Travel Trade Weekly Issue 234 by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD

03 MAY 2014

ISSUE 234

Warwick Hotel Dubai has opened its doors, marking Warwick International Hotels (WIH)â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entry into the UAE destination.

06 Langham Hospitality Group to Debut in Dubai Langham Hospitality Group has reached an agreement with DAS Real Estate to manage The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai.

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

02 03 07 10 15 16 17 18 19 20

WIH Enters UAE

MARKET UPDATE

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

Positive RevPAR Growth in Dubai STR Global’s preliminary March data for Dubai indicates positive RevPAR improvement.

s a result of a 7.4 percent rise in supply and a 6.2 percent growth in demand, occupancy levels dropped 1.2 percent to 87.2 percent, average daily rate however surged four percent to AED1,089.82 (USD296.7), leading to a 2.8 percent increase in RevPAR to AED950.68 (USD258.82).

SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT

“While demand growth was strong, it did not keep pace with new supply, resulting in a negative occupancy performance for the market,” explained Elizabeth Winkle, managing director, STR Global, adding that the increase in rates helped offset the negative occupancy trend, resulting in positive RevPAR performance.

Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS

Dubai Duty Free: 10 Percent Rise in Sales

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

First quarter sales at Dubai Duty Free reached AED1.75 billion (USD479.5 million), representing a 10 percent increase over the same period in 2013. Sales across all three terminals showed an upward trend, with Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 witnessing 23 percent and 11 percent rises. Perfume, liquor and gold proved to be the top three categories. As Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman, Dubai Duty Free, noted, the retailer is on track to achieve its annual target of AED7 billion (USD1.72 billion).

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

02/05/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

7.01

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,508.63

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

148.00

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.60

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.13

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

25,540.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.91

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

78.49

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.24

Dubai Duty Free

Morocco: Double-digit Passenger Volume Increase

orocco’s airports welcomed a total of 1,444,951 passengers in March, marking a 15.41 percent improvement compared to the corresponding month in 2013. Representing the majority, 649,997 of the travellers used Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, which registered a 10.06 percent rise, while Marrakech-Menara Airport

handled 374,645 passengers, up 8.54 percent, and Agadir Al Massia Airport came third with 134,626 flyers, a growth of 10.79 percent. In terms of regions, Europe took first place with 1,055,022 tourists, followed by the local market and the Middle and Far East. Consequently, aircraft movements rose 11.78 percent to 12,692, while freight volumes jumped 10.96 percent to 5,344,99 tonnes. 3 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS MSC Cruises Tests Crisis Management MSC Cruises organised a crisis management drill on board MSC Lirica while she was cruising off the coast of Oman. The initiative saw the involvement of close to 2,500 people, including crew members, employees ashore and passengers on board the ship. The unannounced emergency drill aimed to test threat assessments, reactions and emergency procedures both at sea and shore. MSC Cruses expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the exercise; and will continue to make sure that the elements that need to be improved will be taken into account. “We are grateful to all the passengers on board the ship,“ declared Emilio La Scala, general manager, technical departments, MSC Cruises, adding that the communication between the different services involved proved to be very efficient, and standard contact with all relevant authorities and official bodies wes simulated in a timely manner. MSC Lirica

Upward Surge in Passenger Traffic Continues According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, global passenger traffic increased by over four percent in February, with growth stemming from international travel. The Middle East continued to maintain significant boosts in international footfall, improving by 8.6 percent year-on-year. Dubai International experienced an augmentation of over 11 percent in international movements for the month of February. Global air freight markets surged in the last quarter of 2013, and cargo volumes witnessed an overall gain of 2.6 percent during February. “Whilst certain regions posted higher growth than others, each region experienced positive year-over-year growth for the month of February. Dubai, [is] among the fastest-growing airports in the world,” said Rafael Echevarne, economics director, ACI World.

