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7 JANUARY 2012

ISSUE 113

Adventure World Abu Dhabi in the Pipeline Las Palm plans to develop Adventure World Abu Dhabi amusement park.

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, has opened its doors, marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East.

04 Emirates A380 Service to Melbourne and Tokyo Emirates announced Melbourne and Tokyo as two new destinations for its A380 aircraft.

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

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Now Open

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MARKET UPDATE

TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY MANAGING EDITOR Mary Kammitsi mary@traveltradeweekly.travel

Abu Dhabi International Airport: Passenger Traffic Up 16 Percent Passenger and cargo traffic at Abu Dhabi International Airport continued a trend of steady growth in November 2011, based on data compiled by Abu Dhabi Airports Company.

JOURNALISTS Stefanie Saghbini Rita Kasziba Dominique Christou SALES & MARKETING

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Maria Demetriadou Brighite Ess Dominique Tennant WEB & LAYOUT Elina Pericleous DIRECTORS Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi HEADQUARTERS T.T.W. Travel Trade Weekly LTD P.O. Box 25255, Nicosia, 1308, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 021607, Fax: +357 22 210466 WEBSITE www.traveltradeweekly.travel EMAILS info@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

ith a 16 percent year-onyear increase, November 2011 marked the fifth consecutive month where more than one million passengers passed through the airport’s terminals. Cargo traffic was up seven percent over the same period in 2010, with 42,000 tonnes of freight handled.

Commenting on the figures, Harib Al Hameli, vice president operations, Abu Dhabi International Airport, said, “November 2010 was one of the busiest months for Abu Dhabi International Airport, particularly with the many activities surrounding the Formula 1 season taking place around the capital, along with the Hajj season, which drove passenger traffic to rise through the airport’s diverse network.

Abu Dhabi International Airport

“We look forward to sustaining our dynamic growth, and to continue providing our passengers with award-winning customer service combined with high levels of efficient and safe operations.”

The top five routes, collectively claiming 20 percent of the total passenger traffic for the month, included Doha, London Heathrow, Bangkok, Manila, and Manama.

MENA EXCHANGE RATES Accurate as of

05/01/2012 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar

COUNTRY

CURRENCY

UAE (AED)

Dirham

3.67

Egypt (EGP)

Pound

6.03

Saudi Arabia (SAR)

Riyal

3.75

Lebanon (LBP)

Pound

1,505.50

Bahrain (BHD)

Dinar

0.37

Jordan (JOD)

Dinar

0.71

Syria (SYP)

Pound

54.15

Kuwait (KWD)

Dinar

0.28

Qatar (QAR)

Riyal

3.64

Oman (OMR)

Rial

0.38

Tunisia (TND)

Dinar

1.50

Morocco (MAD)

Dirham

8.60

Iran (IRR)

Riyal

11,145.00

Yemen (YER)

Rial

219.26

Algeria (DZD)

Dinar

75.41

Libya (LYD)

Dinar

1.26

1USD=

Abu Dhabi: Closer to Guest Target of Two Million The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix helped the capital’s hotels and hotel apartments move closer to the annual guest target of two million after welcoming a record number of guests in November 2011, according to figures released by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA).

In November, Abu Dhabi recorded 206,748 hotel guests, up 22 percent over the corresponding month of 2010, and exceeding the 200,000 mark for the first time in two years. The performance further boosted the capital’s annual guest number, which, in the first 11 months of the year, totalled 1,903,888, a 16 percent year-on-year increase, and only 97,000 guests away from the target of two million. In the same month, guest arrivals from the GCC rose four percent, while the UK remained the capital’s top international source market (15,246 guests).

Commenting on the results, Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director, ADTA, said, “Without putting the horse before the cart, we are confident that we will surpass our stretch target for 2011. This represents a fantastic achievement for everyone involved with the emirate’s tourism industry.”

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WEEKLY NEWS

20 Cruise Ships for Dubai

Dubai to Welcome Blockbusters

The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) recently announced that 20 cruise ships with hundreds of passengers and crew members were hosted by the Dubai Cruise Terminal during a two-week period between October 28 and December 15, 2011.

This marked the first time in Dubai's cruise tourism sector's history that such a large number of cruise ships were received. Dubai closed the year of 2011 with a total of 135 cruise ships carrying 375,000 tourists, while this year is expected to bring in 150 cruise ships with some 425,000 passengers.

