10 AUGUST 2013
ISSUE 196
10 AUGUST 2013
ISSUE 196
Badawi Mall: 1.5 Million Visitors in 55 Days Badawi Mall’s ‘Win Daily’ campaign attracted more than 1.5 million visitors over just 55 days.
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is scheduled to welcome its first guests on September 15, marking Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ debut in Dubai.
03 Qatar Airways Holidays Expands in GCC Qatar Airways Holidays is further strengthening its presence in the region with the launch of new dedicated outlets.
05 IN THIS ISSUE RENDEZVOUS WEEKLY NEWS MARKET UPDATE ACCOMMODATION INTERNATIONAL AIR WHO’S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT’S CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
02 03 04 06 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa to Open in September
6
2
RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Daniyal Qureshi Over the past 13 years, The Airport Show has grown into one of the industry’s leading events, where multibillion dollar deals are signed, as it continues to shape the future of the regional aviation sector, reveals Daniyal Qureshi, event director, The Airport Show.
Travel Trade Weekly: How has the show grown over the past decade?
Daniyal Qureshi Event director, The Airport Show.
Daniyal Qureshi: The Airport Show has, over the years, become the second largest dedicated airport equipment, technologies, and services exhibition in the world, and is today the largest event for this sector in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa. The event concluded its 13th edition on May 8 with resounding success. A strong global interest in the Middle East was reflected during the event gathering 20 percent more trade visitors than its previous edition and event highlights reported investments worth over USD100 billion into the region’s airport industry, aimed at becoming the world’s leading travel hub by 2025. [This year’s] event attracted 225 exhibitors from 35 participating countries, along with six national pavilions and 60 hosted buyers, representing airport project owners from 21 authorities and 13 countries. This alone represented business opportunities worth over USD7.9 billion during the three days of the event. Travel Trade Weekly: What can we expect from the next edition of the show? Daniyal Qureshi: Considering the success of this year’s event, we have already rebooked over 50 percent of the space for 2014 and will continue to build on the new features launched at this year’s event. This includes the Airport Passenger Experience zone, where global companies will be displaying the latest, most innovative technologies being developed to enhance the
Travel Trade Weekly: Have the regional and global happenings had any impact on the event? Daniyal Qureshi: The Airport Show remains the leading platform to tap into the approximately USD100 billion worth of airport expansions and upgrades in the region and the pace of these has stayed on course. While some projects may have slowed down, others have been introduced and sped up during the same period. There has also been an increasing interest in the region as development has outpaced Europe, America, and Asia and traditional suppliers in those markets have looked at the region for new business.
passenger experience at airports worldwide. The launch of the Global Airport Leaders’ Forum gathered 305 delegates and 34 top tier airport experts who actively discussed and exchanged opinions on a wide range of topics. We will be continuing these discussions on a larger, more engaging platform in 2014. We are also introducing a new travel catering show alongside the event in 2014. The Middle East is witness to unprecedented growth in the aviation industry and is expected to order over 1,000 aircraft over the next 10 years creating a huge demand for airline catering equipment and expertise. In line with the growth expected in this industry, The Airport Show will host a dedicated platform that brings together top global suppliers and local buyers in the airline travel catering industry.
Travel Trade Weekly: What do you expect to be the major trends in the upcoming travel trade shows? Daniyal Qureshi: There is an increasing demand for value-added services as companies struggle to justify marketing spend, especially at international trade events. Seminars, pre -scheduled meeting programmes, hosting key buyers, and innovative show features are essential to keep events growing and useful for attendees to return every year. Organisers must also work with international associations and trade missions in developing national pavilions as government export marketing grants are not so readily available, especially in Europe. And finally, new forms of marketing, including social media and mobile marketing, are essential in engaging the new wave of audience and increasing interaction with attendees before and during the event.
10 AUGUST 2013
WEEKLY NEWS Seychelles: Middle East Arrivals on the Rise The Seychelles islands continue to gain popularity in the Middle East with figures for the first five months of the year showing a 25.73 percent increase in arrivals from the region. As Sherin Naiken, CEO, Seychelles Tourism Board (STB), revealed, in 2012, the UAE market grew 52 percent to 12,880 visitors, while numbers from the rest of the Middle East rose 47 percent. “Seychelles is popular in the Middle East market due to its geographical proximity, the contrast in topography and climate and, also, StarwoodaHotels because Seychelles & Resorts Worldwide vacation offers a great has signed of diversity an experiences agreement with as well Jabal as Omar an excellent Development Company choice of accommodato launch three new tion options, hotels ” Naiken in Meccreligious noted, adding tourism thatcontinin a ue totoexpand bid further in Saudi increase Arabia, we believe visitor numbers, the STB’s time is right to East Middle expand office our has portfolio in the on embarked country. a range ” of initiatives. Raffles Praslin Seychelles
Hawar Islands Continue to Develop Southern Area Development Company (SADC) and VK Universal Property Management Company have signed an agreement to lease, operate, and manage the Bahraini Hawar Islands project’s hotel facilities, which will also include a Best Western hotel, due to open by year-end. Phase one of the development, which is set to commence soon, will include the renovation and refurbishment of the hotel facilities, the upgrade of the serviced apartment buildings, cleaning and modification of existing hotel beach, as well as landscaping and paving works. Phase two will focus on further expansion of the hotel through the construction of additional wings with a capacity of 100 keys, along with a seafood restaurant, and two multi-purpose halls. In addition, the hotel will also offer a gym, a number of meeting rooms, swimming pools, and access to the beach and water sports facilities.
