Travel Trade Weekly Issue 170

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09 FEBRUARY 2013

ISSUE 170

Abu Dhabi Launches New Retail Project Regional development company, Gulf Related, has unveiled the dynamic vision for Sowwah Central, a world-class mixed-use development.

Following an extensive refurbishment project, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has unveiled its new look.

06 Ramada Deira Hotel Officially Opens Landmark Hotels and Suites has celebrated the grand opening of the four-star Ramada Deira Hotel, the company’s latest property in Dubai.

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

02 03 04 07 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Reopens

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RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Mike Oswald The long anticipated Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi recently unveiled its splendours to the world through a display which wowed thousands of visitors, and here Mike Oswald, general manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, reveals only a taste of what waterpark lovers can expect.

Travel Trade Weekly: When was the official grand opening of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi and who 'cut the ribbon' so to speak?

Mike Oswald General manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi

Travel Trade Weekly: What makes Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi different to all the other waterparks in the region?

Mike Oswald: The official grand opening of the park took place on January 19 with the gates opening to the public the following day, January 20.

H.H. Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, the ruler’s representative in the eastern region, officially opened the waterpark, signing a classically-styled guestbook in keeping with Yas Waterworld’s Emiratiinspired setting.

Travel Trade Weekly: How many people showed up at the inauguration and what was planed for the event?

Mike Oswald: The grand opening was attended by over 2,000 guests who were treated to a spectacular ceremony featuring fire-breathing bandits, high-thrill flowboard tricks, and a mesmerising fountain show among other highlights.

In a colourful celebration of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi’s Emirati theme, hundreds of actors dressed in exotic Middle Eastern garb swarmed the waterpark’s souk setting, engaged in death-defying displays of sword fights and put on a tight rope show over the waterpark’s canals.

Visitors were also treated to a tribute to the UAE’s pearl diving heritage with the Hoyamal Pearl Dive Show before attention turned to the FlowBarrel, where a team of world champion Flowboarders, which had flown in especially for the day, put on an in-

the tumbling roar of the waterpark’s central waterfall and an unbelievable fountain show that left the crowd spellbound.

credible show!

Huge tricks, big air and crazy backflips were the order of the day as the crowd was kept riveted by the flowboard action.

The spectacular inauguration ceremony later in the afternoon took the form of an epic battle between the villagers and the bandits who stole the legendary pearl, inspired by the waterpark’s ‘Legend of the Lost Pearl’ storyline. The fun interactive performance saw many of the audience get into the action, cheering on the villagers and dodging splashes of water, as the battle for the pearly prize gained intensity.

Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi’s central character Dana and her crew won the battle and the pearl was restored to its rightful place, ensuring prosperity to the mythical Emirati village and marking the start of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi’s commercial operations. The ceremony concluded with

Mike Oswald: Waterparks are an experiential attraction, and with 43 rides, slides, and attractions, including five one-of-a-kind rides that have never been seen in any other waterpark in the world, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi rivals the best waterparks in the world.

The size, unique theming, and technologically sophisticated rides make it the first true mega waterpark to make an appearance in this region.

Moreover, it enjoys an ideal location on Yas Island, alongside other great attractions, such as Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Links Golf Club, and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, and an excellent hospitality offering, allowing it to benefit from short-stay and weekend visitors keen on having a good time.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your expectations for the first year in operation?

Mike Oswald: We expect to welcome around 700,000 visitors in the park’s first year of operations. Based on the growing resident population, inbound tourism, the overall entertainment offering of Yas Island as a weekend or leisure destination, and the park’s unique offering within the Abu Dhabi leisure market, we are confident we will enjoy strong visitor interest and attendance.

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WEEKLY NEWS Deloitte Survey Uncovers Erosion of Travel Loyalty Deloitte has released an inaugural survey, providing insights into consumer travel behaviour and loyalty programme satisfaction.

