Travel Trade Weekly Issue 224 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

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CYPRUS! Monthly www.traveltradecyprus.travel

22 FEBRUARY 2014

dnata: Growth Strategy on Track dnata has taken over UK-based travel business, Gold Medal Travel Group.

ISSUE 224

The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) held a meeting with the Investment and Development Office of Ras Al Khaimah to discuss cooperation opportunities.

06 Gulf Air to Resume Flights to Tehran Gulf Air announced that it plans to recommence services to Iranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital, Tehran.

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

02 03 07 11 15 16 17 18 19 20

Shurooq to Cooperate with Ras Al Khaimah

MARKET UPDATE

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

Robust Regional Passenger Growth Middle Eastern airlines recorded strong increases in passenger traffic in 2013, with a year-on-year rise of 12.1 percent.

ccording to a report by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), carriers in the region have benefitted from the continued economic strength of destinations such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and solid improvement in business-related premium travel, especially to developing markets. Capacity grew 12.8 percent, and load factor declined slightly to 77.3 percent. Globally, capacity rose 4.8 percent, boosting load factor to 79.5 percent. As Tony Tyler, director general, IATA, pinpointed, despite the challenging economic environment, the aviation industry showed a healthy demand growth. “There was a clear improvement trend over the course of the year which bodes well

for this year. 2013’s demand performance demonstrates the essential and growing role that aviation-enabled connectivity plays in our world,” added Tyler.

Dubai International, Concourse A

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

Jeddah: Improved Hospitality Performance Accommodation establishments in Jeddah closed 2013 with improved performance and profit levels, TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest HotStats report revealed. The Saudi city witnessed growth in all key performance indicators in December 2013, as corporate demand increased and continued to dominate the market mix along with the MICE segment, accounting for 54.5 percent of guests. Year-end results also show significant rises, as occupancy levels jumped to 77.7 percent and average room rate rose to USD250.33, bringing RevPAR up to USD194.99. The positive trend resulted in total RevPAR increasing to USD310.04, and gross operating profit per available room surging to USD147.96.

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

21/02/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.96

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,503.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

143.65

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.58

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.19

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

24,900.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.81

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

77.63

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

Dubai Records Highest Profits

ubai’s hotel sector reported the highest profit levels in the region in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year, according to TRI Hospitality Consulting’s latest HotStats report. Although occupancy levels in December 2013 were marginally lower than in the corresponding month in 2012, hoteliers were still able to achieve higher average

rates through aggressive yielding strategies, as Peter Goddard, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting, Middle East, explained. Dubai closed 2013 with a mean occupancy level of 80.5 percent, while average room rate reached USD324.44, and RevPAR stood at USD261.24. As a result, total RevPAR rose to USD454.51 and gross operating profit per available room improved to USD206.05. 22 FEBRUARY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

New Villa Community in Dubai

Troon Expands Portfolio

Emaar Properties has launched its first Arabesque-style villa community in Arabian Ranches in Dubai. Featuring 98 properties, the Yasmin villa community offers landscaped green spaces, private plots for gardens, a state-of-the-art gym, pool, indoor running track, beauty salon and spa at the Residence Club. Arif Amiri, chief commercial officer, Emaar Properties, commented, “The launch of our new Yasmin community in Arabian Ranches reflects the growing demand for premium villas in Dubai that are ideal for families. With Yasmin, Emaar is further defining its credentials as a developer of world-class communities that meet the lifestyle aspirations of residents, with demand not only from Dubai but other markets too.”

Troon, the management, development and marketing company of upscale golf courses around the world, continues to grow its Middle Eastern portfolio with the addition of a new facility within the Al Zorah Project in Ajman. Planned in collaboration with Nicklaus Design, the company of 18-time champion Jack Nicklaus, the golf expansion will include an 18-hole course with extensive practice facilities and a clubhouse, and is projected to establish Al Zorah Golf Course as a new benchmark in the region. Commenting on the development, Imad Dana, CEO, Al Zorah Development Company said, “We are delighted to partner with the world leading golf management specialist Troon. Construction works have decisively started, with the first nine holes planned to be completed by the end of the year, and we are fully confident that our long-term association with Troon will generate another landmark for Al Zorah,” added Dana.

Yasmin Villa Community

S E A M L E S S LY B L E N D S W O R K A N D P L AY.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Shurooq to Cooperate with Ras Al Khaimah The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) held a meeting with the Investment and Development Office (IDO) of Ras Al Khaimah to discuss cooperation opportunities. As H.E. Sheikh Omar bin Saqr Al Qasimi, executive director, IDO, Ras Al Khaimah, noted, both emirates have a great deal to offer to potential investors, and by further strengthening ties and ensuring open and transparent channels of communications, the destinations can create a mutually beneficial synergy. Reinforcing Al Qasimi’s words, H.E. Marwan Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq, stressed that the ultimate goal is to see the entire UAE grow and flourish. “Through meetings such as this one […], we want to ensure that strong bonds of cooperation are forged and maintained, so that we may all share in the many successes still to come,” added Al Sarkal.

