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Dnata ExpansIon Dnata announces a new travel outlet in Al Ain and acquisitions in the UK.
The European Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) in Barcelona highlighted industry trends and predictions for 2010, plus some high profile wins for the Middle East market.
7 RaIl InfRastructurE Experts say that a regional rail network will accelerate cross-border trade, travel and tourism in the GCC.
11 In This Issue
Market Update Accommodation News Convention 2020 Dnata Expansion International News Cruising and Airlines EIBTM Transport Infrastructure Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events DECEMBER 5, 2009
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Highlights 10 www.traveltradeweekly.travel
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tourism Helps to strengthen uaE Economy, Minister announces
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AE Minister for the Economy, Sultan bin Saeed al Mansouri has stated that despite undergoing a crisis period, the UAE economy remains strong. Al Mansouri announced that the country’s GDP had grown by 114 times in the 38 years since the nation’s inception. He credited the UAE’s economic strength to its diversification into tourism, trade and services. “Concerted efforts to diversify the economy and a policy of openness adopted by the UAE's leadership have been the prime drivers in establishing the UAE as the second largest Arab economy,” he said.
Diversification has provided a stable base for inbound international investment, a sector which Al Mansouri said had been encouraged by a developing legal framework and a growing role for the private sector within the UAE. Despite his emphasis on diversification, Al Mansouri also pointed to the dominance of manufacturing and construction within the country and flagged plans to strengthen the segment. “Currently, the industrial sector contributes to more than 27 percent to the GDP and we have clear directives to further strengthen this sector to make it one of the main contributors to the local economy,” he said.
Dubai World Restructure Focuses on Nakheel, Limitless
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 2/12/2009 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar COUNTRY UAE (AED) Egypt (EGP) Saudi Arabia (SAR) Lebanon (LBP) Bahrain (BHD) Jordan ( JOD) Syria (SYP) Kuwait (KWD) Qatar (QAR) Oman (OMR) Tunisia (TND) Morocco (MAD) Iran (IRR) Yemen (YER) Algeria (DZD) Libya (LYD)
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
1USD= 3.67 5.47 3.75 1501 0.37 0.7 45.25 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.28 7.55 9940 205.5 72.13 1.19
Dubai World has undertaken a detailed review of its liquidity and capital structure, following its request to delay debt repayments for six months. A government-ordered restructure of the group will focus on several of its subsidiaries, including Nakheel World and Limitless World. Dubai World’s Infinity World Holding, Istithmar World and Ports and Free Zone World will be spared from the restructure; Dubai World said these companies were all on stable financial footing. The value of debt currently carried by Nakheel and the other companies subject to the restructuring process amounts to USD26 billion. The restructure will comprise several phases, including: long term plans and commitment of stakeholders; determination of maintainable profit and cash generation; assessment of deleveraging options, including asset
sales; assessment of funding requirements; and the formulation of restructuring proposals to financial creditors and their implementation. Moelis and Company has been appointed to advise on the restructuring, along with ongoing financial advisor, Rothschild.
The World, by Dubai World DECEMBER 5, 2009
airlines shift focus from fuel to customers
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new study shows that customer loyalty and retention is one of the main focuses for airlines around the globe, despite ongoing concerns about fuel cost instability and revenue management. Sabre Airline Solutions conducted a survey of 90 airlines worldwide and reported that many carriers were making dramatic business model changes. In the Middle East, Gulf Air recently announced a three year strategy to become commercially viable, flagging possible redundancies and aircraft sales as part of the restructure. Maher Koubaa, regional vice president of Sabre for the Middle East and Africa, said that in the current market, loyalty was low and customers were more likely to switch brand preferences than ever before. “The importance of customer loyalty and retention was distinctly higher in this year’s survey compared to a similar study we did two years ago,” said Koubaa. “That’s not surprising as airlines grapple with the challenge of introducing
Maher Koubaa
Τhe airline that finds that magic balance will become a model for the rest of the industry additional fees to generate much-needed new revenue in a way that doesn’t erode an airline’s brand or negatively impact customer loyalty.
