Travel Trade Weekly Issue 209 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

09 NOVEMBER 2013

ISSUE 209

Nakheel Announces Three Waterfront Projects Nakheel has unveiled a trio of innovative waterfront destination developments in Dubai.

Al Zorah Development Company has signed an agreement with The Oberoi Group to manage and operate the first luxury resort within its flagship development in Ajman.

Gulf Air to Launch to Al Maktoum International Gulf Air has signed a memorandum of understanding to become the first full-service network carrier to fly into Al Maktoum International.

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

03 04 06 08 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

The Oberoi Group to Manage Ajman Hotel

WWW.THEDOMAINHOTELS.COM The Domain, Diplomatic Area, Manama, Bahrain Tel: +973 16 000 000 /thedomainbahrain

@domainbahrain

WEEKLY NEWS Nakheel Announces Three Waterfront Projects Nakheel has unveiled a trio of innovative waterfront destination developments that will add new world-class tourism, cultural, business and residential facilities to Dubai. The projects include the transformation of four islands at Deira into a 16 million m2 mixed-use destination development that will provide infrastructure for the development of various hospitality and retail projects. Nakheel also plans to turn the 11km crescent that protects Palm Jumeirah into a destination for walking, shopping and dining. Meanwhile the third project, the new West Beach at Palm Jumeirah will stretch 1.5km along the destination’s western trunk and will be an exclusive high-end beach club facility with food and beverage outlets, gym and a party terrace.

The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah

MEA: 480 Hotels in the Pipeline The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region’s hotel sector continues to grow with currently 480 hotels with 117,642 rooms in the pipeline, based on the September STR Global Construction Pipeline Report. According to the review, between January and September, 49 hotels with 11,226 rooms have been launched, and during the remaining months a further 71 hotels are set to open adding 18,064 units to the region’s room inventory. Unaffiliated segment continues to drive the development in the fourth quarter with 26 hotels and 7,323 keys, followed by the upper upscale segment with 14 hotels and 4,339 rooms, and the upscale segment, representing 12 hotels with 2,655 units. According to STR Global, in 2014, 133 hotels with 27,759 rooms are expected to open with the upper upscale segment leading the growth, followed by the upscale segment and the luxury segment.

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Record Guest Numbers in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi received almost two million hotel guests in the first nine months of the year after welcoming 226,002 visitors in September, marking a 19 percent year-on-year increase, while guest nights rose 26 percent to 714,577 during the month under review. The destination’s largest overseas source market remained India with 121,763 guests checking into the emirate’s hotels between January and September, representing a 24 percent increase, while the UK and Germany ranked on the second and third places. “We are quietly confident of reaching our year-end target of 2.5 million hotel guests anticipating a busy final quarter boosted by seasonal advantages, an increase in MICE and convention business and arrivals attracted by the destination’s back-to-back events programme,” concluded H.E. Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.

MARKET UPDATE TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel COPY EDITOR Mario Hajiloizis SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli

Riyadh: New Supply Outweighs Demand Riyadh’s hotel market continues to experience intensive competition as new hotels enter the city, putting pressure on occupancy and average room rates (ARR). According to TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats report, Riyadh’s hotels witnessed a decrease in room performance in September with occupancy and ARR falling 0.4 percentage points and 0.8 percent to 61.3 percent and USD240.20, while gross operating profit

PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou

per available room (GOPPAR) showed a 8.2 percent rise to USD136.08. Meanwhile, in Jeddah occupancy levels rose 0.7 percent to 82.2 percent, ARR increased 10.3 percent to 245.19, and GOPPAR stood at USD143.74, up 16.9 percent.

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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES

Jazeera Airways: 23 Percent Profit Growth Jazeera Airways Group announced a record year-to-date (YTD) net profit of KWD14.1 million (USD49.9 million), making the first nine months of the year the airline’s most profitable nine-month period in history. While net profit rose 23 percent year-on-year, YTD operating profit increased 13.1 percent to KWD17.2 million (USD61 million), revenue climbed 4.4 percent to KWD50.8 million (USD180 million), and load factor improved 5.6 percent to 70 percent. Earlier this year, the company secured funding for three remaining aircraft on an order of 15 Airbus A320s, and the airline has already received a brand new aircraft from the manufacturer. In addition, the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) inducted Jazeera Airways into the ‘Kuwait 15 index KSX15’, a list of the 15 top performers on the KSE.

