Travel Trade Weekly Issue 171

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16 FEBRUARY 2013

ISSUE 171

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16 FEBRUARY 2013

ISSUE 171

Nakheel Mall and The Pointe Unveiled Nakheel is to commence work on two major projects; Nakheel Mall and The Pointe entertainment complex.

Concorde Fujairah Hotel has joined Mourouj Hospitality Management’s growing portfolio of hotels.

06 British Airways to Increase Amman Frequency As of March 31, British Airways will be adding an extra four flights per week to and from Amman, increasing operations from daily to 11 per week.

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

02 03 04 07 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Mourouj Hospitality Management Takes over Concorde Fujairah Hotel

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RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Rupprecht Queitsch Officially recognised as the world’s tallest hotel, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai is only 26m short of the Empire State Building, however, its height is just one of the reasons why it stands out, as Rupprecht Queitsch, general manager, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, reveals.

Travel Trade Weekly: How well has the hotel performed since its opening in November 2012?

Rupprecht Queitsch General manager, JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai

Rupprecht Queitsch: The past two months have been very positive with stronger-thanpredicted occupancy for a newly opened hotel.

We have seen a great diversity of guests attending meetings and conferences here as well as travelling on business. It is hugely encouraging to see that such a mix of international visitors have chosen to stay at the flagship JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai suggesting we have made a strong mark in lots of international markets. We have also received some excellent comments on our restaurants which we have been progressively opening throughout this period.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your main target markets?

Rupprecht Queitsch: Every source market is important for us and our hotel sales team and global sales teams have been working hard over the past six months to ensure that our message is communicated. We have successfully announced that the JW Marriott Marquis in Dubai provides associations, corporate organisations, PCOs (professional congress organisers), business, and leisure travellers with a superb and unique product in this market.

Consequently we have received a multitude of enquiries from all over the world.

Travel Trade Weekly: Based on statistics, Dubai hotels concluded 2012 with the highest profits in the MENA region for the third consecutive year. What do you think

are the main reasons behind the destination’s continuous success?

Rupprecht Queitsch: I think there are a number of factors which contribute to Dubai’s booming hotel industry. The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing works very hard to raise the profile of Dubai as a destination for the convention, business and leisure business and we work closely with them on these campaigns and sales trips.

Emirates continues to develop new destinations and increase the number of flights to our key source markets that we are also targeting for convention business so there is real synergy between us and we work to common goals.

Another contribution to the destination’s success is its strategic geographical location on the global axis between East and West.

One third of the world’s population is actu-

ally within four to five hours flying time from Dubai. Coupled with the diversity of Dubai as a destination, the highly developed facilities here ensure it is bound for continued success.

Other impressive hotels are due to open here in the coming year but I see this as a positive for the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai.

The more tourism we can attract to Dubai, the more aware the world is of the destination.

I recently had a group here staying at the JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai from the US and they were very impressed with what the destination has to offer and the ease of access.

Education and continued activity is required to ensure even more potential customers are made aware of these facts and what a great destination Dubai is for doing business and for leisure.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your expectations for the coming months?

Rupprecht Queitsch: We have high expectations for the current year because in addition to serving the luxury business traveller, the hotel is targeting the lucrative and increasingly important MICE market, which currently does not have a hotel of sufficient scale to host such large groups. We are the first hotel in Dubai with the capacity to host 1,000 guests to sleep, dine, and do business in one convenient location.

In addition to this, we have a stunning and spacious hotel which offers affordable luxury to discerning guests, a myriad of choice in restaurants and lounges and a prime location in the heart of Dubai with the World Trade Centre, beach, Down Town, and the Burj Khalifa just a stone’s throw away.

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WEEKLY NEWS Travelport and Al Tayyar Group Join Forces Travelport and Al Tayyar Travel Group, one of the largest travel companies in Saudi Arabia, have signed of a new multi-year deal, under which Travelport will expand its current business with the Kingdom’s travel giant.

