Middle East and North Africa Edition
CRUISING INCREASE The popularity of cruise holidays continues to rise in the Middle East, with Royal Caribbean Cruises reporting a 63 percent surge in bookings during the first half of 2010.
Eithad is introducing its first single class services, with plans to run economy-only flights to short haul destinations from October. Two Airbus A320 narrow body aircraft will be outfitted with 162 economy seats; an increase of 42 seats over Etihad’s existing configuration.
3 HILTON SAUDI ARABIA Hilton’s vice president of development for the Middle East lists Saudi Arabia as the number one market in the region, as Hilton signs a management agreement for two new hotels in the kingdom.
4 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events AUGUST 14, 2010
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne Journalist Louis Dillon Savage
MerchantBridge Signs USD20m Hospitality Investment Deal Private equity and direct investment group, MerchantBridge, has signed a USD20 million transaction to invest in Monaco Luxury Hotels and Resorts.
Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Marianna Tsiamas Evelina Hadjigeorgiou 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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erchantBridge is active in the Middle Eastern market, with offices in Dubai, Baghdad, Basra and Riyadh. In 2006, MerchantBridge led the successful development and sale of Diyafa Hotel in AlKhobar, Saudi Arabia. The company has also recently acquired the 15 year lease of Iraq’s Kerbala Cement Plant, in conjunction with Lafarge. Basil Al-Rahim, CEO of MerchantBridge, said the hospitality industry was a key focus for the group. “Investments in the hospitality sector today are ideal for investors, as the real estate market still represents significant opportunities,” he said. “MerchantBridge is also
exploring other opportunities in hospitality in Europe and is in talks with some of the major hotel groups in globally.” Specifically, Ameen Killidar, managing director of MerchantBridge, said the company would target high-end hospitality. “The luxury hospitality sector is in need of further investment,” he said. “In Europe and North America, the number of new luxury hotels built decreased by more than 20 percent in the first half of 2010, when compared to the same period in 2008.” During the same period, Killidar pointed out, occupancy rates at luxury hotels in Europe and North America increased by an average of 12 percent. “We see this as an ideal opportunity for us, where we can see long term value being created through addressing current and future supply/demand gaps,” he said.
Air Arabia Posts 44 Percent Decline in Net Profit MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 12/8/2010 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= 3.69 5.69 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.7 0.29 3.64 0.38 1.47 8.60 10,003 238.17 74.17 1.28
Low cost carrier Air Arabia’s financial results for the three months ending June 30, 2010, have showed a decline of 44 percent compared with the same period in 2009. Net profit stood at AED50 million, compared to AED90 million last year. However, turnover increased by six percent, from AED458 million in the second quarter of 2009 to AED485 this year. According to Sheikh Abdullah Bin Mohammad Al Thani, chairman of Air Arabia, the decline in profitability was in line with global industry performance. “We are pleased with Air Arabia’s solid performance despite overall challenging marketing conditions,” he said. “Air Arabia continues to post sustained
quarterly profits with a high seat load factor and rising passenger traffic.” Average seat load factors rose by four percent compared to the second quarter of 2009, sitting at 82 percent at the end of June, 2010. “The airline has embarked upon a phase of organic growth, now operating from three hubs across the region,” said Al Thani. “We are focused on further expanding our operations while strengthening our value for money offerings and innovative products.” Air Arabia has recently launched operations from its third hub, in Egypt, and has announced the formation of Jordan’s first low cost carrier in a joint venture with Tantash Group. AUGUST 14, 2010
Middle East Buoys Cruising Industry The popularity of cruise holidays continues to rise in the Middle East, with Royal Caribbean Cruises reporting a surge in bookings during the first half of 2010.