Accurate as of

08/11/2013 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

138.85

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.67

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.35

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

24,938.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.91

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

80.90

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.25

Dubai Duty Free: Sales Figures Reach USD1.14 Billion

ubai Duty Free (DFF) recorded AED4.18 billion (USD1.14 billion) worth of sales in the first eight months of the year, marking a 12 percent year-on-year increase and signalling excellent prospects for the operation’s 30th year anniversary. As Colm McLoughlin, executive chairman, DDF, noted, since its opening in December 30, 1983, DDF has witnessed year-on-year growth with sales doubling six times over the past three decades.

Dubai Duty Free

“With the opening of Concourse A in January, DDF added an extra 8,000m2 of retail space, which has been extremely well received by passengers,” explained McLoughlin.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Adagio Aparthotel to Debut in Dubai

Christophe Landais, managing director, Accor (left) and Jassim bin Mohamed Abdul Raheem Al Ali, CEO, API Hotels & Resorts

Accor Middle East has signed a management contract with API Hotels & Resorts for the first Adagio Aparthotel-branded property in Dubai. Located in Al Barsha in close proximity to Mall of the Emirates, Adagio Aparthotel Premium Dubai Al Barsha will form part of a large mixed-use complex that will also include Novotel Al Barsha and an office tower. Scheduled for opening in the first quarter of 2014, the property will feature 201 upscale serviced apartments and guests will also benefit from access to various meeting facilities, food and beverage outlets, gym, swimming pool and a spa. Martine Balouka-Vallette, CEO, Adagio Aparthotel, explained that the brand mainly caters to individual corporate clients seeking extended stays while it has also gained popularity among families and leisure travellers, due to the facilities these properties offer in prime city centre locations. Adagio Aparthotel Premium Dubai Al Barsha will bring the total number of Adagio properties under development in the region to four.

BWI: Enhanced Online Experience Best Western International (BWI) has unveiled a new look for its website in Asia and the Middle East. The refreshed page offers a complete range of information about BWI’s offerings in the company’s fastest growing region, along with an extensive image gallery. To better serve tech-savvy travellers, BWI has also introduced a brand new iPad application for its Asia and Middle East hotels, giving visitors the chance to explore more than 100 hotels at their fingertips and book their preferred hotel while on the move. “We are delighted to be able to provide this with our excellent new website and iPad app for Asia and the Middle East,” asserted Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, BWI.

BWI iPad Application

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Accommontation

WEEKLY NEWS

The Oberoi Group to Manage Ajman Hotel

Mourouj Hotels & Resorts to Open New Resort

Al Zorah Development Company, a joint venture between the government of Ajman and Solidere International, has signed an agreement with India-based hotel operator, The Oberoi Group, to manage and operate the first luxury resort within its flagship, 5.4 million m2 mixed-use development in Ajman. Spanning 100,000m2 with 290m of beachfront, the luxury resort will feature 113 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, beach restaurant, and a spa and will mark the first hospitality property in what is billed as the emirate’s newest lifestyle destination. The modern and unique essence of the resort will also be represented by its immaculately landscaped gardens and water features, all of which will create an elevated ambience of splendour, while the guestrooms in the main building will open to exquisite views from large balconies and terraces and the two- and threebedroom villas will have their own private swimming pools and gardens, exuding an exclusive experience.

Mourouj Hotels & Resorts is preparing to open a new desert resort near Al Ain before the end of the year. As Tarek ElSherif, managing director, Mourouj Hotels & Resorts, explained, Telal Resort will offer a unique opportunity for guests to experience true Emirati living and history at its heritage village and enjoy five-star deluxe accommodation in one of the top VIP villas in the desert. As ElSherif further revealed, Executive Suites by Mourouj, the company’s second hotel in Abu Dhabi which opened earlier this year, has already achieved 80 percent occupancy in less than six months, while Mouroj Hotel Apartments’s year-todate occupancy stands at 90 percent.

Executive Suites by Mourouj, Abu Dhabi

Al Zorah Development

Novotel and Adagio Al Bustan Openings Located in close proximity to Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, several embassies and the main tourist area of the UAE capital, Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan and Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bustan will soon open their doors to business and leisure travellers. As Emma Golubeva, director of sales, Novotel Abu Dhabi Al Bustan and Adagio Abu Dhabi Al Bustan, explained, the Novotel property will predominantly cater to business and short-term leisure visitors from the GCC, Europe and Asia, while the Adagio hotel, which will mark the brand’s debut in the UAE, is expected to attract extended stay guests.