Nasser bin Aqeel Al Tayyar, president, Al Tayyar Travel Group, recently paid a visit to Dubai where the partnership was signed, under which the two companies have committed to developing Saudi Arabia’s travel and tourism industry by providing skills training, developing the expertise of local travel professionals, driving the recruitment of young Saudis in the industry, and promoting tourism initiatives in the Kingdom on a global level.

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3

Hertz Partners with Transworld

DEPE Merges into DTCM

The Hertz Corporation has announced the appointment of Transworld Company as its general sales agent in Kuwait, aiming to grow outbound car rental reservations worldwide.

The partnership will build upon the growing number of outbound car rentals from Kuwait, with the US, Germany, France and Switzerland topping the list of global destinations for Hertz Kuwait customers in 2012. Meanwhile, the outbound GCC market witnessed the highest growth year-on-year for Hertz Kuwait.

According to Michel Taride, executive vice president, The Hertz Corporation, this deal will build upon the longstanding history the car rental company has built in Kuwait.

The Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) has been annexed to the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing, according to a new law amending a previous one from 2009, issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in this capacity as ruler of Dubai.

The law aims to enable DEPE to revitalise Dubai’s tourism industry, especially shopping tourism, and boost the institution’s role in promoting various economic sectors and unifying policies, planning consensus and programmes in a bid to further strengthen the destination’s position as a regional and international hub for organising events and festivals.

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MARKET UPDATE

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

MEA: Over 15,000 New Rooms in 2012 During 2012, the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region’s hotel industry opened a total of 68 hotels with 15,735 rooms.

JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou Maria Kazeli

B

ased on data compiled by STR Global, the upper scale segment added the largest number of new rooms, with 3,600 units in 10 properties, followed by the luxury segment, with 3,508 keys in 11 hotels, and the upscale segment with 3,467

SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS

rooms in 16 properties.

The largest increase of new units was recorded from the mid-scale segment, rising 79.5 percent over 2011 levels with 10 hotels and 1,431 rooms. On the contrary, the economy segment witnessed the smallest number of new rooms with 242 units in two properties.

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

Etihad Airways: Another Profitable Year Etihad Airways recorded yet another profitable year, following its maiden profit of USD14 million in 2011.

Making the announcement during his keynote address at the 15th Annual Global Airfinance Conference in Dublin, James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, explained that the company’s focus on cost control and the creation of value and scale have been vital to the carrier’s expansion and to make 2012 another successful year.

Hogan also spoke about the airline’s strong financial portfolio with over USD6.5 billion in funding from more than 50 financial institutions across the world, and indicated that there would be a continued focus on diverse sources and residual value risk.

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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

15/02/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.73

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,504.00

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

70.88

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.55

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.36

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

12,285.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.31

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

78.35

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.26

Kuwait: F&B Revenues Drive GOPPAR Growth

D

espite a softening leisure demand, a continued rise in food and beverage (F&B) revenues contributed to increased gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) of 5.2 percent in Kuwait’s hotel sector, as TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest HotStats survey for December 2012, revealed.

Monthly performance indicators showed marginal changes in occupancy, albeit with a 0.1 percentage point improvement to 53.8 percent. A severe reduction in group rates caused an average room rate and RevPAR

Choco Café, Hotel Missoni Kuwait

drop of 9.9 percent and 9.7 percent respectively, however, substantial increases in F&B revenues enhanced total RevPAR by 11.2 percent, lifting profits up 15.1 percent.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Riyadh’s Shopping Tourism Exceeds USD117.3 Million The mid-term school break, which ended in the last week of January, saw Riyadh’s shopping tourism soar.

The city’s commercial malls and shopping arcades, which represent the most attractive elements for tourism, were flocking with visitors, while many of them organised tourist events, enticing shows, and children games.

According to SCTA’s Tourism Information and Research Centre, local tourists who shopped in the Saudi capital during 2011, spent over SAR665 million (USD177.3 million).

Abdul Rahman bin Essa Al Jassas, executive director, Riyadh branch, SCTA, underlined that shopping, business, and cultural tourism in the city are the key fronts of tourism elements in terms of number of tourists and the extent of tourist expenditures.

