Travel Trade MENA February 2014

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FEBRUARY 2014

ISSUE 52

ONSITE: KUWAIT Kuwait continues to consolidate its position as a financial powerhouse and a hub for innovation.

Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract an increasing number of visitors and investors and the rising emirate is now on a quest to write history and set new records.

08 EXCLUSIVE: GOLF The coming months are set to crown three years of consecutive improvement for global golf tourism, and the MENA countries are enjoying a share of this growth.

17 IN THIS ISSUE MARKET UPDATE

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VISIT: Ras Al Khaimah

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ONSITE: Kuwait

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EXPLORE: Fujairah

11

TOUR: Thailand

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EXCLUSIVE: Golf Tourism

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WHO’S MOVED

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

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TRAVEL TALK

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RENDEZVOUS

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NEWS & EVENTS

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VISIT: Ras Al Khaimah

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MARKET UPDATE

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

Dubai International to Exceed Target Dubai International is set to surpass its traffic forecast for 2013 following another month of solid growth in November 2013.

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Emily Millett SENIOR JOURNALIST Rita Kasziba JOURNALIST Maria Kazeli PRESS Maria Demetriadou Pauline Shahabian DESIGN & LAYOUT Elena Stylianou DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 103670 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel

uring the month under review, a total of 5,337,544 passengers passed through the airport’s gates as compared to 4,875,003 in November 2012, marking 12 consecutive months with over five million monthly

travellers.

As a result, traffic between January and November 2013 soared to 60,384,407 passengers, marking a 15.3 percent year-on-year increase, and bringing Dubai International closer to its annual target.

“The growth in passenger traffic has been nothing short of phenomenal in 2013, with a monthly average of 5.4 million customers and we are set to exceed our

target of 65.4 million for the year,” commented Paul Griffiths, CEO, Dubai Airports.

“Dubai International’s total capacity increased to 75 million passengers per year when Concourse A was opened in January 2013 and this will be followed by the opening of Concourse D in early 2015,” he continued.

The strongest markets in terms of percentage growth were Eastern Europe driven by flydubai’s services to 15 destinations in 10 countries across Europe, followed by Australasia, Russia and the CIS. Aircraft movements between the months of January and November 2013 reached 337,121, up 7.6 percent year-on-year.

EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel PRINTED IN CYPRUS Cyprint Plc P.O. Box 58300, CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +357 25 720035, Fax: +357 25 720123 Email: info@cyprint.com.cy

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Dubai International, Concourse A

Accurate as of

29/01/2014 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

1USD=

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.97

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

142.95

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.62

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.20

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

24,872.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

214.86

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

77.95

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.25

QAIA: Passenger Traffic Soars Between January and November 2013, a total of 6,024,078 passengers flew into Amman's Queen Alia International Airport, marking a year-on-year increase of 3.7 percent.

October saw robust growth of 14 percent with 600,855 travellers passing through the airport, while aircraft movements during the same month went up by 0.83 percent.

“Driving October 2013’s results was the concentration of from/to traffic for the Hajj pilgrimage and Eid Al Adha holiday into a single month, whereas in 2012 it had been distributed across two months,” explained Kjeld Binger, CEO, Airport International Group.

Meanwhile, in November 2013 passenger numbers experienced a 0.3 percent lull, aircraft movements (ACM) however climbed 0.2 percent to 5,241, bringing ACM for the first 11 months of 2013 to 62,504, up 0.8 percent.

“November 2013 fell between two of the busiest times of the year, with Hajj and Eid Al Adha on one hand, and Christmas and New Year on the other. With that in mind, it is customary for traffic to slow down during this time, however we are pleased to see that overall traffic continued to organically grow within this period,” concluded Binger.

Queen Alia International Airport

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Ras Al Khaimah

A Vision Becomes Reality Dhyah Fort

With its rich heritage that dates back over 5,000 years, its picture-perfect landscape and myriad of leisure and entertainment activities, Ras Al Khaimah continues to attract an increasing number of visitors and investors and the rising emirate is now on a quest to write history and set new records.  Rita Kasziba writes

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espite the emirate’s recent robust growth, this year started with the news of RAK Airways’ suspension of flights. The national carrier, which returned to the skies under new management and with a new livery in 2010 following a one year hiatus, had earlier outlined plans to fly to 40 destinations by 2015. After a successful year in 2012, which saw over 300,000 passengers travelling with RAK Airways, the airline began its aggressive expansion drive in 2013 with the inauguration of new services to Islamabad, Amman, and Riyadh.

The ambitious plans, however, fell through and RAK Airways announced the suspension of all operations on January 1 with immediate effect. Rising operating costs and the impact of regional political instability on the overall aviation industry were cited as key factors behind the decision as, according to the airline’s statement, these factors were putting immense pressure on the carrier’s performance.

Despite the challenging start to the new year, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (Ras Al Khaimah TDA), the government entity responsible for the development and promotion of the emirate’s infrastructure and potential, was quick to downplay the possible impact of RAK Airways’ suspension on the

Sunset

RAS AL KHAIMAH IN BRIEF Country: UAE Currency: UAE Dirham (AED) Language: Arabic

destination’s future growth. Steven Rice, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah TDA, pinpointed that in 2013, Ras Al Khaimah developed at over 150 percent more than that of the global average tourism growth rate. He further stated that the airline’s decision to cease operations will not deviate the emirate from the growth trajectory.

“RAK Airways did not service Ras Al Khaimah’s key feeder markets and the majority of inbound tourism to the emirate comes through Dubai International and Sharjah International Airport, both approximately 45 minutes drive from Ras Al Khaimah. Our main concern at the moment is to assist any visitor to Ras Al Khaimah that has been affected by the closure,” elucidated Rice.

Underscoring Rice’s words, between January and August 2013 the emirate welcomed over 723,800 guests, yet only 250,000 of these arrived through Ras Al Khaimah International Airport, meaning that more than two-third of the visitors come from or through the nearby emirates.

While RAK Airways’ operations were restricted to the Middle East, India, Pakistan and Nepal, based on Ras Al Khaimah TDA’s figures, the lion’s share of the emirate’s visitors arrived from within the UAE, FEBRUARY 2014

Ras Al Khaimah accounting for over 30 percent of the total arrivals.

Accentuating the destination’s diverse source markets, other feeder markets of significance for the emirate include Germany, representing more than 20 percent; Russia, responsible for close to 18 percent; followed by Ukraine, Italy, the UK and the Czech Republic.

Ras Al Khaimah’s close proximity to the UAE’s busiest airport, Dubai International, and the tourism authority’s endeavours to introduce charter flights from various regions such as Scandinavia, has allowed the emirate to diversify its markets and tap into new areas, leading to an enormous increase in interest and investment in the destination.

now keen on increasing this market’s share by 15 - 20 percent.

The property’s own promotional activities, many of which have been implemented in partnership with sister hotels in Dubai, Sharjah and Abu Dhabi, are targeting mainly domestic travellers and have helped attract more guests from the neighbouring emirates.

Building on this promising trend, Shahwan expects this segment to show an enviable 10-15 percent rise by year-end.

“The business is pretty good and we are expecting increase from different markets, such as the CIS, Poland, China and Europe,” he added.

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Herrenschmidt, adding that with its world-class facilities, the resort plays a vital role in further strengthening the destination’s profile on the global stage.

GROWING LUXURY PORTFOLIO HITTING THE TARGET “The emirate of Ras Al Khaimah has developed very rapidly over the past few years as a [result] of the huge efforts made by the government to place Ras Al Khaimah on the world tourism map,” commented Karien Roets, human resources and admin manager, RAK and Sun Tourism, an exclusive holiday destination organisation, based in the rising emirate.

Since its establishment in May 2011, Ras Al Khaimah TDA has played a crucial role in the emirate’s development, introducing new initiatives, through which the destination was able to broaden its scope and reach out to new markets.

Three years ago, the authority set a goal to increase visitor numbers from 600,000 in 2010 to 1.2 million by the end of 2013, and although year-end figures are yet to be released by the authority, the latest statistics, examining the period between January and August 2013 show a total of 723,852 guests, suggesting that the target is likely to be exceeded.

The momentum continues to build as Ras Al Khaimah begins another landmark year with new targets and challenges, nonetheless with the same thorough spirit that has enabled the emirate to establish itself as a sustainable investment hotspot and a global premium affordable luxury destination.

The recent openings of globally acclaimed luxury brands, such as Hilton Worldwide’s Waldorf Astoria, have undoubtedly helped with this positioning, gaining Ras Al Khaimah global recognition as a high-quality worldwide destination.

The 364-room Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE’s first Waldorf Astoria-branded property, opened its doors to domestic and international travellers in August 2013 and has immediately made headlines, fast acquiring a reputation as one of the most luxurious and exclusive leisure destinations in the UAE, as Andre Herrenschmidt, general manager, Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, noted.

