Middle East and North Africa Edition
March 26, Issue 72
NASAIR DEBUTS IN TURKEY Nasair has stepped up its international expansion with the introduction of three new destinations in Turkey: Istanbul, Antakya and Adana.
On March 15, the newest addition to Princess Cruises was officially revealed along with details of its distinctive features, with the vessels debut expected in spring 2013.
12 LUXURY JW MARRIOTT HOTEL TO OPEN IN PERU Marriott International has announced plans to open a luxury JW Marriott Hotel in Cusco. The design of the 153-room hotel planned to open in 2012.
14 In This Issue
Market Update Weekly News Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Who’s Moved Travel Talk Agents’ Corner Travel Channels Rendezvous Events
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Princess Cruises Unveils the New Royal Princess
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Managing Editor Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel Journalists Rita Kasziba Duncan MacRae Marianna Keen
Oman Surpasses Passenger Records Muscat, the capital city of Oman, is set to welcome a record number of ship passengers in the current 2010-11 season after also surpassing its air passenger figures in 2010.
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he latest statistics, released by Oman’s Ministry of Tourism and Port Sultan Qaboos, demonstrate Design & Layout Elina Pericleous that the number of cruise ship visits to Muscat increased from Sales & Marketing Dimitris Thomaidis 78 to 94 in the current season, with the number of passengers reaching a record of 213,100, which Directors represents an increase of 72 percent over 2009. Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi During the last years, Muscat has rapidly gained popularity. Salem Al Mamari, director general of Headquarters P.O. Box 25255 tourism promotion, Ministry of Tourism, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus commented on the performance. Tel: +35722820888 “The results are very pleasing, especially Fax: +35722318958 considering that passenger arrivals to Muscat in Website 2007 were just 44,885. We are seeing some www.traveltradeweekly.travel welcome recognition in Oman as a preferred cruise Emails destination. More companies are including Muscat info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel in world itineraries, as well Salalah and Khasab as sales@traveltradeweekly.travel distinctive regional destinations in their own right. The other welcome trend is the decision by a number of companies to deploy their larger
vessels to our region.” The Ministry has announced its ambition to welcome 300,000 ship passengers in Muscat by 2015, and also aims to present an eco-friendly cruise vessel, based in Oman. “We are seeing Oman, and especially Muscat, recognised as offering cruise ships as an authentic experience, with the visual quality of a Muscat stop over among the most beautiful in the world. Experiences like these are welcomed by cruise ship itinerary planners wanting to offer something special. Also, Musandam/Khasab, with its sheltered waters and mirror-like reflections, and the vitality of sub-tropical Salalah, are emerging cruise destinations with their own natural beauty,” he added. Oman has already surpassed its air passenger record with 2.08 million travellers passing through the terminals of Muscat International Airport in 2010, representing an increase of 13 percent compared to 2009, according to the recently issued figures of the International Air Transport Association.
Middle East Drives Air Travel Growth MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 24/3/2011 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= 3.67 5.95 3.75 1502.5 0.37 0.71 46.60 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.38 7.97 10,38 215.00 71.91 1.21
According to the latest figures from OAG Aviation, the Middle East and Asia Pacific remain the major drivers for global airline growth, with continuously increased capacity and frequency. OAG, a UBM Aviation Company, reported a year-on-year growth of five percent in worldwide scheduled flights in February, with a total of 285.7 million seats globally. The number of flights offered rose by four percent, with 2.3 million departures recorded during a month. According to the report, every regional market witnessed a year-on-year increase in February, except Central and South America, which recorded a decline of three percent in capacity. The two fastest growing markets remain Middle East and Asia Pacific in terms of the frequency of services. The total number of flights offered to and from the Middle East increased to 49,014, representing an increase of 13 percent, while services to and from Asia Pacific rose to13 percent to a total of 55,965. The major Middle Eastern airlines are expected to continue their strong performance. Peter von Moltke, CEO, UBM Aviation, commented on the airlines. “Medium to long haul carriers continue to build their presence in European markets, with the objective of securing greater shares of the longer haul markets, which traditionally deliver higher yields. Carriers such as Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways will continue to increase flights and open new markets as their development progresses, and increased frequencies to a number of European destinations are expected by these airlines throughout the year.” MARCH 26, 2011
Princess Cruises Unveils the New Royal Princess On March 15, the newest addition to Princess Cruises was officially revealed along with details of its distinctive features, with the vessels debut expected in spring 2013.