Cruise tourism has been growing steadily in Dubai due to DTCM’s efforts and growing interest of cruise liners to tap Dubai’s strong tourism infrastructure, air connectivity, and strategic location at the crossroads of the east and west. Furthermore, Dubai has emerged as the destination of choice for many global cruise providers who are now using the emirate as a regional hub for their operations, creating a major boost to the growth of the region’s cruise tourism industry.

Meraas Holding, a Dubai-based real estate company, is to launch Dubai Adventure Studios, an AED2.2 billion (USD599 million) project.

The movie-based theme park, which will be located at the company’s master development in close proximity to the Arabian Ranches intersection, will form phase-one of a three-phase project spanning across more than 740,000m2. The 185,000m2 movie-based theme park will comprise five zones, a plethora of the latest games, and new generation rides, as well as food and beverage zones, set to shape an all-inclusive entertainment destination.

“Meraas recognises the need for a theme park in Dubai that will complement the UAE's growing popularity as a tourism hub,” Sina Al Kazim, chief business development officer, Meraas Holding, commented. “Dubai Adventure Studios will offer a truly unique experience that will set a distinctive benchmark in the evolution of the theme park industry.”

Work on the project is scheduled to begin early this year and be completed towards the end of 2014.

Adventure World Abu Dhabi in the Pipeline

Adventure World, Warsaw (artist impression)

Las Palm plans to develop Adventure World Abu Dhabi amusement park, which is to be constructed on the basis of the theme concept of Adventure World Warsaw, Poland, which is scheduled to open in 2014, only adjusted to match the local culture and history.

Las Palm is completing all required decisions and permits for Adventure World Warsaw, which will be the first of the group to open, followed by Adventure World Abu Dhabi. The two parks are slated to be developed concurrently.

“The concept of a family park, which we created jointly with our partners, Jora Vision, AGS, Imtech, Vekoma, has a huge potential. In Abu Dhabi, it will be supplemented with elements of local culture and history, boosting the economy and existing tourism of Abu Dhabi, creating new jobs, and attracting even more tourists each year,” commented Peter Jan Mulder, CEO, Las Palm.

Similarly to the amusement park planned in Poland, Adventure World Abu Dhabi is conceptualised to compose of five themed islands with 25 attractions.

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Accommodation

WEEKLY NEWS

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The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort Now Open The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, has opened its doors, marking the brand’s debut in the Middle East.

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ocated on Saadiyat, a natural island with a 9km pristine white beach, just 20 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and seven minutes from downtown, guests can unwind and recharge in a striking contemporary setting and calming ambience in the newest address in Abu Dhabi.

Designed with the discerning, well-travelled guest in mind, the resort extends the St. Regis brand’s legacy to the Middle East, noted John Pelling, general manager.

“At St. Regis we believe luxury is all about choices and Noriko Kibar [director of butler services], and her team of butlers are here to make whatever guests choose, happen seamlessly and perfectly. A lot of hotels have butlers but I

believe guests who stay with us will see that at St. Regis we take the art of service very seriously.”

The resort extends the St. Regis brand’s legacy to the Middle East

The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort

A New Landmark in Dubai Landmark Hotels and Suites has opened its highly anticipated four-star Landmark Grand Hotel, on Riqqa road, in the heart of Dubai.

Its unveiling coincides with a recent surge in the UAE’s hospitality space that has seen most hotels in Dubai achieve occupancy levels of as high as 85 percent.

The hotel is 10 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and a mere two minutes from the Union Metro Station. It holds 174 rooms, a business centre, a rooftop conference room over looking Dubai, and an all-day dining restaurant.

S.M. Sadique, managing director, Landmark Zenath Group, commented, “The dynamism of Dubai’s hospitality sector and the growing global appeal of the UAE as a leisure and lifestyle hub, inspired us to come up with a new development that harmonises luxury and functionality to offer the perfect home away from home for holiday adventures and business travellers alike.”

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The resort boasts lavish yet intimate spaces with superior rooms and suites overlooking the pristine beach and the ocean front golf club. Besides an array of food and beverage outlets, the resort also features a spa and an indoor lap pool, as well as a 3,000m2 ballroom, a boardroom and four meeting rooms, offering ideal venues for conferences, exhibitions, and grand occasions.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Cruise Industry to Further Protect the Environment With the expansion of the worldwide cruise industry, attention is focusing increasingly on the subject of sustainability.

International shipping lines have been introducing a whole range of ecological and social measures along with environmentalists and cruise experts also calling for greater corporate social responsibility in the cruise sector. Alexis Papathanassis, professor, cruise management, Hochschule (Institute of Higher Education) Bremerhaven, stated, at the World Travel Trends Forum in Pisa, that the industry should see sustainability as an opportunity and not as a threat.

