Travel Trade Monthly, May 2011

Middle East and North Africa Edition

May 2011, Issue 19

REZIDOR

Supplement

19

EXPLORE: BAHRAIN With the financial and tourism hub of Bahrain taking a significant step back in light of conflict in the country, expectations for the future are suspended in mid-air. Bahrain was ranked as second in the region for its tourism and travel competitiveness by The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, 2011, released on March 6. Currently its bright future appears to be delayed, but by no means destroyed.

Lebanon has long attracted both leisure and business visitors to its urban centres, although in light of recent political debates, perceptions of the country’s tourism future are inconsistent. As a country full of natural beauty and outdoor activities, a change in tourism focus may be in question, taking tourists away from the feared cities.

12 INVESTIGATION: PRIVATE AVIATION The political unrest in a handful of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa has caused a decrease in air traffic but also put intense pressure on private charter aviation, as companies desperately try to fly their employees out of danger zones at short notice.

31 In This Issue MARKET UPDATE VISIT: Lebanon EXPLORE: Bahrain REZIDOR SUPPLEMENT INVESTIGATION: Private Aviation ONSITE: Thailand EXCLUSIVE: Budget Travel TRAVEL CHANNELS TRAVEL TALK TOUR: Spain LONG HAUL: Kenya WHO’S MOVED RENDEZVOUS NEWS AND EVENTS MAY 2011

ISSUE 19

4 6 12 19 31 34 37 40 41 42 44 46 47 48

VISIT: Lebanon 6 www.traveltradeweekly.travel

Oman Air has Achieved Remarkable Success and Growth in 2010

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Managing Editor Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel Journalists Rita Kasziba Duncan MacRae Marianna Keen Design & Layout Elina Pericleous

The national carrier of the sultanate of Oman recorded a significant increase of 40 percent in revenues, while the number of passengers carried rose by 38 percent to 3.3 million.

Sales & Marketing Dimitris Thomaidis Directors Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi Headquarters P.O. Box 25255 Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +357 22 820888 Fax: +357 22 318958 Website www.traveltradeweekly.travel Emails info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel Printed in Cyprus Cyprint Plc P.O. Box 58300 CY-3732, Limassol, Cyprus Tel: +35725720035 Fax: +35725720123 Email: info@cyprint.com.cy

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MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 27/4/2011 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)

CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar

1USD= 3.67 5.95 3.75 1,502.5 0.37 0.71 47.45 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.35 7.75 10,46 215.25 71.31 1.20

T

he 2010 published annual report also reveals that the cargo revenue grew by 238 percent, while seat factor increased from 61 percent to 72 percent. In addition, the airline added eight new destinations to its global network and enhanced the fleet with two new airbus A330s.

As part of the 2010 achievements, the carrier signed a codeshare agreement with Malaysian Airlines and also became the first airline in the world to offer both GSM mobile phone and broadband connectivity aboard.

Despite the loss of OMR78 million (USD202.5 million), as a result of investments in the fleet, technology and infrastructure, the carrier experienced significant growth. H.E. Darwish Bin Ismail Al Bulushi, on behalf of the board of directors, commented on the excellent results.

“Oman Air’s innovation and rapid expansion over the course of 2010 was impressive and our confirmation as an acclaimed luxury international carrier has shown that our planning and investment have been highly effective.”

Peter Hill, CEO, Oman Air, highlights on the carriers’ achievements and high standards.

“Oman Air’s results for 2010 are extremely positive and we have witnessed remarkable growth in all areas of our business. Despite a challenging year for aviation, we have been able to expand our fleet and our route network, carry more passengers and transport more cargo. We have pioneered new technology, launched new products and offered an outstanding customer experience. We have increased our revenues, which - whilst major fuel price increases, ash clouds and severe weather in Europe had an impact - have grown by 40 percent.

2010 has been a transformative year for Oman Air and one that has seen us recognised as an international airline of the highest quality.”

MAY 2011

- Lebanon

Gaining Stability and Altering Perceptions Lebanon has long attracted both leisure and business visitors to its urban centres, although in light of recent political debates, perceptions of the country’s tourism future are inconsistent. As a country full of natural beauty and outdoor activities, a change in tourism focus may be in question, taking tourists away from the feared cities. Some economic players believe media coverage is to blame for the lack of confidence in the destination, portraying the country as an aggressive warzone without sufficient recognition of Lebanon’s long struggle for democracy of a kind. Travel Trade Monthly assesses diverging views and the potential for revival of Lebanon’s tourism industry.

Marianna Keen writes

A

lthough Lebanon’s travel and tourism industry has been deterred, the country is used to overcoming political unrest.

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the travel and tourism industry is still expected to be one of the world’s fastest growing sectors, and Lebanon appears as eager as ever to cash in on this.

However, the competitiveness of Lebanon in the future travel market will depend on the country’s political stability, security, investment, and stability of the region as a whole.

As in many parts of the Arab world since the revolts taking place this spring, Lebanon’s travel market

has seen a significant hit. Its domestic situation, following the collapse of its cabinet in January, is also likely to have held back more tourists. Political gridlock and heightened sectarian tension, as relayed in the international media, have aroused panic from travellers, which is yet to pass.

Hotels The country’s hotel market appears to be most affected by the squeeze in its critical tourism industry, with management adjusting to the situation however they can. According to the WTTC’s March update of the industry, the growth in hotel occupancy and overnight visitor arrivals in the Middle East slowed significantly

The hotel management is benefiting from the current situation and relatively low occupancy by finalising the hotel and resort’s renovation

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Lebanon in Brief Capital: Beirut Currency: Lebanese Pound (LBP) Language: Arabic early this year, which is partly due to the political upheaval in the region. Subsequently, according to the report, the Middle East region has experienced a fall in average room rate, thus furthering the pressure already felt by hotels from decreased visitor numbers impacted by displacement of tourism and high oil prices.

Hotels throughout Lebanon have felt the lack of tourism, although opinions regarding the worrying trend vary. Maha Bourachi, director of sales and marketing, Mövenpick Hotel and Resort Beirut, commented on the culpability of turmoil throughout the Arab world. “The change in business levels is mainly due to the conflict in the region which is shifting business away from the Middle East for the time being.”

Alternatively, Michelle Naaman, director of marketing and communications, Monroe Hotels, remarked that unrest in Lebanon is a more prevalent cause of the drop in visitors. “A drop in occupancy is due to the political situation in Lebanon, which made business and leisure customers either cancel or postpone their reservations and events. A very minor and insignificant percentage was due to conflicts in other Middle Eastern and African countries.”

With 2011 bringing uprising across the region it is difficult to know what is impacting visitor numbers most. Despite the situation, management of hotels have demonstrated a readiness to cope with slumps and react to challenges, with some taking an impervious outlook and seeking creative solutions.

Rita Faddoul, director of sales and marketing, Riviera Hotel, commented that Lebanon is not greatly affected by turmoil. “Lebanon is a different case to any other country; political debates do affect the hotel occupancy but not dramatically.”

Whatever the approach taken, the effect that the bout of instability is having on hotels cannot be MAY 2011

- Lebanon ignored. It is dispersed from budget to leisure accommodation and is affecting all traveller markets.

Naaman highlighted the extensive effect experienced across the hotel industry. “At Markazia Monroe Suites our vacationers are mainly Arab nationals, while at Monroe Hotel we get a lot of groups and business travellers. Both hotels were affected as a result of the turmoil.”

Roy Gharios, director of sales, Ramada Downtown Beirut, commented that the business travel market has been a main source of revenue for the hotel. “Corporate business was affected less than leisure since Beirut is now considered among the safest in the region. Our location in the centre of downtown makes us benefit from a big share of the corporate business in town.

This is what allows us to enjoy a decent occupancy, even in the current turmoil in the region.”

Some hotels have been able to benefit to some extent from their unique locations, whether appealing to the apparently more prevalent corporate travel market or offering a peaceful getaway from the cities to locals or international visitors.

Andrea Wrba, general manager, Intercontinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort and Spa, which is situated far from the turmoil, recounted little effect on business levels. “Local businesses have been slightly affected but not in large numbers and families from Lebanon have been coming up due to the great winter season with snow in mid December until early April.”

Although the largest sector for Intercontinental Mzaar is the local market, the property attracts foreign guests mainly from Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Kuwait as well as the expatriate community. “We already see a small lift in the travels and the booking situation,” added Wrba.

The hotel will be closed for the month of May for renovation work, adding to the 10 rooms and two meeting rooms recently completed.

Away from such retreats, the situation is quite different and losses are more prevalent. Mohamad Al Mohtadi, head of sales, Coral Suites Al Hamra, commented on the significance of the loss in Gulf tourism. “The main feeder in the Lebanese tourism sector is Gulf MAY 2011

tourism, and no doubt the massive disturbances and changes in the Middle East and Africa are negatively affecting this sector in hotel occupancy and rates.”

Several hotels have taken positive approaches to the situation, undertaking renovations and improvements, which provide an optimistic outlook for the industry’s future when stability is finally achieved.

Rana Younes, marketing manager, Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, Beirut, commented that the timing of the turmoil has worked out well for the

hotel. “The hotel management is benefiting from the current situation and relatively low occupancy by finalising the hotel and resort’s renovation, landscaping and maintenance plans.”

The hotel’s main market is leisure tourism, coming predominantly from Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Jordan, and occupancy has reportedly dropped by 50 percent compared to the same period last year.

The travel industry can never survive depending on only one segment, which is why it’s healthy to have a business mix and amend the hotel’s focus, suggested Gharios.

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- Lebanon “We at Ramada Downtown focused a lot on the corporate market, creating a tactical promotion with added benefits. Also focusing on service is the key to success.” Due to the current situation, most bookings are made last minute, making trends difficult to forecast.

Carol Roncoletta, director of marketing communications, Safir Hotels, also emphasised the need to adapt the hotel’s strategy due to lost GCC occupancy. “[Safir Heliopolitan Hotel – Beirut] is cutting expenses and closing half of the floors. We are also using the rate of the day strategy.”

Contingency plans for Safir Bhamdoun Hotel are similar, including cutting costs.

“We only have different strategies to follow in such situations and since demand is low, we are aggressive in getting business from any market or segment,” said Roncoletta.

With the holiday season including religious occasions ahead, much of Lebanon lies in wait for conditions to improve and for the start of economic recovery through the summer months.