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he Royal Princess is the third ship of its namesake to be produced by Princess Cruises, however this innovative addition to the fleet offers a unique signature. It will be the first of two new-generation ships for Princess, which is being built by Fincantieri at their Monfalcone Italy shipyard. The prototype design diverges from the line’s classic style of vessels. The 141,000 ton, 3,600 passenger ship, will include a novel over-water SeaWalk. The glass-bottomed walkway on the starboard side of Royal Princess’ top-deck will extend
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more than 28 feet beyond the vessel’s edge. Three pools will feature on the Royal Princess, and along the pool side at night, an outdoor dance club and water and light show will take place. Alan Buckelew, president and CEO, Princess Cruises, commented on the newly designed vessel. “We’re taking the best features of our newest vessels that have been such customer pleasers, and taking them to the next level.” Royal Princess will include 260,000ft2 of indoor public space, offering a multitude of dining and entertainment options through day and night as well as other features to be revealed in the coming months.
Jersey’s Battle of the Flowers Could Showcase Abu Dhabi Float Jersey’s annual Battle of Flowers event could this year feature a float devoted to Abu Dhabi and its key attractions. The Channel Island of Jersey, which has an economic focus on finance and tourism, is seeking to procure two-way tourism links with Abu Dhabi. Senator Philip Ozouf, deputy chief minister and minister for treasury and resources, Jersey, outlined the plan to include an Abu Dhabi float in the annual flower spectacular during a meeting with His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA). The meeting took place alongside the official opening of the Jersey Finance representative office in Abu Dhabi.
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Cruise Lines Take the Stage at GIBTM Four of the world’s leading cruise lines, will for the first time participate in the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) in Abu Dhabi this year.
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he high profile event, which promotes networking and partnership creation throughout the travel industry, will be held March 28-30 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). Cruise lines to take part, this year include Costa Cruises, Silversea Cruises, MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean International. According to Lloyd Kenyon, exhibition manager, GIBTM, the participation of four of the world’s most respected cruise line operators demonstrates that cruises are being recognised by corporate bookers as a newly popular travel option. Kenyon stresses the important corporate role cruise operations have attracted for themselves – forming a sector of employee incentive travel. “You can think of cruise ships as floating conference centres, complete with state of the art auditoriums and meeting rooms. A cruise can actually save a great deal compared to the costs of a hotel and then, by laying on entertainment and other extras because almost everything is included in the one price. It is no surprise that in the wake of the financial downturn, cruise tourism has emerged as one of the strongest growth areas in Dubai’s hospitality sector,” added Kenyon. Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become an international cruise hub has received a boost following the decision. This is further enhanced by a signing between ADTA and MSC Cruises of a landmark cooperation agreement that will see MSC Cruises deploy one of its top vessels to Abu Dhabi on a homeport basis from October.
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MITT Awards Abu Dhabi ‘Best Attractions Destination’ Abu Dhabi was awarded ‘Best Attractions Destination’ at this year’s MITT travel fair in Moscow held 16-19 March, outclassing competition from 185 other participating destinations. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), along with 20 stakeholders of the organisation, created a highly popular pavilion at the show, which was held at the Expocentre in Russia’s capital city. The stand showcased the headline Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park on Yas Island as well as two new beach resorts by Abu Dhabi National Hotels – Park Saadiyat Beach and RitzCarlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal. Mubarak Al Nuaimi, international promotions manager, ADTA, commented on the Abu Dhabi’s positive contribution to the Moscow event. “Luxury beach resorts are vital to the product mix in Russia.” Close coordination between hotels, destination management companies, airlines and other public and private sector travel related organisations, has aided Abu Dhabi in becoming an award winning luxury travel destination.