“We are a new hotel which is attracting a great

Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah

“Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah prides itself on working with Ras Al Khaimah TDA towards the growth of the rising emirate. The opening of [the hotel], the second Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts’ property in the Middle East, reflects the luxury brand’s ongoing commitment to the region and the prospect for continued growth within the emirate,” concluded Herrenschmidt.

DESTINATIONS OF TOMORROW

Rixos Bab Al Bahr

Hani Shahwan, director of sales, Golden Tulip Khatt Springs Resort and Spa, noted that as a result of the latest developments, 2013 brought a notable rise in demand from China, and the hotel’s management is FEBRUARY 2014

deal of attention and as a result Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah will continue to offer the true Waldorf experience as it welcomes an increasing number of guests from across the MENA region and internationally,” said

As Ras Al Khaimah’s profile continues to rise, industry heavyweights are swarming into the emirate to grab a slice of the booming market, with Al Marjan Island being one of the primary spots of interest.

Spanning a total area of 2.8 million m2, the emirate’s first man-made island project has become a symbol of the destination’s ambitious strategy, luring globally acclaimed brands.

Speaking about the most recent developments on the coral-shaped islands, Michael Hernandez, CEO, Al Marjan Island, informed that following the recent launch of DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island, the team is now gearing up for the inauguration of two more properties, adding over 1,000 keys to the destination’s growing inventory, while the landscaping is being installed now with the last touches to the street lighting going in as well.

“There are four more hotels to begin construction this year along with branded residences, serviced apartments, townhouses and villas,” revealed Hernandez, suggesting that yet another significant project will be announced later this year that will contribute greatly to the islands’ high profile and the overall 

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GDP of Ras Al Khaimah.

“In the common area, we are currently building two large parks that will be connected by a 3.5km waterfront boardwalk with various amenities, restaurants and shops opening out onto it. This will be a banner year for Al Marjan Island,” stressed Hernandez.

Further highlighting the project’s vital role in Ras Al Khaimah’s future aspirations, Hernandez touched upon the venture’s wide-spread socio-economic impact, saying that Al Marjan Island offers over 200ha of available serviced plots for development, with much of that being hospitality related.

“There has been significant investor interest with the current upsurge in the real estate market in Ras Al Khaimah so we are on course to break a record for land sales this year and realise a critical mass of development activity on the islands.”

As Hernandez indicated, along with hospitality uses, there has also been huge demand for low density residential, serviced apartments and branded residences due to over 19km of water frontage being available on the man-made islands.

“Ras Al Khaimah is pursuing an increase in the tourism GDP in the emirate which currently is below three percent of the total GDP. Al Marjan Island will be the single largest contributor to increasing tourism accommodation inventory as well as “to-be-announced” demand drive that will be a game-changer for the Northern Emirates as a tourism destination,” claimed Hernandez.

Coming next on Al Marjan Island later this month is what Christophe Victor, director of sales, Rixos Bab Al Bahr, described as ‘not just another new resort’.

“Rixos Bab Al Bahr is the first ultra all-inclusive con-

Flamingos

cept in the region, allowing free access to 15 food and beverage outlets. It is a simple and refreshing concept that allows for peace of mind. […] Even the late snacks in room service and beverages at the night club are

Ras Al Khaimah

included,” informed Victor, saying that the complex, that will comprise five buildings, will further boost the emirate’s profile as a luxury destination. “[We should] not confuse all inclusive with cheap

launched at the beginning of the year. Located on the trunk of Al Marjan Island, the property, which joined Hilton Worldwide’s existing portfolio of four hotels in the emirate, boasts 485 rooms and suites, all with ac-

Al Hamra Village and Yacht Club

tourism. With 655 keys, major conference facilities, 15 food and beverage outlets, a magnificent spa, and a wide range of watersports activities and excursions, Rixos Bab Al Bahr will play an active role in the development of Ras Al Khaimah,” vowed Victor.

Slated to open at the beginning of March, Marjan Island Resort & Spa will exude a unique combination of true Arabian hospitality and wellness. Comprising 303 rooms, 155 vacation suites, and a wide range of leisure facilities, further to state-of-the-art meeting rooms and a ballroom, the property will bring a stimulating vision to the emirate and a genuine place to experience world-class tourism.

Another upcoming project on Al Marjan Island is Santorini Hotel, Bin Majid Group’s fifth property in the emirate, which, as opposed to the initial plans, will open with a larger inventory between the third and fourth quarter of the year.

“We decided to double the number of rooms due to the growing number of tourists coming to the emirate. On the other hand, we have seen that the properties being developed within that area have a high inventory as well, and we simply want to compete with the best,” explained Ali Kasapbashi, group general manager, Bin Majid Group.

“Ras Al Khaimah has seen extensive growth in the number of touristic and hospitality developments such as the Al Marjan Island along with the growth of the number of tourists per year,” noted Kasapbashi, adding that the government of Ras Al Khaimah has been ever helpful in creating the infrastructure to spur growth.

Already established on the island, DoubleTree

by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island was officially

cess to the resort’s private 650m beach.

“I am delighted we now have four diverse upscale hotels open in Ras Al Khaimah, a rising destination where tourism is a vital element of the local economy,” voiced Rudi Jagersbacher, president, Middle East and Africa, Hilton Worldwide, adding that as a global company, Hilton Worldwide is keen on making a worthy contribution to raising the profile of the emirate on the international stage and helping to support its growing status as a leading destination for authentic culture, tradition and adventure.

Acknowledging the destination’s growing significance on the global stage, John Greenleaf, global head, DoubleTree by Hilton, added, “Ras Al Khaimah is a destination filled with fascinating surprises, and it is easy to see why the emirate is attracting more visitors seeking the true essence of the Middle East.”

The rapidly increasing room supply of the emirate, however, calls for new questions. While Ras Al Khaimah’s current room inventory includes over 3,000 units, this number is set to more than triple over the coming years to reach 10,000 rooms and suites by 2016. Could this abrupt surge in supply impinge on performance indicators?

“The growing supply of rooms will definitely affect our occupancy therefore we are creating different packages to suite the guests’ needs. We lay also great emphasis on upgrading our facilities, and maintaining and enhancing the quality of services we are offering,” divulged Shahwan, suggesting that offering a unique product, such as the resort’s natural hot springs, will play a crucial role in maintaining business levels amidst the stiffening competition.

In addition, the close collaboration amongst the FEBRUARY 2014

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Ras Al Khaimah emirate’s various stakeholders is yet another key instrument for fine tuning the destination’s assets and future aspirations.

“We are working closely with our partners like, Ice Land Water Park; we are currently promoting each other and will continue the same marketing campaign for all guests. We will also continue offering packages with Tower Links Golf Club, with which we are targeting European travellers. We are also grateful for Ras Al Khaimah TDA’s support in promoting the destination both locally as well as internationally,” Shahwan added.

Furthermore, one-of-a-kind destinations, such as Al Hamra Village, that offer a slew of activities, along with high-end restaurants, spa facilities and various shops in one place, are also set to play a pivotal role in balancing demand and supply.

Located in close proximity to Al Marjan Island, Al Hamra Village has also been undergoing a period of expansion, with the opening of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, the development of new residential projects and the enhancement of its existing facilities. Al Hamra Real Estate Development (AHRED) remains upbeat about this year’s prospects as it continues to introduce new ventures, including a signature project with highend luxury villas at the central island, which is due to be launched in the first quarter of the year.

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

“Although details are kept under wraps, it is anticipated to be a fully sustainable development with many environmental technologies and innovations being featured and implemented,” revealed Barry Ebrahimy, head of sales and marketing, AHRED, adding that a new townhouse community, that will comprise 60 spacious homes, is also under development, while Al Hamra Mall continues to welcome various new brands.

“The last few months have seen a flurry of activity at Al Hamra Mall, with the highlight being the opening of the state-of-the-art eight-screen VOX Cinemas, and […] a new family entertainment centre,” explained Ebrahimy.

These recent new openings at the retail complex have had an instant reaction from the mall’s customers with footfall skyrocketing more than 50 percent and store sales rising 20-30 percent year-on-year.

This trend, as Ebrahimy said, is set to continue over the coming months as both the complex and the village continue to enhance the visitor experience.

“Al Hamra Village continues to be the destination of choice in the Northern Emirates. A combination of luxury hotels, a world-class golf course and marina combined with food and leisure facilities make this community a unique destination for visitors and investors,” concluded Ebrahimy.

KEEP CALM Despite RAK Airways’ recent decision to terminate its services, Ras Al Khaimah’s tourism industry remains upbeat about the destination’s future prospects.

Expressing positive hopes, Roets noted, “This year should be promising with new hotels opening on Al Marjan Island adding over 1,000 rooms to the market, while the government continues to work very hard to improve the infrastructure to support future tourism projects and expansions.”

This infrastructural evolution, coupled with the foreseen positive impact of the much-anticipated Expo 2020 in Dubai, will be a major business driving force for the whole region and according to Roets, is set to pave the way to a bright future for Ras Al Khaimah.