10 AUGUST 2013
3
Badawi Mall: 1.5 Million Visitors in 55 Days Badawi Mall’s ‘Win Daily’ campaign attracted more than 1.5 million visitors over just 55 days. As Khalid Shraim, senior marketing manager, Badawi Mall, explained, the initiative has been carefully tailored to meet the needs of both residents and tourists and it also coincided with the Holy Month of Ramadan. “We have seen a steady increase in footfall, starting from the second quarter of [the year], an increase of more than four percent in June compared to the same period [in 2012],” revealed Shraim.
ADAC: Double-digit Passenger Number Increase Abu Dhabi International Airport handled over 7.9 million passengers in the first half of the year, marking a 12.6 percent year-on-year growth, while aircraft movements rose 10.4 percent to 65,072 flights. The top five destinations with the highest passenger traffic were Bangkok, London Heathrow, Doha, Jeddah, and Manila, while India recorded the largest traffic increase, followed by Saudi Arabia, Germany, Thailand, and Doha. According to Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), the continuous significant growth at the airport is directly impacted by the aggressive expansion plans of the hub carrier, Etihad Airways, and the increase in the number of partnerships with international carriers.
Abu Dhabi International Airport
4
MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel COPY EDITOR
Gulf Air: Region’s Most Punctual Airline FlightStats has named Gulf Air the region’s most punctual full-service carrier for the first half of the year, after recording an average on-time performance (OTP) of over 90 percent.
Stefanie Saghbini SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli
I
PRESS
n addition, Bahrain’s national carrier also ranked second globally among major full-service carriers for OTP in June. “It is a significant achievement for Gulf Air to be [...] one of only two international airlines delivering over 90 percent of their flights on time in June,” commented Maher Salman Al Musallam, acting CEO, Gulf Air, who attributed the achievement to the
Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Derek Lainsbury DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS
hard work of the operations and ground staff across the airline’s network and its fleet, one of the youngest fleets in the region at 4.9 years. “Improving operational efficiency for our passengers is a key element of the restructuring strategy and further evidence that we remain on-track to realising both our financial and operational goals,” concluded Al Musallam.
T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466
Jazeera Airways Increases Market Share
WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS
Jazeera Airways once again grabbed leading market shares on routes serving Beirut, Amman, Sharm El Sheikh, Assiut, Luxor, Sohag, Dubai, and Bahrain, according to the low-cost carrier’s operational performance report for June. Jazeera Airways has proven to be the leading airline for the third consecutive month on the Kuwait-Amman route, on which passenger numbers rose 22 percent year-on-year. In addition, on the Kuwait-Beirut route, the carrier’s market share increased 16 percent, while flown passenger volume was up 42 percent. Likewise, the carrier was also the leading airlines on flights between Kuwait and Sohag, with a 34 percent rise in flown passengers, while the airline posted a 17 percent surge in passengers volumes on the Kuwait-Cairo route.
info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
09/08/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
6.99
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,511.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
105.7
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.63
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.36
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
24,814.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.55
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
80.98
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.26
The Rezidor Hotel Group: 1,800 Rooms Signed in Q2
T
he Rezidor Hotel Group signed 11 hotels boasting some 1,800 rooms in the second quarter (Q2) of the year, while during the same period the company opened three new properties with 450 keys and extended three other hotels with 350 units. As Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group, highlighted, both the openings and signings continue to reflect
the company’s focus on profitable, asset-light growth in the emerging markets of Russia and the CIS countries as well as Africa and in selected focus markets like Turkey. Following the recent launch of Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Pera, the group is set to unveil yet another Radisson Blu-branded property in Istanbul later this year, in line with its long-term goal of further strengthening its presence in key destinations across Turkey. 10 AUGUST 2013
WEEKLY NEWS Qatar Airways Holidays Expands in GCC Qatar Airways Holidays is further strengthening its presence in the region with the launch of new dedicated outlets. Following the opening of new holiday shops in Dubai and Kuwait, the airline’s leisure division continues its expansion in Bahrain, Muscat, Dammam, and Riyadh, providing customers with the option to book their holidays with a one-stop convenient, in-person service. Commenting on the launch of the outlets, Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “Many of our customers look for expert advice and assistance when deciding how to best plan their vacation and our aim is to make their holidays memorable and enjoyable by providing support and quality customer care throughout the entire booking service.”
