Travel Trade Weekly Issue 216 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

28 DECEMBER 2013

ISSUE 216

TI’ME Hotels Management Debuts in Abu Dhabi TI’ME Hotels Management has launched TI’ME Pearl Residence in Abu Dhabi, marking the hospitality company’s debut in the UAE capital.

Qatar Airways is to add another country to its fast-expanding network by launching scheduled services to Larnaca.

08 Jumeirah Group to Enter Oman Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement with Saraya Bandar Jissah to operate a luxury resort in Muscat.

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

02 03 08 12 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Qatar Airways to Fly to Cyprus

MARKET UPDATE

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

DWC and Emaar to Develop Urban Centre and Golf Destination Emaar Properties has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dubai World Central (DWC) to develop an integrated urban centre and golf destination within the facility.

SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103607 WEBSITE

Mohamed Alabbar (left), and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum (right)

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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

27/12/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.87

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,503.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

141.30

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.65

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.17

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

24,801.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.86

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

78.95

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

he centre comprises Al Maktoum International Airport while it will also be home to Expo 2020. The memorandum was signed by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, and Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties. Being the first of the key infrastructure developments to be announced following the UAE’s winning of the World Expo 2020 hosting bid, the project is spread over an area of 13.63 million m2 with the first phase of it set to include a golf course villa community, several hotels, a high-end shopping mall, leisure attractions, and a business hub.

Jeddah: Slight Drop in Demand As the peak season began to recede, Jeddah’s hotels reported average occupancy of 77.3 percent for October, marking a year-on-year decrease of 1.2 percentage points, TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats report showed. Meanwhile, average room rate dropped 0.2 percent to USD251.09, and RevPAR fell to USD194. A slight rise in food and beverage revenue was not sufficient to offset the decline in conferencing revenues which pushed gross operating profit per available room down by 4.2 percent to USD139.15.

Expo 2020 to Stimulate UAE Meetings Industry

ccording to industry experts and executives at Reed Travel Exhibitions, Dubai’s successful World Expo 2020 bid is expected to accelerate economic growth throughout the UAE and MENA region, while it is also to provide renewed stimulus to the

meetings and incentives sector. Being the first Middle East nation to host the World Expo, the UAE is anticipated to host 25 million visitors, 71 percent of whom will hail from overseas, claimed Lois Hall, exhibition manager, Gulf Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings.

28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS First Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association Conference in Al Ain Al Ain Zoo played host to the first Arabian Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZAA) conference which brought together wildlife, zoo and aquarium experts from around the region to discuss animal management issues. The three-day event saw more than 60 delegates from zoo and aquarium facilities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan exchanging ideas and views on topics including conservation, education, animal management, training, and zoo projects. According to H.E. Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, director general, Al Ain Zoo, the conference offered an opportunity to demonstrate the region’s commitment to the conservation of its wildlife and the education of communities who visit these zoos and aquariums every day. Al Ain Zoo Conference

South African Value Proposition to the UAE At a roundtable held at JW Marriot Marquis Hotel Dubai, Brand South Africa exhibited the country’s value proposition to Emirati businesspeople and investors. The delegation, which included Chichi Maponya, chairperson, Brand South Africa, Miller Matola, CEO, Brand South Africa, and Siyabongo Gama, CEO, Transnet Freightrail, aimed to promote South Africa as a competitive destination in inward flows of capital, from investors, businesspeople and tourists alike. “With South Africa about to enter our third generation of democracy, we are focusing on diversifying our traditional economic partner base with developing countries in order to deliver on our 2030 vision. The UAE is key to this strategy,“ remarked Matola.

Russian Visitors in Ras Al Khaimah

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28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Meraas Launches Citywalk in Dubai

Citywalk

UAE Preparing for Green Festival UAE is getting ready to welcome its first green festival, a nationwide celebration which is to take place from March 16, 2014, for one month, and aims to unveil the country’s sustainable identity. Held under the theme ‘Live, learn and have fun in a low-carbon world’, the UAE Green Festival will focus on key issues such as ecotourism, sustainable transportation, green stay, green shopping, green menu and green technology. During the event, UAE Art Galleries will embrace exhibitions showcasing green art, hotels will take part by promoting their sustainable practices and involving their guests in this experience, while the festival is to host an array of eco-friendly activities by governmental and other entities.