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S U P R E M E H O S P I TA L I T Y City Seasons Group prides itself on our standards of impeccable quality in everything we do. Stay with us at any of our great hotels and enjoy the surrounding local sites and landmarks. Experience the cities we call home while indulging in the luxury of first-class service, and a warm, family-friendly environment. ABU DHABI | DUBAI | AL AIN | MUSCAT

CITYSEASONSGROUP.COM

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Gulf Air to Launch to Al Maktoum International Dubai Airports confirmed that Gulf Air has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to become the first fullservice network carrier to fly into Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central (DWC). Effective December 8, the Bahraini carrier plans to operate a daily service linking DWC to its home base, while it already offers 51 flights per week into Dubai International. Maher Salman Al Musallam, acting CEO, Gulf Air, said that the additional flight to DWC boosts Gulf Air’s capacity to the emirate by 10 percent.

Gulf Air

Etihad Airways and Korean Air Expand Codeshare Etihad Airways has extended its codeshare agreement with Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, to include six new destinations. In this second phase of cooperation, UAE’s national carrier, will place its code on the Asian airline’s services from Seoul Incheon International Airport to Honolulu, Vancouver and Hong Kong, while Korean Air will place its code on Etihad Airways’ flights from Abu Dhabi to Johannesburg, Muscat and, subject to government approval, Khartoum. “The flights to Honolulu and Vancouver, in particular, will provide convenient one-stop access from Abu Dhabi to these two popular North American destinations,” explained James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, noting that the airline’s strategy of partnerships with carriers such as Korean Air, aims to help grow tourism from around the world to its Abu Dhabi home and hub.

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Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Etihad Airways Increases Sri Lanka Flights

Golden Temple, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Miami Named Qatar Airways Sixth US Destination

Miami

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Qatar Airways announced that Miami is to become its sixth destination to the US beginning June 10, 2014, when the airline will start offering non-stop flights from its hub in Doha fourtimes per week aboard a Boeing 777 with a two-class configuration with 42 seats in business and 217 in economy. Qatar’s national carrier currently operates to Chicago, Houston, New York, and Washington, D.C., while it plans to add Philadelphia in April 2014. Miami International Airport serves nearly 40 million passengers a year, with approximately 20 million travelling internationally, according to Emilio González, aviation director, Miami-Dade Aviation Department.

Etihad Airways is to upgrade its Abu Dhabi - Colombo service from seven flights per week to a double daily schedule from February 16, 2014. Operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft fitted with 16 Pearl Business Class seats and 120 Coral Economy Class seats, the new service will add over 1,900 seats per week to the route, while it will also offer a 46 percent increase in the number of connections to key destinations in UK, Europe, Africa and GCC via the airline’s hub in Abu Dhabi. According to Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Airways, the new second daily flight to the Sri Lankan capital will strengthen Etihad Airways’ position in the country and offer guests more convenient travel options and improved connections. The new service will also build on the strength of Etihad Airways’ partnership with Sri Lankan Airlines with the Colombo service relaunched in January 2010 carrying more than 210,000 passengers to date.

WEEKLY NEWS

AEGEAN Airlines Completes Olympic Air Acquisition AEGEAN Airlines signed a definitive agreement with MARFIN Investment Group (MIG) to acquire Olympic Air with the transfer of 100 percent of Olympic Air’s shares having been completed on the same day on October 23 at a cost of EUR72 (USD97 million). EUR20 (USD27 million) of the amount has already been advanced on October 22, 2012, while the remaining amount would be payable in five equal annual installments, the first of which was paid on October 23. Upon completion of this transaction, Olympic Air becomes a subsidiary of AEGEAN Airlines, with the latter assuming also the management of the company.

Air

Emirates - Virgin America: Frequent Flyer Deal Virgin America and Emirates announced a frequent flyer partnership that allows members of both airlines’ frequent flyer programmes to earn and redeem points or miles for travel across the networks of two carriers. “Through our partnership with Emirates, we are able to offer enhanced international travel options; Emirates’ network can take Elevate members to the Middle East and beyond,” said Phil Seward, director of guest loyalty, Virgin America, adding that in Emirates the carrier has found a partner that also offers guests an attractive mix of award-winning service, innovative in-flight entertainment and other features. Emirates is the fifth airline to join Virgin America’s Elevate frequent flyer programme, which also includes Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Virgin America