BAC Treats its Partners to Ghabga Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), the authority responsible for operating and managing Bahrain International Airport, recently hosted a Ghabga at the Ramadan tent at The RitzCarlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa for its stakeholders in the private and public sectors. The event served a token of appreciation for the continuous support of BAC’s partners in ensuring efficient and secure passenger and cargo movements at the airport. Mohamed Yousif Al-Binfalah, CEO, BAC, greeted the guests, including senior officials from organisations in the country’s private and public sectors, such as Ministry of Transportation, Civil Aviation Authority, Bahrain Airport Services, and the Bahrain Aviation Fuelling Company, just to name a few.
Ghabga at the Ramadan tent
10 AUGUST 2013
Abu Dhabi: Hotel Guest Figures up 12 Percent Abu Dhabi recorded a 12 percent year-on-year rise in the number of guests staying in its 145 hotels and hotel apartments in the first half of the year. During the six-month period, more than 1.3 million guests checked into the emirate’s hotels and hotel apartments delivering over 4.2 million guest nights, up 25 percent, while the average length of stay surged 12 percent to 3.17 nights, translating into an occupancy rate of 71 percent, marking an increase of eight percent. While domestic tourism continued to be Abu Dhabi’s largest single catchment, India occupied the top slot as the destination’s largest overseas source market, having jumped 22 percent on 2012, equivalent to 80,179 visitors. Thus UK toppled into second place, while Germany remained in third. Meanwhile, Russians are proving to be the emirate’s longest staying guests, checking in for an average of just over six nights.
5
6
WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
KFH-Bahrain Signs Finance Agreement with Banader Company Banader Hotels has signed a BHD18 million (USD47.74 million) project finance deal with Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain) to fund the completion of the stalled Banader Rotana Hotel development. Construction works on the 28-storey property, which will feature a hotel along with furnished apartments, has already commenced.
According to Abdulla Buhindi, chairman, Banader Hotels, this funding will provide the finance to resume work on the project which is conveniently located in the centre of the capital, Manama. “It aims to provide high-end hotel services in accordance with international standards. Upon completion, the hotel will be managed and run by a specialised and well-known company,” added Buhindi.
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa to Open in September
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa
Anantara Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa is scheduled to welcome its first guests on September 15, marking Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas’ debut in Dubai. Located on the eastern crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the beach resort will bring the renowned Thai hospitality to Dubai just 45 minutes by car from Dubai International. Set amidst tropical landscaping, the property will feature 293 rooms and villas, boasting views of the lagoons or The Palm, along with an array of private villas, private 400m beach, infinity pool, three winding lagoons with floating market-style boats, two fully equipped gyms and tennis courts, the brand’s signature Anantara Spa, and a selection of food and beverage outlets.
10 AUGUST 2013
Accommodation
Kazakhstan to Welcome Park Inn property in 2014 Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced Park Inn by Radisson Almaty Airport, Kazakhstan; a mid-market property featuring 133 keys, scheduled to welcome its first guests in the last quarter of 2014. This addition is set to strengthen the hospitality giant’s portfolio in the country, which includes a Radisson Blu property while a Park Inn by Radisson hotel is currently under development in Astana. “Russia and the further CIS countries are one of our most important regions for future business development. These emerging markets offer considerable potential for asset-light and profitable growth, and we aim to strengthen and extend our presence across the area,” said Wolfgang Neumann, president, The Rezidor Hotel Group. The new property, located adjacent to the airport’s terminal building, will also offer an all-day dining restaurant, a bar, and modern meetings and events space, which will include a 200m² ballroom and a 240m² pre-function area, among others.
WEEKLY NEWS
Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & Spa: Positive Outlook
7
Clean up at Park Inn by Radisson Muscat
Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & Spa
The five-star Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & Spa, part of Paloma Hotels, continues to welcome guests from all over the world. As Erman Yakar, sales representative, Renaissance Antalya Beach Resort & Spa, explained, the 347-room hotel, set between the Mediterranean Sea and the Taurus Mountains, provides high-quality services at competitive prices. Listing Western Europe and the UK as the resort’s main source markets, Yakar stated that Turkey’s tourism industry is set to continue its strong momentum, as it is continuously improving. “Turkey is an ideal holiday destination with the best affordable services,” he claimed.
