Middle East and North Africa Edition
UNLIMITED DEMAND Jones Lang LaSalle has found that the only upper limit on tourism to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, Mecca and Medina, is the capacity of local infrastructure to handle visitors.
Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa has confirmed the opening of four new hotels within the year, with a specific focus on development in Tunisia, Palestine and Ghana. The group will open Palestine’s first modern five star hotel in August.
2 AIR ARABIA JORDAN Air Arabia and Tantash Group have formed a joint venture company with the aim of launching a Jordanian branch of the low cost airline.
6 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agent’s Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events JUNE 12, 2010
ISSUE 31
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Mövenpick on the Move
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne
Demand in Saudi’s holy Cities is effectively Unlimited: Jones Lang LaSalle Jones Lang LaSalle has found that the only upper limit on tourism to Saudi Arabia’s holy cities, Mecca and Medina, is the capacity of local infrastructure to handle visitors.
Journalist Louis Dillon Savage Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Jane Davidson Marianna Tsiamas Directors Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi Headquarters P.O. Box 25255 Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +35722820888 Fax: +35722318958 Website www.traveltradeweekly.travel Emails info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel
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en-Mahmoud, senior vice president at Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels, said the market in these cities was unlike any other. “ As holy cities, Makkah and Madinah are absolutely unique in nature,” he said. Ben-Mahmoud said the primarily religious foundation for the travel industry in the holy cities meant demand was effectively unlimited. All Muslims with the available means are required by their faith to visit Mecca at least once in their life and Medina, which houses the tomb of Mohammed, is another common pilgrimage destination. The report found that the prime constraint on pilgrimage growth was the ground transport system, rather than facilities for air or sea arrivals, or the availability of accommodation. Nevertheless, Ben-Mahmoud noted that the anticipated growth in pilgrimages would provide great
opportunities for the hospitality sector. “Our analysis of potential capacity constraints suggests that the total number of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims visiting Makkah and Madinah could increase to 13.75 million by Hijri year 1440 (2019).” “The increased number of pilgrims will provide significant opportunities for additional hotel rooms in both Makkah and Madinah” However, Ben-Mahmoud warned that an influx of upscale properties would not necessarily conform to the needs of the market, noting that an appropriate model had yet to be found. “The extent to which these brands are in line with the current and future demand profile remains an open question,” he said.“The traditional budget hospitality concept does not seem to provide a straightforward or relevant alternative. “The optimal hospitality model in the holy cities is yet to be reached in a context where investors and the Saudi authorities, are challenging the conventional vision.”
ADS and Middle East Aerospace Consortium sign MoU for Middle East Expansion MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 9/6/2010 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar COUNTRY UAE (AED) Egypt (EGP) Saudi Arabia (SAR) Lebanon (LBP) Bahrain (BHD) Jordan ( JOD) Syria (SYP) Kuwait (KWD) Qatar (QAR) Oman (OMR) Tunisia (TND) Morocco (MAD) Iran (IRR) Yemen (YER) Algeria (DZD) Libya (LYD)
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
1USD= 3.67 5.66 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 47.02 0.29 3.64 0.38 1.53 9.17 9989 225.62 75.23 1.34
ADS, a trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence and security industries in the UK has signed an agreement with Middle East Aerospace Consortium (MEAC) covering expanded activities in the Middle East. MEAC has agreed to help identify or provide opportunities for ADS members to expand into the Middle East. According to Rees Ward, CEO of ADS, interest in the Middle East has been attracted by strong growth and the development of the region as a strategic aviation hub. The introduction of ultra long haul airlines to the region, combined with its location, have driven investment in aviation.
ADS figures show that USD37 billion has been invested in airport expansions due to be operational by 2012. “The Middle East is a vital area of future growth for the UK companies that we represent and our members are attractive partners for industrial collaboration for companies based in the area,” Ward said. “It is crucial for our members, as well as the UK economy, that we boost our presence in this important region.” The agreement also includes Farnborough Aerospace Consortium, which is operated by Farnborough International - a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS and organiser of the Bahrain Air Show. JUNE 12, 2010
environmental overhaul at Jerash Archaeological Site Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) has committed to a one year environmental rejuvenation programme at the Jerash archaeological site in Jordan.