In particular, hotels await an improvement in traffic from GCC markets, which are expected to return as widespread turmoil disperses.

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In the meantime, hotels are having to focus on a wider market base.

Jean Marc Panossian, general manager, Le Commodore Beirut, expressed a change in focus since the start of political instability. “Our main markets are GCC countries, Jordan, Egypt and Europe (business and leisure). Now we are focusing on the Turkish and Iraqi markets as well.”

Rosa Bou Chaaya Khoury, director of sales and marketing, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, believes the collapse of the cabinet minister has been the main influence of reduced occupancy in Lebanon.

“The leisure market was most affected as most of the Europeans cancelled their flights to the region and the people from the Gulf didn’t travel to Beirut during their February and April holidays, especially those from Saudi Arabia.”

For hotels that focus primarily on markets away from the Middle East, expectations for improvement are different as there is a difficulty in predicting when international travellers will feel safe to visit Lebanon again.

Mona Mounzer, sales and marketing manager, Byblos Sur Mer, observed that the newly opened boutique hotel has experienced a volatile leisure

market due to a largely European customer base.

“Being a boutique hotel out of the capital Beirut, in the historical city of Byblos, our visitors come mostly for leisure, which represents around 80 percent. Other than the Lebanese market, our travellers come mainly from Europe, followed by the Middle East. Since the European market (leisure market) is very volatile, we are directing our sales and marketing efforts to the corporate traveller visiting Byblos and to local Lebanese community.”

Mounzer believes that until now, Lebanon has been the most stable country among its neighbours. “Whether or not the travel industry will prevail depends on how the media communicates Lebanon’s political situation.

Most of the time the media exaggerates what’s happening in the country,” she added.

Wrba agrees that international media coverage of the Lebanon situation is impinging on the country’s essential travel industry. “The general media coverage does influence travel behaviour.”

Hotel openings for the future include the 5 star Kempinski Hotel Summer Land Beirut and the 145 room Solidere Rotana, which are both scheduled to open in 2012.

MAY 2011

- Lebanon Travel Agents Jean Abboud, President, Association of Travel & Tourist Agents in Lebanon (ATTAL), highlighted that the travel and tourism industry as a whole has not been drastically influenced.

“There are of course some cancellations, but the whole incoming flow was not affected. The accommodation sector, hotels and furnished apartments, are more affected.”

Abboud believes that the local situation is affecting the industry more than the Middle Eastern unrest elsewhere. “Lebanese political rest and the quickening of cabinet formation are major actions towards regaining tourism flourishment. Change in trends will show up in the absence of real and quick solutions.”

ATTAL is adapting to the situation by following the standing real stage demands which include, declaring priority of the tourism industry in all economical governmental plans being developed; setting up a solid and comprehensive tourism programme based on the latest knowledge and information; raising the yearly budget of the ministry of tourism so that it can launch promotional campaigns and improve marketing policies.

According to Abboud, ATTAL also aims to reestablish the National Council of Tourism so that it can form new principles, working with professional experts including tourism associations, Casino du Liban, Middle East Airlines, banks and trade chambers. Finally it anticipates encouraging tourism investments and establishing lending institutions to support active incoming tour operators. The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon reports a slowdown in new projects, when compared to the same period last year, noting the lack of a new government as a clear obstacle to attracting investors. Absolute Tourism investment is below the world average, according to WTTC. Air Travel An expected reduction has also been recorded in air travel. The Tourism Ministry statistics for April showed that Rafik Hariri International Airport indicated a 13.36 percent drop in arrivals to Lebanon during the first quarter of the year compared to the first quarter of 2010. This coincides with the International Monetary Fund’s prediction that Lebanon's 2011 economic growth rate would fall to 2.5 percent from an average annual 8.0 percent over the last four

We only have different strategies to follow in such situations and since demand is low, we are aggressive in getting business from any market or segment

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years, due largely to political uncertainty.

Mohammed Amin Hulaiwah, director of corporate affairs and communications, Gulf Air, stressed that despite a decrease in travel to Lebanon, flights in and out of the country have been minimally affected. Flights from Bahrain to Lebanon were suspended temporarily due to security reasons.

“Delays were minimal and were due to operational and technical reasons,” added Hulaiwah.

In January the tourism sector suffered a setback when the Saudi Arabian government asked its citizens to avoid Lebanon, following the collapse of Saad Hariri’s government. After sectarian conflicts broke out in Bahrain, officials there also warned nationals not to travel to Lebanon for their own safety.

Looking Forward On a tourism level, internationals are put off by instability on a range of levels. The Global Competitiveness Report 2010-2011 from the World Economic Forum (WEF), ranked Lebanon first out of all countries for its affinity for travel and tourism, with tourism accounting for a significant amount of economic activity. In addition, there is a very positive attitude toward foreign travellers, and an appreciation of the value of the country’s attributes for tourism. The report also found that tourism infrastructure is well developed in the country (ranked 29th).

However, in order to further improve Lebanon’s travel and tourism competitiveness, political stability and security are key.

The WEF report ranked Lebanon ninth on The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2011 for the Middle East and North Africa. It concluded that its ground transport infrastructure should be further developed, safety and security issues must be addressed and policy rules and regulations should be more generally reviewed in order to better support the sector’s development.

Looking forward, environmental sustainability will also need to be taken into account.

According to the WTTC March update, this March, the number of non-Lebanese Arab arrivals fell by 29.64 percent from March of 2010.

Domestic travel is important, but countries with a greater relative contribution to GDP from travel and tourism tend to be more reliant on international visitors. According to the WTTC Lebanon report 2011, released on February 14, Lebanon’s relative travel and tourism contribution to total GDP by country, is 33.8 percent, which represents the highest of all MENA countries. This is expected to rise by 4.3 percent by 2021.

“The situation can quickly turn positive if stability returns; it’s not our first crisis in the region or in Lebanon,” added Roncoletta. n MAY 2011

- Bahrain

Cosmopolitan Bahrain Preparing for Recovery With the financial and tourism hub of Bahrain taking a significant step back in light of conflict in the country, expectations for the future are suspended in mid-air. Bahrain was ranked as second in the region for its tourism and travel competitiveness by The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report, 2011, released on March 6. Currently its bright future appears to be delayed, but by no means destroyed.

Travel Trade Monthly investigates the travel and tourism potential for Bahrain in the continuing turbulence and its aftermath.

Marianna Keen writes

B

ahrain’s tourism and financial sectors have been hit by the unrest that has gripped the country since February 14, and the modern Arab country is experiencing a considerable set back. Jarmo Kotilaine, chief economist at NCB Capital, estimated the immediate loss to Bahrain’s GDP at about USD320 million since protests broke out.

The Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Report 2011 on Bahrain, released by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) on February 14, estimated direct contribution of travel and tourism to Bahrain’s GDP to be BHD598 million ( USD1.59 billion), amounting to 6.6 percent of total GDP in 2011. However, with the market becoming unstable since the report’s release, this speculation appears

increasingly threatened.

According to a report by consultants at CB Richard Ellis released on April 13, hotel occupancy rates have been fluctuating and have even plummeted to between five percent and 10 percent. A huge contributor to Bahrain’s travel market has been the Bahrain Formula One Grand Prix held at the Bahrain International Circuit. The cancellation of the event due on March 13, with any new date yet to be confirmed, has proved a significant hit to Bahrain’s economy.

Strategy of Hotels Bahrain’s hotel industry, which relies on a regular calendar of business conferences and a more or less predictable peak leisure travel season, appears to have taken the most severe hit from the unstable environment.

There are signs that the business market has started recovering slowly and we forecast business will be back to normal after three months

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Bahrain in Brief Capital: Manama Currency: Bahraini Dinar (BHD) Language: Arabic A. Rahman Morshed, CEO, National Hotels Co., commented on the impact on the sector. “The hotel industry has suffered drastically on occupancy levels since the start of the current situation in Bahrain with all market segments showing a decline compared to last year. With the cancellation of Formula One; business groups, major exhibitions, and corporate travel suspended, the occupancy levels have sunk between nine to12 percent for one of the strongest months.”

Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain recorded a drop in occupancy of more than 50 percent since the February outburst, with leisure and business markets equally affected.

Juliana Mateva, director of sales, Fraser Suites Seef Bahrain, expressed that in April the hotel witnessed a return to normality. “We participated at GIBTM this March exhibiting at the Kingdom of Bahrain Tourism Sector stand, sending the message to potential buyers and clients that Bahrain is ready for business. There are signs that the business market has started to recover slowly and we forecast business will be back to normal after three months.”

Oriadna Ortega, sales and PR executive, Marriott Executive Apartments Manama, noted the threat posed to the business despite its location. “While we are located in a safe area, not affected directly by the social disturbances, we have to be continuously cost aware in order to minimise the impact on our profit margins.”

Rogier van Zeventer, director of online revenue and marketing, Al Safir Hotel, indicated how the hotel has capitalised on its fortunate location. “Al Safir is situated in Juffair, an area away from where people are protesting; therefore we have a unique opportunity to attract business from other areas. Of course we can’t deny a drop in occupancy since the conflict started but we haven’t been affected like other hotels that are situated in the area of what used to be the Pearl roundabout.

MAY 2011

- Bahrain We are targeting the companies in the conflict areas to grab business, either to house their staff or corporate travellers.”

Al Safir Hotel indicates that movement is seen in the corporate sector, while the leisure market, primarily from GCC countries, is booking travel to Dubai instead of Bahrain. Adjusting to the situation, the property removed its cancellation policy, has introduced value added rates and discounts, and has allowed rooms to be booked without a credit card.

The Novotel Al Dana Resort, located in the heart of the Kingdom’s diplomatic and business area, has also recorded a dramatic business downturn with an occupancy rate of around 25 percent.

Pierre Gaudou, general manager, Al Dana Resort, remarked on the elevated loss from the holiday market.

“The leisure market has been affected even more as the Saudi border was closed and 65 percent of our clientele is coming from this country.”

With the King Fahad Causeway between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia now open, albeit with differing views on the achievement of free movement between the two countries, tourism dependent enterprises in Bahrain anticipate the full return of Saudi tourism.

Michele Magrone, director of sales and marketing, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, commented on the situation. “Sheraton Bahrain Hotel has, like any other hotel in the country, been affected by the recent events in Bahrain and we hope for a prompt return to normality.”