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rom January to the end of July, guest volume from the Middle East increased 63 percent compared to 2009. The Mediterranean and Caribbean came out on top as the region’s most popular destinations; the average cruise duration for Middle Eastern guests was nine nights. Royal Caribbean has also noticed recent interest in its Middle Eastern cruises,
Royal Caribbean
according to Lakshmi Durai, executive director of Royal Caribbean Celebrity and Azamara Club Cruises Middle East. “We’re absolutely thrilled with the tremendous growth of the cruise market in the Middle East and there is still a huge potential,” said Durai. “With the support of our travel agent partners, targeted marketing and PR initiatives for the introduction of our first ship, Brilliance of the Seas, to the region in January, we’ve put a spotlight on the joy of cruising. “All Middle East markets performed well, with UAE and Lebanon doubling their guest bookings and new ships like Oasis of the Seas – the biggest cruise ship of the
world – and Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class, proving to be very popular.” Celebrity Cruises, a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean, is investing USD3.7 billion in five new Solstice Class ships, due to be completed by 2012. Royal Caribbean has raised its full year profit forecast, reporting an increase of net income to USD60.5 million.
All Middle East markets performed well, with UAE and Lebanon doubling their guest bookings
Hertz UAE to Boost Fleet by 4,000 The Al-Futtaim owned Hertz UAE company has posted 12 percent growth in inventory, with 4,000 new cars on the way by the end of 2010. Nigel Johnson, managing director of Hertz UAE, said the company was also focusing on improving customer service throughout its 13 UAE branches. “Hertz UAE continues to view investment in products and customer service as critical factors in our success,” he said. “This year we are on course to invest over 2,000 man hours in customer service training, which combined with our investment in 4,000 new cars, will continue to drive forward the high standards of service our customers expect.” In the second half of 2010, Hertz UAE will launch the Hertz #1 Gold Club in the UAE, along with self service car rental kiosks that are currently being trialled in Europe.
We are on course to invest over 2,000 man hours in customer service training AUGUST 14, 2010
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- Accommodation
Hilton to Manage Saudi University Properties by 2012 Hilton Worldwide has signed a management agreement with Saudi Arabia’s King Saud University Endowment for two new hotels in the kingdom.
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ilton Riyadh King Saud University, 241 rooms, and Hilton Riyadh King Saud University Residence, 155 rooms, are both expected to open by 2012. According to Andrew Clough, senior vice president of development for Hilton Worldwide Middle East and Asia Pacific, Riyadh is a strong business and corporate market for both domestic and international visitors. “Saudi Arabia is our number one development market in the Middle East,” he said. “The cross-selling opportunities with our six existing hotels in Makkah, Madinah, Jeddah and Riyadh are tremendous.” King Saud University has a student population of 70,000; the two new properties will also be located close to downtown Riyadh, the diplomatic quarter and financial district. Preliminary groundwork on the two properties is already underway. Dr Abudulrehman AI-Harkan, CEO of
King Saud University Endowment, said the development would be a landmark project in Riyadh. “With the capital developing into a business and luxury hub, attracting millions of regional and international visitors while hosting thousands of expatriate families, the entry of these two properties adds to the city’s metropolitan credentials and showcases the diversity of its hospitality offerings,” he said. In addition to the two university
properties, Hilton has several other hotels in its Saudi Arabia pipeline – Hilton Garden Inn Riyadh Al Muroj, due to open in 2011, and Hilton Riyadh Hotel and Residence, due to open in 2013.
Saudi Arabia is our number one development market in the Middle East
(L-R) Carlos Khneisser, senior director of development, Hilton Worldwide, Middle East; Dr Abdullah A Alothman, director, King Saud University; and Essam Abouda, vice president of operations, Hilton Worldwide, Arabian Peninsula and Indian Ocean
CHI Hotels and Resorts to Operate Second Egyptian Hotel CHI Hotels and Resorts will operate its second property in Egypt from October this year, after signing a 15 year technical services and management agreement with El Salam Company for Tourism Development. CHI will take over operation of the converted and partly refurbished hotel, The Ramada Plaza – Naama Bay in Sharm El Sheikh. The 254 room hotel opened in 2004 and was previously known as Royal Plaza Hotel. Tony Potter, CEO of CHI, pointed out 4
that the new deal was CHI’s second hotel management agreement in Egypt within the space of one year. “This is a great step forward for us in the region,” said Potter. “Our other hotel under management in
The Ramada Plaza – Naama Bay
the region, the Tiran Island Hotel, has performed well over the past year and this has encouraged us to further explore other opportunities in this vastly popular country of Egypt. “We now look forward to the opening of our third CHI management property there, the luxurious Corinthia Resort Hotel.”
