Travel TradeWeekly Issue 134

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02 JUNE 2012

ISSUE 134

Block this Space Contact us at sales@traveltradeweekly.travel

02 JUNE 2012

ISSUE 134

Qatar Airways Expands in Iraq Qatar Airways has continued its fast-paced expansion by commencing flights to Erbil.

Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas arrives at Port Rashid, representing one of the largest cruise ships ever to dock in Dubai.

08 Etihad Airways and Safi Airways Sign Deal Etihad Airways improves access to Kabul following a codeshare agreement with Safi Airways.

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

02 04 06 08 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Voyager of the Seas Docks in Dubai

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MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY

Accor: Solid Revenue Growth

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou

Accor closed the first quarter (Q1) of the year with a healthy revenue increase of 4.5 percent like-for-like, and 1.2 percent as reported, reaching EUR1,371 million (USD1,721 million).

T

SALES & MARKETING Maria Demetriadou Brighite Ess Katerina Dalal DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

hese figures reflected the sustained improvement in RevPAR, with average room rates rising in every segment.

Accor experienced strong performance levels, led by robust rate increases, while the management and franchise fees were up 22.2 percent.

With the opening of 7,720 rooms across 56 hotels, 90 percent of which were introduced under management and franchise agreements, the first quarter of the year also marked a period of record expansion for the hospitality company which, in turn, increased quarterly revenue by EUR11 million (USD13.8 million).

Revenue from the upscale and midscale segment rose 1.4 percent as reported and 3.6 percent like-for-like over Q1. This solid performance was led by the increase in management and franchise fees, up 21.4 percent,

Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche

in line with the transformation of the group’s business model. Emerging markets delivered another quarter of robust growth in this segment, with gains of 8.3 percent in the Asia Pacific region and 13.5 percent in Latin America.

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

31/05/2012 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.05

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

63.90

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.61

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.90

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

12,284.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.33

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

76.58

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.28

Marriott: Encouraging Q1 Results Marriott International reported solid net income and RevPAR increase for the first quarter (Q1) of the year.

For the three-month period, the company’s net income totalled USD104 million, marking an 18 percent growth over the year-ago quarter’s adjusted net income, while worldwide comparable systemwide RevPAR and average daily rate rose 6.8 percent and 3.5 percent respectively using constant dollars.

Arne Sorenson, president, Marriott International, described the results as terrific. “There is tremendous strength in global travel today; travellers are on the road, attending meetings, making sales calls, and taking family vacations,” he said, adding that the group's business strengthened in Q1 with increasing occupancy, room rates, and greater group spend on food, beverage, and other services. “Transient business was also strong. Revenue from special corporate guests increased over nine percent in the quarter with increasing room rates. Our largest customers tell us they expect to travel more this year,” Sorenson concluded.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Riyadh Travel Fair Welcomes DTCM The Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently attended the Riyadh Travel Fair for the first time, boasting a 100m2 stand shared by tour operators, destination management companies, and hotel establishments, among others, showing further consolidation of the emirate's tourism industry in Saudi Arabia.

According to Abdullah bin Suwaidan, deputy director, overseas promotions and inward missions, DTCM, Saudi Arabia is a major regional source market for Dubai, having claimed first position on the emirate's top 20 markets in 2011 and the first quarter of this year, in terms of hotel guests.

QTA Conducts GCC Roadshow The Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) recently organised a promotional roadshow across the GCC in a bid to endorse Qatar as an ideal destination for Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, as well as to promote it as a premier business and upscale leisure hotspot.

Spanning six cities including Al Khobar, Riyadh, Kuwait, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, the roadshow was chiefly aimed at highlighting Qatar's developement in the fields of meetings, sports, culture, leisure, and education.

According to Abdulla Malalla Al-Bader, director of tourism, QTA, Qatar has everything a high-end traveller needs.

RAK Investors Guide Launched Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA) has created an investors guide providing potential investors with comprehensive information on the benefits of investing in the emirate’s burgeoning hospitality industry.

To facilitate all investment opportunities, the guide features detailed analyses of the emirate’s hotels performances as well as its forecast up to 2020, explained Victor Louis, chief operating officer, Ras Al Khaimah TDA. In terms of hotel guest volume and hotel revenue during the first quarter of the year, the emirate witnessed a year-on-year increase of 47 percent and 40 percent respectively.

