Travel Trade Weekly Issue 213 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

07 DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 213

Abu Dhabi Airport Business City to Expand In an effort to further support Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, Abu Dhabi Airports initiated the construction of a new flagship building at Abu Dhabi Airport Business City.

Anjum Hotel Makkah is set to welcome guests by the first quarter (Q1) of 2014, adding a total of 1,743 new rooms to the Holy Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s portfolio.

03 IHG to Manage Staybridge Suites Hotel in Jeddah InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a 15-year management agreement for a Staybridge Suites hotel in Jeddah.

IN THIS ISSUE WEEKLY NEWS MARKET UPDATE ACCOMMODATION AIR WHO'S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT'S CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS

09 03 04 08 11 15 16 17 18 19 20

Anjum Hotel Makkah to Open in Q1 2014

The Domain, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain. Tel: +973 16 000 000

WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Airport Business City to Expand In an effort to further support Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, and encourage economic diversification in the emirate, Abu Dhabi Airports initiated the construction of a new flagship building at Abu Dhabi Airport Business City. Located opposite Terminal 3 of Abu Dhabi International Airport, the building is set for completion by 2015. Tony Douglas, CEO, Abu Dhabi Airports, was onhand for the official groundbreaking ceremony, commenting, “Abu Dhabi Airport Business City’s flagship building will enable global businesses interested in capturing the potential of the Abu Dhabi marketplace, to establish themselves at the gateway to the capital, creating access to new partnerships, and unparalleled global connectivity.”

Russian Visitors in Ras Al Khaimah

07 DECEMBER 2013

Infrastructure Boom Moves Qatar up MICE Table Qatar is set to become a global meetings destination of note, investing more than USD20 billion in tourism-related infrastructure in a bid to boost its MICE credentials. Underlining this goal, Qatar will have a major presence at Gulf Incentives, Business, Travel and Meetings (GIBTM), in Abu Dhabi in March 2014. “Qatar’s position as a convention destination of growing global prowess is evident, having moved up to reach 111th position in the International Congress and Convention Association’s league table of busiest meetings cities for 2012,” noted Lois Hall, exhibition manager, GIBTM. Having identified the meetings industry as a key pillar of economic diversification, Qatar is rolling out venues, hotels, aviation facilities and events in the hope of capturing the attention of meeting and event planners globally. Doha Skyline

MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE PUBLICATIONS MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel

Dubai International: Passenger Traffic up 15.1 Percent Passenger traffic at Dubai International rose 15.1 percent yearon-year in October reaching 5,667,698.

COPY EDITOR Emily Millett SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba

JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou 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 103607

uring the month under review, the largest rise in total passenger numbers was registered from Western Europe, while the strongest market in terms of percentage passenger growth proved to be Eastern Europe. Aircraft movements rose 9.1 percent to 32,279 and year-to-date traffic increased to over 55 million, up by 15.9 percent. According to Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports, passenger traffic growth has been better than expected so far this year and the

airport is on track to exceed the projected annual figure of 65.4 million by a margin.

Dubai International, Terminal 3

WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

06/12/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.89

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,507.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

140.45

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.66

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.22

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

24,847.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.81

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

79.56

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

Marriott International: Strong Growth in MEA Positive third quarter (Q3) results from Marriott International’s properties globally show a 12 percent increase in net income, while a 10 percent year-to-date rise in RevPAR and a nine percent growth in average daily rate (ADR) was recorded in the Middle East and Africa. Alex Kyriakidis, president, MEA, Marriott International, commented, “The results reflect positively on Marriott International’s investment in the region and reaffirm the strength of the brand to business and leisure travellers. MEA remains a big growth market for us and we are wholly committed to expanding our footprint across the network.” Marriott International’s development pipeline includes 48 new properties in MEA over the next five years.

Sharm El Sheikh Hotels Report Loss

ccording to TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats report, demand fell by half in Sharm El Sheikh in September, with occupancy levels dropping from 73.1 percent in 2012, to 32.6 percent. Average room rate (ARR) rose 18.3 percent to USD43.63, but RevPAR decreased 47.3

percent to USD14.22. Overall year-to-date figures for the destination remained positive with ARR standing at USD45.95, up 58.5 percent. In Cairo, occupancy levels dropped 27.4 percent to 29 percent, ARR on the other hand rose 6.7 percent to USD109.04 and RevPAR recorded a decline of 45.1 percent.