Meraas Holding has introduced a new outdoor lifestyle concept in Dubai with the inauguration of Citywalk, which is set to become a major crowd-puller in attracting visitors from other parts of the UAE as well as the wider region. Spanning an area of 13,000m2, the development includes 350m of uninterrupted retail frontage, a water feature and children’s play area, and brings an array of innovative concepts in food and beverage at its 52 outlets and a myriad of fashion brands to the destination. Citywalk has been designed to host various programmes from intimate concerts and weekly markets to exhibitions while its bustling public square offers an ideal place for people to meet, relax and enjoy a meal overlooking the lake, the destination’s centre-piece. “Citywalk has been strategically designed keeping in mind the retail and culinary preferences of both the national and expatriate societies that call the UAE their home,” explained Fahad Kazim, chief commercial officer, Meraas Holding.

Katara Holds Third Dhow Show Katara, the foundation promoting culture in Qatar, hosted its third Traditional Dhow Festival 2013, between November 19 - 23, under the auspices of H.H. Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, emir of Qatar. The event was held in cooperation with Qatar Museums Authority as a leading festival specialised in maritime heritage in the region and the world. One of the most prominent events emanating from the programme, aiming to revive ancestral heritage in travelling and navigating through the world by sailing and preserving this kind of legacy, was Fath El-Kheir’s trip which embarked on November 22 from Katara Beach. Fath El-Kheir is a traditional 40m-long sailboat manufactured in 1983 by the princely workshop in Qatar for the benefit of the Tourism Department of the Ministry of Information for tourism trips purposes in that period. Katara Dhow Festival

28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Abu Dhabi International Airport: Now More Accessible

Sharjah Gears up for SICC 2014

In line with its commitment to delivering world-class services for all passengers, Abu Dhabi Airports is further enhancing Abu Dhabi International Airport’s accessibility by offering golf carts to passengers with wheelchairs. Available in Terminal 1 and Terminal 3, the golf carts will assist in transporting travellers with reduced mobility between the departure and arrival halls as well as the aircraft gates. The initiative follows the installation of specialised ramps, rails and e-Gates at the airport and is set to ensure a convenient and hassle-free experience for all passengers.

Abu Dhabi International Airport

Sharjah is preparing to celebrate its recognition as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab Region 2014 (SICC 2014) with over 100 events and 24 new heritage, tourism, cultural and architectural projects. The programmes are set to highlight the emirate’s diversity and establish it as the capital of Islamic culture by emphasising its cultural and Islamic presence in the world map. According to Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi, chairman, Sharjah Media Centre, the selection of Sharjah as the capital of Islamic culture comes in culmination of the emirate’s efforts in the global cultural and Islamic scene.

Ajman to Attract More Investment Opportunities The Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) hosted its annual networking event at Kempinksi Hotel Ajman under the theme ‘Inspiring Business Leaders’ in a bid to showcase the emirate’s diverse investment options. Speaking about the initiative, Mohamed Ali Al Janahi, executive director, business and investment development sector, ACCI, said that the three-pronged objective for this year’s event was to promote the UAE, specifically Ajmanbased businesses and prompt their expansion into global markets; attract and encourage leading international companies to invest and set up their businesses in the emirate, and to position Ajman as a premier investment destination. During the conference, plans were revealed to improve and create more infrastructure projects including the Ajman Marina, the Al Zorah project, a new Ajman Chamber Convention Centre and a Ajman Business Woman Centre. ACCI Networking Event

28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Development Reaches New Milestone The first segment of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s iconic dome has been assembled and placed into position on-site, marking a new chapter in the highly-anticipated museum’s development. The dome, which has a 180m diameter, will feature 85 segments, which will be assembled on the construction site prior to being lifted into place atop of 120 temporary support towers. Set for completion in 2015, Louvre Abu Dhabi will be joined by two other museums in Saadiyat Cultural District; Zayed National Museum is due to open in 2016, while Guggenheim Abu Dhabi is slated to launch in 2017.

Louvre Abu Dhabi

Dubai: Most Sustainable City by 2020 Making the city of Dubai one of the top 10 sustainable cities in the world by 2020 by implementing the green building regulation and related orders in line with the strategic vision and goals of the Dubai Government, is the main goal of the local authority said Hussain Nasser Lootah, director general, Dubai Municipality. He confirmed that in preparation to host Expo 2020, Dubai looks to create an amazing future connecting the minds of all nationalities, as the eyes of the entire world are turned to the emirate. Therefore the civic body has launched efforts towards establishing a more sustainable city and has formed a special committee which will study and execute green initiatives.

