Travel Trade Monthly January 2012

JANUARY 2012

ISSUE 27

EXPLORE: QATAR Supported by billion dollar investments in developments, backed by large scale events, Qatar has become one of the Middle East’s most eligible countries.

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Introducing diverse leisure attractions while new accommodation preferences continue to pour in, Abu Dhabi is broadening its offerings, with its tourism authority highly focusing on niche tourism segments. .

EXCLUSIVE: GREEN TRAVEL Common awareness of environmental impacts, incurred by tourism activities, has increased, spurring businesses and travel entities to improve their corporate responsibility on various levels.

20 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE INVESTIGATION: Winter Tourism VISIT: Abu Dhabi & Al Ain EXPLORE: Qatar ONSITE: Hong Kong TOUR: Germany LONG-HAUL: Tanzania TRAVEL TALK TRAVEL CHANNELS EXCLUSIVE: Green Travel WHO'S MOVED RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

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VISIT: ABU DHABI & AL AIN

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MARKET UPDATE

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

Dollar Thrifty Prepares for Tourism Boom Following a profitable year, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Qatar, is preparing for further growth this year.

SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou 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 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 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 Accurate as of

28/12/2011 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.03

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

54.15

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.49

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.53

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

11,135.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

219.26

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

74.15

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.25

T

he group experienced a highly successful period of business and expects to record 20 percent year-on-year growth in profit.

With an increase of 25 percent, it now boasts a fleet of 2012 models across three locations in Qatar, and eyes further developments.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment is set to rise by 7.2 percent per annum to reach QAR10.4 billion (USD2.9 billion) in 2021, and the anticipated tourism boom sets the bar high for the industry, emphasised Ibrahim Al-Muftah, managing director, Dollar Rent a Car & Thrifty Car Rental, Qatar.

Tourism investment is set to rise by 7.2 percent per annum to reach QAR10.4 billion (USD2.9 billion) in 2021, and the anticipated tourism boom sets the bar high for the industry “Travel agents, tour operators, and airlines need to prepare for this tourism boom in Qatar. We are already seeing major airlines increase their flights to Qatar. The construction industry is also benefiting from the preparations for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ultimately, the travel industry will need to upgrade their offerings to stay in competition, as more and more travel companies enter the market.”

Ibrahim Al-Muftah

The group’s main business came from business travellers eyeing investment opportunities in Qatar, global corporations seeking to strengthen their presence in the state, and the large work force migrating from the GCC, proving that despite the regional challenges, Qatar remained a lucrative business destination.

“Even with the political turmoil in the Middle East, business in the state has increased exponentially over the past year,” added Al-Muftah.

The company has outlined ambitious plans for 2012.

“Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group has been present in Qatar since 1993, and is accustomed to the traditions of the country which makes us the preferred car rental company. We are looking forward to healthy competition, and dominating the car rental market in Qatar,” concluded Sam Eltibi, executive director, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, MENA and Asia Pacific.

Jazeera Airways Secures Market Share Jazeera Airways continued market leadership in October 2011 on the majority of the routes it serves, based on data released by Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation.

The carrier, which operated in October 2011 with an on-time performance of 97 percent, captured leading market share to Alexandria (35 percent), Assiut (55 percent), Damascus (40 perJazeera Airways also cent), Luxor (81 percent), Sharm El Sheikh (63 perachieved a majority cent) and Sohag (35 percent), putting it ahead of all market share among other airliners operating these routes. Jazeera AirKuwaiti operators to highways also achieved a majority market share among demand destinations Kuwaiti operators to high-demand destinations, such as Beirut (32 percent), Amman (32 percent), Dubai (16 percent), and Istanbul (8 percent).

JANUARY 2012

Winter Tourism

INVESTIGATION

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The Coolest Places to Visit AUTHENTICALLY YOURS

Ski Dubai

InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort & Spa

When it comes to winter travel, the Middle East may not be at the forefront of tourists’ minds, however, many countries in the region are now gravitating towards establishing themselves as fresh alternatives for the colder months.  Rita Kasziba writes

C

ontinuously seeking unconventional destinations to satisfy seasonal desires, travellers are now being faced with a vast range of enticing features to choose from in a bid to decide on the perfect winter holiday.

“From a tourism perspective, factors that need to be there for a destination include proximity to home location, good record of snow availability, excellent ski lift systems, and accommodation options with easy access to the slopes. Cost and overall value-for-money are also crucial along with the entertainment options and the hospitality culture,” highlighted Alecos Loucaides, director, Various Travel; a Cyprus-based outbound agency.

“Travellers increasingly prefer to try a destination that is out of what is considered ordinary, and this might override other factors,” he added.

One such country in the Middle East which puts on its best performance during the winter season is Lebanon, famous for morphing into a true winter wonderland.

Having welcomed some 500,000 tourists worldwide during the previous winter season, most of which stemmed from Arab countries, Lebanon boasts a range of distinctive features that make it a special destination for all tourists, as Mona Fares, director of promotions, Ministry of Tourism, Lebanon, explained.

“It takes only half an hour to go from the mountains to Beirut, which makes it the first travel destination during winter where tourists can go skiing and JANUARY 2012

then come back and be near to the Mediterranean sea.”

Having long been popular with travellers seeking a relaxing winter break, Lebanon is considered a great place to ski, and caters to all winter enthusiasts, according to Fares who further commented. “Winter resorts are continuously adding new ski lifts, accommodation, and other facilities. Other sports like jet skiing and snow-boarding are being practiced as well. Each of Lebanon’s resorts has its own unique character and run both national and international ski competitions.”

One such resort fully geared to welcome winter lovers is the InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort & Spa. “[The resort] is nested amid the snowy peaks at 2,000m up the scenic Mount Lebanon, with direct access to 80km of skiing trails, linking 19 ski lifts, and a proximity to major touristic sites,” Cynthya Alam, public relations and marketing officer, InterContinental Mzaar Mountain Resort & Spa, indicated.

Gifted with a pleasant climate and boasting superior winter offerings, Lebanon is safely positioned on the same pedestal with its European counterparts, this according to Alam, who explained, “Guests we host from the region, mainly from the Gulf, are lured by the good weather and fascinating environment.

Most of them prefer visiting Mzaar instead of travelling to Europe because we offer high quality services and accommodation [options] with equal levels of skiing slopes and activities.”

Iran, is quickly emerging to become a country in the Middle East that offers tourists a more personalised and authentic alternative to the usual winter holiday.

“Although the country is a true heaven for skiers and snowboarders, it is still a novelty. Apart from skiing on slopes, Iran has also the potential for wild skiing. In addition, people can also combine visiting breathtaking historical sites with their ski holidays,” noted, Nasrin Harris, director, Persian Voyages.

“There are chalets and hotels with excellent facilities and restaurants serving authentic Persian cuisine.

High altitudes, less cost, less crowded, excellent powder-like snow, north facing slopes and exotic options describe the best Iran as a winter travel destination,” Harris added.

Moreover, Dina Cheregvand, international marketing manager, Dornagasht Tour & Travel Agency, agreed.

“Iran is one of the most various lands in terms of natural and cultural attractions, where you have the chance to ski, and reach the deserts within one hour.

Iran boasts three good ski areas close to Tehran. These are Dizin, Shemshak, and Tochal, which, at 3,963m, is the fifth highest resort in the world. We usually receive clients from Europe, especially Eastern Europe, mainly because it is interesting for them to ski somewhere in the Middle East. Furthermore, experienced skiers often like to enjoy skiing in different areas,” Cheregvand concluded.

Ski Dubai

A SPECTRUM OF WINTER OFFERINGS A different area proving to be a skiing hit in the region is renowned Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, encompassing over 22,500m2.

“Ski Dubai has been a trailblazer since its initial launch in 2005, and our continuing popularity is a testament to the unforgettable experience that we offer,” elaborated Omar El-Banna, director of sales and marketing, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment; the operator of Ski Dubai.

“Over the years, we have added more attractions to the facility and updated our offerings. Ski Dubai has become iconic not only in the Middle East, but worldwide and thus has uniqueness and charm which attracts visitors and guests all year round.” 

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VISIT

Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

THE MULTIFACETED JEWEL OF THE

EMIRATES

Introducing diverse leisure attractions while new accommodation preferences continue to pour in, Abu Dhabi is vastly broadening its offerings on many fronts, with its tourism authority highly focusing on niche tourism segments ranging from culture and heritage to golf and cruising.