British Airways Steps up North African Operations British Airways (BA) has launched its new winter schedule with a new winter sun route and increased frequencies to a selection of destinations. The new schedule, which came into effect on October 26, includes four weekly services to Tripoli which has previously been served three times a week by the British carrier. In addition, BA has also added three more flights to the Gatwick - Marrakech route, operating now a total of 10 weekly frequencies between the UK and the Moroccan holiday hotspot. The airline has also introduced a new destination to its network, Gran Canaria, offering travellers looking to escape the cold European weather, one more attractive option. Lynne Embleton, director of strategy, BA, said, “Gran Canaria is a fantastic destination for holiday makers, especially families, with over a half a million people from Britain visiting every year.”

British Airways First Suite

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Air Serbia Lands in Abu Dhabi

PULLMAN DUBAI DEIRA CITY CENTRE. Newly Renovated 5 Star Hotel. D i r e c t l y C o n n e c t e d To D e i r a C i t y C e n t r e M a l l . T: +971 4 294 1222 - E : H2022@accor.com -

: Facebook.com/PullmanDubaiDCC - pullmanhotels.com

Abu Dhabi International Airport celebrated the arrival of Air Serbia’s first commercial flight connecting the UAE capital and Belgrade. As Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, noted, the inauguration of the new service is in line with the company’s strategy to strengthen links with major European cities. “The use of Abu Dhabi as a connection between Europe and the Middle East reinforces the capital’s position as an international aviation hub, and Abu Dhabi Airports looks forward to offering its world-class services to yet another strategic airline partner,” added Al Haddabi. In August this year, Etihad Airways, announced it had secured regulatory approval to acquire 49 percent of Air Serbia, and had been awarded a five-year management contract for the airline.

Air Arabia Kicks off 10-Year Anniversary Celebrations Air Arabia unveiled on October 27 a specially designed 10-year anniversary aircraft livery, which marks the beginning of the airline’s celebrations commemorating the significant milestone. The festive livery is painted on the carrier’s Airbus A320 aircraft’s fuselage, and it was installed with the help of Air Arabia’s talented engineering team at the airline’s state-of-the-art hangar facility in Sharjah, marking a full decade of successful operations. For the next few weeks, the commemorative aircraft with its new livery will shuttle between the original destinations served by Air Arabia when it began operations in October 2003, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Muscat, Beirut, and Sharjah.

J O I N O U R G L O B A L L O YA L T Y P RO G R A M AT ACCO R H OT E L S . CO M

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Air Arabia

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Fifth Destination for RJ in Iraq

Royal Jordanian Airlines

Air Seychelles Signs Fleet Deal with Viking Air Air Seychelles confirmed the purchase of three Viking Air DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft, in a deal which will see the island carrier renew its domestic fleet. The new aircraft will be used for services between Mahé and Praslin, as well as other islands in the archipelago. All three deliveries are scheduled for mid2015, with an option for earlier delivery if they become available. The multimillion dollar fleet announcement was made on October 29 at a press conference at Mahé International Airport, marking Air Seychelles’ 35 years in business. Cramer Ball, CEO, Air Seychelles, said, “This announcement is testament to the success of our turnaround strategy, which has seen an expansion in both our international and domestic services, and the synergies derived from working closely with our equity partner, Etihad Airways.” Once delivered, the new aircraft will replace three existing DHC-6 Series 300 Twin Otters.

Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) announced the launch of regular operations between Amman and Mosul, in northern Iraq, starting November 12. This addition will increase the number of RJ destinations in Iraq to five, after Baghdad, Basra, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil. Initially, RJ will operate two weekly flights to Mosul, raising the number of flights between Jordan and Iraq to 28 per week. Through this new route addition, RJ aims to boost its presence in the Iraqi market, help growing air transport between the two countries in general, and serve businessmen, students, and Jordanian and Iraqi citizens wishing to fly to Mosul, the second largest city in Iraq in terms of population. The route between Mosul and Amman will also serve Iraqi passengers transiting though Queen Alia International Airport, connecting them, through RJ flights, with any worldwide destination operated by the airline.