Sharing these views, Shahwan added, “The tourism growth in Ras Al Khaimah will continue, especially now that Ras Al Khaimah has a lot to offer from leisure options to a wide range of accommodation choices.

We expect more tourists from different markets to come here for holidays as well as business. […] Expo 2020 will not only have an effect on Dubai but the whole UAE. Dubai will be congested and busier than ever and we look forward to welcoming here people who are looking for a place to retreat. By this time, Ras Al Khaimah will also have even more to offer.” 

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FEBRUARY 2014

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ONSITE

Kuwait

Small in Size, Big in Prominence

Kuwait Towers

Kuwait’s recognition as a trading station dates back to the ninth century and since then, the country has continued to consolidate its position as a financial powerhouse and a hub for innovation, proving itself as a state that is small in size, but big in prominence.  Rita Kasziba writes

A

ccording to Alpen Capital’s statistics, currently over 80 percent of the government’s revenues and more than half of Kuwait’s GDP are dependent on the oil sector, thus over the past years, the country has been focusing on reducing its reliance on its natural resources by enhancing other sectors, such as tourism.

Despite a slight setback a few years ago, international arrivals to Kuwait have followed a steady upward trend over the past decades, with numbers growing 268 percent between 2001 and 2011 from 73,000 to 269,000 as The World Bank’s statistics show.

Alpen Capital’s analytics remain upbeat about the destination’s future prospects and expect arrivals to continue to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 4.9 percent over the period 2011 - 2016, reaching 370,000 international visitors by 2016, giving a major boost to the country’s hospitality sector.

KUWAIT IN BRIEF Capital: Kuwait City Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD) Language: Arabic

In fact, Kuwait's hotels experienced a successful year in 2013, registering the highest top line growth in November 2013 across the five MENA markets surveyed by TRI Hospitality Consulting, with average room rate soaring 36.8 percent year-on-year to USD331.96, and RevPAR jumping 45.7 percent to USD207.44.

“The Kuwaiti hotel market witnessed a rebound in performance during November 2013 from the low levels experienced during the same period in 2012, which was affected by ongoing political and civil protests. Average rates have since recovered, driven by a revival in corporate demand that was imperative in propelling rate growth, contributing over 50 percent of total room nights,” pointed out

Kuwait Skyline

Peter Goddard, managing director, TRI Hospitality Consulting Middle East.

Goddard’s observations were also underpinned

by Ali Haddad, general manager, Swiss-Belhotel Plaza, Kuwait, who reported notable year-on-year increases in both occupancy levels and average room rates, as events and exhibitions held across the city continued to draw large crowds, leading to a healthy, above regional average performance during the summer season.

Having celebrated its soft-opening in May 2013, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Jumeirah Group’s first venture in the Gulf region outside the UAE, has also enjoyed a tremendously positive response from the market, as Hakan Petek, acting general manager, Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Kuwait, revealed, describing 2013 as an excellent first year for the property.

Likewise, Khadija Meftah, marketing and communications manager, Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Al Bida'a Kuwait, portrayed 2013 as the hotel’s most successful year to date in terms of business and revenues.

“The 2013 financial results show a very positive growth in both business and leisure segments, with an improvement of 10.5 percent in RevPAR, which was mainly achieved through increasing our rates.

We have also witnessed a rise in the hotel’s overall revenue of more than 20 percent,” informed Meftah, apprising that the growth has been driven by the FEBRUARY 2014

Kuwait leisure segment.

Commenting on the trends currently shaping the Kuwaiti industry, Goddard said, “Although leisure travellers continue to be the highest yielding segment, achieving rates of USD405.21, the proportion of demand from this segment has fallen by approximately 50 percent to 7.2 percent of total demand [in November 2013].”

In fact, corporate travel continues to be the main driving force in the Kuwaiti tourism industry’s progress, accounting for the lion’s share of figures, with leisure travel placing Kuwait at the low end of the spectrum for the GCC region.

THE FUN FACTOR In order to reduce the country’s reliance on oil and, at the same time, increase the tourism industry’s contribution to the national GDP, Kuwait is placing great emphasis on enriching its tourism product.

With this in mind, the government is currently focusing on leisure travel as part of an ambitious five-year plan for 2011 - 2016 which aims to increase total visitor numbers to one million.

To increase demand and reach the targets outlined in the five-year plan, industry players are looking to promote the destination to a wider audience by highlighting the country’s business as well as leisure credentials.

As Haddad noted, further developing the exhibitions and events sector is crucial, it should however go hand-in-hand with the leisure segment’s enhancement, convincing participants of these events to spend longer periods in the country in order to enjoy the facilities and activities on offer.

Reiterating this point, Michael Nielsen, director of business development, Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait, said, “Kuwait continues to show a healthy performance in terms of hosting international and regional conferences and exhibitions and we expect this to continue in an upward trend. Having modern hotels, good shopping and leisure facilities will all certainly help attract other market segments.”

Providing visitors with a wider variety of attractions is also high on the agenda according to Haddad, who added, “The tourism sector remains largely underdeveloped and Kuwait still needs to have a variety of tourist attractions in comparison to its neighbours.

The government released a five-year tourism development plan in 2011. Consequently, by 2015, Kuwait aims to welcome at least one million visitors annually.

Boosting leisure tourism is an important part of the state’s plans.”

“There are also plans for the development of Failaka Island into a leisure destination and Boubyan Island for commercial and tourism purposes.

This will certainly diversify and further improve the leisure sector,” reminded Haddad. “Tourism arrivals to Kuwait and the region are expected to increase, driven by a rise in family, leisure and business travel,” he continued.

Likewise, Meftah believes that although Kuwait is FEBRUARY 2014

Jazeera Airways

well-known as a family destination across the region, attracting large numbers of families during weekends and public holidays mainly from Saudi Arabia, thanks to the countries’ close proximity, there is still room for growth.

“In order to attract a wider audience from other GCC countries and beyond, I believe that the country should create more family activities such as shopping festivals, and increase kids’ activities and entertainment options by building child-friendly shopping centres for example,” suggested Meftah.

Nielsen referred to Euromonitor International’s Travel and Tourism report for July 2013, which showed that business tourism remains the main driving force behind the industry’s consolidation despite the recent boom in quality accommodation significantly enhancing the country’s leisure portfolio.

“International hotel chains are expanding, targeting mainly business tourists, but they will also boost the recreational aspect of Kuwait, because hotels are key destinations for leisure-oriented

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activities for both locals and tourists,” suggested Nielsen. “Kuwait has a long-term national plan for the development and diversification of the economy, including travel and tourism industry elements, such as the new airport terminal and the development of islands.”

According to Haddad, the proposed projects are expected to give a new impetus to the industry’s development, spurring a myriad of new developments.

“Several four- and five-star resorts are likely to open in Kuwait by 2015, however, hotel operators are waiting for the market to be more mature before it gets ready to receive top-end resorts,” stressed Haddad. "While Kuwait’s efforts to boost visitor numbers are gathering pace, growing attractions and retail developments are pivotal too.”

As Nielsen noted, the past years’ socio-political occurrences in the Levant region and North Africa have been benefitting various countries in the area, turning many global heavyweights’ attention to more stable markets, such as Kuwait, while, on the other hand, travel agencies have also been prompted to become more creative in their destination and package offerings.

Raising the bar is indeed of great importance if Kuwait is to grab a larger market share of the booming regional tourism industry, reinforced 

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Kuwait

Petek, indicating that tourists, whether travelling for business or leisure, expect nothing but the best.

“We are confident that more and more tourism facilities for fun, relaxation, entertainment and business purposes are to be developed in the very near

is why our aim for the current year is to increase our share from long-term business,” said Meftah, adding that despite the newly emerging trends, the Saudi and local markets are likely to remain the key contributors to Kuwait’s tourism sector.

on the global tourism map, the Ministry of Industry and Commerce recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kenya, aimed at enhancing tourist exchange between the African country and the oil-rich nation and fostering bilateral relations and collaboration in the field of tourism.

Step by step, Kuwait is reaching out to new markets; however the industry’s development is much dependent on the country’s air connections, as Haddad also pinpointed, “The airline newcomers to Kuwait contributed positively to the number of arrivals, as the diversity of routes gave customers more flexibility to book the time and date they wish.”

TURN AROUND

Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

future. In contributing our share towards the growth and development of the country’s tourism industry, we shall focus on providing products and services that will set the highest standards of luxury and hospitality and attract travellers to Kuwait,” asserted Petek.

Due to the country’s prominence on the global stage, thanks to its natural resources and financial status, Kuwait also continues to benefit from arrivals from European countries, such as Germany, the UK, France and Italy, as well as the US, all of which are, in

BEYOND SAUDI ARABIA Through the enrichment of its tourism product, Kuwait is set to enhance its competitiveness and reach out to new markets, beyond the traditionally strong feeder market of the neighbouring Kingdom.

“Saudi Arabia is a key source market for Kuwait’s travel and tourism industry and due to the easy access, Saudis often visit Kuwait for business as well as for short breaks and holidays, as they find it more entertaining than their own country,” explained Nielsen.

