Travel Trade Weekly Issue 235

10 MAY 2014

ISSUE 235

Omran Inaugurates Crowne Plaza Duqm Omran has celebrated the official opening of Crowne Plaza Duqm in Oman.

Six new destinations and 71 additional services a week to India are some of the highlights of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s summer flying schedule.

09 Emirates to Operate A380 to Kuwait To commemorate the airline’s 25th anniversary of flights to Kuwait, Emirates will introduce an Airbus A380 service to the destination.

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

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Record Summer Flight Schedule in Abu Dhabi

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MARKET UPDATE

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

Jazeera Airways Group: High Q1 Earnings Jazeera Airways Group recorded a net profit of KWD2.1 million (USD7.47 million) for the first quarter (Q1) of the year.

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

he group’s revenue decreased 6.1 percent to KWD13.8 million (USD49.08 million), while operating profit was down 37.6 percent to KWD2.8 million (USD9.96 million).

Marwan Boodai, chairman, Jazeera Airways Group, explained that the results constitute the second highest Q1 earnings in the company’s history.

“Our outlook for the year remains unchanged and we expect to register bottom line growth driven by an exceptional summer with the Holy Month of Ramadan falling earlier in the season. We look forward to another growth year reinforced by investments in our

Jazeera Airways

product that will bolster the on-ground experience,” added Boodai.

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

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

09/05/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.05

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,513.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

148.35

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.61

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.14

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

25,536.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.81

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

78.94

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.23

MEA: 573 Hotels in the Pipeline The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region’s hotel development pipeline comprised 573 projects with 137,193 rooms in March.

Based on STR Global’s latest report, in the remainder of the year, 125 properties with 27,775 units are expected to open across the region with the unaffiliated segment leading the growth with 30 hotels and 7,803 rooms. The upper upscale section represents 26 ventures with 6,559 keys, and the luxury sector has 25 properties with 5,980 rooms.

In 2015, 130 hotels are set to come on line in MEA, adding 32,142 units to the room stock.

Double-digit Passenger Traffic Increase in Abu Dhabi

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bu Dhabi International Airport welcomed a total of 4,560,169 passengers in the first quarter of the year, marking a 15.1 percent growth compared to the corresponding period in 2013.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airports, noted that businesses and tourists alike increasingly see

Abu Dhabi both as a destination of choice and as a logical transit point on longer journeys.

Within the next few years, over 30 million travellers are expected to use Abu Dhabi International Airport as their origin, destination or transit point for international and domestic flights, and the Midfield Terminal Complex is being constructed to handle this traffic.

10 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS Work on Abu Dhabi Marina Commences Bloom Properties, the Abu Dhabi-based property and lifestyle development arm of National Holding, announced the start of construction of its premium waterfront development in Al Bateen.

Abu Dhabi Marina will host residences, serviced apartments, cafés, restaurants as well as a five-star hotel comprising 200 rooms.

The company has contracted Al Shafar General Contracting (ASGC) for Abu Dhabi Marina’s enabling work.

“Bloom Properties is a prestigious client and we are happy to execute this exceptional project in a prime location in Abu Dhabi. ASGC has a track record for delivering upscale hospitality projects and we anticipate further opportunities for collaboration as the booming real estate market spurs further growth in the tourism sector,” commented Bishoy Azmy, CEO, ASGC.

Abu Dhani Marina

Replica of Pharaoh’s Tomb Installed in Luxor A copy of the Tomb of Tutankhamun has been constructed at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.

The project marks a milestone in Egypt’s approach to responsible heritage management and sustainable tourism, and forms part of an initiative that involves the creation of imitations of the tombs of Seti I as well as Nefertari.

“More people are becoming aware that each visit to a heritage site leads to its decay; we want to turn that awareness around and make each visit a positive story,” said Adam Lowe, director, Factum Arte, the creator of the project. “We can do this by using exact facsimiles that allow an experience of the original while at the same time preserving it and providing funds to make sure the site is maintained.”

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Record Summer Flight Schedule in Abu Dhabi Six new destinations and 71 additional services a week to India are some of the highlights of Abu Dhabi International Airport’s summer flying schedule.