Qatar Airways Joins oneworld Qatar Airways became part of oneworld as of October 30 and immediately started offering the alliance’s full range of services and benefits, with flight QR633 leaving Dhaka for Doha. More than 20 of the airline’s destinations and five countries – Ethiopia, Iran, Rwanda, Serbia and Tanzania – will be new to the oneworld map, while more significantly, Qatar Airways will substantially strengthen the association’s customer offering. To encourage travellers to visit Qatar Airways’ home territory, oneworld launched its new Visit Middle East pass, offering attractive fares on services within the region bought in conjunction with a flight on a oneworld carrier to the Middle East. Besides services on Qatar Airways it includes all other oneworld schedules within MENA, including sectors on Royal Jordanian Airlines, British Airways and Cathay Pacific.

Cabin Crew from oneworld Member Airlines

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Air

Emirates Arrives in Guinea

Hubert Frach (left), and Duncan Christopher Watson, vice president, cargo, commercial, Emirates

Emirates commenced services to Conakry, Guinea, marking its 24th route in Africa and the sixth new destination launch since January this year. The flight, which is linked to Emirates’ existing Dakar operation, provides new opportunities for business and leisure travellers in Guinea to seamlessly connect to the carrier’s worldwide network through its Dubai hub. This was confirmed by Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, West, Emirates, who added, “Emirates is committed to making our Conakry service a success. We are confident our new service can contribute to Guinea’s continued economic growth and development by opening new conduits for trade and investment, through our growing worldwide network.” Travellers can fly four times a week on the Dubai-Conakry-Dakar route on an Airbus A340-300 aircraft, with a three class configuration featuring Emirates’ service and passenger comforts.

EGYPTAIR to Operate Johannesburg - Cairo Daily Due to the increase in demand and in a bid to provide its customers with better facilities and more options to connect to the world through its Cairo hub, EGYPTAIR plans to increase its Johannesburg operation to a daily flight effective from December 18 until December 29, adding extra connectivity to its five weekly normal schedule. EGYPTAIR is executing a firm expansion plan by launching a number of new destinations such as Manchester, Harare, Abidjan, Baghdad, Erbil, Abuja, and Al-Qassim during the last few months. Furthermore, the airline is planning to add Jakarta to its wide network by December. With these new enhancements, EGYPTAIR connects its customers to more than 80 destinations in four continents around the globe.

Johannesburg

09 NOVEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

United Airlines Celebrates Dubai Washington Commemorating the fifth anniversary of the nonstop service between Dubai and its Washington/Dulles hub, United Airlines launched a series of activities in the UAE. A number of events in Dubai for UAE customers and business partners will be hosted by Dave Hilfman, senior vice president, sales, United Airlines, and Jim Mueller, vice president, Atlantic and Pacific sales, United Airlines, including an anniversary reception, a golf tournament and a culinary demonstration by James Canora, member, United Congress of Chefs. According to Hilfman the airline is committed to serving the Middle East, and is proud to have completed five years of successful operations between Dubai and Washington Dulles International Airport. “We continue to see strong customer support for the route in the US market, while UAE customers benefit from both direct access to Washington, D.C., as well as unparalleled connectivity via our Dulles hub to cities throughout the Americas,” he added.

United Airlines

WEEKLY NEWS

International

BWI Launches Luxury Landmark in Vietnam

BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang - Guest Room

IHG Launches Hotel in Dominican Republic InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the groundbreaking of a 20-storey, 225-room property located in the Piantini neighbourhood of Santo Domingo in Dominican Republic. Real InterContinental Santo Domingo is owned by Real Hotels & Resorts, a hotel division of Salvadorianbased Grupo Poma, which will invest USD70 million in the project. Scheduled to open in 2015, the hotel will be located near a popular shopping centre with luxury restaurants, shops and a sophisticated nightlife district, while an upscale residential neighbourhood with several apartments and office towers is also nearby. The hotel aims to appeal to local residents and international travellers alike.

Best Western International (BWI) has continued its fast-paced expansion in Southeast Asia with the launch of a new landmark property on the coast of Vietnam. BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang is set on the shores of the country’s leading beach resort and one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing tourism destinations. Overlooking Nha Trang Bay, the 41-storey BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang offers 200 contemporary rooms and suites, all with panoramic views across the sea and high-end amenities such as LCD TVs with satellite channels, complimentary Wi-Fi and luxurious bathrooms with rain showers and separate bathtubs. “I feel confident that the hotel will appeal to the new wellheeled breed of traveller the city now attracts. With our superb location, range of international facilities and world class service, I am certain BEST WESTERN PREMIER Havana Nha Trang hotel will become a new landmark of luxury in this exciting city,” said Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, BWI.