MARCH 26, 2011
- Accommodation
Rotana Embraces New Google Agreement Rotana has become the first hotel management company in the Middle East and Africa to sign the Google agreement of Trust International.
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he collaboration will enable Rotana to display its room rates and availability in real-time, in search listings on Google Maps and related Google Place pages. This will be operated with a pay-per-click advertising module connected with the Rotana booking engine, which is powered by Trust International. The your Voyager system, which is available in the Americas, Europe and Asia, enables the hotels to display the pricing information of their own website next to the prices of advertisers, such as online travel agencies, and drive potential bookers directly to the hotel’s own booking engine. Richard Wiegmann, managing director, Trust International, commented that hoteliers were already delighted with the program. “The response by hoteliers to the program that we jointly developed with Google has been outstanding. Since announcing the beta in February, every single hotelier we’ve presented it to has jumped at the unprecedented opportunity this provides to them.”
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Hyatt Terminates Management Agreement for Grand Hyatt Cairo Unresolved contractual disputes with the hotel owner have lead to Hyatt International LLC exiting the Grand Hyatt Cairo. Hyatt and the hotel’s owner, a Saudi Egyptian Touristic Development Company, have allegedly been attempting to resolve the issue for several weeks via a series of communications, however no resolution has been reached. Gebhard Rainer, managing director, Hyatt International (Europe, Africa and Middle East) LLC, voiced his disappointment regarding the situation but indicated that it will not affect Hyatt’s performance in Egypt. “It is unfortunate that the contractual disputes have not been resolved, forcing us to exit this property, but this does not diminish how important Egypt is and will remain to the Hyatt brand. We will continue to operate two Hyatt hotels in Egypt, and are interested in pursuing new development opportunities there.”
MARCH 26, 2011
- Accommodation
Kempinski Soon to Open Luxury Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah Kempinski has announced that it is putting the final touches on its first beach property in Dubai, which is scheduled to open July 1.
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he Hotel and Residences, developed by EPG Hotels and Resorts on the man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, will operate as a five star all suite hotel. Accommodation on offer includes 244 spacious suites, penthouses and villas, some with the extra luxury of an outdoor private pool or jacuzzi. The classical, elegant European-inspired interior style of the Hotel and Residences was designed by award winning firm GAJ, and custom made furniture throughout the hotel was manufactured by the Italian design company Francesco Molon. The elegant hotel is complemented with 5 acres of landscaped gardens, a 500 metre private beach and a swimming pool. There is also a gym and kid’s playground. A variety of restaurants and bars throughout the hotel offer a range of international cuisines, including Brunello, which serves Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian twist. Shopping venues are also featured on the premises. The Kempinski Hotel and Residences not only caters for the leisure visitor, but also the business traveller, offering a fullyequipped boardroom and a meeting room. Beat Peter, general manager, Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah, remarked on the vision of extravagance that the new hotel anticipates achieving. “A range of tailor made services will be available such as personal butler, personal chef, the Palace ceremony and many more – all aimed at creating an atmosphere of luxury, relaxation and comfort.” Kempinski Hotel and Residences Palm Jumeirah
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MARCH 26, 2011
- Air Travel
Etihad Reveals Plans for Malé Flights UAE-based airline Etihad Airways has revealed that it will launch flights to the Maldives on November 1, subject to government approval.
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he airline plans to operate a daily return service from Abu Dhabi to Malé International Airport with a seating capacity of 1,904 each week. James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways, describes Malé as a gateway to the Maldives, a premium leisure destination, adding that the commencement of the
services in November was perfectly timed to coincide with the start of the busy northern winter period. “Given the strong increase in visitation numbers we are seeing in the market, the time is right to launch services to this popular holiday destination.” Etihad Airways expects the services to appeal to UAE leisure travellers, as well as customers from its major European
markets, particularly with the strong connectivity options on offer. “Etihad’s schedule, which offers an attractive afternoon arrival and evening departure, has been carefully designed to offer customers maximum leisure time at their destination. In fact, European travellers can take advantage of our overnight flights in both directions, offering them a full extra day in the Maldives,” Hogan added.