Egypt: 9.5 Million Visitors Over 9.5 million tourists visited Egypt in 2013, 6,694,118 of whom opted for the popular holiday hotspots of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Based on figures recently released by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, visitor numbers from Saudi Arabia dropped from 242,000 in 2012 to 208,000, from Kuwait from 96,000 to 83,000, and from the UAE from 27,000 to 21,000. As H.E. Hisham Zaazou, minister of tourism, Egypt, noted, over the past three years, the country attracted over 30 million tourists, more than 20 percent of whom originated from the Arab world.

Egypt

Sharjah

Reef Worlds Dives into Dubai Waters Reef Worlds, the California-based underwater tourism and Dynamic Reef development firm is interested in building underwater tourism sites in Dubai and across the UAE. The company is considering The World islands project as the site for the revolutionary development, which would be created to look like an ancient lost city, and is set to become a focus for dive and snorkel tourism as well as habitat creation in the region. “The Reef Worlds brand is all about sustainability and the creation of new habitat while at the same time adding instant tourism revenue and excitement to waterfront resorts. We will work with carefully selected resort partners on unique underwater habitat projects that directly support our clients’ sustainability and revenue goals,” commented Dave Taylor, director of development, Reef Worlds. “We hope to be able to make an announcement about the Dubai development before early March,” he added.

22 FEBRUARY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS Roadshow Stimulates Bahrain Tourism

RAK Properties: Increased Profit

The annual Arabian Travel Market (ATM) roadshow kicked off on February 9 in Bahrain, bringing together key industry players to discuss marketing opportunities aimed at showcasing the Kingdom’s growing tourism potential. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), capital investment in Bahrain’s travel and tourism sector reached approximately BHD196.3 million (USD520.7 million) in 2012, this increased 13.2 percent in 2013 and is expected to rise 4.9 percent per annum to BHD358.2 million (USD950.1 million) in 2023. “Bahrain has great potential – it is an ideal short break destination for GCC residents, especially those from Saudi Arabia. It is also a relaxing place for Europeans looking for winter sunshine, with some of the best beaches in the Gulf. It has a major cruise terminal and of course hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix,” said Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed Travel Exhibitions, organisers of ATM. Icon TTG 01 Half Page AD 155x220.pdf

2/6/14

4:06 PM

RAK Properties closed 2013 with a net profit of AED151 million (USD41.1 million) compared to AED147 million (USD40 million) in 2012. Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, CEO, RAK Propeties, said, ”In 2013, we handed over 192 residential units, including villas, townhouses, apartments and commercial offices in Mina Al Arab and Julphar Tower in Ras Al Khaimah, and RAK Tower on Reem Island in Abu Dhabi. The leasing of residential, offices and retail space has seen a noticeable increase and this improvement is expected to continue [this year].” According to Al Qadi, real estate prices in the UAE are set to rise in the coming period, and the property sector in Ras Al Khaimah is expected to see stable and sustainable growth.

Ras Al Khaimah

INTERCONTINENTAL MUSCAT

CROWNE PLAZA DUQM

Our meetings strive to capture a genuine sense of place and shared experience in order to inspire and truly engage delegates. With 6 meeting rooms we can cater to your every need. Our 35-acres of gardens offer stunning views for diners. We also cater for garden parties of up to 1,500 seated and events up to 4,000.

Situated 600kms from Muscat the hotel features unique decor inspired by Omani architecture, it offers expansive views of the coastline of Al Wusta Region from each of the 213 rooms. There are nine meeting rooms which include two ballrooms with the largest accommodating up to 400 people.

CROWNE PLAZA MUSCAT

CROWNE PLAZA RESORT SALALAH

We have our own unique personality when it comes to making your events rewarding. Our reliable and experienced event professionals should be your only choice when seeking an event partner. Our years of experience will ensure that we remain one step ahead and anticipate your every need.

When it comes to meetings and events, we have the ideal setting with beautiful views of the beach. Whether a corporate meeting, staff party or wedding, we’ll help you relax and unwind. We cater for large meetings and weddings in our Dhofar Ballroom and the Taqa and Mirbat for more intimate meetings.

CROWNE PLAZA SOHAR

HOLIDAY INN MUSCAT AL SEEB

We strive to capture a genuine sense of place and shared experience in order to inspire meetings that truly engage delegates and get results. Our modern and stylish two Boardrooms, two Meeting rooms and Ballroom are fully equipped to make your meetings and conferences a complete success.

With one of the most modern, well-designed, state-of-the-art conference spaces and meeting rooms. With our passion for event management, there is nowhere better to hold a meeting, conference or event. Every detail will impress; from our intimate boardroom to our ballroom that caters for up to 250.

For more information, please call the hotels directly on the following numbers: InterContinental Muscat +968 2468 0000. Crowne Plaza Muscat +968 2466 0660. Crowne Plaza Sohar +968 2685 0850. Crowne Plaza Salalah +968 2323 8000. Crowne Plaza Duqm +968 2521 4444. Holiday Inn Muscat Al Seeb +968 9444 9606.