Bahrain: Tourism Sector Set To Rise Two-fold by 2021 Multi-billion dollar infrastructure investments and a diverse range of events have put Bahrain’s travel and tourism sector on track to contribute 17.4 percent to GDP by 2021.

The Kingdom’s proximity to Saudi Arabia, business pedigree, and international sporting and leisure attractions remain key factors in driving future tourism receipts, as Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, highlighted.

“Bahrain’s tourism mix covers multiple sectors from business travellers to leisure visitors entering via the King Fahd Causeway, which links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia, and international sports fans attending the annual F1 Grand Prix; and it is exactly this diverse market segmentation that is driving new demand and opportunities, supported by initiatives such as the recently launched 24-hour tourism information hotline,” he further commented.

World Travel & Tourism Council expects the industry’s contribution to the nation’s GDP to rise from USD3.97 billion in 2011, to USD6.16 billion by 2021.

Nakheel Mall and The Pointe Unveiled Nakheel is to commence work on two major projects; the AED2.5 billion (USD680.6 million) Nakheel Mall and the AED800 million (USD217.8 million) The Pointe entertainment complex, it was announced, following the visit of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, at the company’s headquarters.

Spanning an area of over 92,000m2 on the beachfront of Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall will feature extensive retail spaces, further to a 200-room state-ofthe-art hotel, 200 hotel apartments, and a restaurant with panoramic sea view.

Located at the top of Palm Jumeirah, The Pointe is envisaged to become a new destination for dining and relaxed entertainment. Nestled among gardens and the inner water of the bay, the complex will boast a combination of bustling retail shops, high-end restaurants along with an exciting mix of cafés and patisseries.

Commenting on the upcoming development and reiterating his vision for Dubai, Al Maktoum, said, “We must continue in the path of excellence, as Dubai always has.”

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Accommodation

Marriott International: 10,000 Saudi Rooms by 2020 Marriott International plans to more than double its room inventory in Saudi Arabia by 2020.

Speaking at an invitation-only business breakfast briefing ahead of the upcoming Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2013, Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International, described the Kingdom as a top priority market for the company. “STR [Global]’s report showed that the Saudi room supply is around 50,000 operating rooms and a further 25,000 rooms under construction, which, in total, represents less than 1,875 rooms per million domestic and international travellers combined, a ratio which is significantly lower than mature markets. [...] Our target is to grow our current portfolio of 4,056 operating and pipeline rooms to over 10,000 by 2020,” he revealed.

Emaar Properties Reports Soaring Profits Emaar Properties recorded full-year 2012 net profits of AED2.119 billion (USD577 million), up 18 percent over 2011’s figures, backed by strong investor confidence in Dubai’s property sector and notable growth in recurring revenues.

Reflecting the success of the company’s focus on further strengthening its recurring revenue streams, the developer’s shopping malls, retail, hospitality, and leisure businesses contributed AED4.096 billion (USD1.115 billion) to the full-year revenue, which reached AED8.240 billion (USD2.243 billion).

Commenting on the results, Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, described 2012 as a year of transformation for the company, as well as Dubai and a number of international markets which the group serves.

“With Dubai restating its credentials as a global business and tourism hub, Emaar capitalised on the city’s resurgence by investing in creating prime real estate assets and strengthening our shopping malls and hospitality businesses,” explained Alabbar, adding that the company’s growth outlook for this year integrates with its ongoing commitment to support the socio-economic development of the countries it operates in.

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Mourouj Hospitality Management Takes over Concorde Fujairah Hotel Concorde Fujairah Hotel has joined Mourouj Hospitality Management’s growing portfolio of hotels.

The group, which focuses on dry hotel concepts to reflect the rich and traditional Arabian heritage, and already operates Mourouj Hotel Apartments and Executive Suites in Abu Dhabi and Khalidia Hotel Apartments in Dubai, has set its sights on becoming a strong brand in the region, as Tarek El Sherif, managing director, Mourouj Hospitality Management, explained.

“We look forward to a productive business relationship with Concorde’s team, as we share the same goal of providing first-class hospitality for both long- and short-term guests, and corporate travellers in the region,” he added.