Compared to 2013’s itinerary, the number of weekly flights available from the airport increased 18 percent to 1,242. New routes to operate from the UAE capital include nonstop links to Los Angeles, Zurich, Belgrade, Perth, Jaipur and Yerevan and additional flights will also run to the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent.

Ahmad Al Haddabi, chief operations officer, Abu Dhabi Airport, noted, “This is an exciting time in our development as we remain on track to open the world’s biggest new terminal in 2017 and the growth in the number of flights linking Abu Dhabi to cities all around the world is a trend that Abu Dhabi Airports expects to continue in the years ahead.”

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accor to Manage Hotel at Dragon Mart Nakheel has signed a management agreement with Accor to manage the company’s new 250-room property at Dragon Mart in Dubai.

The hotel, one of nine planned by the Emirati developer over the next five years, will be operated under the ibis Styles flag, and construction is already substantially complete.

The new addition forms part of Nakheel’s AED1 billion (USD272.24 million), 177,000m2 Dragon Mart expansion project, which also includes a second mall and a multi-storey car park, and is ultimately set to double the size of the current complex.

Nakheel is also working on new hotels on Palm Jumeirah, Deira Islands, Ibn Battuta Mall and International City.

Kyoto City Opens Office in Dubai Kyoto Convention & Visitors Bureau and Kyoto City opened a promotional office in Dubai to encourage Gulf nationals and residents to visit Japan’s ancient capital.

The facility is the first in the Middle East to be set up by a Japanese tourism authority.

Yoshikazu Kuki, director, tourism and MICE office, Kyoto City, commented, “We warmly welcome visitors from the Middle East to experience our unique culture, shopping, sites, activities and cuisine, as well as our internationally renowned ‘omotenashi’ hospitality.”

To make Kyoto even more hospitable for Islamic travellers, the entity has also launched a special Kyoto website which is available in English, Arabic, Bahasa Malaysian and Turkish.

“There visitors can find out the location of our city mosque, Muslim-friendly hotels, restaurants offering Halal dining and much more,” explained Kuki.

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WEEKLY NEWS RAK Properties’ Earnings Soar RAK Properties increased its net profit to AED42 million (USD11.4 million) in the first quarter of the year from AED40 million (USD10.9 million) recorded in the corresponding period in 2013.

During the first three months of the year, the Ras Al Khaimah-based property developer gained revenues worth AED86 million (USD23.4 million), while the company’s total assets have been pegged at AED4.7 billion (USD1.28 billion).

Commenting on the company's future prospects, Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, CEO, RAK Properties, said, “With industry experts saying that the growth will continue to come in, we are bullish on leveraging our offerings […], across potential investors,” commented on the company’s future prospects.”

Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi

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Largest Tourism Service Project in Giza The governorate of Giza is to embark on what is being hailed as the largest tourism service project in the area.

Funded by the Ministry of Tourism at a cost of EGP7.5 million (USD1.07 million), the development will include 280 bazaars and various restaurants and cafes.

As Ali Abdel Rahman, governor, Giza, explained, a total of EGP21 million (USD3 million) has been allocated by the governorate to build roads and necessary infrastructure in the destination.

According to Rahman, the venture, which due to its prime location offers great investment opportunities, is set to accelerate the evolution of the surrounding area, and stimulate tourism in the governorate and Egypt.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Joins New Reservation System Millennium & Copthorne Hotels has installed the new WindsurferCRS into its central reservation system.

Designed by Sceptre Hospitality Resources, the new application can help manage reservations for over 10 million room nights, and will now become the proprietary booking channel for the hospitality company around the globe, including in the Middle East.

“The WindsurferCRS is one of the most advanced systems in the hospitality industry and will be a valuable addition to our current reservations process. Our hotels and our guests are already experiencing the advantages,” explained Ali Hamad Lakhraim Alzaabi, CEO, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Middle East.

Initially piloted in the US, WindsurferCRS is set to benefit tourists with its direct connection with Travelport, as well as many online travel agencies, including Travelocity, Expedia and Booking.com.

Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana to Attract More Pilgrims

Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana

Al Marwa Rayhaan by Rotana in Mecca aims to increase its guest volumes by 20 percent.

During 2013’s Hajj season, the Holy City welcomed over 1.98 million pilgrims, almost 1.4 million of whom originated from outside Saudi Arabia, and the hotel’s management is keen on firmly establishing the 415-room property as a preferred choice among these religious travellers.

