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Fairmont The Palm Dubai Opens The USD330 million Fairmont The Palm Dubai has officially opened its doors, marking IFA Hotels & Resorts’ debut in Dubai.
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ISSUE 167
Sharaka Holdings and ONYX Hospitality Group have introduced the first Amari property in the Middle East, with the launching of Amari Doha, which opened to the public on January 1.
Saudia Plans Flight to Toronto and Los Angeles Saudia has announced that it is set to commence services to Toronto and Los Angeles in the third quarter of this year and the second quarter of 2014, respectively.
08 IN THIS ISSUE RENDEZVOUS WEEKLY NEWS MARKET UPDATE ACCOMMODATION AIR NEWS INTERNATIONAL WHO’S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT’S CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
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Amari Doha Now Open
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Victor Louis Hailed as the tranquil haven of unsurpassed natural beauty, Ras Al Khaimah has long been committed to preserving its environment and heritage. Here, Victor Louis, chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA), talks about how small joint efforts can lead to great results.
Travel Trade Weekly: How important is it for Ras Al Khaimah TDA to initiate and implement sustainable practices? Victor Louis: Ras Al Khaimah TDA believes that initiating and implementing sustainable practices should be an integral part of the hospitality industry, especially initiatives that focus on energy, waste, and water management, as well as giving back to the community. In 2012, Ras Al Khaimah TDA, in partnership with the Ras Al Khaimah Health Department, hosted a five-day camp, the Al Basma Camp (The Smile Camp) for children with diabetes. The educational camp, which was part of a community initiative scheme, showed the young participants how they can live a healthier life through a variety of ‘fun’ activities. Ras Al Khaimah TDA gathered all the hotels, resorts, and the tourism entities in the emirate to participate in the ’UAE Clean Up Campaign 2012’, organised by the RAK Free Zone and the Emirates Environment Group. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities are at the forefront in educating people about their responsibility not only as tourists but also as inhabitants of this planet. These programmes are quite helpful in reminding everyone that while it is important for visitors to enjoy their holiday, they should also look after the conservation of the environment so that future generations may benefit. Travel Trade Weekly: How can the authority help other organisations, as well as individuals, in the emirate to adopt sustainable practices?
Victor Louis Chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA)
Victor Louis: In line with its commitment to adopting sustainable practices, Ras Al Khaimah TDA has extended full support to all the hotels based in the emirate which have launched their own CSR campaigns. The Hilton Worldwide hotels and resorts based in Ras Al Khaimah, have joined forces to ensure the success of their CSR initiatives. The Hilton CSR initiatives are aimed at promoting environmental consciousness and include ’Garden Clean Up’, newspaper recycling, and a water consumption reduction awareness campaign. As part of an overall objective to give back to society, the Hilton properties have also organised various activities. Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach are two properties
that support different conservation programmes. To conserve water, the hotel's water runs through a recycling process which leads to low water consumption for its desert style landscaping. Since its inception in January this year, the Recycling Program at Banyan Tree which is run in cooperation with the RAK Public Works & Services Department, has successfully reduced solid waste disposal by 65 percent. Bin Majid Hotels, which operates four properties in Ras Al Khaimah, recently launched a new CSR initiative, ’Go Green’. Here, guests are being encouraged upon check-in to reduce changing the bed sheets, once accepting that they will be rewarded by receiving complimentary Internet and food and beverage vouchers to redeem within the hotel. Travel Trade Weekly: What are the authority’s long terms goals with regards to sustainable development? Victor Louis: Ras Al Khaimah TDA is working towards maintaining an active role in adopting sustainable practices that is targeting not only the participation of the hotel industry, but the entire community of Ras Al Khaimah. We will continue to support and search for worthwhile initiatives that are geared towards the conservation of energy and resources. To protect not only Ras Al Khaimah but our living planet, it is important that hotels across the world continue to implement their individual CSR campaigns and to make visitors aware of their own social responsibility.