This is a great step forward for us in the region AUGUST 14, 2010
- Air Travel
Etihad Airlines Chases Economy Travellers Eithad Airline is introducing its first single class services, with plans to run economy-only flights to short haul destinations from October.
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wo Airbus A320 narrow body aircraft will be outfitted with 162 economy seats; an increase of 42 seats over Etihad’s existing configuration. The aircraft will initially operate on flights to Alexandria, Egypt; Calicut and Thiruvananthapuram, India; Colombo, Sri Lanka; Damascus, Syria; and Doha, Qatar. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said the routes had been chosen for their high rate of economy travel and low interest in premium classes. He said that Etihad had now established its position as a mainstream carrier and was looking for new ways to compete in the regional market. “Etihad has grown at a remarkable pace
during the past six and a half years,” he said. “We have built a strong brand and a robust business, and it is the right time to challenge the way we serve our various markets and segments.” The all-economy flights bring Etihad’s services closer to the business model of low cost airlines, which have become increasingly prevalent in the Middle East and Asian markets. However, Hogan insisted the flights would be operated on a full service basis. “Our all economy aircraft will allow us to offer a more competitive product in key point-to-point markets in Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian subcontinent, while maintaining the high standards of service we have become known for,” he said.
It is the right time to challenge the way we serve our various markets and segments James Hogan
Qatar Triples Flights to Egypt, Adds Alexandria and Luxor to Network Qatar Airways has expanded its network in Egypt, adding daily flights to both Alexandria and Luxor. The new routes will bring Qatar Airways’ total number of flights into Egypt to 21 per week, including existing daily flights to Cairo. Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said the strengthened network reflected a long term strategy of expanding into Africa. “IATA (International Air Transport
Egypt 6
Association) has highlighted Africa as one of the most important growth markets for aviation over the next 20 years, and Qatar Airways is committed to making further inroads into this dynamic continent to take advantage of the tremendous opportunities available,” he said. Flights will be operated by Airbus A320 aircraft in a two class configuration including first and economy class seating.
Akbar Al Baker
IATA has highlighted Africa as one of the most important growth markets for aviation over the next 20 years AUGUST 14, 2010
- Air Travel
nasair Clients Demand offline Sales Channel In response to pressure from consumers, Nasair is increasing its number of physical sales offices in Saudi Arabia. Nasair
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urki Al Jawini, sales director of Nasair, said a large number of people still preferred to purchase their tickets in a face-toface business environment. Although the airline otherwise conforms to a low cost business model, focused on maximising direct online sales, Al Jawini said the trend had prompted Nasair to
expand its network of offices. The airline opened its newest office in Dammam this week and has plans to add further offices in the near future. “We are also planning to increase to 14 sales offices by end of year 2010,” Al Jawini said. A total of 10 Nasair sales offices are currently operating, in the cities of Makkash, Madinah Al Menorah, Riyadh, Jeddah, Gizan, Dammam and Al Khobar.
Emirates and Etihad’s Saudi Increase Both Emirates and Etihad have boosted their service schedules to Saudi Arabia, projecting a growth in demand. Etihad has increased frequencies to Jeddah throughout Ramadan to accommodate greater numbers of travellers performing Umrah pilgrimages. However, Ahmed Khoory, senior vice president of commercial operations in the Gulf, Middle East and Iran for Emirates, said strong demand was expected to continue well beyond the end of the holy month. “We expect travel to the kingdom to increase significantly across the coming three months,” he said. “The additional services will help ease the flow of traffic and offer more options to those wishing to travel for both religious and leisure purposes.” The boosted Emirates schedule will operate between August and September, while Etihad will run extra flights until September 12. AUGUST 14, 2010
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- International
EIBTM on lookout for Tomorrow’s MICE leaders Reed Travel has partnered with International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to select young industry representatives to join EIBTM’s Forum for Young Professionals.
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artin Sirk, CEO for ICCA, said the forum would bring together 20 young professionals under the age of 30 at the 2010 EIBTM event in Barcelona. “This forum is a unique opportunity for ambitious young professionals, thrown together from different backgrounds and countries, to join together to learn more about the industry and ICCA,” said Sirk.