22 FEBRUARY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Middle East Drives Traffic Growth The Middle East continues to achieve the highest growth in passenger volumes, as Airport Council International (ACI)’s latest report shows. Based on ACI’s figures, in 2013 the region achieved an over 10 percent improvement in passenger traffic, well above the global average of four percent, driven by double-digit increases at both Dubai International and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Preliminary traffic rankings for 2013 reveal that Dubai International has become the seventh busiest airport in the world. With Dubai accounting for the lion’s share of air freight traffic in the region at over 2.4 million tonnes, the overall regional growth rate of over five percent in 2013 versus one percent globally, was directly affected by Dubai’s gain of 7.4 percent. In addition, Abu Dhabi reported double-digit increases at 24.4 percent. According to Rafael Echevarna, economics direct, ACI World, despite initial concerns preliminary figures still point to strong year-on-year increases globally.

Saudi Arabia and Greece to Cooperate in Tourism Fields H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz, president, Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities (SCTA), recently met with Olga Kefalogianni, minister of tourism, Greece. During the meeting the two officials discussed bilateral cooperation in the areas of tourism, museums and monuments, in addition to architectural heritage between the two countries. They also signed a memorandum of cooperation between the Kingdom and the Mediterranean country in the sector of tourism and antiquities. Stating that the agreement is very important, especially as Greece is an advanced country in the industry of tourism, Bin Abdul Aziz commented, “We have, also discussed the development of agreement’s for major paths in respect to training of Saudi citizens to enable them to work in the various fields of tourism, in addition to developing tourism destinations and tourism programmes.”

Olga Kefalogianni (left) and H.R.H. Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz

dnata: Growth Strategy on Track dnata has taken over UK-based travel business, Gold Medal Travel Group from Thomas Cook Group. The company is a distributor of scheduled long-haul products, and as part of the acquisition dnata also gains control of online travel agency Netflights.com, as well as the high-end travel brand Pure Luxury. According to Iain Andrew, divisional senior vice president, travel business, dnata, the company’s growth strategy aligns well with Gold Medal Travel Group, whose comprehensive travel services complement dnata’s established international travel offering, and further enhance the proposition offered to customers. Describing the deal as a significant partnership between two global brands, Steve Barrass, managing director, Gold Medal Travel Group, explained, “Post this transaction, Gold Medal Travel Group will continue as the exclusive provider of scheduled air travel and car rental products to Thomas Cook UK.”

22 FEBRUARY 2014

Accommodation

WEEKLY NEWS

Hilton Garden Inn to Debut in the UAE

Hotel Missoni Kuwait: 7.2 Percent RevPAR Increase

wasl Hospitality and Hilton Worldwide have signed an agreement for two new Hilton Garden Inn hotels in Dubai, bringing the mid-priced brand to the UAE for the first time. Slated to open in early 2015, the properties will add an extra 365 rooms to the emirate’s hospitality market. Located close to the city’s business centres between Bur Dubai and Jumeirah, Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Mina will offer 182-guestrooms, while the 183-unit Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqat, is set in the heart of Deira, in proximity to the diplomatic district and the airport. As Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, noted, the deal marks an important milestone for the company with the prospect of all five regional brands open for business in the UAE by 2015.

Hotel Missoni Kuwait has achieved a 7.2 percent growth in RevPAR just one month after partnering with TSA Solutions, a global provider of measurable and sustainable revenue performance enhancing solutions. Currently more than 80 properties across the Middle East are benefitting from TSA Solutions’ front desk upselling technology, and new partners have already reported return on investment in the weeks following the implementation, while also experiencing measurable improvements to guest satisfaction scores. The front desk team at Hotel Missoni Kuwait was able to upsell on one in every 10 transactions in the first month after implementing TSA Solutions methodology. Alfio Bernardini, general manager, Hotel Missoni Kuwait, revealed that in November 2013 alone, upselling added more than USD25,000 to total revenue numbers. ”TSA has a strong training plan for upselling, with innovative techniques to convince customers of the benefits and advantages of enhanced room types,” he added.

Christopher Nassetta, CEO, Hilton Worldwide (fourth from left)

Record Year at Rosewood Corniche Rosewood Corniche in Jeddah enjoyed a top year amid strong positive growth throughout 2013, as the property’s management announced that in-room revenue has increased 8.2 percent, while occupancy levels grew 3.7 percent compared to 2012. Revenues were further boosted during the peak season between June - November 2013 leading to an increase of 6.1 percent in RevPAR and 2.6 percent in average room rate. The five-star hotel also witnessed an overall swell of 1.2 percent in gross operating profit with the total revenue being 2.9 percent higher than the forecasted budget. Hans Peter-Leitzke, managing director, Rosewood Corniche, commented, “We cannot associate our hotel’s success story with one person alone or a particular department, but see it as a consolidated effort of each team member combined with professional pride and the desire to not only achieve increased revenues, but to further accelerate and exceed guest expectations.”

22 FEBRUARY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

Beachfront Spa Launched at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal, launched its new ESPA spa, offering pioneering treatments in a setting steeped in the Bedouin culture of Arabia. The beachfront spa, which pays homage to regional heritage, is situated on two levels and features various facilities, including a 1,600m² outdoor swimming pool, saunas, Moroccan Hammam, steam rooms, 16 treatment rooms, and separate female and male outdoor relaxation areas with private plunge pools. “Located within the Venetian Village, a waterfront residential area reminiscent of picturesque Italian piazzas that have historically been the centre of community life, ESPA at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi is slated to become Abu Dhabi’s premier luxury spa destination,” stated Pep Lozano, general manager, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal.