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WEEKLY NEWS Desert Palm Dubai Adds New Polo Rooms Desert Palm, managed by Per AQUUM, has introduced new Polo Rooms to its property; state-of-the-art divisible conference and meeting venues equipped with the latest audio/visual technology.

Depending on the type of occasion, the contemporary rooms can be divided into five separate meeting spaces or combined into one room for up to 300 people.

In addition, a dedicated team is on hand to tailor each event, ensure highquality services, and arrange group activities.

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Shaza Hotels to Manager Dhofar Beach Resort Taameer Investment has signed a management contract with Shaza Hotels for Dhofar Beach Resort, Salalah.

Upon completion, the development will introduce a premier concept for hotel services in the southern city of Oman, featuring 300 rooms, serviced apartments, and a number of international restaurants.

Suleiman Al-Harthy, CEO, Taameer Investment, said, “The signing ceremony would be followed by various activities and preparations for the start of the contraction while the inauguration ceremony is planned for September.”

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Voyager of the Seas Docks in Dubai Royal Caribbean International’s Voyager of the Seas arrived at Port Rashid, representing one of the largest cruise ships ever to dock in Dubai.

The ship, measuring 311m, can carry up to 3,114 passengers and 1,185 crew, and boasts a total of 15 decks.

Sailing from Barcelona, Voyager of the Seas visited Alexandria, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Safaga, before arriving in Dubai. The iconic ship will now re-locate to Asia and then continue its journey to Australia and New Zealand, becoming the largest cruise ship ever to sail out of the region.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Rotana: Dubai Openings in Q3 Rotana is to slated to open two new properties in Dubai in the third quarter of the year.

The five-star Al Ghurair Rayhaan

by Rotana and the deluxe apartments of Al Ghurair Arjaan by Rotana will form part of the expansion of the mixed-use development project, Al Ghurair Centre, and is set to meet the demands of guests seeking contemporary accommodation, convenience, and paramount comfort, according to Omer Kaddouri, executive vice president, Rotana.

With the launch of the two hotels, Rotana will add a total of 621 rooms to Dubai’s hotel room inventory.

Accommodation

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman Improves Services

Ain Al Fayadha to Re-open Soon

Ramada Hotel & Suites Ajman has opened 60 new rooms bringing the property’s total inventory to 400 units, in response to steady growth which saw the property boast average occupancy rates of 94 percent in 2011.

In addition, Tower 2 has also been receiving an upgrade which, upon opening in September 1, will welcome guests with a new look.

Further enhancing its offerings, the hotel recently opened its private beach-front spa, which is being operated by Al Shifa and specialises in authentic Ayurveda treatment.

Ain Al Fayadha, Al Ain, is soon set to re-open its doors, after being closed for three years, as it gears up to be inaugurated under new management following a USD10 million renovation.

Managed by One To One hotels, the property will be renamed One To One Resort, Ain Al Fayadha, and will include one- and two-bedroom villas, 26 rooms, three restaurants, a spa, gym, three swimming pools, children's playground, sports facilities, including a football pitch, a traditional 1,000 seater Arabic tent, and a dedicated race track for camel and horse racing.

Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels Adds Two Properties Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels, part of Al Rayyan Hospitality, has introduced two more properties to its growing portfolio.

Located in the heart of Doha, Arumaila Boutique Hotel boasts 19 rooms, including two suites, while Musheireb Boutique Hotel, reflecting the Qatari hospitality in its design, features 14 units including four suites.

Commenting on the new properties, Abdulla Bin Ali Al Attiyah, executive manager, Al Rayyan Project Management, said, “The Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels brand is built with distinctiveness and eccentricity being at the heart of each and every one of the properties.”

The opening of the hotels also marks the inaugurations of The Residences, Souq Waqif Boutique Hotels’ luxury residential property, inspired by the ambience of traditional Qatari homes, and the company is to unveil more properties in the second quarter of the year.

Musheireb Boutique Hotel

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air News

RAK Airways Launches Premier Product RAK Airways is gearing up to introduce its high quality leading product RAK Premier, in the first week of this month.

John Brayford, acting CEO, RAK Airways, said, “With the launch of RAK Premier, we will offer a high standard of personal service to our RAK Premier customers.”

RAK Premier, which signifies ‘Dedicated To You’, offers passengers travelling on RAK Premier to benefit from a chauffeured limousine pick-up from home, anywhere in the UAE to Ras Al Khaimah International Airport.

Once passengers reach the airport, a team of RAK Airways ground staff will ensure seamless ground assistance escorted all the way through to the business class lounge, followed by personalised service and ‘restaurant in air’ experience, even on short flights.