07 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Boeing: 2,610 New Airplanes for the Middle East Boeing forecasts that airlines in the Middle East will require 2,610 new airplanes, worth an estimated USD550 billion, over the next 20 years. While one-third of these will replace today’s fleet, the remaining 66 percent of demand is expected to be driven by the rapid expansion of regional carriers. Based on the Boeing Current Market Outlook, twinaisle airplanes will account for more than half of the region’s new airline deliveries, while single-aisle aircraft will make up 47 percent through to 2032. “International traffic growth in the Middle East continues to outpace the rest of the world,” said Randy Tinseth, vice president, marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The Gulf region benefits from a unique geographic position that enables one-stop connectivity between Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia. Additionally, over the last decade, we have seen a rise in low-cost carriers that have benefitted from a large youthful population, large migrant workforce and trends toward market liberalisation.”

Boeing Next-Generation 737, EGYPTAIR

BAC Hosts Air Cargo Working Group Meeting In line with Bahrain Airport Company (BAC)’s continuous endeavours to enhance operations and position Bahrain International Airport (BIA) as a world-class facility, the company recently hosted the Air Cargo Working Group meeting at its headquarters in Muharraq. Air Cargo Working Group was established in a bid to provide an open channel of communications between BAC and its cargo-related partners, as well as allow knowledge sharing while also improving services. The group consists of representatives of BAC, Bahrain Airport Services, Civil Aviation Affairs and various airline companies. The establishment of the group also underscores BAC’s ongoing efforts to work hand-in-hand with its partners from both public and private sectors in order to ensure operational efficiency. It is hoped that these developments will improve the Kingdom‘s aviation capabilities and cater for the growing number of passengers to Bahrain. Bahrain International Airport

07 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS Abu Dhabi Art 2013 Concludes The UAE capital has brought down the curtain on Abu Dhabi Art 2013 after four eventful days dedicated to modern and contemporary art and design. Headlining this year’s edition of the annual event was a new performing arts programme titled Durub Al Tawaya. The initiative began in Saadiyat Island’s cultural district, and expanded into the city of Abu Dhabi, creating a special bus route connected by a series of enactments and cultural happenings. Exhibiting the arts of poetry, video installation and contemporary dance amongst others, the programme aimed to present a unique perspective on the UAE’s rich and varied art, history and culture, as well as to preserve and reintroduce past traditions and values. The event, organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), also presented a diverse range of other activities which, according to Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi, reflect the authority’s mission for art to become a ‘daily language’ in people’s lives.

Abu Dhabi Art 2013

TDIC Launches New Concierge Service Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) has introduced a new luxury concierge service on Saadiyat Island. The new services are now available at TDIC’s residential communities including The Residences at The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saadiyat Beach Residences, and Saadiyat Beach Villas. According to Ahmed Al Fahim, executive director, marketing, communications, sales and leasing, TDIC, the new initiative will further enhance the living experience currently available, offering tenants and homeowners a number of luxury services such as travel arrangements, tailored and experiential holidays, VIP transportation including private jets and yachts, personal shopping, medical and well-being services, home interior design, private events management and events ticketing.

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LCC Capacity: Two Million Seats Increase in Middle East A new analysis from Amadeus’ Air Traffic solution reveals that low-cost carriers (LCCs) in the Middle East are showing significant confidence in their potential for growth, having witnessed an overall increase in seat capacity from 11.5 million in the first half of 2012, to 13.5 million during the same period this year. The findings paint a picture of strong capacity growth in Asia and modest improvements across Europe and North America, while highlighting that globally LCCs have seen an overall rise in seat capacity of 6.8 percent this year. Alexandre Jorre, LCC specialist, Amadeus, commented, “With a 25 percent year-on-year rise over the first half of the year, LCC bookings in Amadeus are growing significantly, which is a very encouraging sign that our ability to adapt to LCC distribution needs is proving attractive to both travel agents and airlines. LCCs are seizing the opportunity we offer to penetrate the highyield business travel market and expand into new regions where they have limited brand presence.”

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Anjum Hotel Makkah to Open in Q1 2014

Anjum Hotel Makkah

Anjum Hotel Makkah is set to welcome guests by the first quarter (Q1) of 2014, adding a total of 1,743 new rooms to the Holy City’s portfolio. Connected to the Holy Haram via a private, air-conditioned tunnel, the property will offer world class services and facilities such as the Azad Lounge, special needs access, separate male and female prayer rooms, a fully equipped business centre and a multipurpose events hall. The hotel is part of Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company (ALJREIC)’s Jabal Al Kaaba project, and according to Yousef Abdul Latif Jameel, chairman, ALJREIC, the company has plans to invest a further SAR10 billion (USD2.7 billion) into launching more hotels to cater to the anticipated 13 million pilgrims by 2019.

ibis and Adagio to Expand in Doha Accor Middle East signed a management agreement to operate two new hotels in Doha, a three-star 150-room ibis hotel, and a midscale Adagio aparthotel. Debuting the brands in Qatar, the properties are set to introduce an innovative and valuable offer into the country’s hospitality market. Christophe Landais, managing director, Accor Middle East, said, “Our guests visiting Doha will appreciate and welcome the international service and reliability offered by ibis and Adagio, renowned for the levels of comfort and value-for-money they offer.” The two hotels are both part of a larger project combining hospitality, retail and office space.