Gulf Air Suspends Iran and Iraq Flights Bahrain-based airline Gulf Air has temporarily stopped flights between Bahrain and Iran and Iraq as unrest in the Gulf state escalates. The airline stated that it plans to recommence the flights in April and, in
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the meantime, all other flights are operating as normal. Bahrain declared a three-month state of emergency earlier this month as soldiers from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states entered the country in a bid
to quash protestors calling for democracy. The Gulf Air sales offices in Manama and Seef Mall will remain open from 8am until 6 pm in order to deal with customers’ queries.
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- Air Travel
Nasair Debuts in Turkey Nasair has launched three new destinations in Turkey: Istanbul, Antakya and Adana.
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ith the introduction of the new destinations, Nasair became the first carrier to offer scheduled flights from Saudi Arabia to Antakya and Adana. The new flights bring the number of Nasair’s international destinations to 21 cities, Turki Al Jawini, director of sales, nasair, said. “We at Nasair are very proud of our achievements to date and are committed to the ongoing development of services for our customers and further expansion of our network.” The airline will operate 11 scheduled weekly flights between Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
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“The Turkish air travel market is one of the largest in the region. To better service travellers between the two countries, we have introduced four direct flights between Jeddah and Istanbul each week, three weekly direct flights between Jeddah and Adana, as well as twice weekly direct services between Antakya and Jeddah and Antakya and Riyadh,” added Al Jawani. “Nasair operates more than 500 scheduled flights every week to 21 international and six domestic destinations with the youngest and most fuel efficient fleet in the region. We will shortly be announcing more international routes and improved smart services to make direct booking with Nasair even easier,” said Al Jawini.
Jazeera Intensifies Summer Schedule Jazeera Airways is to enhance its operations with the introduction of seasonal flights to Istanbul and additional services to three other destinations ahead of summer. The carrier’s summer schedule, effective March 27, will offer seasonal flights to Istanbul, two times a week between April and October. It will also include additional services to three other popular destinations, Damascus, Dubai and Jeddah. The Kuwaiti based airline will increase the frequency of its Dubai route to four daily flights on Thursdays and Saturdays and with the launch of two additional services will offer 12 flights a week to Damascus. Furthermore, the carrier also expands its operation to Jeddah with daily services, except Friday. Starting on March 27, Jazeera Airways’ new schedule will offer passengers more choice and flexibility ahead of the summer season.
MARCH 26, 2011
- International
Luxury JW Marriott Hotel to Open Cusco, Peru
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arriott International has announced plans to open a luxury JW Marriott Hotel in Cusco. The design of the 153-room hotel, planned to open in 2012, will be heavily influenced by a nearby colonial church and ancient Inca artifacts found on the site. The property will be operated under a management agreement with Inversiones La Rioja, S.A., owners of JW Marriott Hotel Lima. Alfonso Brazzini, chairman, board of Inversiones La Rioja, SA, was proud that the project will honour the history and the culture of the Inca people and the heritage of their country. “This project will surely be one of the most unique in the world, utilising the latest engineering and technology to preserve the past and create a hotel environment for today. We are grateful for the collaboration between Inversiones La Rioja and the national and international institutions that provide protection to human heritage.”
