Middle East and North Africa Edition
June 18, Issue 84
Doha International Airport (DIA) is preparing to open its new Terminal B, dedicated to foreign airlines, by the end of June. deal Closed foR laRgesT new YoRk hoTel This YeaR The consortium comprising the international developer ifa hotels & Resorts, kuwait Real estate Company and United investments Portugal has closed a financing and acquisition deal valued at Usd315 million for a YoTel new York property.
The RiTz-CaRlTon To add PRoPeRTies
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a global expansion and development initiative by The Ritz-Carlton hotel Company is expected to bring the total number of properties in the company’s portfolio to more than 100 by 2016.
5 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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New Departures Terminal at Doha International Airport
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Managing Editor Mary kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel Journalists Rita kasziba duncan MacRae Marianna keen Design & Layout elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing dimitris Thomaidis Maria demetriadou 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
Airline Industry 2011 Profit Outlook Slashed to USD4 Billion Reports IATA The International Air Transport Association (IATA) further downgraded its 2011 airline industry profit forecast to USD4 billion, following high oil prices, natural disasters and widespread political unrest.
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he slash in profit outlook represents a fall of 54 percent compared with the Usd8.6 billion profit forecast released in March. on expected revenues of Usd598 billion, a Usd4 billion profit equates to a 0.7 percent margin. giovanni Bisignani, director general and Ceo, iaTa, commented on the unique combination of phenomena that have affected profits. “natural disasters in Japan, unrest in the Middle east and north africa, plus the sharp rise in oil prices have slashed industry profit expectations. That we are making any money at all in a year with this combination of unprecedented shocks is a result of a very fragile balance. The efficiency gains of the last decade and the strengthening global economic environment are balancing the high price of fuel. But with a dismal 0.7 percent margin, there is little buffer left against further shocks.” The cost of fuel is the main cause
Financing and Acquisition Deal Closed for Largest New York Hotel This Year
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 16/6/2011 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
of reduced profitability. The average oil price for this year is now expected to be Usd110 per barrel, according to Brent Crude. Considering estimates that 50 percent of the industry’s fuel requirement is hedged at 2010 price levels, the industry’s 2011 fuel bill will rise by Usd10 billion to Usd176 billion. fuel is now estimated to comprise 30 percent of airline costs—significantly more than the 13 percent of costs recorded in 2001. figures suggest that Middle eastern carriers will deliver a Usd100 million profit, down from the Usd900 million in 2010. Political unrest in parts of the region is decreasing demand. The major airlines in the region, however, are expected to continue to win market share on long-haul markets, flying passengers via Middle eastern hubs. nonetheless, high fuel costs will weaken demand and asset utilisation will be under downward pressure. iaTa’s forecast for continued – albeit lower – airline profits, is dependant on a strong economy to generate sufficient revenues to partially offset higher fuel costs.
1USD= 3.67 5.94 3.75 1,512 0.37 0.71 47.42 0.27 3.64 0.38 1.38 7.96 11,478 213.25 71.86 1.21
The consortium comprising the international developer ifa hotels & Resorts (ifa hR), kuwait Real estate Company (kReC) and United investments Portugal (UiP) has closed a financing and acquisition deal valued at Usd315 million for a YoTel new York property. The transaction for the largest hotel to open in new York this year marks the second major funding deal for ifa hR in six months. The move is a significant development in tough times, commented Talal Jassim alBahar, vice chairman and Ceo, ifa hR. “This is the second funding transaction we have closed in the last six months. securing these deals – both with foreign lenders – goes to show that despite tough market conditions, the right project in the right location with the right sponsor will attract the necessary capital.” The 669-room YoTel welcomed its first guests on June 3. for ifa hR, the opening of YoTel new York marks a major milestone in its investment in the brand. as the first site outside of an airport and the largest YoTel by far, its design will act as a blueprint for future city centre locations. JUne 18, 2011
Abu Dhabi: Ocean Race at the New ‘Village’ A gigantic ‘Destination Village’ is to be built on the Abu Dhabi Corniche breakwater ahead of the anticipated Volvo Ocean Race taking place over the new year.
