31 AUGUST 2013
ISSUE 199
31 AUGUST 2013
ISSUE 199
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Opens Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has unveiled The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; the third St. Regis hotel to launch in the Middle East.
Mercure Jeddah Al Hamra has opened its doors, further expanding Accor’s presence in the region.
08 Emirati and Omani Investors Finance New Hungarian Airline Emirati and Omani investors with strong international ties have committed to funding Sólyom Hungarian Airways; a new carrier established by three Hungarian businessmen.
10 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE
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WEEKLY NEWS
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ACCOMMODATION
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AIR
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WHO’S MOVED
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TRAVEL TALK
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AGENT’S CORNER
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
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RENDEZVOUS
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NEWS & EVENTS
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Mercure Jeddah Al Hamra Unveiled
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MARKET UPDATE
TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel
UAE: Strong Demand in Dubai and Abu Dhabi Hotels in Dubai witnessed rate-driven profitability growth while demand also continued to increase in Abu Dhabi in the first half of the year, the latest HotStats report of TRI Hospitality Consulting shows.
COPY EDITOR 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
n Dubai, occupancy levels rose 3.5 percent to 86 percent, while average room rate (ARR) also improved 4.5 percent to USD329.87, leading to a 8.9 percent surge in RevPAR to USD283.60, and a 13 percent rise in gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) to USD238.41. Meanwhile in Abu Dhabi, despite a 5.7 percent drop in ARR to USD147.52, a 13.4 percent surge in occupancy to 75 percent led to a 14.8 percent increase in RevPAR to USD110.81, which contributed to a 22 percent
improvement in GOPPAR to USD78.19. Sharing his views on Abu Dhabi’s performance, Peter Goddard, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting Middle East, attributed this growth to a 25 percent rise in visitors to the capital and a 12.6 percent upsurge in passengers through Abu Dhabi International Airport during the first half of the year, however highlighted the considerable challenges which hoteliers face in reversing declining average rates in the response to a substantial increase in supply.
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Jazeera Airways Group: Best H1 Earnings in History Jazeera Airways Group posted a record net profit of KWD3.9 million (USD13.7 million) for the second quarter, making the first half (H1) of the year the company’s most profitable H1 to date. For the six-month period, the group’s net profit surged 95 percent to KWD7.5 million (USD26.36 million), bolstered by a 4.1 percent increase in flown passenger numbers and a 11.9 percent rise in load factor to 70 percent. “Our job is far from over and the team is working hard on closing yet another record-breaking year,” noted Marwan Boodai, chairman, Jazeera Airways Group.
MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of
30/08/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
COUNTRY
CURRENCY
1USD=
UAE (AED)
Dirham
3.67
Egypt (EGP)
Pound
6.99
Saudi Arabia (SAR)
Riyal
3.75
Lebanon (LBP)
Pound
1,511.50
Bahrain (BHD)
Dinar
0.37
Jordan (JOD)
Dinar
0.71
Syria (SYP)
Pound
112.95
Kuwait (KWD)
Dinar
0.28
Qatar (QAR)
Riyal
3.64
Oman (OMR)
Rial
0.38
Tunisia (TND)
Dinar
1.65
Morocco (MAD)
Dirham
8.42
Iran (IRR)
Riyal
24,830.00
Yemen (YER)
Rial
214.86
Algeria (DZD)
Dinar
81.23
Libya (LYD)
Dinar
1.27
Sharm El Sheikh: Profit Rises 45.4 Percent
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harm El Sheikh’s hotels achieved significant gains in revenue and profitability in the first six months of the year, TRI Hospitality Consulting’s HotStats report for June showed. A 17.3 percent increase in rates to USD47.18 and a 4.4 percentage-point improvement in occupancy to 59.8 percent, led to a 26.7 percent rise in RevPAR, while, driven
by high conference and banqueting demand, gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) surged 45.4 percent to USD20.56. In Cairo, RevPAR rose seven percent, solely driven by an average room rate increase of 12.4 percent to USD111.97, as occupancy dropped 2.3 percentage points to 44.7 percent, while GOPPAR climbed 4.1 percent to USD40.29. 31 AUGUST 2013
WEEKLY NEWS Over 63,000 Air Movements in the UAE Air traffic movements in the UAE grew at a rate of 2.9 percent in July compared to the same month in 2012, and reached 63,213 with an average of 2,039 movements per day, according to data revelaed by UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA). According to GCAA’s report, Dubai recorded 29,074 traffic movements, over flights stood at 12,322, while Abu Dhabi came third with 10,064 movements. Sharjah International Airport ranked fourth with 5,365 movements, and local flights between UAE airports reached 5,310. Al Maktoum International Airport, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, Al Ain Airport, and Fujairah International Airport, registered 507, 382, 105, and 84 movements, respectively, during the month under review.