“2013’s Hajj season was very successful for Al Marwa Rayhaan

by Rotana. [...] The hotel ran at over 90 percent occupancy in the months of January, July and September,” informed Mohamad Haj Hassan, area vice president, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Egypt, Iraq and Afghanistan, Rotana Hotel Management Corporation.

Building on this success, the management now hopes to attract more guests with the aim of increasing occupancy levels by seven percent, he added.

Sousse to Welcome Two Radisson Blu Hotels In a bid to reinforce its presence in Tunisia, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has announced the signing of two hotels, namely Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Sousse and Radisson Blu Pearl Resort, Sousse.

Both are already existing properties, and are currently undergoing full renovation and transformation before re-opening under the Radisson Blu flag in the second quarter of 2016.

The 217-key Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Sousse will offer three restaurants, bars, indoor and outdoor pools and an extensive outdoor area, while Radisson Blu Pearl Resort, Sousse will provide 130 guest rooms, five restaurants, two bars, two swimming pools, a spa-fitness area and parking facilities.

10 MAY 2014

Accommodation

MGM Hakkasan Hospitality Comes to the UAE MGM Resorts International and Hakkasan Group have formed a joint hotel management company: MGM Hakkasan Hospitality.

The venture will focus on the design, development and management of luxury non-gaming hotels, resorts and residences under the Bellagio, Hakkasan, MGM Grand and SKYLOFTS brands in key international destinations. All projects currently under construction by each entity will be added to the new cooperative, including those in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

According to Khadem Al Qubaisi, chairman, Hakkasan Group, the joint endeavour exemplifies the management’s strategy of developing a multifaceted global lifestyle company.

“While hotel and resort projects have been part of our business plan for some time, it was crucial for us to find the best possible partner that could bring a wealth of experience and skill to the development and operation of branded products,” added Al Qubaisi.

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WEEKLY NEWS FRHI Hotels & Resorts to Grow Regional Presence by 50 Percent FRHI Hotels & Resorts is poised to expand its Middle East, Africa and India (MEAI) portfolio by 50 percent over the next five years.

“The MEAI region is among the fastestgrowing for FRHI for both business and leisure travel as well as major events, and our investment in a regional hub places our leading hotel group in closer proximity to our properties and owners in this core strategic market,” stated Sami Nasser, senior vice president, operations, MEAI, FRHI Hotels & Resorts.

Two new Fairmont-branded properties are set to open in the GCC before the end of the year, including the 252-key Fairmont Ajman and the 287-room Fairmont Riyadh, Business Gate.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Viceroy Hotel Group to Expand in Dubai Viceroy Hotel Group has been selected to operate two landmark developments, created by Arabtec Holding, in Dubai.

Scheduled to open in late 2016 and 2017, Viceroy Dubai Sheikh Zayed Road and Viceroy Dubai Business Bay, will join the previously announced Viceroy Dubai Palm Jumeirah, which is set to be launched in late 2016.

According to Bill Walshe, CEO, Viceroy Hotel Group, the new projects reaffirm the company’s commitment to growing its presence in the UAE. “Dubai is firmly established as one of the most progressive and dynamic hospitality destinations in the world, and we are excited to [...] expand the UAE’s luxury hotel landscape,” added Walshe.

Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman Hosts Ecotourism Event Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman played host to the first GCC Ecotourism Conference, which formed part of the annual UAE Green Festival.

The gathering was attended by government bodies, corporate stakeholders as well as international associations and delegates, and highlighted the challenges related to ecotourism in the region.

Remarking on the importance of waste management, Iftikhar Hamdani, general manager, Ramada Hotel and Suites Ajman, talked about the green initiatives the property is involved in. Other topics included efforts to preserve wildlife and biodiversity, Green Globe practices, the creation of an eco-friendly hotel brand, and the significance of engaging travellers in sustainability. “[The conference] provided a strategic platform to address different issues which can provide long-term impact to our industry.

Through this, all of us are now more informed not just of the challenges, but also the solutions toward a more sustainable tourism,” added Hamdani.

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Accommodation

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts to Launch Private Jet Services Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts is taking luxury to new heights with the introduction of Four Seasons Jet, hailed as the industry’s first fully branded private jet experience.

