Travel Trade Monthly December 2011

DECEMBER 2011

ISSUE 26

EXPLORE: YEMEN Yemen's current situation and bleak prospects raises the question of when it will be re-discovered as one of the Arab world's tourism gems.

Protests have brought Egypt to a mid-revolutionary stage, with society and the economy, which are largely dependent on the travel industry, awaiting a new government and revived perceptions.

08 EXCLUSIVE: CRUISE TRAVEL The Middle East's cruise industry boasts great prospects and is expected to play a pioneering role in diversifying the region's economy.

20 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE INVESTIGATION: Spa Tourism VISIT: Egypt EXPLORE: Yemen ONSITE: Vietnam TOUR: Austria LONGHAUL: Senegal TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS EXCLUSIVE: Cruise Travel WHO'S MOVED RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

02 03 04 08 12 13 16 18 19 20 22 23 24

VISIT: EGYPT

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2

MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Marianna Keen Dominique Christou

Sharjah: 75 percent Hotel Occupancy Sharjah’s tourism sector continued to experience strong growth in the third quarter (Q3) of the year, revealed the latest report of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA).

SALES & MARKETING Maria Demitriadou Brighite Ess Dominique Tennant WEB & LAYOUT Elina Pericleous DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 820888, Fax: +357 22 318958 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprint Plc P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035, Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprint.com.cy

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

T

he Q3 statistics report on the performance of the emirate’s tourism industry suggests that the average hotel occupancy rate reached 75 percent, up four percent over the corresponding period in 2010. With an increase of three percent, hotel apartments’ occupancy stood at 69 percent, while the overall occupancy for hotels and hotel apartments reached 72 percent, climbing three percent over Q3 2010.

The total number of guests staying in hotels and hotel apartments during the three-month period totalled 1,122,347, while hotel and hotel apartment nights accounted for 1,309,950, registering an increase of 15 percent.

Sultan Bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, chairman, SCTDA, attributed Sharjah’s growth to the continuous development and promotion of the emirate.

“The SCTDA strategy to promote Sharjah goes hand in hand with the amazing progress and tremendous development the emirate has been witnessing. All this is the result of hard work and a vision to keep pace with the progress in the region and around the world,” he

Sharjah

said, adding that Sharjah has firmly established itself as a favoured tourist destination of excellent attractions and services with a unique identity of its own.

Supported by local and international events taking place in Sharjah, the emirate is expected to continue experiencing further increases in tourist inflow and hotel occupancy. Extensive campaigns and tourism projects are scheduled to be revealed in the coming months, including the highly anticipated Al Majaz Waterfront.

Accurate as of

25/11/2011 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.00

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,505.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

50.07

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.47

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.39

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

10,910.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.31

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

74.63

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

Dubai Hospitality Continues to Grow Dubai’s hospitality industry has experienced solid growth in the first three quarters of the year, based on data released by the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTM). Between January and September, Dubai hotels welcomed 6.64 million guests, up 11 percent compared with the corresponding period of 2010. Guest nights totalled 23.68 million, representing an increase of 26 percent, while the average length of stay rose 14 percent. Revenues of hotels and hotel apartments grew by 19 percent to reach AED10.96 billion (USD2.98 billion). The total number of hotel establishments increased by one percent amounting During the nine-month 573, while the total number of hotel rooms and flats period between January climbed seven percent to 73,522. and September, Dubai For the nine-month period, average occupancy hotels welcomed levels of hotel rooms and flats rose five and seven 6.64 million guests percent, and stood at 72 and 74 percent respectively.

The hospitality industry’s growth underscores Dubai’s continuous initiatives, according to Khalid A. Bin Sulayem, director general, DCTM, who said, “The stellar performance of Dubai’s tourism industry is a testimony to the aggressive promotional and marketing drive that the department has been pursuing to enhance the number of tourists to the destination. The impressive gains also reflect the inspiring public-private sector partnership to tap the tourism potential of Dubai.”

DECEMBER 2011

Spa Tourism

INVESTIGATION

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Well-Being – a Well-Going Business

An increasing tendency to pursue a healthier lifestyle, even while on holiday, has led to a boom in spa tourism. With its centuries of traditions, extensive selection of authentic therapies, and alluring facilities, the Middle East is well positioned to become a path-blazer in well-being.  Rita Kasziba writes

E

arlier this year, Marriott International launched its exclusive new spa brand, the Arabicthemed Saray Spa which debuted at Dubai Marriott Harbour hotel with a plan to be rolled out across the Middle East and Africa.

“Embracing Middle Eastern rituals, Saray Spa provides not only a haven of relaxation but also a truly exceptional cultural experience,” said Sharilyn Abbajay, vice president, Saray Spa, Marriott International.

“The heart of Saray features a traditional hammam, which, for centuries, have been used in the region as gathering places to cleanse and nurture.”

BLOOMING BUSINESS Although medical tourism and spa travel are often associated, the two, as businesses, differ greatly. While pure medical tourism lacks repeat business, this is opposed in the case of spa treatments, indicating that spa tourism is expected to stay on the growth trajectory in the long-term.

Abbajay further remarked on how spa facilities became a must at any hotels. “In today’s fast-paced and interconnected society that constantly overloads us with information and activities, you sometimes need to unplug and take a minute to reconnect with yourself.”

According to Mladenka Nastovski Mesaric, director DECEMBER 2011

of spa, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea, Jordan, the hotel boasts one of the most exclusive spa facilities in the region. “Zara Spa, 420m below sea level, features oriental inspired Thermariums, Tropical Rain Showers and 31 spacious treatment rooms and suites. It is also known for the diversity of its five pools,” she said, adding that a significant number of guests opt for the hotel to receive treatments and enjoy its spa services, at some 70 percent.

Going with the trend, Oman is also tapping into the blooming spa market. The Chedi, Muscat, has recently revealed a new facility and a great majority of guests already book at the hotel to take advantage of the treatments on offer according to Simone Broekhaar, director of sales and marketing, The Chedi, Muscat, who said, “65 percent of our residents enjoy our spa and wellness facilities. Due to the increased demand, we recently increased our capacity. Now with 13 spa suites, we offer the largest spa in Muscat.

The majority of our guests are from Europe and the GCC, predominantly from Dubai and Abu Dhabi.”

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts opened its first luxury spa resort in Phuket, Thailand in 1994, and since then Banyan Tree Spa has grown into a global brand,

luring guests with an exotic blend of ancient health and beauty practices, according to Ravi Chandran, senior vice president, spa operations, Banyan Tree Spas.

“Since inception we have won more than 200 awards and accolades, which have strengthened our brand presence as the trendsetter and market leader of Asia’s spa industry.”

To ensure high service standards and consistency, with an emphasis on a ‘high-tech, low-tech’ approach, the company set up the Banyan Tree Spa Academy with the aim of training a dedicated group of spa therapists. “All new therapists undergo over 350 hours of theoretical and practical training,” Chandran further explained.

Europe has also long been favoured by Arab travellers seeking unique treatments. Utilising this interest, countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic are now putting a bigger emphasis on promoting the destination by highlighting the benefits of their natural sources, and thermal and spa facilities.

Karlovy Vary, also known as Carlsbad, is the largest and most famous spa city in the Czech Republic, with Spa Hotel Thermal being an iconic destination for travellers. Natalie Bendlova, public relations manager, Spa Hotel Thermal, commented, “Our main success lies, above all, in medical treatment and convalescence of the digestive tract, diabetes, metabolic troubles, and obesity. Guests arriving from the Middle East and North Africa are about 20 percent and numbers of guest from these regions are increasing every year.”

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, located in the famous German spa destination, Baden-Baden, also lures a large number of Arab guests, as Hans-Peter Veit, spa manager, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa said: “For more than 35 years, we have been offering a wide range of spa facilities. With our medical spa, we provide highend medicine in various fields. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is also well-known for its weight-loss and nutrition coaching programmes, which have been popular with various members of the royal families from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.”

With Arab guests increasingly seeking alternative experiences and treatments, Veit added: “Over the last 10 years, around 15 percent of our customers came from the Middle East region, of which most of them booked with us to enjoy the medical spa while on long-stay.

“To further increase the number of Arab guests visiting our hotel, we run a range of promotional campaigns in the Arab market. For example, medical doctors from our medical spa did a promotion tour that included destinations such as Dubai, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

Brenners appeals to Arab travellers for a number of reasons, among others we offer them in villa treatments and customised nutrition coaching programmes.” 

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VISIT

Egypt

A PYRAMID

OF PROGRESSION Protests in Egypt at the beginning of this year have brought the country to a mid-revolutionary stage, with society and the economy, which are largely dependent on the travel industry, awaiting a new government and revived international perceptions so that the process can resume.