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ccording to the abu dhabi Tourism authority (adTa), which is behind the awaited two-week programmes, the uniquely designed 55,000m2 development will be adjacent to heritage Village offering scenic views to abu dhabi’s skyline. Tourism development & investment Company (TdiC) has been tasked to manage the investment, which will serve as host of the two-week fleet stop-over that is expected to attract thousands of fans from around the globe. after dredging the determined section of the Corniche lagoon, it will allow the entry of 4.5m keeled state-of-the-art race yachts and will also feature permanent yacht pontoons. infrastructure work is
slated for completion this september, when a temporary structure will commence the operation. The final phase of the development, including the installation of more than 130 pieces of Volvo ocean Race team gear and various containers, is due for december. h.e. Mubarak al Muhairi, director general, adTa, and managing director, TdiC, commented that the investment further drives abu dhabi’s long-term intention. “This will ensure that our hosting leaves a lasting legacy for the emirate and will also boost our long-term ambitions to be recognised as a compelling winter sailing and watersport destination.” The eight-football-pitches-sized ‘destination Village’ will be open free-of-charge to the public between december 30 and January
Malaysian Airline Joins Global Alliance Malaysia Airlines has been unanimously elected as a oneworld member designate by the chief executives of the alliance’s member airlines. a formal alliance membership agreement will soon be completed, with the airline expected to make its first flight as a oneworld member towards the end of 2012. when the carrier becomes part of oneworld, its customers will gain access to the alliance’s global network, which covers almost 950 destinations in 150 countries, served by a combined fleet of more than 2,600 aircraft. Malaysia airlines intends to develop bilateral links with a number of oneworld’s established partners. it already code-shares with oneworld partners Cathay Pacific and Royal Jordanian. Tengku azmil aziz, managing director and Ceo, Malaysia airlines, noted that with the world airline industry increasingly focused on alliances, his airline has carried out careful analysis of the options now available to it. “The time is clearly right for our company to join one of the global airline groups, and oneworld is clearly the best option for us. as a company highly focused on quality service, we are immensely proud to have been invited to join the highest quality alliance with the best airline partners offering a global network that best complements our own. we look forward to completing all joining requirements as soon as possible.” JUne 18, 2011
14. within this period adTa expects more than 100,000 visitors who will enjoy a wide range of activities and entertainment facilities, including exhibitions, various shows, simulators, a game zone, food and beverage outlets and a number of shops. The authority has been working closely with international tour operators, hotels and airlines to create attractive new Year-Volvo ocean Race packages, added al Muhairi. “it will be the place to be at the beginning of 2012 and will be marked by a sensational new Year’s eve celebration. it will also allow visitors to connect with our rich maritime heritage as well as the history of the Volvo ocean Race and to discover more about sailing as a healthy pastime and sport.”
Rotana Opens Offices in BRIC Nations Rotana has announced the opening of its new outbound sales offices in China, india and Russia. The additions increase the hotel management company’s portfolio to 12 offices with a presence in Uae, egypt, kuwait, Qatar, saudi arabia, lebanon, sudan, Uk and germany. omer kaddouri, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Rotana, commented that China, india and Russia are key feeder markets for the company. “it is important for us to grow the Rotana brand and stature in these respective markets. The objective is to increase our market share whether business or leisure outbound travellers to all Rotana properties. The main responsibilities of these new offices will be to promote, market and sell our properties based outside of their physical location.” 3
- Accommodation
The Ritz-Carlton to Add Properties A global expansion and development initiative by The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company is expected to bring the total number of properties in the company’s portfolio to more than 100 by 2016.
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he strategic plan, which will amount to more than a Usd2 billion investment by owners, will involve adding 36 hotels and residential projects to tourist destinations across the world, including Morocco, Mexico, egypt and the Us. in the first quarter of this year, the company already opened iconic properties, including The RitzCarlton, hong kong - the world’s highest hotel – and The RitzCarlton, dubai international financial Centre. By the end of the year, hotels including The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh; The RitzCarlton abu dhabi grand Canal, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Toronto and singapore are scheduled to open. in 2012, a record number of anticipated new openings will
follow and an expansion of The RitzCarlton, dubai, will take place. in addition, the third Bulgari branded hotel is slated to open in london, joining two other locations in Milan and Bali. By 2013, The Ritz-Carlton plans to be on the map at destinations including aruba;
dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; Quy nhon, Vietnam; Panama City, Panama and Cairo, egypt. in 2015, a second location will be opened in Cairo at Palm hills and The RitzCarlton, Qingdao green Town will debut in China.