Yas Viceroy Hotel

Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

Yas Viceroy Hotel

ABU DHABI IN BRIEF

 Marianna Keen writes

T

he UAE’s capital Abu Dhabi has fared well throughout the unrest, which is being experienced across the region, thus is considered a safe haven while the opening of new tourism sectors and channels have helped to increase demand yet further.

Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is adding its focus on accommodation supply trends in the emirate, and continues to pressure on demand through building niche markets such as golf, education, culture and heritage, cruise tourism, and business tourism amongst others, without changing the fundamental components of its strategies or directions, this according to Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director, ADTA. “We have made progress on a number of niche fronts,” emphasised Franklin, who added, “We recently unveiled a ‘Golf in Abu Dhabi’ initiative – an umbrella

Capital: Capital of the UAE Currency: UAE Dirhams (AED) marketing, communications, product packaging, and distribution platform designed to increase the emirate’s penetration of the lucrative golf tourism segment.”

The initiative, which is developed in partnership with golf clubs and relevant stakeholders, including hotels and destination management companies, will package the pastime as both a primary purpose of visit and as part of an overall destination experience, with an aim of targeting diverse markets, including UK, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, Scandinavia, China, Korea, and Japan, Franklin further explained.

Another niche tourism segment which has undergone recent developments is the cruise market, with the 59,000 tonne luxurious MSC Lirica, having become the first MSC Cruises cruise liner to home-port in Abu Dhabi, docking in at Mina Zayed.

Highlighting the sector’s expanding role in the emirate’s tourism industry, Franklin commented,

Language: Arabic

“MSC Cruises joins an expanding portfolio of cruise operators using Abu Dhabi, which includes Costa Cruises, AIDA and Royal Caribbean, who, jointly, will bring around 17,000 tourists to the UAE capital before the 2011/2012 season ends April 2012.”

Forecasting a positive year ahead, MSC Cruises has stated its intention to boost capacity in the 2012/2013 season by upgrading from MSC Lirica to the larger MSC Opera.

REFRESHINGLY VERSATILE The increasing number of cruise liners, with an accumulating number of passengers, has had a positive knockJANUARY 2012

Abu Dhabi & Al Ain on effect on the entire Abu Dhabi tourism industry.

Jon Barber, communications manager, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, explains the ways in which the new theme park has endeavoured to capitalise on cruising to attract more visitors. “A lot of the early months were spent doing a lot of fam trips on the travel trade side, as in cruise ships, meaning we capitalised not just on the guests but also on the cruise ships, tour operators, the DMCs, the Dubai market, the Abu Dhabi market, and wider afield as well.”

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, which has now been open for over a year, has welcomed a lot of international clientele, thanks to the increase of the cruising sector entering the emirate, as Barber confirmed, “We’re seeing a lot of cruise ships now coming to Abu Dhabi. They’re doing approximately three thousand [visitors] on a daily basis into Abu Dhabi port. A third [of total visitors to the park] are coming from the UAE market, a third are coming from the other GCC markets excluding the UAE, and the other third is an international market for us.”

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is now open daily from 11.00 to 20.00, allowing visitors earlier entry than before, in response to Middle Eastern habits, while also fitting in with the arrival times of cruise ships, Barber further explained.

In addition to such expectations being surpassed,

JANUARY 2012

performance for the first theme park in the Middle East has been strong. “If we look at what our internal projections were going to be for visitor figures and revenue, I can tell you we’re above both,” he added, concluding that Abu Dhabi is in the process of an even more positive transformation.

“I think with the investment in Yas Island and then Saadiyat Island, the longer this goes on, the more confident I am in my argument that it is becoming less of a business destination; well, equally a business destination, as more recently it’s become a tourist destination as well,” Barber concluded.

A HIGHLY ACTIVE DESTINATION Another rapidly growing niche sector in Abu Dhabi is sports tourism, as the emirate hosts various significant sporting events, focused on attracting spectators as well as prioritising on bringing in high numbers of participants, according to Dayne Lim, product development director, ADTA. “It is fair to infer that sports tourism constitutes a significant pillar in the implementation of our tourism sector strategy. Their success facilitates a trickle-down effect on the wider tourism industry picture in Abu Dhabi.”

With the Abu Dhabi Destination Village currently hosting the Volvo Ocean Race’s stop-over in the emir-

VISIT

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ate, the ADTA is expecting more that 100,000 visitors in total to pass through the Destination Village gates, with a further 150,000 fans expected to be engaged throughout the fortnight hosting [December 31, 2011 – January 14, 2012], this according to Franklin.

Nancy Power, manager, BSL Middle East; the international sponsorship and event management consultancy, which has its foundations in Formula One, said, “The Volvo Ocean Race is proving popular.

Abu Dhabi fought hard to have the honour of hosting the world’s most exciting boat race and many national and international blue chip clients are keen to get involved.”

Another one of Abu Dhabi’s 2011 sporting highlights was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011, the penultimate race of the 2011 Formula One World Championship. Held at the famous Yas Marina Circuit, the circuit’s most internationally renowned event brings in a barrage of visitors and investors alike, from various markets.

“The Formula One in Abu Dhabi is obviously a huge draw for blue chip organisations. Yas Marina Circuit has set a benchmark for other host cities to follow,” remarked Power, adding that this has been the company’s busiest period, having worked with 20 major local and international clients in 2011, doubling the number of clients in 2010. 

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Abu Dhabi & Al Ain

“We have a number of incentive travel packages and corporate hospitality programmes available at all major events taking place in the region. However, we want people to know we are more than corporate hospitality providers.”

EXTENDING EVENT OFFERING Abu Dhabi has long been a hot spot for the MICE industry, with 2011 proving extremely successful, and this year set to be even more fruitful in terms of upcoming major events as Power explained.

“Away from sport, the UAE is a hub for large scale exhibitions attracting the world’s most prominent organisations for events such as World Future Energy Summit (WFES) [January 16 – 19, 2012], the Gulf Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) [March 26 – 28, 2012], and World Routes Conference, which, in September 2012, will attract the airline industry’s leading figures as ADNEC becomes the latest venue to host the prestigious event.”

Moreover, a joint ADTA and Etihad Airways promotional initiative, which was co-hosted by Grand Millennium Al Wahda, included a familiarisation visit from 33 tour operators from Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, who toured the emirate and acquainting themselves with its diverse offerings.

“The familiarisation trip was extremely timely. It came as China entered Abu Dhabi’s top 20 ranking in hotel guest source markets. In the first 10 months of 2011, some 13,603 Chinese nationals stayed in hotels and hotel apartments throughout Abu Dhabi – that’s an increase of 13 percent on the same period in 2010,” Franklin explained.

Moreover, Etihad Airways, has, since December 15, 2011, commenced scheduled services between its hub in Abu Dhabi and Chengdu, southwest China, with plans to launch a daily service from Shanghai in March, 2012, further developing route networks between the two nations.

In addition to a dedicated office in Beijing, ADTA has also been focusing on the Russian market.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

Sports tourism’s success facilitates a trickle-down effect on the wider tourism industry picture in Abu Dhabi boardrooms of its own.

The Capital Gate building, where the hotel is situated, leans 18 degrees westwards – four times more than that of the world-famous Leaning Tower of Pisa – and has been certified as ‘the world’s furthest leaning manmade tower’ by the Guinness Book of World Records, explained Ashwini Kumar, general manager, Hyatt Capital Gate, adding that “it symbolises the progressive vision of the emirate’s rulers”.

Considering the emirate’s rapid expansion, Kumar, remarked, “With the opening up of Yas Island and Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi has started attracting lei-

Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has announced that the event is expected to attract more 3,500 senior aviation professionals from around the world. The Global Eurospace Summit 2012 will also be held in Abu Dhabi. ADAC further demonstrated its already active participation within the global aviation industry by hosting the 2011 Airport Exchange event at ADNEC, in November 2011.

Meanwhile, also in November 2011, Abu Dhabi hosted the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO), marking the first time the emirate has been chosen as the venue for the event since 1983.

Highlighting the emirate’s active dedication in promoting sustainable tourism, World Green Tourism 2011 was held at ADNEC on December 5 – 7, 2011, supported by ADTA and the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).

Ferrari World

Volvo Ocean Race

“In the first 10 months of 2011 some 10,069 Russians stayed in the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments – a 30 percent rise on the first 10 months of 2010,” concluded Franklin.

TAPPING INTO NEW MARKETS INCREMENTING HOTEL OPTIONS Other adjustments to the emirate’s tourism strategy revolve around the visitor markets targeted, which include increased emphasis on regional markets such as Saudi Arabia, and high growth markets namely India, China, and Russia, according to Franklin.