Conrad Dubai Launches with Opening Ceremony Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, held the official opening ceremony of Conrad Dubai on November 21. John Vanderslice, global head, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Worldwide, commented, “The official opening event perfectly captured the essential characteristics of the Conrad brand, offering guests personalised experiences with sophisticated, locally inspired surroundings.” The 51-storey property is located in Dubai’s commercial centre on Sheikh Zayed Road within close proximity to the international financial and convention centre, Dubai International and shopping destinations. Officially opened in September, Conrad Dubai increases the destination’s current room inventory by an additional 555 guestrooms, and also features six food and beverage venues. Conrad Dubai

07 DECEMBER 2013

Accommodation

WEEKLY NEWS

Iraqi Portfolio Boosted by Opening of Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana

Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana

IHG to Manage Staybridge Suites Hotel in Jeddah InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) has signed a 15-year management agreement with Al Andalus Property for a Staybridge Suites hotel in Jeddah. Construction is underway on the 164-key Staybridge Suites Al Andalus Mall property located in Al Andalus Square. Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, Middle East, India and Africa, IHG, described Jeddah as a booming domestic leisure destination in Saudi Arabia, where demand for extended stay apartments continues to grow. Hathal Alutaibi, director of marketing and business development, Al Andalus Property, added, “Staybridge Suites will be an attractive prospect for many travellers to Jeddah who are looking for a spacious extended stay apartment style suite, in a hotel that understands their individual needs.” The new management contract follows IHG’s announcement for a second Staybridge Suites property planned to open on Hira Street in Jeddah. Pascal Gauvin

07 DECEMBER 2013

Rotana Hotel Management Corporation has further widened its footprint in Iraq, with the launch of Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana. The company’s second property in the country has been hailed as the first five-star hotel in Karbala, and features 185 rooms and suites, three food and beverage outlets, a state-of-the-art wellness centre with Turkish bath, steam, sauna, Jacuzzi and massage rooms, and a meeting room. According to Mohamed Haj Hassan, area vice president, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Sudan, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, the 14-storey property raises the bar of accommodation offerings in the city, offering guests a world-class product. Describing Iraq as one of the most promising emerging markets in the region, Omer Kaddouri, chief operating officer, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation, added, “Karbala is one of the busiest tourist sites in the region, but the city currently lacks any hotels that offer international standards of accommodation and services. This is a gap that our hotel will immediately address.” The hotel is the first of the company’s Rayhaan brand to open in Iraq, bringing the Rayhaan by Rotana regional hotel portfolio to five.

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

The Rezidor Hotel Group Hosts Carbon Neutral Meeting The Rezidor Hotel Group has hosted its first carbon neutral meeting in the Middle East, an annual conference for international general managers, in Dubai. By implementing Meetings Minus Carbon, an initiative launched by Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group in 2012, the event has had no net impact on the global environment. The travel and event emissions of each attendee were calculated, taking into account the distance and method of travelling, and the corresponding CO2 footprint. The resulting contributions will be used to benefit the global eco-system and renewable energy sources. Mark Willis, area vice president, Middle East and subSaharan Africa, The Rezidor Hotel Group, commented, “On this occasion, we have offset more than 89 tonnes of total CO2 emissions.” The carbon offsetting initiative is offered as a free service for meeting planner members of Club Carlson.

Golden Tulip Lebanon: Running for Tourism Golden Tulip Hotels in Lebanon participated in the annual Beirut International Marathon in the country’s capital, joining over 32,000 other international runners raising money for a plethora of diverse causes. The company was represented by 30 staff members from the four Lebanon-based Golden Tulip Hotels properties, all competing under the slogan ‘Running for Tourism’ in a bid to help promote the country’s tourism industry, and its hospitality sector in particular. Using the event as an unmatched teambuilding opportunity with participants from different industries and companies working together towards a common goal, the Beirut International Marathon gave hotel employees a chance to contribute to a social cause they all believe in.