28 DECEMBER 2013

Passenger Traffic Posted Solid Gains in October According to Airports Council International’s traffic results, global passenger movement continued along its growth path in October soaring 4.9 percent year-on-year, while global passenger improvent reached three percent year-over-year for the last twelve months. October represented a banner month for passenger traffic as airports in advanced economies recovered. Gains in air freight signalled a marked improvement in certain markets, with airports internationally reporting an overall year-on-year gain of 4.1 percent in traffic for the month under review. The Middle East continued to achieve the highest growth among all region, and for October traffic increased by 10 percent. Double-digit rises were registered once again at the region’s airports, with Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International Airport recording 15.1 percent and 15.8 percent surges respectively.

WEEKLY NEWS

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group: Two New Hotels in Saudi Arabia Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is to further expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia with the launch of two new projects. Both properties are joint projects between Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group as the operator and Saudi-based Al Hokair Group as the owner. Located in the heart of the capital city, Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh Olaya is slated for opening in the first quarter (Q1) of 2014, following an extensive renovation programme. Meanwhile, the upper upscale Radisson Blu Resort Jizan, the company’s first property in the port city, will offer 150 rooms and is scheduled to be unveiled in Q1 2015.

Accommodation

TI’ME Hotels Management Debuts in Abu Dhabi

TI’ME Pearl Residence

TI’ME Hotels Management has launched TI’ME Pearl Residence in Abu Dhabi, marking the hospitality company’s debut in the UAE capital. Located just five minutes from the city’s Corniche promenade and in close proximity to downtown Abu Dhabi, the 72-unit residence offers well-equipped two-bedroom apartments, ideal for long-stay guests. A second Abu Dhabi property is also under construction with the 42-storey TI’ME Deluxe Hotel Corniche Apartments scheduled to open in 2015, adding 262 apartments to the company’s portfolio.

Marriott International Signs Second Tunisia Hotel Marriott International has announced the signing of an agreement with Société de Promotion Immobilière et Touristique Ennejma to operate Sousse Marriott Hotel Nejma. This new Marriott hotel reinforces the company’s aggressive growth plans for Africa, and will bring the total number of announced properties joining Marriott International’s Middle East and Africa portfolio by 2018 to 46, with 26 being in Africa. The 220-room upscale Marriott Hotels & Resorts-branded property, which will launch in 2017, is the company’s second hotel in the pipeline in Tunisia following the164-all-suite The Ritz-Carlton Tunis-Carthage, due to open in late 2015.

28 DECEMBER 2013

Accommodation

Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh Reveals the Kingdom Suite Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre has revealed the newest jewel in its crown, its opulent new Kingdom Suite. Hailed as the most highly anticipated addition to the property, which has undergone an extensive multimillion dollar renovation over the past 18 months, the duplex suite spans the 48th and 50th floors, offering breathtaking views of the city and 330m2 of palatial space. Tapping into the Saudi capital’s love of ultra-exclusivity, superior comfort, and eye-catching reinvention, the suite features elegant furnishing and glamorous touches. It comprises a bedroom, bathroom, dressing room, make-up area, walk-in wardrobe, kitchen with private access, private elevator inside the suite, private office, living room, and a dining room, while butler service is also available upon request.

Kingdom Suite

Jumeirah Group to Debut in Oman Jumeirah Group has signed a management agreement with Saraya Bandar Jissah to operate a luxury resort in Muscat. Slated to open in 2017, the resort, which is nestled between the Hajjar Mountains, will consist of two hotel components, one comprising 206 rooms and the other featuring 106 units. The overall development will also include a 1,200m2 Talise spa, a dive centre, a wide range of sports and leisure facilities, a selection of restaurants, bars, cafes and a kids club. In addition, conference and banquet facilities will also be available. The resort will form part of a larger project that includes high-end residential townhouses and villas.

28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Sterling Hotels to Debut in Dubai Sterling Hotels, part of Preferred Hotel Group, has signed an agreement for Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai and Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha Dubai, marking the company’s entry into Dubai. Saurabh Rai, regional director, South Asia and Middle East, Preferred Hotel Group, described the region as a key destination for the company where it currently offers 13 hotels and resorts. Owned and operated by Bin Haider Hospitality, the four-star sister properties are ideally positioned to cater for corporate and leisure travellers alike and they both feature outdoor rooftop pools, state-of-the-art fitness centre and several restaurants. Formerly known as Dhow Palace Hotel, Grand Excelsior Hotel Al Barsha is located in the up-and-coming Al Barsha area of Dubai and features 230 rooms and suites, while Grand Excelsior Hotel Bur Dubai is situated in the heart of the city’s business district and offers 282 units.