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ollowing a significant increase in tourists to Jerash in early 2010, the organisation has recognised a need to improve green practices at the site, including the removal of litter and protection of natural and cultural assets. The Jerash Adoption Programme 20102011, which was launched on June 5 to coincide with World Environment Day, will implement a range of environmental practices and enhancements of the site view, with the goal of improving tourism. The programme will include cleanup campaigns, a trash bin installation workshop, signage maintenance and environmental film screenings.
JUNE 12, 2010
JITOA will immediately focus on enhancing the overall view of the Jerash site and eliminating visual pollution. The second phase of the project will involve a programme to help tour operators and tourism service providers adopt eco friendly practices and recycling strategies at their premises. Local communities will be encouraged to get involved by producing handicrafts
made from recycled material, to be sold as souvenirs. The initiative is supported by Jerash Municipality, Jerash Tourism Directorate and Jerash Antiquities Department. It is part of an ongoing environmental tourism programme – Don’t Mess With Nature – which was established in 2009 by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Environment.
Jerash
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- Accommodation
Palestine opening Part of Mövenpick’s 2010 expansion Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa has confirmed the opening of four new hotels within the year, with a specific focus on development in Tunisia, Palestine and Ghana.
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hristian Grage, vice president of operations for Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa, said the new properties would join the company’s current portfolio of 16 hotels in the region. On August 15, the company will open Mövenpick Hotel Ramallah in Palestine; Grage has announced that it will be the city’s only modern five star hotel. The Palestine property will feature 172 rooms and is located in the diplomatic Almasyoun quarter. Tunisia will feature two new openings in 2010: the 108 room, five star Mövenpick Hotel Gammarth Tunis in July; and the
beachside Mövenpick Sousse, which is scheduled to open in October. Rounding out development in the region for 2010 is the company’s Ghana property, Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra. Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the Accra property will feature 268 rooms and
is expected to open on October 15. Pascal Fitoussi, director of sales and marketing for Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts Africa, said that the company had a special market mission to enhance Mövenpick’s brand name in Africa, in addition to expanding the company’s development pipeline in the region. Mövenpick Sousse
Spanish Group Sol Meliá Announces First Middle East Property Meliá Dubai is set to become the first hotel run by a Spanish hotel group in the Middle East, according to Sol Meliá. The new five star hotel is due to open at the beginning of 2011, opposite Port Rashid in Bur Dubai. Meliá Dubai will feature 167 rooms,
MICE facilities and a range of food and beverage outlets Gabriel Escarrer, CEO of Sol Meliá, said the Middle East was an emerging destination and that the new hotel confirmed the company’s growth aspirations in high potential, dynamic
markets around the world. Sol Meliá has implemented a geographical diversification strategy, which involves new openings in China, Colombia, Cabo Verde and Crete, as well as renovation plans for the company’s existing hotel portfolio.
Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Launches with Al Barsha Property
Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha
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Corp Executive Hotels, a division of Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH) has launched its first property – Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha – in Dubai. The group’s second property, Corp Doha Suites, in Qatar, is expected to open soon. Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha features 143 one and two bedroom apartments, designed to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. Michel Noblet, CEO of HMH, said the hotel was using special promotional rates and introductory offers to boost
awareness of the new hotel. “Our sales and marketing strategy is focused on establishing a strong presence of Corp Executive Hotel Apartments Al Barsha across the GCC, accelerating sales in key feeder markets and growing the business in the mid-scale sector in existing and emerging markets,” said Noblet. “We are very proud of our property. Its location is extremely convenient and the apartments are simply exceptional. “Figures thus far exceed our initial forecasts and expectations.” JUNE 12, 2010
- Accommodation
First oryx Rotana to open in Doha, Qatar Hotel management company Rotana has begun developing the first hotel under its management in Qatar.
