Middle East and North Africa Edition
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SOFITEL CHANGES COURSE After shedding numerous hotels from its inventory, the Sofitel brand is preparing for renewed growth and will open four hotels across the Middle East throughout 2010.
TOURISM IN IRAQ
Bahrain Airport Company has officially taken over management and operation of the country’s airport, with the aim of creating a unified aviation hub.
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Kadum Wailli is the owner and general manager of one of Iraq’s few operating travel agents. In this week’s Rendezvous, he talks to Travel Trade Weekly about tourism in one of the world’s most tumultuous destinations.
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In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News International News Air Travel News Travel Talk Travel Tips Rendezvous Who’s Moved Events MARCH 13, 2010
ISSUE 18
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Bahrain’s
Change of Command
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Abu Dhabi Advantages Local Events Entrepreneurs Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has created a localised version of its Advantage Abu Dhabi (AAD) incentive scheme for conferences and exhibitions in the emirate.
Journalist Louis Dillon Savage Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Jane Davidson Marianna Tsiamas Danielle Bragg Tina Georgiou 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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hile the existing scheme sought to attract conferences and exhibitions to Abu Dhabi by providing seed funding to organisations from around the world, the new programme focuses on business from within the GCC. The programme will run throughout 2010 and will offer incentives and support to organisers whose events meet the eligibility criteria. Eligible events must be staged within the coming year and be attended by a minimum of 25 delegates, staying at least two nights each. Dayne Lim, product development director at ADTA, said the AAD programme had been expanded to augment the authority’s aim of achieving a ten
percent increase in hotel occupancy throughout 2010. “The performance of the business tourism sector will be critical as it accounts for about 80 percent of the emirate’s hotel occupancy,” he said. He said the meetings sector was of particular interest, because of its high revenue and the indirect benefits it could have for the destination. “The meetings industry is potentially a significant growth driver for our tourism sector,” he said. “Apart from the tangible business returns, it can deliver additional destination benefits, including familiarising audiences with Abu Dhabi’s expanding range of world class facilities and attractions and generating future return visits.”
Bahrain Airport Company Begins New Management of Bahrain International Airport
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 9/3/2010 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 5.48 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.36 8.23 9980 205.5 72.85 1.26
Bahrain Airport Company has officially taken over management and operation of the country’s airport, with the aim of creating a unified aviation hub. The company will unify a range of departments, including airport operations; engineering and planning; commercial and investments; human capital and support services; finance; and branding and communication. More than 400 staff members from Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), which includes the airport operations and engineering and maintenance departments, have been invited to renew their employment under the management of Bahrain Airport Company. Without releasing figures, the company said that acceptance rates were high and that transitional programmes were underway.
Kamal Ahmed, acting chairman of Bahrain Airport Company, said this move had been a long time in the making and had fuelled an air of optimism. “The new management structure is designed to create streamlined processes in order to deliver a comfortable airport environment to all users and partners of the Bahrain International Airport,” said Ahmed. “A comprehensive action plan has been set for Bahrain International Airport, including modernisation and expansion of the airport infrastructure as well as the optimisation of operations efficiencies. “With operational excellence, we aim to transform Bahrain International Airport into a global aviation hub as well as one of the world’s leading airports.” MARCH 13, 2010
Saudi Arabia Launches Tourism Training Programmes The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquites (SCTA), along with various partners, has launched two new training programmes for tourism professionals.
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CTA has declared its sponsorship of a meetings and event planning course run by George Washington University. The commission has also opened enrolment for a training scheme for Saudi nationals seeking to start their own tourism companies. The latter, called How to Start Your Own Tourism Business, has been organised in cooperation with the department of social responsibility at the Saudi National Commercial Bank (NCB), the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) and Saudi Credit and Saving Bank (SCSB).