Similarly, Mohamed Fekry, general Manager, Concorde

by Mourouj Hotels & Resorts, views this move as a good opportunity for the property and to enhance the company profile.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Abidos Hotel Apartments: Occupancy Levels Over 90 Percent Abidos Hotel Apartments, Dubailand, has recorded occupancy levels averaging over 90 percent, during its first month in operation.

As Mina Habib, vice president, business development, Abidos Hotel Apartments, Dubailand, revealed, 65 percent of property’s business comes from online sources, including online travel agencies, brand websites, and e-bookings, reflecting the high demand for the destination from a vast range of feeder markets, which include independent travellers, corporate guests, and airline crew.

Abidos Hotel Apartments

Record Year for Al Bustan Centre & Residence Al Bustan Centre & Residence, Dubai, announced a record year for the property in 2012, with almost-full occupancy levels, and growth in revenue and room nights.

Moussa El Hayek, COO, Al Bustan Centre & Residence, commented, “The year 2012 set the record for Al Bustan Centre & Residence in terms of revenue, room nights and the number of tourists staying at the property since its inception. We exceeded our expectations in terms of occupancy and room revenue and we were able to achieve new records that we never witnessed in the past.”

El Hayek anticipates another promising year ahead with potentially new markets such as China and Eastern Europe.

LIH Takes over VEER Boutique Hotels & Resort Landmark International Hotels (LIH) has signed a long-term management agreement with The Ocular, the property owner of VEER Boutique Hotel & Resort in Lebanon.

In preparation for its re-opening this summer, and with plans to transform the brand’s offering, LIH will begin operations of the property as of May. “It is a unique property with a number of attractive features, which we intend to showcase to make VEER Boutique Hotel & Resort an iconic landmark in Lebanon,” explained Firas Mneimneh, president, LIH.

The H Hotel Dubai Unveils Club Lounge The H Hotel Dubai, located on Sheikh Zayed road, has launched its new Club Lounge, offering an enhanced level of guest experience.

Combining contemporary hospitality with a traditional arabesque flair, the new addition to the hotel has been designed with attention to business needs, convenience, comfort, and attentive services, and offers a host of complimentary features and privileges.

Keeping in mind the discerning travellers’ needs and demanding schedules, Club Lounge guests are also permitted to bring a visitor to experience the facilities.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air

RJ Steps up Libya Frequency

Emirates and Formula 1 Global Partner Agreement Emirates and the Formula One Group have announced a fiveyear deal appointing the UAE-based airline as a global partner of Formula 1 starting with this year’s season.

Under this agreement, the carrier will have a strong Fly Emirates branding presence at 15 races on the 2013 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar across Europe, Asia, Australasia, North America, and South America, starting at the Grand Prix in Malaysia, which is taking place on March 22-24.

“This is an exciting global opportunity to align two world leading brands. The ambition, cutting-edge technological standards and worldwide reach of Formula One go hand in hand with Emirates’ vision and ambition,” said H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, CEO, EmirH.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO, Emirates Airline ates Airline & Group. & Group, and Bernie Ecclestone, CEO, Formule One Group

British Airways to Increase Amman Frequency As of March 31, British Airways will be adding an extra four flights per week to and from Amman, increasing the operations from daily to 11 per week.

Paolo De Renzis, area commercial manager, Middle East and Central Asia, British Airways, said, “Jordan is an important market for British Airways and we are thrilled with the excellent growth we have seen here since re-introducing Amman to our route network.

We are keen to further enhance our operations to and from Jordan and today’s announcement only consolidates our commitment to the Jordanian market.

"With 11 flights per week from Amman to London, Jordanian travellers now have even more choice and flexibility when it comes to their travel plans, whether they are travelling to London, or accessing our extensive route network of over 175 destinations."

Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) has increased its operations to Libya to a total of 15 weekly flights, in light of the growing demand on travel between the two countries.

RJ has added three regular services between Amman and Tripoli, on February 9, bringing its overall operations to the Libyan capital up to 10 weekly from one daily.

The service between Amman and Misrata has also increased, from one to two weekly, which began February 6.