Golden Tulip Lebanon’s Team

Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan Welcomes German Media Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan recently hosted a media familiarisation tour for 20 journalists from some of the most popular newspapers and magazines in Germany. The initiative was organised in line with the hotel’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ philosophy, which follows the concept that there is no better way to get extensive coverage and more business, than to host media at the hotels. During the visit, the journalists enjoyed the various luxury facilities and visited several destinations both in Aswan and across the country. Collectively they agreed that they will be back to Egypt soon.

07 DECEMBER 2013

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Qatar Airways: New Route to Edinburgh Qatar Airways has announced plans to begin operations to the Scottish capital of Edinburgh, with five direct flights set to operate weekly from May 28, 2014. The new route will be served by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in a two-cabin configuration, offering passengers 22 business class and 232 economy class seats. Edinburgh Airport will be the airline’s third destination in the UK, preceded by flights to London Heathrow which launched in 1997 and to Manchester in 2003. Qatar Airways currently operates services to the UK capital with five flights per day while also operating 10 times per week to Manchester Airport. Often referred to as the gateway to Scotland and officially recognised as a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh boasts a long and colourful history which can be seen in the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, and iconic architecture such as Edinburgh Castle.

Emirates to Double A380 Operations to Munich Emirates’ popular Dubai - Munich route will become an all-A380 service from March 30, 2014, when the airline deploys its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft on its second daily flight. Currently served by a Boeing 777300E, the second A380 service will add almost 1,800 seats per week to the route. Thierry Antinori, executive vice president, Emirates, explained that this is a significant development for the airline as Munich is a key European hub. Michael Kerkloh, CEO, Munich Airport, added, “We are very pleased that Emirates will operate Munich twice a day with its flagship Airbus A380 aircraft in [2014]. This decision is clear evidence of the importance and attractiveness of Munich Airport in worldwide air traffic. In November 2011, Emirates was the first foreign carrier to operate scheduled A380 services into Germany. Since then, the A380 has become a real crowd-puller at our airport.”

07 DECEMBER 2013

Edinburgh, Scotland

Etihad Airways and Jet Airways: Moving Ahead Etihad Airways and Jet Airways confirmed that they have closed the transaction for the subscription of a 24 percent equity stake by they UAE carrier in Jet Airways, as all requisite Indian regulatory approvals have been obtained. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, and James Rigney, chief financial operator, Etihad Airways, have been appointed as additional directors on the board of the Indian carrier. Commenting on the effects the infusion of foreign investment will have on India’s aviation sector, Naresh Goyal, chairman, Jet Airways, said, “I am confident that this investment will greatly benefit all our stakeholders, whilst significantly benefitting our customers who will now have access to a more expanded global network.” Goyal and Hogan confirmed that the collaboration between the airlines will commence immediately, with a view to delivering network and service benefits to customers as soon as possible.

Jet Airways

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Etihad Airways to Launch Etihad Regional Etihad Airways announced the launch of its first branded regional operation after taking a 33.3 percent stake in Swiss carrier, Darwin Airline.

Following completion of the minority investment, which is subject to regulatory approval, Darwin Airline will rebrand its operations as Etihad Regional and align its network to connect passengers from secondary European markets onto the main networks of Etihad Airways and its equity alliance partners. The UAE carrier is also due to launch daily services on June 1, 2014 from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, which will become one of Darwin Airline’s main operating hubs. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, commented, “With our new partner Darwin Airline, we are creating a unique approach to network development for global airlines. This new model is one that can bring the Etihad badge of quality to air travellers around the world. In just a decade, we have established the Etihad brand as one of the most recognised and most highly regarded in aviation. This model offers a new direction for that brand in the future.”

Maurizio Merlo, CEO, Darwin Airline (second from left) and James Hogan (third from left)

Emirates Holidays Expands in Sri Lanka Emirates Holidays, the tour-operating arm of Emirates, has opened its dedicated offices in Colombo in partnership with Aitken Spence Travels, the preferred agent appointed for Sri Lanka and Maldives. The retail office operated by Aitken Spence Travels was formally launched in November on Vauxhall Street in the Sri Lankan capital, to provide advice on Emirates Holidays’ products and services to the trade, as well as consumers directly. Aitken Spence Travels has also set up a dedicated call centre, with staff especially trained to handle calls from consumers and the travel trade. Marc Bennett, divisional senior vice president, destination and leisure management, Emirates, said the appointment would enable Emirates Holidays to capitalise on the growing leisure market potential, following the improvement in political and economic conditions in Sri Lanka, which is already a key destination for inbound travel.

