29 JUNE 2013
ISSUE 190
Rotana Partners with Sundus in Oman Sundus Investment Projects has signed an agreement with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to manage Sundus Arjaan by Rotana, Oman.
Spanning 4,300m2, Saray Spa has opened its doors at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, offering over 30 different massages and treatments.
06 The Ascott Limited Brings Citadines to the Gulf The Ascott Limited plans to introduce the Citadines brand to the Gulf region with the launch of two new serviced residences in Jeddah.
09 IN THIS ISSUE RENDEZVOUS WEEKLY NEWS MARKET UPDATE ACCOMMODATION AIR WHO’S MOVED TRAVEL TALK AGENT’S CORNER TRAVEL CHANNELS RENDEZVOUS NEWS & EVENTS
02 03 04 06 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Unveils Saray Spa
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RENDEZVOUS
Q & A with Svetozar Kujic With the future of global tourism appearing rather unpredictable, one thing remains certain; vast adjustments in the hospitality sector need to occur to accommodate the 195 million visitors expected to the MENA region by 2030. Svetozar Kujic, marketing and communications manager, TIME Hotels, however, remains optimistic.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are your predictions for future tourism in the hotel industry? Svetozar Kujic: The future of the hospitality industry will be signified with the increased demand for quality, convenience, and security. There are going to be more so called ‘one-person’ products or products which are basically customised per each guest, according to his/her wants and needs. There is going to be a great emphasis on comfort, easy transportation and more relaxation and entertainment facilities. It is all going to be about creating small indulging luxury experiences for each guest and citybreaks packages are going to be really popular as one way of creating these experiences. Destinations which are perceived as more green-conscious and destinations that provide high-quality wellness products will strive (including spas and fitness centres). Moreover tourism products that have an inclusion of arts, history and culture will be really popular. Finally, tourism needs to keep track of innovation and technological advancements (especially broadening of popularity of social networks and Internet availability) and creative communication of information will play a very significant role in future hospitality services. [...] It will all be going back to basics and providing guests with the best possible, customised services by communicating effectively to them using their favourite means of communication. Travel Trade Weekly: Which factors are going to affect hotels in the future and what trends do you see emerging, with special reference to the Middle East region? Svetozar Kujic: Destination marketing is the
Svetozar Kujic Marketing and communications manager, TIME Hotels
are putting together their own holidays and increase of direct bookings will be an ongoing challenge that this region is facing. There is going to be an increased need to offer relaxation packages and holidays will be split in more short ones instead of having one long main holiday season. Travel Trade Weekly: How is technology affecting the future of travel and hotels in the region, with near-field communication solutions and more rapidly emerging?
key word. Creation of better branding infrastructure with public support will be increased in its importance. Demand for the region will increase and one of the challenges will be creating attractive offers for guests who come for the first time but also returning visitors. Transportation infrastructure is one of the key elements and increased availability of direct links by planes will stimulate demand for international short breaks in the Middle Eastern region. There is a constant strong preference for this region given by the local population and it is ‘translated’ through increased number of visitors who are readily and warmly welcomed here. On the other hand, regional tourism strategy needs to take care of sustainability and green efficiency by avoiding overbuilding and applying resource management. Finally, experienced tourists these days
Svetozar Kujic: Technology is the key factor that will practically work as a large influence of future tourism product of the region and overall hospitality industry. Hotels will have to take on this opportunity of creating attractive packages by incorporating hi-tech amenities for a mutually beneficial solution. [...] As hoteliers we need to prepare ourselves and our systems to handle more sophisticated offers and enquiries from our guests. Mobile and tablet technology will become the dominant way of communication. Social service is probably the most relevant piece of technological advancement that is already affecting hospitality. One in five travellers in 2012 used social networks to obtain customer service response. As part of this process, photo and video sharing will become dominant activities among tourists and hoteliers need to embrace and ultimately reward this kind of behaviour. Hoteliers need to include careful analysis of the current and future trends and application of the proper adaptations, investing in exceptional services and sustainability of their lodging, as well as utilising the new technologies and the social networks.