Set to begin operations in February 2015, the retrofitted Boeing 757 will carry 52 guests, who will be staying at Four Seasons properties.

“The decision to offer one-of-a-kind trips aboard a custom-designed Four Seasons Jet reflects an understanding of our guests’ evolving needs and preferences,” stated Susan Helstab, executive vice president, marketing, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.

Travellers can currently choose from three packages, allowing them to discover destinations such as the US, UK, India, Italy, Russia, Japan or Morocco.

Four Seasons Jet

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Omran Inaugurates Crowne Plaza Duqm Omran has celebrated the official opening of Crowne Plaza Duqm, the second development in Al Wusta governorate in Oman to be handed over by the company in the last two years.

Located in close proximity to the Port of Duqm, the four-star property features 213 rooms, a range of dining outlets, a fitness club, swimming pool, business centre, ballroom and meeting and conference facilities.

As H.E. Nasser bin Khamis Al Jashmi, chairman, Omran, explained, extending the Sultanate’s tourism infrastructure to emerging governorates has been one of the fundamental aspects of the organisation.

“Alongside the Ministry of Tourism, Omran is committed to creating, managing and investing in quality hospitality infrastructure in support of the long-term sustainable development of the Omani tourism sector,” added Al Jashmi.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Etihad Airways Boosts Middle East Services Etihad Airways will increase operations to Beirut and Amman from 18 flights per week, to triple daily schedules, effective from July 2.

The additional services will add more than 800 seats each week between Abu Dhabi and the two capitals, using an Airbus A320 aircraft.

As James Hogan, group CEO, Etihad Aviation Group, noted, the airline’s Middle East network has been performing strongly and the newly announced boost is indicative of the huge confidence the company has in the regional market.

“We have steadily increased frequencies on both routes in line with strong demand, not only to the capital of the UAE, but also via Abu Dhabi to and from key destinations in Asia and Australia,” concluded Hogan.

Emirates to Operate A380 to Kuwait To commemorate the airline’s 25th anniversary of flights to Kuwait, Emirates will introduce a scheduled Airbus A380 service to the destination.

Effective from July 16, EK 857 and EK 858 will be upgraded to a double-decker, making Kuwait the second market in the Middle East to be served by the flagship aircraft.

“We have 47 A380s which we deploy all over the world […]. The experience continues to generate excitement and fascination amongst our passengers and those who come to airports to catch a glimpse of this magnificent aircraft,” stated Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, divisional senior vice president, commercial operations, centre, Emirates.

Qatar Airways Lands in Cyprus

Qatar Airways in Larnaca

Qatar Airways has launched nonstop services between Doha and Larnaca, the airline’s 138th destination.

The new route will be operated four times a week by a two-class Airbus A320.

Marwan Koleilat, chief commercial officer, Qatar Airways, described the Mediterranean island as a fantastic destination, which is expected to attract major interest from Qatar and the Middle East, due to its strategic location and safe-haven status.

Wes Porter, CEO, Hermes Airports, said, “This new route will not only promote and support tourism development between Qatar and Cyprus, but will also improve the connectivity of Cyprus to the East. Likewise, it will be an excellent opportunity for Qatar Airways to develop its accessibility to Europe through Cyprus.”

10 MAY 2014

Air

Etihad Airways Steps up Mediterranean Services Etihad Airways is set to boost operations to Athens, Greece; and Larnaca, Cyprus for the peak summer season.

Starting July 2, the airline will operate 10 weekly services to the Greek capital, providing additional connecting opportunities with codeshare partner Aegean Airlines.

Larnaca

The UAE airline will also step up its frequency on the Abu Dhabi – Larnaca route from three to five flights per week, while between July 1 and September 30, travellers will enjoy daily connections to the Cypriot coastal city.

Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, commented, “These increases [...] demonstrate our commitment to build a global, connected network. The additional services will also support the growth of business and leisure traffic over Abu Dhabi, and offer travellers greater choice of destinations across the Gulf region, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Australia.”

Qatar Airways Increases Moscow Flights Starting September 1, Qatar Airways will be adding two extra flights per week to the Doha – Moscow route, bringing the total weekly schedule to 14.

In response to the growing demand, the airline will also introduce its newly upgraded Airbus A320 to replace the current mixed fleet.