Marriott International: 300 Asian Hotels by 2016 Marriott International’s expansion across Asia continues to gather pace with six new hotel openings in October in key destinations, such as Chengdu, Tianjin, Bangalore, Hanoi and Delhi. With 186 hotels in its signed pipeline, more than 135 of which are set to be unveiled in the next three years, the company expects to more than double in size in Asia through 2016, reaching a total of 330 properties with more than 96,000 rooms across 16 countries, meaning an average of one new hotel opening under the Marriott brands every eight days. “This is an exciting time for Marriott as we join with our local hotel development partners in contributing to Asia’s future growth,” commented Arne Sorenson, president, Marriott International.

JW Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity

09 NOVEMBER 2013

WHO'S MOVED

Lori-Jean Collins

Amit Arora Amit Arora has been appointed CEO of SKAI Holdings’ hospitality division. Arora, who has over two decades of experience in the industry, including six years with Emaar Properties, will oversee the operational requirements for the upcoming Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah and he will also

be in charge of growing the company’s hospitality division. Having previously worked with a number of international hospitality brands, including Armani Hotels & Resorts, The Address Hotels + Resorts as well as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Arora brings with him a wealth of knowledge.

Lori-Jean Collins has been promoted to director of sales and marketing at Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa in Oman. In her new role, she will oversee a 40-strong team, including sales, communications and marketing, group and events, as well as reservations, and en-

Ahmed Refaat Ahmed Refaat has been named director of sales and marketing at Mövenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah. Refaat, who holds a degree in commerce, brings 18 years of hospitality experience with numerous achievements and skills in the field to the role. He began his career in the industry in rooms division followed by sales roles in Egypt, where he has also held a number of mid- and senior-level

09 NOVEMBER 2013

positions, including that of director of sales and marketing at Mövenpick Hotel Cairo Heliopolis and Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo, while he most recently served as executive assistant manager at Le Passage Cairo Hotel, where he was responsible for the daily operation of sales, marketing, revenue and reservations.

Refaat brings 18 years of hospitality experience to the role

sure that the resort’s sales and marketing targets are met. Having been with the team since 2011, Collins has been instrumental in the sustained revenue growth of the property’s three hotels, and her solid leadership skills have seen the creation of an expert sales team.

Rami Sayess Rami Sayess has taken on the roles of regional vice president for Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Doha. Building on his eight-year tenure with the company, Sayess makes the transition from his previous positions as regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Thailand. His new assignments also signal his return to the Mid-

dle East where he previously served as general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh in Saudi Arabia and hotel manager of Four Seasons Hotel Amman in Jordan. In his new position, Sayess will oversee the company’s properties in five markets, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait and Azerbaijan.

Sayess’ new assignments signal his return to the Middle East

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

Colm McLoughlin

Karim Nahas

Executive vice chairman, Dubai Duty Free.

General manager, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai.

“Dubai Duty Free has recorded sales figures of AED4.18 billion (USD1.14 billion) in the first eight months of the year, representing a 12 percent increase over the same period in 2012 and signalling an excellent prospect for the operation’s 30th year. Even after 30 years, we are constantly looking at our retail offer at Dubai International and we are constantly looking at enhancing it further.”

“This year is heading to be another successful year for Rose Rayhaan by Rotana. We are looking at a growth of almost 18 percent in turnover compared to 2012 that, of course, is due to the strong demand in the city from all market segments, specifically from the corporate and leisure segments. The location of the hotel, along with its brand name and renowned service, has helped us a lot in achieving this growth.”

Paul Diab Director of operations, Golden Tulip MENA.

“We encourage all young global leaders to join Golden Tulip MENA for their internship programmes as their career path may start here. The internship is about the professional development of a young person, it is very useful for them to have experience in the processes and demands that job applications require, and for us, to have the best there is in the market.”

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

09 NOVEMBER 2013

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Basim Mubarak POSITION: Owner/general manager COMPANY: Amani Tours LOCATION: Jordan WEB: www.amanitours.com