“It adds up to an experience that past participants consistently enthuse about.” Graeme Barnett, exhibition director for EIBTM, highlighted some of the forum’s benefits, including: familiarisation with the global meetings industry; enhanced professional skills; global networking opportunities; and the ability to plan a career in the industry. “This initiative is all about the future; the leaders of tomorrow,” said Barnett. “Together with ICCA we are committed
in the long term to help educate and develop the obvious talent that exists around the world.” The forum will take place in Barcelona from November 27 to 30; applications must be received by September 10.
This initiative is all about the future; the leaders of tomorrow
Indian Ocean Tourism Boards to Launch Joint Marketing Initiative Tourism board directors from across the Indian Ocean have committed to developing a marketing plan for the region’s tourism industry. The meeting, held on Reunion Island, was attended by Alain St Ange of Seychelles; Joel Randriamandranto of Madagascar; Pascal Viroleau of Reunion; and Dr Karl Mootoosamy of Mauritius. The group’s objective was to revitalise the Indian Ocean’s tourism industry by penetrating new markets and embarking on a campaign of marketing research to benefit the islands individually and collectively. Other issues discussed included: carrying out an audit of the region;
arranging a meeting for tour operators; trade fair joint agreements; and a meeting in Seychelles in October to endorse the group’s plan for the Indian Ocean Economic Forum. “Together we are strong, and together we are not an island but part of a whole destination,” said St Ange. He added that the idea of a label for the
Seychelles
Indian Island oceans was a must in the modern, globalised world.
Together we are strong, and together we are not an island ut part of a whole destination
Seychelles
Fairmont Peace Hotel Opened In Shanghai, China
Fairmont Peace Hotel 8
Fairmont has completed its restoration project on the 79 year old Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai, China. The property was first opened in 1929, but has been closed since 2007 for an extensive overhaul. Renovations included an extension of the original building, which includes a sky-lit swimming pool and Willow
Stream Spa facility. The reopened property features 270 guest rooms and suites, including a new conversion of the penthouse that was once occupied by the hotel’s original owner. The 11 storey hotel was the first high rise building in Shanghai and also featured the city’s first electric elevator. AUGUST 14, 2010
Doha, Qatar
Agent’s Insight Name: Maher Azizia Position: Manager Company: Sharjah Airport Travel Agency (SATA) Location: Sharjah, UAE Who are your best customers? Of course the best is corporate and incentive groups, but in the summer season we also rely on our frequent customers to the usual summer destinations, besides the business traveller all year round.
What advice would you give to a young travel agent? Not to be affected by obstacles during the off-seasons, and strive always to provide excellent services at the lowest prices - this supports the credibility of the agent and gives him the confidence of his customers for the long term.
Dnata Launches Doha Outlet Dnata Travel Services has launched retail travel services in Qatar, with the opening of an office in Doha. Dnata will offer a range of services, including: corporate travel services; 24 hour booking facilities; bespoke travel packages; Hajj and Umrah packages; aircraft chartering; worldwide car rental; maritime services; airport meet and greet services; and event management. Dnata has operated corporate services in Doha since May 2009, in collaboration with Hogg Robinson Group (HRG). Abdulla Tawakul, senior vice president of corporate and regional network for Dnata Travel Services, said the outlook for the new operations was optimistic. “We are extremely positive about the market here in Qatar, a country with a healthy appetite for travel that has maintained strong economic growth over the last several years, despite the global economic downturn,” he said. Rehan Ali Syed, general manager of Dnata’s Qatar branch, said the company would benefit from its regional presence and established trading relationships. “The unmatched, regional travel service experience of our skilled and professional staff, coupled with access to the latest technology in travel services and the ability to tap into an extensive network of partnerships, is what will set Dnata Travel Qatar apart from the competition,” he said.
We are extremely positive about the market here in Qatar 10
Where is your biggest selling destination? Turkey in the first, followed by Malaysia and the Far East region. Also we note in this year's business a decline in sales of some destinations such as Gold Coast in Australia and Maldives. And of course the customers also change depending on climatic conditions and the media wave.