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WEEKLY NEWS Travelport to Boost Egypt’s Travel Industry Travelport recently unveiled its latest investment plans in Egypt, as it pointed to predicted recovery in the country’s tourism sector. According to a study co-sponsored by the company, the travel industry in Egypt is set to start recovering in the near future, with the tourism sector expected to grow from USD5.1 billion in 2012 to USD5.9 billion in 2014, thus Travelport has set its focus on Egypt as a strategic investment region by unveiling a robust business strategy. In the next 18 months, the technology provider aims to introduce a range of new products to Egypt’s travel trade, continue to enhance customer service delivery, and focus on mobile and online technologies.
DMCA Allocates Marine Public Transport Navigation Routes Dubai Maritime City Authority (DMCA) has allocated marine public transport navigation routes along the coastline of the emirate in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The initiative falls in line with Dubai’s Maritime Sector Strategy and forms part of the joint commitment of DMCA and RTA to regulate the marina public transport sector. “Marine public transport is increasingly being used by residents, nationals, and tourists, as it offers high levels of flexibility, convenience, and cost efficiency, and especially since it passes near major residential and tourist areas, hotels, spas, and maritime sports clubs along Dubai’s coastline,” explained Yousef Al Ali, CEO, RTA Public Transport Agency.
Marine Public Transport Navigation Routes
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The Dubai Mall Kicks Off Expansion The Dubai Mall has commenced an extensive expansion in preparation to welcome over 100 million annual visitors. As Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, explained, the project builds on Dubai’s new Tourism Vision 2020 and the city’s focus on offering high-end retail and leisure attractions for residents and visitors alike. “The current expansion will redefine Dubai’s retail sector, cementing its reputation as a global hub for the latest in fashion,” claimed Alabbar. With the first phase of the expansion by 93,000m2, the fashion portfolio of the mall will be further strengthened, enriching the destination’s retail profile. Having welcomed over 65 million visitors in 2012, and a record 20 million visitors in the first three months of the current year, the project is set to underline The Dubai Mall’s global standing as one of the world’s most visited shopping and lifestyle destinations.
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel COPY EDITOR
Middle East Carriers to Earn USD1.5 Billion The International Air Transport Association (IATA) upgraded this year’s global outlook for the industry to a USD12.7 billion profit on USD711 billion in revenues.
Stefanie Saghbini SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli
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PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian Derek Lainsbury 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
hese figures are up USD2.1 billion from the previous predictions set in March, and a major improvement on the USD7.6 billion profit generated in 2012. Meanwhile, Middle East airlines are expected to register a profit of USD1.5 billion, slightly above the earlier projected USD1.4 billion, as passenger demand is set to continue to rise at 15 percent, well ahead of the anticipated 12.6 percent capacity expansion. IATA’s latest report also highlights how the
region’s successful hubs continue to connect long-haul traffic, with particular strength in facilitating connectivity to emerging economies in Asia and Africa. However, day-to-day challenges of keeping revenues ahead of costs remain monumental, as Tony Tyler, director-general, IATA, explained, who revealed that many airlines are still struggling. “Generating even small profits with oil prices at USD108/barrel and a weak economic outlook is a major achievement,” Tyler commented.
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MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
25/06/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
7.01
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,511.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
100.37
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.64
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.49
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
12,283.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.50
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
79.57
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.28
Abu Dhabi: Passenger Traffic up 14 Percent Abu Dhabi International Airport handled over 5.2 million passengers in the first four months of the year, marking a 14 percent increase over the corresponding period in 2012. During the four-month stretch, the airport welcomed 42,735 flights, representing a 9.5 percent rise compared to the same period in 2012, while cargo traffic grew to 209,880 tonnes, up 20.2 percent. The highest traffic was registered to destinations in India, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, and Pakistan. Commenting on the latest figures, Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operating officer, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), said, “As the capital’s airport continues to register double-digit growth in passenger traffic, ADAC will continue to invest in Abu Dhabi International Airport in order to provide the infrastructure necessary to ensure world-class service and optimal efficiency for all passengers and partners, while supporting the growth of Abu Dhabi as an international hub.” Abu Dhabi International Airport
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WEEKLY NEWS
IHG Expands in Turkey InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) continues to expand its Holiday Inn brand’s presence in Turkey with the 102room Holiday Inn Express Manisa – West. Due to open in 2014, the hotel will operate under a franchise agreement with Procons Turizm and will be managed by T & T Consulting. As Yalin Yaltirakli, director of development, Turkey, IHG, pinpointed, the project enjoys an ideal location in close proximity to the Manisa industrial zone. “Holiday Inn Express is a great brand for Manisa as it focuses on convenience and comfort at great value. It is ideal for business travellers who are on the go as it offers exactly what they need,” he explained.