Who are you? Amani Tours is a family business of two generations in Amman, Jordan with a sterling reputation in the travel industry that has been earned through years of hard work and undivided focus on satisfying travellers. The company was founded in 1980 by award-winning travel specialists and over the years it has become a well-rounded company offering specialised and personalised services for business and leisure travellers in Jordan, as well as the entire Middle East. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Working in the travel industry gives me the opportunity to pass on my knowledge and interest in Jordan, whilst also giving me the chance to work closely with customers. It is a great feeling when you put together a trip of a lifetime for a customer and even better when you receive their feedback once they get back. When is the best time to visit Jordan? The best time to visit Jordan is spring, April – May, which brings optimal weather, lush with greenery, and autumn, October – November, when the weather is delightful and dry, and the Dead Sea and Red Sea are still pleasantly warm. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? I would like to travel to Central and South America including Cuba, Venezuela, Chile, and Paraguay. Why should people come to you for travel advice? We treat all our clients with respect, attention and appreciation. We consider our tourists as family members and we do our best to provide that kind of tour for them which we would like to have if we were in their shoes. Our hospitality focuses on the smallest details from their arrival to their departure and due to our policy our clients feel maximum comfort, safety and enjoyment.

09 NOVEMBER 2013

HRS Signs Distribution Agreement with Sabre Sabre Travel Network has signed a multiyear distribution agreement with HRS, one of the leading global hotel solutions providers. The deal means HRS will become one of the largest hotel content providers to Sabre Travel Network, enhancing the travel technology company’s portfolio with mainly independent hotels, including many properties with HRS corporate discounts. This agreement is streamlining access to hotel content so it is the most efficient and effective way to book a hotel room, since it will eliminate labour-intensive hotel shopping and servicing by bookers, who typically compare rates

for the same hotel across multiple channels before booking, which will reduce process costs of travel agencies significantly. “The agreement underlines our strategy to make our content available via a variety of channels, significantly extending the coverage of our hotel partners and increasing their booking volumes,” said Tobias Ragge, CEO, HRS. “HRS is an industry leader and we look forward to working with them to make their content available to Sabre-connected travel agents in their efficient workflow,” concluded David Gross, senior vice president, global supplier commerce, Sabre.

TRAVEL CHANNELS Namibia Lauded for Conservation Success

Global conservation organisation World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has recognised Namibia for its outstanding conservation achievements at a ceremony which took place in the Namibian capital, Windhoek, on the occasion of the Adventure Travel World Summit on October 26.

O Sand Dunes at Namib-Naukluft National Park

n the day, Hifikepunye Pohamba, president, Namibia, was presented with the WWF Gift to the Earth Award, the second the country has received, by Emeka Anyaoku, former president, WWF International. There are 79 communal conservancies and community wildlife management units across Namibia, covering one fifth of the country’s land and involving one in 10 of its citizens. “Namibia was the first country in Africa to enshrine conservation in its constitution, and almost half of its land is under some form of conservation management,” confirmed Jim Leape, director general, WWF International.

Oman Air Reaffirms Commitment to Women

Al Masmak Museum: Over 15,000 Visitors during Eid Al Adha

To coincide with Omani Women’s Day on October 17, Oman Air reaffirmed its commitment to supporting, empowering and promoting women in the workplace. The women staff strength of the airline currently stands at more than 30 percent, representing a range of roles, including cabin crew, flight operations, engineering, airport management, airport services, marketing, customer services, sales and communications, and reflecting the national carrier’s proactive policy of recognising talented and qualified women and providing the appropriate levels of support to assist them in excelling within their chosen careers. Wayne Pearce, CEO, Oman Air, commented, “It is a pleasure and an honour on Omani Women’s Day to reaffirm our commitment to employing women throughout Oman Air, to thank the many women who have contributed so much to Oman Air’s success, and to welcome those women who have just joined us.”

Riyadh’s Al Masmak Museum received over 15,000 visitors during the Eid Al Adha holidays, many of which were diplomats and tourists from all over the Kingdom. According to Nasir bin Abdul Kareem Al Oraifi, director, Al Masmak Museum, the exhibits which reflect the nation’s identity and history, have greatly contributed to drawing a large audience. This year, the museum was open to the public also during the holidays in line with the directives of H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA), which emphasises the museums import role during national, social and religious occasions. "Visitors learnt of the persistent efforts made by SCTA in the development of the museum and SCTA’s important role in the preservation and care of the heritage and antiquities of the Kingdom,” highlighted Abdul Aziz. Al Masmak Museum

09 NOVEMBER 2013

RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Hoss Vetry The past few years have been a period of phenomenal growth for Qatar’s tourism industry with visitor numbers and hotel performance indicators showing healthy increases. Here, Hoss Vetry, cluster general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha, discusses the latest trends and developments.