3 MAY 2014

Six Flags-branded Theme Park in Dubai Meraas Leisure & Entertainment (Meraas L&E) has entered into a strategic partnership with US-based Six Flags Entertainment Corporation to open a new theme park in Dubai. Located in Jebel Ali, the attraction is expected to open in late 2017. “As part of our commitment towards creating one-of-akind experiences and contributing towards Dubai’s Vision 2020, our association with Six Flags will help us develop a world-class destination that redefines the industry and positively impacts the regional tourism sector,” commented Raed Al Nuaimi, chief leisure and entertainment officer, Meraas L&E. As Jim Reid-Anderson, CEO, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, explained, the cornerstone of the company’s international expansion strategy has always been finding the right partner in the right location and, with Meraas L&E in Dubai, the group has done exactly that.

WEEKLY NEWS

Sharjah Promoted in China The Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) recently participated in the 8th China Enterprises Outbound Investment Conference in Beijing, as part of a nine-day roadshow in the Asian country. Shurooq, along with the fully integrated environment and waste management company, Bee’ah, used the opportunity to hold a number of businessto-business meetings with various Chinese companies and organisations, highlighting four sectors for investment including leisure and tourism, logistics, healthcare and environment. Remarking on the bilateral relations between the UAE and China, H.E. Marwab bin Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO, Shurooq, said, “In the first half of 2013 alone, combined imports and exports rose almost 14 percent to AED78.6 billion (USD21.4 billion). […] We are looking forward to further building on this already strong foundation.”

Crystal Lagoons Taps into Middle East Market Crystal Lagoons is growing its portfolio of projects in the Middle East with the addition of eight developments in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the UAE. The company has also announced the completion of the initial phase of construction on a mega lagoon project at the upcoming Mohammed Bin Rashid City, in Dubai. “With ongoing investment into tourism infrastructure in key markets across the region from Oman to Saudi Arabia, and a positive economic outlook for a number of GCC nations specifically, this really is an exciting time to be at the forefront of leisure development in the Middle East,” commented Kevin Morgan, CEO, Crystal Lagoons. By bringing revolutionary technology to the market, the company is helping to further position the region as a hub for unique quality-driven leisure experiences, Morgan added.

3 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS Saraya Bandar Jissah Launches Second Stage of ITC Saraya Bandar Jissah has celebrated the groundbreaking of the second phase of construction on Oman’s newest integrated tourism complex (ITC). Located southeast of Muscat, the USD600 million project will feature two five-star beachfront hotels, operated by Jumeirah Group, residential units, green areas and recreational zones. “The unique location of these stunning hotels encapsulates the beauty and history of Oman and will offer an unparalleled vacation experience within the region,” said Gerald Lawless, CEO, Jumeirah Group. “For the people of Oman the resort will provide the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life providing an idyllic retreat right on their doorstep.”

3 MAY 2014

Sharjah to Attract More Saudis Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) participated at the recently concluded Riyadh Travel Fair, underscoring the strategic significance of the Saudi market for the emirate. As H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, director general, SCTDA, explained, the show offered a platform to highlight all aspects of the destination’s tourism experience and the latest developments in the sector. Al Midfa revealed that the authority has been targeting various countries in the Gulf, in particular the Saudi market which is identified as the largest in the region. In 2013, the emirate received more than 192,366 tourists from the Kingdom, Al Midfa disclosed.

H.E. Khalid Jasim Al Midfa

WEEKLY NEWS

Major Runway Upgrade at UAE Airport Dubai Airports is due to launch a comprehensive runway improvement project at Dubai International in May. In a bid to boost safety, service and capacity levels at the world’s second busiest international airport, the upgrade work will last 80 days during which its two runways will be closed alternately. The initiative involves the resurfacing of the entire 4km-long northern runway, as well as the upgrading of runway lighting and construction of additional taxiways and rapid exits on the southern runway. Until July 20, the number of services at Dubai International will be reduced by 26 percent, while flight movements at Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central are set to increase dramatically, as eight airlines have reserved slots to operate into Dubai’s second airport during the 80-day period.