One of the newest hotels to Abu Dhabi, Hyatt Capital Gate, which opened on December 21 and is located at ADNEC, is also set to benefit from the emirate’s proliferation of events, offering four state-of-the-art

sure, MICE, and incentive business, and the emirate’s goal of reaching two million visitor arrivals by the end of the year seems a reality.”

Franklin, added, “We believe we will achieve the 2011 target, though we will not know for certain until all reports are in towards the end of January. For 2012, our target is 2.3 million hotel guests. We are targeting 3.2 million guests staying in 35,000 hotel rooms by 2015 end.”

Currently offering some 18,600 rooms, countless international hotel developments are currently in the JANUARY 2012

Abu Dhabi & Al Ain pipeline for the emirate, including Hotel Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, which is expected to open in the first quarter of this year, as part of the Capital Plaza complex. It will boast 282 rooms as well as a conference centre covering almost 2,600m2.

St. Regis Hotel Abu Dhabi is also scheduled to open at the Corniche in February this year, as part of Nation Towers, the two-tower mixed-use development. It will offer more than 4,800m2 of event space and over 3,000m2 of health club facilities.

Meanwhile, Rotana’s next introduction to the emirate, Centro Capital Centre, is due to open in the second quarter of this year, and Capital Centre Rotana is slated for quarter three.

Furthermore, Rosewood Abu Dhabi expects to welcome its first guests on Sowwah Island in September 2012, while Marriott is extending its top luxury brand, The Ritz-Carlton, with an expected opening in spring 2012 set to provide 447 rooms and suites.

Starwood Hotels’ W brand is set to debut in the UAE in 2013, with the launch of W Abu Dhabi Hotel, while Mandarin Oriental Abu Dhabi is scheduled to open in 2014. Mövenpick’s future plans for the emirate include Mövenpick Hotel Yas Island, scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2014, and Hotel Al Reem Island, to open in the fourth quarter of 2015.

Rima Rawass, group marketing manager, Danat Hotels & Resorts, indicated that occupancy in the group’s hotels was higher in 2011 than it was in 2010, with a slightly lower average daily rate (ADR), due to the increased supply introduced.

Nevine Ezzat, director of marketing communications, Millennium Hotel – Abu Dhabi, mirrored the experience, commenting, “Performance in terms of occupancy has been very good and up on 2010

despite extra bedroom stock now in the city, although average rates in the city are not performing as well as 2010 due to the added inventory.” Ezzat highlighted that the hotel holds various high-profile meetings and conferences and will hold a number of embassy events early this year. “The Asian market is one that is increasing nicely at the moment for both corporate and leisure,” she added, concluding, “I believe we have Hyatt Capital Gate Abu Dhabi

seen an increase in occupancy because of the unrest but feel that Abu Dhabi generally is used as a second choice after Dubai.”

Al Ain

Wildlife at Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort

JANUARY 2012

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AN ABUNDANCE OF LEISURE ATTRACTIONS Further plans within the emirate include Adventure World Abu Dhabi park, to be constructed on the basis of the theme concept of Adventure World Warsaw, Poland, which will open first, only adjusted to match the local culture and history.

“The concept of a family park, which we created jointly with our partners – Jora Vision, AGS, Imtech, Vekoma – has a huge potential. In Abu-Dhabi it will be supplemented with elements of local culture and history, boosting the economy and existing tourism of Abu Dhabi, creating new jobs, and attracting even more tourists each year,” commented Peter Jan Mulder, CEO, Las Palm; the company behind the theme park.

This new attraction will follow the opening of Yas Water Park, one of the key attractions on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island, which is scheduled to welcome guests in the fourth quarter of this year.

Yas Mall is also being developed on Yas Island, adjacent to Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and is scheduled to open in the fourth quarter of 2013. Aldar is also developing its Central Market to offer a built up area of 490,000m2, and Motor World, which will include a multi-purpose test-track for saloons and sports utility vehicles (SUV).

The expanding project of Saadiyat Island, which is undergoing a remarkable transformation, and features Monte Carlo Beach Club Saadiyat Island, has added a landmark exhibition and event venue and includes the UAE Pavillion which is located beside Manaret Al Saadiyat. It features 3,600m2 of exhibition space and hosted 2011’s Abu Dhabi Art as its first event in November 2011.

l Ain, also known as Garden City, is in the process of extending and enhancing its accommodation offering, which already includes hotel groups such as Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Danat Hotels & Resorts and Rotana Hotels & Resorts and includes hotels like Mercure Jebel Hafeet and Ayla Hotel.

Although a rich history is not necessarily associated with the UAE, Al Ain was recently awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, and is relatively unknown although it has many historical sites according to Holly Fenton, marketing manager, Streamline Marketing Group, the organiser of World Green Tourism event, who expressed that this perception is something that field trips to Al Ain, during the sustainable tourism event, were hoped to change.

The city has a large number of tourist attractions including Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, which is home to Big Cat conservation, also a wildly popular attraction in Abu Dhabi’s centre of biodiversity.

Moreover, Al Ain’s attraction also includes rolling red sand dunes north and east of the city, for nature and outdoor-activity enthusiasts, while the city also hosts the Al Ain Zoo, Hili Archaeological Park, and an amusement park named Hili Fun City, for family and children. Shoppers can benefit from three large malls, namely Al Ain Mall, Al-Jimi Mall, and Bawadi Mall, extending the city’s appeal. 

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EXPLORE

Qatar

All Eyes on Qatar Supported by billion dollar investments in infrastructure, construction, and transportation developments, and backed by large scale events, Qatar has established itself as one of the Middle East’s most eligible countries.

QATAR IN BRIEF Capital: Doha Currency: Riyal (QAR) Language: Arabic

the country’s tourism industry, which is on track to achieve further success.

SPREADING ITS WINGS

Education City, Qatar Foundation

 Rita Kasziba writes

F

uelled by major developments and the increasing influx of visitors from across the globe, Qatar’s tourism industry witnessed solid growth in 2011.

Based on data released by the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), hotel occupancy for the third quarter of 2011 rose by four percent year-on-year, and the remarkable growth coincided with a 24 percent increase in visitor volume from nearby GCC countries.

“The results show the continued flow of Gulf tourists to Doha,” explained Ahmed Al Nuaimi, chairman, QTA, who attributed the notable surge to the national tourism strategy, which in turn supports the growth of the country with an aim to diversify the economy and turn Qatar from a carbon-based economy into a knowledge-based economy.

“The sector continues to diversify and grow. This

shows great investor confidence in Qatar’s hospitality industry, and the strategy and direction of the tourism sector,” he added. Also remaining optimistic regarding visitor arrivals into the country, the United Nations’ World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) forecasts numbers to remain on the growth trajectory and increase between four and five percent this year.

Qatar has not only proven to be an ideal destination for tourists from all walks of life, the country, along with the Middle East as a whole, has also been well-recognised for the crucial role it played in reshaping the perception of the region, having received special acknowledgement at the 19th General Assembly of the UNWTO held in October, 2011.

According to Al Nuaimi, this acknowledgement confirms international recognition of the efforts of Qatar through the hosting of large scale events by

The aggressive expansion of Qatar Airways is also a key element in the country’s development. In just 14 years of operation, the airline has spread its wings to more than 100 destinations around the world, leading the race in developing the region’s future aviation hub. In 2011, the airline inducted 15 new routes into its network, and another nine new destinations will be launched within months, namely Baku, Tbilisi, Helsinki, Zagrab, Perth, Mombasa, Zanzibar, Kigali, and Gassim.

“We are continuing what we started back in 1997 when Qatar Airways was launched with new routes and new aircraft were being introduced at an unprecedented rate to further strengthen what is truly a global network airline,” commented Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.

“Our mission has been to operate to key business and leisure destinations around the world, but also to underserved markets where others dare not venture into. We take bold decisions to serve certain markets because we believe it makes strong business sense,” concluded Al Baker.

Qatar Airways, which currently has orders worth more than USD50 billion for aircraft, plans to operate to more than 120 destinations by 2013. The rapid expansion plans of the airline prompted the state to embark on one of its biggest projects; the construction of a new airport.  JANUARY 2012

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EXPLORE

The New Doha International Airport, which is scheduled to welcome the first passengers later this year, is envisioned to become the region’s gateway to the rest of the world. Upon opening, it will gradually replace the existing facility and will accommodate the state’s aviation needs for the next 50 years and beyond.

“The continuous growth of Qatar Airways’ network, covering the whole world from east to west, including America and cities down under, has definitely made Doha a hub for transit passengers,” explained Walter Dias, executive director, Unique Choices; a Qatari tour operator.