How to Start Your Own Tourism Business courses will be held at RCCI; the course will impart business skills and provide access to investors and advice, following completion of the course. Dr Abdulla bin Sulaiman Al Washeel, director general of the National Project for Tourism Human Resources Development, said the programme was open to citizens younger than 45 years,
with a high school diploma. “The applicant should have creative ideas and a plan for a tourism project applicable for growth and capable of providing new job opportunities,” he said. Enrolment in How to Start Your Own Tourism Business courses will remain open until March 17. SCTA’s events management programme will be held from March 20 to April 6 in Riyadh and will offer training modules that include: planning management and marketing of exhibitions; risk management; event sponsorship; conference and meeting management; event co-ordination; and event development.
Qatar Signs MoU with Italy for Tourism Co-operation Qatar has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Italy, committing both countries to cooperating in the mutual development of their tourism industries. According to the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), the MoU requires both countries to seek to create favourable circumstances for long term tourism cooperation in joint interests, as far as compliance with the laws, systems and policies of each signee allows. Co-operation covers the exchange of expertise, publications, data and statistics, as well as tourism marketing and promotion via the exchange of propaganda and advertising programmes and materials. The MoU also states that each country should encourage their respective nationals and residents to spend their holidays, vacations and tourist youth camps in the other, to encourage the growth of tourism between them.
MARCH 13, 2010
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ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Staybridge Suites Set for Extended Stay in Saudi Arabia InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) will introduce its Staybridge Suites brand to Saudi Arabia.
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development agreement has been signed with Al Hokair Group to build the first Saudi Staybridge property, which is slated to open in 2011. Staybridge Suites Riyadh Olaya will be situated in Riyadh’s Olaya district, and feature 106 suites. According to John Bamsey, chief operating officer for IHG in Saudi Arabia, the Staybridge Suites brand caters to the upscale, extended stay market. “The extended stay concept, aimed at guests who usually stay for more than five nights, is a fast-growing segment within the hotel industry,” he said. “It is also a concept convenient for business guests travelling on longer term, project based work by giving them the space, comfort and surroundings that are closer to home.” Sami Al Hokair, executive vice president
of the Al Hokair Group, said that brands tailored to these demographics were underrepresented in Saudi Arabia and that projected growth in the kingdom necessitated further development. “With the Saudi Government's plans to grow the kingdom's tourism industry by 16 percent before 2020, we remain committed as partners to supporting this growth,” he said. Bamsey commented that IHG currently operated 22 hotels in Saudi Arabia and remained committed to increasing its portfolio in the kingdom, in co-operation with the Al Hokair group. “Our continued partnership is testament to the maturity of the Saudi Arabian market,” he said. Al Hokair already operates a number of IHG properties in Saudi Arabia, including three Holiday Inn properties in Al Khobar and Jeddah.
Sofitel Ready for New Growth After Trimming Portfolio After a period of shedding hotels from its inventory, the Sofitel brand is preparing for renewed growth and will open four hotels across the Middle East throughout 2010. Francoise Parguel, media relations officer for Sofitel, said the brand was undergoing a worldwide revamp, seeking to raise the standards of hotels bearing the Sofitel name. She said that these higher standards had led the brand to drop many hotels in their portfolio, deeming them uneconomical to renovate. “In 2006, we had around 206 or 207 hotels in the network,” she said. “Today, we have only 130.” 4
Parguel said that 2010 would see a reversal of that trend, representing a period of substantial growth for the brand. “This is a very important year for us,” she said. According to Parguel, Sofitel’s property in Dubai was currently awaiting its grand opening, while hotels in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain will open at the end of this year. The Sofitel Mogador Golf and Spa resort in Morocco will also open this year. Internationally, Parguel flagged Sofitel properties in Mauritius, Cambodia, China and India as candidates for 2010 launch dates.
