start a business they believe in,” he said.
I would suggest for [Emiratis] to have the courage to start a business they believe in “If they prepare everything in a nice, simple and clear way they will win the patronage of their target client. “The determination to continue with
what you believe in will definitely make you successful. “My personal experience in establishing this business was that it took me a lot of effort to convince the authorities that my idea would benefit Abu Dhabi's lovely surroundings – but I proved it to them and now we are well established.”
The British are Coming Marrakech, Morocco has been tipped as the number one destination for 2011 by aviation heavyweight, British Airways. The carrier will commence flights to the city in 2011, and according to BA, Marrakech has met with more enthusiasm than any other planned route. Willie Walsh, CEO of BA, said competition had been stiff, as many of the carrier’s new routes have proven successful. “The response we’ve had to the launch of routes like the Maldives, Las Vegas and Marrakech was incredible,” he said. Marrakech is located in the south of Morocco and is famous for its traditional, red-tinged architecture. Marrakech, Morocco
DECEMBER 23, 2010
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Frederic Bardin
Matar Al-Mansoori
Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays “We see a huge demand [from Turkey] for travel to destinations such as Dubai and the UAE in general, the Indian Ocean (Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles), Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Sri Lanka are quite popular among Turkish travellers. We also see a lot of interest from Turkish travellers to destinations like Australia, New Zealand, China and Africa.”
General Manager, Al Badeyah Eyes Tourism “The desert has a unique nature: no one can imagine it unless they experience it. The UAE has a variety of dune shapes and Liwa Oasis has the region's highest dunes. I want to be an Emirati who focuses on promoting desert tourism in Abu Dhabi. I want to be an entrepreneur and was happy to face the challenge of making a traditional heritage camp that is family-oriented yet enjoyable and adventurous for visitors. Abu Dhabi has big tourism and cultural projects underway, some are ready and some will be ready in the next few years. Therefore, a lot of tourists are coming and will come to visit the city. They would like to be welcomed by Emiratis who can take them around the city, answer their questions and show them our culture, traditions and heritage.”
[Tourists] would like to be welcomed by Emiratis who can take them around the city
We see a huge demand Frederic Bardin
Liwa Oasis
Raymond Cham Chairman, Allianz Egypt "The [travel] insurance needs of each market differ, which is why we have extended the scope of coverage within the programme to include previously uncovered elements. I profoundly believe that offering our customers choice empowers them to make informed decisions that suit their needs. Economy, business class, and first class will make the whole difference when it comes to selecting among travel insurance options."
Economy, business class, and first class will make the whole difference 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 23, 2010
BSL Middle East Team Events and logistics management group BSL, which has recently arrived in the Middle East after 25 successful years in the UK, has expanded its operations in Abu Dhabi, with new offices and several additions to its team. In 2011, Tim Silvey will join the company as business development director. BSL Middle East has also appointed Chloe Furr, who will serve as events manager at the company.
Troon Golf ’s New MENA Team Troon Golf has made a number of additions to its Middle East and North African teams, along with several promotions. Lil Striker has been promoted to the newly created position of director of marketing at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Striker previously served as the sales and marketing manager for both facilities. Joining Striker is new sales manager Christina Struller, who will also work across both Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club. Alex McDowell has been appointed assistant superintendent at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, following five years with Troon Golf at Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club in Queensland, Australia. Another former Pacific Harbour employee, Justin Bourke, has also joined Saadiyat Beach Golf Club as the facility’s new food and beverage manager. In Egypt, Scott Christenson has been appointed director of golf at the recently opened Allegria Golf Club, near Cairo. Christenson is a 10 year veteran of Troon Golf and has experience on some of the finest golf resorts around the world. Amr Fahmy has also joined the Allegria Golf Club, as sales and marketing manager. Fahmy has more than a decade of managerial experience, specialising in marketing, advertising, human resources and customer service.
Ersev Demiroz Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has appointed Ersev Demiroz as its new hotel manager. Demiroz has more than 18 years of international hospitality experience.
He most recently spent four years at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Qatar, where he held the position of director of rooms. He has spent a total of 12 years with the Four Seasons group, in
locations as wide-ranging as Istanbul, Newport Beach, Berlin and Sharm El Sheikh. He has assisted with opening hotels in Egypt, Beirut and Seychelles.
Ralph Katthoefer
Simon Maree
Swiss-Belhotel International has appointed Ralph Katthoefer as regional director of operations for the Middle East. Katthoefer was most recently employed as corporate head of hotel operations for Aldiana GMBH in Germany. He has also worked with Marriott Renaissance Hotels and Resorts during his 20-year career.