New Adventure at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo in The Dubai Mall has introduced a new display that takes visitors on an educational journey bringing to light the diversity of Arabian wildlife. The permanent exhibit entitled ‘UAE’s Night Creatures’ showcases an assortment of animal species that thrive in a desert environment. As Maitha Al Dossari, CEO, Emaar Retail, explained, the new venture pays tribute to the nation’s natural fauna, and offers fantastic new insights into the region’s wildlife. “The exhibit highlights our commitment to bringing innovative experiences for our visitors, while also celebrating the UAE’s natural diversity. Educational, informative and innovative, ’UAE’s Night Creatures’ will inspire our visitors to value nature, and learn more about how desert animals successfully adapt to their environment,” added Al Dossari.

Pier One Launched at Al Hamra Marina

Al Hamra Marina

Al Hamra Real Estate Development has celebrated the opening of Pier One, the new marina boardwalk located at Al Hamra Marina in Ras Al Khaimah. Benoy Kurien, general manager, Al Hamra Real Estate Development, described Pier One as a fine location that provides customers with a brand new experience when visiting Al Hamra Village. “The new enhancement to the marina gives a unique and elegant feel and we hope this will attract additional boat owners and therefore increase the number of berths. Pier One reinforces the fact that Al Hamra Marina is the perfect stop off point for passing yachts, firmly putting it on the UAE Marina map,” added Kurien.

3 MAY 2014

Accommodation

WIH Enters UAE Warwick Hotel Dubai has opened its doors, marking Warwick International Hotels (WIH)’s entry into the UAE hotspot. Owned by Damas Real Estate, the 357-key property is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, within walking distance to Dubai International Finance Centre, and features four food and beverage outlets, an executive lounge, a fitness centre and meeting facilities. Commenting on the launch of the hotel, Jamal Serhan, CEO, MENA, WIH, said, “The management agreement in the heart of Dubai shows the capacity and the willingness of WIH to respond to hotel investors and owners looking for a privately owned and internationally recognised hotel brand to operate their hotels and resorts.” The opening marks a milestone in WIH’s regional expansion, which will soon include Babylon Warwick Hotel in Iraq and Warwick Doha Hotel in Qatar.

3 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Langham Hospitality Group to Debut in Dubai Langham Hospitality Group has signed an agreement with DAS Real Estate to manage The Langham, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai. Located on the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, the 323room property is scheduled to open in 2015 and will mark the Hong Kong-based company’s entry into the Middle East. Directly facing the Arabian Gulf, the hotel will feature various dining outlets, a spa with 26 treatment rooms, kids’ club, and a 4,000m2 recreation facility covering two floors. "The trifecta of this hotel’s spectacular location on the iconic Palm Jumeirah, Dubai’s winning bid to host the World Expo in 2020, and The Langham’s beautiful design aesthetics, make it the perfect time to debut our first resort in this dynamic destination,” highlighted Robert Warman, CEO, Langham Hospitality Group.

WEEKLY NEWS

Accommodation

LHMC Reveals Growth Plans Lootah Hotel Management Company (LHMC) is developing a family resort on The World islands in Dubai. The property is being designed with traditional Islamic values in mind and will be operated under the Jawhara Hotels and Jawhara Marines brands. As Hani Lashin, group general manager, LHMC, explained, the company remains committed to promoting family-friendly tourism

that embraces the principles of the community. Management services offered by the group include initial consultation, pre-opening as well as ongoing management contracts. The company also offers a unique concept under the Jawhara Marine brand, whereby guests can stay in “floating” suites and enjoy various watersports and yachting.

Bin Majid Tower to Open Soon Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts plans to launch its second hotel in Abu Dhabi later this year. Designed to cater to the business and leisure travel market, Bin Majid Tower will feature 230 apartments, a fitness centre, health club, spa, ladies’ salon and a conference room facility. As Ali Kasapbashi, chief operating officer, Bin Majid Hotels & Resorts, revealed, the latest investment demonstrates the group’s commitment to supporting the country’s growing tourism sector.

Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana: Q1 Tops Expectations Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana saw an average occupancy of 64 percent for the first quarter (Q1) of the year. As Nader Mobader, general manager, Karbala Rayhaan by Rotana, noted, since the 185-room hotel’s launch in late 2013, occupancy has exceeded projections. The largest guest segment came from the domestic market and Kuwait. “The healthy figures bode very well,” suggested Mobader.