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hile no opening date has been set for the 400 room Oryx Rotana, Joseph Coubat, area vice president for Qatar, said the project was underway. He added that the company planned to extend its presence in the region, with multiple properties over the coming years. Kevork Deldelian, general manager of Oryx Rotana, said the hotel would cater largely to business travellers, offering cutting edge audio visual equipment and a dedicated team available to assist with events and meetings. “Oryx Rotana recognises the modern day
business travellers’ needs and their value for time and so we present them with an exceptional experience by providing a perfect blend of superior business solutions and paramount leisure services, creating the ideal business environment,” said Deldelian.
Oryx recognises the modern day business travellers’ needs Oryx Rotana, Doha
Abu Dhabi Visitor Growth Contradicts Occupancy Figures Abu Dhabi has announced 12 percent growth in the number of visitors to the emirate in April, which Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) says runs counter to negative statistics from the hotel industry. Mubarak al Muhairi, director general of ADTA, said April marked half a year of continuous strong growth in visitation to Abu Dhabi. “This is the sixth consecutive month of double digit guest growth for the emirate and keeps us on track to deliver our overall yearly target of 1.65 million hotel guests,” he said. Muhairi attributed growth to strength in the domestic travel market, but noted that despite growing numbers of visitors, an increase in hospitality supply had negatively affected certain hotel performance measures. Average occupancy and revenue for hotels in Abu Dhabi dropped by 19 percent and five percent respectively in April, year on year. “These movements are a result of shifts in supply and demand dynamics and the subsequent rebalancing with the upside being that Abu Dhabi is now much more competitive,” Muhairi said. JUNE 12, 2010
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- Air Travel
Air Arabia Jordan to become Jordan’s first Low Cost Carrier Air Arabia and Tantash Group have formed a joint venture company with the aim of launching a Jordanian branch of the low cost airline.
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ir Arabia Jordan will service routes in the Middle East, North Africa and Europe from Amman, supplementing Air Arabia’s existing hubs in Sharjah, UAE; Alexandria, Egypt; and Casablanca, Morocco. Adel Ali, group CEO of Air Arabia, said he expected the move to engender further growth for the airline. “The signing of our joint venture agreement with Tantash Group, one of Jordan’s leading investment companies, represents yet another milestone in the ongoing evolution of
Air Arabia,” he said. “At a time when the global and regional economy continues to demonstrate strong signs of sustained recovery, we are confident of the long-term growth opportunities for the first low cost carrier in the kingdom, which will provide the high level of service, operational reliability and value for money fares that have become hallmarks of the Air Arabia brand.” Tantash Group is a diversified investment company based in Amman, Jordan. Management of the new airline will be carried out by Air Arabia Group.
Qatar Airways Launches Flights to Barcelona Qatar Airways has opened its second route to Spain, commencing flights to Barcelona. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said he expected the route to appeal to both business and leisure travellers. “With 14 flights a week now operating to Spain, this reflects the high demand we have been experiencing in and out of the region, helped by increased economic ties
between the Middle East and the Iberian Peninsula,” said Al Baker. “Barcelona is a vibrant city with incredible appeal among leisure and business travellers and we are confident that our new daily flights will be equally successful as our daily services to Madrid.” Spain is one of the world’s most visited countries, receiving approximately 52 million people per year.
We are confident that our new daily flights will be equally successful as our daily services to Madrid
Adel Ali
We are confident of the long-term growth opportunities for the first low-cost carrier in [Jordan]
Safi to Launch Flights to Beijing Before End of June Safi will commence twice weekly flights from its base in Kabul, Afghanistan to China’s capital, Beijing, by the end of June. Dieter Hofele, general manager for Safi in China, said the new route would serve the significant Chinese business interests in Afghanistan. “With China's significant investment in mining and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, a growing number of Chinese expats working in and around Kabul will benefit from the new route,” he said. “We are very excited to bring this new service to Beijing, which will further help strengthening the economic and political ties between the neighboring countries of China and Afghanistan”
A growing number of Chinese expats working in and around Kabul will benefit from the new route 6
JUNE 12, 2010
- Air Travel IATA Predicts Profitability Turnaround for Airline Industry in 2010
Wataniya Flies to Vienna and Rome Wataniya Airways has commenced flights to both Vienna and Rome. Abdulsalam Al Bahr, chairman of Wataniya, said Rome would serve as a gateway to Europe for customers of the airline. “We are very proud to be able to extend our services to Rome,” he said. “Apart from being a world centre of heritage and culture and one of the world's most attractive and popular tourist destinations, Rome has excellent connections to other parts of Europe for onward travel and I am sure that our new scheduled services will prove to be popular for tourists and business guests alike.”