“The airline that finds that magic balance will become a model for the rest of the industry.” Despite this renewed focus on customer loyalty, 50 percent of survey respondents in the Middle East and Africa rated revenue management and yield as the biggest challenge in managing profits over the next 18 months. Fuel price instability was another major issue, with 48 percent of respondents listing it as one of the biggest challenges facing their business. Staff and crew optimisation was listed as the primary tactic airlines planned to use in order to reduce cost; other tactics included managing revenues, distribution mix and ancillary revenue. “Those trends confirm that, although the Middle East region did continue to witness an increase in demand and traffic, yield has suffered substantially,” said Koubaa. “This is partly due to some over capacity occurring in the region. “In the next year or two, we’ll see more experimentation and a greater focus on the customer.”
Big Bus Company Rolls into Abu Dhabi The Big Bus Company has launched new services in Abu Dhabi, following its successful operations in Dubai. The bus tour group launched in Dubai in 2002 and has operated in London, UK, since 1991. Abu Dhabi tours will depart daily from Marina Mall and tickets will be sold online, from hotels, or at the Big Bus sales desk at Marina Mall. Chris Crompton, general manager of Big Bus Tours, said the company would begin with one route in Abu Dhabi, but would expand as the city grew and its DECEMBER 5, 2009
neighbouring islands developed. “The development in Abu Dhabi at the moment is phenomenal. As the city works hard to establish itself on the global tourism map, we are delighted to be able to offer our passengers the only open top double decker tour of this city,” said Crompton. Highlights of the tour will include the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, traditional souks, Emirates Palace hotel and heritage village. Personal audio commentary will be available in Arabic, English, French,
German, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin and Russian.
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ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Doubletree Branches Into saudi Hilton’s Doubletree brand has sunk roots in Saudi Arabia for the first time.
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oubletree by Hilton, Al Khobar will open in Q4 2012. The hotel will be located on the King Fahd highway, which is the main route between Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. According to Jean-Paul Herzog, president of Hilton Worldwide, the location was chosen to take advantage of business travellers to Saudi Arabia’s eastern
province, the nation’s industrial heartland. Hilton announced that increasing domestic travel in Saudi Arabia and the planned Bahrain-Qatar causeway were also expected to benefit developments in the region. Doubletree by Hilton, Al Khobar will be the brand’s second property in the Middle East; the Doubletree by Hilton, Ras Al Khaimah is scheduled to open in mid-2010.
Iraq Property Marks International Expansion for Divan Hotels Turkish hospitality company Divan Hotels has announced its entry into the international market with a new five star hotel in Erbil, located in the Kurdish Autonomous Region of northern Iraq. The Erbil property, owned by Elegan Tourism, is scheduled to open in early 2011. The hotel represents an investment of USD90 million and is the result of an expansion programme initiated in 2005. Divan plans to target key cities across the region covering North Africa to Eastern Europe, as well as prime urban locations within Turkey. Jeop Bakx, general manager of Divan Hotels, said the company was focusing its international expansion on untapped markets. “In both economic and cultural terms, Erbil is clearly positioned for dynamic growth,” said Bakx. “With a population of one million, it is the Kurdish Autonomous Region’s largest city and Iraq’s third largest city 4
after Baghdad and Mosul, enjoying close business ties with Sulaimaniya, Duhok and Kirkuk. “The city also boasts both of the region’s international airports, offering direct connections to both Europe and the Middle East.”
Divan Erbil will be located in the centre of the Erbil Congress and Exhibition Centre, featuring 228 rooms and suites. Divan plans to open three other domestic hotels by the first quarter of 2010: Divan Istanbul Asia; Divan Çorlu; and Divan Çukurhan. DECEMBER 5, 2009
ACCOMMODATION NEWS Hamra Pursues Business Opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah Acacia Hotel, the first business hotel in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE is set to open on December 15. Hamra Hotels and Resorts is among a number of companies currently operating leisure based properties in Ras Al Khaimah, but claims that its new Acacia Hotel will be the first specialty business hotel in the emirate. According to Nikolaos Chatzipetros, vice president of operations for Hamra, the hotel is specifically tailored to the needs of business travellers. Acacia will oer complimentary internet access, as well as a business centre. It is intended to operate in conjunction with Hamra’s nearby convention centre, according to Chatziperos.