Al Murooj Rotana: Fun Day for Students with Special Needs The management and employees of Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai have organised a fun-filled day for students with special needs. The children, along with a dedicated team from Special Needs Families (SNF) Development Center, visited the Al Yasat Ballroom of the five-star hotel, where they took part in various games and enjoyed a breakfast and lunch buffet prepared by the property’s chefs. Reiterating the hotel’s commitment to corporate social responsibility initiatives, Hussein Hachem, cluster general manager, Al Bustan Rotana and Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai, said, “It was certainly a heart-warming experience to be with the SNF students and to see the smiles on their faces. To know that in our own little way, we have made them happy is truly a treasured time for us.”

SNF Fun Day at Al Murooj Rotana, Dubai

Aabar to Build 37 New Towers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Arabtec Holding has signed a memorandum of understanding with Aabar Properties to design and construct 37 mixed-use towers in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, for a total value of AED22.4 billion (USD6 billion). The residential component in the UAE capital includes 14 towers, as well as a five-star hotel under the management of Hard Rock International on the Abu Dhabi Corniche. In Dubai, three mixed-use towers are to be built in Business Bay, and six new hotels and serviced apartment towers in Al Jaddaf district. These will include a five-star hotel to be managed by Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts, a four-star Hilton Worldwide hotel, a Park Inn by Radisson-branded three-star hotel, and three serviced apartment buildings to be operated by Fraser Suites.

22 FEBRUARY 2014

Accommodation

Rixos Bab Al Bahr Opens Rixos Hotels has launched the all-inclusive Rixos Bab Al Bahr, the company’s second property in the region after Rixos The Palm, Dubai. Located on Ras Al Khaimah’s Al Marjan Island only a 45-minute drive from Dubai, the resort comprises three pyramid-shaped buildings, offering 655 rooms and suites, 14 food and beverage outlets, a spa, kids’ club and a plethora of sports activities. Fettah Tamince, chairman, Rixos Hotels, noted, “We invite [visitors from the region and overseas] to discover the Rixos dimension of the ultra all-inclusive – all exclusive concept, complemented with years of expertise in delivering similar outstanding experiences in our premium Turkish resorts and villas. Being the first all-inclusive – all exclusive property of this magnitude in the UAE, pioneers a unique destination to be explored and cherished.”

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts Adds to Regional Portfolio Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its global footprint as Scott Woroch, executive vice president, worldwide development, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts explained, “Our strategy is multifaceted: we are targeting destinations where our guests want to go, as well as those markets where we want to establish a local presence to raise awareness and introduce travellers to Four Seasons.” In the coming years, new properties are scheduled to open in Moscow, Johannesburg, Orlando, Seoul, Tianjin, Tanzania, Bangalore, New York, Madrid and New Delhi. Within MENA, upcoming properties are slated for Dubai, Bahrain and Taghazout and Casablanca in Morocco.

Rendering of the Proposed Projects

22 FEBRUARY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Alila Hotels and Resorts to Expand in Region With the launch of Alila Jabal Akhdar in Oman set to mark the group’s debut in the Middle East, Alila Hotels and Resorts revealed further regional expansion plans. Scheduled to welcome its first guests on April 16, the hotel will lead a number of other developments according to Jork Bosselaar, general manager, Alila Jabal Akhdar. “Over the long term, Alila Hotels and Resorts would like to see a further five to eight hotels open across the Middle East [...]. Ideally, we would like to see another property within Oman as we believe it has all the right ingredients that we consider essential to our brand,” explained Bosselaar.

WEEKLY NEWS

Park Inn by Radisson Muscat to Launch Meeting Model Park Inn by Radisson Muscat is to introduce a new meeting and event concept to cater to business clientele. The property recently completed the renovation of its meeting rooms, and as Rabih Zein, general manager, Park Inn by Radisson Muscat, revealed, MICE and corporate are the key factors at the hotel accounting for some 70 percent of the business. “Some companies have their own meetings and conferences here. They are after the best value for money and we are certainly flexible and easy to deal with,” added Zein

Accommodation

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah Celebrates Grand Opening

Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

H.H. Sheikh Bin Saqr Al Qasimi, ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, joined Christopher Nassetta, CEO, Hilton Worldwide, at the launch ceremony of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. “Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is a brand known for inspirational environments, authentic moments and True Waldorf Service. Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah has enveloped these values to become a destination for discerning travellers in the GCC and around the globe,” expressed Andre Herrenschmidt, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah. The hotel is located close to the Hajjar Mountains, a championship golf course and the Arabian Sea, and is a 50-minute drive from Dubai International.

New TI’ME Hotels to Drive Regional Growth TI’ME Hotels Management has added another four locations to its expanding portfolio of regional properties with new openings planned in Luxor, Qatar, Abu Dhabi and Ajman. As Mohamed Awadella, CEO, TI’ME Hotels Management, highlighted, demand for modern, well-managed and competitively priced accommodation is rising throughout the region, and local independent hospitality brands are more readily accepted in the value chain. Due for handover in March, TI’ME Capital Hotel Apartments in downtown Ajman will feature 120 units, while TI’ME Tut Hotel in Luxor, Egypt, will comprise 116 room and 38 suites, and is set for completion later this year. Meanwhile, both the 256-key Al Jawhara TI’ME in Abu Dhabi and the 114-room TI’ME Rako Hotel in Wakra, close to Doha, are scheduled to open in 2015.