The results have indicated a decline in customer loyalty to travel brands, with just eight percent choosing to stay at the same hotel brand while 14 percent continue to fly with the same airline. Additionally, while travel brands consider their loyalty programmes invaluable for their business, respondents attributing high importance to such schemes reached just 55 percent for airlines and 45 percent for hotels.

The data revealed that in face of the economic crisis, consumers seek value for money, comfort, and location when choosing a hotel, while on-time arrivals and departures, safety, and value for money remain the most important factors for selecting an airline.

“With heightened competition and eroding customer loyalty, hotels and airlines now, more than ever, need to focus on enhancing and personalising the consumer experience,” said Adam Weissenberg, vice chairman, Deloitte.

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Yas Waterworld Officially Opens A show involving hundreds of performers and watched by thousands of visitors headlined the recent official launch of Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi.

Set across 15ha, the mega waterpark’s awardwinning theme pays tribute to the Emirati culture, with the UAE’s pearl-diving heritage at the core. It features 43 rides, slides, and attractions, many of which have never been seen before, including the world’s longest and fastest tornado waterslide, the very first interactive water and laser rollercoaster, and the region’s first looping waterslide.

Expressing his delight at the grand opening ceremony, Mike Oswald, park general manager, Yas Waterworld Abu Dhabi, said, “It has been an incredible journey to this point and unbelievably satisfying to watch the people’s reaction to what has been created. We are confident that people will have seen nothing like it before and we look forward to the waves of visitors expected to arrive now that the park is officially open.”

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MARKET UPDATE

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

Dubai International: The Third Busiest Airport Following a record-breaking year, Dubai International has become the world’s third busiest airport for international passengers.

JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou Maria Kazeli

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SALES & MARKETING

aulting ahead of Hong Kong International Airport in the global rankings, the airport catered to 57,684,550 travellers passing through the airport throughout 2012, based on statistics released by Dubai Airports, marking a year-on-year increase of 13.2 percent, up from 50,977,960 passen-

Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi

gers recorded during 2011, and exceeding the previously set target of 56.5 million.

The year-end figures were bolstered

by December 2012’s record number of 5,320,961 travellers representing the second time in the airport’s 52-year history that passenger traffic surpassed the five million mark.

HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE

Saudi Arabia: Contrasting Performance

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Riyadh and Jeddah’s hotels posted contrasting results in December 2012, as TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest HotStats survey revealed.

Hotels in Jeddah outperformed 2011 figures, with occupancy reaching 68.1 percent and average room rate (ARR) surging 12.3 percent, effects of which trickled down to gross operating profit per available room (GOPPAR) increasing 16.6 percent.

On the other hand, occupancy levels in Riyadh shrunk 2.3 percentage points to 56.2 percent, and ARR dropped 1.2 percent, pulling GOPPAR down by 11.1 percent.

“New hotel openings in Riyadh are showing their impact on the market’s overall performance as new entrants compete with existing properties forcing a reduction in performance indicators,” explained Peter Goddard, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting, adding that Jeddah’s performance, driven by strong corporate and leisure demand, remained strong throughout 2012.

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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

07/02/2013 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.69

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,504.00

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

71.00

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.55

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.27

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

12,285.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.06

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

77.55

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.26

Ramada Ajman: 95 Percent Occupancy for 2012

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amada Hotel & Suites Ajman closed 2012 with an average room occupancy of 95 percent, after selling 105,000 room nights during the year, surpassing 2011 figures.

The majority of guests hailed from Germany and the CIS countries, while the top source markets, with regards to nationality, were Indian and Pakistani guests. The property, which has recently completed its AED10

million (USD2.7 million) refurbishment project, was also popular with travellers from the US, UK, Russia, and France, as well as the GCC countries.

Additionally, the hotel witnessed a 200 percent increase in leisure guests, according to Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager, Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, who also praised the efforts carried out by Ajman’s tourism board in promoting the emirate.

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WEEKLY NEWS

SCTDA to Work on Cruise Tourism Potential Sharjah Commerce & Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) is tapping into the potential of the international luxury cruise tourism in the emirate, buoyed by the recent surge in arrivals of cruise liners, with thousands of passengers onboard, in Khorfakkan, the deep water port on the East Coast.