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WEEKLY NEWS USD816 Million Project to Change Deira H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, reviewed the details of the AED3 billion (USD816 million) Deira Souk Expansion Project, which is set to change the waterfront of Deira to reflect its modern designs. Stretching more than 4km between Dubai Creek and Al Hamriya port in Dubai, the project, handled by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, will be constructed in two phases, within a period of two years for each phase, and will comprise six hotels, residential and commercial towers, a marina, and storage areas. Al Maktoum also ordered the immediate implementation of the new AED1.5 billion (USD408 million) Business Bay Canal project, extending 2km from Business Bay to Jumeirah coast which, with the new hanging canal, is set to add another milestone to Dubai’s global tourist attractions.
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DTCM Launches ‘Dubai Green Festival’ The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced the first Dubai Green Festival, which will run for seven days in April with a host of activities and programmes. The initiative comes in line with all the efforts to protect the environment in the UAE in general and in Dubai in specific, and reaffirms DTCM’s commitment to the UAE Vision 2021 and to lead the foundations of a green sustainable economy that consolidates Dubai and the country’s position, both regionally and internationally, in the field of preservation of the environment. Dubai
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS
QAIA’s Traffic Surpasses 5.8 Million Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA)’s passenger traffic between January and November 2012 exceeded 5.8 million, setting a new record in the Jordanian airport’s history.
Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou Maria Kazeli
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SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Derek Lainsbury Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel
ased on the latest traffic results, released by Airport International Group (AIG) during November 2012, a total of 454,984 travellers passed through the airport’s facilities, lifting the year-to-date figures to 5,808,760 passengers, up 15.3 percent over the corresponding period in 2011. Meanwhile, aircraft movements (ACM) during November reached 5,242, taking the total year-to-date figures to 62,025, marking a year-on-year surge of 6.3 percent. “We at AIG are thrilled to be rapidly ap-
proaching the launch of the new terminal, and with the latest traffic results, QAIA looks poised to surpass the milestone of six million annual passengers,” Kjeld Binger, CEO, AIG, expressed, adding that the opening of the new terminal will allow the airport to service a greater number of passengers and flights, and thus this upcoming launch signifies an important step toward the transformation of QAIA into a regional niche hub. AIG is investing an estimated USD750 million in the expansion which, is now almost 92 percent complete.
EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel
MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
18/01/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
6.61
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,506.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
71.00
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.56
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.36
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
12,272.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.55
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
78.12
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.26
Jazeera Airways: Increased Market Share Jazeera Airways has further expanded its market share on a number of popular routes, the carrier’s November 2012 Operational Performance Report revealed. By grabbing a 39 percent market share, Jazeera Airways became the leading airline serving the Kuwait - Amman route, and it also proved to be the leading Kuwaiti carrier to the high-demand destinations of Beirut and Bahrain, with 40 percent and nine percent market shares respectively. On the Kuwait - Cairo route, on which the airline captured a market share of 30 percent, passenger numbers saw a year-on-year surge of 28 percent, while the carrier also grabbed leading market share figures on services to Alexandria (27 percent); Assiut (60 percent); and Luxor (74 percent). Moreover, Jazeera Airways continued to grow and lead its market share on its operations to Sohag (51 percent) and Dubai (16 percent) while it also further strengthened its lead on the Kuwait – Jeddah route to 13 percent, accompanied by a 22 percent increase in passenger volume.
Jazeera Airways Group Q3 Earnings Webcast
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WEEKLY NEWS
New Conference Centre on Sir Bani Yas Island Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara has unveiled its new 552 capacity Conference Centre on Sir Bani Yas Island. The centre, hailed as the first and only venue of its kind located on a nature and wildlife island reserve, is set to add a significant value to Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning MICE
industry, as Ahmed Al Fahim, executive director, marketing, communications, sales and leasing, Tourism Development and Investment Company, the developer of the project, indicated. He further pointed out that the new extension signifies a new dimension to the
Serenade of the Seas Revitalised Royal Caribbean International’s Serenade of the Seas has undergone a revitalisation, which has lasted three weeks and cost USD29 million. Now boasting new dining and entertainment options, the ship is the eighth to undergo a facelift since the cruise line announced an extensive revitalisation programme in 2011 for all of its ships. Serenade of the Seas nearly doubled its dining options, with the addition of five new venues, transformed its focal point, and now features a Concierge Club for suite guests, a Diamond Club for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty programme members, the Crown and Castle Pub, and the Royal Babies and Tots Nursery.