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Nanjing, China, Gets First Westin Hotel Starwood Hotels & Resorts has accelerated its growth in China with the opening of its first Westin property in Nanjing. The hotel, set in the Nanjing International Centre, is the company’s 11th hotel in China. Plans for further hotels in the country will take Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ Chinese portfolio from 70 properties to more than 114 by the end of 2012. Nancy London, vice president and global leader, Westin Hotels, commented that Westin Nanjing is a terrific addition to the company’s fast-growing portfolio in China, giving Westin a foothold in one of the country’s most vital economic and cultural centres. “Fueled by the success of its distinctive wellness positioning, Westin is well on its way to establishing itself as an international market leader with unprecedented opportunities for growth in the world’s most rapidly developing economies.” Overlooking Xuanwu Lake, The Westin Nanjing is located in the Hunan Road central business district in the heart of downtown Nanjing. Richard Deutl, general manager, Westin Nanjing, noted that he expects the Westin brand to contribute to the increasing importance of Nanjing as a tourism and business destination.
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Saudi Arabia Well Represented at Global Events
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he Elaf Group for Travel, Tourism and Hotels has successfully represented Saudi Arabia in a series of specialised exhibitions, seminars and workshops around the world. The group attended the second edition of Hajj & Umrah Services Exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which attracted more than 85 international companies, and the second Hajj and Umrah Exhibition, held in Malaysia recently, at which 250 companies participated. Ziyad Bin Mahfouz, CEO, Elaf Group, noted that the exhibitions help Saudi Arabia to develop strategic partnerships
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with travel agencies. “It also facilitated exchange of experiences and best practices with industry experts and specialists with the underlining goal of developing Hajj and Umrah services,” Bin Mahfouz added.
It also facilitated exchange of experiences and best practices
Jakarta exhibtion 2011
Riyadh Hotel Boosts Local Employment Corp Executive Hotel Deira, in Riyadh, has achieved nearly 60 percent Saudisation, with 41 of its 70 staff members being Saudi nationals. Akram Shaar, general manager, Corp Executive Hotel Deira, praised the work of the company’s HR department for managing to attract and train Saudi staff. “This level of commitment is already contributing to the strong launch of our property, with guests showing their appreciation of a real feeling of Saudi hospitality – and we also welcome the opportunity to provide opportunities in the thriving hospitality industry to those locals who wish to pursue a career in this arena,” said Shaar. Corp Executive Hotels, a division of HMH (Hospitality Management Holdings), launched in 2010 and currently has properties in Dubai, Doha and Riyadh, with plans for an additional four hotels throughout Saudi Arabia.
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Ameen Al-Darawsheh Ameen Al-Darawsheh has joined Sheraton Deira Hotel as director of sales and marketing. Al-Darawsheh brings more than 10 years of experience in hospitality management to the Starwood property. Prior to taking on Ameen his new role, he led the convention Al-Darawsheh centre as director of convention sales for Sheraton Doha Resort & Convention Hotel and also expanded his experience in various food and beverage positions. In his new role, Al-Darawsheh will be in charge to explore new markets and opportunities in order to increase the local market share, build marketing strategies and take the property a step further.
Allan Federer Allan Federer has been promoted to general manager at RitzCarlton, Dubai. In his new role he will lead a team of 267 employees, and will spearhead the sales and marketing operations to generate maximum revenue. Furthermore, he will be in charge to prepare the hotel for its continued growth with the implementation of the Allan Federer expansion project. Federer, has over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry and held five general manager positions in the last 10 years at RitzCarlton. Most recently he led the opening operations at Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountains, and directed the hotel to several achievements after launching it.
Eliza Siqueira Eliza Siqueira has been appointed as director of rooms at Grand Millenium Al Wahda. In her new role she has been tasked with directing and supporting the management of housekeeping, front office and concierge operations of the hotel. Siqueira will be also responsible for establishing goals, measurements and action plans for room operations and will be in charge to provide the training, support and accountability required to team members. Prior to taking on a new role, she held the operation manager’s role at Al Jawhara Hotel & Apartments in Dubai. Previously she worked as general manager at Queenstown Luxury Hotel & Spa in New Zealand and as director of rooms at Four Seasons in New York and Miami. Eliza Siqueira
Manu Madan Manu Madan has been appointed as general manager at City Seasons Hotel Muscat. In his new role he has been tasked to lead the opening of City Seasons Group’s first property in Oman. Madan, who brings 23 years Manu of experience in the hospitality Madan industry, has previously also helped at the launch of City Seasons Hotel Dubai. Madan began his career in the Middle East in 1988 as sales executive for Metropolitan Hotel before being promoted to director of sales and later to executive assistant manager and group director of business development. In 2004 he took on his first general manager position at the same hotel, followed by the same role at City Seasons Hotel Dubai and Habtoor Grand Resort & Spa, Dubai. MARCH 26, 2011
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Selim El Zyr President and CEO, Rotana “We are constantly developing innovative ways to enhance our brand value by anticipating travel trends and guest preferences, rather than just following them. This is one of the great strengths of Rotana."