DECEMBER 5, 2009
Acacia Hotel will be located adjacent to the Ras Al Khaimah Investment Authority free zone, but is intended to service companies operating both inside and outside the zone.
Incorporating a mixture of rooms, suites and apartments, Chatziperos said that the hotel was able to cater to both long and short stay visitors, in either a full service or self catering capacity.
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convention 2020 to transform Meetings Industry Major MICE industry players have signed up to sponsor a global research study, Convention 2020, which will explore the future of the meetings industry over the next decade.
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MEX Group, Fast Future Research and the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) are the three founding sponsors of the study. The study will examine trends of the meetings industry, with the aim of driving new thinking on event design, innovation in business models and highlighting strategic implications for venues, destinations and industry suppliers. Martin Sirk, CEO of ICCA, said he supported Fast Future Research as the conductor of the study and commended the company’s experience and willingness to personally invest in the project. “The research programme is designed to answer very practical questions such as what will attendees want from live events, how will they maximise their learning and how can they ensure a worthwhile return on their investment of time and energy,” said Sirk. “For event owners, venues and suppliers it will help them consider how events could be funded and the implications for the design, services, technology platforms and business models required for successful meetings and venues. “Finally, it will help meeting destinations think through the strategic implications for
We all believe in the importance of live meetings – but belief is not a strategy developing and promoting themselves in a fast changing world.” Sirk added that the meetings industry was at a turning point, facing major challenges and opportunities as a result of technological advances, economic power shifts, environmental pressures and evolving social attitudes. Ray Bloom, chairman of IMEX Group, said the economic downturn had highlighted the importance of thinking ahead and preparing for an uncertain future. “We all believe in the importance of live meetings – but belief is not a strategy,” said Bloom.
“We need to challenge our assumptions, develop real insight into what the future may hold and rethink our event designs and business models to help all members of the meetings industry prepare for the decade ahead and ensure they stay competitive.” There will be three main reports derived from the study: a report on a global survey of the future of meetings, to be published in February 2010; a report on the future meeting experience, to be launched at IMEX in May 2010; and a final report on the convention centre of tomorrow, to be launched at the ICCA congress in October 2010.
Star Alliance Launches New Options for Business Travel Global airline network, Star Alliance, has officially launched its Meetings Plus package booking options. The Meetings Plus option allows businesses to streamline meeting arrangements by booking all flights through a single Star Alliance carrier, even if attendees originate from different countries. Travel arrangements for 50 or more people, originating from at least three different 6
countries are eligible for the service. The airline network is offering discounts of 10 to 20 percent on business and economy tickets as part of the service. Star Alliance already offers a Conventions Plus service, catering for large delegations to global exhibitions. Christopher Korenke, vice president commercial at Star Alliance said that Meetings Plus was an extension of the
network’s meetings industry expertise and that the offering would increase business from the segment. “With Meetings Plus now available on a world-wide scale, business is bound to grow. We are, after all, building on experience and expertise which we have gained in providing an alliance conventions product for more than eight years,” he said. DECEMBER 5, 2009
Dnata Expands travel outlets and plane Handling services Dnata Travel and the Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) have opened a new outlet in Al Ain, following the launch of new offices in Afghanistan in January and Qatar in May.
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eorge Ambooken, general manager of Dnata Travel Abu Dhabi, was confident about the new outlet, following Dnata’s recent award, World’s Leading Travel Management Company at the 2009 World Travel Awards. “Highly skilled and professional staff with the ability to deliver travel related products and services to award winning standards are what will set us apart from our competitors and herald a new era for travel services in Al Ain,” said Ambooken. The outlet will offer corporate, business and leisure travel services including tailored hotel packages, tours, excursions, safaris, flights, cruises, travel insurance
and international car hire. Abdulla Tawakul, senior vice president, corporate and regional network, Dnata Travel Services, said the company would continue to invest in staff and products. “Dnata/HRG has access to an unrivalled breadth of local and international networks,” said Tawakul. “Our mission is to provide the very highest levels of service quality by combining local knowledge with international standards.” New Acquisitions Dnata has also announced plans to acquire two UK ground handling operations, valued at GBP15 million (USD25 million).