Park Inn by Radisson Muscat has took on the initiative to clean up the hotel’s surrounding as part of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s ‘Think Planet’ programme. The clean-up day not only helped maintain the property’s vicinity but also encouraged the staff to get involved and gain more knowledge in taking care of the environment. Over the past years, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat has merited responsible business through various efforts and the hotel also holds the international ‘Green Key’ certification. “We are dedicated to prolong what has been started. The hotel wants to further demonstrate to our staff, clients, suppliers, and owners, the significance and importance of a strong group-wide environmental strategy,” stressed Rabih Zein, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat.
Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers Sets the Skyline Alight
Fairmont Baku
10 AUGUST 2013
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, the luxury brand’s first development in Azerbaijan. The new 36-floor property, opening initially with 140 rooms and suites, is set to feature 318 spacious well-appointed guestrooms upon completion, as well as suites and apartments, all with views of the city of Baku, the old Inner City or the Caspian Sea. Commenting on its Arab clientele, Adrian Ellis, general manager, Fairmont Baku, Flame Towers, said that the majority of business from the Middle East is likely to be corporate, driven by the oil and gas sectors. He ensured that the team at the property will endeavour to cater to the needs of Middle East customers by appropriate accommodation for VIP guests as well as families, Halal menu, and in-room Quibla and prayer mats, among others.
8
WEEKLY NEWS
International
Protea Hotels Announces Early Completion Protea Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris on Kwazulu Natal’s north coast in South Africa has moved up its refurbishment timetable and is due to finish the makeover of all its rooms by mid-September rather than November as initially announced. “The decision was taken by the owner Hospitality Property Fund (HPF) to accelerate the construction programme in light of the increased bookings being received for the summer season as well as the school holidays,” said Andrew Rogers, CEO, HPF, adding that the result of this revised and shorter project timeline will mean that guests will be able to enjoy the worldclass bedroom experience even sooner than previously proposed. Additionally, the renovation will introduce a number of new innovations into the guestrooms and adopts leading environmental practices available on the market.
Amanresorts Enters Vietnam Luxury hotel group, Amanresorts, made its debut in Vietnam with Amano’i; a contemporary beachside resort situated northeast of Ho Chi Minh City on the coast of Nui Chua National Park. Guest accommodation at Amano’i includes 31 pavilions, offering a combined living and sleeping area, a timber sundeck with sun loungers, while some feature private swimming pools. Other amenities include a king-size bed, sofa, writing desk, LCD TV with international channels, sound docking system, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, and espresso machine. Moreover, the resort’s five Aman Villas are positioned on the hillside each offering striking views, four or five free-standing bedroom pavilions, as well as living and dining pavilions, and a large swimming pool. The launch of Amano’i offers guests the opportunity to journey between four Aman resorts in four southeast Asian countries including Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos.
Amano'i Pool Pavilion Terrace
Dusit International to Launch Singapore Resort Laguna Hospitality and Dusit International have announced the signing of a joint venture agreement with the intention of bringing a Dusit Thani urban golf resort to Singapore. Located within the grounds of the 36-hole Laguna National Golf and Country Club, operated by Laguna Hospitality, the property will include some 200 guestrooms, four dining and entertainment outlets, events spaces, and recreational facilities, and is said to be one of the first resorts in Singapore with direct access to a golf club. Only five minutes from Changi International Airport and approximately 20 minutes from the Central Business District, the hotel is expected to attract corporate/MICE and leisure travellers, as well as the club’s membership base. The project, slated to open at the end of 2015, is contingent upon relevant government approvals and licensing.
10 AUGUST 2013
International
Le Méridien Returns to Southern California Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced the return of Le Méridien Hotels to Southern California with Le Méridien Delfina Santa Monica set to debut this autumn, after a transformation of Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel, owned by Pebblebrook Hotel Trust and managed by Viceroy Hotel Group. With an altered brand positioning and strong performance numbers, Le Méridien is poised for expansive growth as the company continues to see increased interest among owners, especially around conversions, explained Allison Reid, senior vice president, development, North America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
9
InterContinental Sydney Double Bay to Open Soon Singaporean-based Royal Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) have signed a management agreement for the 140-room Double Bay hotel, situated on Sydney’s famed site. Following a multi-million dollar refurbishment of all guest rooms and public areas, the property is set to reopen as InterContinental Sydney Double Bay in January 2014. Bobby Hiranandani, director, Royal Hotels expressed his excitement for relaunching the hotel and becoming a member of the InterContinental family. “We selected IHG as our partner for this hotel based on the strength of the InterContinental brand both here and worldwide, and its proven ability to deliver premium returns on the assets that bear its name,” he said. Facilities will include a 300-person ballroom, meeting spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, Club InterContinental, rooftop pool and bar, as well as a ground floor arcade anticipated to include a health club or day spa as well as retail space.