Temple of Abu Simbel

Pyramids

Scuba diving in Dahab

EGYPT IN BRIEF

 Marianna Keen writes

T

he outcome of the unrest in Egypt appeared rather positive compared with other regional markets, where uprisings have dangerously degenerated, although the environment is still uncertain.

According to ‘Travel and Tourism in Egypt’, a report released by Euromonitor International in April, more than one million tourists present in the country fled Egypt during the uprising at the beginning of the year which led to the overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak. Uncertainty has remained about how travellers will react during the transition period, which is weighed down by sectarian tensions and a difficult reformation and reestablishment for reaching some kind of democracy.

Military leaders, who were appointed to hold the fort until multi-party elections produced a legitimate government, have lingered and have dramatically slowed down any form of progression.

In response to the latest demonstrations in Cairo, Minister of Tourism, Egypt, Mounir Fakhry Abdel Nour made a statement on the industry’s stability. "The latest incidents in Cairo did not affect Egypt’s prime des-

Capital: Cairo Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) tinations of the Red Sea, Southern Sinai, and Upper Egypt. Our historical and natural sites are functioning normally. We are confident that the upcoming start of the electoral process in Egypt will put an end to such manifestations, as Egyptians will concentrate on achieving the revolution's goals and aspirations of democracy, dignity and welfare, through the ballots.”

In the face of having run somewhat adrift, with the economy and politics remaining ambiguous, the Ministry of Tourism of the most populous Arab country has made moves to entice tourists at any rate.

DIVERSIFYING ITS TOURISTIC OFFER At World Travel Market (WTM) 2011, held in London on November 7, Egypt soft-launched its new tourism campaign, ‘We’re Egypt’, communicating the message, “we are friendly, we are open-minded, we are proud of our country”. Abdel Nour emphasised the upcoming efforts of the ministry to develop and diversify the touristic offer in Egypt, bringing more efficient ecotourism, including desert safari, as well as increasing cultural and coastal visits, re-operating long Nile

Language: Arabic

cruises between Cairo and Aswan. According to Nour, the industry indicators show the beginning of a recovery in the sector and that the decrease in the number of tourists to Egypt during this year compared with 2010 is only 25 percent in spite of political turmoil.

The announcement of a new tourism strategy came a few weeks after the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) met Nour and chairman, Egypt Tourist Authority, Amr El Azabi, to discuss the revitalisation of tourism in the country. For the European travel industry, Egypt is an immensely popular holiday destination, and this meeting was planned as the first step towards broader collaboration, which will consist of promotional activities as well as dealing with practical issues of tour operators in Egypt. The Ministry of Tourism’s figures suggest that tourism for August was down only 20 percent over the same month in 2010, indicating improvements are under way. The latest developDECEMBER 2011

VISIT

Egypt ment is the push for tourism from both the Ministry of Tourism and tourism partners to lift the travel ban to Egypt from major countries that are supporters of travel to the country, according to Frank Naboulsi, general manager, Fairmont Nile City.

SAFETY AND STABILITY FIRST All hotels in Egypt were affected by the people’s uprising, Hala El Hemeidy, marketing manager, Daniela Hotels (Dahab and St. Katherine), commented on the countrywide shock as well as company-wide response. “During the period of the revolution, tourism stopped for the first month and a half. Everybody was in a kind of shockwave. We had everybody working in the maintenance of both hotels. We tried to adapt and react.” El Hemeidy is thankful that both Daniela Hotels are in positions that continued, at least, to receive some tourism, whereas in Cairo, where much of the unrest had taken place, tourism dropped to almost zero for a while. “Daniela Village (St. Katherine) that is located on the Sinai Peninsula, has been affected badly. The religious tours are still down, whereas the adventure travel is starting to move, but slowly.

Daniela Village Dahab, that is located on the Gulf of Aqaba, a destination for diving, surfing, and relaxing, however, was not influenced badly, with until recently, a 20 percent decrease compared with 2010,” explained El Hemeidy. She added that it is not just the type of tourism that each destination offers, or the nationality, age, and budget of travellers, that has affected occupancy, but also how Egypt is portrayed

Sailing through the Nile's waters

in international news, stating, “Negative journalism, which is often spin originating from opposing political agendas, is always a significant hurdle in such times, and one which the whole country is affected by in the process towards recovery.”

“It is often forgotten that tourism provides jobs to around two million Egyptians and that tourism represents around 11 percent of the nation’s economic output,” El Hemeidy highlighted, simultaneously emphasising her scepticism on whether the election of a new government will allow for tourism to be regained DECEMBER 2011

in the country. “It all depends on the type of new government that will be chosen by the people. If it is the government that the revolution fought for, a government of change and the young generation, then I believe tourism will boom back quickly.”

No major changes are taking place in the industry prior to a new government being elected, although Amal El Kady, director of sales and marketing, Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, explained what entities are doing to spur tourism.

In the face of having run somewhat adrift, with the economy and politics remaining ambiguous, the Ministry of Tourism of the most populous and influential Arab country has made moves to entice tourists at any rate

“We are in a continuous practice to promote safety and stability in our destination and we were greatly supported by Egyptian Tourism Authority offices in the international market and our tour operators’ partners.”

Mohamed Idris, director of sales and marketing, Le Méridien Heliopolis, believes that even with no elected government, the country’s people are enough to promote change. “Tourism will boom, rise and shine more than ever, because the people are working on a better life.” Idris also reflected on the snowball effect that diminished tourism is

5

other countries.” With the industry highly dependent on European tourism, the ongoing economic crisis in the European Union is inevitably having an effect.

Le Méridien Heliopolis, which is reliant on the local market as well as Europeans, has adapted to exploit the corporate sector more, although all sectors are still experiencing low demand.

ADAPTING TO A SHIFT IN TRENDS Luxury and the health and wellness tourism sectors were areas of focus prior to turmoil, according to Euromonitor International, and tourism entities have benefitted from their developed infrastructure, although rates for hotels and tours have had to be lowered. El Kady, director of sales and marketing, Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, further expressed the adaptations hotels are pursuing. “At the beginning, the political situation in Egypt tremendously affected the general demand from the upscale international travellers to Soma Bay and our hotel, and definitely the entire country on both business and leisure levels.

Various packages and offers are available in the market to encourage tourism flow to Egypt that turned business flow to a last-minute bookings trend. The majority of guests to the hotel are from the leisure sector, and from Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, and the UK, although it is working on further expansion in other regions.

Other hotels have put increased focus on attracting the domestic market, as Naboulsi explained. “The hotel had to shift in attracting local business by packaging

Daniella Village Dahab

having on the economy and society. “All sectors have been affected, but indeed it is improving. In Egypt, we have millions of families who depend on tourism, and here we are not only talking about hotels and tourist agencies,” he emphasised. The hotel has started to win back some tourism, albeit very slowly, and Idris believes that this is not only due to Egypt’s situation, adding, “I believe worldwide everyone has been trying to cut down expenses even before Egypt’s revolution. The flow of tourists has been decreasing for three years due to economic crises in

amenities of the hotel and offering attractive rates.”

Sheraton Dreamland Hotel & Conference Centre experienced an occupancy drop of 40 percent, from what was expected at the beginning of this year. Corporate travel has helped to raise hotel performance for the Cairo-based hotel, according to Ghada Beshr, director public relations, Sheraton Dreamland Hotel & Conference Centre . “We have a fair flow of meetings into our conference centre, mainly from corporate business. With regard to source markets for business travel, we have a lot of different nationalities.” 

6

VISIT

Egypt

Natural spring at Adrere Amellal

A positive sign is that hotels have spent this lull period investing in human resources, which could improve the country’s performance in efficiency of using talent. “Right after the revolution, we took advantage of the hotel’s low occupancy and conducted various training programmes to develop our calibre,” El Kady continued, also highlighting that continuous campaigns promoting the stability of Egypt’s internal situation have had a positive impact, and Tahrir Square has become a new landmark for tourism programmes, as a symbol of the Egyptian revolution.

The private-sector led Siwa Sustainable Development Initiative from Environmental Quality International (EQI) continues to invest in Siwa in the areas of lodging, traditional artisanship, organic agriculture, and renewable energy. With such economic, cultural and environmental initiatives in place, and other entities gradually becoming more responsible, the future of Egypt’s diverse tourism industry looks to be positive from this angle.

The Siwa Oasis, located about 70km east of the Libyan border, is gradually regaining tourism, according to Claudine Amin, reservations coordinator, Adrère Amellal ecolodge. “While we have not yet reached the occupancy we are used to, we are seeing interest in large group visits, travelling via plane directly to the Oasis.” After elections have been completed, she expects that there will be stability that provides comfort for all types of travellers to Egypt.