“The new airport will only attract additional passengers. QTA complements this growth potential, positioning Qatar as a new and exciting travel destination offering 48-hour stopover packages. This could particularly be attractive to long-haul passengers and also give an opportunity to businessmen to extend their stay while in Qatar. Today with low-lost carriers playing an important role within the region we can notice the increase of the sector ‘visiting friends and relatives’ and it is anticipated that it will continue to rise each year as the road and rail network falls into place.”

Qatar and buyers are seeking safe and stable destinations and Qatar fits the bill,” McCartney further added.

“One of the reasons is that Qatar has one of the highest GDPs per capita income in the world with massive investments in institutional infrastructure that are unprecedented in the region. In fact, it has been reported very recently that Qatar has the highest GDP per capita income in the world. The country provides a conductive environment for business to grow and there are plenty of opportunities in various industries,” he explained.

QF’s overall aim to support the state on its journey from a carbon-based economy to a knowledge-based economy mirrors the key initiatives of the Qatar National Vision 2030, which outlines how the nation can use its vast revenues from hydrocarbon resources and re-invest it into knowledge to raise the competency of people and quality of life in the long term.

“Intriguing growth and opportunities in the country, and well thought-out developments, provide an interesting background for delegates to explore.

UNLOCKING HUMAN POTENTIAL The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC), which officially opened its doors on December 4, 2011, is set to further bolster Qatar’s aim to portray itself as a knowledge-based country.

“QNCC was conceived as part of Qatar Foundation’s (QF) vision to host the world’s best thoughtprovoking research and knowledge-based conferences and exhibitions in line with the national vision of becoming a knowledge-economy. In other words, to bring together the world’s best minds to one venue. That is why QNCC is equipped with some of the finest facilities and the latest technologies, making it a world-class venue,” Trevor McCartney, director of business development, QNCC, commented.

The sophisticated centre, that can accommodate some 27,000 people at one time, is expected to become a global centre of ideas and innovation. “We aim to attract not only the meetings segment but also the conference and exhibition segments. QNCC was built with the capability and capacity to host multiple events simultaneously, each with their own separate access and function spaces,” he added.

With construction sites and clusters of gleaming skyscrapers continuously emerging on the state’s horizon, businessmen are flooding into the country, filling up Qatar Airways’ flights. Incoming traffic, 12 years ago, concentrated mainly on Gulf nations, but the state’s fast modernisation and liberalisation of laws have instantly opened up the eyes of the western world. At the same time, the state’s clear strategy and the government’s involvement in major projects have secured stability as well as safety. “Compared to other countries in this region, Qatar is undoubtedly one of the safest countries in the world and consistently ranks high in the Global Peace Index. Planners

The World Cup being mega will not only boost tourism in Qatar but will involve the GCC and the Arab World on a scale never seen before

Unlike other cities in the region, Doha preserves its heritage and culture to complement the modernity of the developing city resulting in a truly authentic Arabian experience. Modern facilities and international service standards blend well with cultural and traditional values,” McCartney concluded.

Furthermore, large-scale investment projects, such as the recently opened Fifty One East Lagoon, the Middle East’s largest multi-brand store, and The Pearl Qatar, all reflect the country’s intention to develop its resources and build world-class environments for locals and international visitors alike, and the best is yet to come.

SCORING GOALS Having safely secured its place as a first-class destination for all; business, leisure, and family alike; Qatar is further pursuing its visions to be the future sport hub of the GCC, as it bids for a range of prestigious events.

Its victorious bid to host the FIFA World Cup in 2022, has scored remarkable success. Recognised as the first Arab nation to host the prestigious competition, Qatar is keen on seizing the opportunity and to give a major boost to its tourism industry, as Al Nuaimi explained. “UNWTO’s report said that it expected that the success of Qatar’s hosting of the World Cup would lead to a boom in the travel industry and an unprecedented number of tourists and travellers to the Middle East, particularly Qatar and our Gulf state neighbours.”

In 2006, when Qatar hosted the Asian Games, the country faced a shortage of hotel rooms. Now, six years later, a range of flash projects and hotels are luring visitors. Prestigious events, such as the football championship, are continuously increasing curiosity about Qatar as Dania Khaled, marketing and public relations manager, Kempinski Residences & Suites, Doha, indicated. “The World Cup put Qatar on the world map, becoming a destination for both business and leisure tourism, and we are poised to be one of the main options.”

“The event brings unparalleled exposure to the country,” added Pierre-Marie Vasseur, regional director of sales and marketing, Grand Heritage Doha Hotel and Spa. “Qatar is investing a lot in sport events, and the

Camels on Sealine Beach

JANUARY 2012

Qatar

EXPLORE

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Desert Adventures

Qatar National Convention Centre

EYEING FURTHER EXPANSION

Al Corniche

World Cup is a fantastic opportunity to increase the awareness of the country. It will definitely benefit our hotel. We have already become one of the preferred properties in Doha for the sport segment, which is increasing rapidly and will keep on expanding until 2022,” he concluded.

Staging one of the most viewed events in the world, however, brings not only recognition but also challenges. As the smallest nation ever to host the finals, a vast investment and development programme have been outlined, with tight deadlines to adhere to.

Bank of America estimates that the total cost of the preparation for the tournament could reach USD65 billion (compared with USD11.4 billion spent for the 2010 World Cup by South Africa).

On a whole, Qatar and the region are set to largely benefit from the upcoming football championship, as well as from the preparations and the impact of the event. As companies and businessmen are already on the look out for investment opportunities, the demand for accommodation and services are continuously lifting.

“The outlook looks good for tourism for the build up of 2022, and hopefully we will grow at a steady pace each year. The World Cup, being mega, will not only boost tourism in Qatar but will involve the GCC and the Arab world on a scale never seen before. Generally, the upsurge in tourism will peak well before the event and the after tunes will continue with the various places of interest becoming the new wonders of the world,” concluded Dias.

Qatar is now bidding for the 2020 Olympic Games.

JANUARY 2012

Considering the anticipated demand, it comes as no surprise that hotel giants are continuously eyeing further expansion. Hilton Garden Inn Doha Al Sadd, which will mark the mid-scale brand’s third property in the Middle East and first in Qatar, will cater largely to Doha’s fast-growing short-stay corporate segment.

The company has also outlined plans to add another two properties to its expanding Qatar portfolio with the opening of the 309-room Hilton Doha and the 288-room Hilton Doha Residence, announced Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East and Africa.

“With the new Hilton Garden Inn in Doha, we are addressing the midmarket segment, by offering Hilton Worldwide’s trademark hospitality and innovation at a costeffective rate. And this is exactly the right time to be growing in Qatar – the tourism industry in Doha is at a very exciting stage of development and the country is gearing up for the FIFA World Cup.” Moreover, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ The St. Regis Doha, is due to open in February this year, along with Le Méridien Doha which is slated for 2013, while Accor recently announced the launch of a Pullman branded property in the West Bay, planned for 2014. Rotana also recently announced the opening of City Centre Rotana for the third quarter of this year.

Another hotel giant, Marriott International recently unveiled three new brands in the coun-

try with the launch of Renaissance Doha City Center Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Doha City Center Hotel, and Marriott Executive Apartments Doha City Center.

“The opening of the three hotels is a major step forward in reinforcing Doha’s futuristic vision and surging tourism potential in Qatar,” emphasised Mark Satterfield, chief operating officer, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International. “With the opening of these new hotels, we now have six properties in the country, which is quickly becoming a key business and leisure destination in the Middle East.” 

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ONSITE

Hong Kong

Supremacy in the Making Hong Kong Street

Hong Kong Skyline

 Dominique Christou writes

I

n a place where skyscrapers dominate the metropolis sky with rural communities encircling the country’s perimeter boasting luscious countryside, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) has once again confirmed its firm position on the global tourism map, this time more than ever.

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) reported that overnight MICE visitor arrivals to the destination in the first nine months of 2011, surpassed one million for the first time, representing a 15 percent increase over the same period of 2010.

MICE visitors are a key contributor to business arrivals in Hong Kong, with MICE organisers looking not only for outstanding hardware, but also superior software to support the MICE sector. “Hong Kong’s convenient business environment and meticulous professional and hospitality services give it a competitive edge over other cities in the region”, Anthony Lau, executive director, HKTB, commented.