Rome has excellent connections to other parts of Europe for onward travel
leaving Europe the only region to experience continued losses. Giovanni Bisignani, CEO of IATA, said the turnaround could be attributed to long term reforms by industry. “Seeing black on the bottom line is a great achievement,” he said. “The resilience of the industry has been strengthened by a decade of cost cutting, restructuring and re-engineering processes.” However, though Bisingnani said results were promising, he counselled cautious optimism.
"Even with all of our hard work, the result is just a 0.5 percent margin that does not even cover our cost of capital,” he said. “The industry is fragile. The challenge to build a healthy industry requires even greater alignment of governments, labour and industry partners. “They must all understand that this industry needs to continue to reduce costs, gain efficiencies and be able to restructure itself if it is to be sustainably profitable. We must all be prepared for a greater change.” parole.de
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts a return to profitability for the airline industry in 2010, having revised its negative expectations in the face of faster than expected recovery. As a group, Middle Eastern carriers are expected to post their first profit in five years; profits of USD100 million are now estimated, compared to the USD400 million loss outlined in prior estimates. Asia Pacific, the Americas and Africa are also expecting renewed profitability,
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Bavaria is a family-oriented region. For parents and children alike, it leaves nothing to be desired. A magnificent mountainous region, colourful meadows, green valleys as well as sparkling clear lakes. And wherever you look, you’ll find family-friendly hotels that can be reached in no time at all. Because, amidst this green vacation paradise is Munich Airport. Munich Airport – Best of Europe.
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JUNE 12, 2010
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- International
Starwood to Introduce Green Meetings Policy Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide has introduced sustainable meetings practices to all of its North American hotels, with plans for a global rollout by 2011.
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he programme is based on five principles intended to minimise the environmental impact of meetings held in Starwood hotels. These principles include paperless meeting planning, sustainable meeting services, sustainable food and beverage practices, impact assessment tools and socially conscious activities. The new policies range from those intended to reduce waste, such as using potted plants instead of flowers, to those
encouraging client responsibility, with environmental impact reports now issued to meeting planners. Sandy Swider, vice president for global citizenship at Starwood, said the initiative anticipated changes in the requirements of meeting planners. “There's already a strong sensitivity toward sustainability concerns from meeting planners and they appreciate the programs we've put in place," she said. "We think the next generation of meeting planners and attendees will simply expect green practices and sustainability W Hotel, Hollywood
initiatives as a given for meetings and facilities.” David Dvorak, vice president of catering and convention services for Starwood, said the new policies had been developed in consultation with the industry and that further developments were in the works. “We are proud of the progress we have made to date - but there is still more to come with additional core components and a global roll-out,” he said. “As an overall Starwood mission, we will continue to provide sustainable resources and practices to our guests, owners and associates throughout our portfolio and corporate offices.”