Accommodation
JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai Unveils Saray Spa Spanning 4,300m2, Saray Spa has opened its doors at JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, offering over 30 different massages and treatments. The extensive facilities at the haven includes a total of 15 treatment rooms, Hammams, Swedish dry saunas, Jacuzzi, and an authentic Dead Sea Floatation Pool, to name a few, while the spa’s fitness centre features state-of-the-art equipment. According to Drashell Schmidt, director, Saray Spa, alongside the healing treatments and products, the highly skilled staff will ensure that the spa raises the bar in terms of spa facilities and treatment offerings in the UAE.
Rotana Partners with Sundus in Oman Sundus Investment Projects has signed an agreement with Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to manage its new project, Sundus Arjaan by Rotana in Oman. The deal follows the two companies’ recently-concluded alliance for the management of the four-star Sundus Rotana Muscat corporate and conference hotel. Set for completion in two years’ time, groundbreaking for the USD40 million projects will commence this July. The two properties will cover a total of 40,000m2, and will contribute to driving the Sultanate’s Vision 2020 for tourism, as Mohammed Mahfood Saad Al Ardhi, chairman, Sundus Investments Projects, highlighted.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
Golden Sands Hotel Apartments Targets New Markets Golden Sands Hotel Apartments aims to further extend its reach and attract visitors from emerging markets, such as Australia, Latin America and the Far East. As Mohammad Khoori, general manager, Golden Sands Hotel Apartments, noted, the property, which will welcome guests with a new refurbished look, is increasingly popular among Australian travellers. “This means many Australians are becoming interested in visiting the city which is also the result of the recent partnership between Emirates and Qantas. Dubai’s summer time is the Aussie’s winter season and they are travelling during this time so it is nice to get a share of this market during this period,” explained Khoori, adding that the management also expects to see increased guest volumes from Latin America, the Far East, the UK, as well as Saudi Arabia.
Meliá Hotels International to Debut in Saudi Arabia Meliá Hotels International is poised to continue its global expansion at a rate of around one hotel every three weeks, with Gran Meliá Riyadh scheduled to welcome its first guests in 2015. Housed in a modern glass building in the heart of the Saudi capital, surrounded by shopping centres, and government ministries and offices, the hotel will initially offer 252 rooms, a number of restaurants, a spa and wellness centre, and a convention centre measuring some 2,500m2. Gabriel Escarrer Juliá, chairman, Meliá Hotels International, described the Kingdom as a fantastic location for the luxury hotel industry where the Gran Meliá brand is expected to exceed the expectations of discerning contemporary Arab business and leisure travellers alike, thanks to its powerful service.
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo Welcomes Minister of Tourism While on a recent tour of Semiramis InterContinental Cairo’s latest addition, Semiramis Pavilion, H.E. Hisham Zaazou, minister of tourism, Egypt, praised the meeting centre and announced plans to promote tourism in the coming months as well as roll out green initiatives. “We are delighted to see the Semiramis InterContinental Cairo welcoming local residents and travellers from further afield,” expressed Zaazou. “With its central position in the heart of Cairo, the hotel is an important contributor to tourism in Egypt. We look forward to seeing the hotel continue to thrive this year,” he added. The property’s management expects a busy summer period ahead, according to Sameh Sobhy, general manager, Semiramis InterContinental Cairo, who further noted, “We just received the Global Partners in Safety Award and are being recognised among other hotels as being a safe place for our employees to work and our guests to stay.”
Semiramis Pavilion
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Accommodation
The Ascott Limited Brings Citadines to the Gulf The Ascott Limited plans to introduce the Citadines brand to the Gulf region with the launch of two new serviced residences in Jeddah. Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2014, both the 166-unit Citadines Tahlia Jeddah and the 136-unit Citadines Al Salamah Jeddah will be managed by Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Group. As Lee Chee Koon, CEO, The Ascott Limited, explained, the Citadines brand provides independent travellers with the flexibility to choose the services they require to customise their stay experience.
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Emaar to Debut Vida at The Hills Emaar Properties has unveiled its newest residential development in Dubai, namely The Hills. The project, which forms part of a complex of four low-rise buildings, features two 12 - 15 storey establishments overlooking the Emirates Golf Club. Defined by a range of world-class amenities and several swimming pools, two key components of the development will be a hotel and serviced apartments under Vida Hotels and Resorts, promising the new generation of travellers and residents what Ahmad Al Matrooshi, managing director, Emaar Properties, described as a vibrant lifestyle.