Although investment into the country has now diminished and projects have been put on hold, some developments are going ahead as planned. “We have two hotels under development – one in Cairo and one in Makadi Bay, and these hotels will open in the next couple of years. We are actively looking for further opportunities and anticipate some new signings in the near future,” expressed Christian Grage, vice president operations, Egypt and Levant, Hilton Worldwide. The group opened two new hotels in Egypt this year, including Hilton Zamalek Residence Cairo and Hilton Marsa Alam Nubian Resort.

Moreover, Baron Hotels & Resorts Egypt will be opening its five-star, deluxe Baron Palace Resort Sahl Hasheesh in summer 2012. The property, will feature

Luxor, Aswan, ancient monuments, the pyramids, Ras Mohamed, and its wonders of the deep; all these jewels exist only in Egypt 650 rooms and suites, and a MICE complex with capacity of 600 guests. The hotel will extend across 600m of private beach, amidst landscapes occupying 80,000m2.

According to the Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority, the country’s hotspots include Hurghada, Marsa Alam and El Gouna, the last of which has been selected to pilot the government’s drive towards sustainable tourism development. With the addition of the developing resort town at Sahl Hasheesh, the coast is becoming a leading destination. Alexandria is also an expanding area, with 37 percent of hotel construction projects belonging to the region in January, proposing to significantly raise its hotel capacity in the country, which was four percent in January, according to the Ministry of Tourism.

Radwa Ashoush, area director of marketing communications, Baron Hotels & Resorts Egypt, predicts that different trends will possibly emerge in Egypt’s

tourism industry in the near future, including wellness, wedding and honeymoon and MICE tourism.

Travco Group has also proceeded with its hotel developments, despite the tentative environment, with further plans in the pipeline, one of which is Jaz Blumarine in Hurghada, set to offer 300 family rooms.

Moreover in the Red Sea, Jaz Mirabel Blue is in its development stages as is Jaz Blumarine in Sharm El Sheikh. Still boasting the UK, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Belgium, Ukraine, Poland, and the Netherlands as its main markets, Hamed El Chiaty, CEO, Travco Group, remarked, “The Red Sea and Mediterranean resorts continued to do business as usual, although with lower occupancies.”

Travco Group recently introduced Jaz Yakouta, a floating hotel on the Nile, which comprises just six luxury cabins. This new addition to the market suggests optimism that traditionally popular Nile cruises are regaining demand. El Chiaty commented on the company’s long-term strategy in challenging times.

“Since we believe in our staff and our company and we’re confident in our product and country, we choose to view the bigger picture and continue to move forward in order to capture a wider share of the market once the crisis has subsided.”

Madinat Coraya, another one of Travco Group’s many resorts on the Mediterranean coast, has picked up slowly, however El Chiaty suggested that this is due to additional fears – proximity to the Libyan borders – while Sharm El Sheikh also experienced slow recovery due to Mubarak’s presence in its hospital.

FLYING TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE With regards to Travo Group's Air Arabia Egypt, in line with tourism to and from the country, El Chiaty said, “For the first time, we have been boosting the number of flights to offset the reductions, by utilising our lowcost carrier Air Arabia Egypt since July. We were particularly pleased at how well this initiative was received, and we will continue to operate these flights.”

Moreover, Elegant Group of Companies, specialising in travel, tourism, and the hospitality industry, has found their aviation department to be least affected DECEMBER 2011

VISIT

Egypt by the crisis, although every sector has been hit. Main source markets including France, Switzerland, Spain, and the UK have dropped by 55 percent across the board, according to Emad Adly Mikhael, owner, Elegant Group of Companies, adding that the group is adapting to the situation to try to change travellers’ perceptions. “The general feeling is that tourists prefer to postpone their trips until the political issues are settled and we start to see the end of the tunnel. We are attending all major fairs in Europe to try to promote the country, and have reduced the costs of our packages to attract more clients. In conjunction with our agents abroad, we are making very interesting offers. We are also trying to develop new activities, for example, being involved in religious tours.”

With people travelling for a plethora of reasons, air traffic to and from Egypt appears to have retained some stability, amidst the unrest across the Arab world. RAK Airways launched flights to Cairo in December 2010 and, despite challenges, the service has stood its ground, commented Omar Jahameh, CEO, RAK Airways. “In the first few months after the launch of our Cairo route, we experienced encouraging load factors, and performance was extremely promising. However, shortly thereafter, like all carriers in the region, we were affected to some extent by the unrest.” The International Air Transport Association suggested some improvement in its September 2011 report, which stated that traffic carried by Middle Eastern carriers rose by 9.1 percent, ahead of a capacity increase of 8.5 percent. “Despite the situation in the Arab world, passenger numbers in the region continue to rise,” he concluded.

Reflecting improvement, Jazeera Airways was the Red Sea

first new airline to launch flights to Cairo after the revolution, in May. Rafik Boghdady, vice president sales, Jazeera Airways, commented on the service’s success.

“To date, demand for us has remained in line with assumed seasonality. In fact, overall, Kuwait-Cairo and Kuwait-Egypt traffic was back to pre-revolution levels since June 2011.”

In November, Sun Express launched charter flights between six different airports in Germany and Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Luxor.

Additionally, instability across the Arab world has affected the issuance of visas for pilgrimages, which consequentially affected air travel, reported Rachel DECEMBER 2011

Start, director, products and services, National Air Service (NAS) Group. “Due to the unrest, no Umrah visas were issued in Egypt in quarter one, resulting in a drop in our customer numbers between Egypt and Jeddah. Since the end of quarter two, our Egyptian routes have significantly improved. The backlog of Umrah visa requests, and the peak summer season resulted in full flights through the summer, continu-

7

the inauguration of Baghdad and Erbil routes in Iraq besides reoperation of the Egyptair service to Kuala Lumpur.”

“We have not only resumed normal operation, but we have also offered a wider variety of customers. We are confident that Egypt is stepping towards a better future. From our side, Egyptair will benefit a lot from the democratic atmosphere as investment and

Traditional spices in an Arabian market in Egypt

ing through Ramadan and Eid. “Egyptian flights to and from Riyadh continued relatively unaffected, and nasair flights to and from Alexandria, Sohag and Assiut have recovered to 2010 levels.”

Pilgrims have played a big part in providing passengers to airlines flying between Egypt and Saudi Arabia, and in response, Cairo International Airport opened the Seasonal Terminal, with a capacity of 1200 passengers per hour, on September 20, to accommodate all Egyptair seasonal Jeddah and Medina flights.

The airline commenced flights from the terminal on October 8 while Terminal 2 is closed for renovation and expected to be completed in 2014.

Starting December 1, due to the closure of El Nozha Airport in Alexandria, all Egyptair flights to and from Alexandria will be operated from Borg El Arab Airport. Egyptair restored operations to Libya on November 1, after suspending the route for seven months, among other network expansions, as Ayman Nasr, CEO, Egyptair pointed out.

“Egyptair is having a great focus on the MENA region in general. The best recent accomplishment is

tourism will prosper and traffic trends to and from Egypt will increase,” Nasr added.

Highlighting the attractions that lure tourist to the destinations, Idris said, “Luxor, Aswan, ancient monuments, the pyramids, Ras Mohamed, and its wonders of the deep; all these jewels exist only in Egypt. Tourists will continue to come.” 

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EXPLORE

Yemen

Keeping the Honest Smile Socotra

Yemen is often referred to as the Arab world’s undiscovered gem. The current situation and the bleak prospects, however, raise the controversial question of when it will be re-discovered.

Taiz

YEMEN IN BRIEF

 Rita Kasziba writes

Capital: Sana’a

A

s one of the poorest and least developed countries in the Middle East, Yemen’s economy and tourism industry have long been lagging behind its regional counterparts.

In past years, the country’s delightful hospitality, captivating attractions and alluring traditions have been overshadowed by multiple obstacles. An exceptionally rapid population growth along with dwindling natural resources have not only threatened Sana’a to become the world’s first capital city to run out of water, but have also slackened the pace of the country’s socioeconomic development.

The uprising against the government, which started in February, has swept across the country, pulling down all industries and sending the fragile economy into freefall. Yasmin Al Hamdani, marketing manager, Yemen Tourism Promotion Board (YTPB), commented on the situation: “We do not have a clear view of the statistics for this year as we have undergone a political unrest since the beginning of the year. There have also been some military conflicts between the antigovernment and the pro-government protesters that have affected tourism flow.”

Yemen has long been struggling to change its negative image, created by alleged or actual incidents often exaggerated by the media, holding back travellers from indulging in the true Yemen. In this year’s Global Peace Index, the country ranked in 138th position (out of 153 countries).

“The situation for the tourism industry is very hard,” explained Al Hamdani, giving a close insight into the misfortune. “Some restaurants have long been closed in the capital and tour operators have ceased their operation unless they are working as travel agencies as well, meaning that they are able to keep up their business by offering services, such as ticketing, car renting, and so on. Many of the airlines

Currency: Yemeni Rial (YER) operating in the country have also halted their operation, advising their staff to return back to their countries until things get settled. The owners of hotels and travel agencies give an open vacation without salaries to their employees until they operate again, and many of the planned investment projects get hit by the dilemma of either being cancelled or postponed.”