Between 2005 and 2010, the international cruise industry expanded by 35 percent, and according to the ITB World Travel Trends Report 2011, with a total of 6.5 million trips annually, cruise passengers in Europe already account for two percent of all vacation travel.

“More supervision is required instead of a patchwork of rules and regulations,” further noted Papathanassis.

He further believes that new technical solutions and more innovative mechanical engineering are needed if the ecological impact of cruises is to be reduced. Furthermore environmental protection should be made part of the cruising experience.

Etihad Airways' Joint Venture Etihad Airways has announced a partnership with Avis EMEA which will allow members of its loyalty programme, Etihad Guest, to earn Etihad Guest Miles when they rent cars from Avis Rent A Car System.

This partnership with Avis EMEA gives Etihad Guest programme members the opportunity to extend their benefits from the air onto the ground when they plan their travel Peter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer, Etihad Airways, commented on the partnership. “Avis is a brand name that is recognised around the world as a quality provider of rental cars. At Etihad Airways, we are always looking for partnerships that create value and benefits for our loyal customers. This partnership with Avis EMEA gives Etihad Guest programme members the opportunity to extend their benefits from the air onto the ground when they plan their travel.”

Etihad Guest members can also take advantage of discounts at any of Avis Rent A Car System’s 5,100 car hire companies internationally.

“Partnering with Etihad Airways is great news for Avis as we continue our work to improve the overall mobility experience of our travellers,” commented Christophe Duboscq, regional director, Mediterranean, Middle East and Ireland, Avis EMEA.

New Singapore Brand in the Middle East Middle East-based travellers have made Singapore a premier destination brand in the region over the last three years, with annual visits now close to 150,000, a 50 percent increase in only three years, according to Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Singapore

Year-on-year, Middle East-based visitor arrival numbers are likely to continue to increase significantly, with holidaymakers and businessmen drawn by the growing range of premier attractions, hotels, and tourist amenities.

Jason Ong, area director, Middle East and Africa, STB, commented, “Singapore continues to evolve and mature with each passing year, and Middle East-based travellers have been quick to be some of the first in the world to experience the ‘new Singapore’ over the last three years. Singapore is now established as a premier, must-visit destination for the region’s discerning holidaymakers and, increasingly, its students and businessmen.”

Furthermore, the STB office in Dubai will be focusing on Singapore’s ongoing transformation, with emphasis on strengthening the understanding between the people of the Middle East and Singapore. In 2011, the office also successfully inaugurated the Middle East launch of two programmes.

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Air News

WEEKLY NEWS

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flydubai Starts Cargo Operation flydubai has launched a new division to further bolster the airline’s aim of making the transportation of goods and people across the region more convenient and affordable.

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aving commenced on January 1, flydubai Cargo now transports goods to all of the low-cost carrier’s 46 destinations, as well as on additional routes to India and Pakistan.

“I am very pleased to announce the start of flydubai cargo, which is another significant achievement for the airline,” Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, flydubai, said. “In 2011, we created our own engineering and maintenance division, and cargo is another example of our rapid expansion. Not only is it unusual for a low-cost carrier to have a cargo division, it is also rare for an airline as young as flydubai. But it is initiatives such as these that set us apart and ensure we continue to lead the way in low cost

flydubai

aviation, while also supporting Dubai’s position as a logistics hub.”

Cargo, including perishable items, textiles, electronics, couriered items, mail, pharmaceuticals, and general cargo, can originate

Etihad Airways and Hainan Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement Etihad Airways has signed a codeshare agreement with Hainan Airlines, marking the Abu Dhabi-based airline’s first codeshare arrangement with a Chinese carrier.

Subject to regulatory approvals, as of January 10, Hainan Airlines will place its HU code on Etihad Airways’ services linking Abu Dhabi and the airline’s three Chinese gateways, namely Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai.

The partnership, which also extends to Etihad Airways flights beyond Abu Dhabi, to Khartoum International Airport in Sudan, will further consolidate the UAE-based airline’s presence in the competitive Chinese market, noted James Hogan, CEO, Etihad Airways.

“Working with a major player like Hainan Airlines will increase Chinese passenger numbers on our China-Abu Dhabi services and beyond to popular destinations in Africa, the Middle East, and Europe,” he said.

In turn, the agreement will also bolster the Chinese carrier’s expansion, according to Tie Li, president, Hainan Airlines, who said, ”We have great expectations of the partnership, and believe that through mutual creativity, we will be able to bring synergy and hopefully value to our customers."