As part of the initiative, SCTDA recently launched a six-day special training and orientation course for senior officials and decision makers of the Sharjah governmental departments on the importance of the cruise industry for the emirate.

The course entitled Cruise Tourism: Opportunities and Challenges, was aimed at raising awareness about the role and importance of the cruise tourism industry for the region in general, with a focus on Sharjah in particular.

Abu Dhabi Unveils New Retail Project Regional development company, Gulf Related, has unveiled the dynamic vision for Sowwah Central, a world-class mixed-use development featuring retail and entertainment venues along with residential and tourism areas on the prestigious Al Maryah Island.

Once completed in spring 2017, Sowwah Central will create a lifestyle destination for local, regional, and international visitors alike, featuring a world-class repertoire of stores, a state-of-the-art cinema complex, extensive teen and youth entertainment options, and a premier health club.

The project will also include over 80 dining options, landscaped open spaces, as well as two 37,000m2 towers, one of which will also house a five-star hotel and serviced apartments, while the other will feature luxury residences.

Combined with The Galleria, Gulf Related’s previously announced 51,000m2 luxury shopping and dining development at Sowwah Square, the project will offer over 500 retail, leisure, dining, and entertainment options.

Abu Dhabi Welcomes Record Number of Guests Abu Dhabi’s 136 hotels and hotel apartments received a total of 2,388,023 guests in 2012, marking a 13 percent year-on-year increase and a record year for the UAE capital.

Based on figures released by the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), guest nights accounted for 6,996,724, while hotel revenues rose six percent to AED4.6 billion (USD1.25 billion).

Commenting on the latest figures, H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, chairman, TCA Abu Dhabi, said, “This is a very satisfactory performance and gives us an excellent platform on which to now build for [this year’s] target of 2.5 million guests. Growth was recorded across all key markets with the strongest coming from Africa, the GCC, Middle East and Asia.”

Meanwhile, the UK remained the destination’s main international source market, delivering 140,393 hotel guests, followed by India which saw a rise in guests of 28 percent, and Germany which rocketed 42 percent.

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Accommodation

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina Reopens Following an extensive refurbishment project, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina has unveiled its new look.

Mixing contemporary culture with the brand’s European heritage, the hotel is positioned to provide a city escape for urbanites, a tranquil retreat for leisure travellers, as well as a meeting point for travellers seeking cultural discovery, wellness, and relaxation, according to Stewart Selbie, complex general manager, Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina and The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina.

“The refurbishment of Le Méridien Mina Seyahi has infused the interiors with contemporary chic decor which is part of the brands dynamic focus on culture and refinement and comprises a refurbishment of all guest rooms and public areas,” Selbie further expressed.

Al Raha Beach Hotel Unveils New Extension Al Raha Beach Hotel, managed by Danat Hotels & Resorts, has completed its multi-million dollar extension project.

The five-star property, nestled in the heart of Abu Dhabi, now offers 144 newly unveiled rooms and suites, welcoming guests with uninterrupted views of the sea and courtyard, each featuring designer furniture, the latest in technology, and a range of additional privileges.

Further adding to the hotel’s already extensive list of amenities, the first quarter of the year will see the opening of a number of new food and beverage outlets with an outdoor terrace, while the promenade, directly linking the gardens to the new hotel wing, will offer views of the sea and other islands.

Kamal Zayati, general manager, Al Raha Beach Hotel, believes that the new extension is set to further enrich the property and exceed the expectations of the most discerning travellers.

Al Raha Beach Hotel

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WEEKLY NEWS

Ramada Deira Hotel Officially Opens Landmark Hotels and Suites has celebrated the grand opening of the four-star Ramada Deira Hotel, the company’s latest property in Dubai.

The newly built hotel, located opposite the Reef Mall, 15 minutes from Dubai International airport, boasts a blend of world-class amenities and services, offering an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers.