In fact, Kuwait’s main international market continues to be the GCC, contributing approximately twothird of the total arrivals, while Europe currently accounts for less than 15 percent of tourist inflow.

As Meftah noted, the destination’s tourism industry almost entirely depends on the Saudi and local markets. However, recent developments, along with the proposed projects, have ushered in a new era for Kuwait, attracting international experts of various sectors to the country on short- and long-term contracts, many of them looking for long-term stay at the hotels, giving a new impulse to the destination’s business mix.

“We see a big potential in this segment and that

Kuwait has a long-term national plan for the development and diversification of the economy, including travel and tourism industry elements, such as the new airport terminal and the development of islands one way or another, linked to the state’s oil and gas production and exports, pinpointed Nielsen.

Looking to further improve Kuwait’s presence

To elevate Kuwait’s tourism competitiveness to the next level, the country’s airlines continue to grow their fleet and network and Kuwait Airways has recently signed a MoU with Airbus to purchase 10 A350-900 and 15 A320neo aircraft. This step forms part of the national carrier’s fleet renewal strategy and is set to bolster the airline’s long-term business strategy, as Jassar Al Jassar, acting chairman, Kuwait Airways, explained.

“The A350-900 will strengthen our long-haul route development whilst the A320neo will further boost our regional route network. These aircraft are an essential part of our ambitious growth plans,” asserted Al Jassar.

Likewise, Jazeera Airways continues to grow its prominence in the regional skies.

Since 2009, the low-cost carrier has undergone a comprehensive turn-around programme, embarking on a restructuring strategy and significantly reducing its fleet to emerge as a profitable airline by the third quarter of 2010.

All in all, 2013 proved to be another banner year for Jazeera Airways Group with the company registering its best-ever nine month results between January and September 2013. Net profits reached KWD14.1 million (USD49.8 million), marking a 23 percent yearon-year rise, spurred by strong passenger demand which led to an average load factor of 70 percent for the first three quarters of 2013.

The airline, which carried 1.1 million passengers in 2012, currently serves 19 destinations in the Middle East and has recently taken delivery of a brand new Airbus A320, bringing its fleet to 14 aircraft.

The new Airbus marked the arrival of the second of three new aircraft funded by the USD90 million structured facility that was led by two banks in June 2013, and is part of the airline’s growth strategy to operate new and modern aircraft, and to develop in parallel with Kuwait’s overall market growth.

To accommodate this expansion, Kuwait International Airport is currently evaluating bids from 16 global firms for the proposed USD3.24 billion terminal project, due to commence this April, which is expected to more than triple the hub’s capacity from the current eight million to 25 million passengers per annum by 2017.  FEBRUARY 2014

EXPLORE

Fujairah

11

Exposing Full Potential With enough unique and impressive natural assets to stand alone as a major regional player in the tourism sector, Fujairah is now driving for increased infrastructural development in a bid to further improve its product and compete on an international level.

QATAR IN BRIEF Country: UAE Currency: Emirati Dirham (AED) Language: Arabic

Fishermen

 Emily Millett writes

P

reviously somewhat held back by a lack of adequate tourism infrastructure and a limited accommodation offering, Fujairah is now flaunting its appeal as an interesting alternative to its fellow emirates, standing out from the crowd thanks to a unique location on the east coast, a wide variety of exclusive activities and facilities, as well as a flood of foreign investment in the hospitality sector.

Efforts to promote the destination by Fujairah Tourism & Antiquities Authority (FTAA) have resulted in a significant increase in tourism arrivals over recent years, as Saeed Al Semahi, director general, FTAA, explained, “FTAA is working under the shadow of our government to encourage investment, particularly in the hotel and tourism field, constantly developing Fujairah to be a tourist destination. We invite guests to discover the charming features of this beautiful emirate in terms of high-end hotels, resorts and beaches, mountains and nature and historical monuments, in addition to the joy of shopping in the city.”

According to the UAE’s National Council of Tourism and Antiquities, Fujairah welcomed a total of 1.2 million visitors in 2012, marking a 60 percent increase over 2011. And with positive reports coming out of the ever-expanding portfolio of hotels and resorts in 2013, overall tourist influx this year is predicted to demonstrate further escalation.

Commenting on Fujairah’s distinctive appeal, Naeem Darkazally, vice president, sales and marketing Middle East and Africa, Millennium & Copthorne,

FEBRUARY 2014

said, “With Fujairah introducing itself as a tourism destination in its own right, we see the demand from the GCC and international leisure markets increasing, as the emirate becomes a charming alternative tourist destination in the UAE, with beautiful beaches, scenic mountains and numerous cultural attractions on offer.”

LIFE IS A BEACH As the only emirate to enjoy the competitive geographic advantage of its own portion of Indian Ocean coastline, and the wide range of marine biodiversity that accompanies it, Fujairah has managed to carve a niche for itself amongst diving, water sports and outdoor enthusiasts.

A number of luxury properties, such as the 194room Fairmont Fujairah – set to open in 2015, and InterContinental Fujairah – due to be unveiled in 2016, can now be seen popping up along the coastline in a bid to avail of these natural benefits. Confirming this, Ahmad Khalifa Al Shamsi, chairman, FTAA, said, “Five new luxury resorts with 1,000 guest rooms are currently at various stages of development in Fujairah; when opened, they will cater to a wider number of tourists.”

Boasting a host of beach-based leisure tourism facilities including a private beach with volleyball courts and a professional dive centre, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort is already well positioned to capture a significant share of the increasing tourism arrivals. However the property is still pushing to stay ahead of the competition, recently completing the first phase of a comprehensive USD6.8 million renovation project.

“The refurbishment, which began in 2012, includes a complete re-design of all rooms, making them the newest, largest and of the highest quality in the area.

The remainder of rooms will be undergoing renovation in the summer,” Patrick Antaki, general manager, Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort, explained.

Located on the coast opposite popular dive site of Snoopy Island, Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort is also well placed to take advantage of adventure tourists attracted by the rich marine life in the area. In a bid to provide these visitors with a wider variety of options, the property has improved its food and beverage offerings as Satish Gujaran, duty manager, Sandy Beach Hotel & Resort, clarified, “We would like inform that we have launched new outlets Snoopy’s Lounge shisha terrace, and Snoopy’s Tropical Bar.” 

Le Méridien Al Aqah Beach Resort

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EXPLORE

Fujairah

ALL TOGETHER NOW An inevitable and welcome consequence of the emirate’s rising status as an outdoor, leisure hotspot, is the subsequent boost in family tourism to the destination. Ahead of the trend, and setting out to make a mark in the family tourism niche, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Al Aqah Beach is aiming to position itself as the best family resort in the UAE, according to Hossam Kamal, general manager, Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa Al Aqah Beach.

“Tourism trends are moving towards locations offering all ingredients for a perfect family stay, as well as rest and relaxation. Guests want to travel with their children and look forward to resorts that can offer all facilities during the stay,” he explained.

Speaking about the property's current leisure and family offerings, Kamal added, “Fujairah Rotana Resort & Spa defines relaxation with our award-winning luxury signature spa, great food and beverage, and a multitude of children’s activities thus positioning itself as the perfect family resort.”

An action plan for an even better family experience is in place at the hotel, as Kamal revealed, “We are working on extensive plans to create a thorough family concept with numerous kids’ activities and a family oriented environment targeting the local market and international visitors. We have exciting plans for this year and are looking forward to renovations of different areas of the resort. We aim to better the guest experience with new product inclusions for a memorable stay.”

BROADENING HORIZONS Given its natural beauty and enviable position, leisure tourism is a sure stepping stone for growth, however, Fujairah is also preparing for the predicted upward trajectory of its corporate and MICE tourism niches.

Landmark Hotel Group is aiming to stake a claim over this portion of the market with the planned opening of a new four-star hotel on Corniche Road, which, according to Mohammed Jabour, development director, Landmark Hotel Group, is set to open

Diving in Fujairah

later this year.

Commenting on this emerging trend, Darkazally, exclaimed, “We will see continued growth in the corporate travel market within Fujairah as it becomes a commercial hub of significant importance and reaps the benefits of the improved trade environment and transport links to the emirate. These developments will make the emirate an increasingly popular destination for business and corporate travellers and greater levels of MICE business.”

Staying on top of business market progressions, French hotel group Accor, is planning to open three new properties in Fujairah this month, as Olivier Hick, vice president operations, Gulf and Levant countries, Accor said, “We are planning to open a Novotel, ibis, and Adagio aparthotel. The Novotel will comprise 182 rooms; ibis, 180 rooms and Adagio, 72 apartments ranging from studios to two bedrooms, with extensive facilities, restaurants, a ballroom and swimming pools.”

According to Hick the emirate is being targeted for its economic growth and potential as a corporate business destination, following improved accessibility from Dubai and the other emirates, as well as the substantial growth in the port and petroleum sector due to its location on the Gulf of Oman.