Hong Kong SAR continuously proves to be a successful city in hosting large-scale exhibitions, with its Hong Kong Exhibition Centre being named Asia’s best convention and exhibition centre eight times between 2000 and 2011. Moreover, the centre had a record attendance figure of 5,969,789, between 2010 and 2011; an increase of 25 percent in comparison to 2009’s financial year.

Hong Kong is a flourishing business hub, famous for being a global centre for trade and business as well as being a key player in the world of finance.

Travel Trade Monthly explores Hong Kong’s popularity as one of the world’s leading business destinations.

HONG KONG IN BRIEF Capital: Hong Kong Currency: Hong Kong Dollar (HKD) Language: Cantonese

Moreover, HKTB recently promoted Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau, as a promising MICE destination, explained Lau. “In Lantau, a world-class convention and exhibition centre is complemented with a number of nearby hotels that offer a selection of accommodation and meeting options. There are also various Hong Kong signature attractions, the only remaining fishing village, and a variety of corporate social responsibility activities which business delegates can experience.”

Festival

EXPERTS IN BUSINESS An important and promising growth area for Hong Kong SAR is the Middle East market with overnight MICE visitor arrivals from the region, as well as Africa and Europe, reaching 127,828 in 2011, equivalent to a 12.1 percent increase over the same period of 2010, according to Lau. Over the years, although Middle Eastern tourism has certainly developed in Hong Kong SAR, the past JANUARY 2012

ONSITE

Hong Kong three years have proven difficult with this market, as Nour Aridi, account manager, Middle East representation office, HKTB, explained. “For the Middle East market, it was a real challenge, as, for the past three years.

Once we got to represent the HKTB, very few knew about Hong Kong. We had to work hard on bringing awareness to this market and work on the image of Hong Kong.”

Moreover, unrest in the MENA region made outbound tourism to Hong Kong even more challenging with disappointing results during 2011. Nevertheless, Aridi remained positive, concluding that in the past few years HKTB’s Middle East representation office has been increasing its visitor arrivals by 40 percent.

With this gradually increasing number of MENA travellers visiting Hong Kong SAR, facilities, which are widely available for to cater to visitors from this region, play a vital role in welcoming Middle Easterners.

“Religion and culture are very important for MENA travellers, which are predominantly Muslim, as we have more than 80,000 Muslims in Hong Kong, we try to [work] around this to let the Middle Eastern tourist be comfortable while travelling, with Halal food, mosques, and so on,” Aridi further noted.

Furthermore, in a bid to create a business platform for Hong Kong trade, set to develop in the Middle East and boost growth from the region, the HKTB is organising the Hong Kong Travel Mission 2012 in February in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Saudi Arabia, with between 20 and 30 delegates coming from Hong Kong.

TAKING CARE OF GUESTS The MICE industry in Hong Kong SAR is, without doubt, soaring year-on-year, and with this success comes the need to fully cater to the needs and desires of such travellers; something Hong Kong SAR boasts a great deal of experience in.

Lucinder Ng, director of sales and marketing, Conrad Hong Kong, explains how the hotel provides for these business people. “To cater to the needs of difLantau Island

JANUARY 2012

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Temple

Jade Market

As we have more than 80,000 Muslims in Hong Kong, we try to[work] around this to let the Middle Eastern tourist be comfortable while travelling ferent international MICE travellers from all over the world, Conrad Hong Kong provides them with the best meeting facilities including videoconferencing and wireless high-speed Internet together with unparalleled services. Besides, Conrad Hong Kong offers Hilton HHonors Event Planner Programmer which allows planners to earn both HHonors points and airline miles for the same qualifying event.”

MENA visitors are catergorised as one of Conrad Hong Kong’s important emerging markets, thus, Ng explains how the hotel offers a different service to cater to the needs of these guests. “Conrad Hong Kong has an in-house chef from the Middle East who is able to take care of the guests from that region. Last but not least, special amenities are available upon request, like a prayer mat.”

Furthermore, Benedict Chow, general manager, Harbour Grand Hong Kong, also highlighted the importance of the Middle East market with the hotel also catering to its increasing visitor numbers from the region, as well as to their MICE guests. “We participate in trade fairs wherever suitable to tap into the

market in the Middle East. It is a booming market with a high growth rate. Travellers from this market are of high spending power and seek for supreme quality and services.

“We have the edge that attracts this sector on top of the individual needs. Halal food is also available upon request.” MICE is another one of Harbour Grand Hong Kong’s key targeted markets with the hotel offering 1,178m2 of function space with views of Victoria Harbour.

A HAPPY JOURNEY Facilitating travel from the MENA region to Hong Kong SAR is Hong Kong’s national airline, Cathay Pacific, which offers non-stop flights four times weekly from Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, and two times daily from Dubai. At present the airline does not have any plans to increase frequency to the MENA region as Nelson Chin, country manager, UAE and Oman, Cathay Pacific, stated. “At the moment we are satisfied with the number of passenger operations to the Middle East. However we are always actively identifying new route opportunities to add to our already extensive international network.”

MENA visitors are catergorised as one of Conrad Hong Kong’s important emerging markets

Comprising a mix of business and leisure travellers from the UAE and other parts of the Middle East, the airline is able to offer the best connections to the rest of Asia and Australasia for passangers to and from the Middle East, according to Chin. “With the growing awareness of China, we are also seeing a growing number of travellers, both business and leisure in nature. Cathay Pacific has one of the most extensive networks in China, operating to almost 20 destinations there.

Moreover, the region’s airlines are also easing travel to Hong Kong with Qatar Airways currently operating 11 flights per week between Hong Kong and its Doha hub, and Emirates offering two services daily from Dubai via Bangkok. 

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TOUR

Germany

In the Best of Hands GERMANY IN BRIEF Capital: Berlin Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: German

guide, as well as a variety of Arabic TV channels in the rooms and suites.”

GETTING THERE Brandenburg Gate

The Old Main Bridge, Würzburg

Constantly on the rise to boost its tourism numbers, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB) is continuously working through a broad range of marketing services to implement visitor-luring strategies.  Dominique Christou writes

G

NTB, is currently pursuing two main objectives; to enhance the positive images of German towns, cities, and regions, and to promote travel to and within the country, this according to Antje RoedingBoudier, director of sales and marketing, GCC, German National Tourist Office (GNTO), Dubai; the local affiliate of GNTB for the GCC. Commenting on Germany’s tourism development in relation to the Middle East over the past few years, Roeding-Boudier added, “According to the official data of 2010, for the first time Germany ranked first among European destinations for GCC travellers. The Arabian Gulf countries are among the top 20 source markets for the German tourism industry.

Overnight stays recorded by GCC nationals ranked fourth among travellers overseas.”

The GNTO, Dubai, promotes travel Destination Germany within the region through various activities.

“When promoting Destination Germany to the Arabian Gulf market, the GNTO aims at presenting the broad range of traditional and innovative possibilities that Germany offers to visitors arriving from those countries. Moreover, visitors coming from the GCC region are particularly attracted by the excellent shopping and healthcare opportunities offered by the German cities and their specialised centres,” Roeding-Boudier added.

Moreover, the country constantly strives to innovate and upgrade its services for travellers of the

MENA region, which include guidebooks and brochures published in Arabic, as well as Halal meals being offered in restaurants, designated praying areas, and Arabic-speaking hotel staff in major destinations across Germany.

A TRUE MENA HOT SPOT Grand Hyatt Berlin, which benefits from a strong presence of Hyatt hotels in the Middle East, is a popular choice among the MENA guests. “The luxury traveller from the Middle East and North Africa is very important to us, and, considering the current situation, will become even more important in the long run. As refined as educated travellers with substantial spending power, we aim to be on their list when it comes to travelling,” Anna-Katharina Korte, director of marketing, Grand Hyatt Berlin, commented.

Another hotel which offers facilities for guests from the region, is Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, with around five percent of its guests coming from the Middle East, most of which come from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Ronald Spicale, director of sales, Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin, said, “Our target is to increase the number of tourists from the MENA region year by year, as we and the city of Berlin offer so many great opportunities for them including our free of charge Arabic setup, which consists of the Holy Quran, a praying carpet, praying directions, dry fruit amenities, and an Arabic tourism

Lufthansa operates 98 weekly flights from Frankfurt and Munich to 13 cities in the Middle East, with a further 49 weekly flights to eight cities in North Africa.

Joachim Steinbach, vice president of sales and services, Southeast Europe, Africa and Middle East/Pakistan, Lufthansa, commented on the airline’s MENA performance in 2011. “We experienced enormous challenges at the beginning of 2011 due to the impact of political turmoil and uprisings in some of our destinations in the Middle East and North Africa. Some markets were heavily impacted, among them Egypt and Libya, while others, like Tunisia, recovered relatively quickly. In Libya we had to suspend flights all together.”