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Abu Dhabi’s New VIP Terminal to Open in Q4 Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) is set to open Abu Dhabi International Airport’s VIP terminal in the fourth quarter of the year. Operated by National Aviation Services, the VIP terminal will be available to all passengers flying to and from the airport at a preset fee, and will offer added privacy, convenience, and luxury in its own facilities, separate from those of Terminals 1 and 3, including a dedicated drop-off area, separate immigration, as well as police and baggage handling services. Passengers will experience a unique personalised service ensuring completion of all travel procedure in the fastest manner possible while enjoying a range of services within the private 924m2 terminal which, as Mohammed Al Bulooki, chief commercial officer, Abu Dhabi International Airport, noted, also adds to the handling capacity of the airport, accommodating the foreseen growth.
Net Profit Soars at BDFSC During the first half of the year, Bahrain Duty Free Shop Complex (BDFSC)’s net profit rose eight percent to BHD3.56 million (USD9.45 million) bolstered by a 36 percent rise in earnings in the second quarter of the year to BHD1.93 million (USD5.13 million). As Abdullah Buhindi, managing director, BDFSC, revealed, the company is currently working on several development projects in line with its strategy to provide high levels of efficiency and excellence in services. These developments include the refurbishment and upgrade of the arrivals duty free shop at Bahrain International Airport, which is set for completion in November, while the company is also looking to transfer from its current headquarters in Juffair to a new location adjacent to Bahrain International Airport in order to be closer to its core operation.
Bahrain Duty Free Shop Complex
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VIP Terminal
ADDF’s Revenues Rocket Abu Dhabi Duty Free (ADDF)’s sales revenues increased 17.4 percent in the first half of the year to AED437.6 million (USD119.14 million) as spend per passenger jumped 2.1 percent to AED55.10 (USD15). According to Mohammed Abdullah Al Bulooki, chief commercial officer, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), due to the exclusive shopping options and wide variety of special offers available, revenue at ADDF continues to outpace passenger growth. “With 70 percent of all passengers using Abu Dhabi International Airport for transfer, ADAC is committed to further capturing the potential of this market by partnering with additional leading brands and retailers in order to ensure an unparalleled world-class experience,” explained Al Bulooki.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Oman’s Tourism Revenue Hits USD1 Billion Oman recorded USD1.095 billion in international tourism receipts in 2012, surpassing the USD1 billion mark for the first time, as the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO)’s UNWTO Tourism Highlights 2013 Edition, has revealed. Overall, international tourist arrivals in the Middle East reached 52 million in 2012, marking a five percent drop, while earnings totalled USD47 billion. The UAE, meanwhile, reported a 10 percent rise while Qatar also benefitted from strong demand. Egypt, Palestine, and Jordan, also witnessed a surge of 18 percent, nine percent, and five percent, respectively. Lebanon, on the other hand, continued to feel the heat of the conflict in neighbouring Syria.
Abu Dhabi and TUI Set Eyes on the Indian Market Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and leisure travel company, TUI, staged a month-long destination campaign in New Delhi throughout August, in a bid to further bolster Indian visitor numbers to the emirate. Dubbed ‘Abu Dhabi Month’, the initiative took place in the dedicated TUI flagship store in Select Citywalk Mall and included a number of marketing and online actions. “With much more to see and do in Abu Dhabi as well as increased air access from the country following Etihad Airways’ equity stake in Jet Airways, we expect to see strong growth in the number of Indian guests choosing the emirate as their preferred holiday destination,” commented Bejan Dinshaw, country manager, India, TCA Abu Dhabi. TUI Store in New Delhi
The Galleria Announces 13 Gourmet Outlets The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi’s new luxury retail and dining destination, is planning to bring culinary diversity to the UAE capital, through its acclaimed dining concepts served at its 13 gourmet outlets. “The Galleria, with its collection of luxurious labels and gourmet dining options, will offer an exceptional experience to the residents and visitors of Abu Dhabi, from day to night. We are thrilled to be part of this unique destination and to open our first restaurant in the capital,” commented Johnny Tomazos, CEO, Foodfund International, the company behind Bentley Bistro & Bar; one of The Galleria’s eight new dining concepts.