Besides 173 units, including 15 executive suites and a number of family and interconnecting rooms, the property also features a business centre as well as a fully-equipped health club with a pool and gym, and guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s free shuttle to Al Mamzar Beach.

“Over the years [since 1995] we have reinvented ourselves several times and diversified into new ventures through strategic tie-ups. Our alliance with Ramada Hotels fits well with the future development plans of the company,” noted S.M. Sadique, managing director, Landmark Zenath Group.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air

IndiGo Connecting to Dubai IndiGo has announced the introduction of new daily and direct flights connecting Trivandrum with Dubai, and its second direct daily service between Mumbai and Dubai, with effect as of March 1.

According to Aditya Ghosh, president, IndiGo, there exist strong trade and tourism ties between the southern region of India and Dubai and travellers have requirements of low fares by an Indian airline, thus IndiGo is determined to provide the best travel experience to all those who wish to fly between the two destinations. “It is our constant endeavour to provide more flexibility of choice for our customers as IndiGo continues to offer them on time, hassle-free, and always affordable flying experience,” he concluded.

IndiGo

Emirates to Further Serve Japan Emirates plans to increase its commitment to Japan with the launch of daily, non-stop flights between Dubai and Haneda Airport, Tokyo, on June 3.

“As Emirates’ third gateway in Japan, the Dubai to Haneda route will help to build on the vibrant relationship between the UAE and Japan, in terms of trade and increasing the opportunities for business and tourism,” said Thierry Antinori, executive vice president, passenger sales worldwide, Emirates, adding that he feels confident that the demand in terms of both passengers and cargo is strong enough to warrant Emirates operating non-stop, daily flights to both of Tokyo’s airports.

IranAir Reopens Tehran-Beijing Flights IranAir, the flag carrier of Iran, is to relaunch its flights to Beijing from its hub in the capital, Tehran.

The airline started its weekly services between the two cities, with outgoing flights departing from Imam Khomeini International Airport, while the return flights are being operated from Beijing Capital International Airport.

Qatar Airways Boosts Iraq Services Qatar Airways has introduced its latest gateway in Iraq with the launch of scheduled flights to the central city of Najaf, its third destination in the country.

The arrival of Qatar Airways’ flight QR742 at Al Najaf International Airport, which carried Fathi Al Shehab, senior vice president, GCC, Levant, Iran, and Indian subcontinent, Qatar Airways, alongside an official delegation, was welcomed by a traditional water salute followed by a reception presided by local officials.

The Doha-based airline takes its frequency across Baghdad, Erbil, and Najaf, which it will operate four times weekly, up 50 percent, to 12 services each week.

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WEEKLY NEWS

71 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Properties for 2012

International

IHG Opens Doors in San Francisco

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced that 2012 was a year of the most deal signings since before the occurence of th global economic crisis.

For 2012, Starwood Hotels & Resorts had set a target of 71 new hotel openings, representing 18,500 rooms in 20 countries, and today the company’s pipeline in developing markets is at high levels, with signed hotel deals in very significant and fast-growing economies, such as China, while growth is also being observed in mature markets, as Simon Turner, president, global development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, explained, “Starwood's nine highly sought-after brands, powerful systems, unmatched portfolio, and established local operating teams around the globe set us apart from our competition and position us well for sustained balanced footprint growth in both mature and developing markets."

TRYP by Wyndham Debuts in Turkey Wyndham Hotel Group announced the introduction of one of its brands in Turkey, with the opening of TRYP by Wyndham Istanbul Taksim.

The brand, which is represented by 73 other properties in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is gearing up to open a second hotel in the country this summer, namely Wyndham Istanbul Petek.

TRYP by Wyndham Istanbul Taksim is centrally located in Taksim, Istanbul’s centre, and boasts 108 rooms across 10 storeys, featuring free high-speed wireless Internet access, contemporary décor, and flat-screen TVs. Hotel amenities include an on-site fitness centre and two meeting rooms accommodating up to 70 guests.