(L-R) Pradeep Havaldar, Dnata Travel Services; George Ambooken, general manager, Dnata Abu Dhabi; Abdulla Tawakul, senior vice president, corporate and regional network, Dnata Travel Services; Rashed Sahail Al Shamsi, operations manager, Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Al Ain; Adel Al Yaaqubi, licensing officer, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, Al Ain
Gary Chapman
Dnata is set to absorb Plane Handling Ltd, part of the Go-Ahead Group, which provides cargo and ramp handling services at London Heathrow Airport and cargo handling services at Manchester Airport. Along with Plane Handling Ltd, Dnata will also acquire passenger and ramp handling operations at Terminal 3 and 4 at London Heathrow Airport from Aviance Ltd, which is also part of the Go-Ahead Group. Gary Chapman, president of Dnata, said the acquisitions were in line with the company’s international development strategy. “Dnata is committed to further developing the strengths of plane handling and ensuring that its airline customers continue to enjoy the highest possible levels of customer service,” said Chapman. With these acquisitions, scheduled to be completed in January 2010, Dnata will operate in 19 airports in eight countries, including Australia, China, Pakistan, the Philippines, Singapore, Switzerland and the UAE.
Adventure Challenge Highlights Unseen Abu Dhabi The Abu Dhabi Adventure Challenge will display a new side of the emirate to potential tourists around the world, according to Ahmed Hussein, deputy director general of the Abu Dhabi DECEMBER 5, 2009
Tourism Authority (ADTA). “The Challenge demonstrates the emirate’s stunning natural landscapes to a global audience and will unveil parts of Arabia unseen by many,” said Hussein.
“It will truly be a journey of discovery for the athletes and the millions of people following the action globally.” The six-day endurance sporting event began on December 4, attracting more than 160 athletes. 7
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
slovenia steps up to tackle MIcE Market The Slovenian Convention Bureau has increased its efforts to promote the country as a meetings industry destination that links the countries of southeast Europe.
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aul Kennedy, director of Kennedy Consulting, has been appointed as a strategic advisor to the bureau and its flagship product, the Conventa trade show. Miha Kovacic, director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, said the appointment was expected to raise Slovenia’s global profile. “Having Paul Kennedy aboard brings international expertise and knowledge to Slovenia,” said Kovacic.
“With his support we expect to raise the level of professionalism within the industry and visibility of Slovenia in the market as well.” Conventa was created in 2009 to showcase the meetings and incentive travel industry to a global audience. The second edition of the Conventa show will take place in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on January 21 and 22, 2010. Paul Kennedy said the region offered high quality of facilities and service, price competitiveness, safety and ease of travel.
“Conventa offers the opportunity for the destinations in the region to act boldly and aggressively, to work both independently and in collaboration to make a significant impact on the market share in the meetings industry,” said Kennedy.
Paul Kennedy
Element Rolls Out Green Carpet In US Starwood’s eco concept brand, Element, will provide preferential parking and charging stations for electric vehicles in all hotels by the end of 2009. The charging stations will also be available for use by non guests and will be visible on Google Maps, which will display whether the facilities are occupied or available. Brian McGuiness, senior vice president of specialty-select brands for Starwood Worldwide, said the charging stations would encourage more consumers to adopt eco friendly transport options. “Even guests who don't yet drive electric cars tell us that the charging stations are encouraging them to think about more sustainable alternatives and that's very gratifying,” he said. The charging stations are designed with universal jacks, suitable for vehicles ranging from hybrid buses and cars to electric bicycles. 8
DECEMBER 5, 2009
CRUISING & AIR TRAVEL NEWS
safi airways Boosts frankfurt flights
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afi Airways has increased capacity on its FrankfurtKabul route by 30 percent, five months after the route was launched. An Airbus 340-300 (A340) will now service the route; the new A340 is the biggest commercial plane ever operated by an Afghan carrier. From February 2010, the airline will also develop its entertainment programme with the installation of personal video and audio channels for passengers. Rahim Safi, chairman of Safi Airways, said the company was positioning itself as the leading international airline of Afghanistan.
“The Kabul-Frankfurt route has been received so well from the beginning,” said Safi. “With the A340 we show our confidence in this extremely important intercontinental route.”