3 MAY 2014

Accommodation

Sharjah Welcomes Another Five-Star Hotel

72 By Hues

3 MAY 2014

Sharjah has celebrated the launch of 72 By Hues, a new five-star boutique property offering panoramic views of Khalid Lagoon and Buheirah Corniche. The property features 72 rooms and a range of amenities for both business and leisure travellers. H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Noman, chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, noted that in tune with the growing number of tourist arrivals, the emirate continues to see the addition of a wealth of world-class properties and tourism projects, which have contributed to the destination achieving over 90 percent occupancy during special events. Al Noman also underscored the importance of the public-private sector partnership within the tourism sector, saying that this collaboration has already played a role in the development of a quality tourism product in Sharjah.

WEEKLY NEWS

Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai Introduces Shanghai 30 The newly launched Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf, Dubai opened the doors to its new Chinese-themed bar Shanghai 30 on April 14. The outlet aims to take guests on a journey to a decedent golden age, reminiscent of Shanghai in the 1930s, reflecting the heyday of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s glamorous party era. Visitors at the venue can enjoy oriental snacks and treats prepared by the dim sum chef, and witness the ancient tradition of a Chinese tea master mixing and pouring unique beverages. Delicacies such as sesame prawn cake with sweet chilli sauce, jellyfish salad and sweet and sour chicken are all on the menu.

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

Inaugural flynas Flight Touches Down at London flynas successfully commenced its Global Flight Routes programme with its inaugural nonstop service from King Abdulaziz International Airport to London Gatwick, on April 8. “Launching the first of our European longhaul routes is a very exciting day for flynas and we are very pleased to now offer our passengers a nonstop flight to London as part of our international network,” said Raja Azmi, CEO, flynas. The flynas Global Flight Routes programme will cover new destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa, all taking off from the airline’s international hub in Jeddah. The international network will also include flights to Manchester, UK, in addition to Paris, France; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Jakarta, Indonesia; Karachi, Pakistan and Casablanca, Morocco.

Etihad Airways Partners with Fiji National Carrier Etihad Airways has entered into a new interline agreement with Fiji Airways. Effective immediately, the new collaboration allows reciprocal sales to and from 12 cities in Europe, 17 in the Middle East, five in Africa, five in North America, 29 in Asia and three in Australia to and from Fiji.

Fiji Airways

As James Hogan, group president, Etihad Aviation Group, noted, the agreement connects the outer South Pacific islands to the airline’s network. Stefan Pichler, CEO, Fiji Airways, added, “This partnership will help us to put Fiji on the map, [...] to reach out for new customers and to diversify tourism streams.”

Qatar Airways: New Home at Narita International Airport Qatar Airways has joined its oneworld alliance partners in Terminal 2 of Tokyo’s Narita International Airport. The move aims to bring additional advantages to the airline including shared facilities with fellow oneworld members, making the travel experience for the association’s customers smoother and more efficient, while reducing costs. “This move will allow us to take further advantage of the benefits of being part of the oneworld alliance, and in turn pass these benefits onto our customers by providing them with the best possible service and travel experience,” confirmed Tomohiko Matsumoto, country manager, Japan, Qatar Airways. Effective June 18, the carrier will also begin operating nonstop daily flights to Haneda International Airport, its third route in Japan.

3 MAY 2014

Air

Air Arabia: Eight New Routes from Ras Al Khaimah

H.E. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi (second from left) and Adel Ali, group CEO, Air Arabia (second from right)

Air Arabia will offer direct services to eight routes from Ras Al Khaimah International Airport starting May 6. The announcement follows the airline and Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), Ras Al Khaimah’s long-term strategic partnership, signed in February, aimed at making the emirate more accessible and bringing more tourists within reach of the destination. Initially two new Airbus A320 aircraft will be based in Ras Al Khaimah which will be deployed on the new routes to Jeddah, Cairo, Muscat, Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Dhaka and Calicut. H.E. Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, chairman, DCA, Ras Al Khaimah, commented, “Air Arabia’s operations will be a key component of a comprehensive strategy to develop a vibrant, distinct and sustainable tourism sector in Ras Al Khaimah to rival the most established destinations in the region.”