New Developments Indicating support for growth in the region’s tourism sector, the Travel and Tourism Economic Impact Report, 2011, indicates that investment in travel and tourism is estimated at BHD241.4 million (USD647.5 million) or 8.9 percent of total investment for the year. It signifies that this should reach BHD369.7 million (USD998 million) or 9.5 percent of total investment in 2021. To date, the government of Bahrain has encouraged tourism development and contributes to large-scale tourism projects in the country.

Despite the perils facing the district of Al Seef, Kempinski has stayed on schedule to open the Kempinski Hotel Bahrain City Centre in the area this autumn, as part of the Bahrain City Centre mega retail and entertainment complex. The hotel will comprise of two towers (Diamond and Pearl), with 460 guest rooms and suites geared towards corporate and leisure visitors.

Ibrahim Korkut, director of sales and marketing, Kempinski Hotel Bahrain City Centre, remarked that the situation in Bahrain is recognised but it has not stagnated progress. “While the safety of staff and potential guests remains paramount, the entire team looks forward to proudly presenting the hotel to the region later this year.”

Another hotel due to open in 2012 is the Ibis Manama Seef, Accor’s midscale lodging offering aimed at plugging a gap in the increasingly budget aware market.

Accor’s luxury Sofitel Accor Zallaq Resort launched a soft opening on February 20, with an official opening postponed due to unrest and a date is yet unfinalised. St Regis Hotel will be unveiled in Bahrain by Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, joining the high-end luxury hotel market. Located on a reclaimed island, the property is scheduled to open in 2012.

Hilton Hotels is scheduled to open the first Conrad hotel in the Kingdom, on the luxurious Reef Island in 2012. The BHD450 million (USD1.2 billion) freehold development project of Reef Island will cover an area of 579,000m2, with this year’s March completion now delayed until June.

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MAY 2011

- Bahrain Another delayed development is Durrat Al Bahrain, with completion expected in 2015. This resort city is planned to have both residential and recreational facilities.

Showing significant progress in the Kingdom is the Bahrain Bay waterfront community, currently in phase two, located off the north shore of Manama. Bahrain Bay Development B.S.C. has confirmed that construction on what will soon be Bahrain’s Four Seasons Hotel and Spa is underway and on schedule to open in 2014. The hotel will form one of three anchor

developments for the project.

With ongoing issuance of permits, other developments have also commenced construction on the site, including the 285 room luxury Shaza Bahrain Bay Hotel, scheduled to open March 2014.

The Anwaj Islands project, connected to the main island by a causeway, approximately 1.8 km in length, is also set to include new hotels.

Marriott’s long awaited 323 room Renaissance Bahrain Hotel has a 2011 completion date, while the Royal Tulip Resort and Spa on the Amwaj Gateway is due to be complete in 2012.

The USD1.3 billion Al Areen Development, appears to have experienced a setback, with Zawya Projects reporting the development to be on hold. Existing leisure facilities on the resort include the Al Areen Palace and Spa and the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark (LPOD).

Attractions For LPOD, having the weather and conflicts working against the entire tourism industry, Adam Page, head of marketing and PR, LPOD, adopted a positive approach to the situation.

“As well as showing caution and awareness to changes, we have made the best of the situation by using the time for touches to the park, be it maintenance improvements, training, preparation for the season, etc.”

Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), which will take place January 18-21, 2012, has already attracted many companies to Bahrain, indicating that unrest is expected to have limited effect on corporate events. The Supreme Organising Committee for BIAS 2012, has received signed commitments for 50 percent of the total chalet space available at the upcoming event.

Amanda Stainer, exhibitions and events director, Farnborough International Ltd., highlighted the continued demand. “Sales for BIAS 2012 are looking extremely positive. We received an excellent number of early sign ups and chalets are continuing to sell well.”

Air Travel Mohammed Amin Hulaiwah, director of corporate affairs and communications, Gulf Air, confirmed the minimally affected airline service throughout the social disturbance. “As far as Gulf Air is concerned, our flights to and from Bahrain airport were not affected at all. None of our flights were cancelled during the period except to three countries, being Iran, Iraq and Lebanon, which have been suspended temporarily due to security reasons. We have seen a drop in passenger numbers during this period, mostly traffic within the Middle East region. We are confident that passenger numbers will be back to normal very soon.”

Richard Nuttall, director of commercial operations, Bahrain Air, suggested that business is recovering.

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MAY 2011

- Bahrain “The airport has functioned normally throughout.

There has been a reduction in traffic in and out of Bahrain and we have reduced some of our schedules due to lack of demand - Bahrain is slowly returning to business as usual.”

The Ministry of Works in Bahrain plans to expand Bahrain International Airport (BAH) to increase the airport's capacity from 5 million passengers to 15 million passengers per year. The development, which expected to be completed in 2020, includes the expansion of the existing terminal building and the construction of two new terminal buildings.

Further enhancing the airport, Bahrain Airport Company (BAC) announced on January 18, that it has signed a unique and key agreement with MENA Aerospace to build and operate a large private and general aviation hangar complex at BAH .

Development of the complex, which will provide comprehensive maintenance and support services to private and corporate aircraft, has already begun and is located at the north west end of the airport.

Looking Forward The effect that disturbances have had on Bahrain’s travel and tourism economy is unavoidable, with customer numbers and profits severely affected; however businesses appear to

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have remained optimistic. Despite future developments of sectarian unrest being unpredictable, businesses across the board are confident in the attraction of Bahrain, and that fears of violence will dissipate. International media portrayal will remain an important factor in perceptions and a definer of when tourism returns to normality. “Considering the domestic market, we already feel a strong will from all our partners and local economic actors towards the feeling of a normal life,” added Gaudou.

Many are doing what they can to regain confidence from potential customers and the media. With Saudi Arabia a key market to Bahrain, the hope is that high oil prices will not significantly affect visitor numbers, and may even encourage more people in the region to look closer to home when booking their travel.

The WTTC’s March update of the industry highlights the impact conflicts across the Arab world, and hiked up oil prices, has had on international travel. According to the report, Bahrain took a 6.7 percent share of total international overnight visitors in the Middle East and North Africa by destination country, this year. It states that air passenger growth rebounded in January in all markets except for the Middle

East. The hope is that this will improve.

Industry players anticipate a rescheduled Bahrain Grand Prix, which could improve the image of Bahrain’s tourism industry. The World Motorsport Council (WMC) has given organisers until May 1, to prove the postponed Bahrain Grand Prix can go ahead this season; but with the King of Bahrain’s announcement of a three month state of emergency overtaking this deadline, a 2011 Bahrain Grand Prix looks increasingly unlikely.

Meanwhile, ambitious developments in Bahrain have done well in promoting the country as a luxurious getaway, although promoting it as a tourism destination for culture, heritage and environment, in line with the Bahrain 2030 Economic Vision, appears to be a working progress. Kotilaine reported that it will take until at least the second half of 2011 for the kingdom to restore its reputation as a business friendly hub.

The country’s tourism industry looks well on the way to aiding recovery and the Ministry of Culture has made moves to further develop and lift the bars of the tourism industry in the Kingdom of Bahrain through building bridges with international organisations. “We believe that Bahrain will come out stronger from this situation,” added Ortega. n

MAY 2011

The Rezidor Hotel Group is one of the fastest growing hotel companies in the world. The group features a portfolio of more than 400 hotels in operation and under development, with 87,800 rooms in over 60 countries.

Rezidor operates the brands Radisson Blu Hotels and Resorts, Park Inn by Radisson and Country Inns and Suites in Europe, Middle East and Africa. Under a worldwide licence agreement with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, Rezidor also operates and develops the new lifestyle brand Hotel Missoni.

Rezidor and Carlson recently launched their new loyalty programme, Club CarlsonSM, where guests are rewarded with an array of redemption opportunities.

Club members, who earn points for every stay at more than 1,000 Rezidor and Carlson hotels worldwide, can enjoy a number of privileges and benefits.

Rezidor Hotel Group has recently been recognised as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the second year in a row. Following a first award in 2010, the Ethisphere Institute (USA), has again honoured Rezidor’s real and sustained ethical leadership and has named the group as one of the 2011 World’s Most Ethical Companies.

Rezidor’s award-winning and group-wide

Responsible Business Programme

has roots going as far back as 1989.

Besides the respect for social and ethical issues within the company, the programme also focuses on health and safety for guests and employees as well as on a reduced negative impact on the environment.

Portfolio of Hotels Radisson Blu Hotels that love to say yes Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts are first class, full service hotels that combine a stylish and contemporary approach to design, with a culture of innovative thinking designed to meet the very specific needs of its guests. These innovations include Radisson Blu’s 'Yes I Can!' spirit of hospitality, a great choice of concept rooms with Nespresso® coffee machines in Business Class, a 100 percent Guest Satisfaction Guarantee programme, an Easy Connect approach to IT with free high-speed internet access for all guests and meeting delegates, and a fantastic range of bars, restaurants, leisure facilities such as spa and wellness centres and meetings and events venues.

Park Inn by Radisson Nice Stay. Nice Day. Park Inn by Radisson is a fresh and innovative international hotel product. Focusing on mastering the essentials, the product creates an affordable hotel experience that’s warm and casual, spotlessly clean, easy to use, safe and fun. Above all, the product aims to provide quite simply ‘the best sleep in town’ that really makes them stand out from the crowd.

Hotel Missoni Bold. Passionate. Fashionable. Uniquely Missoni.

A new genre of life and style hotels developed in partnership with the iconic Italian fashion house of the same name.

Stylish, intimate, contemporary, eclectic design combined with the best of bars and restaurants make this a truly unique luxury hotel experience.

MAY 2011

design & copyright by T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD - 19

Hotel Missoni Kuwait Rezidor Hotel Group, one of the fastest growing hotel companies worldwide, has in collaboration with the iconic Italian fashion house Missoni, opened its first Hotel Missoni property in the Middle East in Kuwait.

H

otel Missoni Kuwait, part of the Symphony Centre, is located on Arabian Gulf Street and is nestled between the entertainment and shopping hub of the capital. It represents a unique blend of the Arabian Gulf and the Kuwaiti culture in combination with Rosita Missoni, creative director’s signature touch, using vibrant patterns and bold colours. “Hotel Missoni offers a surprising experience of style, glamour and hospitality.

The interiors are intended to make our guests feel welcome and comfortable. The brilliant golds, turquoises and sand colours take their inspiration from the land and sea of Kuwait. I am especially pleased with the creation of a palm and cacti terrace garden reflecting the precious local nature,” said Missoni.