TI'ME Hotels Management team

Crowne Plaza Sohar Reaches Fifth Anniversary Crowne Plaza Sohar marks its fifth anniversary with the launch of new weekend packages and food and beverage promotions. According to Youssef Alonzo, director of sales, Crowne Plaza Sohar, over the past few months, business transient guest volumes, especially from the GCC, Europe and North America, have shown a significant increase, while during weekends and holidays, leisure travellers, mainly from the UAE, have arrived in large numbers.

22 FEBRUARY 2014

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

flydubai’s New Hofuf Route Begins Operations

flydubai

Airbus A350 XWB Lands at HIA Qatar Airways has welcomed the Airbus A350 XWB as it made its first-ever landing at Qatar’s Hamad International Airport (HIA), before departing for its next stop, the Singapore Airshow. The arrival of the new mid-sized wide-body jet was an opportunity for the flight crew, as well as HIA air traffic control and ground officials to experience landing at the brand new 4,850m eastern runway. Speaking at HIA, Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “It was certainly a proud and symbolic occasion for Qatar Airways and our team of air traffic and ground control crew at HIA to experience landing the new A350 at our new airport, as it gave us a unique glimpse into the exciting developments around the corner.”

22 FEBRUARY 2014

The Saudi city of Hofuf welcomed flydubai’s first flight landing on February 6. Hamad Obaidalla, chief commercial officer, flydubai, who was onboard the inaugural service commented, “We appreciate the valuable support we have received from the Saudi authorities since we began our operations to this important market. This support enables us to provide direct flights to cities like Hofuf.” He added that the new route will not only allow passengers from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia to visit their friends and family easily, but will also open up new opportunities for business and leisure travellers between the two nations. “We are excited about welcoming the people of Hofuf and Al Ahsa governorate on board flydubai,” Obaidalla concluded.

ECAir to Operate in the Middle East The new Congolese national airline Equatorial Congo Airlines (ECAir) has launched its first Middle Eastern route, with the maiden flight arriving at Dubai International from Brazzaville on February 5. The celebratory flight marks the commencement of a three times a week service between the two cities launching on March 31. Jean Louis Osso, chairman, ECAir, noted, “This is a historic event for ECAir because this will strengthen our Middle East network through one of the most important hubs in the world. [...] The Middle East, particularly Dubai, is one of the most preferred destinations of travellers from Central Africa because it has so much to offer to both leisure and business travellers.” The new route will be served by a Boeing 757 configured with 16 business class and 132 economy class seats.

ECAir

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Etihad Regional Launches Geneva - Stuttgart Route

Joerg Im Wolde, director sales and marketing, Stuttgart Airport (left) and Mario Tesla, head of sales, Etihad Regional

SaudiGulf Airlines Orders Bombardier Aircraft Damman-based Al Qahtani Aviation Company has signed a firm purchase agreement with Bombardier for 16 CS300 aircraft at an estimated value of USD1.21 billion, with options for an additional 10 CS300 jetliners, valued at USD1.99 billion. Upon delivery, the aircraft will be operated by SaudiGulf Airlines, the new national carrier of Saudi Arabia. “This is an exciting time for the aviation industry in the Arab states and neighbouring regions, particularly when you consider that more than 54 million passengers moved through Saudi Arabia’s 27 airports [in 2013] alone,” highlighted Sheikh Tariq Al Qahtani, chairman, SaudiGulf Airlines, adding that the CSeries aircraft will give the company the opportunity to introduce a new, quality, premium airline and an economically sustainable business model in the Kingdom.

Etihad Regional has commenced a fourweekly service from its hub in Geneva to Stuttgart, with the inaugural flight operated by the airline’s newly branded 50-seat Saab 2000 aircraft. Maurizio Merlo, CEO, Etihad Regional, explained that Etihad Regional is the first airline to offer a direct air link between the two European cities, while the new route is the first after the re-branding of Darwin Airline. Georg Fundel, CEO, Stuttgart Airport, said, “We are delighted that Etihad Regional has commenced operations here, which will boost the regional economy, and offer the airline’s passengers a convenient new entry point to Germany through our modern and efficient facility.” The flights introduced also aim to provide seamless connectivity beyond the Geneva hub to numerous key destinations across Europe, including Cambridge, Valencia, Rome, Lugano, Florence, Toulouse and Zurich.

Malaysia Airlines Moves Temporarily to DWC Malaysia Airlines will operate temporarily from Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central (DWC) between May 1 and July 21. The shift is due to the closure of one of the runways at Dubai International which is currently undergoing major resurfacing work. Once completed, the Asian carrier will resume operations at the UAE’s busiest airport. DWC is located in Jebel Ali, 37km southwest of Dubai’s city centre. A member of the oneworld airline alliance, Malaysia Airlines operates daily services between Kuala Lumpur and Dubai.