MEBAA and GAMA Join Efforts Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) have embarked on a joint initiative in a bid to further promote and develop business aviation in the MENA region. The two companies share a strong sense of purpose and combining their efforts can ensure that business aviation is treated fairly, with proportional rules implemented across the region, as Pete Bunce, president, GAMA, noted. The main objective of the joint effort is to transform the regulatory environment by encouraging civil aviation authorities in the region to adopt a common set of principles to facilitate business aviation operations.
unique experience the island offers to its tourists, wedding planners, and business executives looking for sense of adventure to complement their corporate functions, and will also allow Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara to attract a new target audience.
SMD to Open New Science Museum The Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) has signed an agreement with the French science and technology organisation, Universcience, to provide a collaborative development of a new science museum in Sharjah. The new science centre is set to offer an interactive platform for science and technology, aimed at increasing scientific awareness and interest among the youth of Sharjah and encourage future careers in the science field. “Sharjah has had a science museum and a discovery centre for several years now, however this new development, aims to incorporate both of these museums into one multi-purpose centre on a much larger site capable of catering to audiences from a very young age right through to university students,” commented Manal Ataya, director general, SMD.
MSC Cruises Revamps Online Tool Acknowledging the importance of its partners in promoting the benefits on offer, MSC Cruises has announced the enhancement of its online tool for travel agents. The boost is expected to improve travel agents’ purchasing experience since it is set to simplify the search and deliver more relevant results on the top of the screen. The tool’s new feature also promises to ameliorate the browsing, search, selection, and filter systems of fly and cruise packages, park and cruise post-paid packages, cruise itineraries, and cabin category options. According to Matteo Profumo, manager, corporate e-commerce, MSC Cruises, this is the first step of several to follow towards a global revitalisation of the company’s online universe.
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Accommodation
Accor Brings Suite Novotel to Saudi Arabia Accor and Al Hokair Group have signed a franchise management contract to develop the first Suite Novotel hotel in Riyadh. Scheduled to open during the first quarter of the year, Suite Novotel Riyadh Olaya will be located on Olaya Street, one of the Saudi capital city’s main arteries, ideally positioned to attract a mix of corporate and leisure guests. It will feature 115 suites, designed to the meet the needs of medium-stay clientele, as well as several food outlets, banqueting facilities, three meeting rooms, and various leisure and recreational facilities.
Amari Doha Now Open Sharaka Holdings and ONYX Hospitality Group have introduced the first Amari property in the Middle East, with the launching of Amari Doha, which opened to the public on January 1. The 13-storey hotel is located 15 minutes away from Doha International Airport, within close reach of the city’s major commercial centres and cultural sites, and boasts 120 rooms, including six suites. Meanwhile, facilities consist of a Breeze Spa, Jacuzzi, Vichy shower room, Turkish bath, food and beverage outlets, swimming pools, including a rooftop pool lounge, fitness centre, and meeting venues and facilities, just to name a few.
Fairmont The Palm Dubai Opens The USD330 million Fairmont The Palm Dubai has officially opened its doors, marking IFA Hotels & Resorts’ debut in Dubai. Hailed as the first five-star hotel on the trunk of Palm Jumeirah, the resort is easily accessible, and features 10 floors of rooms and suites, an array of diverse food and beverage outlets, and a host of facilities and services to best meet the needs of tourists and business travellers alike.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Yasat Gloria Inaugurates in Dubai Yasat Gloria has opened its doors on Sheikh Zayed Road, boasting 1,029 suites with the ability to accommodate over 3,000 people at one time. Hailed as one of the largest hotels in the Gulf and Middle East, in terms of number of rooms, the new addition to the hotel group is offering guests high quality residence services as well as international food and beverage outlets, various meeting halls, a host of shopping and fitness facilities, and a children’s club. H.E. Ghaith Hamil bin Khadim Al Ghaith, vice chairman, Al Ghaith Holding Company, described the project as another milestone in the UAE’s hospitality scene, which contributed to supporting the development process in the country and fostering the efforts that seek to help Dubai host EXPO 2020.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Air News
Emirates Second Daily A380 Service Emirates has doubled its A380 capacity to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Paris’ Charles De Gaulle Airport with a twice-daily A380 service from Dubai now operating into both cities. Upgrading capacity into New York and Paris by 1,848 seats and 2,198 seats per week, respectively, the two flights will now be operated by the Airbus A380-800. “The decision to commit a second A380 to both New York and Paris is a clear indication of customer demand, for the state-of-the-art aircraft and these two popular destinations. New York and Paris are both important routes for Emirates and its customers. Adding larger capacity aircraft is central to helping us meet growing passenger demand and will also boost economic support for American and French international commerce,” said Thierry Antinori, executive vice president, passenger sales worldwide, Emirates, describing the A380 as a unique experience offering exceptional and innovative features onboard.