Due to its dual role, serving both commercial flights and operating as the military airport with the only landing strip in the capital, Sana’a International Airport has long been a strategic target to the armed opposition, and at the end of October it was hard hit

Yemenis will work hard and with enthusiasm to improve the country not only on the tourism sector, but all other industries

Language: Arabic

by shells as clashes in the capital city widened.

The airport, which came under direct attack for the first time since unrest broke out in Sana’a, escaped the raid without any damage to the structure and fortunately with no casualties. Flights, however, were diverted to the southern port city of Aden.

REMAINING HOPEFUL The unrest has gradually taken its toll on the industry, according to Tina Zorman, director, Eternal Yemen, tour and travel operator.

“The first demonstrations started at the end of January, and in the beginning of February there were the first victims of the upheaval. At that time we received the first cancellations of tours. In the next weeks, when the situation got worse, almost all of our planned tours for the spring were cancelled. Since May 10, all tourist activities have stopped. After May 22, the National Security prevented tourists from entering Yemen, and the Ministry of Interior stopped issuing Yemeni tourist visas," she expressed.

The solution is yet to be found resulting in anguish for the thousands of Yemenis working and making their living from tourism.

“Nothing has been solved and until now and it is really a struggling situation for so many people involved in tourism businesses and, actually, we have lost two tourist seasons; spring and autumn. The problem is that there are not many alternatives, as 95 percent of the businesses have stopped; nothing really works at the moment,” Zorman added.

The uncertain state of the country has left hotels and apartments nearly empty, often with only correDECEMBER 2011

Yemen spondents working for the international media staying in the rooms. The situation forced the industry to settle for less, including less guests, less bookings, and less revenue. Fouad Hamid Saleh, executive assistant manager, Movenpick Hotel Sana’a, commented on the effect on business, “Hotel business is very low, and it actually comes to the point that we have to tighten all our belts, saving every single dollar in every department’s operational expense to keep the hotel running. Since the uprising, all the basic commodities’ prices have risen, including the outage of petrol, diesel, water, and electricity. In addition, the cancellation of big conferences and group events booked for this year made a big impact, losing the revenue we were expecting.”

Prior to the upheaval, Yemen was popular with travellers from both the Arab world and internationally, but the upheaval brought a whole new season, as Saleh further explained, “Our main feeder markets are from the GCC, Europe, and the US, most of which are individual travellers. Leisure business in Yemen, however, slowed down in 2009 and completely stopped with the beginning of the unrest.”

Although it is difficult to enter into predictions, industry players hope the market will bounce back quickly and change potential visitors’ perceptions, as Mahmood Al-Shaibani, general manager, Universal Touring Company, one of the leading inbound tour operators in Yemen, emphasised. “Almost all Western countries are banning citizens from visiting Yemen.

We, however, consider this a temporary situation, and we hope tourism will be back to normal as soon as the political situation settles. The major challenge is the current situation, with actual war in some parts of Sana’a and Taizz and regular explosions in Aden. All the other problems are much smaller than presented in western media.”

a safe image is crucial in the Yemeni tourism industry’s future, according to Al-Shaibani, who explained, “Safety is an important step toward tourism activity’s return to the country. Generally, most of Yemen is safe even during the recent political situation. The Yemeni people are friendly and they welcome foreigners as they always have. We expect that once the political situation is stable, security and safety will come consequently in not more than a year now.

“Despite the current situation we are still receiving many enquiries about Yemen and questions about the country’s condition. This interest shows that the tourism’s future in Yemen is promising.”

Wadi Dhahr

BOASTING A PLETHORA OF ATTRACTIONS

Sana’a

In contrast to big players in other parts of the region, Yemenis, instead of expanding their businesses and tapping into emerging markets, are now dreaming about an ordinary life and modest living, and there is little they can do. Building up and promoting DECEMBER 2011

Yemen would not be called the country of honest smiles if Yemenis gave up easily; in fact, the industry is already working to bounce back as soon as possible, indicated Al Hamdani. “Yemen is a sister of neighbouring countries such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. With the new future waiting for Yemenis after the Jasmine revolution ends, I think Yemenis will work hard and with enthusiasm to improve the country not only on the tourism sector, but all other industries.”

Moreover, Yemen’s cultural and social contrast to the region’s wealthy countries stands as a point of vantage, emphasised Al-Shabani. “In Yemen, each governorate has its different cultural aspects, landscape, traditions, and architecture. Yemen has all kinds of tourist attractions. It has the highest mountains in Arab countries, wide deserts, long coasts, more than 142 Virgin Islands, of which Socotra is an international natural park, protected by the United Nations Development Programme. Yemen is the only Arab country which has never been occupied by any foreign forces so it has been isolated from the rest of the world for centuries in that it’s still at its original traditions and the people are not spoiled by modern civilisation.”

EXPLORE

9

SLOWLY BUT SURELY With MICE and medical business representing only a small percentage of the industry, the country relies on its centuries-old traditions and truly unique natural attractions. In contrast to the intense clashes in the mainland, the tranquil island of Socotra is the haven of indulgence. Often regarded as the most alien looking place on the planet, the island represents a true gem.

“The positive thing is that the Ministry of Interior decided that they will start issuing tourist visas again, although only for visiting Socotra Island. The island has always been very safe and peaceful,” emphasised Zorman.

“The only problem is that the tourists first have to land in Sana’a International Airport, which has been under attack several times during November,” she added.

The ongoing situation has firmly softened demand on flights to and from Yemen. The national airline, however, managed to keep operating amid the most challenging circumstances, according to Muneer Jahwash, deputy managing director, commercial affairs, Yemenia.

“During this year, even though the political unrest has forced us to reduce our operations, it is more or less normal,” Jahwash said. The Arab spring, however, has altered the airline’s plans, prompting it to abandon or delay some developments.

“The political unrest in the country and some other countries in the Middle East region has had a very bad effect on Yemenia’s sales and traffic from the first quarter compared with 2010.

“This has forced us to re-look at our ongoing projects like opening new routes and expansion of routes. In 2010, we were able to open new routes like Guangzhou, Dar es Salaam, and Nairobi. During this year we were planning to launch new flights to Istanbul which did not materialise.

“Due to the political unrest in the region and the consequent fall in traffic, we were also forced to abandon some destinations like Bahrain, and some other destinations in the region and Far East. Similarly, our sixth freedom traffic via Yemen to many destinations including Europe has been very badly affected as a fall out of the unrest in the region.

“I feel that the political situation in the country, which is confined to some pockets affecting traffic, is exaggerated and is given adverse publicity by the media,” he further expressed.

Although Yemen and Yemenia are facing major challenges, as is the country itself, the airline is desperate to overcome the obstacles.

“If we compare the situation with some other countries which were forced to freeze their operation, Yemenia, being the national carrier, is still managing its operations with reasonable traffic from Yemen, despite the political unrest.

However, if the situation continues, it will have a really bad effect on Yemenia. On the contrary, if the situation becomes normal soon, it will be much better and we will be able to revive our plans of expanding our fleet and Yemenia routes,” Jawash concluded. 

12

ONSITE

Vietnam

A Prime MICE Destination Despite many associating Vietnam with its infamous war, the destination's tourism sector is fast growing, with a number of new hotel openings and a vast selection of convention centres catering to the MICE industry. Travel Trade Monthly explores the potential of Vietnam’s meeting and convention industry.

Water Puppets

 Dominique Christou writes

A

ccording to the General Statistics Office of Vietnam, the number of international visitors into the country since the beginning of the year increased by 15.8 percent compared to the same period in 2010, resulting in 4,8 million arrivals to Vietnam. Although the report reveals an overall rise in tourism figures, it suggests that the destination experienced a 4.7 percent decrease in business travellers compared with 2010.

Euromonitor International, has predicted that Vietnam will be among the world’s top 10 tourist destinations by 2016. More jobs are to become available along with economic growth as the country’s tourism industry grows. Over the years, Vietnam’s industry has drawn many foreign investors, particularly interested in hotel and resort development. The international visitors to the country in October were estimated at 518,477 arrivals, increasing by 17.8 percent over the same period in 2010. Total international arrivals in 10 months reached 4,830,604, representing a 15.8 percent growth over the same period of 2010.

Vietnam plans to invest an estimated USD42.5 billion over the next 10 years in order to develop the country’s tourism infrastructure. The development is to increase international tourism from 5.5 million to 10,5 million by 2020. Based on reports from Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, July tourist arrivals year-to-date, showed an increase of 117.3 percent compared with the same period of 2010.