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Royal Caribbean International Celebrates 50 Million Guests On August 12, Royal Caribbean International recognised an important milestone in its 45-year history as it welcomed its 50 millionth guest onboard its fleet of 21 ships. Each of the company’s ships will celebrate the milestone with shipboard festivities, while onboard events will mark the start of a year-long campaign where consumers are encouraged to share their favourite WOW moments with Royal Caribbean International over the years by posting photos, videos, and memorable stories on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. “Every day on our ships, guests from around the world are creating and experiencing unforgettable WOW moments. As we mark this incredible milestone, we are inviting guests to relive those special moments and celebrate with us by sharing their personal Royal WOWS,” said Lisa Bauer, executive vice president, global sales and marketing, Royal Caribbean International. Adam Goldstein, president, Royal Caribbean International, praised the team onboard the ships for providing guests with unique experiences, services, and amenities, describing each member’s effort as an inspiration to loyal and repeated guests.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
Blind Dining at Fairmont Dubai
Lorraine Sinclair
Fairmont Dubai has teamed up with Sightsavers, an international charity helping the blind in developing countries, to launch Noire at Spectrum on One at Fairmont Dubai, which invites guests to step into the dark with an insightful experience with a difference; blind dining. Starting September 6, every Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, diners will experience a complete loss of vision for 1.5 hours and will put their trust in the hands of Lorraine Sinclair, executive chef, Fairmont Dubai. “So much of our opinions of taste are influenced by how a dish is presented, even before we have taken a bite,” noted Sinclair, adding that everything is thrown out of balance during Noire at Spectrum on One, with textures, smells, flavour combinations, and even sounds taking precedence.
Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group Celebrates Internet Milestone Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group’s hotels in Asia Pacific are celebrating 200 million hours of free Internet access given to all their guests since 2010. Whether guests are Club Carlson members, new, or returning at the group’s hotels in Asia Pacific, they can enjoy constant connectivity throughout the properties, which, according to Lucinda Semark, executive vice president, revenue generation, Asia Pacific, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group, has set a new benchmark in providing free Internet access to every single guest. “Our guests love it as the Internet and connectivity are critical to how we live our lives today,” Semark commented, adding that this decision came in line with the group’s 100 percent guest satisfaction policy.
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Best Western Expands in Eastern Thailand Best Western International (BWI) has signed an agreement for a BEST WESTERN Royal Hotel in Buriram, 395km east of Bangkok, at the crossroads of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The 81-room property will become BWI’s 17th property in Thailand when it opens later this year and at a crucial time, as Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, pinpointed. “With the onset of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015, eastern Thailand sits at the crossroads of one of the world’s biggest growth zones,” he highlighted, adding that located close to the border with Cambodia and on the key route between Bangkok, Laos, and Vietnam, Buriram is at the heart of ASEAN. Phanom Rung Historical Park, Buriram
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WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
Mercure Jeddah Al Hamra Unveiled Mercure Jeddah Al Hamra has opened its doors, further expanding Accor’s presence in the region. The 149-unit hotel is in close proximity to the city’s corniche as well as the central business area, and features an all-day dining restaurant, coffee lounge, health club with indoor swimming pool, and a number of meeting rooms.
The latest addition to the company’s regional portfolio brings the total number of Mercure hotels in Saudi Arabia to seven with over 1,200 keys. “[...] This new addition to the Mercure brand portfolio in this important market reaffirms the robust health of the brand, and its power of attractiveness to investors and guests alike,” commented Christophe Landais, managing director, Middle East, Accor.
Emirates Palace to Host World Luxury Expo World Luxury Expo, Abu Dhabi, the third edition of the World Luxury Expo series, which is set to become an annual fixture for the UAE capital, is scheduled to take place at Emirates Palace between September 27 - 29. The World Luxury Expo series, which has already proved successful in Dubai and Riyadh earlier this year, showcases a selection of the world’s leading luxury brand during an invitation-only three-day event to high-net world private clientele from across the GCC region. In Abu Dhabi, the World Luxury Expo will feature a broad selection of carefully selected categories including fine art, high-end jewellery and fashion, hand-crafted time pieces, designer furniture, and exquisite table settings, automobiles, fine dining, private aviation, and luxury travel. World Luxury Expo will later continue in Doha between November 14 - 16, and in Kuwait in December, before returning to Saudi Arabia in 2014, creating an annual signature series of events in the GCC region.