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort Reveals 105 Renovated Rooms

New Room at Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

The Exclusive Travel Group Teams up with Qantas The Exclusive Travel Group has signed an agreement of cooperation with Qantas to assist in promoting luxury travel to New Zealand, Australia and South Pacific to the high-net-worth sector of the GCC. “New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific remain unchartered territories for many discerning travellers from the GCC,” commented Rob Young, managing director, The Exclusive Travel Group. “Together with Qantas, and its extensive route path, we look forward to introducing visitors from the region to a new class of luxury travel.” Together with partner airline, Emirates, Qantas offers an extensive network of international and domestic flights both to and within the Australasian region with more 130 weekly services from over 65 destinations in MENA and Europe.

Lancala Island

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort in Fujairah has completed the first phase of its AED25 million (USD6.8 million) renovation and modernisation programme. The refurbishment, which began in 2012, included the complete redesign of 105 of the property’s units, encompassing the new Le Méridien brand design concept with unique local touches. Key features of the newly revealed rooms include Bluetooth connectivity to the flat screen TV, high speed Wi-Fi access, and an array of luxury touches such as the new signature Le Méridien Bed, the addition of a convenient extra sofa bed and Bose music systems in the Royal Club rooms. The project will continue in summer 2014 with the renovation of the remaining rooms of the 218key resort.

Work Commences on Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah Dubai-based real-estate investment firm, SKAI Holdings is to begin the main structural work on its AED3.67 billion (USD1 billion) Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah project. Set for completion in 2016, the luxury residential and hospitality property will offer its investors and guests 479 rooms and suites and 222 signature Viceroy Residences along with a plethora of services and amenities created especially for the diverse group of business and leisure guests expected to frequent the hotel and residences. Situated at the base of the Palm Jumeirah archipelago, the property will be easily accessible from mainland Dubai and will also feature a beach club, a 100m-long pool, children’s club and various entertainment and sporting activities.

28 DECEMBER 2013

Accommodation

JA Resorts & Hotels Launches First International Resort JA Resorts & Hotels has opened the five-star Enchanted Island Resort in the Seychelles, marking the UAE-headquartered hospitality company’s debut on the global stage. Operated and managed by JA Resorts & Hotels, the 10-villa luxury beach resort is set on 20,200m2 of natural greenery within protected national marine park. The boutique-style resort features a eight onebedroom private pool villas and two two-bedroom signature villas, all equipped with the latest technology. Other facilities include a choice of dining and entertainment outlets, an exclusive stretch of private beach, a swimming pool and a spa.

Enchanted Island Resort

Dubai to Regulate Holiday Homes Market H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, has issued a decree concerning the regulation of the holiday homes market in the emirate. According to the decree, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will be authorised to grant or deny licenses to those parties who intend to rent out a furnished residential property and the organisation will also conduct inspections on the properties to ensure they meet the required standards. Finally, two new classification standards will be added to the existing hotel classification framework, with ‘holiday homes’ being classified as either ‘standard’ or ‘deluxe’. “In order to achieve the target of welcoming 20 million annual visitors to Dubai by 2020, one priority is the supply of visitor accommodation and broadening the range of accommodations available is a major part of this,” commented H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, DTCM.

28 DECEMBER 2013

WEEKLY NEWS

Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Adds to Saudi Portfolio Following hot on the heels of the announcement of Park Inn by Radisson Riyadh Olaya and Radisson Blu Resort Jizan, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group is to add two more upper upscale properties to the company’s fast-expanding Saudi footprint. Slated to open in the fourth quarter of 2015, Radisson Blu Resort Al Khobar Aziziya will feature 186 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby cafe, wellness facilities with gym, sauna and outdoor pool and more than 270m2 of meeting and event veneus. Located in Unauzah’s upcoming downtown area, Radisson Blu Hotel & Residence Unaizah will be part of a two million m2 master development, and is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2016. The property will offer 180 units, including 90 hotel rooms, 10 suites and 80 serviced apartments, and potentially up to 10 villas. Facilities will comprise 1,800m2 of meeting and banquet space including a ballroom, an allday restaurant, pool cafe, specialty restaurant, gym and spa.

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Qatar Airways to Fly to Cyprus

Cyprus

Cathay Pacific Moves Freighter Operations to DWC Cathay Pacific is to relocate its freight operations from Dubai International to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC), effective from February 1, 2014. Dubai has long been the airline’s transit hub for its European destinations, including Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, Paris and Milan. Hong Kong’s flag carrier currently operates seven weekly freighter services and 14 passenger flights per week from Dubai, and while cargo operations will move to DWC, passenger services will be operated from Dubai International. Brian Yuen, country manager, UAE and Qatar, Cathay Pacific, described Dubai as an important market and a major transit point for the carrier. “DWC is designed to support logistics well into the future and we believe the move will better serve us and bring our service level to a new height,” explained Yuen.