Bai Tu Long Bay, Vietnam

VIETNAM IN BRIEF Capital: Hanoi Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) Language: Vietnamese

number of convention centres offering services purely for this purpose.

With Vietnam holding such a vast MICE industry, the Centre of Incentive Tours and Events (CITE) plays an important role in maintaining and growing the country’s industry. CITE is a full service incentive house and destination management company having been involved in the MICE market for several years and staffed by experienced tourism professionals.

Gilbert Whelan, president, Vietnam MICE Club, commented on the aspects which make Vietnam a popular MICE destination. “Vietnam boasts seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including one of the Natural Wonders of the World, HaLong Bay. Combining this with the professional infrastructure of the hospitality industry, including world-class hotels, resorts, and tour operators, Vietnam is perfect for MICE tourism.”

COMING OF AGE FOCUSING ON THE INSIDE The meetings and incentives industry in Vietnam has truly come of age in the last couple of years, with numerous hotels catering to MICE travellers and a large

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) manages 300 hotels with 226 properties in the development pipeline.

Vietnam currently boasts the InterContinental Asiana Saigon Residences, InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, Crowne Plaza West Hanoi, and Crowne Plaza Danang.

The upcoming InterContinental Danang Resort is expected to start operations by the first quarter of 2012.

Thomas Schmelter, regional manager for Vietnam and Cambodia, IHG, commented on Vietnam’s tourism potential. “The country offers a diverse range of highlights from rich cultural and historical UNESCO heritage sites to vast business opportunities for foreign investors. In 2010, the central province of Quang Nam and Da Nang received approximately 1,23 million and 1,77 million local and foreign travellers respectively. Vietnam as a destination remains very popular and is one of the most visited venues in the Asia Pacific region for tourists.”

With Indochina being a strategic region in its expansion, IHG will be operating six hotels and resorts in Vietnam with 2,270 rooms by the end of the year.

“In the next three to five years, IHG aims to be the biggest international hotel operator in Vietnam,” Schmelter further commented.

Vietnam’s government is working on building efficient and solid infrastructure, as well as offering benefits to investors in order to attract business investors into the country, as well as tourists. At the end of October, Danang saw the opening of Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, further strengthening the brand's portfolio.

Anthony Gain, general manager, Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, commented on the new development’s effect on Vietnam’s tourism. “The more tourism development that occurs in Vietnam means more marketing of the country to the outside market which in turn will attract more visitors and development for the country.”

Recently, Etihad Airways commenced a codeshare agreement with Vietnam Airlines. Passengers of Vietnam Airlines can connect through Bangkok to Abu Dhabi where Etihad Airways is based.  DECEMBER 2011

TOUR

Austria

13

The Popular Business Capital AUSTRIA IN BRIEF Capital: Vienna Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: German

Innsbruck, Austria

With approximately one fourth of the country’s population living in Vienna, Austria, home to the oldest national flag in the world, is not only famous for its skiing amenities and winter tourism, but also a great deal of facilities catering to Middle Eastern travellers and business travellers alike. Beyond it’s backdrop of royalty, imperial palaces, and amazing mountains, Travel Trade Monthly explores what Austria has to offer the business travel market.  Dominique Christou writes

A

ccommodating diverse MICE events, Vienna is home to numerous conference centres and hotels catering to the business traveller.

Austrian National Tourist Office (ANTO) noted that in 2010 Austria had a great year in terms of visitors from the Middle East, with arrivals and overnights from the region increasing 26.1 percent compared with previous years.

Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, director, Middle East, ANTO, commented on the arrivals of Middle Eastern travellers into the region. “The Middle East is the fastest growing overseas market for Austrian tourism. The number of guests from this region has quadrupled in the last 10 years. This year will be another record year and we confidently expect more steady growth in the future.”

Guests from the Middle East are the biggest spenders when it comes to accommodation, with more than 65 percent of them choosing to stay in four- or five-star hotels in Austria.

Austria has become a popular destination for Middle Eastern travellers for a number of reasons, according to Ehrenbrandtner who added that Dubai to Vienna is a very short distance and travellers can save a lot of money DECEMBER 2011

in Austria as most of the popular destinations offer discount cards that enable tourists to use public transport and visit many attractions for free or for a reduced price.

Guests from the Middle East are the biggest spenders when it comes to accommodation with more than 65 percent of them choosing to stay in four- or five-star hotels in Austria Lake Vilsalpsee

With Austria being an increasingly popular travel destination for the Middle East, ANTO has pushed the boundaries further in order to cater to visitors from the Arab world, by creating a smartphone application aimed at Arab travellers. Going by the name of Nemsa, the Arab word for Austria, the application is an electronic concierge for Middle Eastern visitors in the country. “We have already seen results with the application as many guests have already downloaded it for their trip to Austria this year. It is in Arabic and covers family attractions, sights, shopping tips, and an overview of many restaurants including those with halal food. It is much more interactive than any travel guide book and is completely free,” Ehrenbrandtner added.

The country is to introduce a new destination to the Middle East market in 2012, namely the Ötztal Valley in Tirol, which is one of Austria’s key tourism destinations internationally although not yet very well known in the Middle East.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Councils’ (WTTC) Economic Impact Report Austria 2011, direct contribution of gross domestic product (GDP) was reported to be EUR12,8 billion (USD17,2 billion) this year, and is expected to rise by four percent to EUR19,0 billion (USD25,7 billion) by 2021. Furthermore, travel and tourism in Austria was reported to directly support 196,000 jobs this year with a 2.9 percent increase by 2021 to 260,000 jobs. 

14

TOUR

Austria of-the-art meetings infrastructure, as well as its being a compact, clean, green, and safe city. “The constant research that the VCB team work on, aids towards the excellent reputation Vienna holds as a meetings industry destination,” he concluded.

A CONVENIENT HOT SPOT

Donnerbrunnen fountain, Vienna

The Middle East is the fastest growing overseas market for Austrian tourism

induced GDP. This year, compared with 2010, the number of events increased by a total of 14 percent with a particularly strong growth of nine percent for national congresses. ”In 2010, 579 international congresses accounted for 20 percent of a total of 2,934 congresses and corporate events held in Vienna. The comparatively small percentage of international congresses represents 49 percent of all delegates and 69 percent of the volume of bed nights for the entire Vienna meetings industry, generating 77 percent of the value added to the entire industry in the amount of EUR591,2 million (USD798,6 million).

Filzmoos, Salzburg

The latest reports from Statistics Austria showed that this year’s summer season, May to September, for hotels, ended with an increase in overnights by 2.2 percent to 57,5 million. The overnight stays of national visitors increased by 1.2 percent, and overnight stays by international visitors rose by 2.7 percent.

Air services play a major role in Austria being a top choice destination for Middle Eastern travellers. Austrian Airlines offers flights to Erbil, Baghdad, Tehran, Dubai, Damascus, Amman, and a further five destinations in North Africa.

Michael Braun, spokesperson, Austrian Airlines, explained the airline’s strategy for the region. “There are no current plans in expanding flights to the Middle East following the most recent opening, in July, of the route from Vienna to Baghdad, three times daily.

All of our 44 flights per week to the Middle East are non-stop to and from our hub in Vienna.” airberlin further offers MENA travellers convenient access to Austria and also has a codeshare agreement with Royal Jordanian. Weekly, airberlin offers nine flights from Austria to Egypt, five flights from Austria to Tunisia via Nuremberg and Munich, and one flight from Austria to Morocco.

Austria is home to many conference centres which cater to MICE, with Vienna itself holding three conference facilities; the capital is working on the continuation of being one of the worlds leading meetings destinations Stefan Magiera, general manager, Middle East and Asia, airberlin, commented on the airline’s flights to the Middle East. “airberlin passengers are able to travel to Amman from Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna. In return, passengers of the Jordanian airline company can take advantage of flights featuring Royal Jordanian flight numbers, on a number of German and European airberlin routes.”

Since November 2010, airberlin has been the only airline to offer a non-stop service between Dubai and Berlin, with very good connecting flights to Austria.

“The connection is accepted very well by the airberlin passengers,” concluded Magiera.

MEETINGS IN MAJESTIC VIENNA TOP-NOTCH ACCOMMODATION Austria is home to many conference centres that cater to MICE, with Vienna itself holding three conference facilities. The capital is working on the continuation of being one of the world’s leading meetings destinations.

Ulrike von Arnold, deputy director, Vienna Convention Bureau (VCB), commented on the how the meetings industry affects the country’s tourism. “In 2010, Vienna hosted a total of 2,934 congresses and corporate events, which generated a total of 1,336,291 bed nights and EUR767,8 million (USD1,03 billion) in

“This illustrates the tremendous importance of this segment for the entire Vienna meetings industry,” von Arnold further explained.