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24 AUGUST 2013
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WEEKLY NEWS
Accommodation
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi Opens Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide has unveiled The St. Regis Abu Dhabi; the third St. Regis hotel to launch in the Middle East. Located on the Corniche, the hotel features 283 rooms, including 55 suites, one of which is the 1,085m2 Abu Dhabi Suite, heralded the world’s highest suspended hotel suite, positioned 200m above ground between two towers. The property also offers 4,800m2 state-of-the-art meeting and event space, eight culinary venues and over 3,000m2 of leisure facilities, including the indulgent Reméde Spa for ladies, two outdoor swimming pools and the first Hommage Gentleman's Grooming Atelier in the UAE, while guests can also enjoy private access to the hotel’s Nation Riviera Beach Club, which is set to open later this year.
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
National Gallery at 51 Package Launched
51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences
51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences has joined forces with The National Gallery to celebrate together the upcoming ‘Facing the Modern: The Portrait in Vienna 1900’ exhibition which will be open to visitors from October until January 2014. The newly launched ‘National Gallery at 51’ package includes an overnight stay at the five-star luxury hotel’s Kings Junior Suite and special benefits at the gallery, which will showcase the masterpieces of Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Oskar Kokoschka, and Arnold Schönberg. In addition, guests staying at the hotel can also enjoy a unique 24-karat gold afternoon tea, which feature a half bottle of Luxor Pure Gold 24K Brut Champagne with edible gold.
Al Murooj Rotana Dubai Demonstrates CSR Commitment Al Murooj Rotana Dubai hosted a grand wedding for one of the regular staff of Senses Residential and Day Care for Special Needs, manifesting the management’s strong belief and commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). The nuptials took place in the Al Yasat Ballroom where guests enjoyed a buffet prepared by the hotel’s team of master chefs. Praising the charitable organisation’s team for their work, which, he explained, entails passion, commitment, and a genuine love for children, Hussein Hachem, cluster general manager, Al Bustan Rotana Dubai and Al Murooj Rotana Dubai, said, “Sponsoring the wedding of one of them is our pleasure and making it a truly treasured time at Al Murooj Rotana is our way of showing our appreciation towards what they do for our community.”
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Air
Saudia to Launch to Canada
WEEKLY NEWS
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flydubai Business Class on Sale
The first Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) flight between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Canada is set to be introduced on October 28, following the airline’s recently-concluded preparations to operate these services to Toronto. The carrier is also proceeding with the flight schedule and setting up its operations office at Toronto International Airport, with plans to serve Canada’s largest city three times a week onboard a Boeing 777-200 aircraft featuring 24 seats in first class, 38 in business class, and 170 seats in economy class. “Our new flight to Toronto comes as part of our efforts to strengthen our international presence and serve various groups of passengers including Saudi students who have been pursuing their higher studies at Canadian universities on King Abdullah Foreign Scholarship Program,” said H.E. Khaled Al-Molhem, director general, Saudia.
flydubai has announced that business class tickets are on sale, with flights offering this premium option slated to launch in October and added routes set to continue across its network over the following months. The first aircraft with business class seats was received at the start of August and all new planes subsequently delivered will include business as well as economy classes, while existing aircraft will be retrofitted to include the premium option. flydubai’s first service offering business class will fly between Dubai to Kiev, with subsequent business class routes including Malé, Maldives; Istanbul, Turkey; Mineralnye Vody, Russia; and Bucharest, Romania.
flydubai Business Class Seats
Rotana Jet Begins Salalah flights Rotana Jet is currently in the process of adding services between Abu Dhabi Al Bateen Airport and Salalah, Oman, which will see the private jet’s route map offer 23 return flights between the two cities by the end of September. “Nonstop flights to Salalah offers passengers travelling from UAE with yet another unique holiday option to experience and we believe will create a wide range of new options for the tourism and business sectors,” commented Rajendran Vellapalath, commercial and planning director, Rotana Jet, adding that the airline is gearing up for a year of expansion with new routes steadily opening up. The Abu Dhabi-Salalah flights will be operated on a 50-seat Embraer Jet aircraft.
Qatar Airways Commences Flights to Sulaymaniyah
The Arrival of QR438
Rotana Jet
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Qatar Airways has commenced services to Sulaymaniyah, its fifth destination in Iraq, increasing its frequency across the country from 16 to 20 flights per week. The new nonstop, four-weekly operation, marks the rapid expansion by Qatar Airways in Iraq since mid-2012, when it began flights to Erbil, followed by the capital, Baghdad, then Najaf and Basra. The arrival of flight QR438 was welcomed with a water salute at Sulaymaniyah International Airport and a reception presided by local officials.