WEEKLY NEWS
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USD1 billion Added to Le Méridien Investment Starwood Hotels & Resorts, which has already invested nearly USD3 billion with the ownership groups in existing and new Le Méridien properties since 2005, recently announced that another USD1 billion has been allocated by the owners to solidify the Le Méridien portfolio. Apart from a full brand transformation, the project also included the removal of more than 40 hotels and resorts and the renovation of 25 properties. By early 2014, another 10 hotels are set to open, while in the Middle East and Africa region, over USD200 million is being invested for the renovation of 12 properties.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Air
Air Arabia Steps up Bangladesh Services Air Arabia has reiterated its commitment to Bangladesh by increasing its Dhaka flights to double daily. The low-cost carrier, which previously operated 12 services to the city, will now offer a total of 25 weekly flights to the South Asian country. As Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia, explained, ever since the airline’s entry into Bangladesh in 2007, the country has been a key focus market for Air Arabia. “We are pleased to announce the expansion of Dhaka services to double daily. The launch of additional services to the capital city of Bangladesh is a result of increasing customer demand from the market. The ever-growing appeal for Air Arabia flights, underpinned by the value for money services, signals that Air Arabia continues to be the airline of choice for thousands of passengers who travel between Bangladesh and the UAE,” Ali added.
Etihad Airways Lands in Brazil Etihad Airways has launched non-stop services between Abu Dhabi and São Paulo, marking another milestone in the airline’s global expansion. The Brazilian city, Etihad Airways’ first destination in South America, also signifies the carrier’s entry into its sixth continent as well as its increasing presence across BRIC growth nations. Etihad Airways operates an Airbus A340-500 aircraft to Guarulhos International Airport, seating a total of 240 passengers across three cabins; 12 in Diamond First, 28 in Pearl Business, and 200 in Coral Economy.
Emirates Takes Off to Tokyo Emirates celebrated the start of its daily, non-stop service from Dubai to Tokyo International Airport (Haneda) with the launch of its inaugural flight on June 3. Thierry Antinori, executive vice president, passenger sales worldwide, Emirates, explained that the partnership with Haneda helps to connect two global hubs of development and growth, Japan and the UAE, while since the commencement of Emirates’ flights to Osaka in 2002, trade relations between the two countries have flourished. “We know that Haneda will play an integral role in our route network and the launch of services demonstrates Emirates’ commitment to Japan,” he continued. In addition, with the new daily flight to Tokyo, Emirates SkyCargo is able to add about 23 tonnes per flight, which accounts for about 160 tonnes of additional cargo capacity per week. In conclusion, Emirates also launched a complimentary airport transfer services for its passengers from Haneda directly to a location of their choice in the Greater Tokyo area.
Tokyo
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WHO'S MOVED
Ashraf Ramez Ashraf Ramez has joined Novotel Al Bustan Abu Dhabi and Adagio Al Bustan Abu Dhabi as front office manager. Ramez, who brings 13 years of experience to the role, started his career as a front office shift leader at Rotana Hotel Management Corporation before joining Conrad Hotels & Resorts in Egypt. He then returned to
Dubai in 2004 and became the duty manager in charge of guest service operations at Dubai World Trade Centre’s hospitality division. Since 2009, he worked as front office manager at ibis World Trade Centre and Novotel World Trade Centre. Ramez looks forward to a successful opening and to continue providing excellent services.
Andrew Humphries Andrew Humphries has been named regional vice president and general manager of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. In his capacity, he will oversee the daily operations of the hotel and will also be in charge of the group’s other regional properties. Humphries joins Viceroy Hotel Group after 16 years with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where he most recently served as regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons
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Resort Nevis, West Indies. Prior to that, he worked as regional vice president and general manager of Four Seasons Hotel Amman. A professional of the luxury hospitality business, Humphries’ career also includes roles with The Savoy London and The Athenaeum, London, as well as Fairmont Royal Ravilion and Glitter Bay Resort in Barbados. Humphries brings a wealth of luxury and regional experience to the role.