This step has been made to meet the rising demand from Jordanian and Libyan businessmen and students on travel between the two destinations as well as from Libyans who seek medical care in Jordan, and from passengers travelling from the Gulf region to Libya via Amman.

nasair Signs Agreement with Global Holidays Saudi Arabian carrier, nasair, has signed a landmark franchise agreement with Global Holidays in Kuwait in a bid to offer bigger choice and easier access to the airline’s services.

As part of the franchise, nasair will offer a progressive incentive scheme, while other benefits include direct referral to the franchises, call centre support, and consolidation within approved zones.

François Bouteiller, CEO, nasair, said “We are extremely excited about signing this key agreement in Kuwait with Global Holidays as it reflects our commitment to inbound customers. nasair aims that through the franchisee programme not only will it create convenient locations for its esteemed passengers to purchase nasair tickets, but that it will also serve to boost the local entrepreneurship culture, creating job opportunities for the local community.”

16 FEBRUARY 2013

WHO'S MOVED

Juan Carlos Gonzalez Aguado Juan Carlos Gonzalez Aguado has joined Bin Majid Hotels as director of operations at Mangrove Hotel, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Aguado has over 15 years of experience in operations, commercial asset management, and hotel consultancy. Over the past few years, he has held various leading positions such as head of hotels, operations development manager, and

general manager in Spain, Tunis, and the Dominican Republic, where he worked with RIU Hotels & Resorts.

In his new role, he will be in charge of overseeing the operations of all departments to ensure the highest level of service and guest satisfaction.

Aguado will be in charge of overseeing the operations of all departments

Ahmed Atef Ahmed Atef has been promoted to director of sales at Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza and Four Seasons Hotel Alexandria at San Stefano.

Atef joined Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at Nile Plaza in 2007 as sales manager and was then promoted to associate director of sales where he helped in positioning both properties on the regional and international travel maps.

Mahmoud Mokhtar Mahmoud Mokhtar has rejoined Hilton Worldwide as vice president of operations in Saudi Arabia.

The industry veteran brings over 25 years of experience to the role following a broadranging operational career in the hospitality and hotel management which has taken him from Egypt to the UAE as well the US and Fiji.

Mokhtar returns to the compa-

16 FEBRUARY 2013

ny after previously serving it as vice president of operations in Egypt and the Levant.

In his new position, he will lead all operations across Hilton Worldwide’s Saudi hotel portfolio with a key focus on supporting the company’s ambitious business expansion strategy.

Mokhtar brings over 25 years of experience to the role

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In recognition to his work, he won the company’s President’s Club award in both 2007 and 2010.

In his new role, he will focus on further growing the Four Seasons brand’s presence and further boosting the hotels’ reputation.

Atef will focus on growing the Four Seasons brand’s presence

David White David White has been appointed sales and marketing manager at Muscat Hills Golf & Country Club, Oman, by management company Braemar Golf.

White moved to the Sultanate two year ago and during his time as operations manager of the establishment, his most recent role, he was responsible for organising events and golf tournaments

and he was also in charge of all golf course operations.

White has now been tasked to further grow the brand, and he will also be looking at attracting new sponsors and partners, and achieving membership growth.

White has now been tasked to further grow the brand and attract new sponsors and partners

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

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Hazem Aouad

David Thomson

Cluster director of sales and marketing, Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai, and Radisson Blu Resort, Fujairah.

Chief operating officer, JA Resorts & Hotels.

“For Radisson Royal Hotel, Dubai, 2012 was our first full year of operation where we put ourselves on the map as the preferred hotel for exhibitors and also entering different business and leisure markets. […] We are expecting great results this year, being well-established in the market now and having signed a few global deals. It will be another record year for the hotel and yet more to come.”

“It has been an extraordinary [2012] for us and it is fantastic to go into this year with a new brand that really describes what we and our properties are all about. On the other hand, it also feels really familiar since the concept of ‘heartfelt hospitality’ was always present in our midst; we just needed to put it into words.”

Michael Zager

Anders Dimblad

General manager, Ramada Plaza Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Area geneal manager, Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah.