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WEEKLY NEWS
Air
Emirati and Omani Investors Finance New Hungarian Airline Emirati and Omani investors with strong international ties have committed to funding Sólyom Hungarian Airways; a new carrier established by three Hungarian businessmen. The airline, which recently unveiled its first aircraft, a leased Boeing 737-500, is set to commence charter services in September and launch its first scheduled flights in October. Sólyom Hungarian Airways will operate from Budapest Liszt Ferenc International Airport and aims to operate to 31 destinations by the end of the year, 51 cities by 2014, and 96 destinations in 55 countries by 2017, with plans to take onboard 20 regional jets, 20 narrow-body aircraft, and 10 wide-body aircraft by 2017.
Qatar Airways Boasts Frequency to Nairobi Beginning September 1, Qatar Airways will increase its frequency between its hub, Doha, and Nairobi, Kenya, by adding four additional weekly flights to and from the African city, thus reaching 18 services per week. From a business perspective, the enhanced availability will give increased passenger capacity set to positively contribute towards the economic growth of the country, while for visitors flying to Nairobi directly from the Qatari capital Kenya will be reached with more ease than ever before, according to Phyllis Kandie, cabinet secretary, East African affairs, commerce and tourism, Kenya. Meanwhile, Clifford Christopher, country manager, Kenya, Qatar Airways, noted the higher customer demand which has increased dramatically alongside Nairobi’s growth in popularity as a travel destination over the last few years.
Gulf Air: New Hub at Chennai Airport Gulf Air has announced that it has transferred all its departing and arriving flights from Chennai to the new international Terminal 2 at Chennai International Airport, effective from August 14. The new terminal is located in the existing airport and features all new facilities including check-in desks, duty free shops, and food and beverage outlets and lounges, thus providing an enhanced and more seamless travel experience for Gulf Air’s customers flying to and from the destination. According to Abdul Hussain Abdul Rahman, country manager, India, Gulf Air, the state-of-the-art facilities will make passengers’ travel experience more enjoyable.
Chennai International Airport
Nairobi, Kenya
Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner Debuts in India Qatar Airways has announced plans to extend its Boeing 787 Dreamliner route network to India with the launch of services to and from Delhi and Bangalore starting September 1. In line with its commitment to offer passengers the most exceptional travel experience, the airline is delighted to introduce a Boeing 787 Dreamliner on two of its important Indian routes, stated Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, who added, “Our 787s provide a game-changing experience with specially designed interiors, spacious cabins and custom-made seats in both business and economy class. We are confident that our patrons flying to and from Delhi and Bangalore routes will luxuriate in the enhanced travel experience on-board Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner.”
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WHO'S MOVED
Hussain Abdul Rahman
Allen Smith Allen Smith has been named president and CEO at Four Seasons Hotels. Smith, who will take on his new position on September23, has previously served as CEO of Prudential Real Estate Investors (PREI), one of the world’s largest real estate investment managers, since 2008. He joined PREI in 1987 as a member of its hotel investment group, and over the course of
his career with the company, his responsibilities expanded beyond hotel investing to include all commercial property types and all facets of the real estate investment business. Since becoming CEO of PREI, the company expanded its global presence to 23 offices worldwide and USD53 billion in real estate assets under management, including a number of hotels.
Hussain Abdul Rahman has been appointed country manager for India at Gulf Air. Based in Mumbai, Rahman will be responsible for driving the commercial performance of the airline in India and building on existing strong relationships with the carrier’s key travel agents and corporate. Rahman, who has more than 30 years of experience in the aviation industry, has been
Dylan Aniff Dylan Aniff has been named general manager at City Seasons Al Hamra Hotel, Abu Dhabi. The seasoned hotelier, who has more than 35 years of experience, moves to the UAE capital from Dubai where he served as general manager for both City Seasons Hotel and City Seasons Suites. Prior to joining City Seasons Group in 2009, Aniff worked for
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Al Khaleej Group of Hotels for over a decade and held the position of general manager at Al Khaleej Palace Hotel in Dubai. Aniff started his career in Sri Lanka with Oberoi Hotels & Resorts before joining Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts and Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces.