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Matthew Varley Matthew Varley has been named chief operating officer at Wego. He joins the travel search site from Wotif Group, where he held various key senior executive roles over eight years, both in Australia and Asia. Starting with the company in 2004, before publicly listing on the stock exchange, he led
the online marketing strategy for five years. He then when to Bangkok for three years where he managed the operations of the Wotif Group’s Asia business. His Asian market knowledge and previous experience scaling online travel businesses are expected to help drive the next phase of the company’s expansion.
travel talk is your space
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TRAVEL TALK Peter Hoesli
Jennifer D’Souza
General manager, regional manager, Jordan, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea.
Regional commercial director, Gulf, Levant, Pakistan and Turkey, Travelport.
”Within our company’s commitment to sustainability, it is our utmost pleasure to support, once more, the SOS Children’s Village Association of Jordan during the recent Opera Gala Dinner, combining great Opera with fine food and beverages in an unforgettable setting. We look forward to many more such events, which benefit a good cause.”
“It was great to be in Kabul to honour some of the brightest stars of the travel agency network in Afghanistan. Travelport was the first global distribution system to enter Afghanistan in 1998 and our continued strength in this country would not be possible without our valued travel agency partners. It is because of their commitment and success that Travelport remains the preferred technology provider in Afghanistan to this day.”
Ziyad Bin Mahfouz
Khaled Al Mehairbi
President, Elaf Group of Companies.
Senior vice president, government and aero political affairs, Etihad Airways.
“Elaf Bakkah Hotel represents a key element of Elaf Group’s strategy to increase its number of hotel rooms to 5,000. Elaf Group remains committed to offering the best hospitality services according to international best practices, to support the efforts of the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities, and achieve the goals of sustainable tourism development, while also boost Saudi Arabia’s status on the world tourism map.
“Etihad Airways is committed to active participation in causes that assist people and communities across its global network and especially in its home base of Abu Dhabi. Every child deserves the best education possible and we are pleased to play a vital role in the development and training of autistic children, and ultimately in their integration into society [by donating proceeds of Charity Fun Run to the Abu Dhabi Centre for Autism.”
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
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AGENT'S CORNER
AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Bahir Sidarous POSITION: Assistant director, incentive department
COMPANY: Emeco Travel LOCATION: Egypt WEB: www.emeco.com Who are you? After working in the hotel industry, in the food and beverage section, I joined Emeco Travel in 2000 as a tour leader. Today, I am an assistant director of the incentive department and in charge of Emeco marketing. Emeco is a leading destination management company in Egypt, established in 1976, and still stands on top of the country’s corporate travel companies. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? My favourite thing is making people happy and I mean the travellers who trust me or my company in arranging their trips. When is the best time to visit Egypt? The best time is winter time, between September and March. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Brazil. Why should people come to you for travel advice? Because Emeco has over 35 years of experience, we tailor-make each individual trip, and because we have full operating offices in each tourist destination in Egypt, so we are very close to our clients wherever they are in the country.
Mosque of Sultan Hassan, Cairo
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Amadeus Grows Global e-Commerce Amadeus has signed a long-term e-Commerce agreement with Air France-KLM, effective worldwide, which allows the airline group to utilise Amadeus’ shopping technology for a further five years across both its domestic and international websites. The renewed partnership provides Air France-KLM with Amadeus Flex Prices to power its revenue and award shopping flows, while travellers will benefit from enhanced self-service functionality. The deal also highlights the expansion of Amadeus’ e-Commerce business globally, with the technology provider now supporting various web and mobile services for more than 100 airlines across merchandising, booking, and servicing.
“Air France-KLM is an airline group particularly advanced in its approach to e-Commerce, and we are delighted to support the airline to evolve and achieve its digital ambitions. On another note, we are also extremely pleased to see that our solutions support our airline customers’ online strategies and enable some quite remarkable business results more generally, often outperforming industry growth figures,” noted Philippe Der Arslanian, head of global e-Commerce and mobile, Amadeus. “For airlines using our booking engine, this also proves that higher levels of merchandising are possible when managing the ‘complete experience’, from inspiration to payment, even for complex itineraries,” he added.