Safi added that the route was used by Afghan nationals living abroad, international diplomats, corporate travellers and aid organisations. The Kabul-Frankfurt flight currently operates three times per week.
Egyptair and Yemenia Escape Blacklist Friday Egyptair and Yemenia will not be banned from flying to the European Union (EU), according to the latest blacklist released by the European Air Safety Council on Friday November 27. Both Airlines had received prior warnings from the Air Safety Council (ASC), but both have been spared an outright ban, pending ongoing
negotiation with the Egyptian and Yemeni governments. The blacklist includes 15 nations from which no air traffic is allowed and a number of airlines permitted to operate under restrictions. Yemenia, flag carrier for Yemen, was threatened with inclusion on the list following a fatal crash near Comoros
in June. Likewise, Egyptair was under consideration for blacklisting due to failures to meet EU inspection standards. The European Aviation Safety Agency will continue to assess the airlines and aviation authorities of Yemen and Egypt and has requested permission to send auditors to both nations.
Leviathan Cruise Ship Named in Florida Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas underwent its official naming ceremony on December 1.
DECEMBER 5, 2009
The ship is the currently the world’s largest, with a capacity of 5,400 guests. The naming ceremony doubled as a fundraiser for the Make a Wish charity foundation and presaged the ship’s first official cruise. Oasis of the Seas will be based in Florida, US, operating a schedule of seven day Caribbean cruises. Though Royal Caribbean operates cruises within the Middle East, no plans have been announced for the Oasis of the Seas to visit the region. 9
EIBtM Highlights projections for MIcE Industry
The Middle East saw high profile wins in the meetings and incentives arena in 2009, according to reports from the European Incentive, Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition (EIBTM) in Barcelona.
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he annual EIBTM Industry Trends and Market Share Report pointed out that the International Bar Association had chosen to hold its 2011 annual conference in Dubai’s World Trade Centre.
also saw growing demand in 2009. However, the report stated that corporate meetings and events, including incentive travel, had been hit hard by the economic downturn. As a result, the industry had seen shorter lead times, greater price comparison by clients, and an increase in one-day events to reduce the number of overnight stays. Technology Trends The EIBTM report highlighted an increase in alternative meeting methods, including webinars, videoconferencing and web-based learning tools. There was also growth reported in the use of social media for meetings, particularly for marketing and networking.
According to the report, the associations sector of the market has been far less affected than the corporate sector, with a number of new association events created in 2009. The Social, Military, Educational, Religious and Fraternal (SMERF) market 10
Growing Markets While many developed economies have suffered in 2009, emerging markets have continued to grow, according to the report. Brazil, Russia, India and China have all seen a rebound in business confidence, and emerging markets are expected to
represent 50 percent of global GDP by 2010. In terms of investment, Bahrain is moving ahead with the development of Expo City, increasing the size of the existing Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre (BIECC) tenfold. The Road Ahead The EIBTM report predicted a moderate but cautious path to recovery, both for business confidence and the meetings and events industry. According to the report, organisations will continue to select destinations and venues that are not considered extravagant or luxurious. However, the number of business trips was projected to move upward in the second half of 2010 before gathering more momentum in 2011. EIBTM, which ran from December 1 to 3, saw more than 3,300 suppliers and 3,800 hosted buyers. In a new record for the event, 54,255 appointments were prescheduled – an increase of four percent compared to 2008. DECEMBER 5, 2009
rail Infrastructure to Boost cross-Border travel in Gcc Experts say that a regional rail network will accelerate cross-border trade, travel and tourism in the GCC.
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arah Woodbridge, group director of exhibitions for IIR Middle East, organisers of the upcoming Gulf Traffic Exhibition, said transport and infrastructure projects in the Middle East were growing at a rapid pace. Woodbridge said that there was allready USD147 billion committed to transportation investment across the Middle East. In particular, a pan-Gulf rail network will connect the major cities of the region.
DECEMBER 5, 2009
“Work on the rail network that will link all six members of the GCC is expected to start in late 2010 or 2011, according to the UAE’s Union Railway Company,” said Woodbridge.