Starwood to Open Two Hotels in Saudi Arabia Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will expand its presence in saudi arabia with the opening of two new hotels, adding more than 450 rooms to the city of Medina. The 297-room sheraton Medina hotel and the 178room four Points by sheraton Medina, owned by saudi Brothers Commercial, are both scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2012. situated in the heart of the holy City, both hotels are only 150m from the Prophet’s Mosque. JUne 18, 2011
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- Air Travel
Gulf Air Introduces Check-in and Departure Services System Gulf Air has implemented a new online solution that offers end-to-end check-in and departure services.
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he advanced Check-in system international (aCsi) will make passengers’ online selfservice experience in reservation, booking, e-ticketing and web check-in procedures much easier. it will offer customers value added services, such as automatic flow of seat preferences, special service request, travel document
information and onward journey details. Jassim haji, acting director, iT, gulf air, noted that travellers have become very time conscious and demand faster check-in and departure procedures. “in response to this, the new aCsi system
is the latest offering to our customers. This fully integrated and automated solution provides a faster, more simplistic passenger check-in process, delivering a seamless travel experience to customers.”
New Routes Launched Air Arabia Egypt has launched direct services to Riyadh and dammam in saudi arabia from Burj al arab international airport, alexandria. The airline commenced flights to Riyadh on June 9, and had its inaugural flight to dammam on June 11. ak nizar, head of commercial, air arabia group, was delighted to announce the new routes. “air arabia egypt now serves the kingdom of saudi arabia with five weekly flights, offering travellers between the two countries a new option for air travel. we are confident the new services between Riyadh, dammam and alexandria will offer customers great value for money to travel between the two cities as well as contribute to the growth of travel and tourism between the two countries.”
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- Air Travel
New Departures Terminal at Doha International Airport to Open This Month Doha International Airport (DIA) is preparing to open its new Terminal B, dedicated to foreign airlines, by the end of June.
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ore than thirty airlines will operate services from the 2,000m2 new terminus, which is developed on the premises of the former arrivals terminal. Terminal B will include an enlarged 600m2 immigration hall with 10 counters and three e-gates to prevent long queues and ensure seamless and hassle-free passport clearance formalities. akbar al Baker, Ceo, Qatar airways, highlighted the reasons for the revamp. “after the opening of the new stand-alone doha arrivals terminal last december, we
are now pleased to inaugurate the new departures terminals as the latest step in the infrastructure improvements to handle the increased influx of passengers through the airport.” The check-in area of the existing terminal, renamed Terminal a, will be used exclusively for Qatar airways, which continues to expand at a rapid pace. Terminal a forms part of the multimillion dollar dia re-development plan that will also see further boarding gates being introduced and the oryx lounge undergo a significant revamp. The major airport upgrade will facilitate
the increased passenger traffic through doha international airport until the stateof-the-art new doha international airport (ndia) opens in 2012. as part of the dia infrastructure development project, there will be new exterior roadway signage directing passengers to the two airport terminals. The terminal opening is the latest in a line of recent developments to dia, which will deal with the growing number of business and leisure travellers emerging due to Qatar’s thriving economy fuelled by multi-billion dollar projects, and also the approaching 2022 fifa world Cup.
Royal Jordanian Launches Flights to Berlin Royal Jordanian (RJ) inaugurated its direct, regular service between amman and Berlin, marking its third route between Jordan and germany. once airberlin joins the oneworld airline alliance, set for early 2012, RJ passengers will be able to continue their flights beyond Berlin on the european continent. The new Berlin Brandenburg international (BBi) airport will be operative weeks after the german carrier becomes a member in the alliance. in mid-2012, airberlin is bound to move to the new airport and, as a consequence, RJ will also operate from there.