As a result of the increases in both frequency and capacity, the total number of seats offered on a weekly basis will reach 476 in business and 4,928 in economy class.

As Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, noted, since the inauguration of the Doha – Moscow service 10 years ago, the route has showed significant growth, prompting the airline to further improve its offerings.

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WEEKLY NEWS

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Saudi Arabia: Largest Fleet of Business Jets According to the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA)’s latest report, MENA currently accounts for three-four percent of the entire global fleet of business jets, and Saudi Arabia is home to the region’s largest collection, with a total of 164 aircraft.

The study revealed that since 2000, Bombardier, Airbus and Embraer have sold the most jet engine aircraft, while Boeing registered 38 jets across 10 countries in the Middle East.

In Saudi Arabia, Gulfstream V, Hawker Beechcraft 700-800 and the Bombardier Global Express proved the most popular.

“In order for the association to lobby and promote business aviation […] in Saudi Arabia, we must have reliable data that illustrates its contribution to the aviation economy,” said Ali Al Naqbi, founding chairman, MEBAA.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Etihad Airways to Unroll The Residence Etihad Airways has unveiled the world’s first private multi room cabin on a commercial passenger aircraft.

The Residence will host a living room, double bedroom and a separate ensuite shower room.

Located on the forward upper deck of the airline’s fleet of Airbus A380s, the new feature will measure 11m², and will be available for single or double occupancy.

Guests staying in The Residence will have a butler on call throughout the flight, offering the personal service and attention to detail found in exclusive hotels, while a dedicated VIP concierge team will ensure all aspects of the experience, including booking luxury limousine transfers, check-in, and custom menu planning, are handled with the utmost discretion.

EGYPTAIR Expands Jeddah Services In line with its endeavours to link the world with Egypt’s top touristic destinations, EGYPTAIR plans to increase its operations between Jeddah and Sharm El Sheikh.

In response to growing demand, starting June 1 the flag carrier will add an extra weekly flight to its timetable, bringing the total number of services between the two cities to three per week.

Correspondingly, passengers will be able to travel between the popular Red Sea destination and the Saudi gateway on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Oman Air Holds Business Review in Jaipur

Oman Air’s Business Review in Jaipur

The importance of India to the national carrier of Oman was underlined at the India Business Review and sales team orientation programme, held in Jaipur in April.

Abdulrazaq Alraisi, chief commercial officer, Oman Air, said, “Oman Air’s India Business Review was an excellent way of bringing together our sales staff and partners and agreeing a way forwards which will bring commercial success.

“The focus [...] was to evaluate market conditions and develop smart solutions for optimising revenues on every flight from, or to, India. [Our] staff is already doing a very good job, but we must not relax in our efforts to ensure that Oman Air becomes the airline of choice within the country,” he concluded.

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WEEKLY NEWS

International

Shangri-La to Offer PressReader Service Group-wide Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has replaced the two million complimentary print newspapers distributed annually to guests with environmentally-friendly digital versions.

The Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group partnered with PressReader, enabling guests to go online to the service provider’s website, or download the free application, and choose the desired country, language and publication and enjoy reading “We know how important it is for our guests to stay connected, which is why Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts was the first international luxury hotel group to offer complimentary Internet access and the first to extend free WiFi to hotel cars. With the introduction of PressReader, we offer more value to our guests, and we do so in a way that is environmentally-friendly and contributes to sustainable operations,” commented Greg Dogan, president, ShangriLa Hotels and Resorts.

BWI Adds to Indonesian Portfolio

BEST WESTERN PLUS Makassar Beach

Best Western International (BWI) has launched its first hotel on the Indonesia island of Sulawesi.

Located in the commercial capital, Makassar, the upscale BEST WESTERN PLUS Makassar Beach features 162 rooms, including nine suites, a semi-outdoor pool, a restaurant, a lounge, 12 meeting rooms with a capacity for 150 delegates and a business centre.

As Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, BWI, explained, Indonesia is emerging as an economic powerhouse as trade and tourism spreads into the country’s many outlying islands and provinces.

“Sulawesi is becoming a new regional centre of trade and tourism,” added de Souza, noting that the opening of the property will establish BWI as one of the first international hotel groups on the island.

Zambia Welcomes New Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower The new Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower opened its doors on April 7, making it Protea Hotels’ fourth offering in the Zambian capital, and eighth in the country.