Lufthansa Prepares for Further Growth in the GCC This year will be another record year for Lufthansa in the Middle East, as the airline expects more than one million passengers from the whole region to travel to Germany, Europe and beyond. With larger aircraft now operating from Dubai, and an increase in flights from Saudi Arabia, there are more seats available for local passengers and Europeans to travel to the GCC. The latest figures reflect a rise of more than 10 percent compared to 2012. “The potential of European travellers coming to the UAE is larger than ever, not only from the business sector but also for leisure travellers. With Lufthansa Holidays we have recently started a new offer in Germany which also brings more leisure travellers to the UAE,” said Carsten Schaeffer, vice president, sales and services, Southeast Europe, Middle East and Africa, Lufthansa, adding that over 300,000 tourists from Germany will have come to Dubai by year-end. Lufthansa

07 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Etihad Airways to Fly Twice Daily to Munich The national airline of the UAE will increase its Abu Dhabi - Munich services from seven flights per week to a double daily schedule from February 2014. Munich was the airline’s first destination in Germany in 2004, and since the launch of the daily flight linking the Bavarian capital with Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways has carried over one million passengers between the two cities. “This doubling of capacity is about serving the growing bi-directional demand, adding depth and scale to our German operations, and facilitating better connections with equity partner airberlin,” said James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways. “The new schedule means that Etihad Airways and airberlin will together offer a combined 49 weekly services from four cities in Germany - Munich, Frankfurt, Berlin and Dusseldorf - to Abu Dhabi.”

Munich

RJ and Oman Air Enter Codeshare Agreement Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and Oman Air have signed a free-sale codeshare agreement offering passengers seven weekly flights between Amman and Muscat. Under the terms of the agreement, which became effective from October 27, the routes are operated by Oman Air, and marketed by both carriers. The move comes in light of the suspension of RJ operations to Muscat in November 2012, whereas Oman Air now offers seven weekly flights between Amman and the Omani capital. Emphasising that Oman Air and RJ have always enjoyed a strong relationship, Amer Hadidi, CEO, RJ, remarked that this cooperation will further enhance the partnership between the two companies, particularly since it allows the Jordanian airline to sell an unlimited number of seats on Oman Air flights between the two destinations. On behalf of the Omani carrier, Wayne Pearce, CEO, Oman Air, said, “Both airlines are renowned for their

07 NOVEMBER 2013

high standards of comfort and hospitality and we will be building on the strength of our existing relationship to offer a seamless passenger experience, from ticket purchase to touch-down.” RJ passengers can book their trips on the Oman Air flights through the Jordanian carrier’s website, the airline’s call centre or its travel agents around the world.

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Emirates SkyCargo Expands Indian Subcontinent Operations Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, is expanding operations following the launch of services to Sialkot, the airline’s fifth route in Pakistan. Supporting trade between the Indian subcontinent and the rest of the world, Emirates SkyCargo now offers a weekly capacity into and out of the region of 10,900 tonnes. “With the new service to Sialkot – a major manufacturing hub in Pakistan – we are creating a new lane that will give local businesses access to trade opportunities across Emirates SkyCargo global network of more than 130 destinations, particularly in Europe, US, Australia and the Middle East,” said Nabil Sultan, divisional senior vice president, cargo, Emirates, adding that, when combined with the efficiency of one of the youngest fleets in the skies, unrivalled groundhandling facilities, and the very latest information technology, Emirates SkyCargo is the ideal partner for Sialkot-based businesses as they look to boost trade.

Air Arabia Touch Down in Hofuf Air Arabia has announced the commencement of operations between Hofuf, Saudi Arabia and Sharjah. The new service from the carrier’s primary hub in Sharjah marks Air Arabia’s 10th destination in the Kingdom, and 87th worldwide. The airline offers four weekly flights to Hofuf, making it easier and more convenient for passengers to travel between the two cities. Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, said, “The launch of Hofuf in Saudi Arabia is a continuation of Air Arabia’s commitment to further expand operations in the Kingdom. With the launch of four weekly direct flights from Sharjah, we are confident that our customers will benefit from a unique value driven product. Saudi Arabia remains a key focus for the airline, and we look forward to adding another destination before the end of the year.”

Cake Cutting Ceremony at Hofuf International Airport

Emirates SkyCargo

Egypt to Initiate Flights to India According to Hisham Zaazou, minister of tourism, Egypt, the country is preparing to start offering direct air services to New Delhi, India from the beginning of January 2014, in an effort to boost tourism between the two destinations. The travel ban imposed on Egypt by various countries resulted in a year-onyear decrease of 95 percent in tourist arrivals for September, Zaazou confirmed, while data provided by the Central Bank of Egypt reveal that traveller influx in the fiscal year 2011/2012 was lower at 11.5 million, compared to 14.7 million in the fiscal year 2009/2010. Lifting travel advisories – a move that has already been put in place by some 20 countries recently – and encouraging tourist flow from neighbouring countries, will contribute to bringing back 90 percent of the tourism activity that Egypt lost over the past year, Zaazou concluded.