According to Rui Barros, senior vice president, Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Wyndham Hotel Group, Turkey is filled with opportunities for hotel development, especially in Istanbul.

TRYP by Wyndham Istanbul Taksim - Lobby

InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) announced the launch of Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley San Francisco Area.

The hotel, located at the base of Mount Tamalpais, 8km from the northern terminus of the Golden Gate Bridge and 18km from downtown San Francisco, recently underwent a USD4 million renovation, which included the redesigning of all guestrooms, a remodelled public space, and extensive improvements to the 100-room property’s exterior.

Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, a sitting area with a lounge chair, and an in-room coffee machine. Many rooms also boast a spacious deck or patio. Business travellers can enjoy large desks with ergonomic chairs and free high-speed Internet access.

Additional amenities include a heated outdoor pool area with an expansive deck, private cabanas, a whirlpool spa, and an outdoor fire pit.

Guests residing the hotel will experience a modern setting which embraces the unique beauty of Marin County, declared Christina Giles, general manager, Holiday Inn Express Mill Valley San Francisco Area.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company Enters North East China Located in the heart of the revitalised former British concession and central business district, The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, will form an iconic landmark when it opens this year, boasting 277 rooms, including 53 suites.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, in one of China’s most strategically important cities reflects our desire to meet the growing Chinese appetite for luxury experiences. The Ritz-Carlton, Tianjin, represents a major gateway opportunity that will accelerate the recognition of our service commitment to excellence by Chinese guests. It is an exciting time to lead the evolution of bespoke luxury by creating memorable experiences that will stay with them for life,” said Herve Humler, president, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Ma He Ting, chairman, Tianjin Real Estate Development Management Group, added, “The city of Tianjin’s economic prestige and historical significance needs to build world-class facilities and services. We are delighted to have partnered with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to bring part of that dream to life with an internationally recognised luxury hospitality experience.”

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WHO'S MOVED

Berk Ozkeresteci Berk Ozkeresteci has been named group director of food and beverage at Bin Majid Hotels.

Having previously held various food and beverages management positions in the US, Istanbul, and Antalya, as well as Abu Dhabi and Fujairah, Ozkeresteci brings over 13 years of experience to the role.

His career includes roles with Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, Hyatt Corporation, Rotana, Kempinski and Rixos Hotels.

At Bin Majid Hotels, he will focus on the engagement of all associates and will make sure that the hotels provide the highest quality in food and beverage at Bin Majid Hotels while increasing revenue.

Charlie Stewart-Cox Charlie Stewart-Cox has been appointed general manager for South Asia, Middle East, and Africa at Cathay Pacific.

Stewart-Cox joined the international flag-carrier of Hong Kong in 1982, and has since held various positions within the airline, including assistant reservations manager, central reservations control; county manager for India, Nepal, and Bangladesh; airport services manager at Kai Tak Airport; marketing and sales manager

9 FEBRUARY 2013

for Hong Kong; and marketing communications manager.

He also served as general manager of marketing of Cathay Pacific between 1998 and 2007, responsible for the airline’s worldwide marketing operations, before taking the position of general manager of the carrier’s in-flight services.

In his new capacity, he will be responsible for overseeing the business and operations of Cathay Pacific and Dragonair in the three regions and will be based in Mumbai, India.

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Martin Cramer Martin Cramer has joined Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort as general manager.

Cramer joined Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide after finishing his hotel management studies.

Following various assignments in Frankfurt and Munich in Germany, he moved to the Middle East to work

at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Resort & Towers where he became director of sales and marketing.

Cramer was first appointed general manager at Sheraton in South Africa and now returns to the UAE capital after serving as general manager of Sheraton Oman Hotel.

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

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Anders Dimblad

Victor Louis

Area geneal manager, Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah.

Chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority.

“Today’s travellers are much more inclined to participate in activities which are eco-friendly or involved in the raising of environmental awareness. Increasingly, travellers want to know that their travel is not necessarily putting too much strain on the surrounding environment; with a strong corporate social responsibility stand point, Banyan Tree is committed to enhancing their guests’ experience as well as the community, by highlighting the importance of the environment and bringing nature to their doorstep.”