Signing of InterContinental Syndey Double Bay
BWI: 13 Hotels in West Africa Best Western International (BWI) has added three new hotels to its West African portfolio and plans to open another five properties, bringing the company’s regional portfolio to 13 hotels. BEST WESTERN PLUS Ajuji Hotel, BWI’s first hotel in Nigeria’s capital city, features 104 rooms, while BEST WESTERN Starfire Hotel in Lagos offers 40 units, and BEST WESTERN PLUS Atlantic Hotel Takoradi in Ghana’s ‘oil city’ comprises 200 keys. “We see West Africa as one of the global hotbeds for hotel development and these three exciting new properties are a major step forward in our efforts to expand throughout that region,” said Suzi Yoder, vice president, international operations, BWI, adding that the company can offer developers a globally recognised brand and the flexibility of three unique hotel types, namely BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS and BEST WESTERN PREMIER, which Yoder believes, gives BWI a leg up when it comes to expanding into emerging African markets.
10 AUGUST 2013
WEEKLY NEWS
Four Seasons Enters South Africa Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts continues to expand its presence in Africa, having signed a long-term management agreement with the owners of The Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg, South Africa. The iconic property was closed on June 30 to undergo significant enhancements including renovations in order to reopen as Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg, in the second quarter of 2014. Upon re-launching, the property will be home to new restaurant and bar concepts, while it will also include a brand new spa, fitness centre, and outdoor pool featuring worldclass amenities. Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg marks the latest expansion of Four Seasons into sub-Saharan Africa. In 2012 the company opened Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti, Tanzania. “Having a property in Johannesburg, the gateway to the whole of southern Africa, is essential as we explore opportunities for growth in South Africa, and across the continent,” said Scott Woroch, executive vice president, worldwide development, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
10
WEEKLY NEWS
Air
Air Seychelles-Etihad Airways Expand to Kuwait Air Seychelles has announced the expansion of its codeshare partnership with Etihad Airways for travel to Kuwait over Abu Dhabi, which will see the two carriers offer 10 return flights per week from the Middle Eastern country to Seychelles, including a daily service. “Kuwait is [...] home to a growing and developing outbound leisure market. Guests can now purchase flights to Kuwait on one ticket, making for a simpler and more seamless journey,” commented Cramer Ball, CEO, Air Seychelles, adding that targeting the region for expansion comes naturally considering visitor arrivals from the Gulf are up 23 percent from 2012. “We are confident these new flights [...] will stimulate further growth from the region, providing a new source of revenue for the airline as well as the local tourist economy,” he added.
Air Arabia Touches Down in Ha’il Air Arabia has commenced operations to Ha’il, the carrier’s ninth destination in Saudi Arabia. The new service between Sharjah International Airport and the historic, oasis city is being operated three times a week. Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, described Saudi Arabia as a key focus market for the airline, which aims to further expand its operations in the Kingdom. “At Air Arabia, we are committed to ensuring flexibility and convenience for our customers travelling on all our routes. Adding Ha’il to our significant network further reinforces this commitment,” he continued. The added flights complement Air Arabia’s existing Saudi operations to Riyadh, Jeddah, Medina, Dammam, Qassim, Yanbu, Taif, and Abha, making it the leading low-cost carrier operating in the Kingdom. Air Arabia
Emirates to Expand Presence in Eastern Europe Emirates has unveiled its expansion plans for Eastern Europe, with the launch of daily services to Kyiv Boryspil International Airport, Kiev, as of January 16, 2014, thus marking its entry in Ukraine. Operated by an Airbus A340-500, offering 12 private suites in first class, 42 deeply reclining business class seats, and 204 economy class seats, the new flight will provide convenient global connections via Dubai, to the country’s population of 45 million. “Kiev will be our 35th passenger route in Europe and Emirates’ customers in Ukraine will be able to fly non-stop to our Dubai hub and conveniently connect onwards to destinations in the Indian Ocean islands and Asia, in addition to our extensive Australian network, courtesy of our partnership with Qantas,” said Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, west, Emirates. Kiev
Emirates Ramps up Barcelona Services Following the Dubai-Barcelona route’s successful launch in July 2012, Emirates plans to commence a daily Airbus A380 flight to the Spanish city, effective from February 1, 2014. The airline’s new 517-seat operation, the first permanent Airbus A380 service to fly into Barcelona-El Prat Airport, will replace the currently deployed Boeing 777-300ER, offering 2,198 additional seats per week, and boosting capacity by almost 44 percent. Hubert Frach, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, west, Emirates, described Barcelona as one of the airline’s most successful new destinations of 2012. The Emirates Airbus A380 currently serves a total of 21 destinations globally with a further four destinations to launch in the next six months including Brisbane, Los Angeles, Mauritius, and Zurich.