Along with the capital city being famous for its imperial heritage, von Arnold indicated that Vienna continues to be such a popular meetings destination due to its fast and easy access within Europe, its state-

In 2012, Austria will see the opening of numerous hotels including, Palais Hansen Kempinski Vienna and Austria Trend Hotel Doppio, the new four-star hotel belonging to Austria Trend Hotels & Resorts, which will be ideal for business travellers, with its two conference rooms and easy access to public transport.

Austria Trend Hotel Doppio follows the recent opening of the four-star Austria Trend Park Royal Palace Vienna and Austria Trend Parkhotel Schönbrunn, both located in Vienna.  DECEMBER 2011

16

LONG HAUL

Senegal

Senegal’s Tourism on the Rise With Senegal having established itself as one of Africa’s most inviting destinations, with the Senegambian Stone Circle being a world heritage site, the country continues to work towards further developing its tourism industry as associations plan projects aimed at increasing visitor numbers and improving infrastructure. Travel Trade Monthly explores how Senegal has set out to boost tourism.

Sine-Saloum, Senegal

SENEGAL IN BRIEF

 Dominique Christou writes

S

enegal’s travel and tourism industry has grown over the years and the country has set out a number of strategies in order to improve the development of the sector, and increase the competitiveness of the industry overall.

Infrastructure development has been an impediment to growth in the travel and tourism industry, with years of inappropriate rebuilding of infrastructure resulting in a lack of investment in the transportation network throughout the country. A further aspect which has affected tourism growth in Senegal is the lack of air routes for international travellers.

The African Travel Association (ATA), the leading global trade association promoting travel to Africa, serves both the public and private sectors of the international travel and tourism industry, and is set to showcase new attractions in Senegal in a bid to boost visits.

Since being available to the international travel industry, the country has made a pledge of securing a strong sustainable development platform for tourism, a sector that plays a key role in the economy

Capital: Dakar Currency: Franc (CAF) of the country. Elhadji Aziz Guéye, director, Senegal Tourist Authority, commented on the improvements.

“Until very recently, tourism in Senegal has ranked and still ranks second as a foreign money earner. Due to its geographical position at the westernmost tip of the African continent, it is a business as well as an adventure destination.”

World Travel and Tourism Council's (WTTC) Economic Impact Report Senegal 2011, indicated that the total contribution of travel and tourism to gross domestic product (GDP), is expected to rise by 4.8 percent from XOF841,6 billion (USD1,7 billion) this year to XOF1,344.5 billion (USD2,8 billion) by 2021. Travel and tourism visitor exports generated XOF345,5 billion (USD710 million) this year, and is expected to grow by 6.8 percent to XOF544,1 billion (USD1,1 billion) in 2021. Furthermore, business travel spending totalled XOF320,7 billion (USD659 million) this year, forecasted to rise to XOF507,4 billion (USD1 billion) in 2021.

Over the years, Senegal’s tourism has developed with an average of nearly 900,000 tourists arriving in the country each year. Thiam Abdoulaye,

Language: French

director, marketing and promotion, National Agency of Tourism, commented on Senegal’s focus in boosting tourism. “Senegal had launched a promotion policy in which the goal was to reach 1.5 million tourists by 2015, but with the slowdown due to the recent economic crisis, this target has been revised to two million tourists in 2020.”

According to Abdoulaye, Senegal is to stimulate its tourism industry through the consolidation and increase of its market share in Europe and worldwide with campaigns, participation in exhibitions, and workshops. The country has future plans to develop both domestic and international tourism.

“We do not yet have statistics for the MENA market in Senegal but they are among our target to win as part of our short-term goals within our market division. We are interested to conquer this region in the tourism sector.”

DECEMBER 2011

Senegal With Senegal having a variety of offerings for corporate tourism, including luxury hotels, a stable business environment, and a code of investment incentives, Abdoulaye further explained how tour operators can further advance the regions’ tourism sector.

“Tourism can be increased by tour operators having a strong commitment to marketing the destination.

Their participation in campaigns aiming to increase Senegal’s tourism will really help the region to grow as a choice of travel destination.”

OPTIMISING ROUTE MAPS With the implementation of the new international airport, Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, the country is to benefit from regular airline connections which will develop the region as a business destination. Moreover, this airport will offer more facilities to charters and further increase leisure tourism in the area, along with the new constructed motorway, which allows visitors to reach Dakar in 30 minutes following arrival.

In September 2010, Emirates introduced direct services from Dubai to Dakar, operating five times a week, and providing ready connections between West Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Emirates is the only airline that offers non-stop flights from the MENA region to Senegal. Other airlines which fly to Senegal with one or more stops are Kenya Airlines, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Royal Air Maroc.

Having commenced services in January this year, the country’s national carrier, Senegal Airlines is not yet serving the MENA region, although future plans are in the pipeline, as Christophe Leloup, CEO, Senegal Airlines, explained. “As we have only been working for 10 months, studies are being done in order to optimise our route map. The airline is a partner of Emirates; we do not intend to compete with Emirates on Middle East destinations. At the moment we intend to serve destinations in the region where traffic to and from Senegal is consistent.

Due to its geographical position at the westernmost tip of the African continent, it is a business as well as an adventure destination “There has been tremendous growth in the performance of Senegal Airlines this year, with services opening to 15 different cities in Western and central Africa. After 10 months of activity, we can note that the majority of our passengers are for business travel.”

Kenya Airways offers flights to Dakar daily with connections to the MENA region from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. With most travellers departing from Dakar being business travellers, the airline plans on increasing flights, according to Chris Karanja, corporate communications manager, Kenya Airways.

“We intend on increasing frequency to the MENA region, as well as opening up new destinations. We

Saly, Senegal

DECEMBER 2011

LONG HALL

17

have already identified Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, set to be opened early next year.”

Furthermore, from it’s hub in Casablanca, Royal Air Maroc offers passengers from Dakar short and easy connections to the MENA region, with 73 flights weekly.

Ilham Benseddik, press officer, Royal Air Maroc, gave his comments on the airlines’ expansion. “Royal Air Maroc is involved in promoting new routes for its customers towards destinations in the MENA region, through a codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways.”

Middle East guests made up five percent of Senegals tourism this year, which was boosted by Emirates’ connection to Dakar, showing that air route development greatly impacts the country’s tourism industry.

CATERING TO ALL NEEDS According to Jorgen Jorgensen, general manager, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar, Saly and Sine-Saloum areas are the main tourism spots in Senegal with all hotel projects, and leisure and tourism facilities opening up in the vicinity. In recent years, a number hotels were built in Dakar, including Radisson Blu Hotel, further developing business tourism in the city.

“Our destination is really attractive for the Middle East guest as Senegal offers leisure and entertainment facilities including casinos, internationally branded hotels, and the new Buddhattitude Spa Dakar. We are now the unique international spa hotel in Senegal.

North African guests are more interested in the international congress and events organised in Dakar,” Jorgensen explained.

Senegal is to see the opening of Intercontinental Dakar in 2013. The development will be the first property in Senegal under the InterContinental Hotels Group flag. The hotel will cater to business and leisure travellers alike and is to boost tourism in the region, offering visitors to Senegal more accommodation options. 

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

18

NAIF ZUREIKAT

GEOFFREY LIPMAN

General manager, King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, Jordan.

Chairman, World Green Tourism Award, Abu Dhabi.

“This year’s World Economic Forum was one of the best forums we have ever hosted at the convention centre in terms of organisation and service. Our team’s readiness and professionalism reflected excellent results and gained positive feedback from all participants.”

Our team’s readiness and professionalism reflected excellent results and gained positive feedback from all participants

“There is clearly a lot of outstanding work around the world to establish a more sustainable tourism infrastructure in line with modern green growth demands and expectations, but at the same time it is important to recognise the real pathfinders.

“There have been many outstanding individuals who have worked tirelessly in driving the global sustainable development agenda and at the same time have seen the real potential of this sector as a positive change agent. The World Green Tourism Award is the first of its kind to honour and recognise these individuals.”

MICHAEL SCULLY Managing director, Seven Tides.

“It is all very well to jump on the social media bandwagon, but if your basic core proposition does not hold water, then all the online marketing support in the world will not keep it afloat.

“Online media is multi-layered, and channels such as Facebook and Twitter are designed not only as vehicles through which to push tactical offers, but are there to help companies engage with their target audience, stimulate ongoing discussion and ultimately create brand ambassadors out in the real world.”

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 DECEMBER 2011

TRAVEL CHANNELS

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Arab Outbound Travel Markets to Increase According to the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), with a rising population and an increase in disposable income, especially in the GCC countries, outbound travel markets could top USD20 billion.

U

NWTO indicate that an increase of two million Arabs will travel abroad within the next 20 years, with outbound tourism figures reaching 37 million. This is with an estimated USD20 billion spending, accounting for 2.2 percent of global outbound travel with a 0.7 percent rise.