“The newly opened Ras Al Khaimah Country Club is the perfect leisure and recreational place, where adults and children, starting seven years, have the opportunity to learn horse riding by some of the finest riding instructors in the country. With a restaurant and bar along with a swimming pool and a horse riding arena, Ras Al Khaimah Country Club offers its guests the ultimate outdoor experience in the beautiful emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.”

Andreas Mueller

Ashraf Naguib

General manager, The Cove Rotana Resort, Ras Al Khaimah.

General manager, Radisson Blu Cairo Heliopolis.

“2012 was a very good year for The Cove Rotana Resort and Ras Al Khaimah in general. […] Ras Al Khaimah is very close to Dubai but has kept its local charm. The emirate is friendly and relaxed with all the attractions and facilities of a first class holiday destination. […] The emirate will grow from strength to strength; the destination will be firmly put on the map and it will quickly become a favourite to some of the top tour operators in Europe.”

“We are delighted to have won the Hospitality Industry Integrated Services Gold Certificate again. This is a tribute to the commitment and determination of all our staff in their efforts to ensure we guarantee the health and safety of all of our guests and clients; a special thanks goes to chef Nasser Ewais with his team for all their hard work that resulted to win the golden certificate. I am positive their efforts will continue throughout this year to guarantee that we continue to offer the finest services [...].”

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

9 FEBRUARY 2013

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Pradeep Fernando POSITION: General manager COMPANY: Arabianlink Tours LOCATION: Sharjah and Dubai WEB: www.arabianlinktours.com

Who are you?

I am a Sri Lankan expat calling the UAE my home since 1986 and counting almost 20 years in the UAE’s fastevolving travel and service industry. I manage Arabianlink Tours, a company owned by H.H. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al Qassimi of Sharjah. As a business-to-business destination management company since 1993, Arabianlink Tours is the preferred business partner of many sought-after travel companies from around the world offering the ever-changing destination that is the UAE. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

My most favourite is of course the people who drive the travel industry in our destination and the opportunity the industry offers in meeting so many people from different cultures and backgrounds.

When is the best time to visit Sharjah?

The best time is from October to early May, although the destination is fast becoming popular 365 days of the year due to both very special deals and aggressive marketing.

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

I would love to do Australia and New Zealand as that is one part of the world I have not set foot on so far.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

Me and my team make it our business to be accessible to business partners and their clients 365/24/7 as we know travel is not just the price but the help and guidance in listening and answering the needs of the traveller in a foreign land that make the difference.

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flydubai Widens Travel Agent Network flydubai has signed a billing and settlement plan (BSP) agreement with International Air Transport Association (IATA) and Hahn Air, enabling more travel agents to access the carrier’s flights.

The BSP system was developed to facilitate and simplify the selling, reporting, and remittance procedures of accredited sales agents, as well as improve the reach across the globe for the airline. “flydubai is always looking for ways to make travel more cost-effective and convenient from booking through to the flight,” stressed Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, adding

that partnerships, such as the BSP agreement, allow the carrier to reach out to a wider audience while also simplifying the booking process for both travel agents and passengers.

Under the agreement, which follows deals signed in 2012 with global distribution system providers Sabre, Travelport, and Amadeus, IATA will manage flydubai’s accounts in the UAE, while Hahn Air, one of the leading providers of outsourced ticketing solutions, will handle the low-cost carrier’s international markets, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and India.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort to Woo Asian Travellers

WTTC Calls on India to Facilitate Tourism Speaking at the Hotel Investment Forum India, David Scowsill, president, World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), called on the Indian government to address excessive taxation and restrictive visa policies.

A

t the event, Scowsill described the two issues as the largest in the country’s travel and tourism industry which are likely to hold back the growth of the sector. “India is the 12th largest travel and tourism economy in the world and has the potential to become of the very biggest economies in our industry. Yet it risks squandering this opportunity through excessive taxation and restrictive visa policies.