Iraqi Airways Considers Services to Sweden Saad Mahdi Saeed, director-general, Iraqi Airways, recently met with Jörgen Lindström, Swedish ambassador to Iraq, and the commercial attaché at the embassy, in order to discuss ways of cooperation regarding the aviation sector between the two countries. Iraqi Airways is planning on opening an air route between Sweden and its home base to serve the Iraqi community, which lives in the Nordic country. The two teams discussed potential prospects that serve both parties, especially as Iraqi Airways is set to expand to different countries after upgrading its fleet through the purchase of modern aircraft. Jörgen Lindström
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
Al Faw Transforms into an Open-air Museum
SCTDA Treats Tourist Guides to Perfumery Class
The Al Faw archaeological site rehabilitation project is set to transform the site into an open-air museum of its history and civilisation.
A
s Ali bin Ibrahim Al Ghabban, vice president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities, explained, the goal is to restore and rehabilitate the site and ensure protection of its components to develop it into an open-air museum in order to showcase the ancient site’s history and civilisations through the ages at the location on which the historical events occurred. The project consists of 10 elements and the major facilities include a residential area, souk, visitor centres, museum exhibition, walking trails, research centre, support facilities, and restoration of discovered buildings and architectural monuments. Al Faw archaeological site is located 700km to the south-west of Riyadh, and it is the first ever site in the Kingdom to include expanded excavations, which has revealed evidences of intensive settlements on the site as well as a large number of objects of great historical importance.
Cathay Pacific and HKTB Host Interactive Session Cathay Pacific Airways and Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) jointly organised an interactive session for over 80 travel professional from around the UAE to increase awareness of the airline’s products and services and promote its home city, Hong Kong. During the four-hour course, participants learned about the carrier’s latest products as well as its vast international network, while Hong Kong was also introduced as a world-class tourist destination, suitable for families and leisure travellers from the Middle East. As Brian Yuen, country manager, UAE and Oman, Cathay Pacific Airways, noted, the airline is committed to offering the Middle East market with the best combination of new products, comprehensive network, and frequency. “Hong Kong is an ideal hub and stopover point for passengers who want to enjoy a seamless connection. Hong Kong also has a lot to offer and that will allow transit passengers to explore different lengths of stay in the city,” he concluded.
As part of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA)’s efforts to promote the understanding of the emirate’s identity and tourism profile among industry partners, 25 professional tourist guides were offered a special master class on Sharjah’s perfume industry in cooperation with the Sharjah Museums Department and perfumers Mohamed Hilal Group and Grosse French Perfumes. Commenting on the initiative, H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, SCTDA, stressed that the perfume industry in the emirate is a reflection of its cultural identity and heritage, while he emphasised the authority’s keenness to host diverse events and activities that help develop and enhance the skills of those employed in the tourism sector.
Atlantis, The Palm Expands Aquaventure Waterpark Atlantis, The Palm has outlined plans to expand its Aquaventure Waterpark with a number of world firsts and heart pumping rides. “This upcoming expansion will be more exhilarating than anything we have unveiled before, with unbelievable new rides the likes of which have not been seen anywhere in the world,” indicated Alan Leibman, CEO, Kerzner International. Set to be unveiled in August, the 40m The Tower of Poseidon will offer a number of rides, while other elements of the development will include the world’s largest diameter slide, the first vertical baking family ride, the first double slide within a slide experience, two new family rides, and the longest zipline circuit in the Middle East, along with a number of dining experiences.
The Tower of Poseidon
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with David Butler With travellers becoming more and more demanding, new and genuine travel experiences are proceeding to the forefront, with David Butler, owner, Offbeatours, defending this business idea, where tourists can visit unconventional destinations, in the Middle East and beyond.
Travel Trade Weekly: According to a recent ITB World Travel Trends report, consumers will demand more authentic travel experiences in the future. What is your feedback on this? David Butler: To answer this question we have to ask what we mean by “more authentic travel experiences”. After all, every place that we visit is real. You can be forgiven, of course, when you are wondering through a Dubai shopping mall, for stopping to think where you are. [...] This, though, will not be a dilemma that you have to ponder over when you visit one of the Offbeatours destinations, which are currently Afghanistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Yemen, and Pakistan. [...] As more and more people travel the planet in ever-increasing numbers, you will find that the overwhelming majority of them go to the same places. With these destinations falling into the more standard bracket and adopting a mundane quality, people now do look for a more ‘authentic’ experience. Travel Trade Weekly: Which are your predictions for future tourism in the MENA region? David Butler: Inbound tourism to the Middle East is going to increase greatly. The first and possibly main reason, for this increase, will be a huge explosion in the number of Chinese travelling. We are already seeing the beginning of this but it is only the tip of the iceberg. With Dubai, in particular, being at the crossroads of international air travel from Asia, many Chinese will either come here as
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David Butler Owner, Offbeatours
David Butler: As more and more awareness is spread about the negative impact of air travel and its associated carbon footprint, many people are going to be looking for authentic travel experiences closer to home. Most people, of course, will not care about that at all but for the significant number that do, trips to untouched and untarnished destinations will be what they are looking for. Travel Trade Weekly: In your opinion, how is technology affecting travel and tourism in all its aspects?