The new luxury hotel brings a peerless design and atmosphere to Kuwait, states Kurt Ritter, president and CEO, Rezidor Hotel Group.

“Hotel Missoni Kuwait is a fantastic addition to the Rezidor’s growing portfolio across the Middle East. Opening a Hotel Missoni here is a true celebration for our company, as it was in Kuwait where we once opened our first international hotel outside Scandinavia. Hotel Missoni Kuwait will further strengthen our presence in the region and reinforce our

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position as one of the leading international hotel operators. A combination of design, lifestyle and technology will bring a unique lifestyle experience - as soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll know its Missoni.”

The latest property of the luxury brand, featuring 169 sea-facing rooms including 63 suites, offers guests breakfast, high-speed wireless internet, free local calls, movies on demand and a minibar, inclusive in the cost of the room. The property caters to both leisure

MAY 2011

Hotel Missoni Kuwait offers a surprising experience of style, glamour and hospitality and business travellers by comprising of extensive meeting space, a gym, steam room, sauna and a pool deck overlooking the city. The hotel features several dining options.

Cucina, the Italian restaurant is situated in the heart of the property and serves authentic Italian cuisine. Luna Restaurant, situated on the 18th floor, provides magnificent views of the Arabian Gulf and Kuwait City skyline. Guests can sit back and relax whilst enjoying a fusion of Arabic-oriental and Mediterranean

MAY 2011

specialties. Choco Café embraces the Italian passion for great coffee as well as offering a range of indulgent chocolates, pastries and light snacks.

The other amenities include the 1,500 m2 luxury Six Senses Spa. The spa will offer a wide range of beauty treatments including various signature Six Senses therapies across 10 treatment room. As well as manicure and pedicure stations, two yoga studios, relaxation areas and a juice bar, separate gyms,

hammams and changing areas with a sauna and steam room. The hotel pool, entices with its signature Missoni stripe tiles and sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. New luxury comes at affordable prices, as rooms start from EUR280 (USD395) per night including à la carte breakfast, Maserati limousine airport transfer, mini-bar, laundry and wifi.

Future Missoni Hotels will open in Jebel Sifah in Oman, de Cajiba in Brazil and Antalya, Turkey. The new luxury brand’s portfolio is set to total at least 10 hotels within the next 10 years, with openings primarily in Europe, across the Middle East and reaching out to other markets such as North, and South America and Asia.

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Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel Thalasso, Cannes The 134-room Radisson Blu 1835 Hotel and Thalasso, formerly known as 1835 White Palm Hotel, is set in a prime location in the picturesque old part of Cannes.

The hotel overlooks the renowned harbour and is within walking distance of the famous avenue of La Croisette. The hotel was rebranded after an intensive renovation, led by French interior designers, in 2009.

It features six meeting rooms, a unique spa and several restaurants, including Le Bio, which specialises in healthy dishes. Furthermore, the rooftop Le 360 restaurant offers a 360 degree view of Cannes and hosts some of the most exclusive events.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice Radisson Blu Hotel, Nice, in the capital of the French Riviera, represents a unique blend of luxury and elegance. Located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, this urban resort is surrounded by exceptional weather, an unparalleled view, a private beach and easy access to the renowned city centre. The hotel has 331 rooms and suites, featuring three different styles, namely urban, chill and ocean.

It offers 11 exceptional meeting rooms and an exhibition centre which caters to business travellers and groups. Dining facilities include La Terrasse, welcoming guests with its panoramic rooftop terrace, Restaurant Bleu Citron which offers the taste of both regional products and international flavours, and lastly the Promenade CafĂŠ and Absolut Bar. Holidaymakers enjoy the panoramic rooftop terrace, outdoor heated pool, private beach, fitness centre, gym, as well as the sauna and hammam.

Radisson Blu Palais Hotel, Vienna

Originally built in 1872, as two separate palaces, Radisson Blu Palais Hotel, situated in the heart of Vienna, retains the lavish splendour of the original property. Besides 247 elegant rooms, suites and apartments, the five-star hotel comprises of a gourmet restaurant, Le Siecle, which offers various international and regional cuisines. The separate lounge is an ideal venue for professional or private gatherings, while the John Harris Fitness Centre and the Vendome Spa invites guests to unwind.

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Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna Situated in the centre of one of the most charming capital cities of Europe, Radisson Blu Style Hotel, Vienna is situated in the renowned inner city, close to the retail and fashion quarter as well as popular tourist sites. With contemporary style and unique design, the five-star hotel features 78 rooms and suites, an award-winning restaurant, bar, lounge, two elegant boardrooms, fitness and spa area.

MAY 2011

Radisson Blu Portman Hotel, London In the heart of London’s renowned West End, a stone’s throw away from Oxford Street, this four-star property is close to the capital city’s major landmarks. The hotel’s Portman Corner Restaurant, is popular due to its prominent location, and superb specialties. Guests can also unwind in the gym or work hard in the business centre. This stylish hotel includes a conference floor with 11 fully equipped conference suites and a ballroom which can accommodate up to 600 people as part of the Radisson Blu Portman’s wide variety of guest facilities and services.

Hotel Missoni Edinburgh The first property of the luxury lifestyle brand opened in 2009.

Recently voted one of the world’s most fashionable hotels, the property features 136 rooms and suites and is perfectly located between the old and new town of Edinburgh, in the very heart of this historic city. Its signature Cucina Restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine while the Bar Missoni is the place to be seen. Other amenities include a fitness area, a boutique spa, where you can relax, unwind and revive, as well as spacious meetings and events facilities. The five-star hotel has been honoured with a string of awards since it opened, including being named as Europe’s Leading New Hotel in 2010, at the World Travel Awards.

Radisson Blu Hotel in Disneyland Resort Paris Located in the centre of Disneyland’s golf course the property offers easy access to the renowned Disneyland attractions and the capital city. Besides the wide range of leisure activities and wellness facilities, the hotel also caters to business travellers. While one wing of the property is dedicated to holidaymakers, the second wing offers business guests a perfect location to hold seminars, conferences and various events.

Additionally, the hotel features a wellness centre with a sauna, a pool and two restaurants: Pamplemousse, which offers French and exotic cuisines as well as Rotisserie Briarde Birdie Brasserie.

MAY 2011

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Radisson Blu Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel, Beirut Located in the historical Ain El Mreisseh area in the centre of Beirut, within walking distance to the Mediterranean Sea, Radisson Blu Martinez Hotel provides an ideal stay for both leisure and business travellers. The property features 185 guest rooms which comprise of business class rooms and suites. The Olivos Restaurant offers a wide range of local and international cuisines, while the non-stop lobby lounge serves a range of refreshments. Guests can experience the traditional Lebanese culture at Angham Night Club and Restaurant, where they can sample authentic Lebanese cuisine, whilst live singers and belly dancers provide entertainment. Four fully-equipped meeting rooms cater up to 450 delegates and the business centre provides full secretarial support. The fitness club offers the complete wellness experience with a dedicated experienced team on hand for all guests.

Located between Asia and Europe, Radisson Blu Hotel, Bosphorus Istanbul, is a chic and stylish hotel by the shores of the strait. The property offers 120 rooms and suites designed by the renowned interiors guru, Sinan Kafadar of the Metex Design Group. This high-end hotel offers some of the finest conference and meeting facilities in the bustling city of Istanbul, including eight exceptional meeting rooms. The facilities are perfect for large banquets and conferences for small, intimate meetings. StarBoard Restaurant serves a range of savoury dishes and has an unparalleled view, while the stylish Cruise Lounge and Bar provide a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy a beverage as the sun goes down across the ocean.

Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo Heliopolis Radisson Blu Hotel, Cairo, located in Heliopolis, just 3 km from Cairo International Airport, offers 427 stylish rooms and suites and numerous services for both business travellers and tourists. Eight day-lit, flexible meeting rooms in addition to three breakout rooms and a spacious ballroom, make the hotel an ideal venue for corporate and private events. Filini Restaurant offers Italian specialties, while MIX serves a wide range of international and oriental selections throughout the day. Terrace on 9, is the hotel’s pool bar and 1122 is a buzzing lobby bar. Guests have access to the health club, including the gym and luxurious spa.

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MAY 2011

Dubai

Madinah

Rezidor Hotel Group currently operates three Radisson Blu Hotels in Dubai. A fourth property in the popular Downtown area will open beginning of May, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Downtown which is in a prime destination for business travellers and holiday makers. The hotel, situated on the upper floors of a mixed-use building, comprises of 198 rooms and 22 suites. It features an all day dining restaurant, a pub, two bars, a business class lounge, gym and a pool.

The six conference rooms, two board rooms and the business centre fully cater to business travellers, whilst key attractions including the world’s biggest mall, Dubai Mall, and the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, are a 10 minute walk away. Rezidor’s Dubai portfolio already includes the five-star luxury Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, situated in the bustling business centre, close to historic landmarks and offers 276 rooms and suites. Located near the beachfront, Radisson Blu Residence, Dubai Marina features renowned Italian design in its fully-serviced apartments and studios, while Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Media City, brings a unique blend of cutting-edge style and sophistication.

Madinah Al Muna Kareem Radisson Blu Hotel is located in the heart of the city’s northern quarter just 15 minutes from the international airport and within easy to reach of major sacred sites. The hotel features 307 guest rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant that has a varied à la carte menu with both local dishes and international cuisine. With the rapid growth of religious tourism, Saudi Arabia is fast turning into the most popular destination in the region, Al Muna Kareen Radisson Blu Hotel, has become a ‘must stay’ for a record number of pilgrims each year.

Moscow Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow is one of the newest flagship properties in Rezidor’s global portfolio. A group of the best architects, designers and technicians have restored one of Stalin’s famed ‘Seven Sisters’ skyscrapers.

The impressive building, towering at 206m, merges the Russian capital’s legendary atmosphere and the Radisson Blu brand’s service values. Set in the centre of the Russian capital and in proximity to governmental buildings and illustrious tourist attractions, Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow features 505 rooms and suites as well as 38 serviced apartments covering an area of 100,000m2. It offers guests a range of food and beverage concepts with the main restaurant, Veranda, serving both Mediterranean cuisines and favoured international dishes. Tatler Club offers an innovative fusion menu, Bono delivers Italian with breathtaking views over the city’s skyline, Farsi serves up traditional Iranian specialties and Takasa is an interactive Japanese restaurant. Other facilities and amenities include the Royal Wellness Club with a health and fitness centre including an Olympic sized pool, meeting rooms, two conference and banquet halls.