Despite Lufthansa experiencing a challenging period in 2011, regarding travellers from the MENA region, Lufthansa remains confident that the countries most affected will find stability and return to a prosperous future, according to Steinbach.

IT’S DOWN TO BUSINESS MICE will be at the forefront of plans this year, with the GNTB extensively focusing on Germany’s thriving tourism business sector through its themed 2012 marketing campaign.

“Germany has now, for seven years, been the number two destination worldwide for conferences.

Two out of three leading trade fairs are held in Germany. More than 6,000 venues, ranging from modern congress halls and highly professional hotels to extraordinary event locations, are available for conventions, meetings, and events.” Roeding-Boudier further expressed.

Moreover, Germany’s capital, Berlin, is soon to become home to a number of new hotels with the opening of Holiday Inn, Waldorf Astoria, Steigenberger Airport Hotel, and Das Stue Hotel.

Considering the growing number of business travellers expected to enter into the country this year, it is important for hotels to cater to this market, in terms of location and facilities as Korte explained.

“An outstanding example of an architectural masterpiece, Grand Hyatt Berlin offers the ideal location in the heart of the city for conferences, congresses, or kick-off meetings.  JANUARY 2012

16

LONG-HAUL

Tanzania

Singing its Own Praises Home to the infamous Mount Kilimanjaro, endless national parks, and outstanding safari offerings, topped with unique accommodation, first-class service, and friendly people, Tanzania is well-recognised as a tourist’s haven. Having recently completed a new branding campaign for Destination Tanzania, Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB) gears up to bolster the country’s touristic appeal, and Travel Trade Monthly sets out to discover the latest in plans laid out to strengthen its matchless potentials.  Dominique Christou writes

T

TB has finally come to the end of a yearlong race in search of the perfect branding image for Destination Tanzania, aimed at offering visitors a taste of what to expect when visiting the country.

The survey, which commenced in August 2010, comprised some 2,500 questionnaires which were administered to non-residents at designated airports, hotels, and other tourist areas in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Zanzibar, as well as to embassies across the country, and at travel shows such as Leisure Travel Show, Moscow.

The final images which stood out were friendliness of the people and the beautiful country, thus, after conjoining these perceptions, concluded with the proposed destination brand or slogan, Tanzania – Feel Good with Friends.

The country’s tourism income is primarily based around the nature-based sector with accommodation and activities widely available for travellers seeking a more adventurous holiday. Safaris are only one of the numerous activities Tanzania is famous for, while Ngorongoro Serena was recently named the country’s best safari lodge at the World Travel Award ceremony which was held in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt.

Moreover, the influx of adventure and leisure tourists year-on-year is also attributed to Tanzania’s natural wonders such as the Selous Game Reserve, known as the largest in Africa, as well as the continent’s deepest and longest lake, Lake Tanganyika, and the world’s second largest fresh water lake in the world, Lake Victoria.

TANZANIA IN BRIEF Capital: Dar es Salaam Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) Language: Kiswahili

traveller in mind, such as the Bahari Beach Hotel, Dar es Salaam, which opened its doors in 2011 and offers up to 600 congresses.

Another such hotel is Serena Hotels, which took over the business of the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar es Salaam. The property, which now goes by the name Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, holds a business centre and is within 10 minutes of the captial’s international airport, presenting a convenient choice for the business traveller.

Furthermore, in 2011, Tanzania also saw the opening of Meliá Zanzibar hotel, previously operated by Kempinski Hotels and Resorts, and is located on a 404,000m² estate with a private beach on the northeast of the island.

THE GATEWAY

Mount Kilamanjaro

A PLEASANT STAY Tanzania is also home to what is said to be the biggest travel industry event in East Africa; The Karibu Travel and Tourism Fair, Arusha, organised by the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), TTB, and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT).

The outdoor event, which last took place in June 2011, welcomed some 250 travel trade exhibitors, all of whom were offered a real-life safari experience to learn the emerging trends and developments that Tanzania has to offer. This year, the annual fair is slated for June 1 – 3, 2012.

Although not famous for its MICE tourism, a number of hotels have recently opened with the business

In a bid to further serve Tanzania and the East African region, Qatar Airways, expanded its presence in East Africa, with an interline agreement signed with Precision Air, Tanzania’s largest carrier. The agreement allows Qatar Airways’ passengers to connect via the capital, Dar es Salaam, to and from a wide range of East African cities, such as Moroni, Zanzibar, Mombasa, Arusha, Kigoma, Shinyanga, Musoma, and Tabora.

Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, commented, “Through Precision Air, we are able to open up an exciting array of destinations in East Africa and very much look forward to having passengers experience our service, particularly as they may have previously used alternative gateways to get to their final destination.”

The Doha to Dar es Salaam route, further aids towards Tanzania becoming an easier travel option for Middle Eastern travellers.  JANUARY 2012

18

TRAVEL TALK VICTOR LOUIS

travel talk is your space

Chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Investment and Development Authority.

“Europe is an important market for Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate provides an ideal getaway for European visitors who are seeking sun, leisure, adventure, great value for money, and quality experiences. With a temperate climate, rugged terrain, and superb beach facilities, Ras Al Khaimah is a global contender as an exciting winter-sun holiday destination.”

Europe is an important market for Ras Al Khaimah

ABDULAZIZ BIN SAUD ALRAISI Chief officer, management affairs, Oman Air.

“Oman Air is proud to announce that our supply chain management operation has gained ISO 9001:2008 certification, which is a clear demonstration of the high standards that have been both achieved and maintained. The effective management of our supply chains is vital to the overall effectiveness of the airline and, whilst it may not be visible to our customers, it has played a key part in Oman Air’s continuing success. I would like to thank all the staff whose hard work and commitment have contributed to this certification and I look forward to continued increases in the management efficiency of our vast range of supply chains.”

PETER HILL

TONY TYLER

CEO, Oman Air.

CEO, International Air Transport Association.

“Although an emergency centre was available for use in our company previously, we would all agree – a modern high-end centre [such as our new state-of-the-art Emergency Response Centre that opened on December 7 at the Head Quarters 2 section of Oman Air Headquarters] is of paramount importance for a rapidly growing airline like Oman Air.”

A modern high-end centre is of paramount importance

“Robust growth will continue to be a major theme for the Middle East airline industry. In 2015, the UAE will handle 86.6 million international passengers, some 30 million more than in 2010. This region is a leader in adopting global best practices to prepare for the future.”

Robust growth will continue to be a major theme for the Middle East airline industry

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 JANUARY 2012

TRAVEL CHANNELS BTS: Business Travel Buyers Still Not Green Two thirds of business travel buyers have still not adopted a green purchasing policy, according to a new survey by the Business Travel Show (BTS), Europe’s leading corporate travel event.

Of the 252 business travel buyers questioned, less than one third of them (32 percent) admitted to having a green policy, and 12 percent have plans to further develop it.

Nearly one fifth of those (19 percent) who do not have a policy, plans to instigate one, whereas 12 percent believe that it is not economically viable to be green in the current trading climate. More than one third of them (37 percent) claimed that green policy is not a priority yet.

In a move to raise awareness of the green policy’s increasing significance, BTS is hosting a green master class for buyers called Sustainability – Where to now?.

This master class allows buyers to swap best practices and learn the latest thinking on green buying Commenting on the initiative, David Chapple, event director, BTS, said, “Whether you are five years into the ‘greening’ of your travel programme or set to introduce an environmental dimension for the first time, travel managers need a lot of help on this challenging journey. This master class allows buyers to swap best practices and learn the latest thinking on green buying.”

The event will take place on February 7 – 8, 2012, at Earls Court in London, where more than 200 world-class suppliers will be exhibiting.

JANUARY 2012

19

WTTC Calls for Low-Carbon Growth Policies The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has issued a communiqué during the International Climate Change Negotiations in Durban, which urges governments to develop climate change policies.

As one of the world’s largest industries, which contributes more than nine percent to the global GDP and provides some 260 million jobs worldwide, the continuous growth of the travel and tourism industry is crucial to overall social and economic well-being.

Given the industry’s immerse role played in climate change mitigation and adaptation, WTTC has called on governments for supportive and progressive policy frameworks; programmes which foster innovation; investment in transparent reporting, measuring and verification systems; incentives to promote efficiency improvements; empowerment of citizens to purchase and consume responsibility; and inclusion of travel and tourism in mitigation and adaptation programmes.