“India is becoming increasingly expensive. Taxes are rampant in India’s aviation sector, indicating that the gov-

ernment views the sector as a revenue source rather than a revenue generator.

But high taxation will potentially hinder the development of travel and tourism.

It is vital for the government to make further moves to reduce the tax burden on the industry.”

According to Scowsill, there have been encouraging developments in India with attempts to liberalise visa procedures, and WTTC welcomes these steps, but, he admitted, there is much more to do between India and particularly the other G20 countries to remove these issues.

Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort aims to attract more guests from the Far East and Asia.

The 272-room resort hotel, situated on the Corniche, has witnessed significant growth in markets such as Australia and the GCC, and the management is now looking to tap into new markets, Mai Nassar, director of sales and marketing, Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort, revealed.

“We are increasingly focusing on the Far East and Asia,” Nassar explained, noting that although the hotel mainly caters to the corporate clientele, 2012 saw a slight growth in the leisure segment and the management is keen on capturing a larger market share of Abu Dhabi’s growing leisure sector.

Majority of Dubai Hotels are Close to Shopping Malls

IHG Invests in Saudi Talent

Market research conducted by Reed Travel Exhibitions, the organiser of Arabian Travel Market 2013 (ATM), which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre on May 6 to 9, has shown that more than 276 hotels and hotel apartments are located within 2km of one of five mega shopping malls in Dubai.

“The original research was conducted to look at how urban tourism has grown exponentially over the past two decades and how the retail landscape has expanded in parallel to mark ATM’s own 20th anniversary celebrations,” said Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions.

“Five of the leading shopping malls in Dubai were identified and ATM researched the number of hotel and hotel apartments within a 2km radius of each of them, or in other words a five-minute taxi ride,” he added.

As part of the company’s effort to recruit and invest in Saudi Arabia’s young talent, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) organised a job fair in December 2012, held at InterContinental Dar Al Iman in Medina.

During the event, where more than 200 young Saudi students were present, the attendees had the chance to gain insight into a career in the hospitality industry, since a large number are pursuing jobs in the field through IHG’s academy partner, the Madinah College of Tourism & Hospitality.

Commenting on the event, Pascal Gauvin, chief operating officer, India, Middle East, and Africa, IHG, said, “The country continues to be a key market for us and our dedication to the Kingdom is reflected in our investment in its local talent.”

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Habib Khan Planet Hospitality, the hospitality arm of Planet Group, prides itself in showcasing the traditional Emirate lifestyle, heritage, and cultural values. Habib Khan, CEO, Planet Hospitality, talks about the importance of providing guests a window to the past and reveals the company’s expansion plans.

Travel Trade Weekly: What distinguishes the company from its competitors?

Habib Khan: For many decades, Dubai has grown into a diversified and multi-cultured environment where people across the globe have become part of this society. All of these advancements have faded away the true value of traditional Emirati lifestyle.

Therefore, Planet Hospitality has taken an active part in restoring the cultural values of native Emirati lifestyle and its people by preserving and showcasing their tradition in the form of Heritage Collection. The Heritage Collection offers a bouquet of unique guest houses in Downtown Dubai. Each property is unique and defined by the distinctive cultural heritage, flares for design, and complimented with modern comforts. By preserving the heritage and ensuring that all such details are true to the local culture and values, all guesthouses featured by the Heritage Collection provides an interesting experience and a better understanding of the region and culture.

Travel Trade Weekly: With its growing portfolio, which also includes Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Planet Hospitality has already established its presence in the UAE. Looking back at 2012, how would you describe the year?

Habib Khan: Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa has been established for eight years and looking back at 2012, we have made numerous progress and achieved several awards [...].