Mourjan Marinas IGY has appointed Simon Maree as marina manager for its flagship project, Lusail Marina, in Doha, Qatar. Maree has a range of hospitality and marina experience, including three years working with d’Abora, Australia’s largest marina group, as marina manager at Sydney’s Rushcutters Bay. He holds a Bachelor of Business from the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, along with a number of marina-specific qualifications.
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DECEMBER 23, 2010
Q&A with George Chakar As communications manager for the western region at Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC), George Chakar deals with two of the emirate’s leading tourism destinations – Desert Islands and Qasr Al Sarab. Chakar spoke with Travel Trade Weekly about both developments and the greater issues facing the UAE tourism industry. Travel Trade Weekly: Firstly, can you please tell us about TDIC’s Desert Islands product? George Chakar: Desert Islands consists of eight different islands – one of the main islands, the heart of the destination, is called Sir Bani Yas. The second is Delma Island, which is still inhabited by 5,000 locals and they’ve been living there since the early days. The other six islands are discovery islands dedicated to research and preserved as protected areas; specifically they are grounds for nesting birds and turtle hatching. The first key element of Sir Bani Yas is the Arabian Wildlife Park, which includes more than 30 different species indigenous to the region, with breeding programmes in place designed to have free ranging animals with minimal interaction from humans. The second element is the resort, Desert Islands Resort and Spa, which is managed by Anantara. The offering, if you want to put it that way, is multi-experiential. Tourists can come to the island to relax, or to experience wildlife, or to experience adventure activities. I also don’t want to forget the archaeology, because we have sites dated to 750AD. It’s a holistic experience; it means that no one can get bored.
Travel Trade Weekly: Secondly, please fill us in on Desert Islands’ sister project, Qasr Al Sarab. George Chakar: Qasr Al Sarab is a different story. This is what makes the western region really unique – having both the desert and island products on offer. DECEMBER 23, 2010
Qasr Al Sarab is in the Liwa Desert, which is in the Empty Quarter. Historically, the location is significant and it is also on an oasis – in some areas in Liwa you can find water at a depth of just one metre. The hotel is built in the form of a fort; the architecture and design, down to the finest detail, represent the old architecture and old interior design. The design team of TDIC, along with our consultants, visited many fortresses around the area and worked closely with Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage. The objective of both Qasr Al Sarab and Desert Islands is to have the education element. The guest will come and will take with them a story to be told somewhere to family and friends.
This is what makes the western region really unique – having both the desert and island products on offer Within Qasr Al Sarab there are more than 3,500 artifacts; most of them are museum quality. There are more than 2,500 books for people to flip through and learn about the history of the region. This property is also managed by Anantara, so it is personalised luxury service that we are looking at. There is a main spa with a hammam and many food and beverage outlets. We have the souk as well to go shopping and desert activities are on offer, such as excursions, desert walks, and we’re introducing desert buggies. We also have a famous Bedouin dinner; all
George Chakar
of this is to immerse the customer in the experience of the old days, so they can really take with them a nice story.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main issues currently facing the UAE tourism industry? George Chakar: Obviously the environment, green issues and sustainability are the main drivers today. From a tourism aspect, this is now targeted in the world and many countries are trying to do the best possible. The second element could be linked to the global financial crisis; the objective here could be having more value or experience based products rather than just static offerings. The offerings become vital in such an atmosphere. I think the products that Abu Dhabi is offering today, specifically with the landmark products, are more experiential and answer to the value-adds that the consumers are now asking for. Consumers may not be asking for a discount, but they are asking for additional value, more experience and a cultural experience. All those elements must be there in order to succeed in such an atmosphere. 15
Record Middle Eastern Visitors Expected at Chinese New Year A Singpore Tourism Board (STB) is anticipating strong visitor numbers from the Middle East for Chinese New Year 2011, following a successful 2010 event. Visitors from the region totalled 2,720 in 2010 – more than double the number that visited in 2009. STB expects this growth to continue at next year’s event, to be held between January 15 and February 28, 2011. Celebrations for the Year of the Rabbit will run under the banner of Spring Festival Singapore. “We look forward to welcoming regional visitors to participate in our unique Lunar New Year festivities, which showcase Singapore’s vibrancy as a multi-cultural destination by celebrating our rich cultural elements which make up the city’s soul,” said
Chinese New Year, Singapore
Jason Ong, area director of the Middle East and Africa at STB. In addition to the annual new year
celebrations, Singapore will also host a range of cultural displays, performances and parades.
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 23, 2010