High for Touristic Projects in to The Hilton Heliopolis Development Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with High for Touristic Projects for a new property in Cairo. The new property, Hilton Heliopolis Cairo, is slated to open in 2014, adjacent to Cairo International Airport. Jean-Paul Herzog, president of Hilton Worldwide in the Middle East and Africa, said Egypt was an important development market for Hilton. He noted that the location of the new hotel had been selected in anticipation of increased demand, driven by renovations to the airport. “Thanks to Cairo's bustling new international airport, which aims to handle 20 million passengers per year, we see increasing demand for accommodation in the affluent Heliopolis quarter,” he said. Hazem Saad Zaghloul, chairman of High for Touristic Projects, pointed out that the Heliopolis sector was growing rapidly. “As the country continues to witness a growth in tourism numbers and with Heliopolis attracting multi-national companies looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of downtown Cairo, this property is destined for success,” he said. Hilton Heliopolis Cairo will offer 485 rooms and 150 hotel apartments.
Hilton Heliopolis signing MARCH 13, 2010
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Marriott Flags Next Stage of European Expansion Marriott International plans double its room inventory in Europe by 2015.
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he company currently operates 174 hotels in Europe, offering 40,000 rooms between them. Expansion plans entail doubling the number of rooms to 80,000 across nearly 30 new properties. Additionally, Marriott brands that are currently unrepresented in Europe will be introduced to the region. Seven of Marriott’s 18 brands currently operate within Europe, including: RitzCarlton; Bvlgari; JW Marriott; Marriott Hotels and Resorts; Renaissance Hotels; Courtyard by Marriott; and Marriott Executive Apartments. Residence Inn, the company’s extended stay brand, will open its first European property in Munich, in 2012. Properties slated to open in 2010 include Renaissance Moscow Monarch Center Hotel, in Russia; Courtyard by Marriott
Renaissance Moscow Monarch Center Hotel
Budapest, in Hungary; and the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara, in Turkey. Amy McPherson, president of Marriott’s European division, said the plans represented the next stage of the company’s expansion into Europe.
“With a footing in most of Europe's gateway cities, we are thrilled to see our expansion continue into secondary cities and emerging markets,” she said. “Our new team here is aggressively accelerating our focus on growth.”
Global Airport Traffic on the Rise, Strong Freight Results for Asia A mix of international and domestic market surges boosted global airport passenger traffic by six percent in January, compared to the same month in 2009. The figures, released by Airports Council International (ACI), showed particular strength in international passenger traffic across the Asia Pacific
region, which was up by 11 percent; Africa was up by 13 percent; and the Middle East was up by 15 percent. Domestic passenger traffic was strong across Asia Pacific, Europe and Latin America. Freight growth rose by 43 percent in Asia Pacific and 29 percent in the Middle East,
with significant increases in the key hubs of Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Dubai, Hong Kong, Incheon, Shanghai, Sharjah, Singapore, Taipei, Tel Aviv and Tokyo Narita. North America’s international passenger traffic remained flat with 0.2 percent growth, while domestic traffic rose by 1.5 percent.
Continental Airlines Extends Charges for Extended Legs Continental Airlines has become the latest legacy carrier to incorporate elements of low cost carrier (LCC) business models. The airline has introduced charges for its economy seats with more legroom, mirroring the ancillary charges that drive LCC profits. 6
The charges do not apply to members of the airline’s frequent flyer programme, or their travelling companions. Jim Compton, executive vice president for the airline, said the move was intended to facilitate greater choice for passengers, rather than to generate profit.
“Seats with additional legroom are higher value seats and we want to offer them to customers who recognise that value,” he said. Continental operates routes throughout the US and Europe, with an extensive codeshare network in the Middle East and Africa. MARCH 13, 2010
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AIR TRAVEL
Royal Jordanian Partners with USAID to Develop New Environmental Management Plan Royal Jordanian Airline (RJ) has partnered with USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project II (Siyaha II), to develop an environmental management plan (EMP) for the airline.