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from any point on the carrier’s network or beyond. flydubai has already signed interline agreements with a number of airlines, as 60 percent of all shipments are expected to be transit cargo. flydubai expects to carry 1,500 tonnes of cargo each month. “flydubai has an exemplary on-time record and transporting cargo will be no different. It will also be fully security screened before being loaded onto the aircraft, ensuring safe flights for all our passengers and crew,” concluded Al Ghaith.

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WEEKLY NEWS

Air News

Emirates A380 Service to Melbourne and Tokyo

Emirates

Emirates recently welcomed its 20th Airbus A380 to its rapidly expanding fleet and announced Melbourne and Tokyo as two new destinations for its flagship aircraft.

The airline now operates three daily flights from Dubai to the Australian city; one non-stop, one via Singapore, and the other via Kuala Lumpur. Melbourne’s A380 service will be Emirates’ second A380 operation in Australia and New Zealand, following the introduction of the aircraft on the Dubai-Sydney-Auckland route in 2009.

Furthermore, this year, Emirates will be celebrating its 10th year of services between Dubai and Japan, and its third year of operating to Narita International Airport. Demand on the DubaiTokyo route has continued to grow, prompting the need for the daily service to be operated by an A380 as of July 1.

The new service to Tokyo will depart from Dubai at 02.50 arriving at Narita International Airport at 17.35 the same day. The return flight is to depart Narita International Airport at 22.00 and arrive in Dubai at 04.15 the following day.

Kingfisher Airlines to Join oneworld Kingfisher Airlines is set to become the first Indian carrier to be member of a global airline alliance when it joins oneworld on February 10.

The carrier, which was invited to board oneworld in June 2010 after gaining approval from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, received the green light after successfully completing a review of its readiness conducted by the alliance’s central team and British Airways, which is sponsoring its membership.

As of February, the carrier will be offering oneworld’s full range of services and expanding the alliance’s network throughout the subcontinent.

“Kingfisher Airlines will expand oneworld’s network substantially in a key region of growing travel demand, with a carrier that matches our demanding requirements, while enabling Kingfisher Airlines to offer its customers a truly global network on quality partners. We are looking forward to welcoming them to the oneworld alliance in February,” commented Bruce Ashby, CEO, oneworld.

The membership will also strengthen the airline’s competitive offering as well as its financial position, according to Vijay Mallya, chairman, Kingfisher Airlines, who said, “Becoming part of oneworld will be one of the most significant steps in Kingfisher Airlines’ history. It will enable us to offer our customers a truly global network served by partners who include some of the best known and most admired airlines in the world, while our King Club frequent flyers will have more opportunities to earn and redeem mileage rewards and enjoy all their other benefits.”

Gulf Air Opens New Office Gulf Air has opened its new sales office in Seef Mall, providing an atmosphere of familiar hospitality with business functionality.

The new office features a state-of-theart city check-in area where customers can check-in and receive boarding passes ahead of their scheduled flight.

“With passengers being more focused on customer service, sales offices must become an instrument for fast and efficient assistance. Gulf Air’s new sales office combines Arabian hospitality with business efficiency focusing on the needs of the customer,” commented Talal Al Zain, chairman, Gulf Air. Samer Majali, CEO, Gulf Air, noted that one of the key components of Gulf Air’s new business strategy is to focus on improving their products and services that they offer their customers. “As we keep improving ourselves in our customer service on the ground, we will continue to add more features and facilities in the air as well, so that our premium customers enjoy a consistently enhanced experience throughout their journey,” he concluded.

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WEEKLY NEWS

International

Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya Opens Marriott International has added to its growing portfolio in Russia with the opening of Courtyard by Marriott Moscow Paveletskaya.

Located in the heart of the capital city’s business district and within a five-minute walk from Paveletskaya railway station, the 171-room hotel offers an ideal base for the fast increasing number of business travellers visiting Russia.

Commenting on the opening, Amy McPherson, president, Europe, Marriott International, said, “We are excited about the expansion of our Courtyard by Marriott brand in Eastern Europe and see strong opportunity to continue to grow the brand here in Russia.”

This is the sixth Courtyard by Marriott branded hotel in Russia, allowing guests to stay connected and productive while on-the-go, offering spacious work places and two meeting rooms with a total of 191m2 of conference space.

Holiday Inn Express Atlanta I-85 Clairmont Opens Following a USD1.4 million conversion from a Wingate

by Wyndham hotel, Holiday Inn Express Atlanta I-85 Clairmont has opened its doors.