We are also developing Ahmedia Heritage Guest House in Al Ras, Barjeel Heritage Guest House located at Al Ghubaiba, and the soon-

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Habib Khan, CEO, Planet Hospitality

however, for guest convenience and comfort, all rooms feature individually controlled air conditioners, en-suite bath and shower, as well as modern age necessity. Complimented by a round-the-clock butler service, dining facilities, as well as an art gallery, an artist work studio and an exhibition launch space are also available.

Travel Trade Weekly: Planet Hospitality’s development pipeline also includes hotels in Lebanon as well as in Abu Dhabi. When are these scheduled to open?

to-open Sarpino’s Pizzeria in Dubai Marina.

The year was not only rewarding in terms of opening the new ventures but we had also broken significant past records in terms of occupancy and average rate compared to previous years.

Travel Trade Weekly: Tell us a little about the guest houses.

Habib Khan: Barjeel Guest House is an impressive and inviting traditional Emirati house that provides a glimpse into the city’s traditional culture and lifestyle. Located in the Shandagha by the Dubai Heritage Village, a stay at Barjeel Guest House will provide guests the opportunity to discover the richness of ancient Arab culture […].

Ahmedia Heritage Guest House is an oasis of calm in the hustle and bustle of Al Ras. All rooms are furnished in Arabic theme,

Habib Khan: Business condition is not the same in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and particularly Lebanon.

Post reality business crash in 2009 followed by the credit crunch had its impact on the hospitality industry too. However, Dubai has recovered to a greater extent to its natural market share, whereas Abu Dhabi is still in the verge of recovery. Therefore, we did not take out the Abu Dhabi project from the freezer as the climate was not right but it is about time to do so, as we believe the industry will get measured within the next three to five years and perform with stability. We are in negotiation with the investors and financing institution to expedite the Abu Dhabi Hotel and Residency projects considering substantial developments are happening around the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre area where the properties are situated.

Lebanon’s reality at this stage is in a rear reversal situation due to the regional instability, particularly its neighbour, Syria. Therefore, we are evaluating the situation carefully before embarking into any major investment.

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NEWS & EVENTS

SAS Launches ‘Go Green’ Initiative Sharjah Aviation Services (SAS), a leading airport ground handling company in the UAE, has announced that it has launched a ‘Go Green’ initiative in order to offset carbon emissions at Sharjah International Airport, in partnership with Air Arabia and the emirate’s airport.

As part of the ‘Go Green’ initiative, SAS has implemented ambitious environmentally-friendly initiatives in an effort to generate cleaner air, lower emissions, and increased energy efficiency, influencing all aspects of the airport’s ground handling operations. This is being achieved through improved energy conservation measures and increased use of renewable energy sources, such as solar energy and electric power.

Recommendations include expanding the use of advanced technology ground support vehicles by replacing the SAS fleet of 200 diesel and petrolpowered vehicles by 2020.

Event App Industry 2013 Predictions As part of their ongoing commitment to drive engagement technology into the events industry and deliver valuable insight for event suppliers and attendees, GenieMobile have announced their top 10 predictions for the mobile event application (app) industry this year.

Michael Douglas, operations director, GenieMobile, indicated that mobile platforms will cease to operate in isolation, whereby app providers will be expected to deliver a solution which is compatible with both web and tablets.

Additionally, he noted that events are going mobile and as a result, apps will become the norm as it gives attendees instant access to all the information they need.

In turn, customers will continue to expect greater return on investment from their event apps which are likely to play a crucial role in the marketing arm of every product attached to it, this according to Douglas who further explained that multievent apps will supersede single event apps, with quality and service becoming key selling points for app vendors, while customers look to reduce the number of tech suppliers.

EVENTS Hoteliers European Marketplace Brussels, Belgium, February 11, 2013 (www.cvent.com/events/hoteliers-european-marketplace-2013) A one-day business-to-business workshop where European hotels and hotel chains meet contractors from all around the world.

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

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

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

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

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

World Travel Market (WTM) Latin America São Paulo, Brazil, April 23 – 25, 2013 (www.wtmlatinamerica.com) The leading global event for the region’s travel industry, which brings the world to Latin America and promotes Latin America to the world.

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

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