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he agreement will establish a four month, two phase scheme for developing the environmental management plan. Throughout the first phase, Siyaha II will collect and analyse data on RJ’s flight and ground-based operations. Phase two will involve consultation between Siyaha’s experts and RJ’s management, the Jordan Ministry of the Environment, the Jordan Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission and other
relevant parties, regarding the EMP and compliance requirements for RJ. According to the memorandum of understanding signed by RJ, and Siyaha II, the plan will help the airline to identify, prevent, control and monitor adverse environmental impacts associated with its operations. Hussein Dabbas, CEO of RJ emphasised the importance of environmental impact management to his airline. “Minimising the environmental impact of RJ operations is one of the airline’s priorities and this initiative will help build
the foundation for RJ to further reduce its impact,” he said. Siyaha II is a USD28 million, five year project, intended to help develop Jordan’s tourism industry. The project has been operating since 2008 and will finish in 2013.
Royal Jordanian Aircraft
Ariana Flies into Al Ain
Emirates to Fly to Senegal from September
Afghanistan’s national carrier, Ariana Afghan Airlinesm has commenced operations to Al Ain international airport in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Sayed Abdul Hadi Sayar, UAE manager for the airline, said the destination had been chosen for its large Afghan community. “We are pleased to be adding another route to Ariana’s expanding network of destinations and, in particularly, to Al Ain where we hope to serve the significant Afghan community resident in the city and the wider UAE,” he said. “We believe the timing is right for us to introduce this new weekly service and we also hope this route further develops the already close ties and business links between our two countries.” Faris Al Mazrouei, general manager of Al Ain Airport, said that there was clear demand for a service between the city and Afghanistan.
The West African nation of Senegal will mark 106 international destinations for Emirates Airline, when the new route is launched in September. Emirates will fly direct to Dakar five times a week, offering a three class service. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al-Maktoum, chairman of Emirates Airline, said the new route would strengthen ties between Senegal and the UAE. “We are delighted to announce Dakar as our nineteenth destination into Africa,” said Al-Maktoum.
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“This new route further underlines our commitment to Africa, as we seek to continuously strengthen our services across the continent.” Emirates announced a joint agreement with the Government of Senegal in November 2009 to assist the development of Senegal Airlines. Emirates Group will provide commercial support, technical assistance, training and aviation goods and services for the new carrier, which is expected to commence operations later this year.
Tunisair Relocates Base to Enfidha Airport Tunisia’s national flag carrier, Tunisair has relocated its base of operations to the new Enfidha Zine El Abidine Ben Ali International airport in the country’s capital, Tunis. The move follows an agreement between the parent company of
Tunisair, Technics and Tunisair Handling, and TAV Tunisia, the operator of Enfidha airport. Haluk Bilgi, CEO of TAV Tunisia, said that Tunisair’s decision to adopt the airport as its new home would encourage other international companies to use the airport. MARCH 13, 2010
Abu Dhabi Chauffeurs Trained to Drive Tourism Abu Dhabi’s taxi and limousine drivers are being trained as tourism ambassadors for the emirate, under a partnership project by the Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) and the Abu Dhabi Transport Authority (TransAD).
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asser Al Reyami, tourism standards director for ADTA, said that the programme would familiarise taxi drivers with Abu Dhabi’s tourism attractions, in the hopes of improving visitor experiences. “This succinct programme has been specially designed to enhance the drivers’ knowledge of tourism attractions in the emirate and boost their confidence in dealing with our visitors,” he said. “Limo and taxi drivers are the first point of contact with visitors and it is important that they share knowledge and accurate information in a confident and friendly manner.” Masood Hashem, director of regulation in the licensing and compliance division of TransAD, said that taxi drivers played a crucial role for tourists in the emirate and were an important point of contact for
promoting the destination. “Limousine and taxi drivers take passengers to and from their hotels, business appointments and recreational pursuits, such as dining, entertainment and shopping, and to and from business related events,” he said. “Professional drivers help both residents and visitors get around Abu Dhabi in addition to regular point-to-point services, when they have the opportunity to share their knowledge of the city.” The course will comprise a series of one day experiential workshops and will be focused specifically on taxi drivers and limousine chauffeurs. In its first phase, 210 chauffeurs representing Abu Dhabi’s seven limousine companies will participate, followed by taxi drivers in the second stage. According to ADTA, the training is likely to become mandatory for all new taxi drivers in the long term.