“Just to receive a nomination for this prestigious award [for Newcomer of the Year by Wyndham Hotel Group] is a great honour. A testament to the hard work of our wonderful staff, we look forward to continuing to serve our valued guests and ensuring that they are met with the high standards and quality accommodation that they should expect from a Ramada Plaza hotel.”

“We continuously analyse our guest comments and feedback as we strive to always improve on our service promise and deliver memorable experiences both in hardware and software. […] We are continuously looking for ways and means to improve ourselves and our services. We are constantly innovating areas of the resort for our guests; as long as the requirement is viable our team of experienced associates will strive towards making the occasion a memorable one.”

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

16 FEBRUARY 2013

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Alaeddin Zayed POSITION: General manager COMPANY: Blue Waves Travel & Tourism LOCATION: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE WEB: www.bluewavestravels.ae

Who are you?

My name is Alaeddin Zayed. I have held many positions during my experience in the aviation field, which is combined with low-cost carriers and full service airlines, as I worked for Air Arabia and RAK Airways. In June 2012, I moved to Blue Waves Travel & Tourism, a sister company for RAK Airways, as a general manager.

Blue Waves Travel & Tourism is one of the pioneer travel agency in Ras Al Khaimah. It is the subsidiary agent for RAK Airways and has grown, since its commencement of operations in 2011, into a large travel agency offering a diverse range of outstanding travel and tourism services on everything, from simple flight bookings and holidays package-related requirements to every corner of the globe.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

Developing new holidays destinations and advising passengers to explore those interesting places instead of visiting the common usual holidays destinations.

When is the best time to visit Ras Al Khaimah?

The UAE in general is an interesting destination, always due to shopping festivals, exhibitions, and occasions held year around, but I would recommend to visit it during winter and spring due to its fantastic temperature.

Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday?

My next trip will be to Austria or Germany.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

Because Blue Waves is a subsidiary company of RAK Airways, which guarantees excellent service delivery levels and customer satisfaction. We use vast resources to provide innovative and cost effective travel solutions to business and leisure travellers to all parts of the world.

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naisair Launches New Domestic Routes In an effort to strengthen its presence in Saudi Arabia, as well as regionally, nasair has announced the introduction of two new domestic destinations; Taif and Yanbu, from Riyadh and Dammam, respectively, both set to commence on February 18, with three weekly services.

These operations come in addition to new international flights from Taif to Kuwait and from Dammam to Khartoum.

François Bouteiller, CEO, nasair, said, “These new routes and destinations, in both Taif and Yanbu, reflect nasair’s national strategy to meet our

customers’ needs; also the importance of the city of Taif as a futuristic hub of operation for nasair as it represents an important touristic hub in addition to its geographical location as a gate to Mecca, which serves both domestic and international pilgrims.”

According to Bouteiller, since its launch in February 2007, nasair has transported more than 10 million passengers and the carrier is what he described as a pioneering ‘smart airline’ which he attributes to its on-time performance, competitive fares, and affordable, unique services.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS Stenden University Hosts Social Awareness Event

Saudi Arabia: Domestic Trips Reach One Million Domestic tourism trips within Saudi Arabia during the last school midterm break, had crossed one million trips, with tourism expenditures totalling SAR2.58 billion (USD687,963).

T

he exact figures, which were published in the latest report

by Tourism Information and Research Centre, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities’ statistical arm, were 1,013,000, with an average spend per trip reaching SAR2,547 (USD679.2).

The data also stated that the total of outbound trips during the same period reached 507,000 trips, exhibiting a 12 percent increase over levels in 2012, during which Saudi tourists spent roughly SAR1.7 billion (USD453.3 million), with expenditure rates reaching SAR3,300 (USD879.941).

The most visited destinations were Bahrain, which received 185,000 trips, followed by the UAE with 95,000 trips, Kuwait with 85,000 trips, Qatar with 40,000, and Jordan with 37,000 trips. Together, these destinations have garnered about 87 percent of the total of outbound tourism trips this year.

Inbound tourism trips during the current year’s mid-term school break reached 438,000, also increasing by 35 percent compared to 2011, while spending also rose by 54 percent.