Qatar Airways Expands in Iraq Qatar Airways has continued its fast-paced expansion by commencing flights to the Iraqi city of Erbil.

Starting June 7, the airline will also launch four weekly services to Baghdad, which, according to Akbar Al Baker, CEO, Qatar Airways, has long been under the airline company’s microscope. “Now we believe is the right time to enter Iraq due to demand and infrastructure changes in a country that warrants more business and greater air access,” he said, adding that now with more international corporate houses looking to do business in Iraq, frequent air access will ease travel to and Fathi Al Shehab, vice president, GCC, Levant, Iraq, from the country via Iran and Indian subcontinent, Qatar Airways, Talar the Doha hub.

Faiq, airport director, Erbil International Airport

Etihad Airways and Safi Airways Sign Deal Etihad Airways now gains better access to Kabul following the signing of a codeshare agreement with Safi Airways, Afghanistan’s leading international airline.

Under the terms of the deal, Etihad Airways now places its two-letter ‘EY’ code on the four weekly service from Abu Dhabi to the Afghan capital, which Safi Airways has been operating since February.

Commenting on the need to improve connectivity between the two cities, Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, said, “We were looking to improve point to point service to Kabul through a codeshare alliance with a carrier whose commitment to service and product is building rapidly.”

Furthermore, Lloyd Carswell, chief commercial officer, Safi Airways, described the move as a step forward in the relentless pursuit of reconnecting Afghanistan to the rest of the world through Etihad Airways’ network. He further lay emphasis on Safi Airways’ long-term strategic plan to consolidate its presence within the GCC and its ultimate goal to maximise connections to and from Afghanistan.

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WEEKLY NEWS

International

Four Points to Expand in Canada Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide is to debut its Four Points by Sheraton brand in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, in spring 2013.

Located at the entrance of the international airport, the newly constructed 120-key Four Points by Sheraton Kelowna Airport will mark the brand’s introduction to the Canadian city.

“We look forward to offering travellers a fresh new option in the scenic city of Kelowna,” Brian McGuinness, senior vice presi-

dent, specialty select brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, said.

Allison Reid, senior vice president, North American development, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, added, “With one of the strongest pipelines in the Starwood portfolio, Four Points is an increasingly attractive choice for owners and developers in fast-growing markets across North America.”

Thon Hotel EU Becomes Premium Great Hotels of the World has announced the opening of a brand new hotel, Thon Hotel EU, Brussels, following a 24-month development.

The hotel, which is situated in the heart of the Belgian capital’s European district and is a mere 15 minutes from the airport, officially joined Great Hotels of the World’s Premium Collection.

Boasting 405 guestrooms and 37 one-, two-, and threebedroom apartments spread over eight floors, the establishment also offers stateof-the-art corporate facilities with its 10 multipurpose meeting and conference rooms, catering for up to 300 delegates in theatre-style. The largest room can be divided into three smaller rooms, providing an ideal setting for various types of events.

Thon Hotel EU further offers guests a choice of dining options, and a terrace garden, as well as a lounge bar, and state-of-the-art fitness centre. It also strictly prioritises respect for the environment and protection of the planet.

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WHO'S MOVED

Katerina Dixon Katerina Dixon has joined Jumeirah Group as director of communications for Jumeirah hotels and resorts in Dubai.

Prior to her appointment, she held the director of marketing and communications position at InterContinental Hotels Group for six years after gaining experience as corporate sales manager at Jumierah

Emirates Towers back in 2000.

Dixon, who has 12 years of managerial experience, has been tasked to lead and manage all communications for the group’s Dubai hotels and resorts, and drive the development of new strategies while working closely with the global and corporate communications team.

Pierre Delfau Pierre Delfau has been named complex general manager of Southern Sun Al Manzil and Qamardeen Hotels in Dubai.

Over approximately two decades, Delfau has gained extensive industry experience and an intricate knowledge of every aspect of the hospitality business. He initially joined Southern Sun in 1986 and worked his way up from a receptionist to deputy general manager within six years. He then contin-

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ued at various properties, including Sun International Sun City Resort, The Cabanas Hotel, Palace Of The Lost City, and The Westcliff Hotel.

Delfau re-joined Southern Sun in 2006 and moves now to Dubai from InterContinental Hotel Johannesburg, where he served as general manager.