“It is estimated that the rail network will cost more than USD60 billion and will boost cross-border trade considerably, cutting freight costs and resulting in faster movement of cargo and passengers.” Other projects in the works include a causeway to link Bahrain and Qatar; a USD5.6 billion bridge and railway network in Saudi Arabia; and a metro system for Abu Dhabi. Gulf Traffic 2009 begins on December 6 at Dubai International Exhibition Centre, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers and transport industry professionals.
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Tips and tricks from industry experts, bringing you the latest in emerging destinations, technology, marketing and travel trends. Expand for the right reasons Martin Armitstead, senior vice president of development for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region with Wyndham Hotels, points out that expansion for its own sake is rarely a good business move. It is advice that is relevant not only to hotels, but for any tourism company considering new locations. “The downturn has highlighted a tendency among our competitors; many of them could be accused of taking deals just to add flags – but they are not always in the right locations or for the right reasons,” said Armitstead. “As a result, some of these hotels are challenged now, because they never should have been built in those areas, or under those brands. “We are resolute – we are precious about our brands. Our customers are buying into our brand promise and they need to know what they are getting. It’s about putting the right flags in the right locations.”
It’s about putting the right flags in the right locations
Martin Armitstead
Tailor Your Tech ICT provider, Telindus has released a study showing that travellers of different origins will use in-room information services differently. The firm recommends leveraging the flexibility of modern technology to provide tailored service based on guest demographic. For instance, travellers from the UK overwhelmingly list local weather updates as their main priority. According to Nick Burrows, product manager of digital media solutions at Telindus, consumers are increasingly interested in products that allow them to satisfy their individual tastes while travelling. “IP-based digital TV enables us to deliver localised and personalised information to consumers when they want it. It is a sign of the digital world we live in that consumers are starting to demand this level of personalised information, regardless of where they are in the world,” he said. 12
Diversify Your MICE Business Rob Davidson, EIBTM industry analyst, said that the MICE travel industry needed to promote excellent value with no compromise in quality. “The winners in 2010 will be those suppliers who offer exceptional value and service and those destinations that target a diversified business base where downturns in one area of the meetings industry can be compensated for with opportunities in other areas,” said Davidson. DECEMBER 5, 2009
Mohamed A Al Noman
Wael Soueid
Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority
General Manager, JW Marriott Dubai
“So far we have been successful in diversifying our tourism agenda, whether through international exhibitions and conferences, family and educational tourism, or conference tourism – and we have put the necessary plans in place to develop this particular tourism sector in Sharjah. Conference tourists spend around 30 percent more than the average tourist, demonstrating the importance of the business industry as an influential source of income.
This is one of the reasons that we are focusing on developing this particular sector in Sharjah.”
Conference tourists spend around 30 percent more than the average tourist
“The trendiest furniture, the latest technology and the most fascinating architecture in a hotel won’t work if our guests won’t engage! We need to bring clarity to our hotel business positioning and set the priorities for improvement. JW Marriott Dubai was one of the first few luxurious hotels built in the old part of Dubai 16 years ago. We are classic, not contemporary. We focus on authenticity, culinary, culture and wellness.”
Soha Moussa Head of Promotions, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) "Despite the current financial and economic environment, we have had some very good meetings with serious buyers at EIBTM. The buyers are high quality and are very focused. They know what they want and are asking very specific questions about organising itineraries as well as venue and convention facility details. They are interested in Qatar as a new venue to consider for their events."
The [EIBTM] buyers are high quality and are very focused
Wael Soueid
QTA representatives at EIBTM
We are classic, not contemporary
Sarah Woodbridge Group Director Exhibitions, IIR Middle East (organisers of the Gulf Traffic Exhibition) "The Gulf 's 36 million residents are currently restricted to travel either by car, bus or air, and a rail network would accelerate cross-border travel, trade and
A rail network would accelerate cross-border travel, trade and tourism
tourism - infrastructure development that is dependent on road and rail, including the essential industrial, logistics and manufacturing sectors, will not be possible without the implementation of effective solutions designed to meet the demands of today and the future."