Mark Walsh, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented on the Arab world’s fast growing market. “The region is not only one of the fastest growing inbound markets, but for some, more crucially, it is one of the fastest growing outbound markets. We have received bookings from all five continents of the world reconfirming the importance of this region's outbound tourism potential.”

This year, the Arabian Travel Market witnessed

DECEMBER 2011

The average tourist from the UAE spends USD22,000 a year on flights and accommodation alone

2,236 exhibitors and more than 22,000 visitors. The 2012 exhibition taking place from April 30 to May 3 has already closed 59 percent of exhibition space.

“According to the UNWTO, the average tourist from the UAE spends USD22,000 a year on flights and accommodation alone, totaling USD6.6 billion annually spent on outbound travel. Saudi Arabia’s market is worth an estimated USD4.8 billion,” Walsh added.

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EXCLUSIVE

Cruise Travel

Sailing with the Stream With governments intensively investing in further developments and more ships sailing to the Arabian Gulf, the region’s cruise industry boasts great prospects and is expected to play a pioneering role in diversifying the economy.

Riding the wave of tourism growth stimulated by these investments, the Middle East could easily become the hottest story in the cruise industry

 Rita Kasziba writes

C

ruising has long been a popular way to discover the fascinating world of Arabian splendour, and with the world’s leading cruise lines now calling in to the region, the industry is developing apace.

Reflecting the sector’s enormous potential, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) previously named cruise tourism as one of the five pillars of its 2011/2012 strategy. The capital’s main port, Mina Zayed, is expected to welcome some 145,000 passengers this winter. To cater to the anticipated demand, a new tented cruise terminal has recently been unveiled, which increases capacity by catering to 1,300 passengers. ADTA has also outlined plans to build a permanent terminal as part of its initiative to further accelerate the cruise industry’s growth and reach 300 calls and 600,000 passengers by 2030.

Dubai has also long been pushing ahead with major projects in a bid to establish the emirate as one of the leading cruise hubs in the region. Global marine terminal operator, DP World, plans to expand Port Rashid's cruise terminal’s facilities. The port’s Dubai Cruise Terminal, which currently caters to two ocean-going cruise ships at the same time with a maximum of 7,000 passengers, is expected to boast a capacity for five cruise ships by the end of 2012. The terminal operator’s vision is to further encourage the emirate’s growth, indicated Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, chairman, DP World.

“Development of the cruise terminal facilities at Port Rashid supports Dubai’s long-term strategy to stimulate growth and development in the traditionally strong tourism sector. The new facility will help Dubai tap into the rapidly growing cruise sector and continue to be a major destination for the finest cruise ships in the world,” he added.

According Khalid Bin Sulayem, director general, Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the continuous development of the emirate’s cruise facilities is crucial, as Dubai is striving to further strengthen its position in the flourishing cruise industry.

“We at DTCM believe there will be more than 58 percent growth in cruise tourism in Dubai by 2015.”

Cruise travel in the emirate has already experienced a significant surge. Dubai Cruise Terminal’s traffic rose 30 percent between 2009 and 2010, welcoming 20 more ships carrying some 130,000 passengers. As the winter season is approaching, the volume is expected to remain on an upward trend with 135 vessels bringing in some 475,000 passengers during these months. By 2015, the number of passengers cruising into the emirate is forecasted to increase by 50,000 year-on-year.

Oman's Port Sultan Qaboos port, the largest in Muscat, recorded 231,000 passengers for the 2010/11 season, marking a robust 72 percent increase over the previous season. Moreover, the Sultanate’s potential plans were revealed to transform Port Sultan Qaboos, into an exclusive tourism port by shifting the cargo and container operations elsewhere.

DECEMBER 2011

Cruise Travel LEADING PLAYERS IN THE REGION During the last 17 years, Royal Caribbean has been continuously expanding its operation in the region, remarked Lakshmi Durai, executive director, Middle East, Royal Caribbean. “In spite of the worldwide economic downturn we are continuing to maintain steady growth in our business.”

Reflecting the increasing interest, the cruise line is to extend its presence in the region, as Durai explained, “Due to the high demand, Royal Caribbean is extending its third consecutive season in the Gulf region to six months, which now runs from November this year through to April 2012. The longest season to date comprises of 18 roundtrips.”

critical financial impact. This year, Costa was also forced to cancel Tunisia and Egypt from the programme. No matter how the situation of Arab Spring shapes up, our potential customers will take longer time to change their perception on this issue. Costa did a focus group research in October about the number of people interested in a trip to Tunisia. Only 10 percent of this focus group said that they were interested in visiting the country, but only if they could stay on the ship.”

Although the region’s safe image is pivotal and cruise lines are cautious with certain destinations, the overall outlook of the industry is positive.

MSC Cruises, one of the world’s leading cruise companies’ debut in Abu Dhabi is expected to give another

EXCLUSIVE

21

development. We have been working with different authorities in the UAE and across the region to enhance understanding of cruise guests’ needs. We have different needs compared to cargo ships as we need a proper cruise terminal with facilities suited to our guests. There should be a long-term strategy to support the cruise industry in the region. For example, an easy visa policy for cruise guests would boost this sector.”

According to Rustico, an increased contribution from the local market is also pivotal to its development and may assure that many more UAE and GCC residents spend their holidays at sea. “We cannot further enlarge seasonality and bring additional ships if the local markets do not significantly grow their contribution,” he added, while, along the same lines,

Costa Deliziosa

Brilliance of the Sea, Royal Caribbean

Furthermore, since its debut in the Arabian Gulf back in 2006, Costa Cruises has become a leading player in the region. With the deployment of its latest flagship, the cruise line is to further consolidate its presence in the Middle East, noted Dario Rustico, vice president, sales and marketing for Pacific Asia Operations, Costa Cruises.

“In the upcoming season, Costa Cruises will sustain its local presence with the arrival of the flagship, Costa Favolosa, which can accommodate 3,800 guests. It will be the biggest and most advanced cruise ship operating in the region. In winter 2011/12 Costa Cruises plans to make 58 port calls in the UAE and expects to have 233,000 passenger movements in the region. This year, Bahrain has been cancelled and will be replaced with Khasab in Musandam.

“For the following season we are currently working on discovering additional destinations in the region as our competitors follow us and have the same itinerary. We know that Qatar is developing infrastructure in order to accommodate bigger cruise ships. We also hope that the perception of visiting Bahrain will soon change.”

On the other hand, the regional unrest has left the whole industry feeling the heat, according to Rustico who said, “The Arab Spring had a big impact on our business. Out of 650 cruises, Costa was obliged to make changes for about 300 cruises. It was a DECEMBER 2011

MSC Lirica

major boost to the region’s industry. Alfredo Spadon, corporate commercial manager, emerging markets, MSC Cruises, elaborated on the calls.

“MSC Lirica will sail a total of 95 calls and rotations around Abu Dhabi and the emirates, stopping at the ports of Khasab and Muscat in the Sultanate of Oman as well as Al Fujairah in the UAE, and with two unforgettable nights in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. As the only cruise company to call at Khasab on a regular basis, MSC Cruises offers privileged access to a little-known paradise.”

MSC Cruises arrived with high expectations and enormous plans for the region, as Spadon explained, “In 2012/13 we intend on bringing a state-of-the-art ship from our fleet, MSC Opera, to the UAE shores. This ship is expected to bring a further 54,000 passengers per year to the area. ADTA estimates it will generate up to USD22 million in direct economic impact on tourism, airline, accommodation, retail, transport, food and beverage, and attractions sector.”

FACING CHALLENGES Additionally, Durai named visa regulations and further infrastructure developments of ports in the region as the biggest challenges in the Arabian Gulf.

“Getting a multiple entry visa is one of the issues for cruise guests in the region in addition to infrastructure

Spadon explained that the region is yet to reach its full potential with room for improvement within the local market.

“One of the major issues that could threaten the cruise industry’s development is the sourcing and the fact that ships that sail the region’s pristine waters mainly host international guests. Nearly 95 percent of cruisers have, therefore, to fly to regional hubs before embarking on one of our cruise ships,” he said.

“Limited flight capacity, especially in Abu Dhabi, and the impact of fly and cruise on the final price for passengers, clearly represent a major issue for further growth. Ports and destinations are unquestionably becoming one of the main drivers of any development strategy,” Spadon further explained.

Neveretheless, the UAE is a growing market in the cruising industry according to Euromonitor International research, which anticipates that the country will achieve 6.9 percent annual growth in arrivals over the period for a total of 3,6 million new arrivals, making it the 14th highest-ranking country for absolute arrivals growth between 2010 and 2015. “The substantial infrastructure developments currently underway will unquestionably contribute to this. Riding the wave of tourism growth stimulated by these investments, the Middle East could easily become the hottest story in the cruise industry,” Spadon concluded. 