In his new role, he will focus on further developing the properties’ profile as two of the most popular business hotels in Dubai.

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Carsten Schaeffer Carsten Schaeffer has been appointed vice president of sales and services for Southeast Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, at Lufthansa.

Schaeffer, who has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, has most recently led the subsidiary of the airline’s frequent flyer programme for non-airline

partnerships as managing director of Miles & More International.

He began his career with Lufthansa in 1981, and later worked for the Deutsches Reisebüro as well as TRUST International before returning to the airline in 2000 as director of business development and alliances, North America.

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TRAVEL TALK H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum

Andreas Mueller General manager, Taj Palace Dubai

travel talk is your space

CEO, Emirates Airline and Group

“We are never complacent, always striving for perfection and always acutely aware that things can be done better. Customers’ expectations only get higher and it is up to us to ensure that we move upwards with them. With the help of our 63,000 strong multicultural workforce, representing over 160 different nationalities, we have no doubt that the years ahead will again be more profitable than the last.”

“We are picking up business from India and Iran and, like all hotels, have seen GCC visitor numbers boom, with Saudi guest levels growing 50 percent over 2011. New markets for us include South Africa and the CIS countries. With our range of award-winning restaurants, superb spa, and comprehensive meeting and business facilities, the hotel has every element to meet the requirements of both corporate and leisure guests.”

Michel Noblet President, Hospitality Management Holdings

“The trademark of our hotels is a safe and family-friendly environment with genuine Arabic hospitality. We are in the business of serving travellers who are looking for authenticity and value for money. Competing in a global market, we are very much focused on alcohol-free, safe environment. Hence, we have been embraced wholeheartedly by both business and leisure travellers.”

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: Emad El Banna POSITION: President COMPANY: Banna Tours LOCATION: Egypt WEB: www.banna-tours.com.eg Who are you?

My Name is Emad El Banna, and I am the president of Banna Tours and the president of the Egyptian Travel Association in Alexandria.

I have been working in the tourism industry for more than 25 years, specialising in incoming and outgoing aviation, MICE, religious trips, and luxury limousine services.

I started my own private business, Banna Tours, in Alexandria in 2001, with expert staff, and it has become one of the top five agents in the tourism chamber in Alexandria and one of the best travel companies in Egypt.

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

My favourite thing is to reach and succeed in our mission by delivering the best and highest services to each and every one of our customers at all times, and showing the best images of our charming country, Egypt.

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

I think that Egypt is very special and different as we have great and warm weather throughout the year for classic and leisure trips.

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

Maybe I will go to the north coast and Marsa Matroh.

I can say it is one of the natural beauties of the world.

Why should people come to you for travel advice?

We are a team of experienced people of the highest qualifications in the tourism industry. By credibility with our high-end services and caring to each guest, we built our good name as one of top trusted agents in Egypt.

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Helping Travel Agents Sell Dubai Graduates of the Dubai Experts Online Travel Training programme, conducted by the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), were felicitated in the emirate as part of an incentive scheme designed to encourage more travel agents to complete the programme.

Dubai Experts from Australia, Germany, India, New Zealand, South Africa, the UK, and the US were flown in to be recognised and awarded

by H.E. Khalid A. bin Sulayem, director general, DTCM. “Technology today has increased our ability to reach more visitors so it is befitting to also have a web-based programme to be able to educate

and update the travel agents on what Dubai has to offer,� he said.

The programme comprises three courses made up of modules to build knowledge about Dubai and provide travel trade partners with information to help them sell the emirate as the destination of choice for their customers from all around the world.

Moreover, the programme will also build a community of Dubai Experts across the globe who can share ideas and experiences. Eventually, each Dubai Expert will become the 'go-to' person for tourists and become their trusted travel adviser/consultant on Dubai.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

Chinese Travel Market: Bright Four Years Ahead Shopping, Internet booking, and low-cost carriers will have the biggest influence on the Chinese travel market over the next four years, an exclusive research, unveiled at the inaugural WTM Vision Conference, Shanghai, has shown.

S

enior industry delegates at the event, which took place in May in association with The China Business Network, noted that the strength of the Chinese economy will underpin the travel sector’s growth until 2016.

Similarly, Euromonitor International’s Travel Industry Global Overview 2012 report also brought the growing Chinese economy to surface stating that over the next four years the country’s GDP is set to increase by eight percent per annum, becoming the strongest worldwide.