07 DECEMBER 2013

WHO'S MOVED

Haytham Omar

Sara Assad Sara Assad has joined Mövenpick Tower and Suites, Doha as marketing and communications manager. Assad, who has a strong background in the industry, has experience in public relations, social media and journalism. She graduated with a degree in communication and journalism

from Lynn University in Florida, and has most recently worked as director of public relations at Four Seasons Hotel Amman. She now looks forward to the challenges and experiences that her new role will bring, and in assisting to position the hotel as a leading upscale property.

Haytham Omar has assumed the role as the new general manager at Rixos Bab Al Bahr, Ras Al Khaimah. His 18 years of experience have seen him work in various sales, marketing and management positions with Hilton Worldwide and Rotana Hotel Management Corporation in

Karin Timpone Karin Timpone has been hired as the new global marketing officer at Marriott International. She will take over the company’s integrated global marketing concepts which focus on attracting ‘next generation’ travellers. Timpone will also be in charge of overseeing the company’s customer relationship strategy, portfolio marketing, digital and social media, as well as the Marriott Rewards guest

07 DECEMBER 2013

loyalty programme. She comes to Marriott International from The Walt Disney Company, where she served as senior vice president, product strategy and marketing for Disney ABC Digital Media. Prior to that, she was head of marketing and head of consumer and customer innovation at Yahoo!’s media portfolio. Additional leadership positions during her career include working on global business for Universal Studios.

the Middle East. In 2010, Omar joined a top UAEbased destination management company as the CEO for the Gulf region before returning to the hospitality industry to take the helm as general manager of the soon-to-open Rixos Bab Al Bahr in the rising emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.

Jules-Henri Edouard Jules-Henri Edouard has been appointed general manager at Sofitel Legend Old Cataract Aswan. In his new role he will primarily be accountable for maintaining the high ranking position of the hotel, by focusing on key issues such as sales revenues and staff training. Edouard, who has a vast background in the field of hospitality, has previously held various managerial positions with companies such as

Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Conrad Hotels & Resorts. His career path has taken him to destinations such as the Caribbean and the Maldives. He joined Accor in 2004 as general manager of Grand Mercure Malta and moved to Egypt in 2011 to take on the role of general manager at Sofitel Resort & Spa Taba Heights.

Edouard joined Accor in 2004

travel talk is your space

TRAVEL TALK Emad Jawad Hussain

Maged Gubr

General manager, Corp Executive Hotel Amman.

General manager, Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida’a, Kuwait.

“We went through challenging times during summer, especially in August and September, but we have seen an upswing in travellers recently that brought considerable comfort and stability. […] Designed to be one of the city’s prestigious addresses, Corp Executive Hotel Amman is a brand new hotel that opened earlier this year. With an amazing location and world-class facilities we are confident of increasing our market share.”

“We are very proud to earn the renewal of our Green Globe certification. This achievement will encourage us to continuously improve our environmental performance and raise awareness on sustainability issues in Kuwait. We have implemented a long-term environmental system to reduce the water and energy consumption. […] We also encourage our guests to minimise their footprint and join our responsibility programmes.”

Karim Mekachera

Rochelle Lobo

Regional manager, Middle East and Turkey, Atout France.

Group general manager, Dunes Hotel Apartments, Dubai.

“Our strategy is to work hand-in-hand with the local travel trade. We must support the trade in offering new French destinations and products and offer training to travel agents to facilitate selling destination France.”

Our strategy is to work hand-inhand with the local travel trade

“Winners of the World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards are noted for setting benchmarks on the global front. It is thus a great honour, and a major motivation for Dunes Hotel Apartments to join such an elite company of awardees [after winning in the Best Hotel Management Company category], especially as the event attracted a highly competitive field this year.”

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, and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

07 DECEMBER 2013

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Maia Richa POSITION: Managing partner COMPANY: Arrival to Departure LOCATION: Qatar WEB: www.a2dtravel.com

Who are you? My name is Maia Richa, and I am a young Lebanese who graduated from Saint Joseph University in Beirut with a master degree in tourism management. I had the chance to work in this field in different countries like Lebanon, the UAE and Jordan, and currently I am running my own company Arrival to Departure (A2D Travel) in Qatar with my partner, Nola Atallah Seif. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Working in the travel industry is challenging as you have to be patient, know how to deal with people, and endure the stress. Though it is also a pleasant field where you can interact with different cultures and discover new destinations. When is the best time to visit Qatar? The best time to visit Doha is between September and April when the weather is cool. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I would like to visit many countries like Cambodia, Peru and Bali in Indonesia. Why should people come to you for travel advice? A2D Travel is specialised in VIP services and incentive groups, and these two sectors demand a lot of effort and punctuality from our staff, so people or companies seeking luxury travel and wild destinations should come and visit us.