Located just 6.3km from DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and within close proximity to a number of tourist attractions, the 80-room hotel offers a comfortable environment with innovative upgrades for both business and leisure travellers. Designed for social and corporate events, it also features 150m2 of meeting space.

“We are looking forward to sharing the recent renovations with our guests, including a bright modern colour scheme in our distinctive two-storey lobby and new carpeting and furniture in all public spaces,” Parmon Golshier, general manager, Holiday Inn Express Atlanta I-85 Clairmont said, commenting on the launch.

"Holiday Inn Express hotels are designed to be the smart choice for value-conscious business and leisure travellers," noted Gina LaBarre, vice president, brand management, the Americas, IHG. "With more than 2,000 properties worldwide and hundreds more in the pipeline, the Holiday Inn Express portfolio continues to provide our guests with an enhanced-stay experience at a great value.”

Hilton Worldwide Opens Two Hotels at Frankfurt Airport Hilton Worldwide has added two new properties to its extensive portfolio with the launch of Hilton Frankfurt Airport and Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport.

With both hotels forming part of the THE SQUAIRE complex, Hilton Frankfurt Airport which hosts an ultramodern business and conference centre along with an array of shops and restaurants, the project marks the first of its kind for Hilton Worldwide in Europe.

"THE SQUAIRE is one of the most architecturally impressive buildings in Europe and we are delighted to welcome these two spectacular properties to our portfolio in this iconic, design-led development,” Simon Vincent, area president, Europe, Hilton Worldwide, expressed. “With more than 220 hotels now in Europe and more than 110 hotels in our development pipeline, Hilton Worldwide is experiencing phenomenal growth across the continent and this opening marks an exciting milestone for us with two hotels operating alongside each other, a first for our company in Europe.”

Dave Horton, global head, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, commented, "Since 1959, when Hilton Hotels & Resorts pioneered the airport hotel concept in San Francisco, airport hotels have continued to play an important role in our brand's development. Stylish, forward-looking, and innovative, Hilton Frankfurt Airport will offer the signature hospitality that our guests have come to expect in this unique environment.”

Hilton Frankfurt Airport features 249 rooms and suites, along with an all-day restaurant and a lounge. The hotel also houses two executive floors with a lounge, 10 modern meeting rooms, and a business centre. Leisure amenities include a 24-hour fitness centre with a steam room and sauna, all of which are accessible to guests of Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport, along with the grand ballroom that can accommodate up to 570 people.

Hilton Garden Inn Frankfurt Airport also boasts a restaurant and a bar, as well as three contemporary meeting rooms.

Adrian Kurre, global head, Hilton Garden Inn, commented, “To be opening our 21st Hilton Garden Inn in Europe, the second largest Hilton Garden Inn in the world, here in Frankfurt, is a momentous occasion and demonstrates the dynamic growth of our brand across the continent.”

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WHO'S MOVED

Frank Owens Frank Owens has been appointed general manager of Emirates Grand Hotel, Dubai.

Owens, whose industry experience spans over 24 years, will be in charge of the dayto-day operations of the hotel. He began his career with Gold Reef City Hotel Casino, South Africa. He then gained experience in various senior management positions, including general manager of

Lanzera Manor Hotel & Wine Estate, South Africa. He took on his first Middle East assignment as general manager of Moscow Hotel, Dubai, in 1995, before moving to Royal Ascott Hotel, Dubai. Owens joined Emirates Grand Hotel in June as group general manager and area director of business development. He will also handle the operations of the hotel's cluster properties.

Bahaa Malaeb Bahaa Malaeb has joined AlJahra Copthorne Hotel and Resort as assistant director of sales and marketing. Malaeb moves to the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels property from Al Manshar Rotana Hotel, Kuwait, where he spent four years in management roles, including sales manager. Prior to that, he was with Crowne Plaza Beirut for six years. Malaeb, who holds a Bachelor of Arts

André Jacques André Jacques has been appointed director of sales and marketing at The St. Regis Doha. Jacques, who brings with him more than 15 years of international hotel sales experience, has most recently served as director of sales and marketing at The St. Regis Washington DC. As part of his achievements, he led the repositioning of the property as the capital’s leading luxury ho-

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tel following its extensive renovation. Jacques first joined Starwood Hotels and Resorts in 2000 as director of sales and marketing at Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, Australia. His worldwide sales experience and in-depth understanding of the core values of the brand will be vital in leading the team towards positioning the hotel as the finest address in Qatar.

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in hospitality management from the Business and Computer University College, Beirut, brings with him a decade of experience in the industry.