Saudia Plans Flight to Toronto and Los Angeles Saudia has announced that it is set to commence services to Toronto and Los Angeles in the third quarter of this year and the second quarter of 2014, respectively. The flag carrier airline of Saudi Arabia currently operates flights to Washington and New York, which are set to increase to 14 weekly as of April, with the use of larger aircraft. H.E. Khaled Al-Molhem, director general, Saudia, also disclosed plans for 11 weekly flights to Paris and 14 flights to Geneva in summer. Commenting on 2012 results, he said, “Seat occupancy on flights rose from 70 percent in 2010 to 77 percent [in 2012] while on time performance improved from 84 to 89 percent.”
Etihad Airways Codeshare to Hong Kong Etihad Airways has announced that it is to commence codeshare services to Hong Kong on March 24, the airline’s fourth destination in Greater China, joining Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. The three return services per week, operated by the UAE national carrier’s equity and codeshare partner, Air Seychelles on an A330-200 aircraft, have been available since December 16, 2012. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, described Hong Kong as an exciting and significant addition to the carrier’s network. “The new service will connect Abu Dhabi, the capital and financial centre of the UAE, with Hong Kong, one of the most dynamic financial and commercial hubs in North Asia. It will create new business opportunities for trading partners in both the UAE and Hong Kong and provide additional seat capacity and convenience for travellers between the two ends of the route and beyond.” “This is also an important move for our partner, Air Seychelles, as the connection of the Seychelles and Asia will support the vital tourism industry on the archipelago,” he continued.
RJ Signs Agreement with KACE Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) and King Abdullah II Centre for Excellence (KACE) have signed a cooperation agreement under which the airline grants preferential benefits to the awar-winning institutions of the centre. The agreement, which was signed by Amer Hadidi, president, RJ, and Ghosheh, executive director, KACE, aims to support the culture of excellence and initiate private sector organisations to deliver best products and services. Additionally, it enYasera Ghosheh and Amer Hadidi courages the private sector to participate in sign cooperation agreement. the King Abdullah II Award for Excellence, a national award for all sectors, aiming to promote the culture of excellence and increase Jordan's international competitiveness. Hadidi stressed that this step stems from RJ’s keenness to support the private sector and encourage it to develop its performance and the application of the standards of excellence. Similarly, Yasera believes that the move will enhance the centre's efforts to give advantages to private businesses, and expressed pleasure for strengthening cooperation with RJ.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Rixos Hotels Opens Third Property in Kazakhstan Rixos Hotels has expanded its presence in Kazakhstan with the grand opening of Rixos Lake Borovoe, the first five-star hotel in the resort area and the company’s third property in the country. The hotel overlooks the lake of Shuchie and is surrounded by Borovoe National Park, while it features 200 rooms, including 37 junior suites, four presidential suites, and one luxurious penthouse suite. Other facilities include Turkish and Italian restaurants, all exclusive kid’s club, wellness and spa centre, and five meeting rooms. “We will certainly grow a future in this country and are always ready to provide luxurious comfort, exclusive stays and unforgettable memories to all our guests offering our true Rixos hospitality,” said Fettah Tamince, chairman, Rixos Hotels.
