Middle East and North Africa Edition
Banyan tREE SPlit Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts (BTHR) has terminated its management of the Bahrain resort owned by Al Areen Holding Company (AAHC).
The upcoming Airport Show, to be held in Dubai from April 25 to 27, will host the Emerging Markets Airport Awards (EMAA) for the first time. According to Reed Exhibitions, the emerging airport market is expected to grow to USD100 billion, driven by the Middle East, China, India, Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
4 Royal JoRdanian to Kl After a five year suspension of flights, Royal Jordanian will resume services between Amman and Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur.
6 In This Issue
Market Update News Accommodation News Air Travel & Cruising News International Who’s Moved Travel Talk Travel Tips Rendezvous Events
APRIL 17, 2010
ISSUE 23
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Airport
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne Journalist Louis Dillon Savage
PWC CEO Survey Shows Optimistic Outlook for Middle Eastern Economies PricewaterhouseCoopers has finalised its thirteenth annual global CEO survey, uncovering widespread optimism regarding economic recovery in the Middle East.
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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arwick Hunt, Middle East managing partner of PricewaterhouseCoopers, said that the survey showed better than average recovery within the Middle East. “The economies of the Middle East are recovering at a faster pace than in other parts of the world and companies with the best prospects are those who managed through the recession while keeping an eye on the recovery ahead,” he said. He noted that the overriding outlook within the
region was positive, but that changed perspectives accompanied optimistic attitudes. “Whilst the global economic slowdown has clearly had a negative impact on a number of business sectors, it is clear that signs of recovery are now emerging and with them a new economic paradigm,” he said. “After years of unprecedented growth, businesses across the region are now refocusing on fundamentals with a greater emphasis on regulatory issues, understanding market risks and the implementation of long-term investment strategies.”
Positive numbers for Hospitality industry in dubai
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 14/4/2010 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 (LID)
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
1USD= 3.67 5.51 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.41 8.22 9985 206.27 72.88 1.26
According to figures from STR Global, Dubai performed strongly in late 2009 and early 2010. Drawing on a report prepared by STR, Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) declared strong performance for hospitality in the emirate, based on key indicators. According to DTCM, throughout the period from November 2009 to the end of February 2010, Dubai experienced the highest average
room rates of any destination worldwide. Rates varied from USD236 in November 2009 and USD235 in December 2009, to USD250 and USD252 in January and February 2010, respectively. Tokyo experienced the next highest room rates in the first two months of 2010, followed by Paris. DTCM also reported positive figures for the revenue per average room (revPAR) and occupancy measures. dubai
APRIL 17, 2010
Emirates Establishes new travelport Upgrades With iBM Software Presence in afghanistan Global distribution system (GDS) provider, Travelport, plans to double its processing capacity for travel clients and boost its business growth with a multi-million with dnata travel dollar software upgrade. Emirates Airline will target the corporate travel market in Afghanistan, with Dnata Travel acting as the airline’s off-line sales agent in Kabul. Although Emirates does not operate flights to or from Afghanistan, there is still a strong market for the airline in the country, according to Richard Vaughan, divisional senior vice president of commercial operations worldwide. “Passengers can connect to Emirates via one of our interline partners or via Dubai to popular destinations in Europe, the Far East and the United States,” said Vaughan. “As our general sales agent in Kabul, Dnata Travel will be able to assist residents of Afghanistan in purchasing airline tickets and visas, as well as all of Dnata’s travel products and services.” Majid Al Mulla, vice president of Dnata World Travel, added that the partnership would increase Emirates’ presence in Kabul, particularly amongst its corporate clients. The Dnata Travel office in Afghanistan opened in 2009, primarily to service UN agencies and the corporate market.
The multi-year agreement with software provider IBM will affect Travelport customers in 160 countries, including travel agencies, hotels, car rental companies, rail networks, tour operators and cruise lines. Gordon Wilson, president of Travelport GDS, said that the upgrade was necessary to keep up with modern travel professionals. “The changing needs of the travel industry for broader, deeper, faster content aggregation, search and integration mean that the GDSs have to continually upgrade not only their hardware infrastructure, but also the key operating software and supporting systems architecture that facilitate the offer of informed choice for the ultimate consumer of travel products,” said Wilson.
RAISING THE STANDARDS...