Jazeera Airways Moves to Istanbul Atatürk Airport Jazeera Airways has begun serving Istanbul Atatürk Airport with five flights a week. The Kuwaiti carrier relocated from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in a move to bolster the Istanbul route by offering passengers better schedules and a more convenient destination. Consequently, the airline also increased the number of return operations from three weekly trips to five times per week. “Since we started serving Istanbul through Sabiha Gökçen International Airport in 2008, Istanbul has become a favourite vacation and business destination for travellers from Kuwait and the region,” noted Bader Al Mershed, vice president, industry affairs, Jazeera Airways. The surge in travel between the two countries contributed largely to the yearly double-digit growth in passenger numbers, with 2013 alone showing a 51 percent rise.

3 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

Qatar Airways Commits to Saudi Arabia As of May 15 Qatar Airways is adding Hofuf to its increasing list of destinations, launching four scheduled services per week. The Doha-based airline is also set to double its weekly frequency to Gassim from four flights to eight, while operations to Medina were boosted from five to seven per week. Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, said, “At Qatar Airways, we remain committed to opening up access to new destinations in the Middle East and around the world. As we continue to expand our network and receive more aircraft, we will keep looking at opportunities to add capacity to our existing network and further strengthen our links within the Gulf itself.” The new Hofuf route will be operated by an Airbus A320.

WEEKLY NEWS

Air

flynas Operates Two Weekly Flights to Luxor In response to the growing demand for international travel from Saudi Arabia, flynas is continuing its comprehensive expansion programme with two new weekly flights between Riyadh and Luxor. Raja Azmi, CEO, flynas, explained

that the addition of the route which is already operational comes in line with the airline’s ambitious expansion plans in the Egyptian air travel market. According to Azmi, the service is expected to enjoy high demand. “The continuous expansion of fly-

nas network to serve more countries is an integral part the airline’s 20X20 strategy targeting 20 million passengers by 2020. This means expanding our customer base and providing flights that are comfortable, affordable and the highest standards of service,” he added.

Qatar Airways Goes Nonstop to Bali Qatar Airways announced that from July 21 the airline will operate a new daily nonstop route from Doha to Bali, significantly dropping travel time to the popular exotic destination. The 10-hour service is to launch with an Airbus A330, but from October the destination will be served by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

“The start of nonstop services from Doha to Bali offers travellers from around the world access to the popular leisure destination in a reduced time, from across our expanding global network. We are delighted to confirm that the Boeing 787 Dreamliner will operate on this route from later this year, offering the very latest in design and comfort to passengers,” commented Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways.

Pegasus Airlines Launches Bahrain Routes

Pegasus Airlines

Starting June 12, Pegasus Airlines will operate scheduled services from Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen International Airport to Bahrain International Airport. The Turkish low-cost carrier will offer three weekly flights between the cities on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, bringing the airline’s network to 83 destinations in 34 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Russia and the Caucuses. Pegasus also connects Bahrain to 11 locations within Turkey, including Adana, Ankara, Antalya, Bodrum, Dalaman, Diyarbakir, Elazig, Hatay, Izmir, Trabzon and Van; as well as 33 other international hot spots.

3 MAY 2014

WEEKLY NEWS

International

Cathay Pacific Airways and Qatar Airways: Codeshare Deal Cathay Pacific Airways and Qatar Airways have launched a new codeshare agreement following the introduction of direct services between Doha and Hong Kong on March 30. The deal offers both airlines’ passengers greater flexibility and a wider choice when travelling from Hong Kong to Europe, Africa and the Gulf or from Doha to Australia, New Zealand, Korea and Japan. The arrangement enables customers to book freely on either carrier to an expanded network of destinations, while benefitting from accruing frequent flyer points or miles, together with other oneworld member privileges. Since April, Cathay Pacific flights between Hong Kong and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Cairns, Adelaide, Auckland, Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Seoul carry the QR code, while Qatar Airways services between Doha and Jeddah, Nairobi, Athens, Geneva, Madrid, Barcelona and Venice bear Cathay Pacific Airways’ CX code.