Malaysia Airlines

22 FEBRUARY 2014

Air

WEEKLY NEWS

Emirates Partners with Jetstar Group

Emirates

airberlin Doubles Frequency on Abu Dhabi Route Building on its partnership with equity and codeshare partner Etihad Airways, airberlin is to introduce a second daily service between Berlin and Abu Dhabi, effective from October 26. In addition, the two airlines will expand their codeshare agreement, offering airberlin customers the option to book flights to six Indian destinations including New Delhi, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bangalore. Meanwhile travellers from India will also benefit from improved connections within the wider airberlin route network. James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, commented, “The Abu Dhabi – Berlin route is testament to this partnership’s success and often has seat load factors above 90 percent in peak months. It is therefore crucial to build upon the success of the route and ensure that demand and capacity are better matched.”

22 FEBRUARY 2014

Emirates passengers will now be able to benefit from connections to Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia, following the Dubai-based airline’s agreement with Jetstar Group. Emirates will place its code on a number of services operated by the Australian low-cost carrier in Australia and New Zealand, and by Jetstar Asia Airways in Asia, offering passengers access to 27 new routes and six new destinations, including Bali in Indonesia, Byron Bay in Australia, Dunedin in New Zealand and Siem Reap in Cambodia. According to Adnan Kazim, divisional senior vice president, planning, aeropolitical and industry affairs, Emirates, the new partnership between the two airlines will provide passengers with various benefits. Lisa Brock, chief commercial officer, Jetstar Group, added “Working with Emirates we have created a product and a network offering that will provide Emirates passengers with new holiday options.”

Etihad Airways’ First Medina Flight Takes Off Etihad Airways has launched daily operations between Abu Dhabi and Medina. The destination, which is the airline’s fourth in Saudi Arabia, will be served by an A320 aircraft configured with 16 Pearl Business Class and 120 Coral Economy Class seats, offering a total 1,904 seats per week. Speaking about the new route James Hogan, president, Etihad Airways, said, “Medina Al Munawarra is an important strategic destination for us, and we are delighted to commence our operations to the second holiest city in Islam. Saudi Arabia has always been a key market for Etihad Airways and this new route links Medina through our Abu Dhabi home base with excellent connections to Europe, Asia, the Americas and the rest of our growing network.”

Etihad Airways’ Team Celebrates New Flight

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Gulf Air to Resume Flights to Tehran

Tehran

Erbil International Airport: Record Passenger Volumes Erbil International Airport (EIA) has set new milestones for passenger and cargo volumes as well as aircraft movements (ACM) in 2013. During the year under review, the Iraqi airport, which already exceeded the one million passenger mark in October 2013, welcomed a total of 1,193,783 travellers, up 26 percent year-on-year. In addition, June 2013 also brought a new monthly passenger record with 122,028 travellers passing through the airport. The top three international destinations proved to be Turkey, the UAE and Jordan. According to Talar Faiq, director general, EIA, the growth at the airport reflects the dynamism of the region’s economy. “We welcomed two new airlines in 2013, Zagros Jet and Georgian Airlines, compared with more than five in 2012, which in part explains the fall in growth rate from 53 percent in 2012, to 26 percent in 2013,” said Faiq, adding that Ebril looks forward to welcoming more international airlines in the future.

Gulf Air announced that it plans to recommence services to Iran’s capital, Tehran, with four weekly flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, due to launch on March 3. Gulf Air is well-positioned to link Iran to several key destinations in the Middle East and Europe with excellent connectivity within three hours through its international hub in Bahrain. Gulf Air is serving 36 cities in 22 countries spanning three continents, while it operates one of the largest networks in the Middle East, with double daily flights to over 10 regional capitals. The carrier serves all its destinations with a combination of wide and narrow body fleet totalling 26 modern aircraft.

Etihad Boosts Pakistan Operations In response to growing demand, Etihad Airways is increasing its services to the Pakistani cities of Islamabad and Peshawar. Since the beginning of February, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier has been operating five weekly flights instead of two to Peshawar, often referred to as the ‘City on the Frontier’ due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Central Asia and South Asia. Starting March 30, the airline will offer double daily services to the capital city. With the addition of the new frequencies, Etihad Airways will now offer 37 weekly flights from four destinations in Pakistan which, along with Islamabad and Peshawar, also include Karachi and Lahore. Kevin Knight, chief strategy and planning officer, Etihad Airways, described Pakistan as a growing market for the carrier as passenger demand, connectivity choice, and frequency enhancements continue to drive business and leisure traffic.

Etihad Airways

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WHO'S MOVED

Akber Bana

Christina Polo Christina Polo has taken over as director of business development at Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH). Polo has worked with international companies including Hilton Hotels & Resorts and Le Méridien Hotels and has more than 15 years of hospitality experience. Most recently she served

as director of revenue optimisation for the Middle East at The Rezidor Hotel Group, where she was in charge of maximising revenue growth of 30 multibrand properties. At HMH, she will be responsible for all sales and revenue generation related activities as well as marketing.