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Corniche El Nil, P.O. Box: 60, 11511 Cairo, Egypt. Tel: +20(2) 2795-7171 Fax: +20(2) 2796-3020 e-mail: administration@semiramisinterconti.com or visit www.intercontinental.com
SEMIRAMIS C A I RO
(l-R) Richard Vaughan and Majid al Mula APRIL 17, 2010
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aCCoMModation nEWS
Banyan Tree Sheds its Bahrain Branch Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts (BTHR) has terminated its management of the Bahrain resort owned by Al Areen Holding Company (AAHC).
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ccording to BTHR, the decision was made with immediate effect, but AAHC has stated the operations of the resort will not be affected. According to BTHR, an initial notice of termination had been served to AAHC on April 8, which contained a proviso for a 15 day interim period throughout which the former would continue to manage the property. BTHR has alleged that AAHC took immediate control over the property, a
move which BTRH has named as a further breach of agreements between the companies. AAHC has issued counter accusations, claiming that three BTHR representatives have been banned from travelling by the Bahraini public prosecution, pending investigations into charges laid by AAHC. AAHC further stated that following an eight month leadership vacuum, the two companies have jointly appointed Khalid Anib as the general manager of the resort. The schism culminates a long standing
dispute between the companies, which saw BTHR file a winding up order against AAHC in March. Each side has accused the other of breaching the management contract for the hotel, with BTHR claiming unpaid fees and AAHC alleging negligence, mismanagement and betrayal of trust. Tariq Al Jowder, CEO of AAHC, said that late-stage talks were being undertaken with other management companies regarding the future of the hotel and proposed an interim name change to Al Areen Palace and Spa.
Ritz-Carlton targets Saudi Guests Ritz-Carlton has become the latest international chain to declare an interest in Saudi Arabia, initiating a marketing drive intended to attract more Saudis to the brand. Pascal Duchauffour, area vice president for Ritz-Carlton in the Middle East, said Saudi Arabia represented one of the most promising source markets for the regional travel industry. “We see tremendously high potential in the Saudi Arabia market for the coming years and our goal is to increase our customer base by at least 15 percent in 2010,” he said. Ritz-Carlton has appointed a group sales manager dedicated to the Saudi market in an attempt to realise this goal, Duchauffour said. “With such an aggressive objective to achieve, the general managers have agreed to engage an experienced sales person, Mohamed Halawani, to be exclusively dedicated to this country on behalf of their hotels’ revenue targets,” he said. Ritz-Carlton dubai
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APRIL 17, 2010
Qatari diar Expands Premier inn Breaks into abu dhabi Mushaireb Project in Sudan UK budget hotel brand Premier Inn has The completed Capital Centre will feature Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company has acquired an extra 58,000m² of land for its Mushaireb mixed-use development in downtown Khartoum, Sudan. The project, which includes a five star hotel, family entertainment area, residences, retail towers and office space, will now encompass 206,000m². Construction on the project began in 2009 and Mushaireb has already proven popular with investors, according to Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, group CEO of Qatari Diar. “We see strong potential in the country’s long-term growth and we are proud to be helping to improve the business, tourist and residential opportunities and infrastructure in Sudan,” he said. Qatari Diar has also planned a redevelopment of the waterfront corniche area along the Nile in Khartoum, which will become an entertainment area. Mohamed Abdul Wahab Othman, Sudanese Minister of Planning and Urban Development, added that the project represented the strong bond between the people of Sudan and Qatar. Qatari Diar is wholly owned by Qatar Investment Authority and currently has 35 real estate development projects active in more than 20 countries.
broken ground on its first hotel in Abu Dhabi, within Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Company’s Capital Centre. The new hotel will be the company’s fourth property in the UAE and is expected to be completed by September 2011, at a cost of AED120 million (USD32.67 million). Darroch Crawford, managing director of Premier Inn Middle East, said the hotel would capitalise on its position within Capital City.
23 mixed-use towers, including seven hotels. “Although the current economic climate shows a general slowdown in expansion plans for most companies, for Premier Inn it is vital to continue,” said Crawford. “Demand from travellers to the UAE seeking high quality budget hotel accommodation has been growing over the last few years and we believe we offer the best value proposition in the market without compromising on service.”
(l-R) Mohammed abdul Wahab othman and Mohammed bin ali al Hedfa APRIL 17, 2010
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aiR tRAVEl nEWS
Emerging Markets Centre Stage at Dubai Airport Show The upcoming Airport Show, to be held in Dubai from April 25 to 27, will host the Emerging Markets Airport Awards (EMAA) for the first time.