Commenting on the expected new client base, Hick exclaimed, “Besides the corporate business, our main focus groups are weekenders and public holiday visitors within the UAE, as well as the local market for banqueting and weddings. We are also planning to attract incentives and confer-

ences due to our large banquets facilities.

“Our diversity of accommodation, food and beverage, leisure and meetings facilities will make our hotels the number one choice for business and leisure travellers appealing to clienteles and business that could not be catered for before. We are confident that our hotels will represent a flagship for Accor in Fujairah,” Hick continued.

SHOP TILL YOU DROP Accor is not alone in its endeavour to promote Fujairah’s unique tourism qualities to the local and domestic markets, with demand from the GCC showing signs of continued growth across the emirate.

It is hoped that development projects such as the new Fujairah Commercial Complex will encourage further augmentation in numbers visiting from the region, as Darkazally commented, “There is no doubt that the new Fujairah Mall will attract many GCC

Fujairah Fort

FEBRUARY 2014

Fujairah nationals and expat residents from across the UAE, due to the wide variety of retail, dining and entertainment offerings in the Fujairah Commercial Complex.”

according to Darkazally, who continued, “Millennium Hotel Fujairah which is scheduled to open in the second half of this year will be the centrepiece of the new Fujairah Commercial Complex. Covering an area of 134,000m², the Fujairah Commercial Complex project will be an entertainment and retail facility and will be situated at the gateway to the city, just off the main highway from Dubai and Sharjah.”

Listing some of the possible catalysts for the surge in tourism to the emirate, Darkazally said, “In recent years we have seen significant investment and economic development within Fujairah. Improved access to major shipping and air travel routes have further developed Fujairah as a recognised commercial hub. The new highways linking the emirate to all major cities in the UAE means that the tourism market in Fujairah will only continue to flourish.”

OPENING CHANNELS FOR GROWTH

Fujairah Fort

Directly connected to the new Fujairah Mall, Millennium Hotel Fujairah is set to offer guests an ideal destination to combine retail therapy with firstclass leisure activities and superb accommodation

FEBRUARY 2014

And although Fujairah has yet to welcome international flights into its airport, plans are in place for this to launch soon, as Kamal confirmed, “I think it would definitely be a step forward when Fujairah starts international flights at the airport here. This will allow guests ease of access and will increase tourism.”

Aviation developments being seen in the larger

EXPLORE

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emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai are having positive repercussions on the flow of arrivals into Fujairah.

Reinforcing this claim Antaki disclosed, “Substantial growth has been seen in inbound tourism from countries such as Saudi Arabia, China, India and Australia.

The partnership between Emirates and Qantas has had a positive impact and we see this evolving further this year.”

The potential for UAE-wide tourism advancements affecting Fujairah is intensifing thanks to the promotion of day-trip tourism, a concept made all the more possible thanks to the unveiling of new roads linking the emirates, as Antaki commented, “The new express highway has halved the travelling time between Dubai and Fujairah, also boosting intra-regional tourism and increasing local and international visitor numbers.”

So with all channels eagerly opening up to allow continued prosperity for the tourism sector in Fujairah, the destination is now set on facing the ultimate challenge – that of international scale exposure.

“Fujairah, as a destination by itself is absolutely superb, but in the international market, Fujairah’s exposure is not as great as say Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

That said, there are steps being taken to increase Fujairah’s international exposure. FTAA is working on innovative strategies to make Fujairah an unrivalled destination on its own," Antaki concluded. 

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Thailand

Remaining Strong

Wat Pho Temple

Thailand’s tourism industry has proven itself as a fort still standing for the country, with statistics showing incoming arrival figures for 2013 managed to exceed goals despite political unrest.  Maria Kazeli

THAILAND IN BRIEF Capital: Bangkok Currency: Thai Baht (THB) Language: Thai

writes

T

hailand is resilient according to Debrah Pascoe, senior vice president, sales and marketing, ONYX Hospitality Group; its tourism and hospitality industry is extremely well-rehearsed, developed and prepared to ensure the safety and comfort of visiting travellers in the face of varying challenges.

Supporting Pascoe’s statements are the recently released figures showing that the country welcomed a total of 26,735,583 visitors in 2013, exceeding the year’s original target of 26.1 million, and representing a 19.6 percent increase over 2012.

Tourists travelling from East Asia remained the largest contributor at 16.09 million arrivals (up 28.47 percent), representing a 60.2 percent share of the overall incoming markets to Thailand, while Europe

took second place by region notching up 6.3 million arrivals (an increase of 11.6 percent).

According to the country’s Department of Tourism, Middle Eastern travellers into Thailand in 2013 totalled 627,435, signalling a year-on-year growth of 3.63 percent.

Commenting on these latest figures, Chalermsak Suranant, director, Dubai and Middle East office, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), said, “During the last two years, the number of visitors to Thailand from the Middle East has grown considerably. While the UAE remains in top position bringing an estimated 176,000 visitors to Thailand in 2013, other GCC countries are also emerging as potential expanding markets including Oman, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait.”

Raising the bar on the figures recorded in 2013, TAT has set a goal to attract 28.01 million international tourists this year. It is estimated that these visitors will generate an estimated foreign exchange revenue of THB1.33 trillion (USD40.35 million).

FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas

These ambitious figures are based on the strong foundations that Thailand’s tourism industry has set for itself, as Suranant revealed. “Bookings are continuing to come in from long-haul markets for the current winter season despite the ongoing anti-government demonstrations and the subsequent international FEBRUARY 2014

TOUR

Thailand media coverage in recent weeks, according to surveys conducted by TAT’s international offices.”

Echoing these positive sentiments, Tareq Bagaeen, area director, sales and marketing, Bangkok and Laos, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts, puts the tremendous growth being witnessed in Bangkok down to the global economic recovery and the strength of the Asia Pacific region in terms of flight connectivity.

“Bangkok is officially, as of mid-2013, the world leader in terms of international visitors toppling London off the top of the charts as per a global survey done by MasterCard Worldwide. The city is truly special in offering attractions to every possible type of visitor from leisure, business, MICE, Asians, MENA region, Europe, US, Australia and even South America,” he said.

Adding to the optimism, 2013 was an active period for tourism investment with a number of new hotels either launched or planned. Hansruedi Frutiger, general manager, Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, confirmed, “Despite the significant growth in hotel supply, with 2,756 additional rooms anticipated by 2015, the increase in visitor arrivals has provided demand and the outlook remains positive.”

According to Frutiger, the exotic island of Phuket is poised to retain its position as one of Asia’s most popular tourist and investment destinations, given the current rate of growth, airport expansion plans and an increase in affluent Asian travellers with greater spending power.

Expressing similar views, Glenn de Souza, vice president, international operations, Asia and Middle East, Best Western International (BWI), said that following two bad years in 2010 and 2011, Thailand has since experienced rapid growth in terms of tourist

dusitD2 Phuket Resort

arrivals, driven by new emerging markets and a fast increase in airlift, especially into Bangkok and Phuket.

“This has helped the country’s hotels recover strongly, driving up occupancy levels and allowing FEBRUARY 2014

hoteliers to increase rates. Of course there is a lot of new supply coming into the market, but so far it is being matched by rising demand,” remarked de Souza.

15

helping to contribute to the improving status.

De Souza believes this growth is due to the rise in intra-Asia travel, particularly from China, India, the

Mövenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

The country’s accommodation sector is set to continue going from strength to strength, thanks, as Pascoe described it, to Thai hospitality’s breadth, value, warmth and quality which will continue to see its prominence as an international hospitality benchmark grow well into the future.

“An increasing number of hospitality brands from around the world will look to establish a presence within Thailand as Thai hospitality is a market leader due to its excellence in customer care, gourmet experiences, spa and wellness expertise, and design,” Pascoe stated. “Fortunately ONYX Hospitality Group originates from Thailand so these hallmarks for success are already in our DNA, and like our own development, I see Thai hospitality brands continuing to increasingly expand their influence and presence internationally.”

As per data released by STR Global, Thailand was among the five markets in the Asia Pacific region which experienced double-digit RevPAR growth, by 12.7 percentage points in October 2013.

Thailand was among the star performers in the region, observed Elizabeth Winkle, managing director, STR Global, who added, “In most situations, a 3.8 percent growth in supply is significant enough to cause problems for most markets. However, Bangkok has been resilient to the additional supply and has made a strong comeback from the riots, protests and floods that it has endured in previous years.”

WELCOME TO THE ORIENT With Thailand’s increasing popularity seeming steadfast, a number of additional external factors are

Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations region, which is driving the country forward.

In Phuket, Frutiger has noticed that the increasing numbers of visitors from emerging markets such as China and Russia, are shifting demand from independent travellers to the wholesale segments.

Bobby Saw, assistant vice president, revenue, Dusit International, also attributed this growth in RevPAR to increased demand from the key source markets of Russia and China, with the company’s properties in Thailand recording 41 and 58 percent rise, respectively, in guests from the two countries.