International
Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort has Opened Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has announced the opening of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, located on one of the world’s surfers’ paradises; Kuta beach. The property, situated in the heart of Pantai Kuta, 5km away from Bali Ngurah Rai International Airport, is the hotel giant’s fifth hotel on the island. “The opening of Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort sets Starwood on track to become the hotel management company with the largest number of brands represented in Bali,” commented Chuck Abbott, regional vice president, Southeast Asia, Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Meanwhile, Hoyt Harper, global brand leader, Sheraton Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, praised Bali as a perfect fit for the hotel brand, being what he described as an international holiday destination that is well known globally, and one of the world’s gathering places. The resort features 203 guest rooms and suites, with each boasting a private balcony with views of the Indian Ocean or the resort’s courtyard.
Hotel Indigo Expands Hotel Indigo has passed the 50th property milestone with the opening of two hotels in London and New Orleans. Since its launch in 2004, the brand, which is part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), has grown rapidly, and the two new openings mark a major expansion, with 14 Hotel Indigo properties having opened in 2012 alone, adding seven new properties in the Americas, five in Europe, and two in Greater China. Commenting on the brand’s enlargement plan, Janis Cannon, vice president, global brand leadership marketing, Hotel Indigo, IHG, said, “Following a milestone year in Europe in 2012, we will continue to expand the brand’s footprint strategically, whilst growing strongly in California and Mexico.” Hotel Indigo London Kensington-Earl’s Court is located in the heart of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and features 100 guest rooms overlooking classic English gardens, while Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District is situated along the St. Charles Street Car Hotel Indigo London Kensington line and comprises 132 rooms. -Earl's Court
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WHO'S MOVED
Elie Younes Elie Younes has been appointed senior vice president, head of group development at The Rezidor Hotel Group. Younes’ career in the hospitality industry spans over two decades during which he served companies such as HVS International, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, and Hilton Worldwide. In his new role, he will be based at the corporate sup-
port office in Brussels, Belgium, and will also become a member of the group’s executive committee. Building on his strong knowledge of the company, its owners, and business partners, Younes has been tasked to further drive the group’s asset-light, profitable growth with a focus on the emerging markets of Russia and the CIS, as well as Africa.
Nizar Weshah Nizar Weshah has been named general manager of Hyatt Regency Riyadh, Olaya, scheduled to open in the third quarter of the year. Weshah, who holds a hotel management degree from Al-Mustansiriya University in Iraq, joined the opening team of Grand Hyatt Amman in 1998 as an outlet manager, where he was later appointed assistant director of food and
Christoph K. Franzen Christoph K. Franzen has been appointed general manager of Grand Hyatt Doha. Franzen started his hotel career as a chef, and after completing his studies in hotel management, he was soon promoted to managerial positions in various hotel chains until he joined Hyatt Regency Dubai in 1999 as assistant revenue manager. Franzen then moved to
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Grand Hyatt Muscat in 2001, before being transferred to Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow in Russia. His next promotion took him back to the UAE where he served as executive assistant manager of Grand Hyatt Dubai. Franzen now leaves Grand Hyatt Muscat, where he worked as general manager since January 2009, for Qatar.
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beverage. Over the years, Weshah worked in several Hyattbranded hotels around the world, including in Baku, Muscat, and Belgrade, before taking on the position of executive assistant manager of food and beverage at Park Hyatt Jeddah in 2008, where he has held his most recent role as director of operations since September 2010.
Oliver Harnish Oliver Harnish has been named executive vice president and chief operating officer at The Rezidor Hotel Group. He succeeds Wolfgang M. Neumann who has recently taken over the company’s president and CEO positions, from Kurt Ritter. Harnish joins the group from Hilton Worldwide where he most recently served as vice president of Northern and
Central Europe. In his new role, the internationally experienced hotelier will head the company’s optimised, decentralised operational organisation, comprising the areas of the Nordics; Eastern Europe and Russia; Western Europe and North Africa; Central Europe; UK and Ireland; and Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa, under the leadership of area vice presidents.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
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Ali Kasapbashi
Raed Rabie
Group general manager, Bin Majid Group.