We are constantly developing innovative ways to enhance our brand value
Samir Hamadeh General Manager, Alpha Tours "We also have to be careful to the sensitivity of tourism trends in general and the geopolitical knowledge of tourists from Europe and elsewhere, as these turbulent situations can also have a negative feel towards the area, so we do hope all these situations come to a peaceful end in the near future."
Samir Hamadeh
We do hope all these situations come to a peaceful end in the near future
Selim El Zyr
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
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MARCH 26, 2011
Agent’s Insight Emirates Holidays Embraces Trends Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates airline, has published its latest brochure, A World of Choice, and will be presented at a three-day travel event and exhibition in Dubai. The new catalogue, which features 130 destinations in 37 countries, including the recently introduced new destinations of the airlines, caters to all types of holiday makers. Frederic Bardin, senior vice president, Emirates Holidays, comments on the brochure. “With every A World of Choice brochure, we aim to reflect current trends and shifts in holiday travel, and of course, further elevate the well-researched, bespoke holiday offerings we are known for. Although the past two years have seen a marked improvement for the travel industry, people are generally looking for more value for their money when considering holiday now.” Emirates Holidays will celebrate the launch of the 2011-2012 issue with a three-day travel event and exhibition at the Event Centre, InterContinental Dubai Festival City between April 29 and May 1.
Name: Leo Fewtrell Position: General Manager Company: Dubai Travel & Tour Agents Group Location: Dubai, UAE Who are you? I have been in the Gulf since 1979, and have worked for airlines and travel agencies. I am now a partner of Gulfreps, a marketing and representation company in the GCC and I am also the general manager of Dubai Travel & Tour Agents Group formed under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? I enjoy the long hours and the interaction with different cultures and age groups. I like being able to use my experience to assist people and provide training facilities and opportunities.
When is the best time to visit the UAE? When you come from England as I do; anytime is a good time. If the sun is shining it must be a good day as opposed to Manchester when you look out of the window at 10.00 a.m. at the grey clouds and pouring rain in summer and know that this is the best it will be all day. But obviously, for most people the current climate is beautiful and November through to April is very temperate.
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? So many places; however I love Queensland and the Gold Coast of Australia where my family have enjoyed several visits over the years. The mix and proximity of the beaches and the rainforest make it a wonderful exciting place for all ages.
Why should people come to you for travel advice? DTTAG agencies are recognised by the Chamber of Commerce and accountable for their actions and activities. Consumers who have any complaints or questions can take up their issues with their Executive Committee who will consider and action accordingly.
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MARCH 26, 2011
Tsunami Creates Uncertainty in Japanese Tourism Japan’s popular annual blossom festival began this month but, unsurprisingly, the mood is a sombre one and tourists are staying away.
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he massive earthquake off the coast of Honshu Island on March 11 and subsequent tsunami that hit the country was devastating, and damage to the Fukishima nuclear power plant sparked fears of radiation leaks. Numerous governments around the world urged their citizens not to travel to the country until it was clearly safe to do so. The fact that damage to the nation’s infrastructure, including airports in Narita, Haneda and Sendai, was extensive has not helped matters. A string of airlines either stopped flights to Japan or temporarily scaled back
operations to the country over safety fears, while they monitored the situation closely. Air China was one airline to temporarily cut back flights to Japan. Its reason for doing so was more to do with fears over potential aftershocks, rather than concerns over radiation leaks. Other airlines to cut back services included Nippon Airways, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and Taiwan’s EVA Airways. Jetstar, the budget offshoot of Qantas Airways, has also cut flights to Japan but blamed the cuts on a fall in demand from Japanese customers. America’s Delta Airlines has also slashed its Japan capacity citing not just the earthquake as a major reason, but also high fuel costs.