The next generation of meeting planners and attendees will simply expect green practices and sustainability initiatives
Jumeirah Group Expands to India Luxury hospitality company, Jumeirah Group, plans to expand its global network by entering the Indian market. The group has reached an agreement with Delhi based OM Tourism to promote the Jumeirah brand across all market segments in India, focusing on groups, corporate and leisure tourism. OM Tourism will appoint two dedicated Jumeirah representatives, to be based in Delhi and Mumbai. Jumeirah Group has highlighted India as a key growth region for the brand’s worldwide properties. The Dubai based company currently has offices in the UAE, UK, Germany, France, Russia, Japan, Singapore, China, Australia, Saudi Arabia and North and South America. Further new locations are expected to be announced within the next few months. 8
(L-R) Vasudha Sondhi, managing director of OM Tourism; Craig Senior, regional director of sales for Jumeirah Group; Sanjay Sondhi, president of OM Tourism; Guy Crawford, CEO of Jumeirah Group; and Thomas Grundner, vice president of global sales for Jumeirah Group JUNE 12, 2010
ABTTA Gala Dinner
Agent’s Insight Jecintha Pereira Manager Spas and Tours, Albadie Travel Agency Who has inspired you in your travel career? The lifestyle of Donald Trump. Of course, this sounds crazy as he is real estate tycoon, but whenever I saw him travelling in up-market style I wanted to travel like him.
What has been the highlight of your career so far? Sponsored by Sabre Travel Network Middle East, the recent Association of Bahrain Tours and Travel Agents (ABTTA) Gala Dinner was held at L’Hotel in Seef. More than 70 members of the industry attended, including (above L-R): A Hakim Al Aradi, owner of Galaxy Travel; Sofyan Almoayed, chairman of ABTTA and managing director of Manama Tours; Shaikh Mubarak Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, CEO of agency licensing and cargo at Bahrain’s Civil Aviation; Daniel Naoumovitch, CEO of Sabre Travel Network Middle East; Hisham Al Baradei; and Hans Mathhias, country manager of Qatar Airways.
Travelport Launches Leisure Portal For Agents Global distribution system (GDS) provider, Travelport, has upgraded its former Galileo Leisure portal with the launch of Travelport Leisure. The new portal will be rolled out globally from June onwards, featuring new content from leisure suppliers, including HotelClub by Orbitz, Kuoni Connect, Hostelworld.com and Cars by TUI. The portal will be free of charge for all travel agents, event if they do not subscribe to a Travelport GDS.
Jane Lewis, vice president of land and sea for Travelport, said there were encouraging signs that leisure travel spend had picked up, with a significant portion allocated to non-air products such as hotels and car hire. “We believe this upgraded leisure booking tool is a logical way to work with the travel trade to take advantage of this significant opportunity and make booking leisure content and earning revenues on it even easier,” said Lewis.
My most memorable jobs are the medical packages and educational packages. During 2001- 2004 I handled a lot of government sponsored patients to the Czech Republic and Slovak spa/physiotherapy centers. At times I used to have patients who would be transferred on stretchers with an accompanied certified nurse. Every time there was such a case I never used to sleep as most of the flights were late night and I wanted them to be reaching safely. But the most exciting part of it was when the patient came back by walking on his own.
When is your peak selling period? Here peak selling period used to be summer due to the weather conditions, but now it has rolled to a new dimension. Now people travel throughout the year. There are young couples who travel for short vacations on weekend break or public holidays. The job market has brought this change as now the UAE has opened up for international markets and industries.
Where is the next hot destination? I think now people want to see the past, heritage, culture and at the same time enjoy the holidays. Because the world has become so small you can buy what grows in Asia or Europe or anywhere in the world in a supermarket here in the UAE, or a Ferrari in a show room, but you cannot bring a location or country to see and feel. So countries from South America, Africa, India, China and tropical islands are the hot destinations as they have culture and heritage as well as comfortable accommodations with star quality hotel chains.
Why are travel agents important?
Prestige Travel Wataniya’s Bahrain GSA Kuwait based Wataniya Airways has appointed Prestige Travel as its general sales agent (GSA) in Bahrain. Lee Shave, chief commercial officer of Wataniya, announced the appointment at the opening of the airline’s new office in Adliya. Kalid Al Doseri, chairman of Prestige Travel and president of Al Bader Travel and Tourism welcomed the appointment. “Prestige Travel’s strong record of delivering high quality and innovative travel solutions runs parallel to Wataniya Airways’ premium service offering,” said Al Doseri. 10
Well travel agents are always important. Of course, in a world of web pages and internet we still survive. What we can give a customer to feel comfortable, secure and value for their money will keep us going. No machines can replace the human touch; after all we are still humans.