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ccording to estimates from Reed Exhibitions, the value of the emerging airport market is expected to grow to more than USD100 billion, including the Middle East, China, India, Russia/Commonwealth of Independent States and Baltic States. Mohamad Bader-Eddin, show director at Reed, said the awards would provide a platform for buyers and exhibitors to meet key airport leaders. “There’s no doubt we are seeing great growth in emerging airport markets,” he said. “By 2050, China is planning to have 350 airports and India is to increase its airports to more than 300.” Airport Show 2010 will be supported by ADAC and Dubai Airports, as well as other leading aviation authorities.
Etihad airways Reports Growth in Early 2010 Revenue passenger kilometres (RPKs) grew by 25.4 percent at Etihad Airways in the first quarter of 2010, according to the airline. Etihad’s passenger numbers increased by 11 percent, with a five percent increase in premium traffic; seat factors were up from 73 percent to 75 percent. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said the figures were encouraging and that Etihad had continued its growth trajectory, despite the downturn in the air transport industry. Specifically, seat factors were strong on Etihad’s new Chicago route, as well as Asia Pacific and Australian routes. Hogan added that the airline had reduced its costs per available seat kilometre (CASK) by more than 14 percent during 2009. “We are seeing the results of the implementation of our business strategy 6
over the last three years coming to fruition,” said Hogan. “The market environment remains very challenging and it will require clear focus if we are to continue on our growth path in 2010.”
Royal Jordanian Goes Back to Kuala lumpur After a five year suspension of flights, Royal Jordanian will resume services between Amman and Malaysia’s capital city, Kuala Lumpur, on June 1. The flights were originally suspended for commercial reasons, but Hussein Dabbas, president of Royal Jordanian, said that market studies had since proven the route was now viable. He added that there had been signs of recovery and an increase in tourism and commercial activity in Malaysia, as well as a strong family tourism market from Arab countries. The airline will operate the Amman to Kuala Lumpur route three times weekly, via Bangkok. Two new Airbus A330s will be delivered to the airline in May to service the route. APRIL 17, 2010
intERnational nEWS
Marriott International to Quadruple Indian Hotel Portfolio by End of 2013 Marriott International has signed four new hotels in India; the company now has a total of 29 properties either under construction or in planning stages within the country.
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arriott plans to have all 29 hotals open by the end of 2013, which will bring its Indian portfolio to 40 hotels under management by Marriott brands. The newly signed properties include a JW Marriott Hotel at New Delhi International Airport; Bengaluru Marriott Whitefield Hotel; Jaipur Marriott Hotel; and Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Hyderabad Hitec City. Ed Fuller, managing director of
JW Marriott Hotel new delhi international airport
international lodging for Marriott, said the four new hotels would cater to both the upscale and luxury markets. “India is witnessing unprecedented
growth and expansion of its travel and tourism industry and we are delighted to participate in this expansion in a meaningful way,” said Fuller.
Volcanic Eruption disrupts Flights across Europe, UK A volcanic eruption in Iceland on April 14 disrupted flights to and from several countries this week, after it spread dust
Richard Branson
and ash across northern Europe, The central air traffic control body of Europe, Eurocontrol, said the UK,
Virgin and Ba trade Blows on antitrust immunity Virgin Atlantic has made a submission to the European Commission, objecting to the findings of a market testing report on the proposed British Airways (BA)/American Airlines (AA) tie-up. BA and AA already operate as comembers of the Oneworld airline alliance, and have been seeking worldwide antitrust exemption for enhanced transAtlantic co-operation since 2008. The deal received tentative approval from the US Department of Transportation (DOT) in February, but remains under review by the European Commission. Virgin Atlantic is one of the key competitors on the trans-Atlantic routes
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Denmark, Sweden and Ireland were the most impacted, and nearly all air traffic was suspended in these countries.
pertinent to the deal and Richard Branson, founder and president of that airline has maintained vociferous opposition to merger since it was first proposed. Branson said his objections stemmed from the failure of the merger to provide tangible consumer benefits, and the near monopoly that AA and BA could command on certain routes. BA has responded to Branson’s allegations, stating that the Star Alliance and Skyteam airline partnerships have already received antitrust immunity, and claiming that Virgin’s objections originate from a close relationship with Star member, Singapore Airlines. APRIL 17, 2010
ATM Doubles Seminar Programme to Meet Demand Reed Travel Exhibitions has increased its 2010 seminar programme for Arabian Travel Market (ATM) to meet growing demand from participants.