Etihad Partners with Helicopter Firm Etihad Airways has expanded its portfolio of preferred partners by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with abu dhabi-based helicopter charter service, falcon aviation services. operating from al Bateen executive airport, the helicopter charter provider is ideally located for quick transfers from the etihad terminal at abu dhabi international airport to a wide range of destinations within the Uae. The agreement between the two companies will enable guests to access a personalised service beyond etihad’s extensive network. 8
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- International
Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport - Old Town Opens InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened the Holiday Inn Express San Diego Airport – Old Town on June 2 after a USD2 million conversion.
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he new hotel includes features in keeping with the Usd1 billion holiday inn relaunch initiated in 2007, which aims to create a more contemporary brand image as part of the drive to increase quality and consistency across the global portfolio. Yasmine zaya, general manager, holiday inn express san diego airport – old Town, elaborated on the refurbishment. “More than Usd2 million was invested to completely refresh the guest rooms with new furniture, bedding, carpet, lighting and bathrooms.” The hotel comprises of 123 guest rooms including seven suites with jacuzzis. guests at the hotel, located a short distance from the Convention Centre, northrop gruman, lockheed Martin and the old Town, will experience a comfortable and smart environment with innovative upgrades to ensure a productive stay while travelling for business or leisure. innovations include the smart roast coffee, which is served at the breakfast bar and the simplysmart shower, which incorporates a proprietary stay smart kohler showerhead. Business travellers will be provided with large desks with ergonomic chairs, free high-speed internet access and free local phone and toll-free calls to the Us and Canada.
Hilton Malabo
Hilton Hotels & Resorts Expands to 78th Country with Opening of Hilton Malabo Hilton Hotels & Resorts increased its global portfolio to 78 countries, as it announced the opening of its first hotel in equatorial guinea. hilton Malabo was developed following equatorial guinea’s emergence as a business destination and its increasing need for full service hotels. The property is conveniently situated between the capital city, Malabo, and the international airport. The move highlights hilton’s desire to tap into emerging markets across the globe, suggests dave horton, global head, hilton hotels & Resorts. “The opening of hilton Malabo continues our commitment to growth in this region and our focus on leading in emerging markets worldwide. we are committed to unlocking the potential of this ever-growing region and the opening of our new property underlines hilton's commitment to growth on the continent.” hilton Malabo marks the second new country entered by hilton in three days. The company deputed namibia with the opening of hilton windhoek, on May 28.
The opening of Hilton Malabo continues our commitment to growth in this region and our focus on leading in emerging markets worldwide 10
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Miguel Serra
Omar Mustafa
Miguel serra has joined safi airways as director of ground operations and operations control centre (oCC). serra, having been in the industry for more than 22 years, brings solid expertise to his new role. Previously he worked in lagos, Barcelona, Us, Palma de Mallorca and ireland with a number of carriers, including arik air, Vueling airlines, futura international airways and lTe international airways. in his new position he will be in charge of aircraft operations as well as flight dispatchers including the maintenance of all department manuals. he will also be responsible for quality audits, recruitment, training and system Miguel Serra implementation.
omar Mustafa has been promoted to area director of finance and business support, Jordan and Palestine, at interContinental hotels group (ihg). Mustafa has been with ihg for more than 12 years, and has held various managerial positions across the Middle east, including in amman, Riyadh, Jeddah, Manama and dubai. Most recently he worked as director of finance and business support at Crowne Plaza hotel, dubai. in his new role he will lead the financial and business support teams of all ihg properties in Jordan and Palestine by using his vast expertise and strong oliver kesseler has been appointed as director of operations at analytical, organisational hilton dubai Jumeirah Residence. kesseler, having held various and problem solving Omar Mustafa senior positions with hilton in the last Oliver Kesseler skills. 13 years, brings invaluable experience to his new role, in which he will be responsible for the successful launch of the hotel, scheduled to open later this year. he moves to dubai from Bulgaria where he worked as director of operations at hilton sofia for more than two years.