22

WHO'S MOVED

SUBBAIAH AIYAPPA Subbaiah Aiyappa has been promoted to revenue manager at Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah. Aiyappa, who brings extensive expertise to the position, started his career in the industry with Le Méridien Bangalore, India, as front office supervisor. He joined the team of Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah (formerly known as Holiday Inn Resort Sharjah) in 2000, as reservations agent. His dedication to the hotel’s success has fast earned him the promotions, first to assistant reservations

manager, and later to reservations manager. Aiyappa holds a Bachelor Degree in hotel reception and accountancy from Institute of Hotel Management and Catering Technology in India.

He has been promoted to revenue manager at Radisson Blu Resort Sharjah

SYED MEHDI Syed Mehdi has been appointed cluster director of sales and marketing of City Seasons Group of Hotels’ Dubai properties where he will be in charge of all areas of sales and marketing for the group’s two properties in the emirate.

His responsibilities include forecasting and annual budgeting for the hotels as well as maximisation of daily revenue and attendance of key exhibitions. Mehdi joins City Seasons from Samaya

Hotels & Resorts, where he worked as sales manager and later as director of sales and marketing with responsibilities for the group’s Dubai and Sharjah hotels. Prior to that, he held the sales and marketing manager position at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai. Mehdi’s key areas of expertise lie in the opening up of new markets and he also has considerable experience in leading and mentoring sales and marketing teams.

JENNIFER FOX Jennifer Fox has been named president of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Fox, who will oversee the operation of Fairmont’s collection of hotels and resorts, brings strong leadership abilities, combined with extensive expertise in hotel operation, brand development, marketing and sales, and hotel transitions to her role. With more than 25 years of hospitality experience, she joins Fairmont from InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), where she most recently worked

as chief operating officer, Continental Europe. Prior to that, she held senior leadership positions in brand marketing with a range of renowned companies, including Sheraton Hotels & Resorts and IHG, and also gained experience as general manager of a number of luxury hotels, including assignments in Hong Kong, Europe, Australia, and the US.

She joins Fairmont from IHG Group

RUPRECHT SCHMITZ Ruprecht Schmitz has been named general manager of Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi. The seasoned hotelier takes over from Moine Kandil, who continues to work at Millennium & Copthorne Hotels & Resorts as director of operations, Middle East and Africa. Schmitz has been with the company for one decade, having worked across Europe and Asia, and most recently as general manager of Orchard Hotel in Singapore. During his 20 years spent in

the hospitality industry, Schmitz has held various managerial positions with international chains. Trained in hotel management in Germany and with a business economics educational background, Schmitz brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

He has been named general manager of Millennium Hotel Abu Dhabi

DECEMBER 2011

RENDEZVOUS

23

Q & A with Joanne Zarifé Keeping occupancy rates high, following the summer peak season, is a challenge to the whole hospitality sector.

Joanne Zarifé, marketing communications manager, Eddé Sands Hotel & Wellness Resort, Lebanon, talks about the shifting patterns of demand.

Travel Trade Monthly: What makes Eddé Sands stand out from Lebanon’s hotel offering?

Joanne Zarifé: Open to the public all year round, Eddé Sands is a veritable feast for the guest in every way. Located just steps away from historic Byblos on the sandy white shores of the Mediterranean, Eddé Sands has more to offer than you could possibly have time to discover in just one visit.

The layout of the resort is spectacular and instinctively comforting. It is Lebanese style, service, and accommodation at its very best. Eddé Sands caters to just about all conceivable needs at the top-end of the market and yet remains affordable as an occasional treat.

The restaurants range from beach front seafood & Italian restaurants, pool-side diners, café style eateries to exotic oriental fare. You could just go for lunch, for the day or book for a weekend and relax in luxury. Guests can also conduct business meetings and organise their weddings here.

Joanne Zarifé Marketing communications manager, Eddé Sands Hotel & Wellness Resort

Joanne Zarifé: 60 percent of our guests are Lebanese, 13 percent come from Europe, seven percent from GCC countries or the Levant region, six percent from North America, three percent from Australia, while the remaining one percent come from other countries.

Joanne Zarifé: During these months, Eddé Sands becomes a peaceful haven where relaxation and true source of peace of mind rule.

The quality season starts, as opposed to the quantity season. In view of that, we focus our efforts on targeting European travellers who are more health conscious and are looking for a serene stay rather than a party destination.

We also target people coming for business, conferences, seminars, business trips or corporate retreats; given that Eddé Sands has ideal meeting venues where one can comfortably mix business with pleasure. These guests are mostly locals and people living in the GCC and the Levant region.

DECEMBER 2011

Joanne Zarifé: Our guests are usually regulars. Firsttimers always find a way to come back so that they can try different seasons when we offer different facilities. At the beginning of the year we launched a very attractive honeymoon package that happened to be a best seller up until now.

People seem to be mostly attracted by the combined offers that include accommodation on halfboard, upgraded rooms amenities, and, of course, spa treatments.

And given the very romantic setting we offer, couples and health-oriented people are our most loyal guests; especially during the non-summer season.

Travel Trade Monthly: What kind of special requirements might your guests have?

Travel Trade Monthly: From which markets do you register most of your guests?

Travel Trade Monthly: How do you intend to keep high occupancy and ensure revenue flow following the summer peak season?

Travel Trade Monthly: How much business is from the very wealthy, and how much is from clients who want to experience your excellent service and amenities on a special occasion?

We focus our efforts on targeting European travellers who are more health conscious and are looking for a serene stay

Joanne Zarifé: Requirements of our guests can be very simple like having a romantic champagne breakfast on their private rooftop, asking to have their duo massage done in the privacy of their room; or rather creative such as a candle-lit dinner by the sea, or meditation and yoga classes early in the morning on the beach.

Other special requirements include a private butler at all hours and a security escort for guests who feel they need protection. Guests can also enjoy a range of activities, while others opt for our hotels due to its very close proximity to Byblos Old Souk, where cultural and historical sites can be visited.

Travel Trade Monthly: With more and more resorts opening in the region, the competition is becoming intense. What kind of challenges do you foresee for the future?

Joanne Zarifé: One of Eddé Sands, main challenges is the limited number of hotel rooms we have; sometimes we receive large group requests that we have to turn down due to limited availability.

Another challenge is the seasonality that may somehow affect the consistency in service.

However, we are improving ourselves day by day with continuous on-the-job training programmes.

24

NEWS & EVENTS

Sister Event of UNWTO & WTM Ministers Summit The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) and World Travel Market (WTM) Ministers Summit will have a sister event in 2012, namely the UNWTO and Arabian Travel Market (ATM) forum, which will take place from April 30 to May 3. It will play a similar role to the UNWTO & WTM Ministers Summit 2011, bringing together leading figures from the Middle Eastern travel and tourism sector to discuss the market’s future.

Mark Walsh, group exhibition director, Reed Travel Exhibition, commented on the importance of the event. “The growth in tourism arrivals since the turn of the century means a forum of this kind is essential for both tourism ministers and the private sectors to discuss future possibilities. As the premier travel trade exhibition for the region, ATM is the only place to host such an event.”

Over the last 10 years, the Middle East has been one of the fastest growing tourism regions, with international arrivals reaching 24 million in 2000 and over 60 million in 2010. Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, commented on the growing Middle East region. “In spite of current challenges, prospects in the Middle East continue to be very positive in the long-term, as shown by the new UNWTO forecast 'Tourism Towards 2030' as well as by the projects of infrastructure, airline expansion, and hotel capacity in the pipeline for the region.”

EVENTS

As the premier travel trade exhibition for the region, ATM is the only place to host such an event

Sponsored by

World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 5 – 7, 2011 (www.worldgreentourism.com) A three-day event that is supported by ADTA and EAD, and the only one in the region dedicated to the promotion of sustainable tourism.

FITUR Tourism Trade Fair Feirade Madrid, Spain, January 18 – 22, 2012 (www.ifema.es) A meeting point for tourism professionals, in which they can establish lines of action, strategies, and business alliances.

ILTM Cannes, France, December 5 – 8, 2011 (www.iltm.net) A unique event that is ideal for buyers and suppliers working within the international luxury travel sector, who strive to provide the ultimate customised experience.

Horeca Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait, January 22 – 24, 2012 (www.horeca-kuwait.com) A trade exhibition for the hospitality and food service industries with live workshops, networking, and social events.

Ferien-Messe Wien Vienna, Austria, January 12 – 15, 2012 (www.ferien-messe.at) The leading public access tourism trade fair in Austria, which is attended each year by more than 100,000 consumers.

SATTE New Delhi, India, February 10 – 12, 2012 (www.satte.in) India’s leading business-to-business travel and tourism event with more than 6,000 travel agents and tour operators from all over India and its neighbouring markets.

DECEMBER 2011