Qatar Airways is to add another country to its fast-expanding network by launching scheduled services to Larnaca, the popular coastal city of Cyprus. Commencing April 29, 2014, the Qatari carrier will operate four weekly flights to Larnaka International Airport using an Airbus A320 aircraft, offering 12 seats in business class and 132 in economy class. Known for its waterfronts, scenic vistas and stunning beaches, Larnaca is located on the southernmost coast of the Mediterranean island and is the third largest city in the country, a popular destination among tourists from all over the world. The airport is located on the edge of the city providing easy access to all amenities.

Etihad Airways Enhances Flights to Mumbai and New Delhi In a bid to boost the Indian market, Etihad Airways doubled flights and tripled seat offering between Abu Dhabi and the Indian cities of Mumbai and New Delhi, adding a second daily service and introducing wide-bodied Airbus jets on both routes. The new mid-afternoon services to both cities are operated with single-aisle Airbus A320s, each seating 136 passengers, and existing late evening departures have been upgraded to larger aircraft. The new flights will also be marketed by Indian carrier, Jet Airways as an extension of the airlines’ existing codeshare partnership.

Humayun Tomb, New Delhi

28 DECEMBER 2013

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Air Seychelles Announces International Expansion

Joel Morgan (middle) Making the Announcements

Air Seychelles is to launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of a significant expansion to the airline’s international schedule which includes the introduction of several new routes in 2014. As of February 2014 the carrier will operate two return services per week between Seychelles and Paris via Abu Dhabi with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 18 flat-bed business class seats and 236 economy seats. Currently, the airline codeshares on 14 weekly flights to Paris-Charles De Gaulle with equity partner Etihad Airways, offering a daily service between the archipelago and the French capital, while the new routes will complement this existing offering. Joel Morgan, chairman, Air Seychelles, said, “I am delighted to see Air Seychelles return to France, Seychelles’ top market. [...] Our Abu Dhabi service schedule offers one of the fastest routes for travel between Seychelles and major European destinations, and has built a solid position in this important historical market.”

Qatar Airways Announces Dallas/Fort Worth Qatar Airways will be extending its footprint in the US by introducing its seventh gateway to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, with services commencing on July 1, 2014. The destination will become the carrier’s second route in Texas, since Qatar Airways currently operates to Houston nonstop daily from Doha. The Dallas/Fort Worth service will be operated with the airline’s flagship Boeing 777200LR aircraft, which features a two-class design with 42 business class lie-flat seats, while economy class features 217 seats. Currently flying to four destinations in the US, namely New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and Houston, Qatar Airways will nearly double its footprint in the country with the addition of three new routes in 2014, which include Philadelphia, Miami, and Dallas/ Fort Worth.

Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-200LR Economy Class

Gulf Air Launches First Flight to Al Maktoum International

Gulf Air and Airport Officials Celebrate the New Route with Ribbon-cutting Ceremony

28 DECEMBER 2013

Bahrain’s national carrier, inaugurated operations to Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC), becoming the first full-service carrier to commence operations to the airport. Flight GF578 landed in Dubai’s new facility on December 8, carrying Gulf Air delegations and members of the media from the Middle East. Nasser Al Salmi, chief operations officer, Gulf Air, said, “We are delighted to be strengthening Gulf Air’s Middle East network, which remains one of the largest to date. Adding Al Maktoum International Airport to our route network supplements the airline’s offering, increasing passenger convenience, which is our ultimate goal.”

WEEKLY NEWS

International

Dusit Announces Hot Springs Resort in China Dusit Fudu Hotels & Resorts has signed an agreement with Yunnan Jingdian Real Estate Group to manage a 72-villa hot springs resort. Dusit Devarana Dianchi Lake, Kunming, located on Dianchi Lake, Yunnan Province, is 40 minutes from Kunming International Airport and 25 minutes away from the central business district. Scheduled to open in 2016, the resort will boast private hot springs pools set against a tranquil and picturesque landscape, while dining and entertainment outlets will include a signature Thai restaurant, an all-day-dining restaurant, lobby lounge and library reading room. Dusit Devarana Dianchi Lake

IHG Launches East Orlando Property InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the opening of a new hotel located a short distance from the University of Central Florida (UCF), Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Orlando East – UCF Area. This is the first new hotel to be launched in East Orlando in eight years, although IHG currently has three properties in the pipeline and twelve open hotels in the city. The new property features 91 guest rooms, including 28 suites, while it is conveniently accessible to businesses and multiple entertainment venues, making it ideal for business as well as leisure travellers. “Whether our guests are here for business or leisure, we look forward to providing an enhanced guest experience and an enjoyable stay,” confirmed Bruce Grube, general manager, Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Orlando East – UCF Area. Amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre, complimentary high-speed Internet access and a business centre.