The nine-storey, 137-room property is situated in the Arcades Shopping Centre opposite the Mulungushi International Conference Centre. Facilities include a swimming pool and a ninth-floor restaurant and bar with views over the city.

The company, which was recently acquired by Marriott International, is to open over 20 hotels in sub-Saharan Africa over the next four years, with properties due to launch in Nigeria, Gabon, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Ghana and Benin, according to Alex Kyriakidis, president, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

10 MAY 2014

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Angela Newton POSITION: Owner COMPANY: Angeez Travel LOCATION: South Africa

Who are you?

I am an independent travel consultant running my own business in association with eTravel. I have 17 years of experience in the travel industry and have travelled extensively.

I have dealt with corporate and leisure clients during this time and have also had the privilege of working in a travel agency in Dubai for two years. I now live in Cape Town and besides running my business, I get out and about by jogging, hiking and body boarding.

What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry?

I enjoy encouraging people to broaden their horizons, to escape the busyness of life and to visit and experience new cultures and destinations. The variety that working in the travel industry offers is great.

When is the best time to visit South Africa?

This answer is often complex since it depends on the travellers’ interests, the places they want to visit and the reasons for the trip. One person’s best time in South Africa can be another’s worst. To combine game viewing and sunny days, the best time is April/May or September/October.

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

Croatia.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

I am confident that my experience of the travel industry, my qualifications and professionalism with my personal attitude is of benefit to my client. Since I run my own business, my main priorities are to offer an efficient, personalised service at comparative rates.

10 MAY 2014

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Travelport Merchandising Platform Turns One Travelport has celebrated the one year anniversary of its merchandising platform by outlining the significant progress it has made since the launch.

Travelport Merchandising Platform was developed to allow airlines to distribute and differentiate all of their fares and ancillaries via the travel agency channel, enabling them to utilise three distinct solutions, namely aggregated shopping, ancillary services and rich content and branding. Since introducing the product in April 2013, the technology provider has reported key successes in each of these areas.

Bookings for Travelport Aggregated Shopping, for example are showing a monthly growth rate of 60 percent and the figure is expected to continue to grow steadily.

Travelport Ancillary Services also proved to be a success with over 50 different ancillary products or optional extras offered by 23 airlines across 178 countries now available.

Travelport has also enjoyed worldwide recognition and support for its Rich Content and Branding retail solution which is on track to be launched globally over the coming months.

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TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

Samir Arora

Gianni Malerba

General manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai.

“Our team has been working to build awareness of Ramada Downtown Dubai in established and new markets, and results have been very positive but we have to diversify our geographic and sector reach to ensure profitable results. [Dubai’s recent visitor numbers] illustrate the potential for hotels in Dubai, ranging from strong regional markets fuelling short break visits, to more and more stopover traffic from long-haul destinations and lucrative emerging markets.”

General manager, Royal Rose Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

“Royal Rose Hotel is now open to business and leisure guests, so we would like to introduce the property and its excellent features to potential business partners. Arabian Travel Market attracts high level decision makers and buyers representing every aspect of the leisure travel industry. This is an event we [could not] afford to miss.”

Christoph Franzen General manager, Grand Hyatt Doha.

“[The ‘Definitely Able’ corporate social responsibility] initiative [...] focuses on what one can accomplish regardless of his disabilities, and that is why we chose to [...] support it. Hyatt’s global corporate responsibility platform, Hyatt Thrive, begins at home, in the communities we serve. Hyatt hotels globally are making significant impacts through the Hyatt Thrive pillars which are environmental sustainability, economic development and investment, education and personal advancement and health and wellness.”

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

10 MAY 2014

WHO'S MOVED

Greg Pirkle Greg Pirkle has taken the helm as the new general manager at the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. A 25-year veteran of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, Pirkle moves to Bahrain from Saudi Arabia where he held the same position at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Centre.

Pirkle’s extensive career with the company has taken him across the globe, allowing him to gain invaluable experience and deep industry knowledge at properties in various destinations including Hawaii, Jakarta, New York, Boston, Langkawi island in Malaysia, as well as the Middle East.

Ibrahim Barghout Ibrahim Barghout has been appointed area vice president for the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.