Emirates Lands at The Dubai Mall Emirates has launched the newest Emirates Official Store and the Emirates A380 Experience flight simulator at The Dubai Mall. The venture introduces visitors to the flight deck of the aircraft, allowing guests to experience landing and taking off from 12 of the world’s busiest airports. The retail outlet carries the airline’s full range of merchandise “By bringing the Emirates A380 Experience and the Emirates Official Store to The Dubai Mall, we aim to connect with a broader audience in a high-traffic lifestyle environment and provide them with a piece of the Emirates brand experience regardless of when they next travel,” commented H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO, Emirates Airline & Group.

Etihad Regional Launches Geneva – Toulouse Flights

Official Launch of the Route

Etihad Regional has further extended its reach in Europe with the inauguration of twice weekly direct services between Geneva, Switzerland and Toulouse, France. The start of the flight marks the airline’s first year-round destination to France from its Swiss base, and will be shortly followed by new operations to Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille. Commenting on the launch of the flight, which will run three-times-a-week from June, Maurizio Merlo, CEO, Etihad Regional, said, “The new route is an important milestone in our strategy of expanding operations to key regional cities across Europe and providing travellers with greater choice. We are confident it will help boost business and leisure ties at both ends, in addition to flowing traffic on to the services offered by our partner, Etihad Airways.”

3 MAY 2014

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT’S INSIGHT NAME: Priya Q POSITION: Director COMPANY: BucketList Travel Company LOCATION: India WEB: www.bucketlisttravels.in

Who are you? We are a travel- and food-loving couple who decided to extend our love for travel and offer our various travel experiences through well-crafted travel itineraries for friends and others. BucketList Travel Company designs unique and customised vacations in India and overseas for families, corporates and individuals. What is your favourite thing about working in the travel industry? The ’Thank you for a memorable trip’ kind of messages from people whom we organise trips for, is one of the most gratifying experiences about working in the travel industry besides getting to travel and explore new destinations with the groups along with making new friends are the highlights for us. When is the best time to visit India? India is a vast country with a varied climate, culture, festivals and fauna, so it is difficult to say when is the best time to visit the country. But it can be safely said, anytime you visit India, there is lots to see, experience and learn. Where would you like to travel to for your next holiday? Northeast of India, Rajasthan, Gokarna and Hampi in India, and Australia and New Zealand abroad would be a couple of our choices. Why should people come to you for travel advice? Customisation and a friendly approach right from the first stage of getting connected till the end of the trip is our key feature. Also, we do not believe in giving hidden surprises in our bills, so all costs would be discussed upfront; hence transparency is also a big plus from us. We have lost some business due to this, but gained friends, as those who opted out of [organising their holiday with] us realised after the trip that what we had projected was correct.

3 MAY 2014

Ramada Downtown Dubai Hosts Slovakian Agents Ramada Downtown Dubai has welcomed a group of 12 travel agents from Slovakia as part of a familiarisation trip aimed at building awareness of the emirate in Central Europe. The agents, who visited a number of popular tourist hotspots, had the chance to discover hotel features including the suites, the pool and gym facilities. Although, as Samir Arora, general manager, Ramada Downtown Dubai, noted, Slovakia is currently a small market, it has potential to become an important part of

the customer mix. “The UAE recently announced visa on arrival for 13 European Union countries including Slovakia that will bring in more visitors from the country and therefore provides us the perfect opportunity to step into this market,” he added. “The Dubai visitor mix is growing more multi-national as air connections are expanded, and this represents healthy business for hotels in the city, enabling us to have diverse clientele and ensure we are not reliant on just one country or sector.”

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

Karim Nahas

James Hogan Group president, Etihad Aviation Group.

General manager, Rose Rayhaan by Rotana, Dubai.

“When we announced [the blood donation campaign], we received such a positive response from our team. The campaign was a big success and I would like to express my appreciation to the entire team for their contribution. It is not the first time that [we] participate in blood donation drives and high impact activities that directly support the local communities, and I would like to encourage more people to participate in such initiatives.”