Akber Bana has been appointed as revenue and distribution manager at Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH). Bana has a wealth of expertise in managing revenue, e-commerce and loyalty programmes having served as revenue, marketing and loyalty programmes manager

Vincent Frascogna Vincent Frascogna has taken over the helm as Etihad Airways’ new manager for Western Australia. Frascogna welcomes the new challenge after five years being based at the carrier’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi, four of which have seen him managing the airline’s sales operations as head of commercial development. His responsibilities in that role included the commercial integration of new partnerships and the

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worldwide roll-out of BusinessConnect, Etihad Airways’s loyalty scheme for small and medium enterprises. Frascogna also managed the airline’s global contact centres and UAE retail operations. He also spent nine years in commercial roles at British Airways. The new appointment comes as the airline prepares for the launch of daily services between Abu Dhabi and Perth in July.

at Arabian Courtyard Hotel & Spa, Dubai. Before moving to the UAE, he gained experience at Sheraton Karachi Hotel and Karachi Marriott Hotel. Bana will be now responsible for all revenue and distribution related operations, including e-commerce, social media and loyalty programmes.

Sallie Coventry Sallie Coventry has accepted the position as portfolio director for the Incentives, Business Travel & Meetings Expo (IBTM) events portfolio at Reed Travel Exhibitions (RTE). Her broad range of expertise will benefit the role, which encompasses multiple shows in a highly competitive global industry segment. Prior to joining RTE, Coventry worked as managing director of W&O Event Management where she achieved double-

digit growth of her key accounts over three consecutive years. She was responsible for building and developing a team of highly skilled event professionals to service client needs. Building on the success of the portfolio, Coventry aims to maintain the shows’ legacy and drive customer service and innovation forward, whilst also bringing a fresh perspective from her experience as a buyer.

travel talk is your space

TRAVEL TALK Michel Lansen

Jagdish Pai

General manager, DoubleTree by Hilton Aqaba.

Director of sales and marketing, Meliá Dubai.

“We take great pride in these latest [two TripAdvisor] recognitions [in the Top 10 Hotels in Jordan and Top 10 Luxury Hotels in Jordan categories], particularly as Travelers Choice awards are voted for by the most important stakeholders – our highly valued guests, whose satisfaction is of paramount importance to all hotel staff.”

“Preparations for Expo 2020 are already underway. There will be further improvements to Dubai’s infrastructure in terms of roads, transportation, entertainment, shopping, hospitality and support services. This pre-2020 period is a great time to be in Dubai for any hospitality professional to achieve personal and professional actualisation. Virtually all developments preceding Expo 2020 in Dubai will be history in the making.”

Firas Irsheidat

Glenn de Souza

Area general manager, Crowne Plaza Jordan Dead Sea Resort & Spa, Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea.

Vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, Best Western International (BWI).

“We are extremely proud of winning [InterContinental Hotel Group’s Most Committed Hotel Team] award [for 2013]. The most important element that could make or break any hotel is the satisfaction of the guests; therefore, our number one priority is commitment to pleasing and satisfying every single guest. And winning this important award is a testimony of the continuous efforts, dedication and hard work of every single team member.”

“With an inventory that is set to expand from just over 1,000 to more than 5,200 rooms in the next 24 months, the Middle East is BWI’s fastest-growing global region. We have made rapid progress in the Middle East over recent years, and we have developed many strong and lasting partnerships. BWI is committed to the bright future of this exciting region.”

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: Atef Sedky POSITION: Chairman COMPANY: Atlanta Group LOCATION: UAE WEB: www.atlantadubai.com

Who are you? I am Atef Sedky, chairman of Atlanta Group, which is one of the leading tourism agencies in the UAE. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? I find the travel industry to be very interesting and exciting. I meet new people on a daily basis, forming long lasting relationships which can help overcome challenges which we meet every day in this business. Although the challenges are also another aspect of the business which I like because they are often new ones, previously un-encountered which allows me to use my mind and resources as opposed to living my day automatically like a robot. When is the best time to visit the UAE? All the time, 365 days a year. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Russia. Why should people come to you for travel advice? Atlanta Group offers a very professional service and is well equipped, as I mentioned earlier, to handle all travel requirements. We are a self supplier of many of those services and have 17 years of experience handling leisure and corporate travel in the UAE.

Atlanta Group Activities

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visitBerlin and RJ Hold Workshop for Travel Agents visitBerlin, in cooperation with Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ), hosted a workshop in Amman, to introduce travel agents to major attractions in the European capital in order to boost tourism and invest in RJ flights between the two countries. The one-day event held at Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel, under the slogan ‘Berlin meets Amman’ was attended by about 50 Jordanian travel agents. During the event, Ralf Ostendorf, director, market management, visitBerlin, gave a speech and presented short films about the ever-changing city of Berlin, showcasing the best museums

and galleries, sights and attractions and mentioning that the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall is to be celebrated this year. He also underlined that health tourism in the European capital is growing. The workshop aimed to spur the efforts of travel agents in Jordan to organise trips and tourism programmes to Berlin using RJ flights between the two cities, since the airline now operates 11 weekly flights to Germany; three to Berlin, six to Frankfurt, and two to Munich. RJ launched its operations to Berlin in 2011 to serve the growing demand of passengers.

TRAVEL CHANNELS Gulf Travellers Target the UK

VisitBritain hosted its annual GCC travel trade mission in Saudi Arabia to build on 2013’s growing visitation numbers from the region to the UK.