MAY 2011

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Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar As part of an impressive development, including retail stores, apartments and wellness facilities, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dakar, boasts an ideal location in the heart of the Fann Corniche area on the magnificent waterfront. The hotel combines a unique blend of contemporary style and African elegance with 180 exclusively designed rooms. The hotel has two restaurants, L'Avenue and the Pool Side Restaurant. Guests can savour an authentic Mediterranean meal in L'Avenue's warm, inviting atmosphere or indulge in a variety of game dishes grilled to perfection at the exquisite Pool Side Restaurant. In the warmer months, guests can bask in the African sun, with a refreshing drink at the hotel's pool. Other amenities include an Olympic-size pool with bar and a state-of-art spa centre for relaxation. A meeting and events space of 500m2 makes the hotel one of the premier venues of Dakar.

Radisson Blu Resort and Thalasso, Djerba This tranquil haven, fringed by sandy beaches and picturesque scenes, is a veritable palace out of the Thousand and One Nights. The property caters for the high-class tourism market and offers 276 rooms and 20 suites.

It features a massive spa with pool, a fitness centre, a library, kid’s club and a selection of exciting food and beverage outlets. Business travellers can benefit from the fully-equipped meeting rooms and business centre, while leisure travellers enjoy a wide range of nautical sports.

Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront, Cape Town, is superbly located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean overlooking its own private marina, alongside the renowned V&A Waterfront. The hotel delivers a complete five -star experience with breathtaking views and outstanding service. Guests can enjoy the choice of 177 luxurious rooms, the acclaimed Tobago’s Restaurant, bar & terrace and the award-winning ONEwellness spa. The hotel is an ideal venue for events with three banquet and meeting rooms, including one of the few rooms to pride itself on an exclusive seaside boardwalk.

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MAY 2011

Radisson Blu Hotel, Berlin With the world’s largest free-standing cylindrical aquarium, Radisson Blu Berlin, is situated in the heart of the German capital city, facing the Berliner Dom (Berlin Cathedral) and the Museum Island. The 25 m high AquaDom aquarium, centrally located in the lobby area, is filled with one million liters of seawater and represents some of the most exotic fish. The property features 427 rooms, 102 of which offer a spectacular view to the atrium and the fascinating AquaDom. Meeting facilities include 10 conference and functions rooms (that can be joined together) and a 530m2 conference foyer ideal for meetings or presentations.

An event location at the top of the hotel, with a scenic panoramic view, is the two-level DomLounge which adds another 1,400 m2 flexible space to the property’s venue facilities.

The hotel also features the restaurant Heat, serving Asian and European cuisines, as well as a wellness centre with a fitness room, swimming pool, sauna and steam bath.

Radisson Blu Hotel and Conference Centre, Saltzburg Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, Stockholm As Rezidor’s flagship Swedish property, the hotel has direct access to the Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre, one of Scandinavia’s largest event venues. The XXL-branded hotel, boasts a prime location in Stockholm’s business district and shopping areas has close proximity to the Royal Palace. The property plans to strengthen its position as one of the leading international hotel groups for business and leisure in the Nordics.

The 44-room contemporary design hotel features a fully-equipped gym, RBG Bar and Grill which can cater up to 230 guests, and a lobby bar. The 14,000 m2 congress centre comprises of an auditorium for 3,000 delegates and a banqueting hall which caters for a 2,000 capacity.

MAY 2011

The XXL branded hotel, formerly known as Renaissance Salzburg Congress Centre, welcomed its first guests in the third quarter of 2010.

The 257-room property complements the 62-room Radisson Blu Hotel Altstadt, Salzburg, and further strengthens Rezidor’s position in Austria.

In addition to the properties two restaurants and a bar, the hotel features an indoor pool, health club, sauna and hair salon. The meeting and event facilities comprise of a 1,750 m2 conference space, including a sub-dividable ballroom and several wellequipped meeting rooms.

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Park Inn Prague An outstanding testament to Art Deco design, the Park Inn Hotel, Prague, is housed in a restored building, originally built in 1907.

Nestled among historical sites and ancient courtyards, the hotel demonstrates a unique blend of elegance and dynamic design.

Besides the 210 well-equipped rooms, it features an RBG bar and grill, serving international and local cuisines, an on-site fitness centre and extended meeting facilities, including five meeting rooms and a business centre.

Park Inn, Heathrow With over 2,000 m2 of flexible space and a capacity for 700 delegates, Park Inn Heathrow, can cater for ll events large or small. Conveniently situated at London’s Heathrow Airport near Stockley Business Park, the property offers 895 well equipped rooms, 41 meeting areas and modern and alternative dining outlets, including Bravo! Bravo!, the stylish multicuisine restaurant and Pulse Café Deli Bar. The fitness and leisure centre with indoor swimming pool and sauna, makes Park Inn not only a cost-effective and first class meeting and event venue, but also an ideal base for tourists.

Park Inn, Cape Town Foreshore Rezidor Hotel Group will strengthen its presence in Africa with a new mid market hotel in Cape Town’s business district. Park Inn Cape Town Foreshore, scheduled to open in the last quarter of the year, will bring the young and dynamic Park Inn style to the South African city. The new hotel, converted from an office building in the Foreshore precinct of Cape Town’s business district, will offer an ideal base for business travellers and those wanting to explore the city. Guests of the 250-room property can enjoy the signature RBG restaurant and bar, a gym, a rooftop terrace, the swimming pool, plus two rooftop conference rooms and four breakaway rooms.

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MAY 2011

Park Inn, Yas Island Strategically located 10 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Park Inn Hotel Abu Dhabi, on Yas Island, offers a base for both business and leisure travellers. The 204 roomed property boasts premier amenities and a spectacular view of the Arabian Gulf, Yas Links Golf Club and Yas Marina Circuit. Guests can unwind at a worldclass spa, located at the adjoining Radisson Blu Hotel. Amerigos restaurant specialises in Mexican food while Mint restaurant serves a wide range of international dishes.

Park Inn Muscat Situated on the main highway linking Muscat International Airport and Ruwi Muscat business district, Park Inn Muscat stands out due to its superb location and outstanding amenities, including the first rooftop swimming pool and poolside restaurant in the city. The four-star hotel, which represents a modern and sophisticated décor, features 175 colourful rooms, including seven executive suites, a gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, an all-day restaurant with live cooking stations and the brand’s signature Red Bar Grill (RBG) steakhouse.

Business travellers can stay in touch with the hotel’s business centre, which comprises of four meeting rooms and an executive boardroom.

Park Inn Al Khobar Park Inn Al Khobar, situated on the main causeway linking three commercial hubs, Damman, Jubail and Hofuf, boasts an excellent base for business travellers. The 148 rooms, including suites and business friendly rooms and various connecting spaces to families, reflect the bright and contemporary style of the brand. In addition to the Palms Restaurant, a lobby lounge and a fitness centre, the hotel houses three flexible meeting rooms and a multi-purpose hall. The Park Inn Al Khobar was recently voted ‘Best Mid-Market Hotel 2011’ at the Saudi Excellence in Tourism Awards.

MAY 2011

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- Private Aviation

Private Aviation Takes Off The political unrest in a handful of countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa has caused a decrease in air traffic but also put intense pressure on private charter aviation, as companies desperately try to fly their employees out of danger zones at short notice. Travel Trade Monthly examines how the private aviation sector is adapting to meet customers’ needs.

Duncan MacRae writes

W

hile demand for commercial flights in the Middle East and North Africa may have waned in the past few months, private charter aviation firms are being pushed to the limit. Violence and uncertainty in the likes of Bahrain, Egypt, Libya and Syria, have persuaded international companies to evacuate their staff until their safety in the countries can be ensured.

Magnus Henriksson, manager, Avinode Business Intelligence, highlights just how drastic the changes in demand have been. “What we have seen is remarkable. Demand for flights departing from these countries increased heavily after the first full day of turmoil and then dropped off significantly as soon as leadership changes had been achieved.”

There has been great diversity in requests for private flights too, for example, in Egypt, most of the flights out of Cairo during the unrest were for European and Middle Eastern business people and their families looking to get out of harm’s way. Libyan departure requests, in contrast, came from oil and gas companies, governments, corporations and private individuals.

Tension EliteJet Global Aviation was one of many private firms to be called into action during the Libya protests. Chris Martin, managing director, EliteJet Global Aviation, notes that within one hour of receiving the calls, his team sourced three jets with a combined total of 38 seats that were able to fly in. “As the tension in the region grew, the threat level increased and the go-ahead was given to send the jets in to pick up the passengers.

With our security partner, a team of ex-Special Forces close protection personnel, helped to Elitejet

MAY 2011

organise the mobilisation of the passengers to Tripoli airport where a secure boarding area was set up away from the main airport terminal.”

The company has handled similar disaster response scenarios in Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt and Bahrain.

While the type of requests private aviation firms have been receiving may have changed drastically, the overall demand for their services has not been impacted in the same way commercial airlines have been, according to Ali Al Naqbi, chairman, Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA).

“Private aviation caters to a different market segment in the region and is less dependent on tourism traffic. Business traffic has to go on despite the unrest as the businessmen need to travel to keep, monitor and protect their business interest all the time, hoping this unrest situation

Execujet

is temporary.” Al Naqbi adds that private aviation firms always need to be prepared for any sudden changes in demand and be ready to adapt as required.

“Private aviation firms have a contingency plan in their business plan to cope with such sudden increase in demand even in normal times. They ought to have put this plan into operation”.

What we have seen is remarkable.

Demand for flights departing from these countries increased heavily after the first full day of turmoil and then dropped off significantly as soon as leadership changes had been achieved 31

- Private Aviation Strong Demand ExecuJet’s Middle Eastern charter department has increased its charter team and merged with the charter department in Europe to provide its customers with a larger and more flexible fleet and around the clock charter service. Mike Berry, Middle East managing director, ExecuJet, comments that the firm has staff on-call 24 hours a day to cater for all requests, and has increased its maintenance capability recently by taking on a new hangar and additional 30 staff. “Charter is still busy and the fixed-base operator (FBO) is still receiving a high volume of clients. In the Middle East there is a strong demand for private jets at all times, regardless of political unrest.”