Japan is a very important market for Asia. Something like in excess of 10 million Japanese travelled overseas to other parts of Asia last year 22
Egypt Air, meanwhile, announced that its suspended Japan service, which was to resume on March 27, would remain out of action. The airline claims, however, that this decision had been taken prior to the occurrence of the earthquake. Even though some airlines have resumed normal service, many of their stocks have dropped sharply. Bill Carlderwood, CEO, Pacific Air Travel Association, admitted that Asia’s travel trade would be negatively affected for quite some time but predicted a swift and powerful recovery. Outbound travel, in particular, would be impacted in the short-term and tourists would be put off travelling to Japan for the time being. “Japan is a very important market for Asia. Something like in excess of 10 million Japanese travelled overseas to other parts of Asia last year.” said Carlderwood. “You would think this outbound travel would be affected but it’s likely that other Asian countries will pick up the slack. China is an extremely strong market, as is India. We predict an average annual growth of seven percent over the next three years in the region. That’s very healthy and the best growth rate in the world. Tourism in Asia will drive global tourism but the growth in Asia will also be dependent on interregional growth,” added Carlderwood. “The earthquake, tsunami and fears over potential radiation are all factors as to why tourists will be staying away but it is always amazing how low cost carriers are able to stimulate business in these scenarios.” It is vital that accurate information is released to the public as quickly as possible regarding the situation in Japan so that travellers can make informed decisions about where they wish to travel. MARCH 26, 2011
Q&A with Eric A. Danziger After the successful opening of Ramada Encore Doha, Wyndham is poised to debut the first Wyndham Grand and Planet Hollywood hotels in the Middle East. Eric A. Danziger, president and CEO, Wyndham Hotel Group, talks about the new properties and the group’s strategic direction. Travel Trade Weekly: Wyndham Hotel Group recently announced the first Wyndham Grand property in the Middle East. Can you tell us about this and why Doha was chosen? Eric A. Danziger: The Middle East and its major cities, including Doha, are very important for our growth. As the world’s largest hotel company, we are committed to developing great properties and providing outstanding service in top travel markets around the world. The Middle East represents great business opportunities and unique leisure travel experiences, and we are helping to promote this by opening properties such as the luxury, 246-room Wyndham Grand Regency Doha. This hotel will be the first Wyndham Grand property in the Middle East when it opens this spring. The opening of this hotel is very exciting for the brand and our company, as it both expands our presence in the region and represents growth in our managedhotel portfolio. The Wyndham Grand Regency Doha hotel will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Management Inc. and is owned by the esteemed Doha-based Regency Group Holding, which is the owner of our proposed Planet Hollywood hotel in Doha as well as the Ramada Encore Doha, our first Ramada Encore in the Qatari capital. Upon reflagging, the Wyndham Grand Regency Doha will join the Wyndham Grand Collection, an ensemble of distinguished hotels within the Wyndham Hotels and Resorts brand that represent oneof-a-kind experiences in key destinations with refined accommodations, attentive service and relaxed surroundings. The hotel is located 15 km from Doha International Airport, centrally located in MARCH 26, 2011
the Qatari capital’s Al Sadd area near the Exhibition Centre and Corniche waterfront promenade. It will feature three on-site restaurants and a café, wireless internet throughout, a business centre, meeting facilities including five 50 m2 rooms, the Angsana Spa, a gym, swimming pool and a ‘fat-burning studio’ with a chamber designed to speed up the body’s metabolism. The property will also offer VIP limousine service as well as complimentary valet parking and concierge service for all guests.