Travel Trade Weekly: How has business been at The Ritz-Carlton, Doha? Hoss Vetry: Business has shown a steady growth in the past four years, with a promising healthy growth [this year] within the competitor set, especially for club level accommodation. The Ritz-Carlton, Doha has the largest club lounge in town providing the finest club services with dedicated concierge and chef de cuisine for global affluent travellers. As business in Qatar grows tremendously, high profile business guests need to focus on accomplishing their business objectives within their valuable time so staying at the club level will definitely take all unnecessary things out of their agenda due to the personalised attention from the ladies and gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Doha. Travel Trade Weekly: What are your top markets at the moments? Hoss Vetry: Our top market is the GCC region, while the UK and US markets show potential growth. The Saudi market has also shown significant increase over the past few years. Travel Trade Weekly: In your opinion, what makes The Ritz-Carlton brand, and what it stands for, an ideal fit for Qatar? Hoss Vetry: Qatar positions itself as a luxury destination so people coming to the country expect premium products and services which have been synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton properties around the world. Travel Trade Weekly: The Ritz-Carlton Doha has long been engaged in various social

09 NOVEMBER 2013

Hoss Vetry Cluster general manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

if it is only a small one to the community. [We have also organised] an event in conjunction to International Elderly Day and it was such a warm feeling to see the smiles on their faces. These kind of initiatives are very important for all of our ladies and gentlemen […]. It makes the teamwork stronger and we realise that giving back to the community is a start to create a better world for everybody. We hope that our initiatives will encourage other institutions to take part in several other social activities as well. Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us about your plans for the remainder of the year.

services and activities and has recently hosted the International Day of Charity in partnership with the Qatar Red Crescent. Please tell us about the hotel’s corporate social responsibility initiatives. Hoss Vetry: At The Ritz-Carlton, this tradition of engaging in social services and activities extend into our Community Footprints programme and inspires us to impact the lives of others. Every contribution we make is an opportunity to leave an imprint on our communities. The commitment is focused on three different areas; child well-being, environmental responsibility, hunger and poverty relief. We are proud to work together with Qatar Red Crescent as they are a reputable and credible organisation that has an extensive experience, and together we organise several activities that will make a difference even

Hoss Vetry: We will start working on our exciting renovation plan, and several new initiatives are in the pipeline, including new highlights at our food and beverage outlets, such as the Thursday Barbecue in the garden, new concept for our fine dining venue, La Mer which now is focusing on contemporary seafood gourmet experience, and some exciting activities for the festive season. Travel Trade Weekly: How do you see Qatar’s tourism industry developing over the next few years? Hoss Vetry: The Ritz-Carlton, Doha is working closely with Qatar Tourism Authority and Qatar Airways and we believe that they are doing a great job in promoting the country, especially to gear up towards FIFA World Cup 2022. We are confident that we are moving in the right direction to be at the front of defining the real meaning of luxury to cater the global affluent traveller.

NEWS & EVENTS

UFI MEA Office Relocates to UAE Based on a three-year agreement, the Global Association of the Exhibition Industry (UFI) Middle East/ Africa (MEA) regional office was inaugurated recently in a ceremony held in Sharjah, since it has relocated and is now hosted by Expo Centre Sharjah. The UFI MEA regional office supports the association’s members in the region, enabling them to profit from networking opportunities, develop industry information resources and implement a variety of education programmes. Saif Al Midfa, CEO, Expo Centre Sharjah, applauding the move, said, “We are very glad to host the UFI MEA office at Expo Centre Sharjah. […] I am convinced that the benefits from UFI’s presence, especially with regard to information, networking and education, will continue to serve the business objectives of members throughout the region.” The official opening ceremony of the office in Sharjah was attended by several UAE dignitaries, exhibition industry professionals, and UFI MEA members from the region.

EVENTS International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Cannes, France, December 2 – 5, 2013 (www.iltm.net) A leading ‘by invitation only’ event for the global luxury travel community, held annually in Cannes.

International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) Costa Daurada, Spain, November 11 – 14, 2013 (www.igtm.co.uk) Exclusively organised for the golf travel industry, the show is set to attract over 600 suppliers from 55 nations.

Travel Turkey Izmir Izmir, Turkey, December 5 – 8, 2013 (www.travelturkey-expo.com) The last edition of the event welcomed 430 exhibitors and close to 15,000 visitors from 36 countries.

ITCA Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 24 – 26, 2013 (www.itcaabudhabi.com) The International Travel Catering Association (ITCA) has once again chosen Abu Dhabi to host its membership.