Most inbound tourists arrived from Bahrain, followed by the UAE, and Kuwait.

DMCA Launches New Campaign Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has announced its new awareness campaign entitled ‘Water Safety Begins with You’, as part of its mission to ensure the highest standard of safety in the emirate.

The initiative is being developed in line with international practices and aims to prevent accidents and fatalities within the water sports community.

The campaign focuses on wearing lifejackets and personal safety equipment, vessel communications, sailing areas, weather and water conditions, while it reinforces the authority’s commitment to raise public awareness about safety measures.

“Dubai has positioned itself as an attractive destination for water sports enthusiasts and vessel operators, which, in turn, has created new challenges with regards to maritime safety,” said Amer Ali, executive director, DMCA.

Students of the Events Management programme at Stenden University Qatar hosted the corporate social awareness event for Best Buddies Qatar, on February 3.

A non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual challenges by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment, Best Buddies Qatar was established in 2008 as a partner of the Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, and was created as a special project of H.H. Sheikha Moza Bint Nasir, first lady of Qatar, who also holds the position of chairperson of Qatar Foundation.

Students and staff of the university supported the organisation as their corporate social responsibility project, committed to serving the community in the country.

RAK Airways Flies 300,000 Passengers RAK Airways closed 2012 on a positive note, after carrying a total of 300,000 passengers throughout the year, up 47 percent over 2011 figures.

John Brayford, CEO, RAK Airways, described 2012 as a year of significant development, as he explicatied, “In June 2012, we introduced RAK Premier; a business class cabin at an affordable fare. In October 2012, we launched our Abu Dhabi route and immediately made history by being the first UAE national carrier to operate a domestic flight, and this was immediately followed by our ground breaking codeshare with fellow UAE carrier Etihad Airways.”

Brayford attributed the success to the quality of the product, the affordable fares, and the high standard of personal service offered by Ras Al Khaimah’s flag carrier.

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Dana Hlavnova With a number of new hotels in the development pipeline, hoteliers working in Dubai are increasingly looking for new ways to attract guests and sustain high occupancy rates, and here, Dana Hlavnova, general manager, Jumeira Rotana, Dubai, shares her thoughts on the ever-changing trends.

Travel Trade Weekly: Based on statistics, in 2012 Dubai hotels continued to prosper.

What are your comments regarding this?

Dana Hlavnova, Jumeira Rotana, Dubai

Dana Hlavnova: Dubai witnessed a steady growth which resulted in the influx of tourists into the destination and led to a positive occupancy and average daily rate growth through the year, compared to 2011.

Our major highlights were the introduction of new theme nights in Boston Bar and Five Dining restaurant as well as Rotana Escapes in addition to many other promotions within the hotel.

Travel Trade Weekly: With a number of new hotels set to open in the next few months, the competition in Dubai is set to become even more intense. What are your expectations?

and assets that customers are looking for and that can make a difference?

Dana Hlavnova: There are many new chains entering the market with the latest trends in food and beverage concepts which makes it a more competitive market for the existing hotels to upgrade their facilities and therefore we are more focused on this area.

We are continuously coming up with the best options and offers that we could give our guests plus a genuine care from us which I feel is the main factor for them to come back.

We treat our guests as family and we make them feel that they are in their own home away from home.

Dana Hlavnova: What I believe is the first thing to be considered as tangible is the experience guests have had when they have tried out hotels or places. You have to make them feel that they are special and treat them well and show them that we care. This makes a big difference.

Travel Trade Weekly: In a highly competitive market such as Dubai, what are the main tangible and intangible features

Dana Hlavnova: With all the new technology out there, it is easier for the hotels to manage their operations. For instance con-

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Travel Trade Weekly: Today’s tech-savvy travellers are increasingly relying on online and mobile applications. How do you think technology will change the way hotels manage their operation and interact with guests?

tract signing, our sales people do not need to meet up in person to get the job done but instead do it with emails, digital signature, and so on. Or by hiring new employees outside the country, human resources does not need to go out of the country to screen the candidate but can do it using Skype.