Holiday Inn Debuts in Mauritius Holiday Inn Mauritius Airport has opened its doors, marking the brand’s debut on the Indian Ocean island. Located just 700m from the country’s main international airport and five minutes from the beach, the 140-room hotel is set to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. Guest can benefit from various food and beverage outlets, a gym, spa, and 450m2 of meeting space, including a boardroom and four meeting rooms. Commenting on the launch of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG)’s second property in the country, Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East and Africa, IHG, said, “As the island’s popularity amongst holidaymakers and business travellers continues to increase, this Holiday Inn will provide an affordable, quality option on Mauritius’ scenic south east coast.”

Holiday Inn Mauritius Airport

28 DECEMBER 2013

WHO'S MOVED

Ahmed Ershood Al Shehhi

Adam Phillips Adam Phillips has returned to Abu Dhabi after accepting the position of vice president of commercial strategy and planning at Etihad Airways. Since joining the airline in 2007, Philips has held various positions both in the UAE as well as Asia. Most recently he worked in Bangkok as vice president re-

sponsible for Asia Pacific North and the Indian subcontinent. His new role will see him develop and implement innovative sales and distribution strategies across the global commercial division and evolve the methods the carrier uses to sell flights and boost ancillary revenue.

Ahmed Ershood Al Shehhi has been named general manager in the Seychelles for Etihad Airways. Al Shehhi joined Etihad Airways in 2008 under its Graduate Management Development Program and initially worked in Jakarta, where he gained strong industry experi-

Michael van der Ende Michael van der Ende has been appointed head of online travel agencies (OTA) for the Middle East, Africa and India at Travelport. van der Ende joins Travelport from dnata where he has served as business-toconsumer manager. Having held various senior positions in Europe with lastminute. com and Opodo, he brings a wealth of experience from the OTA sector to the role in which he will be in charge

28 DECEMBER 2013

of overseeing and driving Travelportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online business across the region, as the local travel industry increasingly seeks to establish its online presence.

van der Ende joins Travelport from dnata where he has served as business-to-consumer manager

ence in the sales department. He then moved to the marketing department at the head office in Abu Dhabi where, as regional marketing manager, he was responsible for supporting the development and growth in brand recognition and sales in the GCC, as well as Iraq, Iran and Yemen.

Craig Thomas Craig Thomas is moving to Bangkok to work as Etihad Airwaysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; vice president in Asia Pacific North and the Indian subcontinent. Thomas joined the airline in January 2006 as country manager for South Africa, a position that he held for over four years. He then became country manager in Thailand and Mekong before moving to Melbourne to work as manager for Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

In his capacity, Thomas will be responsible for sales in the markets of Bangladesh, Belarus, China, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand and he will report directly to Abu Dhabi-based, vice president of global sales, Danny Barranger.

Thomas joined the airline in January 2006

travel talk is your space

TRAVEL TALK Tony Tyler

Hansjorge Kunze

Director general, International Air Transport Association.

Vice president, public relations and communications, AIDA Cruises.

“Regulatory and tax burdens incrementally, but significantly, rise year-on-year. [...] In 2014 we will mark 100 years since the first scheduled commercial air service was inaugurated. Over aviation’s first century, our world has changed for the better. The industry evolved into a powerful draft horse connecting people and growing economies. Governments should keep this in mind when developing policies or deciding taxes.”

“AIDA Cruises has been operating in the Arabian Gulf since 2006, therefore we can say that the region has constantly improved its services and facilities and has set up standards that are in line with the worldwide cruise industry, such as good infrastructure and air connectivity. Other regions could follow this example.”

James Rigney

Markus Marti

Chief financial officer, Etihad Airways.

General manager, Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar.

“I am honoured to accept the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales’ Middle East Chief Financial Officer of the Year award on behalf of the much wider team, within Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi Government and our financial advisors, particularly Pricewaterhouse Coopers and KPMG International, who have helped us deliver over the seven years and in particular, over the last 12 months.”

“The [Best E-Commerce 2013; Best Entrepreneurial Initiative 2013; and Best Financial Performance 2013] awards [received at Mövenpick Hotels &Resorts’ General Managers Conference 2013] are a testimony to our commitment for excellence at Mövenpick Hotel Al Khobar. I would like to dedicate the awards to our guests, owners, employees and business partners.”