Nasser Al Reyami
MENA Destinations Most Popular With Leading European Source Markets Gfk Travel Insights has released the results of a market review, showing that tourism demand is recovering worldwide. The company reported that Turkey and Egypt lead the pack in terms of interest from leading European source markets. According to Gfk, demand from the German and UK markets, which Egypt
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represent two of the largest source markets within Europe, has stabilised. The study shows that forward bookings among groups larger than three people has been relatively restrained so far this year, but that overall travel demand has increased, with the cruise market showing excellent growth. Turkey was named as the leading summer season destination by Gfk researchers, based on a combination of its popularity and prevailing growth. The country emerged as the second most popular summer destination among Dutch, UK, and German travellers, surpassed only by Spain. However, according to Gfk figures, Spain continues to exhibit contractions in
demand, while interest in Turkey continues to grow. Additionally, the country claimed the position of most booked destination for the increasingly important Russian demographic, with a 34 percent market share. Also, Gfk reported strong growth in travel bookings to Egypt, which increased its share of the UK, German and Dutch markets and emerged as the second most popular destination for Russian and Italian tourists. Gfk also reported an increase in lastminute bookings, which the firm attributed to greater caution and patience on behalf of travellers affected by the global downturn. MARCH 13, 2010
Mohamed A Al Noman
Christophe Landais
Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority “As the cultural capital of the Arab world, one of our main markets is obviously cultural and heritage tourism, but Sharjah is also increasingly being recognised as a leading destination for family and event tourism, as well as an excellent venue for business. The plan is to continue to promote the emirate as a tourism destination of choice and to continue to develop the emirate’s tourism product so that we can offer better service to a greater number of visitors. For the immediate future, that means continuing with our promotional activities, as well as with our implementation of initiatives such as our tour guide training and Mohamed A Al Noman licensing programme.”
Managing Director, Accor Hospitality Middle East “We at Accor are very confident with our ibis hotel brand, due to its strong global brand recognition in major feeder markets to the UAE. We are well known with the quality of service that Accor Hospitality offers. The ibis brand has carved a niche in the fast growing mid-market branded hotel segment, and has developed rapidly to a network of eight hotels in the region. We are successful with new hotel openings for ibis as we are committed to maintain the ibis value of offering high quality service and wellequipped rooms and facilities at the best value for money prices.”
Sharjah is increasingly being recognised as a leading destination for family and event tourism
Abdulrazaq Alraisi General Manager of Worldwide Sales, Oman Air “We plan to build on the legacy that we have created and the niche that we have carved as the airline that truly cares and caters to the needs of its passengers. With more destinations planned in the GCC and other international cities to be added to our growing network, Oman Air is sure to consolidate its position.” Abdulrazaq Alraisi
More destinations are planned in the GCC and other international cities
Christophe Landais
The ibis brand has carved a niche in the fast growing mid-market branded hotel segment
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
MARCH 13, 2010
The Customer is Not Always Right – But Good Customer Service Is Good customer service does not mean offering freebies to every customer who complains, according to Carl Schneider, founder of GuestRights. “Today’s consumers are smart. They know what to do to get what they want and what they feel like they deserve,” said Schneider. “In some cases, what they want is a free room and free food and anything else they can get. The truth is that upholding guest rights doesn’t have to be synonymous with always giving in.” Schneider said that good customer service should focus on the following principles: Politeness Pays “It seems pretty obvious but often, because of a bad day or an overabundance of work, politeness is the first thing to go out the window. Good customer service means always being polite,” said Schneider. “Patience is also an important part of politeness; impatience is never polite and shouldn’t be a part of a hotel employee’s customer service attitude at any time.”