When is the best time to visit your destination? The best time to visit my destination, Sharjah, is from October to March, with the mild weather and wonderful beaches, but there is also a lot to do during the summer. There are events of culture and entertainment almost year-round.
Why is travel important? To be out of the routine and work pressure, besides learning the cultures of other people and enjoying their tourist potential. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Strive always to provide excellent services at the lowest prices AUGUST 14, 2010
German Hotspot Welcomes Middle Eastern Travellers Munich, the regional capital of the German state of Bavaria, has reported recorded numbers of visitors from the GCC. Munich
Watch the Clock to Help Air Travellers Observe Ramadan
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ith 77,949 arrivals, spending 270,891 nights in the city, Munich has become the favourite destination within Germany for Middle Eastern tourists. The numbers represent an increase of visitors from the Gulf of 22 percent in 2009, compared to 2008. According to the local tourism authority, Germany has benefited from its relative affordability, and greater tolerance for personal freedom. With several western European countries having placed restrictions on certain items of traditional clothing, the Munich Tourism Office (MTO) has credited Germany’s liberal attitude for attracting more Gulf citizens to the country. Prices in Germany are also attractive relative to other west European countries: according to MTO figures, hotel stays cost as much as 30 or 40 percent less than in France or the UK. Many luxury hotels employ Arabic speaking staff, as well as offering halal menus and the option to book whole floors for family groups. The results have been met with excitement from locals, ensuring a warm welcome for visitors from the Middle East. MTO quoted travellers from the GCC who praised the shopping in Munich, as well as the friendliness of its people and ease of access to its main sights. AUGUST 14, 2010
In a world of time zone spanning long haul travel, observing rituals tied to the sun can be a challenge for many modern Muslims. As Emirates has shown with its latest initiative, going the extra mile to accommodate your customers can win a large amount of goodwill. Of particular concern for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan is the Iftar meal, traditionally consumed shortly after sunset to break the fast observed in daylight hours. Emirates Airlines has now introduced specially timed Iftar meals on its flights, to better service the needs of its Muslim passengers. Passengers who are in-flight will be informed of the Iftar time (shortly after sunset) and provided with a box of traditional Arabic dishes with which to break their fast. For flights departing close to Iftar, emirates is providing small boxes to Muslim travellers, to allow them to observe the meal without first waiting to be served. Robin Padgett, global vice president of catering for emirates, said the meals showed respect for the airline’s Arabic heritage.
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John Felix
Arthur Rodrigues
Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays “With its exceptional nightlife and cuisine, world-class museums and art galleries, and designer shopping, Madrid is an exciting city to discover and explore. Emirates Holidays is delighted to have Madrid among the wide choice of destinations it has on offer. And with the launch of Emirates’ direct flights to the city, we have put together a range of special packages that will provide the perfect gateway to the best Spain has to offer.”
Chief Engineer, Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek “We had already completed a number of sustainability initiatives, such as energy and resource saving, the use of biodegradable chemicals and recycling initiatives, but achieving Green Globe status will now have a positive effect on every aspect of the hotel operation. The Green Globe Certification Audit is based on a number of environmental factors, in all we had 250 points to address. Some of the inefficient old and high-power consuming air-conditioning equipment was replaced, coupled with the energy
saving wheel, which cools hot air drawn from outside, before passing it through the hotel chillers. It is always more challenging for an older property to attain such rigorous standards, but considering that, it is so much more rewarding to be recognised for our achievements. Hotels have a corporate responsibility to the environment and all of its stakeholders. We invested a lot of time and money into this initiative but now we are reaping the rewards financially, socially and environmentally.”
With its exceptional nightlife and cuisine, world-class museums and art galleries, and designer shopping, Madrid is an exciting city to discover and explore (L-R) Arthur Rodrigues; Janet Fitzner, general manager of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek; and Markus Oberlin, General Manager of Farnek Avireal
Hotels have a corporate responsibility to the environment and all of its stakeholders
Thierry Bertin Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Hyatt International, South West Asia “Whether it’s a weekend trip or a business trip, [golfing] holidays make the perfect vacation. Golf lovers get to spend time on first-class courses, while having the option to discover all the other glorious things Egypt and Nepal has to offer.”