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

28 DECEMBER 2013

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Marie de Peyrecave POSITION: Sales and marketing director COMPANY: Muscat Diving &

Adventure Centre

LOCATION: Oman WEB: www.holiday-in-oman.com

Who are you? I am French and I was living in Paris before moving to Oman two years ago. I was working for a company which developed financial software when I fell in love with Oman and decided to move here. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? Every day is different. We have to adapt to the clients, to the market, to the weather, to what is happening in the world. Every day is a new challenge and a new excitement. We constantly have to be creative and renew ourselves. When is the best time to visit Oman? The best time to visit Oman is from November to March, when the weather is cooler. The summer has other good aspects. Dhofar is amazing during this time of the year, diving is good and the weather in the mountains is lovely. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Zanzibar would be my number one out of a long list. It is close to Oman geographically and historically, and offers a great way to discover Oman’s history. I have heard so many good things about Zanzibar. A yoga retreat in Zanzibar sounds like a dream holiday.

New Travelport Smartpoint: with Agents in Mind Travelport announced the launch of an enhanced version of its travel agency point-of-sale application, Travelport Smartpoint in Middle East and Africa. The new Travelport Smartpoint incorporates a number of efficiency-driving enhancements, many based on customer feedback, including interactive graphical mapping capabilities as well as a range of new intuitive tools and functions all designed to help travel agents. Moreover the new version offers agents an additional safe, se-

cure and fully integrated payment solution directly within their desktop environment. Scott Pawley, managing director, Global Travel Management, was one of the customers involved in testing the new version, who commented, “We are already enjoying the benefits of using a modern agency desktop that supports my business and makes my agents happy.” Since launching in 2011, Travelport Smartpoint has been embraced by more than 110,000 travel agents worldwide.

Al-Futtaim Travel Parners with Turkish Tour Operator Al-Futtaim Travel has teamed up with Turkish tour operator, Al Miran Travel to offer UAE residents smooth and hassle free travel services to Turkey. As Willian Horsley, general manager, Al-Futtaim Travel, explained, through the partnership the UAE-based company will be able to offer all holiday seekers the widest travel options and the most competitive rates. The tie-up will also enable Al-Futtaim Travel to provide those seeking to receive medical treatments abroad with the best possible health care services in the country, while Turkish organisations will be able to organise meetings, congresses and exhibitions in the UAE.

Why should people come to you for travel advice? Because our team knows Oman very well and had seen the country grow very quickly for the last 16 years; because we are always trying to look for new places and trips, hidden natural treasures; because for all of us, it is more than work and we are all linked by our love to the Sultanate.

Willian Horsley (left)

28 DECEMBER 2013

TRAVEL CHANNELS TripAdvisor Survey Reveals Traveller’s Bad Habits

More than two in three (70 percent) of British travellers admit to taking something from a hotel following their stay, with toiletries being most popular.

Hotels Fuel US OTA Growth

59 percent of UK hoteliers report that their guests return home with a variety of items on their way out. However, the TripBarometer Truth in Travel survey reveals that apparently visitors take much more than they say they do, compared to what the hoteliers report missing. Guests are more likely to admit taking items thought of as complimentary such as toiletries, however some travellers feel that even the towels, light bulbs and batteries are up for grabs as well. Concerning key motivators for choosing accommodation, travellers around the world appreciate gifts, reinforcing the idea that one of the best ways for hoteliers to entice guests is to offer free services as part of the daily rate.

According to PhoCusWright’s latest Global Edition report, air gross bookings made through online travel agencies (OTA) in the US as projected to drop seven percent this year, while the hotel and lodging segment continues to flourish. As Lorraine Sileo, senior vice president, research, PhoCusWright, noted, sliding air bookings have forced OTAs to focus on building their more profitable hotel businesses and these investments have started to pay off. “Hotels are pushing to drive direct bookings, but the OTAs’ aggressive marketing tactics - paired with a distinct advantage in mobile hotel bookings - will keep hotels’ and OTAs’ share of online bookings steady through 2015.”

Steep Rise in Passenger Demand by 2017

Portugal Endorses UNWTO Code of Ethics

An aviation industry forecast released by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that airlines expect to see a 31 percent surge in traveller numbers between 2012 and 2017. With total passenger numbers set to rise to 3.91 billion in 2017, this will signal an increase of 930 million passengers over the 2.98 billion carried in 2012. Demand is expected to expand by an average of 5.4 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR) between this year and 2017, while approximately 292 million passengers will be carried on international routes and 638 million on domestic services. The highest international growth is anticipated in the emerging economies of the Middle East and Asia Pacific with CAGR of 6.3 percent and 5.7 percent respectively.