General manager, Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa.
“We are pleased to announce that we have initiated a Go Green concept in support of a sustainable hospitality industry. Our green programme will encourage guests to join our efforts in protecting the environment. […] Hotels can play a major role in changing the culture of waste in the UAE, so we are doing our best to help protect the environment and sustain its natural resources […].”
“Our targeted markets are the European, Russian, and local markets, which show a high interest in the Middle East region, namely in Jordan. They also look for a unique spa concept which Six Senses Spa at Evason Ma’In Hot Springs is able to offers with its unique location, natural thermal pools located directly under the waterfalls, and natural sauna cave. We focus on using natural products in our treatments, specially products found in our environment [...].”
Taleb Rifai
Wayne Pearce
Secretary-general, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO).
CEO, Oman Air.
“Each year, World Tourism Day (WTD) is celebrated around a different theme, chosen to highlight tourism’s role in addressing some of the major challenges of our time. In recent years, and especially since UNWTO joined the United Nations (UN) in 2003, the WTD themes have aligned with those of the International Years celebrated by the UN. So […] this year the theme Tourism & Water runs parallel to the UN International Year of Water Cooperation.”
“[Achieving the second position in Act 8 of the Extreme Sailing Series in Rio De Janeiro] is an outstanding result for the Oman Air team. [...] Oman Air’s sponsorship of the crew and partnership with Oman Sail and the Extreme Sailing Series underlines our commitment to celebrating the Sultanate’s success, supporting the continued development of opportunities for Oman’s sportsmen and women, and raising international awareness of Oman.”
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
19 JANUARY 2013
AGENT'S CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: David Grist POSITION: Director COMPANY: HC Travel LOCATION: UK WEB: www.hctravel.co.uk
Who are you? My name is David Grist, the owner and director of HC Travel. HC Travel is an independent travel agency and outgoing tour operator specialising in motorcycle tours around the world, including Mongolia, India, and mainly the US. We are an authorised Harley Davidson tour operator running fully authorised tour programmes in the US. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Customer satisfaction. It is great when customers come back from their tailor-made holidays and tell us what a great time they had. When is the best time to visit the US? Late May to June. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? For my next holiday I would like to go on a motorcycle tour in the Himalayas. Why should people come to you for travel advice? I think it comes down to us being both a travel agency and a tour operator, with cross-over knowledge, and access to overseas providers. Although we are a small team, we have built up our services over the years, and bring broad experience to the table.
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Amadeus Launches New Mobile Booking App and New User Interface Amadeus has launched a new User Interface (UI) for its online corporate travel booking tool, e-Travel Management (AeTM), as well as its latest mobile booking application, Amadeus e-Travel Management Mobile. The initiatives aim to facilitate a streamlined and enhanced booking process for all stakeholders in the travel value chain. Amadeus asserts that AeTM will reduce the corporations’ costs and help them gain total control of every aspect of the corporate travel process, while its main advantages allow for a higher acceptance of the company travel programme and reduc-
es the need for heavy management and mandating processes, hence reducing business costs. “Over the years, Amadeus has consistently prioritised the need to invest in innovative products and solutions to address the needs of our diverse customer base and provide them with access to the best technology. The fast evolving corporate travel sector has prompted us to enhance our portfolio of solutions and introduce the new UI and mobile application that will facilitate greater efficiency in the booking process,” said Antoine Medawar, vice president, Middle East and North Africa, Amadeus.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
ICAO Praises Biofuel Project A laboratory research team at Qatar University has attracted praise from Roberto Kobeh González, council president, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) after conducting a project on sustainable alternative biofuels.
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he team initially produced biofuel from organisms abundant in Qatar’s highly saline waters while the experiment was extended to larger outdoor tanks and is being upgraded to 25,000 specially-designed research ponds. If successful, efforts will be further expanded to a pre-commercialisation pilot plant with a capacity of 1.5 million litres. González, who visited the facility during his visit to Doha to present ICAO’s progress on several climate change mitigation fronts at the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change 2012, said, “We really welcome this project as an example of the vary-
ing biofuel solutions that can be applied in different areas around the globe.” He further highlighted the importance of sustainable alternative fuels, which, he stressed, are becoming a reality since airlines are rapidly beginning to use biofuels; something which does not require changes to aircraft design. Speaking at the prominent event, González added, “Facilitating the availability of such fuels at competitive prices and in sufficient quantities for use in aviation is the next challenge; one for which an ICAO expert group is currently developing global policies.”