Privet Jet by Cham Wings, Syria’s first private aviation company, has also been kept busy and has remained flexible due to being able to run both private and commercial flights.

Osama Satea, HR and business development director, Cham Wings, comments that the airline is licensed to operate both scheduled and charter flights, with its fleet consisting of two 150-seat aircrafts. “This provides the airline with the flexibility to meet customer requirements, even if these requirements change quickly. Cham

Wings and Private Jet are accustomed to operating in a dynamic marketplace.”

Once the political situation in the Middle East and North Africa becomes more stable, private aviation firms believe the industry will continue to go from strength to strength in the region.

In the future, the first class passengers in commercial airlines will move to business aviation whilst the economy class passengers may prefer Low Cost Carriers ExecuJet has already begun to plan for future growth, according to Berry. “In December last year, we signed a partnership with Al Faisal Holding in Doha for ExecuJet Qatar,” he explains.

“Private aviation is definitely growing in the region and I believe this will continue for the foreseeable future”. As far as MEBAA is concerned, private aviation in the Middle East and North Africa is merely in its infancy and Al Naqbi believes the

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sector has a very positive future ahead of it.

“Business Aviation in MENA region has just started. It is my personal belief that private aviation will grow rapidly in the region from its present level. In the future, the first class passengers in commercial airlines will move to business aviation whilst the economy class passengers may prefer Low Cost Carriers. We see this trend already commencing from the diminishing number of first class seats put in the market by commercial airlines in the region.” n

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MAY 2011

- Thailand

Strong Rebound, Further Challenges Ahead Following a natural disaster as well as a political crisis, the year 2010 proved to be the year of rebound for Thai tourism.

Succeeding the recent flash floods and landslides, optimism was slightly toned down, however Thailand is poised to secure its position as a prime destination of Asia.

Rita Kasziba writes

T

he country’s relatively stable political situation, following the previous years’ political juncture, resulted in positive figures in terms of tourist arrivals and revenue.

Prakit Piriyakiet, deputy governor, marketing communications, Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), comments on the country’s tourism growth.

“In 2010, international visitor arrivals to Thailand totalled 15.9 million, a good growth of 12.63 percent over 2009. We consider this to be a phenomenal turnaround success story, especially in the light of the political unrest that we faced in April-May 2010 and the disruptions it caused in the flow of visitor arrivals. South Asia showed the highest growth of 24.98 percent followed by the Middle East at 23 percent.”

Despite the increasing figures in 2010, Thai tourism is likely to face further challenges

34

following the recent flash floods and landslides in the southern provinces that have already taken a toll on the industry. According to the Tourism Council of Thailand, the natural catastrophe resulted in an estimated revenue loss of THB2.5 billion (USD83.2 million) while tourist arrival dropped by 30 percent as both air and road transportation were disrupted for two weeks.

Meanwhile, Thailand was also obligated to assess the weight of the recent natural and nuclear catastrophe of Japan, where the Japanese being one of the major generating markets of Thai tourism.

“According to some preliminarily evaluation of impact on Thai tourism, the Thai-Japanese Travel Association has reported a 5-10 percent cancellation rate in the number of Japanese visitors with trips booked to Thailand, with the highest rate of cancellations coming from the disaster hit areas,” added Piriyakiet.

Thailand in Brief Capital: Bangkok Currency: Baht (THB) Language: Thai Amid the challenging times, the authority strives to promote Thailand in enormously important markets. “We will maintain our strategy to seek out new sources of business from markets; such as Eastern Europe, the Central Asian Republics and of course our most promising markets, namely, India, China and Russia.”

Bangkok has long been regarded as an international hub for business and leisure travellers alike. According to the Abu Dhabi Airports Company’s recently issued statistics, Bangkok ranks as the top international destination at Abu Dhabi International Airport.

MAY 2011

- Thailand Hotels Anantara, which has recently added a new property to its Thai pipeline, welcomes a notable number of guests from the MENA region.

Marion Walsh-Hédouin, group director of public relations, Anantara Bangkok, Stathorn, comments on this market.

“All of the Anantara resorts offer a range of different activities and facilities that cater to audiences from the Middle East and North Africa.

Many of our resorts in Thailand have exclusive villas that offer a very private setting for Arab families who prefer to spend time with their families and respect cultural sensitivities”.

Accor has recently added two properties, Veranda High Resort Chiang Mai and Veranda Resort and Spa Hua Hin-Cha Am to its boutique MGallery Collection. Oswald Pichlet, vice president, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, Accor, highlighted on the new properties. "We are delighted to add these two properties to the MGallery Collection.

The two Veranda resorts will accommodate guests seeking unique and personalised experiences in Thailand's most well-known retreat destinations.”

Intercontinental Bangkok, which was recognised

36

as Thailand’s Leading Hotel by the World Travel Awards in 2010, has high popularity among Arab travellers. Markus Platzer, general manager, Intercontinental, Bangkok, elaborates on the property.

“The hotel received more than 120,000 guests in 2010. It has a fairly good market mix, with more than 25 percent of guests from the Middle East, followed by Europe and then Singapore and Japan.”

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok has experienced a signifigant increase in the number of Middle Eastern guests and Georges Akar, director of Middle East sales, Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, comments on the Middle East market.

“Trends are encouraging for Bangkok. Our biggest increase came from regional short-haul markets such as Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore however we also saw a healthy increase from Middle Eastern markets.”

Crowne Plaza Lumpini Park Bangkok, has just resumed its operation some months ago and Mark Winterton, general manager, points out the main market inflow for the property.

“The hotel was only recently reopened as a Crowne Plaza, at the end of 2010. Based on

previous data, the hotel received about 68,000 guests in 2010. The major generating market was Japan, followed by other Southeast Asian source markets and then Australia. We have just over 350 guests from the Middle East.”

Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, positioned as a city resort received the majority of its guest from Europe, commented Francis Zimmerman, general manager.

“In 2010 the hotel welcomed approximately 151,000 guests, the majority of them arriving from Europe, the UK and Japan, while about three percent of our guests came from the Middle East.”

Starwood has just announced the debut of its St. Regis brand in Thailand with the opening of St. Regis Bangkok.

Andreas Oberoi, general manager, St. Regis Bangkok, comments on the property. “We are thrilled with the landmark entry of the St. Regis brand into Thailand. St. Regis Bangkok will be ideally positioned to cater to both influential business travellers and discerning leisure travellers to Bangkok.”

In addition, Starwood is also set to launch Aloft and Four Points by Sheraton properties in Phuket, both scheduled to open in 2014. n

MAY 2011

- Budget Travel

Better Deals - More Value for Money Amid the faltering economy, everyone wants to get more value out of their budget and seek alternative ways to cut costs without cutting corners. At the same time, due to the soaring fuel prices and a struggling economy, the low-fare airlines and budget accommodations face big challenges to keep their costs and fares down and adapt to the shifting circumstances.

Rita Kasziba writes

T

he Middle East, and especially the UAE, has started to diversify its tourism industry and accommodation offerings to attract a wider scope of travellers. Long eclipsed budget lodgings, providing decent accommodation without frills, reach out to price-conscious travellers who focus on what will bring the utmost for their money and who are keen on avoiding miscellaneous expenses.

Holiday Inn Dubai, Al Barsha, has been fast gaining popularity as a value for money accommodation option. Reda Moukhtar, general manager, Holiday Inn Dubai, Al Barsha, comments on this growing market. “Budget travel represents about 30 percent of our overall figures. Dubai nowadays has the ‘category based inventory’ to cater to all type of clientele, which was not the case decades back.”

Holiday Inn Express focuses on reasonable prices

MAY 2011

along with standard amenities and services. Jan Siddiqi, cluster director of sales and marketing, Holiday Inn Express, Dubai Internet City, elaborates on what this type of client can expect.

“There is an increasing demand on budget accommodations. Dubai has been a happening destination and people from all over the world come to share and live the Dubai experience. We on the other hand, offer more or less the same experience as most of the four and five star hotels.

However, the only difference is the limited service offering which maintains a quality product.”

The low fares appeal not only to tourists travelling on a tight budget but also to professionals, willing to take advantage of the bargain rates.

“85 to 95 percent of our guests are business or budgeted travellers, practically from all regions of the world. A simple sentence that would describe our Express Hotels is ‘a fresh, clean,

uncomplicated lodging at an affordable price and friendly services’,” added Siddiqi.

The opening of easyHotel Jebel Ali marked the brand’s entry into the Middle Eastern market. Its concept drew upon offering the best value at the lowest price. Arun Denis Mudhartha, manager of easyHotel, elaborated on the property and the hotels concept. “easyHotel Jebel Ali, within the Jebel Ali Free Zone, is a very secure part of Dubai with a growing commercial infrastructure. In addition, the close by metro station is convenient to budget travellers and the price and ease of booking rooms are the biggest influences. We receive the majority of our guests from the Asian continent, mostly from India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Korea, as well as many from the UK.” Mudhartha believes that travellers are keen on scoring great deals even in Dubai.

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- Budget Travel Despite Qatar being positioned as a lavish destination, a wide range of low cost accommodations have emerged across the country, including a hostel. Qatar Youth Hostel receives travellers from all around the world. The hostel provides low fares with free wireless internet and most guests are from the Gulf and Arabian countries.

Low Cost Carriers The rise of low-cost carriers (LCC) in the region cater for the ‘budget-conscious’ travellers and provide convenient connectivity to and from the Middle East. However, due to the current financial situation and the soaring oil prices, these airlines face huge challenges.

Housam Raydan, corporate communications manager, Air Arabia, elaborates on this category of traveller.

“Passengers on LCC vary greatly and are not necessarily those of a lower income bracket, but those who want to make the most of their money.

Everyone wants a good deal, and most prefer to spend extra money on a better hotel or more activities during their trip than on a four-hour

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flight. Lately, more and more passengers, including business travellers, are choosing low cost travel solutions and the concept is gaining recognition as a viable alternative to traditional airlines.”

The carrier has anticipated the increasing competition in the region.

There is an increasing demand on budget accommodations.

Dubai has been a happening destination and people from all over the world come to share and live the Dubai experience “Air Arabia introduced the concept of budget travelling into this region seven years ago and we are glad to see more and more low cost companies joining and spreading this concept,” added Raydan.

Rafik Boghdady, vice president sales, Jazeera Airways, Kuwait, also observes the plight closely.