Souq Waqif, Doha

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Travelport Unveils Abu Dhabi Office Solidifying UAE Presence Marking its continuous growth in the UAE, and solidifying its presence in the country, Travelport has opened a new office in Abu Dhabi. The technology company first established direct commercial operations in the UAE capital in 2009, and the move to the new premises in Shining Tower, Khalidia, is testament to Travelport’s continued success in the Middle East region. “This new office is an important investment for us. It forms part of our commitment to serve the needs of the travel industry in the UAE and its capital, including our valued travel agency custom-

ers, distributors and airline partners,” said Ghulam Al Balooshi, commercial director, Saudi Arabia and UAE, Travelport. He added that the travel industry in Abu Dhabi is continuing to develop at a rapid rate, and this growth brings significant opportunities for the global distribution system (GDS) industry, with more and more agents seeking to work with a GDS partner. “Our focus in Abu Dhabi therefore remains on providing the latest technology solutions and the highest levels of handson support to our customers and to the wider travel industry,” Al Balooshi concluded.

dnata Selects Amadeus’ Flight Management Solution Amadeus announced an agreement with combined air services provider dnata, to implement Amadeus Altéa Departure Control’s Flight Management Solution in Dubai. The airport ground handler is now present in 75 airports in 38 countries, while the deal spans all Emirates and flydubai domestic and international flights, and over 100 other dnata customer airlines. The tool employed is a new generation load control platform, designed to enable ground handlers to ensure efficient flight departures and optimise the weight and balance process of all handled flights. It improves the productivity of load controllers, and enables greater precision in the forecast and analysis of passenger and cargo load. “We are certain this will only be the beginning of a fruitful relationship as we work closer together with this important customer to offer further enhancements in ground handling,” John Jarrell, head, airport IT, Amadeus, said. John Jarrell

TRAVEL CHANNELS T.20 Ministers to Continue Working to Improve Visa Facilitation

NBCUniversal to Televise First Commercial Space Flight

The ministers of tourism of the G20 economies (T.20) have agreed to continue placing visa facilitation as a priority, in a bid to reach their goal of stimulating economic growth and generating more jobs through tourism.

aking a commitment to work on travel facilitation initiatives in support of job creation, quality work, poverty reduction, and global development, the ministers discussed the externalisation of the visa application process to reduce waiting times and increase capacity. This could be achieved through more capacity in consulates, as well as the opening of new consulates in key emerging markets, multi-entry visas and exemption of visas for transit passengers. “Clear progress has been made in the area of visa facilitation in recent years, namely among the G20 economies,” said Taleb Rifai, secretary general, World Tourism Organization, adding that there is still room for improvement, particularly as visa facilitation translates into more income and more jobs as the tourism sector grows.

AACO Calls on Governments to Support Aviation Growth The Arab Air Carriers Organization (AACO)’s 46th annual general meeting welcomed more than 300 delegates, including CEOs of member airlines, and representatives from both the Arab Civil Aviation Commission and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Delegates were briefed on AACO’s latest statistics that show that in 2012 the Arab air transport market grew by 6.9 percent, reaching 142 million travellers. Passengers using Arab airports soared 13.4 percent to 255 million in 2012. In order to ensure the industry’s long-term growth, AACO called on Arab governments to give attention to the development of air traffic management systems in the Arab world, inviting them to work together on an urgent plan to address issues related to air congestion that are starting to manifest in some parts of the Arab airspace. AACO, 46th General Meeting

Virgin Galactic

NBCUniversal has inked an exclusive multi-platform partnership with Virgin Galactic, hailed as the world’s first commercial spaceline, to televise the inaugural commercial space flight of SpaceShipTwo. Scheduled for lift of in 2014, SpaceShipTwo’s maiden journey is set to see Sir Richard Branson, founder, Virgin Galactic, and his two adult children, Holly and Sam, travel into space as Virgin Galactic ‘s first private passengers, from the company’s terminal at Spaceport America in New Mexico, US. Branson commented that in this first chapter of commercial space travel, the company will help make space accessible, and inspire countless more people to join in, in the pursuit of space exploration and science innovation. Highlighting NBCUniversal’s involvement, Sharon Scott, president, Peacock Productions, a unit of NBC News, subsidiary of NBCUniversal, remarked, “Through NBCUniversal’s multiple platforms and overseas network partners, viewers from around the world will get to experience this ‘where were you’ moment; we are extremely honoured to chronicle Sir Richard’s journey and live launch into space.”