Guests do their transactions like hotel bookings, dining, payment, and any other related things through our website or some other booking channels which are faster as what they see there is what they get.

Different channels are available to get in touch and interact with the guests. It brings good and negative things for the hotel though. The good thing is we can get our things done easily without hassles like the old times. The bad thing is unsatisfied guests can easily ruin the hotel’s reputation by one comment [on review websites] or social media, as it gets the maximum view from the same tech-savvy people.

Travel Trade Weekly: Which markets are you planning to focus on in the coming months?

Dana Hlavnova: Our hotel caters to different markets whether it is leisure, holiday makers, or business travellers. European leisure travellers are the main feeders as of the moment especially CIS, UK, and Germany, in addition to corporate companies.

We are targeting the GCC weekend market, specifically Saudi Arabia, and [we are also] exploring the Asian market such as China and India. With our affordable rates and better services, Jumeira Rotana is one of the good choices to spend money on.

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NEWS & EVENTS

Sharjah Shows Off at Fitur Madrid

AHIC 2013 to Highlight Saudi Opportunities

Sharjah is said to have wrapped up an impressive participation at the International Tourism Trade Fair (Fitur 2013), which took place in Madrid on January 30 - February 3, for the second year in a row.

The emirate’s stand managed to draw the attention of international tourism players and decision makers with its successful pitch for the emirate and its tourism industry, and the regular stream of visitors had the chance to be briefed in various languages, by Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)’s officials, who showcased the emirate’s offerings as well as promotional literature about the destination, profiling its rich cultural heritage, tourist attractions, and various festivals and events held throughout the year.

The organisers of the Arabian Hotel Investment Conference (AHIC 2013), which is set to take place between May 5 - 6 at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, recently held an invitation-only business breakfast briefing at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh, to share views on Saudi Arabia’s booming hotel market and provide participants with an insight into industry updates and prospects.

As Philip Wooller, area director, Middle East and Africa, STR Global, noted, the hotel performance of some of the key cities in the Kingdom are comparable with the well-established destinations of London, Paris, Tokyo, or New York, with Jeddah achieving similar occupancies and Riyadh surpassing the average rate.

“The two or three years will see a considerable increase in hotel room supply particularly in Riyadh, Jeddah, and Mecca, but with the large government-supported projects across the country, I see no reason why demand will not keep pace with the supply,” Wooller further explained.

The discussion also pinpointed how the approach to developing brands and segmentation within the Saudi hotel sector has shifted from luxury oriented projects to a more business-based concept, where upscale hotels also offer a good investment opportunity.

EVENTS Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) Melbourne, Australia, February 26 – 27, 2013 (www.aime.com.au) A must-attend, five-star event in the Asia Pacific region for the meeting and events industry.

The Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (GIBTM) Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 25 – 27, 2013 (www.gibtm.com) A leading event for the meetings, incentives, and business travel industry in the GCC region, which can truly unlock all participants’ business potential.

Abu Dhabi Air Expo Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 5 – 7, 2013 (www.adairexpo.com) Held at Al Bateen Executive Airport, this expo is a platform for the leaders in the general aviation sector to promote their latest innovations.

Saudi Travel & Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 31 – April 4, 2013 (www.sttim.com.sa) The event covers all travel and tourism investments aspects in the Kingdom through a combined conference and exhibition.

ITB Berlin Berlin, Germany, March 6 – 10, 2013 (www.itb-berlin.de) A business-to-business platform for trade visitors which provides the possibility to discover the whole world within a few hours.

International Destination Expo (IDE) Dubai, UAE, April 4 – 7, 2013 (www.asta.org/events) Organised by the American Society of Travel Agents, IDE is a destination training programme where participants can meet local suppliers and built profitable long-lasting relationships.

MITT Moscow Moscow, Russia, March 20 – 23, 2013 (www.mitt.ru) Russia’s leading and largest travel exhibition with over 3,000 participating companies and 197 destinations, a key meeting place for industry professionals.

Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai, UAE, May 6 – 9, 2013 (www.arabiantravelmarket.com) The travel and tourism event unlocking business potential within the Middle East for inbound and outbound tourism professionals.

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