“Cost control is a daily task. Its part of our daily

routine to make sure our efficiency and aircraft utilisation is always high and in-line with best practices globally on the one hand, and on the other hand we work to attracting more and more customers in order to have scale.”

The airline’s clientele emanates from a wide scope of travellers.

“Jazeera Airways operates a two class cabin comprising of a business class and economy class, so we cater for all kind of travellers. Our network includes holiday destinations, major regional cities, and home destinations. Therefore, we have a mix of business travellers, holiday makers, labour traffic, students and people who want to visit their friends and relatives,” added Boghdady.

According to Boghdady, budget travel is an upward spiral. “Travelling on short haul flights within a two-three hour network, will become a commodity in this part of the world as well. That’s why more and more people would look at fare levels and value propositions of different airlines.

We are the airline of choice for these people. This trend will continue and help us grow our business in a profitable way.” n

MAY 2011

MENA Competes For Wedding Tourism Business Details of exactly how much the global wedding and honeymoon industry is currently worth remains uncertain, however it could easily be estimated at tens of billions of US dollars annually.

F

rom some research that has been conducted in recent years, it is thought that the wedding industry in the UK alone, is worth more than GBP5.5billion (USD8.95billion), while the Indian wedding industry in 2010 was INR1trillion (USD22.65billion) and growing by up to 30 percent each year.

One of the reasons that more specific figures remain unavailable to date, is that there are so many businesses that directly, or indirectly, benefit from this tourism.

Across the MENA region, the wedding industry is one of the fastest growing areas within the leisure and tourism sector although it faces steep competition. Thailand is one of many countries that are currently being extremely proactive in luring newlyweds and brides- and grooms-to-be.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is keen to invest in the newlywed market as it

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believes that this niche market spends 20 percent more than the average tourist.

Having spent a considerable amount of time and money in recent years in order to attract honeymooners from India, Japan and South Korea, TAT has now turned its attention to the Middle East and the US. It has launched a number of special honeymoon packages that include a range of luxury products and services, along with value-added benefits such as transfers, spa treatments, and romantic dinners.

The authority feels that Indonesia will be its main competition in attracting wedding and honeymoon tourism, as the country is marketing itself as a luxury and low-budget destination.

With the Middle East and North Africa still being thought of a luxury, exotic destination, the number of marriages involving locals has remained fairly stable in recent years and the

number of weddings involving couples from abroad, is expected to increase dramatically.

The popularity of the Perfect Wedding Show in Sharjah, UAE, which took place in March, indicates that one of the main reasons for optimism is that more than 60 percent of the Middle East’s population is under the age of 30, while a survey conducted during the event also revealed that both Emiratis and expatriates expect to spend more money on their weddings in the region.

Heba Rumhein, events director at Atlantis, The Palm Dubai, indicates that couples are increasingly spending more money on weddings in a bid to make them more memorable. “Each couple wants their event to be unique and stand out from other weddings they have attended. Each year, I meet with more and more couples that are willing to pay a bit extra or to use a little more creativity to create a bigger bang on their special day.” n

MAY 2011

Samer Majali

Michel Noblet

CEO, Gulf Air

President and CEO, Hospitality Management Holdings

"The Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) approval not only recognises Gulf Air’s compliance with highest standards of airworthiness and safety regulations but also its in-house capability to achieve and maintain such high standards of our fleet.

After many years of outsourcing our fleet management and airworthiness control to outside agencies, we are now able to insource such key technical functions to be taken care of by our own technical team. This will enable us to further improve the quality and airworthiness control of our aircraft, significantly enhancing aircraft safety level while reducing maintenance cost.

I would like to extend my special appreciation to the team that has been working tirelessly for the last several months in the preparation of necessary systems, processes and documentation in a very challenging and limited time and accomplishing the task successfully.”

“We continue to see exciting development opportunities and believe the time is right for consolidation, growth and expansion. We have confidence that the economy and hotel sector is on a strong rebound track. I am glad to see the diversification we have now in terms of hotel categories. Before, we only saw the deluxe five-star segment in the market.

Today we have a mid-market and budget segment coming, so it makes the destinations Michel Noblet more appealing and affordable.

The Middle East has an incredible ability to bounce back. Travellers have an enduring love affair with countries such as Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and we hope things will get back to normal soon in order for business to continue as usual.”

We are now able to insource such key technical functions to be taken care of by our own technical team

We continue to see exciting development opportunities and believe the time is right for consolidation, growth and expansion Samer Majali

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

MAY 2011

41

- Spain

Spain’s Economic Pain Will Not Remain Spain has long been one of the world’s most popular destinations, however, as the country struggles to recover from the global recession, its tourism sector has faltered. Travel Trade Monthly examines how a plan for sustainable tourism could encourage the nation’s tourism to flourish again.

Duncan MacRae writes

F

or decades now, Spain has officially been the world’s third most popular tourist destination following the US and France, yet, figures revealed by the UNTWO

show that the country has been overtaken in popularity by China in 2010. While China enjoyed a 9.4 percent increase in arrivals to 55.7 million, Spain experienced just one percent increase to 52.2 million.

The Spanish Tourist Board is delighted that this recovery has taken place due to the fact that during the first quarter of 2009, the number of foreign tourists that have visited Spain fell by 16.3 percent. This indicated that the number of British tourists had dropped by 23.3 percent, and the decrease in the number of German and French tourists reached 15.7 and 9.8 percent respectively. At least this negative trend is now being reversed.

Spain’s Tourism Plan Horizon 2020, which was formulated by the government in 2007, has played a major part in helping to stop the financial crisis influence.

Seven areas were identified within the plan including human resources and training, commercialisation and promotion, sustainability, statistics and market analysis, strategic marketing and tourism products, competitiveness, and innovation. Seven groups of experts were then formed in order to establish concrete plans to make substantial improvements in each area by 2020.

Elena Valdes, managing director, Spanish Tourist Board, comments.

“The Spanish Government wants to consolidate our world-wide leadership in tourism, being a model of competitiveness and environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Tourism is one of the most important sectors for the economic growth and for the social development of our country.

Although we are one of the most visited countries in the world, we believe we must work hard to improve and consolidate our position.”

New growth Valdes concedes that the economic crisis has hindered the country’s work on the Tourism Plan Horizon 2020.

“The tourism sector has fewer budgets to make investments but we have tried to make up for this by utilising new technologies to communicate and

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MAY 2011

- Spain Spain in Brief Capital: Madrid Currency: Euro (EUR) Language: Spanish promote the country. We have also intensified our agreements and alliances with the likes of tour operators, airlines and hotel networks.”

For Epoque Hotels, a collection of more than 340 luxury boutique hotels, the importance of Spain’s tourism industry can not be overstated. Juan Palmada, vice president, Epoque Hotels, agrees that new alliances will only strengthen the industry.

“Spain is one of our most important countries, and with the current economic environment we foresee plenty of opportunities.”

Hilton Worldwide is another hotel group that believes Spain still has a lot to offer. Its Waldorf Astoria brand, will make its debut in Spain when the company rebrands Hacienda La Boticaria Hotel near Seville, under its luxury Waldorf Astoria offering this summer.

Primo Munoz, country general manager, Spain, Hilton Worldwide, notes that a signature property in Spain was the next natural step.

“The plan reflects the need for change in Spain. The

MAY 2011

tourism industry has to take a new direction, more focused on quality than on quantity. These future changes will be clearly influenced by the growth in presence of the large international hotel companies.”

Significant Potential “Tourism from North Africa and the Middle East is relatively low at present, and due to the limited number of flights between these regions and Spain, we don’t expect it to increase dramatically in the near future. However, we firmly believe there is significant potential in these source markets for Spanish hotels and we often visit the Middle East, attending various events, to promote the destination to this market,” adds Munoz.

The Rezidor Hotel Group, which opened its first hotel in Madrid in 2010, concurs and expects Radisson Blu Hotel Madrid Prado, to quickly increase in popularity with Middle Eastern tourists.

Ferran Brufau, general manager, Radisson Blu Hotel Madrid Prado, explains that five percent of the hotel’s customers currently come from Middle East and North Africa, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE. “In these countries our hotel brand is well established and we also have a network of local

sales representatives there promoting our hotels.

The Middle East and North Africa have traditionally been tourism receiving countries, but this trend has started to change in both leisure and business travel. More and more travellers from these regions are coming to Europe for holidays or to do business”.

Business from the Middle East and North Africa is helping transform the fortunes of Iberia. For the first time in 13 years, the airline posted a negative financial result in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. In 2010 though, its net profit was EUR85 million (USD121.6 million), with operating revenues up 8.2 percent to EUR4,770 million(USD6,825.8 million).

The company is looking to create new flight routes to the region and already flies between Madrid and Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangiers, Cairo, Algiers and Oran.

Consuelo Arias, press officer, Iberia, notes that the airline’s traffic to Africa and the Middle East grew by 6.3 percent in 2010 compared to 2009.

“Our flights to these areas have a good load factor, as countries such as Morocco and Egypt are popular tourist destinations for Spanish travellers. n

43

- Kenya

Kenya’s New Tourism Bill Kenya’s tourism industry had its most successful year in 2010, although tourism stakeholders have voiced concerns over a new tourism bill drafted by the government. Travel Trade Monthly examines the decisions and actions being taken to build on last year’s achievements.

Duncan MacRae writes

A

wealth of investment is expected to be made in Kenya’s tourism industry following the countries most successful tourism year ever. In December, 2010, Kenya Tourist Board revealed that the country welcomed 1,095,945 tourists for that year, an increase of 15 percent from 2009. The tourism sector generated KES73.68 billion (USD876.6 million) in 2010 and Kenya hopes that this year it will take a closer step to attract two million international tourists in 2012. In an effort to achieve the target, the government has been working hard to put into effect a new tourism bill.

The bill has undergone a second reading in parliament and is yet to be debated and enacted into law. It is proof that the government recognises tourism as a major income earner.

Kimutai Ngeno, PR manager, Kenya Tourist Board, comments on the bill. “Some of the most important aspects of the bill include giving priority

and prominence to the sustainable management of tourism in waste management, promotion of renewable energy, environment conservation and reduction of human wildlife conflicts.”

However, not all stakeholders have been entirely happy with the bill. Prior to its second reading, Antony Njaramba, vice chairman, Kenyan Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC), comments on the association. “The private sector was not involved at any stage and such a matter requires total participation of all stakeholders, regardless of their status in the industry.”