Brazil Drives Growth
Tourism Key for Portugal
The ITB World Travel Trends Report, compiled by IPK International and commissioned by ITB Berlin, has revealed that South Americans are ahead of everyone else in the Americas, regarding outbound travel for 2012, having undertaken 12 percent more trips abroad than 2011, marking a new record. Brazil is the country clearly driving growth in the region and currently leads the market in spending on trips abroad. The destinations most popular with Brazilians are Europe and the US, according to the research. Overall, outbound travel is forecast to increase by around two percent this year, compared with 2012.
On meeting Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, and David, president, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), while accepting the ‘Open Letter on Travel and Tourism’, Aníbal Cavaco Silva, president of Portugal, reminded that tourism directly represents nine percent of Portugal’s GDP and eight percent of its workforce, further stressing that the industry is vital for the country. “There is a large private sector committed to economic growth and job creation, which is committed to work with the government to stimulate further growth in these difficult economic times,” Scowsill assured.
Investment to Aid Saudi Hospitality A Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA)-sponsored study has revealed that low investment and shortage of qualified work force are the most difficult challenges which SCTA face in developing facilities and services of the Saudi hospitality sector. The results of the post-graduate thesis entitled SCTA’s Role In Upgrading Hotels’ Facilities and Services recommend and encourage SCTA to invest more in training the work force in the field of hospitality; raise awareness towards respecting the law and regulations of buildings; launch domestic tourism campaigns; provide trained supervisory staff; fine owners of buildings violating rules; and benefit from vast experience of developed countries in hospitality.
Most UAE Residents Travel Uninsured A study conducted by YouGov and released by Zürich Insurance Group in early December 2012, has reported that 58 percent of the 748 UAE residents researched, admit that they never purchase travel insurance for their trips. Only one in 10 UAE residents always purchase travel insurance; a figure very low compared to markets such as the US, Canada, Europe, and Australia, where 60 to 70 percent of those who buy air tickets, also buy travel insurance.For those respondents who occasionally take out travel insurance, their single biggest consideration is the destination of the trip followed closely by the cost of the trip.
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with Kelly Bricker With sustainability becoming a core principle in the tourism industry, Kelly Bricker, board president, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), shares her views on the challenges and benefits of implementing sustainable practices in one of the world’s largest economic sectors.
Travel Trade Weekly: Tell us a little about GSTC’s main objectives. Kelly Bricker: The Global Sustainable Tourism Council is a global initiative and our main objective is to promote sustainable tourism efforts around the world. The GSTC works to expand the understanding of and access to sustainable tourism practices [and] helps identify and generate markets for sustainable tourism, as well as provides sustainability education and training. GSTC advocates for a set of universal principles clearly outlining a global, standardised criteria, known as the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria, and administers its accreditation of standards and certification. Travel Trade Weekly: How can the Council help its members ‘make an impact’ and adopt sustainable principles and practices? Kelly Bricker: GSTC members are encouraged to commit to the Global Sustainable Tourism Criteria. The Criteria are an effort to come to a common understanding of sustainable tourism and destinations, and are the minimum that any tourism management organisation that wishes to be sustainable should aspire to reach. They are organised around four main themes: effective sustainability planning, maximising social and economic benefits for the local community, enhancing cultural heritage, and reducing negative impacts to the environment. The Criteria are designed to be used by hotels and tour operators and various types and scales of destinations [and] are part of the response of the tourism community to the global challenges of the United Nations’
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Kelly Bricker Board president, Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)
tiative focused on a universal set of principles and a certification program. There are many benefits for GSTC members who both utilise and support the ongoing development of the Criteria including; a global, actionable definition of sustainable tourism, trust and value in global certification programs accredited by the GSTC, influence on consumer demand and confidence, larger market potential and greater share, and supply and market positioning for sustainable product. Travel Trade Weekly: How important do is it to raise awareness of the great significance of sustainable practices?