MARCH 13, 2010
Think Beyond the Band-Aid Solution If a customer comes to you with a problem, rather than giving the guest something for free to make them happy, Schneider suggests using the complaint as an opportunity to improve your offerings. “By consistently addressing customer concerns and improving the property as needed, you are guaranteed to increase your guest satisfaction rates (thereby increasing revenues as those repeat customers are the most profitable for hotels),” he said.
How to Say “No” the Nice Way Despite the best efforts of customer service staff, it is not always possible to give the customer what they want. Schneider recommends the following approach: “I understand your concern. Unfortunately though, I am not able to [INSERT GUEST REQUEST HERE] but I can offer you this instead. I hope that will make your stay with us more enjoyable.”
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Q&A with Kadum Wailli Kadum Wailli is the owner and general manager of one of Iraq’s few operating travel agents, Nawafir Travel in Baghdad. He spoke to Travel Trade Weekly, opening a window to tourism in one of the world’s most tumultuous destinations. Travel Trade Weekly: What are the challenges of operating a travel agency in Iraq? Kadum Wailli: No security, no tourism visas granted, no facilities, no infrastructure and backwards service. Hotels in Iraq still break the soap bar and distribute it throughout their rooms.
magazine articles written about Iraq by Western writers throughout history. It is very well known all over the world.
Iraq is Mesopotamia. It simply does not need any promotion
Travel Trade Weekly: Who are your customers? Travel Trade Weekly: What can you Kadum Wailli: At the moment most of tell us about religious tourism in the the customers are Iraqi government country? delegations going out of the country for Kadum Wailli: Many tourists from the training by foreign contractors. A lot of our work is also in organising conferences and meetings for embassies and international organisations like the UN, the World Health Organisation and US companies.
Shiah sector come from Iran, Pakistan, Europe – from almost everywhere. It means that the local markets in holy cities like Najaf and Kerbala are booming. There is a lot of investment in these cities: the land close to holy shrines is now valued at about USD20,000 per square metre.
Travel Trade Weekly: What travel options are available for inbound Kadum Wailli private sector tourism? Travel Trade Weekly: Have there Kadum Wailli: The only travel options been any recent developments for Previous governments have not paid are for religious purposes. There are a lot tourism in Iraq? attention to this sector because of the of religious tourists to Iraq. Kadum Wailli: Yes, but only in holy dominance of the oil industry. cities like Kerbala and Najaf. In these cities they are building hotels, restaurants, and other facilities; for instance, they now have an airport in Najaf.
Travel Trade Weekly: Is there much of an outbound travel market? How often do Iraqis travel, and where do they go? Kadum Wailli: Yes! Iraqis like to travel, Travel Trade Weekly: How dangerous but visa issues are a problem for them. is the country? They tend to visit Lebanon and Turkey Kadum Wailli: For foreigners, it is very where this is less of an impediment.
dangerous; unless you live in a fortified compound or within the international zone.
Travel Trade Weekly: What are Iraq’s attractions and how have they Travel Trade Weekly: What would been affected by the situation there? need to be done to make Iraq a viable Kadum Wailli: Iraq is Mesopotamia; it destination? simply does not need any promotion. Kadum Wailli: Iraq has never had a There have been hundreds of books and 14
tourism mentality or attitude.
Since the first Gulf War, from 1992 till now, there has been no light at the end of the tunnel.
Travel Trade Weekly: What is the situation like in Iraq at the moment? Kadum Wailli: It is improving, but very slowly. Just like a moon walk with a lot of U turns!
Land close to holy shrines is now valued at about USD20,000 per square metre MARCH 13, 2010
MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, US
Fabian Specht
Fabian Specht
IDeaS Revenue Optimisation has appointed Fabian Specht as regional managing director of Europe, Africa and the Middle East (EAME). Specht will replace Uli Pillau. Specht has been with IDeaS for 11 years and has extensive experience within the hotel industry. He previously worked with InterContinental Hotels and Resorts, before moving to Micros Fidelio Software GMBH as director of sales, hotel systems, EAME. In his new role at IDeaS, Specht will focus on growing the company’s market share as a provider of revenue management systems for the hospitality industry.