Travel Trade Weekly: As you mentioned, Wyndham also plans to launch the first Planet Hollywood Eric A. Danziger hotel in the Middle East. Could you tell us about the property? feature approximately 300 guest rooms, a Eric A. Danziger: Bringing the Planet restaurant and café, a lounge, meeting Hollywood brand to Doha, one of the world’s most dynamic tourist and business destinations, is incredibly exciting for Wyndham Hotel Group and Planet Hollywood Hotels, as it marks the inaugural expansion of the brand in the region. It is also the first property we have announced since our two great companies signed a license agreement in September 2010 granting Wyndham Hotel Group exclusive rights to franchise Planet Hollywood branded hotels and provide management services globally. As you know, Planet Hollywood is a world-renowned, entertainment-based brand that is ideally suited to travellers and developers seeking unique experiences, distinctive dining and outstanding service, and we’re so pleased to bring this unique experience to the Middle East. The proposed Planet Hollywood Hotel Entertainment City will be located near Qatar’s widely known theme park and will
facilities, fitness center, a spa and pool. The owner, Regency Group Holding, expects the hotel to open in 2014. The property will be managed by Wyndham Hotel Management, Inc. or one of its sister companies.
Travel Trade Weekly: Any future projects planned for the Middle East? Eric A. Danziger: There are an abundance of opportunities to grow our company’s presence in the Middle East. We currently have over 30 hotels open and operating in the region under the Ramada and Days Inn brands and we’re thrilled to add the recently-announced Ramada Encore Doha, Wyndham Grand Regency Doha and the proposed Planet Hollywood hotel to our growing portfolio. We continue to look for opportunities to introduce and build our brands in the region and provide travellers with more lodging options. 23
Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market to Attract Global Visitors Key industry players are expected to meet at the annual flagship Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM), scheduled to run from March 27-31 at the Riyadh International Exhibition Centre. Backed by the Saudi Commission of Antiquities, the exhibition aims to procure positive attention on the Saudi tourism industry, providing the opportunity for industry professionals to gain knowledge into the Saudi tourism industry, which is considered one of the most important trade markets in the region. The event will also instigate network and influence information sharing on a market and global scale. One aim of STTIM is to attract investments and to exchange
valuable travel and tourism information and experience. Successful industry players, from various segments and from throughout the world, will speak at the event, informing delegates of their opinions and feedback regarding the current market. Workshops will also be held to maximise the information sharing experience. In order to attract visitors and further promote the region, hotels throughout Riyadh will endorse their facilities.
The Park Hyatt Jeddah Marina, Club and Spa, will offer a place to stay just minutes away from the central business district. It will entice visitors not just with its highend business facilities, but based on the Red Sea, reminds clients of the nature Saudi Arabia has to offer. A focus of activities at STTIM will lie in raising the profile of the Saudi nation as a major travel destination, with all hospitality leaders and business moguls welcome in discussions. Park Hyatt Jeddah
Events China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Beijing, China, April 13-15, 2011 (www.cottm.com) Dedicated business to business event targeting the growing market for outbound travel from China.
The Hotel Show Dubai, UAE, May 17-19, 2011 (www.thehotelshow.com) Hospitality event for the MENA, GCC & emerging markets.
Arabian Travel Market Dubai, UAE, May 2-5, 2011 (www.arabiantravelmarket.com) The Middle East’s largest travel and tourism exhibition.
International Pow Wow 2011 San Francisco, USA, May 21-25, 2011 (www.ustravel.org/events/international-pow-wow) An international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA.
Bahrain International Travel Expo Manama, Bahrain, May 12-14, 2011 (www.meembahrain.com) Travel expo for travel professionals in Bahrain and the Middle East.
IMEX Frankfurt, Germany, May 24-26, 2011 (www.imex-frankfurt.com) Worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings & events.
Indaba Durban, South Africa, May 7-10, 2011 (www.indaba-southafrica.co.za) Showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products.
AIBTM Baltimore, USA, June 21-23, 2011 (www.aibtm.com) US event for the business travel and meetings industry.
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