Barghout began his career with parent company, Marriott International in 1981 and has held various roles at a number of properties in the US and the Middle East.

Most recently he served as area vice president of the Middle East for Marriott International.

In his new role, Barghout will

10 MAY 2014

have operational responsibility for The Ritz-Carlton properties in MEA, providing oversight and leadership to positively impact hotel performance, portfolio development as well as owner relations.

As area vice president, he will oversee hotel operations and performances across the region. In addition, Barghout will also serve as the primary interface with property ownership and support development opportunities.

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Marieke Siefers Marieke Siefers has become the new regional director of revenue in charge of Dubai and the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region at Jumeirah Group.

Siefers has more than 10 years of experience in revenue management and distribution. For the past seven years she led

the Dubai regional revenue management team for Marriott International and besides the company’s existing properties, she was also responsible for the most recent openings.

In her new role, Siefers will be in charge of the revenue management employees across Dubai and MEASA.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS First IATA Cabin Operations Safety Conference The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is preparing to host the first Cabin Operations Safety Conference between May 20 – 22, in Madrid, Spain.

T

he event is expected to attract a large number of representatives from airlines, regulatory agencies, manufacturers and suppliers.

Various topics will be discussed, including turbulence management, disruptive passengers, on-board usage of portable electric devices, cabin crew training and safety management systems.

“Cabin operations safety is an integral part of our overall commitment to safety of flight,” stressed Tony Tyler, director general, IATA. ”The Cabin Operations Safety Conference provides a forum to address the most important challenges from a global perspective, bringing together key stakeholders from across the aviation value chain.”

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will also formally launch the ICAO Cabin Crew Safety Training Manual and will lead a full-day workshop on it.

Bahrain International Airport Hosts Musical Orchestra As part of Bahrain Airport Company’s (BAC) commitment to giving back to the local community, Bahrain International Airport hosted an orchestra to celebrate the recent Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.

The event was organised by the Ministry of Education and was part of a series of nationwide initiatives conducted by the ministry’s orchestra team.

BAC is responsible for enhancing Bahrain International Airport and increasing the facility’s contribution to the local economy in line with Vision 2030.

In its operational role, BAC is also in charge of elevating the hub’s operations, infrastructure and services.

UNWTO Member States Set Agenda for European Tourism European tourism representatives gathered at the recently held 57th Meeting of the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Commission for Europe in Azerbaijan, to identify main priorities which will ensure the sector’s competitiveness.

Despite a fragile global economic recovery, Europe continues to excel, remarked Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, pointing to the fact that international tourist arrivals grew by five percent in the region, an additional 29 million travellers as compared to 2012, raising the total to 563 million, more than half of the world’s sum.

The commission concluded that as global tourism becomes increasingly competitive, Europe must take the lead on key issues such as innovation, accessible and inclusive tourism, as well as new models of 57th Meeting of the UNWTO Commission cooperation. for Europe in Azerbaijan

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Roger Tannous Located on a private island off the coast of Ras Al Khaimah, Marjan Island Resort & Spa exudes palatial grandeur fused with Arabian touches. Here Roger Tannous, general manager, Marjan Island Resort & Spa, reflects on the emirate’s growth and future ambitions.

Travel Trade Weekly: How would you describe your target markets?

Roger Tannous: Our target markets are families from different destinations. We have witnessed family tourism coming not only from the local and GCC markets but also from CIS and European countries.

Due to the exceptional facilities that the hotel has got, we are also focusing on the MICE business, sports events and cultural gatherings.

We will not rely on the traditional markets; we are aiming to go to emerging markets either from Eastern Europe or the Indian subcontinent.

Having full-fledged spa facilities, we are also focusing on consumers from different destinations who are looking for wellness and health holidays.

Travel Trade Weekly: Marjan Island Resort & Spa prides itself on being a true family destination. What aspects make the hotel an ideal option for guests of all ages?

Roger Tannous: Being a family destination, Marjan Island Resort & Spa is also a quiet and serene place for couples of all age categories to enjoy a wellness destination where any guest can find the environment and the entertainment they are looking for; starting from toddlers who can enjoy our playground, to various outdoor and sports activities, the tranquility of the spa retreat floor where guests can be pampered and enjoy the luxury of ancestral therapies such as the Nefertiti gold facial treatment.