Jecintha Pereira JUNE 12, 2010
Ancillary Services are taking off, Do not Miss the Flight: PhoCusWright According to travel industry analysts PhoCusWright, ancillary services are set to change the way consumers approach travel distribution.
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ccording to PhoCusWright’s recently released report on airline ancillary services, ever more carriers are abandoning the practice of monolithic ticket prices in favour of per-use pricing.
“ATPCO, a leader in air distribution, now lists more than 100 industry sub codes for a la carte services,” the report found. “Everything but the plane will be for sale, and not just at the time of purchase but up to and during the flight: as a result, air travel content is no longer just a simple ticket.” The shift has proven highly profitable for airlines and PhoCusWright advised that benefits could also be found for travel distributors. However, those who do not keep up with change could risk being left behind.
“This is a landmark change in the way consumers search, shop and buy air travel,” PhoCusWright reported. “It will require vast changes in the technologies and procedures of air distribution and it will spur new business models and innovations.”
This is a landmark change in the way consumers search, shop and buy air travel
Agent on the Inside: an Expert’s Advice on Selling Libya Ryad Sunusi, is the founder and CEO of Libya Expeditions, one of Libya’s best established tour operators. He has been a leading voice in raising Libya’s profile as a destination, and has shared his tips for travel agents selling the country. “Libya is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer stunningly preserved Roman and Greek ruins, beautiful desert landscapes and a friendly and gracious people that love welcoming tourists,” Sunusi said. He noted that Libya trailed other destinations not because it lacked attractions, but for reasons of bureaucracy and infrastructure. Sunusi said this was changing fast, with the Libyan government actively targeting tourism by slashing red tape and encouraging foreign investment. “Travel agents should take into account that Libya is still developing rapidly and that while there is a shortage of rooms at the moment, the boom in resort and hotel construction will make these problems a thing of the past,” he said.
Libya is a beautiful country which has a lot to offer JUNE 12, 2010
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Fiona Jeffery
Richard Weilers
Chairman, World Travel Market “While most of us are powerless to stop such terrible catastrophes [as the recent Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico] potentially wiping out hundreds of wildlife species, it illustrates more vividly than any words the importance of everyone working in travel and tourism making a contribution to responsible tourism wherever they are in the world. It’s a universal issue which brings us together in a way that nothing else can. The global size of wildlife tourism, for example, is estimated to be around 12 million trips a year, involving almost every out-of-town destination from South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania and Florida to New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands and Scotland. Interest in wildlife continues to grow and forecasters say it will increase another ten percent in the next decade.”
Managing Director, Southern Sun Offshore “Southern Sun has a very focused strategy, in that it seeks to develop hotels in areas where we can cluster hotels in the region as opposed to a strategy just based on mass distribution. It is our view that hotels are excellently managed when one has one’s logistics and management backup into the hotel operations. The short to medium term focus is in West Africa, North Africa and the Middle East. Our primary focus is in regions where there is sustainable economic development and our first inroads into a hotel development would be one that has a strong corporate market demand as well as an attraction to regional tourism.”
It’s a universal issue which brings us together in a way that nothing else can Fiona Jeffery
Our primary focus is in regions where there is sustainable economic development
Martin Kolb
Richard Weilers
General Manager, R Hotels “There are enough five star hotels in Saudi Arabia – our market studies have shown that limited service models will be very successful. Now everyone wants to do it, so you have to be fast and get in first.”
Now everyone wants to do it, so you have to be fast Martin Kolb
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 12
JUNE 12, 2010
Captain Salah Awadh Alfarjalla Al Ameri Etihad Airways has appointed a new vice president of airport security and cadet pilot development. In his new role Captain Salah Awadh Alfarjalla Al Ameri will be responsible for
ensuring Etihad’s compliance with international standards of aviation security. He will also oversee the airline’s training pilot training programmes. Captain Al Ameri has more than 30
years of aviation experience, including 21 years in the UAE defence force. He has moved to Etihad from Emirates, where he served as line captain of the A330 and A340 fleet of that airline.