“Etihad Airways continues to be our core business and main focus, yet through our network partners the airline is building a global presence which [...] helps us all carry greater numbers of air travellers around the world. […] By expanding our organic operations from Abu Dhabi, and by increasing our connectivity with other destinations, we are not only flying passengers to and from Abu Dhabi, but also acting as a catalyst for economic growth.”

Ayman Ashor General manager, Tilal Liwa Hotel, Abu Dhabi.

“The Arabian Travel Market is a much-awaited event for Tilal Liwa Hotel because this meeting is attended by key decision makers [...] so we can receive immediate feedback. Our meetings with our partners will focus on strengthening the relations and updating them about our growth this year and the plans throughout the season. We will be presenting our unique and customised packages during summer that will include hotel stays, activities and transfers.”

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

3 MAY 2014

WHO'S MOVED

Zaher Kassir Zaher Kassir has joined The Gulf Hotel Bahrain as the new director of business development and strategy. Kassir holds a degree in hotel management and a post-graduate diploma in marketing. Over the past 15 years, he has held various management positions, such as director of busi-

ness development and director of sales and marketing, at fivestar hotels in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Sudan, Libya and Tunisia. Kassir’s appointment is in line with the hotel’s development. He will be working under Rahim Abu Omar, general manager, The Gulf Hotel Bahrain.

Yui Tung Cheung Yui Tung Cheung has been welcomed onto the team at Jumeirah Beach Hotel as the new director of revenue. Cheung previously worked as manager and director of revenue for a number of international hotel chains. His career includes roles with Sunwept Resorts in Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, Marriott International, Gleneagles Hotels and Hilton Worldwide in Scotland, and Sofitel Luxury Hotels in the UK. Most recently he worked as the revenue man-

3 MAY 2014

ager at Hilton Hotel Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. In his new role in Dubai, Cheung will be responsible for leading and further improving all aspects of revenue at Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Building on his solid background in the hotel industry and his great leadership skills, he is expected to play an integral part of the team.

Cheung previously worked for a number of international hotel chains

Michelle Zoughaib Michelle Zoughaib has been appointed as the new sales manager at Riviera Hotel Beirut. Zoughaib has significant experience in the industry, having worked with travel agencies for over eight years. Looking after the leisure segments as well as major corporate accounts, Zoughaib’s

main responsibilities will be to represent the hotel, and maintain high levels of exposure through direct sales with the leisure market and any other company handled. By displaying a positive attitude at all times, she aims to promote the company’s image to both guests and colleagues.

TRAVEL CHANNELS WTTC Welcomes EU Visa Package Announcement The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) has praised a decision by the European Commission to change the Schengen Visa Code.

ollowing the European Union (EU)’s announcement of the proposed alterations, David Scowsill, president, WTTC, said that the initiative will simplify and speed up the processing of visas in Europe and ensure more foreign visitors, increased tourism receipts and more jobs at a vital time for the European economy. Commenting on a statement by Antonio Tajani, vice president, European Commission, saying that tourism is the continent’s growth engine and has been the most important stronghold of the European economy during the recent crisis, Scowsill, said, “It is rewarding to hear one of Europe’s top commissioners publicly recognising the leading role played by travel and tourism in driving the European economy.”

ADPC Signs MoU with Yemen’s Port Authority Senior members of Abu Dhabi Ports Authority (ADPC) Marine Services recently visited Yemen, where they signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with officials of the Yemen Red Sea Ports Corporation (YRSPC). The agreement, which is valid for one year, paves the way for future collaborations between ADPC and YRSPC. It includes the evaluation of sea ports in Yemen, as well as the provision of a wide range of marine services. During the visit, Hamad Al Maghrabi, general manager, ADPC Marine Services, and other senior members of the authority were given a tour through the facilities at Al Hudaydah Port, and exchanged information about current dynamics in the maritime industry.

KHBTCC Introduces Water Purification Technology To mark World Water Day, King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton (KHBTCC) announced the installation of a new environmentally-friendly water purification system. Located next to the property on Jordan’s Dead Sea coast, the plant filters and refines rain water gathered from a dam using a reverse osmosis system, capable of removing impurities in the water via a series of membranes. The distilled and cleaned water is to be re-used in the facility and at the upcoming Hilton Dead Sea Resort & Spa, scheduled to open later this year.