VisitBritain's GCC Mission 2014

roviding the country’s suppliers with the opportunity to meet more than 60 travel agents from across Saudi Arabia the event aimed to promote holiday destinations, tour packages and attractions from all over the UK, highlighting attractive deals available to GCC holidaymakers in the lead up to the long summer break and school holidays. The tourism authority predicts that by 2020 Saudi Arabia will have the highest projected value percentage growth amongst the 20 major and emerging markets in VisitBritain’s tourism strategy. It is also among the top most high-spending markets for the European country.

Bali to Exceed Three Million Visitors in 2013 Foreign arrival figures for Bali from January – November 2013 totalled 2.97 million, surpassing the highest total for any year in the history of the Indonesian island even before final figures for December 2013 become available. Overall the destination ended the first 11 months of 2013 with data indicating a 13.6 percent surge over the same period in 2012. Resultantly Bali is set to exceed the 3.2 million visitor mark for the year under review. Traveller numbers from across the top 15 main markets exhibited fairly strong growth. Australia still holds a 25.3 percent share of all incoming tourism, ahead of mainland China which occupies a percentage of 12.3.

International Handbook on Tourism and Peace

How TripAdvisor Influences Travel Trends

The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) with the support of the government of Austria has launched the International Handbook, on Tourism and Peace, providing a unique overview of tourism as a tool in peace building and reconciliation. The handbook features a comprehensive collection of perspectives on tourism and peace from acclaimed international specialists covering a range of topics, such as sustainable development, conflict resolution, eco-tourism and heritage preservation. “The fundamental experience of tourism – visiting a new place and meeting its people and culture – is a transformative aspect that defines tourism’s role as an agent of peace,” stressed Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO.

According to a TripAdvisor study conducted by PhoCusWright, more than half of global travellers do not want to make a booking commitment until they have read reviews. Based on the report which was participated in by 12,000 global respondents, 67 percent of travellers check TripAdvisor a few times a month or more, and 83 percent state that the reviews on the page make them more confident in their travel decision. More than half agree that the hotel price comparison feature helped them save time, and find the right hotel at the right price. 87 percent of users admit that an appropriate management response to a negative review improves the impression of the hotel.

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RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with John Mathew With more than one billion transactions carried out annually using global distribution systems (GDS), John Mathew, manager GDS, commercial planning, Gulf Air, predicts that this specific technology channel will be the preferred means for many more years to come.

Travel Trade Weekly: To your knowledge, has there been a shift in the patterns regarding the way airline products are distributed, as compared to a few years ago? Which are the airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s major concerns in this aspect? John Mathew: Recently airlines have been focused on reducing expenses due to increasing fuel and operational costs. Given that the airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; GDS costs represent a significant drain on their net revenues, emphasis is being placed on shifting a major portion of their business to direct and online distribution channels. Having said this, the presence of a proper direct distribution channel coupled with the necessary Internet infrastructure still remains a challenge across many parts of the globe. Travel Trade Weekly: According to some recent surveys, the ability of present competitive fares on GDS including those of low-cost carriers was seen as vital to the offering. How important is the distribution of low-cost airlinesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; products becoming nowadays, and how is this changing the current landscape? John Mathew: All major full-service carriers, hotels and car rental companies depend on the vast reach of the GDS as evidenced by the level of GDS transactions; globally more than one billion annually. It is also estimated that nearly 500,000 travel agencies worldwide use a GDS to conduct business daily. Low-cost carriers are increasingly participating in the GDS. However there are marked differences between various small- to largesized aviation business models. For instance

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gross sales as opposed to the limited reach of the low-cost carriers.

John Mathew Manager GDS, commercial planning, Gulf Air

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your predictions for the future with regards to GDS distribution evolution?

low-cost carriers typically operate within a restricted network of countries and seek to attract passenger traffic at lower costs as opposed to full service and hybrid carriers. This business model compels low-cost carriers to rely more heavily on their own direct distribution channels. Whereas full-service and hybrid airlines spanning across a global network of countries exploit the vast potential of the GDS systems by virtue of their global presence. This in turn entails higher distribution costs while it also generates higher

John Mathew: The GDS has evolved significantly over the past four-plus decades. The three major GDS companies today power the critical reservations and technology infrastructure of over 163,000 travel agencies in the region. In the Middle East and Africa, with the proliferation of the Internet new sources offering bookable travel content have increased yet, GDS is still the primary, most comprehensive and reliable platform for travel agencies and their corporate clients to access, shop and book travel. It is also through GDS [companies] and their rich portfolios of travel planning and management tools, that agencies and corporations reconcile and manage daily travel business. Due to its breadth, scope and supplier relationships, GDS is fundamental to the supply of travel products to retailers in the online channel. Therefore despite airlines perusing online and direct booking channels, GDS is here to stay.

Gulf Air

NEWS & EVENTS

ITB to Assist Careers in Tourism For the first time, this year’s ITB Berlin will aid students and graduates in the tourism sector by providing them with a comprehensive online guide which enables visitors in search of courses and jobs to make the best possible use of the opportunities at the show. The guide offers visitors tips on how to clearly define their aims before visiting the event, while they can also find out about how to make optimum use of their calling card and CV. Moreover, a specific hall will be set during the event focusing on training and employment in tourism, with some 50 international universities and technical colleges providing information on everything they have to offer. Additionally, as part of a series of lectures and panel discussions, experts will be providing valuable insights into a variety of different industry sectors.

EVENTS PAGE