Aniff joined City Seasons Group in 2009
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with Gulf Air since 2003 and has since held various country manager positions in the Indian subcontinent as well as the Middle East. Rahman replaces Mario Xavier Selvadurai who recently retired after a career spanning nine years at the airline.
Rahman has more than 30 years of experience in the industry
Adel Erfan Adel Erfan has been appointed general manager of Mövenpick Hotel and Residences Hajar Tower Makkah in Saudi Arabia. Erfan, who has over 32 years of experience in the GCC region’s hospitality industry, has been tasked to manage all hotel operations and enhance the presence and profile of the hotel. He spent 18 years at Le Méri-
dien Hotels & Resorts before joining Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts as the general manager of Mövenpick Hotel Qassim in Saudi Arabia During his time at the property he was responsible for successfully growing market share and increasing profitability. He then moved to Mövenpick Hotel Jeddah, where he delivered significant revenue growth over the past two years.
TRAVEL TALK
travel talk is your space
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Thierry Perrot
Yousif Al Hammadi
Area general manager, Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island and Staybridge Suites Abu Dhabi Yas Island.
General manager, Al Bateen Executive Airport.
“Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi Yas Island is pleased to receive a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience, and this accolade is evidence that our hard work is translating into positive reviews on TripAdvisor.”
We strive to offer our customers a memorable experience
“Rotana Jet’s commitment to base their new A319 at Al Bateen Executive Airport demonstrates the airport’s position as a key business aviation hub for the region, and as a preferred base for charter aircraft operators. As Al Bateen continues to grow its capacity through investments in new infrastructure, Abu Dhabi Airports Company looks forward to additional private aircraft partners making the Executive Airport their hub in the Middle East.”
Scott Butcher General manager, Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai.
“Our ethos is to build mutual respect among all team members, to offer recognition when it is due, to promote new ideas and collaboration, but above all to encourage them to have fun in what they do. Work comprises a large part of our lives and we need to make at the Park Regis Kris Kin Hotel Dubai an environment where caring and happy staff transmit those values to our guests.”
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: Ramzi Altni POSITION: Owner/founder COMPANY: Libya Adventures LOCATION: Libya WEB: www.libyaadventures.com Who are you? My name is Ramzi Altni. I was born and raised in Tripoli, Libya, and have a degree in business administration. I began working in the tourism industry in 2003 and began my first tourist company in 2006. After the revolution, we created a new company called Libya Adventures. Our company is a joint venture between an American partner and myself. Libya has huge potential in the area of tourism and we wanted to create a professional company that will cater to the international clientele. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? My favourite part of working in the travel industry is allowing people from all over the world to experience my amazing country, Libya. I love to connect with new people and to allow them to taste the real Libya. When is the best time to visit Libya? The best time to visit Libya is during the cooler months, from October until April, because we love offering tours to the Sahara. December is also an excellent time to visit Libya. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? On my next vacation, I would love to visit one of the islands off the coast of Africa, like Seychelles or Mauritius. Why should people come to you for travel advice? The main benefit that we offer our clients is excellent planning and communication. Because we strive to serve each visitor according to their needs and desires, we really depend on top quality communication. We pride ourselves in answering emails which is rare in Libya. Together, we have around 20 years of experience in tourism and we understand the foreign traveller.
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Travelport Executing Strategic Growth Travelport, the distribution services and e-commerce provider for the global travel industry, recently announced its financial results for the second quarter (Q2) of the year. Highlights of Q2 include the signing of a new long-term full content agreement with Delta Airlines; the implementation of two further low-cost carriers, Jet2.com and Norwegian, on Travelport’s merchandising platform; and the completion of the refinancing of its first lien credit agreement in June. Additionally, Travelport’s net revenue of USD537 million for Q2 was USD31 million, or six percent, higher than the respective period of 2012, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation
were USD4 million higher. “Our Q2 and first-half results clearly demonstrate the momentum we have built around our new product innovation, successful delivery in all areas of our growth strategy, and positive engagement with all of our customers,” commented Gordon Wilson, president, Travelport.
Gordon Wilson
Sabre Hospitality Solutions Extends RateGain Partnership Sabre Hospitality Solutions is building on its established partnership with RateGain by adding a simplified channel management solution thus enabling hotels to supplement their existing distribution strategy with hundreds of niche and market specific booking sites aimed at reaching highly qualified users seeking accommodation for their requirements. “Many of our customers have expressed a specific need to reach a large number of unique and targeted online travel sites in a quick and simplified way,” said Alex Alt, president, Sabre Hospitality Solutions. The new channel management system allows hoteliers to efficiently administer all their distribution channels and save valuable time; more strategically manage revenue; access comprehensive reporting and productivity analytics for each channel; expand their reach by offering promotions management and easier inventory management; and schedule and manage promotions through Facebook and Twitter.