William Bible William Bible has accepted an invitation to join the board of directors at MGM Mirage. Bible will leave his current role as president of the Nevada Resort Association to take up the new position. He has a range of regulatory and financial experience in the hospitality industry, as well as a bachelor of arts and masters of business administration. During his career as a state official, Bible held several positions, including director of Nevada’s Administration Department, fiscal analyst, deputy budget administrator and chief assistant budget administrator. MGM Mirage owns and operates 15 properties in the US. The company also manages CityCenter - a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Infinity World Development, a subsidiary of Dubai World. MARCH 13, 2010
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Organisers Promise Straight Talk About Investing at Cityscape Abu Dhabi The upcoming Cityscape Abu Dhabi conference promises to take a hard look at the future of real estate investment in the region, according to Chris Speller, group director of Cityscape. Speller said the 2010 programme reflected contemporary industry issues, with debt restructuring strategies featuring on the agenda, along with sustainable design and development. “Given the dramatic changes that have impacted the global markets over the past year or more, we are planning a frank debate without restriction,” said Speller. Cityscape Abu Dhabi will focus on the real estate market across the Middle East, covering hospitality and tourism developments as well as retail,
commercial and residential. “The conference will have 36 sessions across three concurrent streams over three days, covering a myriad of topics, including the impact of the financial crisis on the real estate market; how the GCC countries have confronted the crisis; the viability of real estate investment trusts in the Middle East; and the transparency and consistency of real estate data throughout the region,” said Speller. Looking beyond the Middle East, the conference will explore opportunities in South America, Eastern Europe, Turkey, Russia, Africa, India and China. However, Speller said the event would retain a strong emphasis on developments in the UAE, particularly its capital, Abu Dhabi.
“Abu Dhabi has emerged not only as an economic hub for energy projects and infrastructure, but has also developed a rich and unique cultural scene, blending Eastern and Western customers,” he said. “The UAE capital is also giving priority to infrastructure in government spending for the next few years as part of a long term development plan to achieve sustainable growth in the oil-reliant economy.” John Bullough, CEO of property company Aldar, and John A Thomas, executive director of Mubadala Real Estate and Hospitality, will be among the keynote speakers. Cityscape Abu Dhabi will take place at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from April 18 to 21.
Events Britain and Ireland Marketplace 2010 London, UK, March 16 (www.bim.travel) Workshop for tour operators, wholesalers and intermediaries to meet suppliers from the UK and Ireland’s hotels, attractions, ground handlers and other tourism services
World Holiday and Travel Fair Johannesburg, South Africa, April 16-18 (www.worldtravelfair.co.za) Split between a business to business exhibition and public access, with the opportunity for on the spot selling to consumers.
Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition Moscow, Russia, March 17-20 (www.mitt.ru/en) International trade exhibition for trade and consumer visitors, with 157 participating destinations and more than 3,000 companies.
China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market Beijing, PRC, April 28-30 (www.cottm.com) A business to business platform for international destinations and companies to introduce their products to the Chinese outbound travel industry.
GIBTM Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 29-31 (www.gibtm.com) International event for the business travel and meetings industry in the Gulf and Middle East region.
Arabian Hotel Investment Conference Dubai, UAE, May 1-3 (www.arabianconference.com) Interviews with hoteliers, forecasts from economists, panel discussions on the latest developments, trends and best practice in the hotel and investment industry.
Meeting Luxury Lugano, Switzerland, April 8-10 (www.meetingluxury.com/en) Exhibition for top end travel products.
Arabian Travel Market Dubai, UAE, May 4-7 (www.arabiantravelmarket.com) Travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound tourism professionals, featuring destinations, accommodation, tourism attractions and airlines.
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MARCH 13, 2010