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RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Konstantinos Kourotsidis Located 10 minutes from the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s airport, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut, offers all the facilities for leisure and business travellers and Konstantinos Kourotsidis, general manager, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut, assures that Lebanon is more than ready to welcome visitors from all over the globe.

Travel Trade Weekly: How has business fared for you at Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut, over the past few months?

Konstantinos Kourotsidis General manager, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut

Konstantinos Kourotsidis: The situation has been very challenging for the tourism sector. It started in 2011, and escaladed especially this year. Despite all of this, at the hotel we were able to maintain a good occupancy and market share, by adapting our strategy and activities to the new trends and needs of the travellers to Lebanon.

Travel Trade Weekly: With the year slowly drawing to an end, what are your expectations for 2014 and beyond? How do you see the Lebanese tourism industry developing over the next few years?

Travel Trade Weekly: How have your markets changed over the past few years? What markets are you focusing on at the moment? Konstantinos Kourotsidis: Our focus on the markets has changed. We have focused on emerging markets, and shifted from investing efforts in the GCC, to focus on the Iraqi market, as well as Turkey, since November. Travel Trade Weekly: Studies show that during challenging times, when tourist numbers can often take a downward trajectory, business travel proves to be a more stable and resilient segment. How important is the business and MICE markets to your business? Konstantinos Kourotsidis: We are known to be a business hotel. Our location, the business facilities we have, and our compatible prices helped strengthen this position. Business travel and MICE are the core of our business. Our meeting rooms are undergoing a complete renovation to serve the demand and shall be ready by the beginning of 2014.

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various activities to the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;In Shapeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health club offerings for our guests. We have also worked on our food and beverage offerings, initiated new banquet menus, created a business lunch menu and have recently launched a new menu at Olivos restaurant.

Travel Trade Weekly: Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut offers various leisure facilities. What are the latest developments at these outlets? Konstantinos Kourotsidis: We have one of the biggest health clubs in town, with a Roman-style heated indoor swimming pool, and a fully equipped health club. Sauna, Jacuzzi and steam rooms, as well as massage rooms are all available. We have added

The tourism industry in Lebanon rebounds very fast

Konstantinos Kourotsidis: We are optimistic because based on previous experience, the tourism industry in Lebanon rebounds very fast if the situation in the regions allows. The country has a lot to offer. Lebanon is an interesting country to visit. The culture, history, art, food, wine, environment and people, the diversity of all these factors creates its charm. We are looking forward to be welcoming back all travellers from around the world to Lebanon, Beirut and Radisson Blu Martinez.

Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut

NEWS & EVENTS

GIBTM: Outbound Spending on the Rise Gulf Incentives, Business, Travel and Meetings (GIBTM) exhibition has revealed, through recent research, that spending power is on the rise for Middle Eastern buyers. Data confirms that 69 percent of regional buyers predict they will organise more events over the next twelve months. In addition, unlike other regions of the world, 59 percent of Middle Eastern buyers are forecasting increased budgets for the same period. Top countries identified as key destinations for outbound business from MENA include Turkey, Spain, France, Malaysia, India, UK, Indonesia, US, Philippines, and South Africa. Lois Hall, exhibition manager, GIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented that for 2014 the event aims to welcome over 300 targeted buyers, as demand continues to grow for quality interaction with leading industry suppliers. According to Hall, the new GIBTM programme looks set to continue to push outbound business from the region. “We are looking at a figure of 8,500 pre-scheduled appointments for 2014, which will be a significant increase, as we roll out a number of exciting new initiatives,” she added.

EVENTS Go and Regiontour Fairs Brno, Czech Republic, January 16 – 19, 2014 (www.bvv.cz) One of the largest Central European presentations of the industry.

Seatrade Middle East Cruise Forum Abu Dhabi, UAE, December 9 – 11, 2013 (www.seatrade-middleeastcruise.com) Key issues impacting the development of the Arabian Gulf’s cruise industry will be debated at the forum, which will feature a summit session and a conference.

International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) Madrid, Spain, January 22 – 26, 2014 (www.ifema.es) A global meeting point for tourism professionals with some 10,000 exhibiting companies.

Ferien Messe Wien Vienna, Austria, January 16 – 19, 2014 (www.ferien-messe.at) An international event for holidays, travel and leisure, and the leading public access tourism trade fair in Austria.