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he new programme will include up to 25 free sessions, spread across two rooms for the first time. Lucie James, marketing manager for Reed Travel Exhibitions, said the seminars would cover issues such as luxury tourism, hospitality, new business generation and online customer engagement. “This year’s seminar programme has been designed to ignite discussion and debate among
industry peers and provides us an invaluable resource that allows travel and tourism trade professionals to discuss key issues and shape the sector’s future,” said James. Ask The Experts marketing seminars will also be introduced for the first time, designed to help companies market themselves in challenging climates. The seminars will feature industry experts who will explain the importance of tools such as public relations, social media and SMS marketing.
Sharjah’s tourism Road Show targets GCC Guests Sharjah’s latest tourism road show is now underway, targeting a range of key GCC countries in an attempt to attract regional tourists to the emirate. In 2009, 24 percent of visitors to Sharjah originated from GCC countries, prompting the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) to boost its promotions and facilities within the GCC market. The road show is scheduled to run from April 14 to 20, taking in Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Along with SCTDA, the road show includes representatives from Sharjah Millennium Hotel, Golden Tulip Hotel, Embassy Hotel Suites, Marbella Resort, Sharjah Premiere Hotel, Lulu’a Beach Resort, Ruby Living Courts Hotel Apartments and Ilaf Tours. This event has been organised in the lead-up to the Sharjah Summer Promotions initiative, which will include events, activities and discounts on summer shopping in Sharjah. Sharjah Summer Promotions will take place between June 16 and July 25. APRIL 17, 2010
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Elie younes
Elie younes Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Elie Younes as vice president of business development in the Middle East and Africa. Younes will work with the company’s Middle East team to drive Rezidor’s growth strategy in the region, focusing on new and emerging markets. Younes worked in several managerial roles in Lebanon before joining HVS International in London in 2001. He was promoted to director at HVS, and later joined Starwood Hotels in 2007 as director of acquisitions and development EMEA. Younes also worked for Hilton Hotels Worldwide as vice president of development for the Middle East.
daniel van der Heijden Le Méridien Amman has appointed Daniel van der Heijden as executive assistant manager for the hotel. Van der Heijden has more than 18 years of experience in the international hospitality industry. He holds a hotel business degree and most recently worked as the food and beverage director of Sheraton Hotel, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. timur ilgaz
Oman Air has made two new high-level appointments to its team. Ejaz Khan has been appointed as regional manager for the Gulf, Middle East and Africa. Khan will be based in Muscat, Oman. He has more than 28 years of experience in international sales, customer service and airport operations across the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan. His previous post was as country manager for Oman Air in Pakistan. Oman Air has also appointed Don Hunter as chief officer of airport operations. Hunter has spent the past 41 years working in the aviation industry, including 19 years with Cathay Pacific Airways. He has also worked with Virgin Atlantic and Dnata. In his new role, Hunter will be responsible for running ground handling of Oman’s airports, including check-in, passengers, baggage handling and airport services.
timur ilgaz Timur Ilgaz has been appointed as general manager of Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Dubai. Ilgaz has 25 years of experience in the industry; he holds a business administration degree and has worked in Turkey, Canada, Czech Republic and Kazakhstan. In 2007, Ilgaz was appointed general manger of Jumeirah Rotana and has since been heading the pre-opening team of Amwaj Rotana Jumeirah Beach Dubai. The new hotel is part of the Jumeirah Beach Residence Complex.
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oman air
don Hunter
Ejaz Khan APRIL 17, 2010
Saleh Mohammed al Geziry
Samer achcar
Director Overseas Promotions and Inward Missions, DTCM “We are confident that Dubai will continue to evoke stronger interest from the travel trade in the countries we will participate with in 2010 and generate good business for the tourism industry. The mix of exhibitions and road shows [that DTCM will participate in] is in line with the changing patterns of the global tourism industry and the expansion of the tourism product of Dubai. We are going to places this year from where we have been generating good business and expect to consolidate our standing."
Director of Global Sales Middle East and Africa, Kempinski Hotels "Discerning guests seeking more rewarding travel experiences is one of the key trends that have emerged in luxury travel post recession. Guests are seeking out distinctive properties that make a great base from where they can enjoy any destination - whether new and exotic, or continually fascinating. The location and landmark status of our properties places us in a strong position to leverage this trend and last year's healthy figures prove that we continue to maintain this advantage. Our travel trade partners play a key role in communicating and recommending our status among leisure and business travellers, and the good relationships we have built over the years are integral to our future success. The annual [Kempinski] road show plays a strategically important role in strengthening these relationships and showcasing our most popular destinations as well as rising and upcoming stars. Our aim is to excite and entice our invaluable regional travel and trade partners to continue to recommend us to their clients.”