As many as 17 of Portugal’s foremost tourism associations have signed the private Sector Commitment to the UNWTO Global Code of Ethics for Tourism, pledging to implement the ethical principles of the code in their policies and operations. The signing took place coinciding with the 3rd UNWTO International Conference of Tourism and the Media which took place on December 2 in the country. Up to date more than 200 tourism enterprises and associations spread over 29 countries across the world have pledged to promote and implement the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

28 DECEMBER 2013

RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Antonio Paradiso Following significant investment in infrastructure and promotion, the Arabian Gulf is increasingly being recognised as a key growth market for the global cruise industry. Here, Antonio Paradiso, executive director, emerging markets, MSC Cruises, shares his views on the region’s future prospects.

Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us about MSC Cruises’ Middle Eastern or North African itineraries for the current season. Antonio Paradiso: For the 2013/2014 season, we are offering travellers a full itinerary in the Middle East, taking in the very best of this world of dazzling contrasts, from its futuristic cities to eternal desert sands. From November 23 until March 29, 2014, MSC Lirica will be offering 18 eight-day/seven-night cruises from Dubai, calling in Abu Dhabi and Khorfakkan [Sharjah] in the UAE and Muscat and Khasab in Oman, with an exciting overnight stay in glittering Dubai. We are also offering calls in Morocco and Tunisia during our Canary Islands and Western Mediterranean cruises. MSC Armonia travellers will enjoy two exciting new itineraries departing from Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this winter, with the second itinerary boasting calls in Agadir, Casablanca, Arrecife de Lanzarote and Puerto del Rosario, including an overnight call in Casablanca. This is a completely new itinerary for MSC, and we are sure that a large number of travellers will be seduced by the mix of beautiful nature in the Canaries and mythical Morocco cities and magical landscapes. Travellers can also enjoy MSC Splendida’s already popular Western Mediterranean itinerary from Genoa to Marseille, Barcelona, La Goulette, Tunis; Palermo, Civitavecchia, during which travellers will visit the colourful and cultural capital of Tunisia, Tunis, and the incredible archaeological site of Carthage. Travel Trade Weekly: What makes MENA an important market and destination for the company?

28 DECEMBER 2013

Antonio Paradiso Executive director, emerging markets, MSC Cruises

promoting these cruises, particularly in European countries, due to the excellent flight combinations and member advantages we have set up with Emirates. We are of course cooperating with the region’s authorities who, as part of a broad commitment to encouraging future growth, decided earlier this year to allow multiple entry visas for cruise ship passengers. This has dramatically simplified visa procedures, making the region even more attractive to cruise lines and ensuring that many more travellers can discover this truly unique destination with ease. Travel Trade Weekly: How do you see the MENA region’s cruise sector developing over the next five to 10 years?

Antonio Paradiso: In terms of North Africa, our calls in Tunisia and Morocco remain favourite destinations for our travellers and, as a company proud of our Mediterranean roots and the region’s unparalleled diversity, we think it is really important to include these destinations in our itineraries in order to show our travellers the sheer variety of cultures, religions, and peoples that the Mediterranean boasts. In terms of the Middle East, this region is growing in importance both as a destination and as a source market. The UAE in particular has great potential in terms of travel and tourism, particularly as a destination for cruise calls. The growth of the cruise industry seen in recent years combined with the region’s commitment to encouraging future growth are significant evidence of such potential. This is why we made sure to send a ship there this winter, and we are heavily

Antonio Paradiso: Today, cruise lines need to accept that geopolitical situations can happen on a regular basis and that it is essential to remain flexible in terms of itineraries in order to offer our guests the safest holiday possible. There have been some important instability issues with certain destinations in North Africa over the past few years, resulting in the cancellation of certain ports, but we will continue to call in safe destinations in the MENA region for as long as our travellers want to visit. In the future, we will of course be open to considering new ports of call in the region when they become available in terms of infrastructure. As a cruise line, in comparison to a landbased resort, we have the unique flexibility to immediately reposition our ships wherever it is safest for our guests in times of political instability or uncertainty, ensuring that our cruise ships are, and always will be, a safe holiday option.

NEWS & EVENTS

Cairo Hosts Airbus Regional Seminar Airbus chose Cairo to host the first Field Service Managers Regional Seminar between November 26 - 27, which was attended by the company’s managers and technical assistants covering the region of Middle East and Africa. The seminar was headed by Hubert Rouyer, field service director, Near East and Africa, Airbus, while it aimed to confirm the new strategy implemented by Airbus to improve the communication and deepen cooperation between field representatives around the world in order to ensure the best technical service to customers as well as providing training for field representatives through workshops and open discussions.

EVENTS PAGE