10 AUGUST 2013
WHO'S MOVED
Christophe Schnyder Christophe Schnyder has been appointed general manager of Sofitel The Palm Dubai Resort & Spa. Having worked at renowned properties such as The Waldorf Astoria New York and The Peninsula New York, Schnyder has gained invaluable international experience. His previous assignments have also taken
him to Turkey and Cyprus before returning to his native Switzerland and moving later to the UAE. Schnyder’s experience includes the pre-opening of Burj Al Arab in Dubai where he later became the hotel manager, and he also served as general manager of Al Qasr and Dar Al Masyaf at Jumeirah Madinat.
Ahmed Khalaf Ahmed Khalaf has assumed the position of general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano. He was promoted after serving as hotel manager at Four Seasons Hotel Doha and Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza. Khalaf has been part of the Four Seasons family for more than 13 years. He started as front office manager at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at First Residence, before becoming the director of rooms as Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile
10 AUGUST 2013
Plaza, where he developed extensive leadership skills and managerial insight that made him perfect to take on the responsibilities of hotel manager. With his 26 years of experience and broad operational knowledge, Khalaf brings a wealth of expertise and regional exposure to the role.
Khalaf has been part of the Four Seasons family for more than 13 years
11
Bugra Berberoglu Bugra Berberoglu has taken on the position of senior vice president of regional operations for India, Middle East and Africa at Kempinski. Berberoglu was promoted after serving as general manager at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi. He has been with the company since 2004, when he was appointed general manager of
Kempinski Hotel N'Djamena in Chad. He later held the same position at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea and was also the area director for the Levant, before moving to Abu Dhabi. In his new position, he will spearhead Kempinski’s operations and expansion which is expected to double the company’s regional portfolio by 2015.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
12
Ali Al Hammadi
Atef Elias
Deputy managing director, Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC).
General manager, Grand Millennium Al Wahda.
“We are proud to be awarded the Pearl 3 Certificate [by the Urban Planning Council as part of its Estidama Pearl Building Rating System] for the Louvre Abu Dhabi, a first for any of our projects. This accomplishment highlights TDIC’s commitment to sustainable development, through the use of best environmental practices and materials across all its projects in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.”
“Grand Millennium Al Wahda is pleased to receive a Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence. We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive traveller reviews on Tripadvisor.”
We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience
Vikas Choudhery
Wael El Behi
Director of sales and marketing, Le Méridien Dubai.
General manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai.
“Through [the Iftar for Cabs] initiative we are given an opportunity to give something back to the community. It is a great way to uphold the spirit of Ramadan by supporting people who support the hotel throughout the year.”
[Iftar for Cabs] is a great way to uphold the spirit of Ramadan
“Ramadan is a special time of the year when we need to focus on community and charity works in addition to fasting and prayer. At Ramada Downtown, we aim to actively contribute to the community that has been very supportive of us, both to our business and to our families so in the spirit of Ramadan we are getting everyone involved by donating items that will be useful to those in need.”
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
10 AUGUST 2013
AGENT'S CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Roger Abboud POSITION: Tourism manager COMPANY: Ariane Travel & Tourism LOCATION: Lebanon WEB: www.arianetravel.com Who are you? I am Roger Abboud, tourism manager at Ariane Travel & Tourism, which was established in 1991 and has since grown to become one of the leading travel agencies in the Lebanese market and one of the top producers on major airlines and in hotel reservations. Our combination of professional and personalised treatment made us earn the trust of many clients in addition to a major number of both national and international corporate accounts. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? The best thing about working in the travel industry is that it is in constant change and the most important thing is that you can never get bored of your job as there are always different types of requests that give you a new challenge. When is the best time to visit Lebanon? Lebanon can be visited in summer and winter time as it has a combination of ski and beach resorts in addition to a nightlife that could go anywhere from very calm, upscale, and classy, to very wild, depending on people’s tastes. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? My personal best vacation spot is the Maldives, however, I travel to Paphos, Cyprus, each year as it is closer and by far more affordable. Why should people come to you for travel advice? In addition to having over 20 years of expertise and professionalism, we treat all our clients’ requests in a very personalised manner tailoring all their needs and demands so that their trip, whether for business or for leisure, is exactly as they want it to be.
10 AUGUST 2013
13
Travelport: Growth Expected in European Travel Travelport has released a new research into the European-managed travel sector, with findings from PhoCusWright revealing growth across the continent, as well as tighter use of corporate policy, and significant changes in consumer behaviour. A new type of consumer is emerging and it demands more online access to travel bookings, according to the study, which also concluded that this generation of corporate travellers are increasingly using mobile technology to shop, look, amend, and book on the move, with mobile bookings expected to gain traction this year and beyond. The survey also revealed that against a backdrop of aus-
terity, European low-cost carriers are expanding their networks while some full-service carriers are contracting. “Online booking trends are significantly evolved, as is the use of mobile to ‘consumerise’ the business traveller experience. Travelport Mobile Agent has achieved more downloads in the UK than any other location, and low-cost carriers, such as easyJet, are now regularly booked alongside traditional scheduled carriers in the GDS (global distribution system), through Travelport Aggregated Shopping,” explained Simon Ferguson, regional director, UK and Ireland, Travelport.