Millennium Development Goals. Poverty alleviation, gender equity and environmental sustainability, including climate change, are the main cross-cutting issues that are addressed through the Criteria. Travel Trade Weekly: What are the main challenges and benefits of implementing sustainable practices in the industry? Kelly Bricker: There are two primary challenges facing the sustainable tourism industry. The first challenge is the assortment of labels [which] has made sustainability difficult to identify and define. We often see it referred to as green tourism, ecotourism, responsible tourism, and a variety of other titles. The second challenge; that hundreds of organisations are doing the right thing, but in many different ways. This is why we launched a global ini-
Kelly Bricker: Sustainable tourism has the power to create change on a global scale by preserving destinations for generations to come, revitalising local economies and communities, alleviating poverty, safeguarding our cultural heritage, utilising the power of sustainable tourism to contribute to the United Nations Summit’s Millennium Development Goals, creating jobs within and beyond destinations, and keeping tourism dollars within destinations. Travel Trade Weekly: What is next on the Council’s agenda? Kelly Bricker: GSTC just announced it will select up to 10 destinations to pilot test the second phase of its new Destination Criteria, and is accepting applications before February 15. The Criteria are designed to orient destination managers, communities, and businesses toward the steps that are needed to sustain their natural and cultural assets, while benefiting local communities.
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NEWS & EVENTS
QNCC Celebrates First Anniversary
Doha International Airport to Host ACI Conference
The Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) celebrated its first anniversary on December 8, 2012, when it concurrently hosted the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. The centre, which officially opened in December 2011 with the 20th World Petroleum Congress, which saw a turnout of some 5,500 delegates and media, welcomed its second year in operation with government officials having launched the next steps to climate change. “It is our vision to see QNCC as the preferred destination for prestigious events and all the hard work is paying off as we have received positive feedback from our clients,” Saad Al Muhanadi, chairman, AMLAK, the holding company which operates QNCC, commented, adding that the centre expects another exciting year focused on attracting more regional and international events.
Doha International Airport, in collaboration with Airports Council International (ACI), recently announced that 2013 ACI Airport Exchange Conference is set to take place at the Qatar National Convention Centre this year. Hailed as one of the most important airport transport event in the industry, the three-day conference is set to take place between November 18 – 20 and is expected to attract over 2,000 delegates from Europe, Asia Pacific and around the world, enabling them to share knowledge and experience, and network. “Doha International Airport is extremely excited to host this year’s ACI Airport Exchange Conference and will ensure we deliver the high levels of hospitality that Qatar is so renowned for,” commented Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Doha International Airport, adding that the conference comes to the Qatari capital in a year when the opening of the New Doha International Airport aims to set a new global benchmark in service and quality. The event will include an innovative and architectural showcase presenting the future of airport design, unique social programmes, workshops, and exhibitions from leading solution providers.
EVENTS East Mediterranean Tourism & Travel Exhibition (EMITT) Istanbul, Turkey, January 24 – 27, 2013 (www.emittistanbul.com) Considered the fifth largest travel exhibition in the world, EMITT brings together 4,500 exhibitors and over 128,000 visitors.
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.
HOREXPO Cyprus 2013 Nicosia, Cyprus, January 25 – 27, 2013 (www.horexpocyprus.com) The second edition of the event covering a wide range of travel industry sectors, including hotels and catering.
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.
Business Travel Show London, UK, February 5 – 6, 2013 (www.businesstravelshow.com) One of Europe’s main exhibition and conference for corporate travel buyers, managers, and bookers to source, learn, and network.
World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America São Paulo, Brazil, April 23 – 25, 2013 (www.wtmlatinamerica.com) The leading global event for the region’s travel industry, which brings the world to Latin America and promotes Latin America to the world.
Hoteliers European Marketplace Brussels, Belgium, February 11, 2013 (www.cvent.com/events/hoteliers-european-marketplace-2013) A one-day business-to-business workshop where European hotels and hotel chains meet contractors from all around the world.
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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