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, frustrations and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel DECEMBER 5, 2009
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Simeon Olle
Rainer Weinburg
Emaar hospitality group has appointed Simeon Olle as the new general manager of The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai. Olle will take over Emaar’s flagship property after more than 20 years with the Hyatt group. He has previously managed Park Hyatt hotels in both Korea and Beijing and has worked in markets as diverse as Asia, Australia and South America.
Rainer Weinburg has been appointed as the new director of operations for Aloft Abu Dhabi. Weinburg moved to Abu Dhabi from Spain, where he worked as complex director of operational innovation for Le Meridien Barcelona, Le Meridien Ra Beach Hotel and Spa, and the Westin Valencia. His 15 year hospitality career started in Heidelberg, Germany where he worked for both InterContinental Hotel Group
and Holiday Inn. From Germany he moved to Starwood’s Sheraton Hotel at London Heathrow Airport before becoming assistant front office manager at the Sheraton Hotel Frankfurt, in 1997. Weinburg moved to Mallorca, Spain in 2002 as front office manager of the St Regis Mardavall Resort, shifting to Sheraton La Caleta Resort and Spa in Teneriffe as director of rooms from 2004-2007.
Heinz Krähenbühl Heinz Krähenbühl has been appointed as general manager for Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain. He was previously general manager at Mövenpick Hotel Kuwait. Krähenbühl holds a master’s degree in hotel management and has worked in Switzerland, Russia and Singapore. Within the Middle East, he has experience in the UAE, Beirut, Jordan, Lebanon and Kuwait.
Simeon Olle
James Ream James Ream, former CEO of easyJet has been hired by American Airlines as the new senior vice president for maintenance and engineering. He began his aviation career as a helicopter engineer in the US Army, before moving to American Airlines and then Continental Express. Ream served seven years at Continental Express as chief operating officer, before becoming CEO of easyJet. He holds an associate of science degree in aviation maintenance, as well as FAA certificates as both an airframe and powerplant mechanic and a private pilot. He also holds a bachelor of science degree in operations management from San Diego State University and a master of business administration from Northwestern University. 14
Heinz Krähenbühl
Walid Mehiri Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina has appointed Walid Mehiri as director of sales and marketing. Mehiri holds a master certificate in hospitality management and has 14 years of experience in four and five star properties for several international brands. His most recent position was director of sales and marketing at Swiss Belhotel International Dubai. Walid Mehiri DECEMBER 5, 2009
Q&a with rainer Weinburg Starwood’s Aloft brand specialises in providing streamlined service to the emerging young business market. The concept is stripped down, informal and different, with Aloft at ADNEC Abu Dhabi one of only two Aloft properties outside the US. Rainer Weinburg is the newly appointed director of operations at the hotel: he spoke to Travel Trade Weekly about the Aloft concept and its place in the MENA market. Travel Trade Weekly: Aloft has only two bell boy, where normally guests would be properties outside the US - why was Abu Dhabi chosen as one of them? Rainer Weinburg: Being part of ADNEC, Abu Dhabi Exhibition Centre, makes it the hotel of choice for coming events and exhibitions. Aloft brings a new, very well perceived concept in terms of practicality to the hotel industry. This form will eventually become the preference of the business traveller on the go. Aloft Abu Dhabi is located 20 minutes away from downtown Abu Dhabi and 15 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport. It serves the ADNEC visitors and exhibitors but is becoming a regular destination for young affluent residents of Abu Dhabi searching for new and stylish outlets.
Travel Trade Weekly: Has the Aloft brand made any changes for the Middle Eastern demographic? Rainer Weinburg: Normally it would be very constrained, but because of the demands of the Middle Eastern market we have had to adapt certain features. For instance, our brand does not usually have bars, restaurants or lounges, which are things that this market demands, so those are things we have had to adapt. Normally our brand would only have a lobby bar and a grab-and-go outlet, but in Abu Dhabi we have introduced a restaurant and have a rooftop lounge, which is opening soon. Also, in this region we know that room service is expected, so we have allowed our guests to order from our grab-and-go outlet and have it delivered to their rooms. There are other ways we have had to adjust as well, adding a valet service and a DECEMBER 5, 2009
provided with a luggage trolley to transport their own bags. These are all things you would not find in the American Alofts.