Moreover, the report has revealed that with regards to the outbound sector, shopping has been named as the Chinese travellers’ activity of choice, whereby some USD36million will be spent by Chinese tourists while shopping overseas, double the amount recorded in 2011.

The research also tips the Chinese to double spending on accommodation to USD12 billion, excursions to USD6 billion, and getting around within the destination to USD6 billion.

Low-cost carriers will also have a big say

Songkran Splendours Festival ’a Great Success’ The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) praised this year’s Songkran Splendours festival describing it as a great success.

TAT estimates that over 140,000 international visitors and 1.26 million Thais enjoyed the major events that made up the Songkran Splendours festival in 13 provinces. These included: Ayutthaya; Bangkok; Chiang Mai; Chon Buri; Songkhla, the province in which Hat Yai is located; Khon Kaen; Nakhon Phanom; Nakhon Si Thammarat; Nong Khai; Phuket; Samut Prakarn; Sukhothai; and Suphanburi.

During the first half of April, the month in which the festival took place, Suvarnabhumi Airport welcomed over 611,400 international arrivals, up 12.23 percent from the same period in 2011, due to the build up for the celebration. Other airports recorded similar results such as Phuket Airport which saw arrivals during April 1 – 16 jump 16.82 percent year-on-year.

Songkran Splendours festival

in how the Chinese market develops over the next five years, according to the report, as the value of its sales will double from 2011’s levels to around USD6 billion in 2016.

According to Simon Press, director, Reed Travel Exhibition, World Travel Market, the Chinese outbound travel industry is growing at a phenomenal rate making it one of, if not the, most important markets in the world. This growth, he indicated, alongside spending when on holiday, make the Chinese tourism market one of the most lucrative for destinations.”

MENA Leaders: Tourism to Drive Development Ministers and leading industry players of the MENA region reiterated their confidence in the sustainable development of the industry during the first World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) & Arabian Travel Market Industry Forum in Dubai.

The high-level event, entitled The Future of Tourism in the Middle East and North Africa: Ensuring sustainable growth in challenging times, brought together decisionmakers and key industry professionals from some of the region’s leading tourism markets, who debated shortand long-term prospects, highlighting the encouraging signs emerging from destinations recently affected by political changes, and the importance of further boosting demand and fostering employment under the challenging economic and political conditions.

Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, described the regional tourism industry’s development as a success story stating that is has become an economic powerhouse, generating USD60 billion in export earnings and creating millions of jobs, as a result of strong and dedicated tourism policies.

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Adnan Hamdani Holidaysarabia has been launched with the aim of offering travellers different, truly memorable experiences, according to Adnan Hamdani, managing director, Holidaysarabia.com, who introduces the new company and shares his views on the market’s evolution.

Travel Trade Weekly: Holidaysarabia offers personalised and professional services to travellers. What kind of packages and activities are available on the portal?

Adnan Hamdani: Holidaysarabia offers all the packages that you would expect of any high street travel retailer. Our research has shown us that there is a real need of a business-to-consumer travel portal in the UAE and the wider region, and so we aim to offer our customers, holiday package bouquets that encompass family-oriented destinations, dedicated sports, beach, leisure, and adventure holidays. What is more, given the UAE’s leading role as a business hub, we support an enviable range of business, trade, and finance packages for both the independent and corporate business traveller.

fering great support as well as the comfort of booking from your own home. After all, Holidaysarabia has a great team who work hard to give people what they want, so the experience is memorable through constant and consistent effort on our part.

Adnan Hamdani Managing director, Holidaysarabia.com

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Travel Trade Weekly: Which markets will you target?

Adnan Hamdani: We are a Middle Eastern company with the majority of our clients coming from the region – at least in the first phase of our operation.

Other key markets are the UAE, Qatar, and the rest of the expanding GCC, as well as other regional clients. In phase two, we have our eyes set on the upcoming super-economies of the CIS and India, as well as turning towards the huge US client base.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your plans and expectations for the remainder of the year?

Travel Trade Weekly: What are the foremost benefits of organising holidays or business trips through this dedicated website?

Adnan Hamdani: We believe that the biggest advantage we bring to the customer and the market is our local expertise. When you need a guide to get you around somewhere, fast and efficiently, and when you want to get the most from your experience, you will always use a local.

Quite simply, no one knows the UAE and the wider region better than we do. What is more, we have a better range than any of our competitors and it is fully customisable, where customers only buy what they want.

Also, we know the suppliers well, and our portal system is fast and extremely easy to use.