King Hussein bin Talal Convention Centre managed by Hilton

3 MAY 2014

RENDEZVOUS

Q & A with Patrick De Groot Since opening in September 2013, The Domain Bahrain has established itself as one of the Kingdom’s premier social clubs and boutique luxury hotels, and as Patrick De Groot, managing director, The Domain Bahrain, explains, the facility is taking accommodation services to a whole new level.

Travel Trade Weekly: How has your concept of focusing on social engagement and interaction been received by your clients?

Patrick De Groot Managing director, The Domain Bahrain

Patrick De Groot: People stay in hotels for the purpose of social engagement, be it for social or business reasons – or both. The Domain is just more actively engaging with its members and guests and – where appropriate – makes introductions between resident guests and Domain members. The wide range of social spaces further invites and incentivises people to engage and interact with one another. Travel Trade Weekly: The Domain is a relatively new brand that cannot rely on the background of a long-established global economy. How challenging has it been to bring a new brand to the competitive market in Bahrain? Patrick De Groot: Introducing a new brand to a market place always poses an interesting challenge. I believe, however, that we have created a brand and a concept with great appeal across different markets. Both younger and older audiences respond well to the concept, and the product is well received by international travellers and local residents alike. Furthermore, The Domain Bahrain has joined the Global Hotel Alliance, further strengthening its international appeal. Our guest experience scores very well. Guests who have stayed and/or dined with us so far, rate us highly and often return within weeks of their first visit. Word-of-mouth remains a great marketing tool. We enjoy great feedback through the various online media channels and travel sites. [We have also recently launched] our mem-

3 MAY 2014

best climate of all Gulf states, and surround by the sea, it has a great opportunity to develop its beach product. Once it does, an international tourist product is easily developed. Travel Trade Weekly: How can hoteliers utilise social media platforms in order to engage existing and potential clients? How important is it to be present on social media, especially for a property like The Domain Bahrain which prides itself on placing people at the heart of its concept?

bership product, which further enhances our visibility. In addition we work with several strategic partners in Bahrain and the Gulf region to get the word out. Travel Trade Weekly: Bahrain’s tourism industry has long relied on Saudi and GCC visitors. How important is it to reach out to a broader pool of travellers? Patrick De Groot: Saudi and Kuwaiti travellers will remain – at least for now – Bahrain’s most important target audiences. I feel that Bahrain is very committed to developing itself as a destination. In recent months, the tourism sector of the Ministry of Culture, and stakeholders within the local travel industry have identified key areas for development in the short-, medium- and long-term. If and when these initiatives are activated, new markets can be tapped. As an island, Bahrain has arguably the

Patrick De Groot: The Domain Bahrain has been very active on social media from the day we opened in 2013. Having a dedicated team focused on how to best use the various social media channels to interact with existing and future clients is the name of the game nowadays. It requires continuous attention. Once you enter this marketing arena, you have to be committed to interact with your customers. Responsiveness is of the utmost importance, and interaction can be much more casual in tone. When I see comments, good and bad, I regularly respond to them myself. It provides me with such refreshing, direct market contacts. Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us about the company’s future development plans. Patrick De Groot: We are very seriously looking at exporting our social club and boutique hotel concept. I feel that Dubai is a perfect brand-fit for The Domain, and we are looking at several options at the moment. It is too early to comment on location, for obvious reasons. We are also looking at opportunities in Europe, and London is firmly on our radar screen.

NEWS & EVENTS

ALJREIC Sponsors STTIM 2014 Abdul Latif Jameel Real Estate Investment Company (ALJREIC), owner and developer of Anjum Hotel in Mecca, sponsored the seventh Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment Market (STTIM) exhibition as a strategic partner. The business-to-business and business-to-consumer travel show was organised by the Saudi Commission for Tourism & Antiquities and was held between March 30 – April 4, in a bid to accommodate a group of investment

EVENTS PAGE