However, emerging markets cannot take sole responsibility for the upward trajectory as Iain Ganner, director, commercial resorts, Asia and Australasia, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), confirmed, “Major contributions also came from European travellers. Europe may be officially still in the economic doldrums, but people are travelling again, perhaps to shake off their recession blues. For InterContinental Hua Hin, Europe as a region grew by 35 percent in revenue and was followed by the Asian market. In addition, there is robust growth in travel from new markets like the Middle East, Russia, China and Hong Kong, while increasing numbers of Australian travellers have also helped RevPAR growth.”

GROWING REGIONAL VISITS As an incoming source market of travellers to Bangkok, MENA has been showing steady growth with hotels such as Banyan Tree Bangkok investing increasing sales and marketing efforts into targeting the region. According to Bagaeen, specific steps 

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Thailand

can Bay Residence & Suites Krabi, and Centara Pelican Bay Villas Krabi.

Dusit International began the year with news of its latest resort, dusitD2 Phuket Resort. Boasting 390 guest rooms and suites and an array of lifestyle and entertainment outlets including a Hard Rock Café, the hotel is scheduled for rebranding in April.

FLYING HIGH

Centara Grand Beach Resort & Villas Krabi

include attending major travel exhibitions in the area as well as gearing services towards the specific needs of Arabic speaking guests.

The segment is important for the capital as well as countrywide, with de Souza saying, “Our hotels in Thailand experienced a significant increase in business from the MENA region in the first half (H1) of [2013]. Overall, bookings climbed 10 - 15 percent in H1 2013 compared to the corresponding period in 2012. Of course the growth was slightly uneven, with some destinations benefitting more than others. Our properties in Bangkok and Phuket for example, experienced 20 - 25 percent more bookings from MENA, largely due to the increase in direct flights from the Middle East.”

Accor was another group which boosted its performance due to the trend, as Paul Stevens, director of operations, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, Accor, explained. “From January to June 2013, we have seen over a 60 percent increase in the number of guests coming from MENA compared to the same period in 2012.”

Ganner disclosed that revenue from the Middle East and Africa for IHG increased by 45 percent in H1 2013, compared to H1 2012, adding that the hotel group is positive that the clear growth patterns indicate this trend is likely to continue.

The trend of increased interest from the MENA region has also been noticed by the aviation industry as Somchai Sukkhasantikul, general manager, UAE and Middle East, Thai Airways, commented, “We do feel that the demand for air travel between Thailand and the Middle East market is about to grow and Thai Airways is already doing research on the routes which have the maximum potential for development. [Even though] Thai Airways has not recently launched any new route in the Middle East, the airline is looking into expansion in the Middle East on account of the growing demand for travel.”

ADDING INVENTORY The widening audiences showing interest in Thailand is resulting in many local and international brands expanding their footprint in the Asian destination.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide recently opened the 55-villa Sheraton Hua Hin Pranburi Villas, in Prachuap Khirikhan, a province famed for its sandy coastline and popular resort towns of Hua Hin and Pranburi.

Moreover, Minor Hotel Group, a local hotel owner, operator and investor, announced the rebranding of The Chedi Chiang Mai to Anantara Chiang Mai Resort & Spa, as well as the reopening of Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort & Spa after an extensive six-month refurbishment programme.

Thailand is already well-connected with many major cities around the world. However this connectivity is set to further increase, thus driving even more tourism growth into the country, according to de Souza, who said, “With at least three new airlines […] planning to launch in Thailand [this] year, we can expect this trend to continue. […] Koh Phangan’s new airport is expected to open [in the coming months], offering direct flights from Bangkok for the first time ever, and Chiang Mai is now being connected to multiple Chinese cities, including Beijing and Shanghai.”

Backing these comments, Suranant added that all airlines offering flights from the Middle East to Bangkok and Phuket are still enjoying good load factors.

Results released by Etihad Airways indicate that in 2013 Bangkok was the airline’s busiest route, with a total of 742,759 passengers flying to Thailand’s capital city in the period under review, a year-on-year increase of seven percent.

In a bid to boost aviation links to the country, TAT and Airports of Thailand have signed a memorandum of understanding which will see both units undertake a broad range of marketing, promotional, research and human resource development activities designed to increase the number of arriving and transit passengers going through airports in Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Phuket, Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai. The two state enterprises will also work on promoting domestic travel, especially during the

Thai Airways

Asian hospitality group, Centara Hotels & Resorts also plans to greatly expand its presence in the southern Thai province of Krabi following the signing of management contracts for three new properties; Centara Pelican Bay Resort & Spa Krabi, Centara Peli-

off-season months. Additional initiatives under the agreement include the organising of joint seminars, carrying out research, exchanging information and feedback, publicising travel and tourism news, and working together with their respective partners.  FEBRUARY 2014

Golf Tourism

EXCLUSIVE

17

Time For a Tee

Casa Green Golf Club

 Maria Kazeli

writes

The coming months are set to crown three years of consecutive improvement for global golf tourism, as the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) predicts, and countries in the MENA region seem to be enjoying a great share of this growth.

A

ccording to a global golf travel survey released by IAGTO, golf tourism grew by an average of 9.3 percent in 2012, developing strongly again in 2013, with all indications now pointing towards the trend continuing this year.

Backing up the survey’s findings, Peter Walton, CEO, IAGTO, revealed that the vast majority of the association’s 2,140 member golf resorts, golf courses, hotels and golf tour operators across 97 countries, reported further growth in 2013 on the back of a strong 2012.

“Our 520 golf tour operators in 62 countries are a good barometer for the coming 12 months and many have indicated that forward bookings for the first quarter of [this year] are looking healthy,” he stated.

Commenting on the increasing importance of golf as a tourist attraction, Peter Grimster, exhibition manager, International Golf Travel Market (IGTM), FEBRUARY 2014

stated, “IGTM is becoming increasingly important as a barometer of the golf travel industry’s performance, and the verdict [in 2013] is that the market has indeed been lifting, at a steady pace.”

In a statement during the exhibition in November 2013, Walton advised all golf resorts, courses and hotels, to continue to focus on their individual strengths, but also to work together with public sector bodies, to collectively promote their golf destinations and position them in the best possible way to attract more golf travellers and golf tour operator business.

RISING EMIRATE

JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort

Having successfully adopted this combined collaboration strategy, Abu Dhabi is now fast on its way to becoming a veritable force to contend with on the global golf tourism circuit.

“We have benefitted from our collective approach generating awareness with international tour operators,” said Chris White, general manager, Yas Links Abu Dhabi. “The feedback is consistently positive, which stems from sales agents having happy customers and experiencing strong enquiries with resulting package sales,” he added.

Positive figures recorded by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) serve to further reaffirm the emirate’s global status as a desirable golf destination, with the number of overseas 

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EXCLUSIVE

Golf Tourism

rounds played in 2013 growing by 49 percent in comparison to 2012.

Sharing latest company figures, Chris Card, group general manager, Abu Dhabi Golf Club & Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, said, “[Both clubs] have recorded their best ever year-to-date overseas round figures for the period January - October 2013. 5,601 overseas rounds were recorded at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, a 15 percent increase on the same period for 2012, and 5,920 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, 19 percent up on 2012.”

Card attributes this growth to the emirate’s continual drive to execute its golf tourism strategy, maximise revenue returns for related stakeholders and position Abu Dhabi in the minds of potential golf customers.

“Through its Golf in Abu Dhabi vehicle, the emirate is relishing in the success of its key suppliers. We now have recognition with consumers on a global scale who have either read, seen or heard from friends, family or colleagues about the Abu Dhabi golf experience,” he added.

In an additional observation Card noted that the international popularity of golf also allows businesses to engage followers through events and activation programmes.

EYE-TURNING EVENTS Confirming this reflection, the annual Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship has proven to be largely influential in building awareness of the emirate as a golfing destination by strengthening the association between golf and Abu Dhabi to an international audience.

Attracting the likes of Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Martin Kaymer, the event has commanded huge interest and extensive global media coverage, and

The Els Club, Dubai Sports City

the leading golf business platform of its type in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will be held in Abu Dhabi this year, as a result of a joint-bid by Abu Dhabi Convention Bureau and Golf in Abu Dhabi.

The 11th KPMG Golf Business Forum is set to bring more than 250 developers, investors and professionals from the global golf business industry to the UAE capital for two days of conferences, debates and presentations. Travel packages for delegates from more than 40 countries will encompass flight options with

Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

has become the most important showcase on Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s calendar.

Moreover, the annual KPMG Golf Business Forum,

Etihad Airways, hotel stays at The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa and rounds of golf at Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Yas Links Abu Dhabi.

MENA-WIDE Other destinations in the region are also enjoying the benefits of the rising attractiveness of golf travel and as Thomas Murdoch, sales and marketing manager, The Els Club, Dubai Sports City, remarked, Dubai is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular golfing destinations.