Oliver Kesseler
Tim Miller Tim Miller has been appointed as senior vice president and managing director of ediTion hotels, Marriott’s luxury lifestyle brand. he has been tasked to set the brand’s strategy and oversee operations while working closely with Marriott’s development team to indentify further expansion options for the brand. Miller, acknowledged in the industry as the creator and redeveloper of a number of brands in the luxury lifestyle area, brings vast expertise to the role. Besides consulting for various brands, including ediTion, Balducci’s and Carnival Cruises, he held the Ceo position at Crunch, worked as chief branding officer and general manager for Morgans hotel group and was president of Tim Miller alden hotels. JUne 18, 2011
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Omer Kaddouri
Stefan Pichler
Chief operating officer, Rotana
CEO, Jazeera Airways
“we are excited about the upcoming opening of our 15th Rotana property in dubai (Q3 2011) which we are certain will meet the demands of guests seeking contemporary accommodation, convenience and paramount comfort. The total number of 7,888 rooms managed by Rotana in the Uae only confirms Rotana’s strong dedication to delivering premium hospitality and services, thus providing guests with the ultimate choice for a complete accommodation experience.”
“our induction into iaTa comes during a milestone year for Jazeera airways. This included the airline’s return to sustainable profitability for the last three consecutive quarters in-a-row and a continued lead in market share on most of our routes for the second year in-a-row. Joining iaTa is a privilege that couldn't have come at a better time and we look forward to experiencing the benefits of joining it.”
The total number of 7,888 rooms managed by Rotana in the UAE only confirms Rotana’s strong dedication to delivering premium hospitality and services
Joining IATA is a privilege that couldn't have come at a better time Omer Kaddouri
Stefan Pichler
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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Agent’s Insight Name: Vik Naidu Position: General Manager Company: Al Rostamani Travel and Holidays Location: UAE
Go Vacation Thailand Chooses Illusions Online
Vik Naidu
Who are you? i have been with al Rostamani group as group chief marketing officer since 2008 and assumed the additional responsibility of general manager of al Rostamani Travel and holidays earlier this year. Prior to that, i was the Ceo of saatchi & saatchi in the Middle east. al Rostamani Travel and holidays has been a provider of a wide range of travel services for 32 years. Besides the corporate travel division, we also have a strong leisure division for renowned holiday brands including disneyland in Paris and hong kong, Club Med, Thomas Cook nRi, Rail europe, swiss Travel system, globus Cosmos and sri lankan holidays. in addition, we have an inbound division which focuses on local travel.
Travel technology provider Illusions Online has signed a deal to deliver a complete end-to-end solution for go Vacation Thailand, one of asia’s largest destination management companies (dMCs). The dubai-based company provides enterprise solutions for tour operators and dMCs worldwide. once implemented, the technology will be rolled out to go Vacation’s subsidiaries in indonesia and sri lanka in 2012. Christoph Mueller, managing director, go Vacation Thailand, The Rewe group, commented. “we have a sister company from the group, which is also a very large dMC based in the Us called new world Travel and it has been using illusions successfully for the past year-and-a-half so it makes sense for us to use it too.” illusions has already delivered the go Vacation system that will automate and integrate every aspect of its business including product management, hotel/services contracting, packages and back-to-back series, client profiles and tariff rules, a booking engine, client and supplier documentation, accounts receivables and accounts payables, CRM, logistics and planning modules, as well as internet booking engines for clients to purchase the entire product range online.
What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Travel is all about making people happy, putting a smile on their face. it is such a dynamic and exciting field that you never experience a dull moment. working in the travel industry makes me feel proud and self-fulfilled.
When is the best time to visit the UAE? The emirates has become an ‘around the year’ destination. with a multitude of events, experiences, exhibitions and concerts, there is always something to do here.
Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? i went on a great trip across europe last year starting at disneyland Paris and onwards to switzerland via Rail europe. as for this year i am looking into travelling to the far east.
Why should people come to you for travel advice? at al Rostamani Travel and holidays we put people first. The travel industry by nature is a service industry that is all about people and making them happy. in addition to the travellers, our people are the main assets of the company. we look after them as they look after the brand - they are the brand. in addition, the extensive staff experience (570 years in total), the strong and reliable brand name and the core values: commitment, care and vision, are the main reasons why first timers and regular customers continue to come to us for travel advice. JUne 18, 2011
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Tourism a Key Component of Egypt’s Transition Commitment from the international tourism community to support Egypt’s tourism sector was expressed as a key component of the country’s transition at a meeting in Cairo, attended by top officials.