His responsibilities in the new role will include maximising potential revenues, managing the sales and marketing department, and building up, maintaining, and enhancing the business relations with all clients of the hotel.

Jurgen Baumhoff Jurgen Baumhoff has been named chief operating officer of Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties. He has been tasked to lead the management team across all aspects of operations. His responsibilities also include overseeing the business development and expansion plans of Emaar Hospitality

Group, as well as the general administration of all hotels and leisure properties of the company. Having worked across Europe, Australia, and Asia, the industry veteran brings more than 30 years of experience to the position.

Baumhoff, who holds a degree in hospitality, will play a key role in strengthening the company’s business regionally and internationally.

TRAVEL TALK

travel talk is your space

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Faisal Al Raisi

Haytham Al Haj Ali

Managing Partner, Ideal Idea Events.

CEO, Dubai Link Tours.

“Since South Korean President Myung-bak Lee’s second official visit to the UAE in March 2011, both countries have been expediting initiatives to broaden commercial exchange and open up new partnership channels.

The ‘Made in Korea’ [slated to run between May 21 and 23] complements these efforts by revealing South Korea’s best products, services, and technologies, and how they fit the UAE’s own trade agenda.”

“All those tourists who wish to visit Dubai and benefit from the month-long shopping bonanza ,can avail of our wonderful offers, avoid high rates and enjoy huge savings. There cannot be a better time to visit Dubai with family or friends than during the Dubai Shopping Festival [between January 11 – February 10] so be confident that you are making reservation with one of the most reliable service providers offering you the best hotel deals this festive season.”

James Hogan

Ghaith Al Ghaith

CEO, Etihad Airways.

CEO, flydubai.

“As the national airline of the UAE, and as part of our support of the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, we are committed to training and developing a national workforce of skilled and motivated Emiratis.

Our Emiratisation programme continues to expand at an extraordinary pace. Over the next 21 months, these two groups of talented young UAE nationals will learn vital information about Etihad and the airline industry.”

“We are proud to be the recipient of the 7000th Boeing 737, officially the most commercially successful model ever designed. It is an aircraft that has been the focus of years of design and refinement to increase efficiency and range and reduce operating costs, which is why it is an ideal aircraft for flydubai. We promise our customers that we will make every effort to reduce costs while at the same time maintaining the highest levels of safety and comfort.”

TRAVEL TALK is your space – this is a casual forum for travel industry professionals to discuss current issues and share stories. We want to hear from you, so send your comments, questions, and observations to editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel

7 JANUARY 2012

AGENT'S CORNER

AGENT'S INSIGHT

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UNWTO and TOI Pledge Commitment to Sustainable Tourism

NAME: Khalid Malim POSITION: Sales manager COMPANY: AlMousim Travel Management Company

LOCATION: Saudi Arabia Who are you?

My name is Mohammed Khalid Malim. I am the sales manager for AlMousim Travel Management Company. I come from Bombay, India, and have been in the travel Industry for almost two decades. AlMousim Travel Management Company is one of the pioneers of the travel industry in Saudi Arabia, and is now almost 30 years old. We specialise in luxury travel management, MICE operations, corporate and leisure travel management, CRM systems, and last but not least, we are a one-stop travel shop management company.

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

Working in the travel industry is my passion and my favourite part is providing a service-oriented customer service.

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

June and July is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia.

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

For my next holiday, I am planning to visit Canada and the US. Why should people come to you for travel advice?

People come to us for the reason that they have trust and confidence in our professionalism, and due to the fact that we believe in ourselves to cater to the needs of our customers.

Holy Mosque, Mecca

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The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) and the Tour Operators’ Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development (TOI) have renewed their commitment to work together in promoting sustainable tourism practices.

TOI, a voluntary, non-profit global organisation for tour operators and travel companies, founded in 2000, represent more than 50 million travellers, and has been successfully developing and implementing various activities and projects with the object of promoting and disseminating methods and practices compatible with sustainable development.

The initiative has also contributed to research on key issues ranging from integrating sustainability into the tour operators’ supply chain and the role of the tourism sector in a multi-cultural world, to the relation among tourism development, biodiversity, conservation, and poverty reduction strategies.

“TOI provides a strong voice to travel companies that believe in the role of tourism as a driver of economic growth, poverty alleviation, and environment and heritage protection,” highlighted Michel Lemay, chairman, TOI. “With the support of the UNWTO, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Na-

tions Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, TOI member companies work together at promoting the best practices in sustainability and corporate responsibility.”