Travel Trade Weekly: It sounds as though Aloft is focused on a market interested in self-service products; how has Aloft been received in the luxury focused Middle Eastern market? Rainer Weinburg: Having these adaptations to the needs of the market here, the response has been ok. Obviously, it’s not for everyone but we are very happy with the response that we’ve had. Our visitors are mostly travellers from outside the UAE. It’s mainly a corporate crowd, but at the moment we have all demographics and all ages visiting the hotel. What we’re doing is very different and people are responding to that.
Travel Trade Weekly: Who would you say is Aloft’s target market? Rainer Weinburg: Automatically by the concept of the hotel, it’s a younger market that we’re targeting. The concept is to offer business customers an informal experience. For the past three years we’ve been doing a lot of work developing this brand and hearing the voice of the customer has been the most important thing to us. We’ve talked to a lot of young business people to find out what they want when they arrive at a hotel, when they stay, when they have dinner in a hotel. What we have seen is that a relaxed atmosphere is preferred, so no one in our
Rainer Weinburg
hotel wears a tie; a tie is a taboo. It is a fun experience when you come into the hotel. In our hotel you will hear popular music from the 80s and 90s; we offer electronic check in and wi-fi throughout the hotel. We have screens in the lobby, a ticker showing the daily news, and when you get to your room you can plug your laptop into our media hub and work on the 42 inch screen.
Travel Trade Weekly: How have you sought to attract this market? Rainer Weinburg: We’re going for more technology, design, style and fun. We are what you would call a lean hotel; we try to analyse and to streamline processes so we are sure that we are giving what our customers want, not more and not less. What we’re doing is quite different and new, and it has been done with some study. Our senior crew has done its homework, and we have good reason to expect that the market will want what we’re offering. 15
Exclusive Summit Invites All Spa Cast The fourth annual Global Spa Summit (GSS) has been announced. The event will be held at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski in Istanbul, Turkey, from May 16-19, 2010. GSS operates on an invitation-only basis, bringing together representatives of spa, hospitality and wellness businesses from 40 countries. The summit will comprise speeches as
well as a variety of interactive sessions which will include: panel-led discussions; general forums; small group breakout sessions and hosted dining. According to a statement by event organisers, the agenda will be tailored to the areas of expertise of registrants; a move that is intended to encourage a collaborative experience of the event.
Events Sportex Middle East Exhibition Dubai, UAE, Dec 6-8 (www.sportexmiddleeast.com) International event for the sports, fitness, health and leisure industries.
FITUR Madrid, Spain, Jan 28 - Feb 2 Spanish travel show targeted to business travel market.
International Luxury Travel Market Cannes, France, Dec 7-10 (www.iltm.net) Annual business-to-business event for the global luxury travel community.
Middle East Exclusive 2010 Dubai, UAE, Feb 2-4 (www.middleeastexclusive.com) Luxury brand and travel retail exhibition.
Nation Branding Seminar Dubai, UAE, Dec 10 (www.nationbrandingevents.com /nationbranding/middle-east) Advising governments on ways to better manage investment, tourism, trade and talent.
SME Expo and Conference 2010 Dubai, UAE, Feb 2-4 (www.smeexpo.com) Exhibition and conference for small and medium enterprises.
Travel Turkey Izmir Izmir, Turkey, Dec 10-13 (www.travelturkey-expo.com) Travel Turkey Izmir Tourism Fair and Conference. Arab International E-Tourism and E-Marketing Conference El Gouna, Egypt, December 14-18 (http://www.ioeti.org/ioeticonference) Summit focused on improving the application of technology by the travel trade. Moroccan Travel Market Marrakech, Morocco Jan 14-17 (www.mtm.ma) International fair for tourism professionals.
Business Travel and Meetings Show 2010 London, UK, February 9-10 (http://www.businesstravelshow.com) Formerly the Business Travel Show, this event caters to consumers and suppliers of corporate travel services. EMITT Istanbul Istanbul, Turkey, Feb 11-14 (emittistanbul.com) Exhibition for travel professionals in the East Mediterranean and Eurasia. Gulfood Exhibition 2010 Dubai, UAE, Feb 21-24 (www.gulfood.com) Food and beverage exhibition.
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DECEMBER 5, 2009