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iscussions took place during an official visit from UnwTo secretary general, Taleb Rifai, and President and Ceo of the world Travel & Tourism Council (wTTC), david scowsill, to the country. also present at the meeting were the prime minister, essam sharaf and the minister of tourism, Mounir fakhri abdel-nour, as well as other public and private tourism representatives. as the leading foreign exchange earner and provider of one in every seven jobs, sharaf stressed that tourism is a crucial factor in egypt’s economic recovery. abdel-nour confirmed the strategic
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importance of tourism for the country’s revival. “international tourists are slowly beginning to return to egypt. The sector is a lifeline for our economy and in 2010 accounted for 11.5 percent of our gdP and Usd13 billion in revenues. we count on UnwTo and wTTC for the right advice and support.”
International tourists are slowly beginning to return to Egypt scowsill highlighted the importance of close collaboration between global public and private tourism players, along with the need to clearly communicate the stability
in the country. “egyptian tourism has recovered quickly from setbacks in the past, and it is good to see that visitors are now coming back. given the current difficulties in the region, it is important for the industry to get a clear message out that the new egypt is stable and open for business.” Rifai underscored the importance of backing from the international community to egypt, both politically and financially, as expressed by the recent announcements of the g8 and the world Bank to commit substantial funds for the country. “egypt is not only the leading tourism destination in the region, but also a central piece for its political and economic stability.”
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Q & A with Amine Moukarzel Overcoming constraints, including political unrest and frequent disinformation in media, has been a common challenge for hotel companies operating in the MENA region, yet many are succeeding to flourish. Amine Moukarzel, senior vice president and managing director, Golden Tulip Hotels, Suites & Resorts MENA, elaborates on the chain’s expansion in the region and the necessary attributes for success. Travel Trade Weekly: What was the reasoning behind taking over the Khatt Springs property in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK)? Amine Moukarzel: we have presence
pressure. we now have a contract to develop a five-star resort with the golden Tulip, close to the business bay area, so this is the next development that we have in the Uae.
throughout the emirates; however we did not have a golden Tulip flagship in the area. we therefore expressed an interest to the owners (the government owns the property) and we identified together what the government would reciprocate so that we can compliment each other with the property. The government needed management and international exposure, so we won the opportunity to acquire the hotel from the beginning of this year.
Travel Trade Weekly: How many hotel openings do you forecast for 2011? Amine Moukarzel: one hotel every
Travel Trade Weekly: Are there any further developments with Golden Tulip in RAK? Amine Moukarzel: after the success we witnessed in dubai, sharjah and abu dhabi, RAk is one of the ‘looking forward’ emirates. i do not like to call it emerging as it is a pretty strong emirate now. i think the development of RAk, its international hotels, airport, RAk airways and the role from the leaders in business will all contribute to the emirate, and for our hotel this represents a strong platform.
month in the Middle east and north africa. The strength that we brought to the table in Tunis, by adding three hotels – one in the city and two in the resort – makes up seven branded hotels in Tunis alone. we have a contract now, which we will sign, for the most stunning, luxurious five star hotel in africa (in Tunis). i foresee that by 2015 we will have 14 hotels in saudi arabia. we doubled our portfolio from six hotels in 2008 to 12 properties in 2011 and now i am adding two more hotels. we would like to be in Qatar and we are in discussions with owners so we’ll wait and see; however there are propaganda and hostilities that are helping nobody. we have to make the best of the time and overcome these constraints.