“People from all over the world understand that the facilities here are of a fantastic quality, the weather in winter is perfect for golfing, and the extra amenities offered in the area make it the best place for a golfing vacation, golfing business or just a normal vacation with some golf on the side,” he said, adding that, “This is proven in the fact that there are four major golf tournaments here every year. Golf has proven itself to be a massive boost for the tourism industry in the UAE and will continue to do so for years to come.”

James Williams, director of golf, JA Jebel Ali Golf Resort, Dubai, reported that approximately 10 percent of guests at the hotel make use of the facilities at the golf course during their stay. “We are finding more and more guests from Russia are partaking in golf during their visits, while a lot of regulars at the course are local Dubai residents. We are also beginning to see the Nordic countries and Australian [nationals] travelling to the hotel more,” he revealed.

In a development that reflects the need for more strategic projects that can meet the growing demand in the emirate, Emaar Properties has signed an agreement with Dubai World Central to develop an integrated urban centre and golf destination in a prime location at the Aerotropolis in Dubai.

The project is envisaged to spread over an area of 13.6 million square meters, with the first phase of construction set to include a golf course, villa community, several hotels, a high-end shopping mall, FEBRUARY 2014

Golf Tourism leisure attractions, and a business hub.

Even though Dubai offers high international standards, Pansy Gonsalves, senior sales and central reservations service manager, Dubai Golf, believes that if the emirate’s tourism board, airlines, hotels and the golf industry were all to come together to create specific golf packages and marketing campaigns targeting golfers worldwide, this would definitely have a positive impact for tourism.

“Golf is a huge part of the UAE’s tourism industry, but it could be so much more,” ascertained Martin Duff, director of golf, Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, who divulged that the facility, which is soon to launch an academy featuring hi-tech swing analysis studios, welcomes mostly resident expatriates.

Qatar is also a favourite destination for golf aficionados, and as per Anthony Miley, golf operations manager, Doha Golf Club, the sport has the potential to be very important for the country’s tourism industry. However, the facility, which is home to the PGA European Tour event, Qatar Masters, currently only offers one grass golf course and is at full capacity 80 percent of the time. In a bid to improve this and meet the rising demand for golf in Qatar, another course is due to open in the winter of 2015.

Regarding incoming guests, Miley said, “The main feeder markets for us going forward are essentially the same as now and in the past. These are oil and gas companies expanding their operations but I would say that the main ones now are without doubt people working in construction and infrastructure. With ongoing projects like the building of Lusail City in West Bay, Qatar Rail getting underway on the rail system, [and more] being carried out at present, [and which are] all of course linked to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, these are the areas we have seen grow most rapidly and project to keep growing over the next five years.”

According to Dorien Smit, director of sales and marketing, InterContinental Muscat, golf is also an upcoming segment for Oman. Responding to this trend the hotel collaborates closely with three golf courses in the city and offers special packages which include overnight stays, breakfast, access to the courses, and golf equipment. “We are targeting the leisure market, as golf tourism is well known for example in Europe and it is coming up in Oman as well,” Smit revealed.

courses in the country, which will reach 40 by 2015 – 2016, versus 28 presently, we can expect that this figure could at least double or triple by 2020.”

Omega Dubai Desert Classic

In terms of promotion, the authority organised a workshop in London in late 2013, which welcomed a host of golf tour operators, golf professionals and event organisers as well as representatives from Morocco, and presented new developments and upcoming golf clubs, as well as forthcoming projects like the Marrakech Golf City.

Commenting on the event, Zouitene said, “The

EXCLUSIVE

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uted to creating a favourable business environment through networking sessions and direct meetings between tour operators and Moroccan partners.”

Concerning upcoming developments in the country’s golf landscape, Braemar Golf Maroc has opened Casa Green Golf Club and expects to launch Noria Golf Club during the first quarter of the year.

Referring to Casa Green Golf Club, Andrew Glen, general manager, Braemar Golf Maroc, said, “The club was opened in April 2013, and from April to December 2013 the number of visitors slightly increased. The more the club is becoming known, the more visitors it receives. More than 70 percent of our visitors are from Morocco and the rest are from other countries, [like France, Spain, Korea, US, and Austria.] Today we are establishing contacts with tour operators from major markets to drain more nationalities, including Scandinavia, UK, Italy and Belgium.”

Corroborating Glen’s comments, Zouitene explained, “Our main markets in golf travel are France, the UK and Germany; but France takes on the lion’s share as it is also our number one market in terms of leisure tourists arrivals. Secondary markets are Switzerland and Belgium. And we are targeting more and more the Scandinavian market, well-known for its potential, since new air routes began operating recently.”

Golf is becoming an increasingly more integral part of Morocco’s tourism offering, as the development and improvement of courses over the past 10 years has seen demand rise significantly in areas such as Marrakech and Agadir.

In recognition of this growing demand, focus is now being placed on ensuring the nation’s golfing facilities comply with market trends in terms of variety

THE KINGDOM OF GOLF Although comprehensive statistics do not currently exist for Morocco, there is some overlap amongst basic indicators which point to the belief that Morocco is welcoming about 90,000 golf tourists each year, representing approximately one percent of overall inbound tourism.

Abderrafie Zouitene, CEO, Moroccan National Tourist Office, underlined, “This figure is expected to increase significantly, in the light of the development of the golf offering in Morocco during the past three years and also the efforts made in terms of promotion. Besides and given the development of golf FEBRUARY 2014

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship

workshop in London was deemed a great success by all the attendees [...]. It was an opportunity to present the Moroccan golf offering and services to some 20 golf tour operators. Indeed, this workshop contrib-

and Kingdom-wide availability as Glen noted, adding that high-quality service, widened target markets and partnerships between the different golf courses could also help to enrich the current offer. 

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WHO'S MOVED

FATHI KHOGALY

RAMESH BAPPOO Ramesh Bappoo has been appointed as the new general manager at Novotel Deira City Centre and ibis Deira City Centre in Dubai.

In addition, he will also oversee the operations of Suite Novotel Mall of the Emirates, ibis Mall of the Emirates and ibis Al Rigga.

Bappoo brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent over 30 years working in the interna-

tional hospitality industry.

He joined Accor’s Asia Pacific division in 2007 when he took on the challenge to manage two hotels in Bangkok, namely Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok and Grand Mercure Park Avenue.

Prior to his appointment, Bappoo worked as deputy general manager of Sofitel Mauritius L'Impérial Resort & Spa.

Fathi Khogaly has taken on the role of general manager at Hyatt Regency Dubai.

With over 25 years of work experience within Hyatt Corporation in the UAE, Khogaly joined the Hyatt-family in 1988 in the food and beverage department. He then moved to the events department in 1995 taking on various roles before joining the pre-opening

team of Grand Hyatt Dubai in 2003 where he was later promoted to director of events.

Khogaly returned to Hyatt Regency Dubai in 2006 where he worked for a year in the position of resident manager.

Following this, he moved to Grand Hyatt Dubai as hotel manager, before accepting new responsibilities in this latest promotion.

TTW artwork3.pdf 1 9/3/2013 12:35:39 PM

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Thomas Tapken has joined Millennium & Copthorne Hotels as vice president of operations in the Middle East and Africa (MEA).

In his new role, Tapken will provide leadership and strategic direction for Millennium & Copthorne Hotels in the MEA region.

He has identified that his key objectives moving forward will be to deliver maximum business growth and profitability, whilst also maintaining quality standards across the groups large portfolio of hotels.

Tapken has over 30 years of experience in hospitality management across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

He has spent the last 11 years of his impressive career in the Middle East region where he has held various senior management positions for international companies such as Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, and most recently Rotana Hotel Management Corporation where he served as area vice president for Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

In his new role, Tapken will provide leadership and strategic direction FEBRUARY 2014

TRAVEL CHANNELS

Al Bustan Centre and Residence Awards Staff Al Bustan Centre and Residence, Dubai, began the new year by recognising its long-service employees for their contribution over the years.

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Honoured Employees

total of 85 employees were awarded at the annual ceremony, some of whom have been with the hotel for 10 or 15 years.

In recognition of their continuous dedication and active role in the property’s success, the most loyal employees received a certificate from the management of the hotel.

“Retention of employees is the key for success of any business more importantly in the hospitality sector,” emphasised Moussa El Hayek, chief operating officer, Al Bustan Centre and Residence. “We are proud to say that we have very high retention percentage at our property.

Our employees have been instrumental in establishing the property as the most preferred hotel with their exceptional customer service and outstanding performances.”

Jordan Hosts DMCs and Tour Operators Jordan Travel Trade Days took place between January 10 - 14 at Mövenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea with the participation of destination management companies (DMC) and tour operators from 20 countries.

Representatives from destinations including Thailand, India, the Philippines, Lithuania, Italy, Turkey, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Lebanon, the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia arrived in Amman on January 8 to start their meetings with local travel agents before relocating to the Dead Sea. The event, which was organised by MICE Middle East Media in collaboration with Urjwan Travel Agency, gave participants the chance to experience Jordan’s treasures with many of the delegates visiting for the first time.