a tourist or pass through en route to somewhere else. We will see many more Chinese employed here to help cater to this growing market. For outbound tourism the traditional destinations for Gulf nationals are not going to change dramatically, if at all. They will still go to London, Paris, New York, Singapore, and Thailand. [...] For North Africa, much will depend on their sustaining stability. As long as they can maintain peace and good order, the number of visitors will increase especially with new air links opening to many of their cities, by Emirates in particular. Travel Trade Weekly: Which factors are going to affect future tourism and what trends do you see emerging with special reference to the region?
David Butler: More and more travellers now use Internet to gather information about their destinations whether it is for business or leisure travel. This is only going to increase. It is now commonplace to find flights, book tickets, pick your seat, and check in online. What the next 15 years will bring is, of course, guesswork. Obviously more and more research will be done into finding alternative fuels which are less damaging to the environment but this is not going to happen overnight. [...] The opening up of a railway system throughout the Arabian Peninsula should also be a very positive innovation for travellers. If the trains are made fast and comfortable enough, it could be another step into making travel as much about the journey as the destination. We cannot get away from the negative effects of air travel and must be looking at every way to lessen its impact even if we have to consider what would seem extremely unlikely.
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NEWS & EVENTS
WTM Launches First Luxury Showcase World Travel Market (WTM), a leading global event for the travel industry, in association with fellow Reed Travel Exhibitions’ event, International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM), will host its first ‘A Taste of ILTM at WTM’ on November 4 - 5. The event, which will take place during the first two days of this year’s WTM London, will focus on 60 luxury UK buyers, specifically those not attending ILTM in Cannes between December 2 - 5. Simon Press, senior exhibition director, WTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions, elaborated, “The ‘A Taste of ILTM at WTM’ recognises the growing importance of the luxury sector. […] ILTM in Cannes is a global invite-only event, which means many UK luxury buyers are unable to attend. WTM is offering them the unrivalled opportunity to conduct business with a large number of luxury exhibitors in the UK.”
Abu Dhabi to Host Golf Business Event The 11th edition of the annual KPMG Golf Business Forum, a leading golf business platform for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, is set to take place in Abu Dhabi in 2014. The joint-bid of Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Golf in Abu Dhabi won the right to host the event following the emirate’s impressive strides taken in recent times, with the development of world-class courses, hotels, and leisure attractions, as Andrea Sartori, partner, KPMG, explained. The event is expected to bring over 250 developers, investors and professionals from the global golf business industry to the UAE capital for two days of conferences, debates, and presentations. Travel packages for delegates from more than 40 countries will encompass flight options with Etihad Airways, the UAE’s national carrier, hotel stays at the five-star The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, and rounds of golf at two of the emirate’s championshipready courses, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi.
EVENTS ASIAN International Trade & Tourism Expo Dhaka, Bangladesh, July 2 – 8, 2013 (www.asiantradeexpo.org) The event will provide a platform for manufacturers, suppliers and various tourism sectors to showcase their products and services.
Food and Hospitality Oman Muscat, Oman, September 2 – 4, 2013 (www.foodandhospitalityoman.com) The event showcases a comprehensive range of services in the international food, beverage, and hotel industries.
Travel & Tourism Fair (TTF) Kolkata, India, July 5 – 7, 2013 (www.ttfotm.com) TTF is hailed as India’s largest business-to-business focused travel trade show network.
Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show Birmingham, UK, September 18 – 19, 2013 (www.leisureshow.com) One of Britain’s biggest annual group travel events with 200 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors.
Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention San Diego, US, August 4 – 7, 2013 (www.gbta.org) GBTA’s Convention will bring together thousands of business travel buyers and industry suppliers and a strong line-up of keynote speakers.
The Hotel Show Dubai, UAE, September 28 – 30, 2013 (www.thehotelshow.com) Now in its 14th year, this show is a key meeting place for leading suppliers and buyers.
29 JUNE 2013