Safi Airways Afghanistan based Safi Airways has made several new management appointments, as part of a strategic expansion plan for the region. John Roijen has been appointed as chief financial officer. He holds a masters degree in business administration and has 15 years of experience as a financial professional. Roijen has previously worked for Virgin Nigeria Airways and Arik Airways.
John Roijen
Tom De Geytere has been appointed as chief development officer. De Geytere has previously worked as a military pilot with the Belgian Air Force and as manager of business development for international cargo airline Cargolux. In his new role, he will be responsible for business development, fleet development, cargo and legal affairs. Christoph Blaha has been appointed as director of maintenance. He holds a
Christoph Goetzmann
doctorate research degree in aero engine compressors and has previously worked at Lufthansa Technik. Christoph Goetzmann has been appointed as vice president of cargo and general manager for Europe. Goetzmann has previously worked at Ukraine International Airlines, Aer Lingus and Fraport. He has strong experience in cargo, ground operations and flight operations.
Christoph Blaha
Tom De Geytere
Nancy Walker
Henning A Fries
Reed Exhibitions has appointed Nancy Walker as sales director for the America Meetings and Events Exhibition (AIBTM). Walker was previously employed as vice president, associate publisher at Reed Business Information. Her areas of expertise include convention and visitor bureaus, convention centres and event technology companies. Before joining Reed in 1993, Walker had previously worked for TSC Publishing, Lord Dentsu and Partners, and Hearst Magazine Division.
Henning A Fries has been appointed as general manager of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi. Fries has more than 25 years of experience and has held executive positions at Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, Mövenpick Hotels and InterContinental Hotels Group. He has also worked in the private equity industry as a consultant for hotels and hospitality enterprises. Most recently, Fries was the director of Refad Hotels and Resorts and general manager of The Monarch Dubai. He holds a diploma in hotel management and an executive MBA.
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JUNE 12, 2010
Q&A with Thomas norberg Thomas Norberg, the newly appointed general manager of The Address Dubai Mall, talks to Travel Trade Weekly about his strategy for success, competition within the region and the importance of location. Travel Trade Weekly: As the new general manager of The Address Dubai Mall, what is your strategy for the hotel's future? Thomas Norberg: Our core strategy is to ensure that we uphold the fundamental philosophy of The Address Hotels and Resorts to offer tangible guest benefits. This, in fact, sets the direction of all our future strategies to ensure a value-added experience for guests at our hotel. Which means bringing in new and innovative facilities – not for the sake of it – but because they can add to the guest benefits.
and emerging markets in the MENA region, the Indian subcontinent, China and Europe. The expansion of regional airlines, including Emirates, to new destinations is a catalyst for the tourism and hospitality sector. New hotels and smaller chains must identify and establish their unique selling propositions. Irrespective of whether they are independent or part of an established hotel chain, they will only be successful if the product is good with an exceptional location, superior service and a viable financial model. The Address Dubai Mall, despite having opened relatively recently, has established a niche in the market place by focusing on three fundamentals – location, service and tangible guest benefits.
Thomas Norberg
Travel Trade Weekly: What do you the choice of a personalised shopping anticipate the biggest challenges will be, experience and expert tips from a fashion both for you personally in this new role, advisor. and for the hotel's success? Our unique location thus helps us to Thomas Norberg: The challenge lies in Travel Trade Weekly: Do you think that strategise distinctly and reach out to a wide delivering consistently the expectations Dubai is facing greater competition as a range of clients, especially those who like to associated with The Address brand. destination from Abu Dhabi, with the indulge in the ultimate haute couture Personally, although the Middle East is not development of Yas Island, ADNEC and shopping experience that only The Dubai a new market for me, The Address Dubai other tourism drawcards? Mall can offer. Mall is a refreshing change. Thomas Norberg: We see Dubai and Abu It is centrally located in the city and it has the Dhabi as complementary destinations; if you Travel Trade Weekly: Do you expect to unique distinction of being associated with look at the tourist offerings, the two cities see competition from the newly opened the world’s largest shopping and have a distinct flavour. Armani Hotel in the Burj Khalifa? entertainment destination. The addition of new world-class properties Thomas Norberg: The opening of I will focus on leveraging the strengths of the hotel – including the contemporary restaurants and lounges, the spa, the elegant rooms, ambience and direct connectivity to the mall – to ensure that guests to the hotel are assured of a memorable stay along with the tangible benefits.
will add to the overall appeal of the UAE as a destination for all seasons, for all tourists.