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FEBRUARY 2014

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TRAVEL TALK MAHER SALMAN AL MUSSALAM

DILLIP RAJAKARIER CEO, Minor Hotel Group.

travel talk is your space

Acting CEO, Gulf Air.

“At Gulf Air we strive to ensure we meet the needs and wants of our passengers which is why we have dedicated the time and focus to designing the new A330 product.

For the first time ever we have integrated passenger comments and feedback during the development stage of the seats’ design to ensure we meet their requirements. […]

This overhaul of our wide-body fleet demonstrates our ongoing commitment to offer superior products and services to our passengers while underlining Gulf Air’s longstanding commitment to its international operations.”

“We are very pleased to open our fifth Anantara hotel in Abu Dhabi and our third on Sir Bani Yas Island, with [Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island] Al Sahel being the perfect complement to Desert Islands and Al Yamm, the two existing Anantara resorts on the island. Combined with our awardwinning resort in the Liwa Desert, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, and Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara in Abu Dhabi city, we now have a unique portfolio of five leading properties in the emirate.”

TONY TYLER

WALID KAMEL

Director general, International Air Transport Association.

Director of sales, Grand Hyatt Doha.

“Aviation drives the global economy. We connect people and businesses to markets, and bring together friends and families. Aviation creates opportunities for greater cultural understanding and carries medicine and supplies to those in need. […] But aviation is also a team effort. Ensuring that the second century is as successful as the first requires the cooperation of stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. As we reflect on an amazing first hundred years, I hope that governments will take stock of the wide-reaching economic and social benefits of aviationenabled connectivity.”

“Grand Hyatt Doha will continue offering weekend packages for rooms and villas during the weekend to stimulate more demand from the local and GCC market. The majority of our guests come from Saudi Arabia and so travel by car especially from the Eastern Province (Al Khobar and Dammam). Guests like to use our villa products especially during weekend. These clients are either local Qatari guests or from Saudi Arabia and we do have weekend packages to stimulate demand. Wi-Fi is complimentary in all hotel outlets and in the lobby.”

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 FEBRUARY 2014

RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Rabih Saab Travelport is entering the new year with renewed drive and a key focus set on delivering a robust online strategy. Here Rabih Saab, president, Middle East and Africa, Travelport, analyses the importance of the global distribution system (GDS) within this framework.

Travel Trade MENA: What trends are you currently witnessing within the global distribution model and how does Travelport ensure it responds to these developments? What are your predictions for the future with regards to GDS distribution evolution?

Rabih Saab: The development and adaption of online and mobile technologies are changing the expectations that the industry has of GDS providers and our focus [this year] reflects this.

Travelport has already been supporting its customers and the wider industry as it increasingly moves online through our industry expertise as well as our innovative products such as Travelport Universal API – our leading edge technology that enables travel agencies to streamline the booking process by re-aggregating currently fragmented content from the GDS and other sources.

In mobile space, products such as Travelport Mobile Agent – our unique mobile GDS app that enables Travelport-connected agents to gain full access to our system from their iPad or iPhone device – and View Trip Mobile – our itinerary management tool - help agents and individual travellers stay connected whilst on the move.

[This year], our key focus will be on delivering a robust online strategy, which is based on increasing revenue from online travel agencies (OTA) business in the Middle East, Africa and India, and on championing regional online customer agenda. In order to achieve this, Travelport will continue to strengthen its OTA-focussed management structure and continue to provide consultancy and hands-on support

Airlines have been looking for a complete marketing partner to help them distribute their products the way they want through the travel agency channel FEBRUARY 2014

Rabih Saab Christian Muhr

President, Vice president, operations, Egypt and Levant, Middle East and Africa, Travelport Hilton Worldwide

presented and described to travel agents.

TMP is the outcome of our company’s steady investment in industry-leading merchandising technology and we expect it to grow from strength to strength [this year].

Travel Trade MENA: According to some recent surveys, the ability to present competitive fares on GDS including those of low-cost carriers (LCC) was seen as vital to the offering. How important is the distribution of LCC products becoming nowadays and how does the company seek to take advantage?

to online agencies to support their individual growth plans.

Travel Trade MENA: Is there a shifting pattern in the way airline/travel products are distributed?

Which are your airline customers’ major concerns in this aspect?

Rabih Saab: For some time now, airlines have been looking for a complete marketing partner to help them distribute their products the way they want through the travel agency channel.

In response to this, Travelport launched its pioneering Travelport Merchandising Platform (TMP) in 2013. [...] Since its launch, TMP has been changing the landscape of airline distribution and we remain the only GDS encouraging airlines to connect in any way they want, in order to deliver their full product portfolio with equal impact across all distribution channels.

As such, since the launch of TMP, its various capabilities have already been adopted by a number of airlines including KLM, Delta Air Lines, Air New Zealand, easyJet, and transavia.com to mention a few.

TMP offers three distinct solutions – aggregated shopping, ancillary services and rich content and branding. The latter, launched most recently, allows airlines to market and retail their products more effectively by controlling how their product is visually

Rabih Saab: LCCs have got successful direct distribution channels, which allow them to predominantly have access to consumers that are familiar with their brand and offering. LCCs are increasingly however looking to broaden their reach and choose to work with a GDS partner to achieve this.

Travelport has always recognised this and as such we have invested in TMP, which gives LCCs the opportunity to realise these ambitions.

Since the launch of TMP in April 2013, a number of LCCs have signed up for its offering including easyJet, Tigerair, Singapore’s largest no-frills airline, Jet2.com, a leading leisure LCC based in the UK, and transavia. com, a fast growing, European LCC based in the Netherlands and France.

Through the GDS channels and via the TMP, LCCs have the opportunity to extend their reach beyond their direct channels including the corporate market place, as well as significantly increase their presence, and sales, overseas.

Travelport's e-volve Middle East '13 Summit

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NEWS & EVENTS

Abu Dhabi Golf Clubs Lead UAE Golf Tourism Recent statistics show significant year-on-year growth since the beginning of the year in international inbound tourism for Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

The announcement comes following news that the emirate is now the favoured golf destination in the UAE, as Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority revealed.

Abu Dhabi Golf Club recorded year-on-year gains of 56 percent, with media images of the world’s greatest golfers competing for the Falcon trophy thought to have helped put the resort firmly on the map.

Chris Card, group general manager, Abu Dhabi Golf Club and Saadiyat Beach Golf Club, commented on the results saying, “We have made some strategic appointments within our sales and marketing teams, engaging with international tour operators and have made concerted efforts to promote our product and experience as broadly as we can.”

Abu Dhabi Golf Club

EVENTS SATTE India Mumbai, India, February 3 – 4, 2014 (www.satte.in) Hailed as the biggest networking forum for the travel and tourism industry in South Asia, with the participation of more than 600 exhibitors from over 50 countries.

Business Travel Show London, UK, February 4 – 5, 2014 (www.businesstravelshow.com) The 20th edition is expected to attract more than 200 exhibiting companies and over 6,000 travel professionals.

Borsa International Tourism Exchange (BIT) Milano, Italy, February 13 – 15, 2014 (www.bit.fieramilano.it) An international business-to-business event, which has been present on the market since 1980.

ITB Berlin: Majority of Halls Booked Up Final preparations for ITB Berlin are currently underway with the event scheduled to be held between March 5 – 9, and Messe Berlin expecting around 10,000 exhibiting companies and organisations from more than 180 countries to be present.

“Compared with [2013] the number of bookings at ITB Berlin 2014 has remained consistently high. The majority of the halls are already booked up and there are now waiting lists,” said Martin Buck, vice president, travel and logistics, Messe Berlin.

“One noticeable trend is that exhibitors are booking larger stands. This demonstrates that the world’s largest travel trade show is a reliable economic indicator which accurately mirrors the industry’s developments,” he added, while commenting that the event’s agenda features up-to-the-minute and forward-looking themes with leading experts taking part in the debate.

Notably, India, Asia and the Arab countries, whose tourism industries are all booming, will be attending in large numbers at ITB Berlin, with the Arab countries strongly represented as in previous years. Regional exhibitor developments include the introduction of event newcomer Muriya Tourism Development from Oman as well as the Dubai stand seeing an increase of 56m².

Sponsored by

Perth Holiday & Travel Expo Perth, Australia, February 15 – 16, 2014 (www.holidayexpo.com.au) An annual event presenting a wide range of destinations, products and holiday specials on offer.

Asia-Pacific Incentives & Meetings Expo (AIME) Melbourne, Australia, February 18 – 19, 2014 (www.aime.com.au) A two-day exhibition for those involved in organising business travel, meetings, incentives and events.

Guangzhou International Travel Fair (GITF) Guangzhou, China, February 27 – March 1, 2014 (www.gitf.com.cn) As an influential business-to-business fair focused on outbound travel, inbound travel and MICE, GITF receives wide attention among the tourism industry since its first session 21 years ago.

FEBRUARY 2014