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TRAVEL CHANNELS
UNWTO Education Network in the Middle East For the first time, World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) certification system for tourism education, UNWTO.TedQual, is present in five continents, owing to the new certified tourism courses in the Middle East region.
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n May, UNWTO certified the first tourism programme in the region, namely the Bachelor of Arts in Tourism at the Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, while in June the certification was granted to the Diploma in Culinary Arts, offered at Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, Jordan, an affiliate of Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Switzerland. This move has been included as part of the national strategy in furthering tourism education, whose objective, among others, is to internationalise institutions and higher propgrammes of the sector, thus opening the possibility to undertake new initiatives such as the implementation of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism. UNWTO.TedQual is a certification issued by the organisation to higher tourism education programmes that accomplish UNWTO quality standards for tourism education and are willing to progressively integrate, through concrete actions, the purposes and principles of the Global Code of Ethics for Tourism into their offering.
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Helps Communities This September, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts aims to support local charitable organisations during the company’s Community Connections Month. As part of its new sustainability partnership programme and ongoing commitment to proactively engage with its local communities, hotel colleagues in participating locations will be volunteering at a shelter, highlighting the preservation of a threatened species like bees, raising funds for children at-risk, or lending a helping hand to improve facilities for the elderly. Hotel guests can also get involved by donating money, purchasing special menu offerings, or participating in a beach clean-up. “At Fairmont, we are continually seeking out innovative ways to support and give back to our local communities; a pledge that our hotel colleagues value and actively play a part in,” said Jennifer Fox, president, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Tourism Ireland Launches New Middle East Website Tourism Ireland has unveiled a new and improved website for its GCC audience with an exclusive competition for one lucky winner to experience a road trip along Northern Ireland’s most famous coastal route. Enhancing the authority’s online presence in the region, the new virtual space has been developed in response to growing interest in travel to Ireland from the Middle East market, and is aimed at providing comprehensive, up-to-theminute information for visitors from the region. Thomas Redmond, marketing account manager, GCC, Tourism Ireland, commented, “Tourism Ireland is revving up its online promotional activity in line with increased interest we are seeing from the Middle East in travel to the island of Ireland, as visitor numbers continue to increase month by month from the GCC market.”
Marriott International Introduces Recycled Tote Bag Marriott International has launched a limited edition tote bag with an exclusive print by British luxury accessories brand, Lily and Lionel, made in England from 100 percent recycled bed linen provided by the company’s hotels in the country. This first-of-its-kind bag is available to purchase with Marriott International donating at least GBP10 (USD15.5) from the sale of every bag to youth charity, The Prince’s Trust. Barbara Powell, senior director, social responsibility, Marriott International, said, “Marriott has a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and is delighted to launch the Lily and Lionel bag. Not only does the bag look good but it is also a great example of how we are working with our suppliers to create sustainable products and reduce Recycled Bed Linen Bags by our environmental footprint.” Marriott International
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RENDEZVOUS
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Q & A with Andrew Humphries Having recently assumed his new positions, Andrew Humphries, regional vice president and general manager, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, shares his take on opportunities and challenges in the UAE’s fastgrowing hotel sector and on daring to be different.
Travel Trade Weekly: As the new regional vice president and general manager of Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, what will your main priorities be?
Andrew Humphries Regional vice president and general manager, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi.