Amadeus: Technology Empowers the Travel Industry Amadeus has shed light on the impact technology has had on online travel at the recently held Arab Aviation and Media Summit 2013. As Antoine Medawar, vice president, MENA, Amadeus, highlighted, today’s traveller has taken a leading role in the booking process and the customer is now constantly looking for ways to save time, money, and the effort that goes into planning and booking a trip. Entitled ‘Travelling online - influence of technology and social media on modern travel’, the panel discussion brought together experts from the technology, tourism, as well as media landscapes to share their views on the latest trends in the industry and the role of technology in driving competition along with consumer demand. “Undoubtedly, technological innovation is the enabler facilitating online travel bookings and should be deployed to streamline and enhance the consumer experience,” concluded Medawar.
14
TRAVEL CHANNELS
Tyler: Unleash Aviation’s Potential Tony Tyler, director general, International Air Transport Association (IATA), has stressed that an array of government policies will have to be adjusted in order for aviation to continue progressing.
D
elivering the Beaumont Lecture at the Royal Aeronautical Society, under the theme ‘The Power of Flight’, in memory of Major Kenneth Beaumont, one of the founding fathers of aviation law, Tyler underlined that governments have created a wholly unique, legal, and regulatory regime for airlines; one which, he highlighted, seems almost intentionally designed to prevent airlines from partaking fully of the global economic revolution they themselves have done so much to facilitate. “The unique, legal, and regulatory structure imposed on international aviation limits its ability to create and respond to market opportunities that are largely due to the connectivity provided by aviation,” he further remarked, adding that simply put, governments have refused to let go of the reins even as they have shed their ownership stakes and proclaimed aviation to be a deregulated activity subject to the forces of the marketplace. “We must not lose our enthusiasm. […]
Aviation is a powerful force for good in this world, connecting people to markets, bringing commercial opportunities to the developing world, and enabling greater understanding among cultures. Aviation is a powerful force for good in this world, connecting people to markets, bringing commercial opportunities to the developing world, and enabling greater understanding among cultures. We must tell governments: ‘We can do even more, if you will only let us’,” Tyler attested.
SMD Celebrates with Orphans As part of Sharjah Museums Department (SMD)’s ‘Because We Care’ social responsibility initiative (SRI), which focuses on activities that foster social goods and benefit the museums as well as the community at large, 40 orphans were invited to the Sharjah Science Museum where SMD hosted an Iftar banquet for the second consecutive year. The event, which was attended by employees from various divisions along with their families, comes in line with SMD’s strategy to build and strengthen social relationships of its employees and their families. “Our objective is to embrace social responsibility and encourage a positive impact through various SRI activities involving all the members of the community. It is a pleasure to be hosting this annual event for the children and create a much needed atmosphere of fun and togetherness for them,” noted Manal Ataya, director general, SMD.
Iftar Banquet
VISIT FLORIDA Partners with Google Maps
Bathtub Reef Beach, Florida
A team from VISIT FLORIDA, the US state’s official tourism marketing corporation, recently began a four-month venture to capture images of the state’s 1,300km of beaches using Google’s Street View Trekker technology. The 360-degree images will be integrated into Google Maps, enabling potential visitors to experience interactive views of Florida’s beaches before they even leave home. “Partnering with Google Maps to document the beauty and diversity of Florida’s beaches and coastline using this amazing technology will allow people to see parts of the sunshine state they may never have discovered on their own,” commented Will Seccombe, president, VISIT FLORIDA.
10 AUGUST 2013
RENDEZVOUS
15
Q & A with Nicolas Borg As bilateral relations between the Middle East and Sudan continue to improve and broaden, Nicolas Borg, general manager, Corinthia Hotel Khartoum, talks about the recent developments and what the future holds for the region’s tourism industry.
Travel Trade Weekly: How would you describe your clientele? Nicolas Borg: Undoubtedly Corinthia Hotel Khartoum is firmly established as the leading hotel in the city. Its magnificent architecture comprising of a sleek tall building with different facets from every angle and the optimisation of natural light enabling guests from any of the hotel levels to savour the open vistas of the blue and white Nile makes it not only a prominent but also outstanding building. [...] The clientele that we attract is varied. We host business travellers from local and foreign corporate companies, guests from non-governmental organisations, government, and diplomatic missions, as well as the avid leisure seekers wanting to harbour in a hotel of distinction before or after arduous trips to the far and beyond beauties of Sudan. We also host a whole array of nationalities. We get European and Far Eastern travellers seeking accommodation of an international standing. We also get people from the GCC area, Middle East, and the UAE who are acquainted to luxury and opulence. We have also become the favoured hotel for African nations particularly travellers visiting on official businesses. Travel Trade Weekly: In a bid to attract more travellers from the GCC region, the management also participated in the Arabian Travel Market (ATM). What was your experience like? Nicolas Borg: ATM is fast becoming a platform that any accommodation provider needs to visit. This especially applies for hotels in the GCC, African, and Middle East regions. It is an arena where our key business pro-
10 AUGUST 2013
Nicolas Borg General manager, Corinthia Hotel Khartoum.