Moreover, we are extremely user-friendly of-

tourist and business hub for the region, it was the logical choice to start here. Dubai is the city of superlatives. We think we belong here.

Travel Trade Weekly: Over the past few years, a large number of travel agencies and tour operators have been established in Dubai. What led to your decision to launch Holidaysarabia in this emirate?

Adnan Hamdani: Holidaysarabia is the first business-to-consumer company in the UAE. Our competitors are all destination management companies or travel agencies partnered with foreign tour operating businessto-business model.

We offer local support for local dealers and local suppliers, and as Dubai is already a

Adnan Hamdani: In the short term we are focused on the travel customer market and on improving levels of quality, service, and integrity. With the backing of our parent company, World At Travel JLT, and a steady and systematic approach to doing business in the region, we aim to shore up the market and make our name a brand that is synonymous with the core values we espouse.

In the longer term, we expect to expand to other Middle Eastern destinations, expanding our range of products and services that will eventually go global through a new website, with particular focus on the emerging markets.

Within a few years, we hope to be the regional leader in our field.

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NEWS & EVENTS

World Route Development Forum Returns to Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has announced the official sales launch of the 18th World Route Development Forum, which will take place from September 29 to October 2 at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The event is hosted by ADAC and in partnership with Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Department of Transport, ADNOC Distribution, and Mubadala Aerospace. Moreover, it will be supported by Etihad Airways and sponsored by DFS Duty Free.

Some 3,000 air service industry professionals are expected to attend making it the largest World Route Development Forum to date.

Nigel Mayes, vice president and commercial, UBM Aviation Routes, organiser of World Routes, commented, “We are delighted to be returning to one of our very first host cities, Abu Dhabi, to give our delegates a real insight to the market opportunity that Abu Dhabi presents and see for themselves that this is a true city of the future.”

QNCC: Raising the Bar Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) has already exceeded its revenue target well before the end of the first year of operation.

In seven months, the venue staged a total of 128 events, catering for more than 128,000 visitors and recording an estimated economic impact of QAR72.84 million (USD12.96 million) from overseas visitors, as Trevor McCartney, director of business development, QNCC, revealed.

Towards the end of the year, the centre will play host to two other major events, the 25th Universal Postal Union Congress and the United National Framework Convention on Climate Change, which are anticipated to be attract over 15,000 delegates.

“QNCC is expected to generate an estimated economic impact of over QR200 million (USD54.9 million) from these two events alone,” highlighted McCartney, adding that QNCC is poised to attract even more international and regional events from other sectors such as healthcare, education, information technology, and oil and gas sectors.

EVENTS International Luxury Travel Market, Asia (ILTM Asia) Shanghai, China, June 4 – 7, 2012 (www.iltm.net/asia) ILTM Asia showcases the world’s most sought after destinations and ultra-unique travel experiences to the most discerning luxury travel buyers from across the Asia Pacific.

International Travel Expo (ITE) Hong Kong, June 14 – 17, 2012 (www.itehk.com) A travel fair with impressive profiles of international exhibitors, buyers, and regional trade visitors.

Beijing International Tourism Expo (BITE) Beijing, China, June 15 – 17, 2012 (www.bitechina.com.cn) A tourism event that showcases destinations, tourism attractions, travel packages, products, and services.

The Americas Meetings & Events Exhibitions (AIBTM) Baltimore, US, June 19 – 21, 2012 (www.aibtm.com) A leading exhibition for the meetings and events industry, bringing together professionals from all around the world.

China Incentive, Business Travel & Meetings Exhibition (CIBTM) Beijing, China, September 12 – 14, 2012 (www.cibtm.com) China’s leading meetings, incentives, and business travel show providing the ultimate platform for the world’s top suppliers to the MICE industry.

Africa Hotel Investment Forum Nairobi, Kenya, September 25 – 26, 2012 (www.africa-conference.com) An event showcasing the potential Kenya and other high-growth destinations across the continent have to offer.

PATA Travel Mart Manila, Philippines, September 25 – 28, 2012 (www.pata.org/events/pata-travel-mart-2012) Asia Pacific’s premier travel trade show offering networking and contracting opportunities for hundreds of international buyers and sellers.

Asia Pacific Tourism Destination Investment Conference Singapore, October 15 – 17 , 2012 (www.tdiasia.questexevents.net) Consisting of an array of networking opportunities, business meetings, and a thought-provoking conference programme, the event will focus on hotel investments and tourism infrastructure developments.

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