Ngeno denies that stakeholders have not been consulted but admits that KAHC was not entirely happy with the initial draft and says that the issue has been resolved.

Common Interest Hilton Worldwide is one stakeholder that is welcoming the new legislation. Derrek Anderson, VP development, East, South and North Africa,

Making the process for investors and companies to do business more efficiently and effectively in Kenya will be a big boost

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Kenya in Brief Capital: Nairobi Currency: Kenyan Shilling Language: Swahili Hilton Worldwide, feels that the bill will support travel and tourism.

“We hope the bill will do just that – bring together groups that have a common interest in the ongoing development of this crucial industry, and giving all elements of the industry a voice and a chance to bring their expertise to bear.”

Rezidor is planning to take its first step into Kenya, with a hotel under development in the Upper Hill precinct of Nairobi under the Radisson Blu brand.

Andrew McLachlan, vice president of business development for Africa and Indian Ocean Islands, Rezidor, comments that the company is interested in developing more hotels within the country.

“We believe there is more opportunity within Kenya, and in particular Nairobi, to operate in the mid market segment, so we are working hard to bring Park Inn by Radisson to Nairobi.”

Kenya Airways, the national flag carrier, has helped to make the nation more accessible. Now a full member of the Skyteam alliance, the airline flies to and from 53 destinations. Titus Naikuni, CEO, Kenya Airways, comments that the air carrier has made great strides in developing its route network.

“In addition to growing the size of our fleet to match the expanding network and increased destination frequencies, we have endeavoured to maintain a good fleet of aircraft with world-class service.”

Emerging Market In 2010, the Middle East contributed about nine percent of the airline’s customers, Naikuni points out. “Kenya Airways has identified the Middle East as an emerging market and we are steadily including new destinations beginning with Muscat, which we started in 2009, and we are set to open up flights to Jeddah later this year”.

According to McLachlan at Rezidor, it is Kenya’s people, wildlife and beaches that will be the big draw for leisure tourists. “For the business tourist it is the geographic location, people, airlift and telecommunications.”

Hilton Worldwide’s Anderson concurs, “Kenya has a great deal to offer – natural beauty, world heritage sites and Nairobi is now a major air hub for Africa, which makes getting there relatively easy too.” n MAY 2011

Sarfaraz Nawaz

Georges Farhat

Sarfaraz Nawaz has been appointed as cluster sales manager for the two City Seasons properties in Dubai. In his new role, Nawaz will oversee the sales activities of both City Seasons Suites Dubai and City Seasons Hotel Dubai.

He has been tasked to improve partnerships with existing contacts in the corporate and government sector as well as to identify and attract new accounts while working closely with the travel trade to promote the hotels across the GCC and Asia. Prior to taking on his current position, Nawaz worked as cluster assistant sales manager in charge of corporate accounts at Flora Creek and Flora Park Deluxe Hotel Apartments in Dubai. Previously he was with Hilton Corniche in Abu Dhabi as guest service executive.

Sarfaraz Nawaz

Christian Pertl

Christian Pertl

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Christian Pertl has been appointed as vice president of sales and marketing for Jumeirah Group, Dubai. Pertl has vast experience in commercial management and strategic direction. In his new role he will oversee the sales and marketing activities of Jumeirah’s Dubai-based properties. His responsibilities also include room revenue, occupancy and market share maximising. Most recently he held the commercial director position for InterContinental Hotels Group Dubai Festival City (IHG DFC), where he was responsible for all commercial operations.

Prior to that, he worked for IHG in Vienna as area director of sales and marketing, in Loipersdorf, Austria and in Crowne Plaza Bucharest as director of sales and marketing positions.

Georges Farhat has been promoted to resident manager at Crowne Plaza Dubai. Farhat joined the team in 1994, shortly after the property’s opening and has since achieved promotions starting from a management trainee to his most recent role as executive assistant manager. His passion for hospitality orignate from family trips in Lebanon during his childhood, which led him to specialise in front office at college.

Georges Farhat

MAY 2011

Q & A with Meg E. Evans Despite the current political situation in the Middle East, Jordan remains a secure country, which continuously attracts both visitors and investors. Meg E. Evans, country director of marketing, Jordan, Marriott International, talks about the hotel group’s operational hotels recent developments as well as latest challenges.

Travel Trade Monthly: Jordan is going through a significant amount of change and is attracting a lot of interest from hotel groups.

Have the three Marriott hotels in Jordan witnessed any change in demand recently, and if so, from which markets have you experienced increased or decreased interest?

Meg E. Evans: Unfortunately the entire country has seen a decrease in demand due to the situation in the Middle East that has had a negative impact on our top source markets from the US and Europe.

Hotel joined Jordan Tourism Board ( JTB) to welcome the inaugural flight of easyJet to its newest route to Amman. This new service was initiated with a very high profile familiarisation and press trip to Jordan. Many prominent journalists, easyJet management and the CEO stayed at the Amman Marriott Hotel. They also enjoyed a welcome dinner hosted by the hotel and attended by H.E. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, minister of tourism. Marriott Hotels in Jordan are thrilled to be part of this inauguration and we are very optimistic as it will open the doors to this beautiful destination and allow for many more visitors to come and discover this unique and incredible country.

Travel Trade Monthly: What are the main visitor markets for each of the hotels with regard to nationality?

Meg E. Evans: For most of the year, the hotels Travel Trade Monthly: Based on your share very similar source markets which include the experience, what are the major draws of the US, UK, Italy, Spain and France and at the same time country? the Jordan Valley Marriott has large clientele from Meg E. Evans: Jordan remains to be an extremely the local market and Russia. During the summer months the GCC travellers are the top markets for the Amman and Jordan Valley Marriott's.

Travel Trade Monthly: What ratio of business and leisure visitors do each of the three hotels attract?

Meg E. Evans: The Petra Marriott

secure country and a wonderful destination with tremendously hospitable people and many hidden undiscovered treasures. Jordan is a fascinating destination which benefits from an incredibly diverse landscape and is filled with attractions, both natural and manmade. It is a place of many Biblical and romantic associations. From the eternal beauty

Meg E. Evans

and amazing desert scenery of Wadi Rum that mesmerised Lawrence of Arabia, to the bustling city life of Amman; and from the world’s most atmospheric ruins of past civilizations in Petra and Jerash to the healing powers of the Dead Sea. Jordan is a unique destination offering breathtaking sights and experiences. It is a safe and peaceful country despite its geographic location. It is a great destination for adventure tourism where visitors from all around the world will definitely experience a memorable stay in a country that has so much to offer. History, culture, religion, nature reserves, beaches, desert and adventure, health resorts, Jordan has something for everyone. A travel destination where all your needs whether business or pleasure can be met. n

welcomes 100 percent leisure guests, where the Amman Marriott has about 65 percent corporate and 35 percent leisure, and the Jordan Valley Marriott runs with 60 percent corporate and 40 percent leisure guests.

Travel Trade Monthly: Are Marriott's plans to open a hotel and resort in Aqaba in 2013 going according to schedule?

Meg E. Evans: Yes, JW Marriott Aqaba has broken ground and we anticipate it to be on schedule at this time.

Travel Trade Monthly: With easyJet recently inaugurating a new route between London and Jordan, have you already noticed any increase in visitors from the UK? Meg E. Evans: It is too early to evaluate because on March 27, the Amman Marriott MAY 2011

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Travel Fairs Mature in Eastern Europe and Central Asia According to the International Tourism Trade Fairs Association (ITTFA), travel trade shows in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, despite the global economic recession, are evolving year by year.

Azerbaijan International Travel and Tourism Fair (AITF), the largest exhibition of the eastern European country, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has particularly shown growth. In response to the increasing interest, AITF in Baku increased by 20 percent in space in 2010 and received over 7,600 professionals, making up 72 percent of the total visitor numbers. Although, the tourism industry has only begun to rebound in the last decade, the biggest country of the Caucasus region has since then merited a significant relevance in the international tourism industry.

The organiser of AITF, ITE Group, operate two fairs in Kazakhstan. The larger show, Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF), held in Almaty, took place for the 11th time in April with

8000 m2 space and over 500 exhibitors. The show is coordinated jointly with the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and has reported a significant increase of 23 percent in outbound tourism for 2009. The companies and organisations enjoy another show taking place in autumn, titled Astana Leisure. The capital city’s event covers 700m2 and attracts over 2,700 visitors as recorded in 2010.

For over 20 years, TourSib has focused on the Siberian region of Russia, where inhabitants show a notable interest in outbound tourism, due to the vast area’s extreme climate. Held in Novosibirsk, the fair that hosts approximately 240 exhibitors from 21 destinations, covers close to 5000m2 in exhibition space.

ITE Group, which currently operates seven travel fairs, witnessed an increased interest toward its shows in the region. Maria Badakh, head of sales and president of ITTFA, elaborates on the areas of interest.

“All of these markets offer high spending tourists,

Indaba Durban, South Africa, May 7-10, 2011 (www.indaba-southafrica.co.za) Showcases the widest variety of Southern Africa's best tourism products.

German Travel Market Cologne/Bonn, Germany, May 8-10, 2011 (www.germany-travel-market.de) An event and workshop for incoming tourism to Germany.

The Hotel Show Dubai, UAE, May 17-19, 2011 (www.thehotelshow.com) Hospitality event for the MENA, GCC and emerging markets.

International Pow Wow San Francisco, USA, May 21-25, 2011 (www.ustravel.org/events/international-pow-wow) An international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA.

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Kazakhstan International Tourism Fair (KITF) 2010

and have a lot of interest from many luxury destinations and properties around the world. We have noticed that in the past few years we have a considerable number of new exhibitors from exotic destinations such as South America, Asia and Africa. A very important factor is that many countries have cancelled visas for Russians and this has definitely improved the tourism flow.” n

IMEX Frankfurt, Germany, May 24-26, 2011 (www.imex-frankfurt.com) Worldwide exhibition for incentive travel, meetings and events.

Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, China, June 13-16, 2011 (www.altm.com.cn) Showcases the world's most sought after destinations and ultra-unique travel experiences to travel buyers from across the Asia Pacific.

CITY FAIR The European Cities Travel Workshop London, UK, 20 June, 2011 (www.cityfair.travel) A one day event of pre-scheduled appointments dedicated to the sector of city tourism.

AIBTM Baltimore, USA, June 21-23, 2011 (www.aibtm.com) US event for the business travel and meetings industry.

MAY 2011