“The travel and tourism industry recognises that everyone has a part to play in combating climate change,” emphasised David Scowsill, CEO, WTTC, adding that a concerted effort is needed. “Leaders in the industry have already made a commitment to halve carbon emissions by 2035 (on 2005 levels), as set out in WTTC’s Leading the Challenge on Climate Change report published in 2009, and there are many examples across the industry of how this is being achieved.

Furthermore, the industry is also keen to be not only a partner to government but also a resource for policy development and implementation. Together, we can achieve a low-carbon, climate resilient world economy.”

David Scowsill, CEO, WTTC

UNWTO: Crisis Communications Training for the MENA The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Themis Foundation, jointly with the Euro-Arab Institute Foundation for Education and Training (INSTEA), launched the autumn session of the UNWTO Practicum.

The specialised training course, dedicated for tourism officials from the Middle East and North Africa region, focused on building knowledge and practical experience in communication in times of crisis.

The first ever practicum to address this crucial issue, put to test the new UNWTO Crisis Communication Tool-

box, which serves as a practical guide for travel and tourism stakeholders for the challenges posed by crisis. The handbook includes templates for press releases and other communication formats, and covers issues stretching from interviews and press conferences to the efficient usage of social media.

The day-long training session also offered participants from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, to chance to put their acquired knowledge into practice under real-life conditions.

20

EXCLUSIVE

Green Travel

Sustaining a Better Future

Evason Ma'in Hot Springs, Jordan

Common awareness of the environmental impacts incurred by tourism activities, and the consequences this could bring, has increased, thus spurring businesses and travel entities to improve their corporate responsibility on various levels.  Marianna Keen writes

W

hether green initiatives are adopted through a sense of duty to the planet or in an effort to put across an image of corporate philanthropy for pure monetary profit, sustainable tourism has become a subject of increasing prominence, both in theory as well as in practice.

World Green Tourism (WGT), recognised as the first event dedicated to examining how the travel and tourism industry can become more sustainable while also considering the economic impacts, was held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre on December 5 – 7, 2011. H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, secretary general, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), which was established 15 years ago, addressed an audience of global experts and travel trade professionals at WGT, and emphasised the crucial role that the tourism and hospitality sector plays in reducing the nation’s footprint and combating climate change.

She further expressed the importance of raising awareness of natural heritage, but also of developing new legislations as well as enforcing existing ones, recognising that not all entities will choose to take the sustainable path without a push, or at least guidance.

According to Al Mubarak, a huge factor in persuading corporate to be ‘more green’ is, therefore, highlighting the economic and profitable value that can be placed on safeguarding natural resources and heritage, and with regards to Abu Dhabi, as well as many other places, this has been enhanced by immense development. She concluded that clear economic, environmental, and social visions need to be considered equally when planning growth, as is the need for desalination plants, energy to cool buildings, and the importation of food, just to name a few. “We [EAD] certainly believe that there is sustainable niche tourism in the UAE,” Al Mubarak concluded.

Moreover, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) is

directing its green initiatives through its Environment Health and Safety Management Systems programme, which all premises now operate under, while successful schemes developed by individual organisations are shared through Green Hotel workshops, as highlighted by Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director, ADTA. ADTA provides the framework and has just moved from the development stage to the implementation phase, which includes monitoring achievements in energy, water, and waste reduction targets through mandatory reporting, complimented by inspection and audits.

“The inherent responsibilities for acting to secure the mandated 10 percent energy reduction, 20 percent water reduction, and 20 percent waste reduction lies with each individual entity,” Nasser Al Reyami, director, tourism standards, ADTA, confirmed.

JANUARY2012

Green Travel UNITING TO BE GREEN The travel and tourism industry is one of the largest on the planet and every person and organisation has a responsibility to conserve the planet, this according to H.H Sheikh Abdul Al Nuaimi, globally known as ‘the green sheikh’, who spoke at WGT. Workshops were also held at the event to offer practical solutions, while matters discussed throughout the conference included a challenging and debatable issue on whether limiting tourist numbers is necessary across the Middle East to decrease environmental impact. Shaikha Ebrahim Al Mutawa, director of business development, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), Dubai, suggested that the collaboration of all industry players reduces this need.

In addition, a panel debate took place at WGT, which was moderated by Geoffrey Lipman, a world authority on green tourism, and included comments from Harold Goodwin, director, International Centre for Responsible Tourism. The discussion on hand covered the ways in which large-scale tourism can ever be made sustainable.

Meanwhile, DTCM, a strategic partner for this second edition of WGT, put a spotlight on its own aims, which include reducing electricity consumption in

Springs, Jordan. Sustainable operations range from the use of building materials that come from sustainable and local sources wherever possible, to the quality and origin of the food that is offered, and to experiences that heighten guests’ knowledge, this according to Alaa Al Arfah, director of sales, Evason Ma’in Hot Springs, Jordan.

Another property incorporating a number of green initiatives is the Sheraton Al Nabil Hotel & Towers, having fitted LED or energy saving bulbs throughout the hotel, as well as having installed motion detectors to control lights, eradicated polystyrene use, and influenced suppliers to use fewer pesticides on their products. In collaboration with a local company, namely Boeing 787 Dreamliner

Dana Biosphere Reserve - The largest in Jordan

hotels by 12 percent and water consumption by 20 percent, according to Al Mutawa who further emphasised the fundamental need to offer hotels the incentive to meet the criteria provided.

Corporate agendas may well obscure the reality of the market when it comes to accountability of green criterion, however, an increasingly environmentconscious consumer market looks to be raising environmental standards and common expectations, as Richard Haddad, general manager, Vision Hotel Apartments, Abu Dhabi, confirmed. “Financially it makes sense; but then the reasons as well, the savings, the principles,” adding, that the property’s terrace lights are totally solar with motion protectors in the floors. “As well, choosing your supplier is an environment- and energy-efficient decision. Decisions become, as well, in time, more and more outside the box.”

Furthermore, Jordan is certainly home to a number of resorts which are firmly progressing to reduce their footprint such as Six Senses’ Evason Ma’in Hot JANUARY 2012

Entity Green, the hotel also piloted a recycling programme that has been rolled out across the Kingdom.

PROPELLING INTO A CLEANER FUTURE Energy saving in aviation has become an issue of much deliberation recently, in light of increasing fuel costs. In October, Thomson Airways operated the first UK commercial flight on sustainable biofuel from Birmingham, UK, to Lanzarote, Canary Islands, arguing that biofuels could reduce CO2 emissions by 60 – 80 percent.

Meanwhile, Virgin has announced that they have created a breakthrough low-carbon aviation fuel that will see waste gases from industrial steel production being captured for fermentation, and re-used as aviation fuel. A more common approach in the industry so far, however, has been focused on efficiency.

Eastern Express, another airline with a focus on improving the company’s efficiency and sustainability. Mike Carvath, business development manager,

EXCLUSIVE

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Eastern Express, commented, “In a world increasingly concerned with minimising the effects of commercial activity on the environment, the airline plans to utilise a regional Turbo Prop aircraft on regional routes, making credentials far greener than the usual heavy iron aircraft operating on similar routes with sometimes very light load factors.”

Furthermore, Jazeera Airways is also operating a fleet comprising new, fuel-efficient aircraft at all times, emphasised Rafik Boghdady, vice president of sales, Jazeera Airways, who explained that aircraft over six years old on average are automatically fed out of service to make place for new aircraft that are equipped with the latest technologies.

Royal Jordanian is yet another airline continuously adding to the quality of its fleet, with an order for 11 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft set to be delivered by 2014. “The Dreamliner will propel us into our vision of long-haul modernisation, the most environmental friendly aircraft,” Basel Kilani, director of media and communications, Royal Jordanian, emphasised. The airline is included in the EU Emissions Trading scheme, which aims to cap total CO2 emissions from the industry. Stressing the importance of green operations on all levels and all areas of business, Kilani added, “The airline has been working hard to reduce all pollutants, from aircraft and ground support equipment emissions, starting with the gas used in fire extinguishers, aircraft air-conditioning units, and waste hazardous materials in compliance with Jordanian Ministry of Environment standards.”

Moreover, Etihad Airways has embarked on new initiatives, including best practice research flights to take advantage of prevailing jet streams, which is possible in light of technological advancements, according to James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways. “If similar savings [to those in research flights] were possible just once each week for flights between Abu Dhabi and Australia, we conservatively estimate an annual reduction in CO2 emissions of some 1,100 tonnes and a saving of 350 tonnes of fuel,” he explained.