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Travel Trade Weekly: Is there anything that differentiates the Golden Tulip from other brands that you’d like to talk about? Amine Moukarzel: i think our business is a promise and an experience – not only to the customer but also to the development. what differentiates us from others i think is that each hotel has its own uniqueness and way of presenting itself at the table. also, as the market is big and still growing, you need more brands.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do you need to be present in every country? Travel Trade Weekly: Do you have any Amine Moukarzel: obviously you need challenges in the Middle East? to be in every country. You need to be Amine Moukarzel: You always wake up
Travel Trade Weekly: What motivated to be in the destination, and also developments do you have in other it is very important to spread your brand parts of the UAE and in the rest of the strength and your brand equity. it is not only owners that are hungry for brands; we are Middle East? Amine Moukarzel: abu dhabi remains hungrier for owners. The venture has to be an important place for hospitality development. we have a hotel under construction in abu dhabi and we have one hotel under contract waiting for finance. i wouldn’t say dubai is today a city to develop; we have a successful hotel and franchise and whenever there are lots of hotels, there is
Amine Moukarzel
a win- win situation. what is important in the road map of the brand is localisation, and this is where we are strong on our map - mainly in saudi arabia. The key issue is definitely to appreciate the capabilities of the hotels, conserve these capabilities and compliment your hotels’ success.
with new challenges and new opportunities. we have 47 hotels in operation. My aim is by next year to reach 60 hotels. what i think is of great importance in development is to have the local distributors of specification hotels working with us as hotel chains, not against us. The other development of importance i think is to ensure that we have regulations of visas to compliment our development. The tourism industry is the number one employer of the world and we contribute to nationalisation. 15
Dubai Tourism Decision Makers Think Green Venice Accommodation Tax Proposed Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (dTCM) has held a ‘Think green’ themed workshop involving more than 150 key decision-makers in dubai’s hotel and tourism industry. The workshop, held on world environment day, aimed to educate the representatives of the hotels and tour operators about international best practices and help them to reduce their carbon footprint. The workshop began with a keynote speech by shaikha ebrahim al Muttawa, director for business development, dTCM, and also chairperson of the dubai green Tourism awards Committee. al Muttawa described the workshop as a culmination of the desire expressed by the hoteliers to help spread green awareness. The workshop participants were also divided into smaller green groups, such as green chiefs, green food and beverage managers and green technical managers, who were encouraged to come up with ideas on waste reduction and energy efficiency themes in hotels. Majid al Marri, deputy chairman, dubai green Tourism awards Committee 2011, noted that more than 100 applications have been submitted for the second cycle of the awards this year. “This is a proof that the hoteliers are taking greater interest in the green initiatives.”
The Commune of Venice has agreed to impose a hotel bed tax announced the european Tour operators association (eToa). following a meeting between mayors of the Veneto region, held on June 8, the Commune of Venice announced that the city will introduce an accommodation tax similar to that proposed in florence, both effective from July 1. The cost will be eUR1 per person, per night, per star category, for up to a maximum of five nights, with a lower tariff anticipated in the low season (november to february). four and five star hotels on the mainland and smaller islands will be charged less. Residents of Venice, children under ten years old, hostels, communal accommodation, coach drivers and guides travelling with groups will be exempt from the tax. a recent estimate suggests the tax will bring the city eUR20 million, which, it is claimed, will be used in infrastructure development and preservation of cultural monuments.
Events CITY FAIR The European Cities Travel Workshop London, UK, June 20, 2011 (www.cityfair.travel) a one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated to the sector of city tourism.
Top Resa, International French Travel Market Paris, France, September 20-23, 2011 (www.iftm.fr) international travel and tourism trade fair for networking, doing business, innovating and keeping abreast of market developments.
AIBTM Baltimore, US, June 21-23, 2011 (www.aibtm.com) a Us event for the business travel and meetings industry.
Cityscape Dubai Dubai, UAE, September 26-29, 2011 (www.cityscape.ae) a business-to-business networking exhibition and conference for emerging real estate markets globally.
China Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition Beijing, China, August 30-September 1, 2011 (www.cibtm.com) a leading event for the meetings, incentives, business travel and events industry in China and asia.
CIS Travel Market St. Petersburg, Russia, October 12-14, 2011 (www.restec.ru) an event focusing on the Cis countries with airlines, tour operators, travel agencies, accommodation providers and tourist associations.
PATA Travel Mart New Delhi, India, September 6-9, 2011 (www.pata.org) asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show with networking and contracting opportunities.
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ITB Asia Suntec, Singapore, October 19-21, 2011 (www.itb-asia.com) an event where international exhibitors, asia Pacific’s leading companies and emerging enterprises meet with top buyers.
JUne 18, 2011