Andrew Humphries: My main priorities as regional vice president and general manager will be to understand the respective markets of the hotels I am responsible for. Any business has to clearly understand the market, what that market wants and is willing to pay for. A hotel is no different. A key priority is also to get to know my new colleagues so that I can be as supportive as I can be to them in getting the job done. Travel Trade Weekly: Having spent the past 30 years with some of the most exclusive hotels in the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean, what do you expect the main challenges to be in your new positions? Andrew Humphries: The main challenge is always ensuring that we establish ourselves in our market and ensure that we continually innovate to keep and improve our position. Travel Trade Weekly: With Abu Dhabi’s hotel sector becoming more and more competitive, how do you intend to ensure healthy business results? Andrew Humphries: By capitalising on the unique position that Yas Viceroy holds in the market and ensuring that as the destination develops, we get an increasing share of the growing pie. Travel Trade Weekly: In recent years,
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thanks to a number of new developments, such as museums, waterparks, and other attractions, Abu Dhabi has begun to attract an increasing number of leisure travellers. How do you see this trend evolving? Andrew Humphries: As the destination continues to develop, so will the leisure market. With world-class attractions, Abu Dhabi will take its place as a major destination. There will be a diversification in the reasons that leisure travellers come to Abu Dhabi and this will increase numbers, by extension. Travel Trade Weekly: Building on the success of its landmark hotel in Abu Dhabi, Viceroy Hotel Group aims to further strengthen its presence in the re-
gion. Please tell us about the company’s growth plans. Andrew Humphries: We just recently announced the 2017 opening of Viceroy Dubai, Palm Jumeirah. The USD1 billion dollar hotel marks the company’s first venture into Dubai and its second in the UAE after Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi. It will be located on beachfront land in one of the world’s most desirable and dynamic destinations. Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah is owned by SKAI Holdings, which are visionary partners, and will feature state-of-the-art architecture and innovative design. This latest announcement is another milestone in the Viceroy Hotel Group growth in the region. The brand is expanding fast elsewhere as well; Viceroy New York will debut in one of the best locations in Manhattan on the first week of October as well as Viceroy Istanbul in the beginning of 2014. Travel Trade Weekly: Today, the Middle East is home to some of the world’s most luxurious, most exclusive hotels. In your opinion, what makes Viceroy Hotel Group’s properties stand out in such a fierce competition? Andrew Humphries: Viceroy is a small company in comparison to many of the other players. This allows us to be very responsive to the market and our guest-changing needs. We are very nimble, non-corporate, and we are also not afraid of being different in doing things that distinguish us from the competition, with a clear sense of individuality.
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NEWS & EVENTS
First IBTM Tabletop Event in India The Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings (IBTM) India, which will take place in Mumbai between September 12 - 14, is set to be the first event of its kind to take place in the country, following a format that has already proven successful for other events in Reed Travel Exhibition (RTE)’s portfolio. Limited to 100 international and Indian suppliers of product and services to the MICE industry, the event is being designed through pre-arranged meetings to place buyers with suppliers over a tabletop environment at a 1:1 ratio. Suppliers participating include representatives from the Americas, Asia Pacific, Africa, Europe, Middle East, and India, making up nearly 70 percent of the show. Shinu Pillai, project manager, IBTM India, RTE, expressed confidence that the tabletop format will deliver a low-cost and high-impact solution for all of the event’s attendees.
Expo Centre Sharjah to Host Maritime Event Gulf Maritime 2013, together with MASTECH 2013, are the upcoming event for the commercial, government, and military maritime industry, scheduled for November 25 - 27 at Expo Centre Sharjah. Stressing the importance of the events, Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director general, Expo Centre Sharjah, said, “The maritime industry is propelling the local economy to greater heights. The sustained growth of the sector has helped the country in improving its competitiveness and standing as a premier trade and logistics hub at the regional and international levels.” As in the past, MASTECH 2013, the international maritime and offshore conference entering its third edition, will be held alongside Gulf Maritime 2013, marking the second consecutive year that MAST, an association of naval architects, and Expo Centre Sharjah, enter into an agreement to organise the event.
EVENTS Food and Hospitality Oman Muscat, Oman, September 2 – 4, 2013 (www.foodandhospitalityoman.com) This event showcases a comprehensive range of services in the international food, beverage, and hotel industries.
Group Leisure & Travel Trade Show Birmingham, UK, September 18 – 19, 2013 (www.leisureshow.com) One of Britain’s largest annual group travel events with 200 exhibitors and 2,000 visitors.
MATTA Fair Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, September 6 – 8, 2013 (www.mattafair.org.my) Malaysia’s premier travel extravaganza providing global exposure and endless business opportunities.
World Tourism Day (WTD) 2013 Maldives, September 27, 2013 (wtd.unwto.org) This year, WTD is being held under the theme ‘Tourism and Water: Protecting our Common Future’.
International Meetings Industry and Business Travel Exhibition & Conference (MIBEXPO) Moscow, Russia, September 17 – 20, 2013 (www.mibexpo.ru) Dedicated to the most important issues of the business travel industry.
The Hotel Show Dubai, UAE, September 28 – 30, 2013 (www.thehotelshow.com) Now in its 14th year, this show is a key meeting place for leading suppliers and buyers.
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