GCC. As the government and the private sector keep working towards attracting business ventures we shall keep seeing an increase of this potential key market. We also see the benefits of multiplier effect coming from spin off ventures which will all involve travel and the need for hotel accommodation. Travel Trade Weekly: Over the past few years, traffic between Sudan and the Middle East has increased significantly. What are the main reasons behind this phenomenon?
viders meet and exhibit their products. These range from global online operators, airlines, online travel agents, and more. Furthermore, the work-shops organised to keep the industry players updated with the latest information on business trends and technology is a must. The ATM has also served us to expose our product further and to also engage in a number of interesting public relations and media activities. With 55 percent of our business originating from the GCC and Middle East regions, ATM is a must and an activity that leaves both tangible and intangible yet important results. The GCC is an increasingly important market for Khartoum as it attributes to more than half of the business we cater for. The government in Sudan is promoting the country for foreign investment and trade and the first protagonists to venture into this virtually untapped market comes from the
Nicolas Borg: There are various aspects that influence the influx of travellers from the Middle East into Sudan. This includes close business and political ties with the key countries and regions, the potential of the local market itself, and the recent initiatives to create an environment which is more conducive to do business. Furthermore, issues relating to airline accessibility have also been addressed and the air routes coming from the region are quite well serviced and they continue to grow. [...] Without a shadow of a doubt the future looks bright and the Middle East has become and will remain a key feeder market into Sudan. It is believed that the catalysts and pioneers in the various industries, particularly in telecommunications, mining, and other natural resource explorations [such as] agriculture and education, will establish themselves and grow. This in itself will stimulate interest, further growth, and investment. We also feel that as trade develops, the infrastructure of the country will keep improving and specialised enterprises will require specialised and skilled workers and professional people particularly engineers.
16
NEWS & EVENTS
FITUR 2014: Adapting to the Industry
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hits the Road in Moscow
The International Tourism Trade Fair (FITUR) will once again open the international travel trade fair calendar in 2014, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and visitors. This year, nearly 9,000 companies and 200,000 visitors took part in the event, and preparations are already underway for the 34th edition of the show, to be held between January 22 - January 26 at Feria de Madrid, to effectively adapt to the industry’s needs and ensure that participants can take full advantage of these five days. Specialised sections that the fair has successfully developed at recent years include FITUR Know How & Export, FITURTECH, FITURGREEN, and Receptivo España (Inbound Spain), while other forums include INVESTOUR Africa, INVESTOUR Americas, and the hosted buyers programme.
The organisers of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix recently homed in on the Russian market at Moscow City Racing, a twoday motorsport festival, where the destination and event promotion proved to be highly popular among the visitors. To highlight the UAE capital’s credentials as an attractive destination, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) mounted two promotional tents, which, according to Edward Grigoriev, manager, Russia and CIS, TCA Abu Dhabi, received some 9,500 visitors during the event. “Lots of them took part in our great quiz for the chance to win the two tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With 2,500 entries for our VisitAbuDhabi subscription competition and more than 7,000 fliers and brochures given away, we expect great interest in the destination,” noted Grigoriev, adding that by offering all visitors the chance to be photographed with a falcon, have henna applied to their hands, and taste Arabic delicacies, race-goers found the atmosphere exciting and the crowds just kept coming.
EVENTS Food and Hospitality Oman Muscat, Oman, September 2 – 4, 2013 (www.foodandhospitalityoman.com) The event showcases a comprehensive range of services in the international food, beverage, and hotel industries.
Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show Birmingham, UK, September 18 – 19, 2013 (www.leisureshow.com) One of Britain’s biggest annual group travel events with 200 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors.
MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 6 – 8, 2013 (www.mattafair.org.my) Malaysia’s premier travel extravaganza providing global exposure and endless business opportunities.
World Tourism Day (WTD) 2013 Maldives, September 27, 2013 (wtd.unwto.org) This year, WTD is being held under the theme ‘Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future’.
International Meetings Industry and Business Travel Exhibition & Conference (MIBEXPO) Moscow, Russia, September 17 – 20, 2013 (www.mibexpo.ru) Dedicated to the most important issues of the business travel industry.
The Hotel Show Dubai, UAE, September 28 – 30, 2013 (www.thehotelshow.com) Now in its 14th year, this show is a key meeting place for leading suppliers and buyers.
10 AUGUST 2013