John Felix
[Golfing] holidays make the perfect vacation
Taba Heights Resort, Egypt
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
AUGUST 14, 2010
Mario Segovia Sman
Lamia Assem
Amadeus has appointed Mario Segovia Sman as the regional head for Amadeus’ Airline Business Group in the MENA region. Sman will lead the existing MENA airline account management team, based in Dubai, and will liaise with the company’s central airline IT and distribution teams in Madrid. Sman joined Amadeus in 2000 and has overseen relationships with Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways and Kuwait Airways. He holds a degree in business administration.
Dusit Thani Lake View Cairo has appointed Lamia Assem as director of marketing communications. Assem has more than 16 years of marketing and PR experience and has worked for Le Méridien, Hyatt, Sheraton, InterContinental and Marriott. In her new role, Assem will oversee the hotel’s domestic and international strategies.
Mario Segovia Sman
Roger Kacou Mövenpick Hotels and Resorts has appointed Roger Kacou as senior vice president for Africa. Kacou will be based at the company’s area office in Cairo, overseeing an existing portfolio of 16 hotels, resorts and Nile cruisers across five countries. He will also be involved in developing new destinations across the region, in line with Mövenpick’s increased emphasis on African expansion. Kacou has 20 years of experience in the industry within Africa and has held senior positions with InterContinental Hotels Group and Africa Travel Association. Most recently, he worked at Blue City Company Oman, where he was responsible for the development of all resort, hotel, spa and golf facilities. Kacou has a master of professional studies from Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and a master of science in economics from the University of Abidjan.
Etihad Airways Etihad Airways has appointed Hareb Al Muhairi as vice president of UAE sales. Al Muhairi joined Etihad in 2004, after studying political science and management. He has held various positions within the company, including marketing and product development. Al Muhairi also completed a posting in London as business development manager. His most recent role was vice president of corporate communications. As part of Etihad’s wider sales reorganisation, Raymond Korban has also changed positions. Korban was previously general manager for the UAE and Oman at Etihad. He will now become regional general manager for Levant and Africa – an increasing area of focus for Etihad.
Mark Lee Wafi Group has appointed Mark Lee as general manager for the hospitality and food and beverage division. Lee joined Wafi Group in 2001 as general manager of the Planet Hollywood complex. He was later promoted to general manager of Arabian Park Hotel in 2006. Lee has a strong background in the hospitality industry and has worked for several international companies across the UK, US, Mexico, Spain, Germany, Hungary and Dubai. 14
Hareb Al Muhairi AUGUST 14, 2010
Q&A with Jeremy Sutton Quintessentially Travel is the brainchild of Jeremy Sutton: offering a no holds barred approach to full service luxury, the company prides itself on accessing the inaccessible for its clients. Travel Trade Weekly caught up with Jeremy to learn about how his service was going in the opulence hungry Middle East. Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us a little about Quintessentially Travel’s products and services. Jeremy Sutton: A sister company to Quintessentially – the leading global private members’ club and luxury lifestyle group – Quintessentially Travel is a bespoke luxury tour operator, offering exclusive travel to the world’s elite. As a high-end service provider of luxury travel worldwide, Quintessentially Travel – a service available to both members and non-members - will advise on and help to create tailor-made itineraries for some of the globe’s most glamorous and sought after destinations, organising everything from flights, private jets, transfers, hotels, restaurants and private tours.
Travel Trade Weekly: How does the new travel business differ from your pre-existing operations? Jeremy Sutton: Prior to the launch we acted as a travel agent booking through tour operators. Now we are a fully bonded and licensed tour operator, creating our very own tailor-made travel packages. The most important aspect is also that we now cater to non members, whereas we did not before.