Taleb Rifai, secretary general, UNWTO, further added, “Tourism is a growing sector, despite the difficult international economic scenario, and this is the right time to promote and catalyse efforts to achieve sustainable tourism development across the different players of the industry while fully engaging the private sector in a mutually reinforcing relation to advance the international development agenda.”

TOI has long been collaborating with local stakeholders to help destinations remain tourist attractions and ensure that the socio-economic benefits generated by tourism are equally shared by host communities, including in Turkey, Mexico, and Morocco.

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TRAVEL CHANNELS

SLIMMA Nations to Hit a Tourism High

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Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Argentina (SLIMMA), have been identified as the tourism industry’s most important emerging economies, revealed by the World Travel Market (WTM) 2011 Industry Report.

he SLIMMA nations have been identified by the tourism industry as the countries to rival Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS).

The survey carried out, found that Sri Lanka has inbound potential with the nation investing in its infrastructure. Its natural beauty, in particular its picturesque beaches, is also identified as a key attraction to global tourists.

Indonesia could provide a significant outbound market. The population is young, and the growth of a generation with a relatively high disposable income will provide openings for outbound operators. For inbound, the variety of its landscape, and the

vast number of unexplored islands, will appeal to travellers.

Another Asian country in the frame is Malaysia. It is seen as a typical destination in the region with a more westernised feel than many nearby countries. Its government has identified tourism as an important part of its economic development, and has already launched aggressive marketing campaigns in Europe, the US, and other key markets in Asia.

The South American subcontinent is represented by Mexico and Argentina, with the former having established its tourism sector driven by its proximity to the US. It continues to invest in its infrastructure to grow its inbound business, while disposable incomes are quite

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai Wins Employer Award Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, part of the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, has been recognised as the first-ever winner of the Catererglobal.com Best Employers in the Hospitality Awards, UAE, in the four-star hotel category.

Simon Moore, general manager, Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, commented on the victory, “It is a tremendous honour to win the best four-star employer category. Millennium Airport prides itself on offering our colleagues the room to grow in their careers as hospitality professionals. We are poised for significant growth when the new wing of our hotel is inaugurated, and when the time comes, an award like this will help us attract the best talent to supplement our team.”

The hotel’s success is attributed to the group’s 'You are the centre of our world' motto, which is applied to employees as well as guests.

The award was voted for by more than 24,000 The team of Millennium Airport Hotel hotel professionals in the UAE. Dubai with the award

good. Both inbound and outbound tourism potential are helped by a generally low tax regime for investors, visitors, and its population.

Finally, Argentina has the benefit of being a new destination on the global tourism map. It is one of the few major economies in the world to be seeing strong economic growth, meaning it has more flexibility on pricing than many destinations.

According to Fiona Jeffery, chairman, WTM, the SLIMMA nations are the ones the industry has identified as the nations to look out for both inbound and outbound tourism, for a variety of reasons including investment in infrastructure, natural beauty, and high disposable incomes.

STR: UAE Inventory Set to Surge The UAE’s hospitality sector is set to witness a significant surge in new hotel developments, according to STR Global’s November 2011 Construction Pipeline Report.

Based on data compiled by STR Global, the Middle East’s and Africa’s hotel development pipeline comprises 494 hotels with a total of 133,705 rooms.

Among the key countries in the region, the UAE reported the largest number of units under construction with 21,238 rooms expected to be added to its inventory. Other countries reporting more than 3,000 rooms in the construction phase include Saudi Arabia (11,270), Qatar (5,544), Egypt (4,807), and Jordan (3,758).

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RENDEZVOUS

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Q & A with Mohamed Fekry With plentiful ambitious projects in the pipeline, hotels vying for increased revenues and occupancy, face stiff competition in the UAE. Mohamed Fekry, general manager, Concorde Fujairah Hotel, talks about Fujairah’s everrising profile.

Travel Trade Weekly: How does Fujairah’s tourism and hospitality industry differ from the rest of the emirates’?

Mohamed Fekry General manager, Concorde Fujairah Hotel

Mohamed Fekry: Fujairah is one of the unique emirates for tourism and hospitality with potential growth. With the new 45-minute express road between Dubai and Fujairah, the city of Fujairah has become a lot closer and we are likely to see an increase in the number of visitors and tourists this year.

The last two years has seen a boom in the building of hotels and this will continue in the next three years.

Fujairah has more antiquities, such as old mosques, castles, forts, and palaces, than any other emirate. It also has a sensational coastline and mountains, so with a vastly different landscape Fujairah is looking to develop tourism and hospitality packages that are unique and related to the treasures of the emirate.