The same goes for the gastronomy; starting from a snack on the beach, to a high-end dinner in one of our specialty restaurants.

10 MAY 2014

Roger Tannous General manager, Marjan Island Resort & Spa

rooms in Ras Al Khaimah is modest compared to the potential it represents.

We look forward to seeing the inventory reaching 10,000 rooms.

If we are affected in terms of occupancy, this will be for a very short period. An example for that was the expansion we witnessed in Dubai over the past two decades.

The more players in the market, the more will participate in its promotion and attract different niche markets.

Travel Trade Weekly: Over the past years, Ras Al Khaimah has experienced major developments, and consequently, visitor numbers rose from just 600,000 in 2010 to over one million by 2012. What are the main factors behind the emirate’s growth?

The present inventory of rooms in Ras Al Khaimah is modest compared to the potential it represents Travel Trade Weekly: Ras Al Khaimah’s room inventory already includes over 3,200 rooms and suites and this number is expected to reach 10,000 by 2016. How do you think the opening of these new properties will affect the hotel sector?

What kind of plans do you have in place to ensure high occupancy levels?

Roger Tannous: The present inventory of

Roger Tannous: The main factors include the vision of H.H. Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qasimi [ruler of Ras Al Khaimah], the huge investments put into the development of Marjan Island as well as the interest of local and international chains to capitalise on this investment and turn Ras Al Khaimah in general and Marjan Island in particular into a touristic destination.

Travel Trade Weekly: In your opinion, why should visitors, especially families opt for Ras Al Khaimah instead of Dubai or other UAE destinations?

Roger Tannous: Ras Al Khaimah is different from Dubai. It is the extension and the peaceful and quiet suburb of Dubai where luxurious affordable breaks can be taken several times a year, just 45 minutes from the busy metropolis of Dubai.

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NEWS & EVENTS

ADNEC Hosts Air Cargo and Logistics Experts Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) welcomed some of the most acclaimed specialists in the international air cargo and logistics industry at the recently concluded Middle East Air Cargo and Logistics Exhibition and Conference.

The event showcased the latest developments in the materials handling industry worldwide and put the spotlight on the growth opportunities that exist in aviation in the Middle East. Meanwhile,

EVENTS PAGE

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the conference component focused on current trends, trade practices and business opportunities in the region, and also examined the global status of e-freight, the logistics environment in the Middle East, air cargo and supply chain security, amongst others.

As Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, chief commercial officer, ADNEC, pinpointed, logistics and freight handling are the cornerstones of international trade and cooperation between countries.

EVENTS The Airport Show Dubai, UAE, May 11 – 13, 2014 (www.theairportshow.com) The annual event is hailed as the largest gathering of airport decision makers, experts and suppliers in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian subcontinent region.

IMEX Frankfurt 2014 Frankfurt, Germany, May 20 – 22, 2014 (www.imex-frankfurt.com) IMEX is a source and hub for ideas in the worldwide incentive travel, meetings and events industry. In 2013, the show attracted 14,730 participants and over 65,000 appointments were conducted.

Travel Catering Expo Dubai, UAE, May 11 – 13, 2014 (www.travelcateringexpo.com) The Middle East’s dedicated exhibition for the products, services and technologies required for the airport catering industry.

Arab Luxury World Dubai, UAE, June 2 – 3, 2014 (www.arabluxuryworld.com) The conference will focus on opportunities and challenges in travel and hospitality, and art and cultures, amongst others.

Global Airport Leaders Forum (GALF) Dubai, UAE, May 12 – 13, 2014 (www.theairportshow.com) The second edition of the event will assemble the world’s foremost airport, policy, business and technology leaders in an effort to address their needs and exchange information.

International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) Asia Shanghai, China, June 2 – 5, 2014 (www.iltm.com/asia) An invitation-only event where travel agents and advisors from across Asia meet global luxury travel experiences.

Middle East Event Show Dubai, UAE, May 20 – 21, 2014 (www.me-eventshow.com) Divided into six different, dynamic zones, the event will focus on knowledge sharing, education and networking.

Connect Marrakech, Morocco, June 3 – 6, 2014 (www.connect-aviation.com) Hosted by The Moroccan Airports Authority, the event will bring together airports, airlines, suppliers and tourist industry professionals from around the world.

10 MAY 2014