Meanwhile, The Emirates Group’s first comprehensive environmental report was recently released, revealing that the group’s CO2 emissions efficiency was considerably better than the global airline average.

“We always attempt to invest in new technology and innovative solutions to maintain eco-efficiency and sustainable development. We took considerable measures to achieve such results including the implementation of a car-pooling initiative at The Emirates Group’s headquarters, which has reduced our carbon dioxide emissions by around four tonnes per year,” commented Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president, commercial operations Middle East, Gulf and Iran, Emirates.

Additionally, advancements have also been made in the airport field, with Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) having announced that Abu Dhabi International Airport has officially achieved the ‘Airport Carbon Accredited’ status at the ‘Mapping Level’ of the carbon standard for the airport industry, making it the first carbon accredited airport in the Middle East and North Africa region. 

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WHO'S MOVED

MOHAMMAD SAADE Mohammad Saade has been promoted to meetings and events manager at The Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah. Saade joined the hotel in 2010 as restaurant manager, and was shortly awarded manager of the year. After graduating from the Cadmous College in Tyre, Lebanon, he further pursued his interest in the hospitality industry and received the Swiss Hotel Association Diploma with a Magna cum Laude from Les Roches International School of Hotel Management

in Switzerland. In January 2011, Saade also received the Hotel revenue Management Certificate from the Cornell University through eCornell.

He has been promoted to meetings and events manager at The Radisson Blu Resort, Sharjah.

Saade joined the hotel in 2010 as restaurant manager

MOHAMED FEKRY Mohamed Fekry has been named general manager of Concorde Hotel Fujairah. Fekry, who brings a wealth of experience in the worldwide catering and hospitality sector, will be in charge of ensuring that the commercial objectives of the hotel are met. As general manager, his main objective will be to maximise capital and profitability by developing, executing, yielding and formulating various innovative strategies in order to provide quality services and products.

He will also be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the hotel as well as for the refurbishment projects. Prior to his appointment, Fekry worked as hotel manager of City Seasons Suites Dubai, while his previous roles included various managerial positions with Majectic Hotel Tower Dubai and the Rotana Group.

His main objective will be to maximise capital and profitability

FRANK OWENS Frank Owens has been appointed general manager of Emirates Grand Hotel, Dubai. Owens, whose industry experience spans over 24 years, will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the 420-room hotel.

He began his career with Gold Reef City Hotel Casino in South Africa as food and beverage manager. He then gained experience in various senior management positions, including general manager of Lanzera Manor Hotel & Wine Estate in South Africa. He took on his first Middle

East assignment as general manager of Moscow Hotel, Dubai, in 1995, before moving to Royal Ascott Hotel, Dubai. Owens joined Emirates Grand Hotel in June as group general manager and area director of business development.

Owens, whose industry experience spans over 24 years, will be in charge of the day-to-day operations of the 420-room hotel

HEATHER SHAW Heather Shaw has been appointed senior director, corporate communications for Middle East and Africa (MEA) by Hilton Worldwide. Based in Dubai, Shaw will lead the company’s strategic communication programmes and public relations across 17 countries. Having spent more than 15 years in senior positions in the Middle East and the US, Shaw has worked with a number of high profile organisations, including Barclays Bank, Time Warner and the New York City Mayor’s Office. In her

new role, she will work closely with the company’s executive team in MEA as well as the global corporate communications department. Shaw holds a BSc from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate from the Howard University School of Law in Washington.

Shaw will lead the company’s strategic communication programmes and public relations across 17 countries JANUARY 2012

RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Marwan Mseikeh New accommodation options are pouring into Abu Dhabi’s hospitality market, battling for a slice of the emirate’s surging demand. Marwan Mseikeh, hotel manager, Grand Millennium Al Wahda, talks about the success the hotel has enjoyed and its plans for the future.

Travel Trade Monthly: As a relatively new hotel to Abu Dhabi, having opened in October 2010, has performance for Grand Millennium Al Wahda during the Autumn-Winter period of 2011 been as expected?

Marwan Mseikeh: Hotel performance has exceeded our expectations, particularly during the Formula 1 period. Grand Millennium Al Wahda offers high levels of personal service combined with state-of-the-art in-room technology, the city's largest spa and health club, a stunning rooftop swimming pool, and popular restaurants and cafés. For all that, as well as the hotel’s great location, a lot of our visitors become regulars.

Travel Trade Monthly: How were occupancy levels during the period of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011?

How do such international events change the atmosphere in the emirates, and the ambiance of the hotel?

Marwan Mseikeh: The occupancy in the hotel during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2011 was really high. The atmosphere in the city was fantastic as was the atmosphere in the hotel. The city of Abu Dhabi is a great vacation destination all year round, but especially during the great events and concerts that take place.

I do believe Abu Dhabi needs more top events to attract more international clientele.

Travel Trade Monthly: Has the hotel enjoyed increased occupancy during high profile events in the city?

Marwan Mseikeh Hotel manager, Grand Millennium Al Wahda

Marwan Mseikeh: During the events that are big in the city – Ophthalmology Congress, for example – we have high demand and our occupancy remains high.

The hotel is located in the heart of Abu Dhabi's business district and is attached to Al Wahda Mall which makes it a great place for Abu Dhabi visitors to stay, whether for business or leisure.

Travel Trade Monthly: What types of conferences and events have been held at the hotel since it opened?

Marwan Mseikeh: The hotel has seen a wide range of conferences and events take place in its different outlets, including the UAE chapter of the international Les Clef d'Or congress, the biggest annual concierge event, which hosted 83 UAE-based concierges who stayed as guests in the hotel. The hotel also welcomed the first familiarisation visit by Chinese tour operators to Abu Dhabi, which comprised 33 representatives.

Travel Trade Monthly: How does your MICE offering stand above others, and has it retained a loyal following?

Marwan Mseikeh: The hotel’s meeting facilities have attracted a number of companies in 2011 who have all returned for other occasions and events. Overall we are very satisfied with the outcome and future requests look promising.

Travel Trade Monthly: What sustainable and environmental initiatives does the hotel have in place and are there plans to introduce further schemes?

Marwan Mseikeh: We, at Grand Millennium Al Wahda, are very conscious of the importance of environmental initiatives, not only for the hotel but for our city and our community. We have already set in place a scheme for recycling of hazardous and non-hazardous waste and via the ‘Go Green’ initiative we separate garbage bins for plastic, paper and aluminum.

All chemicals that are used in housekeeping and stewarding are eco-friendly. Next steps are already planned for the beginning of the year, which will involve changing from incandescent bulbs to energy-saving bulbs and from Decostar lamps to LED lamps.

JANUARY 2012

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NEWS & EVENTS

ILTM: 50,000 Individual Meetings The 10th edition of the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), which took place between December 5 – 8, 2011, in Cannes, France, proved to be a huge success with the industry’s elite.

The invitation-only event, where future luxury travel experiences are created and launched, facilitated almost 50,000 individual meetings and introduced more than 1,250 high-end travel suppliers to more than 1,250 VIP buyers.

By welcoming participants from all over the world, the event proved to be an essential meeting point for the luxury travel industry.

Praising the event Mike Bonner, general manager, UK, Ireland and Middle East, Silversea Cruises said, "ILTM goes from strength to strength. This year’s event has been the best yet. It remains one of the best-organised and relevant trade shows for the luxury travel industry."

Michael Morejan, vice president, business development, Sentient Jet, added, “ILTM has reminded me of why I am so passionate about being surrounded by luxury professionals from around the globe. The detailed planning has made my first ILTM an epic experience and we are particularly delighted with the incredible demand from emerging markets.”

Simon Mayle, marketing manager, ILTM, concluded, “Luxury travel is an industry based on relationships. ILTM is about bringing together the world’s leading purveyors of luxury travel with the best collection of unique luxury travel suppliers to create new relationships and rekindle old ones. Like all of our clients, we aim to exceed all expectations and we are delighted our 10th anniversary edition has been such a success.”

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.

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.

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.

ILTM goes from strength to strength.

This year’s event has been the best yet. It remains one of the best-organised and relevant trade shows for the luxury travel industry

Sponsored by

Austrian and Central European Travel Business Vienna, Austria, January 22 – 24, 2012 (www.actb.eu) A tourist market place, industry meeting point and platform for generating new networks, initiating business deals and reinforcing existing customer relations.

Travel Technology Europe London, UK, February 7 – 8, 2012 (www.traveltechnologyshow.com) Europe’s leading annual travel technology event that connects the travel industry with market-leading technology solution providers.

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.

JANUARY 2012