Travel Trade Weekly: Due to its prime location in the heart of Fujairah, the hotel offers an ideal base for both business and leisure travellers. In addition, it also boasts a fine selection of dining options along with a large ballroom. How do you position the hotel?

Mohamed Fekry: Concorde Fujairah Hotel has a superb location. It is one of the closest hotels to the end of the new Dubai – Fujairah express road. It is within two minutes of the new shopping malls, Fujairah City Centre, and Fujairah Commercial Centre, the Ruler’s Palace, and the Fujairah International Airport, which will, this year, have a new Eastern Express Airline in operation.

Moreover, it is literally down the road from

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the Fujairah Fort, which is a growing centre for heritage tourism.

The wedding hall and conference facilities continue to make the Concorde the first choice for many large functions, especially for businesses and government departments seeking to showcase Fujairah to international investors.

Travel Trade Weekly: How have the hotel’s main feeder markets changed over the last years?

Mohamed Fekry: We have seen increased business from the corporate clients and governmental activities including the UAE residents and contribution from foreign travel agency websites.

Travel Trade Weekly: What are your expectations for this year?

Fujairah is one of the unique emirates for tourism and hospitality with potential growth. With the new 45-minute express road between Dubai and Fujairah, the city of Fujairah has become a lot closer and we are likely to see an increase in the number of visitors and tourists this year

Mohamed Fekry: The year looks promising because of the new infrastructure in place which will help travelling to the emirate of Fujairah much easier and faster. This is why we are promoting the property extensively, because we can see an increase in the number of tourists visiting the emirate this year.

In addition, at Concorde we hope to strengthen our relationship with the community and act as a prime location for community events focusing on families.

In 2011, we organised several activities, most recently the Christmas tree lighting ceremony with increased participation from the community, so we hope to continue that not only this year but also in the following years.

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NEWS & EVENTS

China’s New Generation of Tourists Emerging The economic boom and the fascination with technology have created a new generation of Chinese tourists who are keen to experience individual travel, an ITB World Travel Trends Report revealed.

Young and wealthy Chinese citizens, driven by the desire to explore the world, are increasingly seeking individual forms of travel instead of group tours once highly popular with many Chinese people.

In order to meet the changing demands of Chinese outbound tourists, and appeal to its vast market, the international travel industry must tailor its services. Chinese speaking staff and audio guides, traditional Chinese cuisine, and leveraging the power of the country’s popular social media channels are key components in attracting this new kind of Chinese traveller.

With the focus shifting towards experiencing something new, the demand for high-quality service rather than lowcost group tours is growing apace. While visiting as many at-

tractions as possible remains a key factor of group tours, and shopping is still one of their favourite activities, other aspects such as relaxation and entertainment have moved further up the wish list.

The report also highlights the great significance of the Internet and the presence of Chinese information and search engines on websites. Furthermore, the industry must also take into account that Chinese citizens interact on different social networking sites, emphasised Martin Buck, director, Competence Center Travel and Logistics, Messe Berlin.

“In China, social networking takes place through channels different to those in the West. Tourism managers need to be aware of typical national aspects, including the digital sphere, in order to achieve success on the market.”

In fact, 92 percent of China’s Internet users go regularly on social networking sites, around twice as many as in Europe or the US, and booking online are also fast gaining popularity.

EVENTS Ferien-Messe Wien Vienna, Austria, January 12 – 15, 2012 (www.ferien-messe.at) The leading public access tourism trade fair in Austria, which is attended each year by more than 100,000 consumers.

FITUR Tourism Trade Fair Feirade Madrid, Spain, January 18 – 22, 2012 (www.ifema.es) A meeting point for tourism professionals, in which they can establish lines of action, strategies, and business alliances.

Horeca Kuwait Kuwait City, Kuwait, January 22 – 24, 2012 (www.horeca-kuwait.com) Operating under Leaders Group for Consulting & Development, this trade exhibition is a comprehensive event covering hospitality, catering, and food sectors in Kuwait and the GCC.

Austrian and Central European Travel Business Vienna, Austria, January 22 – 24, 2012 (www.actb.eu) A tourist market place, industry meeting point, platform for generating new networks, initiating business deals, and reinforcing existing customer relations.

Central Asia & Turkey Hotel Investment Conference (CATHIC) Istanbul, February 6 – 8, 2012 (www.cathic.com) An event with an interactive programme that allows attendees to identify hotspots for growth, exchange ideas, and develop their business.

Travel Technology Europe London, UK, February 7 – 8, 2012 (www.traveltechnologyshow.com) Europe’s leading annual travel technology event that connects the travel industry with market-leading technology solution providers.

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