Travel Trade Weekly: What kind of competition is there in your niche? Jeremy Sutton: Quintessentially Travel is very unique in its offering – there are no other operators who work on the global scale we do. When a holiday is booked with Quintessentially Travel we don’t just provide the travel service but also the Quintessentially service and its vast knowledge and access into the global luxury lifestyle market. This access enhances our added value over and above AUGUST 14, 2010
a simple travel offering – it is a complete lifestyle offering and the passport to the very best that life has to offer. Quintessentially Travel has access to a whole host of other contacts from Quintessentially Concierge including restaurants, bars, tickets, access to the inaccessible and other general concierge services which might be required. Quintessentially Travel also works very closely with a number of our other sister companies to provide clients with a complete lifestyle offering while abroad. From chauffeured transfers (Quintessentially Driven) to bodyguards (Quintessentially Secure – an international specialist security provider) and private jets and helicopters (Quintessentially Aviation).
We cater to anything as long as it is moral and legal
Jeremy Sutton
and VIP tickets for the USA vs England game in the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The request came through under 24 hours beforehand and Quintessentially Travel managed to arrange the jet (all flights were sold out), the suite (all suites and top rooms were sold out) and the VIP match tickets – Quintessentially Travel accessed the inaccessible!
Travel Trade Weekly: What is the most unusual request Quintessentially Travel Trade Weekly: Has there ever Travel has had? been anything you could not provide? Jeremy Sutton: Our unusual travel Jeremy Sutton: Anything is possible requests come in all shapes and sizes, be it last minute bookings, large scale travel itineraries or access to the inaccessible. For example, we have organised an epic, action-packed, Indiana Jones-style adventure in Jordan involving training by ex-MI6 agents with missions including uncovering hidden treasures in the desert, rescuing hostages in densely populated market places, off-road desert driving, as well as private access to the ruins of Petra and camping in Wadi Rum. We have also arranged for a client to star in their own movie in and around Hong Kong. One client required a private jet, hotel suite
with the right amount of money. We cater to anything as long as it is moral and legal.
Travel Trade Weekly: How is business in the Middle East for your product? Jeremy Sutton: The Middle East market offers huge potential for Quintessentially Travel and over the coming months we will be driving our focus on this market. Quintessentially Travel offers exclusive travel to the discerning elite, it opens up a world of uncompromising luxury and excellence and we feel our service offering complements the expectations and requirements of the Middle East. 15
Arabian Travel Market Unveils New Format for 2011 The 2011 incarnation of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) will include an additional day of business, while maintaining a dedicated session for consumers. The new show will open a day earlier, running from Monday to Thursday (May 2 to 5). A consumer session will run from 3pm to 9pm on Thursday. Mark Walsh, group exhibition director of Reed Travel Exhibitions explained the reason for the new format. “We have decided to change the format of the show after a survey revealed that the majority of participants wanted more time to explore business opportunities, while also retaining a consumer element,” he said. “Although business will always be the key driver
of the event, consumers still provide valuable end user feedback and key insight for industry professionals.” ATM has been running for more than 17 years, with the 2010 exhibition attracting 2,236 exhibitors and 22,000 visitors. Saleh Mohammed Al Geziry, director of overseas promotions for Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said the new format was a logical move for the event. “Dubai will continue to provide a platform to support key industry events like Arabian Travel Market, which help shape the future of the region’s tourism landscape, not only in terms of infrastructure, but also in terms of social, environmental and cultural development,” he said.
Mark Walsh
Events Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Conference Los Angeles, US, September 22-24 (www.medicaltourismconference.com) Forum for the global medical and wellbeing tourism industry. Outdoor Adventure Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 8-10 (www.outdooradventuredubai.com) Adventure sports, outdoor clubs, equipment specialists and holiday destinations. GITEX Technology Week Dubai, UAE, October 17-21 (www.gitex.com) Technology solutions for hotels, businesses and consumers. Hotex Fair Syria Damascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.hotexfair.com) Fair for Arabic and foreign companies in tourism and travel, including hotels, restaurants and equipment suppliers.
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World Travel Market London, UK, November 8-11 (www.wtmlondon.com) Global event for the travel industry – four day business to business event promoting a range of destinations and industry sectors to international travel professionals. World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae) Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourism authorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers, airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers, universities, museums and heritage site organisations. Blossom Japan Tokyo, Japan, January 18-21,2011 (www.blossomjapan.com) A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on the Japanese market.
AUGUST 14, 2010