Travel Trade Weekly: How does your hotel's location affect its success and business strategy? Does it target a specific type of client because of its location? Travel Trade Weekly: What is your view Thomas Norberg: The unique of the hotel market in Dubai at the positioning of The Address Dubai Mall is its moment? How do you expect the rise of direct link with The Dubai Mall, the world’s mid-market and budget options will largest shopping and entertainment affect the industry? destination. Thomas Norberg: Dubai is now a One of our bespoke services is the fashion preferred tourist destination for several new JUNE 12, 2010
advisor facility, offering guests and visitors
Armani Hotel Dubai has further strengthened the outreach and appeal of Dubai’s hospitality sector. This makes good business proposition for all hotels in the city, as it will attract more visitors and every one stands to benefit from the new market dynamism.
[Hotels] will only be successful if the product is good with an exceptional location, superior service and a viable financial model 15
Modhesh World Opens in Dubai For June - August Season Indoor entertainment venue, Modhesh World, opened its doors this week as part of Dubai Summer Surprises. Modhesh World will run until August 7, featuring entertainment for children, teenagers and adults. Attractions included in the 2010 edition of Modhesh World are a fun fair, scooter zone, 4D cinema display, inflatable zone, mini zoo and Modhesh Magical Forest. The venue will also relay live telecasts of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on giant
screens in the sports zone. Yousif Mubarak, chief operating officer of the Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment said the entertainment venue was expected to draw significant tourism to Dubai. “Modhesh World is synonymous with family entertainment during Dubai Summer Surprises and over the years it has grown to become a destination by itself, given the fact that it attracted around 500,000 visitors over a span of 65
days in 2009,” he said. “Apart from emphasising the quality of entertainment at Modhesh World, we also want to highlight the fact that Modhesh World is affordable, secure and most of all, set in entirely air-conditioned surroundings, making it all the more enjoyable for families.” Modhesh World will be open between 10am and 10pm Saturdays to Wednesdays, 10am to midnight on Thursdays and from 3pm to midnight on Fridays.
events International Travel Expo Hong Kong Hong Kong, Jun 10-13 (www.itehk.com) Travel industry event for Chinese region, supported by more than 96 countries. Destinations World Bengaluru, India, June 11-13 A comprehensive exhibition for the travel and tourism industry in the Indian region. Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, China, June 14-17 (www.altm.com.cn) Sister event to ILTM, focusing on senior Asian luxury travel buyers.
HospitalityWorld Bengaluru, India, June 24-26 (www.hospitalityworld.in) Showcasing south India’s hospitality industry. Beijing International Tourism Expo Beijing, China, June 25-27 (www.bitechina.com.cn) Exhibiting products and destinations for Chinese and International professionals. India International Travel Market Bengaluru, India, July 10-12 (www.iitmindia.com) A showcase for tourism, leisure, hospitality and related industries.
Business Travel Market London, UK, June 16-17 (www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk) Conference and exhibition for meeting corporate travel buyers, suppliers and intermediaries – expected to attract more than 4,000 delegates and 500 of Europe’s top travel buyers.
Cityscape Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 4-7 (www.cityscapeglobal.com) Networking, conference sessions and round table events for the real estate market, including hotels and other tourism developments.
Expo World Middle East Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 17-19 (www.adnec.ae) Gathering of exhibitions industry figures from around the world, with a focus on the Middle East.
Outdoor Adventure Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 8-10 (www.outdooradventuredubai.com) Adventure sports, outdoor clubs, equipment specialists and holiday destinations.
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JUNE 12, 2010