We are going to places this year from where we have been generating good business
John Felix
John Felix Senior Vice President, Emirates Holidays “Nowadays, people appreciate more the value of taking a break, and for them, a high quality holiday is more important than ever. Working with Emirates Airline we promote tailor made holidays to more destinations than any other operator from the UAE, and extend that quality experience people get in the air – to the ground.”
A high quality holiday is more important than ever
Samer achcar
Guests are seeking out distinctive properties that make a great base
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
APRIL 17, 2010
Hot Summer Holiday Destination: Italy Italy is the place to be for Gulf tourists this summer, according to airline and accommodation insiders.
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tihad Airways has recently signed a codeshare deal with Alitalia to coincide with the start of the northern summer season in April. In addition to its current services to Milan, the new alliance will allow Etihad customers to fly to Rome and Naples. italy
In Dubai, Emirates already has direct daily flights to Italy’s capital, Rome. For budget-conscious travellers looking to add Italy to their existing Euro-trips, low cost carrier Ryanair has launched a new route from the UK to Trapani on the Italian island of Sicily. Maria Mackan, from Ryanair, said the destination had plenty to offer travellers who were looking for an Italian experience beyond the capital cities. “Located on the western coast of Sicily, Trapani is renowned for its fantastic weather, beaches, fine seafood and Sicilian cuisine,” she said. On the accommodation front, Adel Soukah from The Rocco Forte Collection’s Middle East sales team said
she was also expecting a busy season. “The Rocco Forte Collection’s hotels in Italy continue to experience growth in visitor numbers during the summer,” said Soukah. “Families, in particular, enjoy a break from the hot climate in the Gulf and a chance to delve into Italy’s rich cultural history.” Soukah said the Hotel Savoy and Hotel de Russie, in Florence and Rome respectively, would be targeting children and teenagers specifically over the school holiday period. Special activities such as gladiator training and treasure hunts will be among the family entertainment packages on offer.
tripadvisor’s top Five Tripadvisor has surveyed its users around the globe and turned up a list of the top five world destinations for 2010: Troncones, Mexico Boasting miles of white sand beaches, Troncones is peaceful and secluded, nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean. Nairn, Scotland Located on the Moray Forth coast, this small seaside town enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Scotland and is a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands. El Chalten, Patagonia This remote town has limited capacity, but travellers who book in advance are rewarded with incredible hiking experiences in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Patara, Turkey With a 12 mile long beach (also a national park) and an abundance of Lycian and Roman ruins peeking out of the sand dunes, Patara is steeped in both natural beauty and history. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany This picturesque Bavarian town is celebrated not only for its well-preserved medieval buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled setting. APRIL 17, 2010
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Q&A with Firas Mneimneh Firas Mneimneh is the general manager of Landmark Amman Hotel and Conference Centre in Jordan. Over the past year, the hotel has undergone a major renovation and has recently confirmed a strategic alliance with Hotel Management Holdings (HMH) to further the operations of both companies in the Jordanian hospitality market. Here, Mneimneh talks to Travel Trade Weekly about these developments, as well as the changes he would like to see within the Jordan tourism industry. Travel Trade Weekly: Your hotel has undergone some big changes recently – could you please tell me about the latest developments? Firas Mneimneh: Since January 2009 Landmark Amman Hotel and Conference centre has excelled in a very quick way within the Jordanian tourism market and has been able to position itself within the five star deluxe hotels faster than expected. The hotel has recently signed a strategic commercial agreement which has been under development for months between Landmark and Hospitality Management Holdings (HMH). During the past year Landmark Amman Hotel and Conference Centre has undergone renovation of JOD7 million (USD9.85 million) in all areas of the hotel such as the lobby, outlets, new meeting and conference facilities in order to reach the ultimate goal of client satisfaction, which we feel we have successfully achieved.
I would like to see the opening up of Jordan to many other destinations Travel Trade Weekly: What changes have you noticed within the Jordan tourism market recently? Firas Mneimneh: As for the tourist market, Jordan has witnessed quite an extraordinary flow since the beginning of the year especially from the Spanish, 14
Firas Mneimneh
Italian and German markets as well as markets such as Greece, India and China. Competition is extremely high and we at Landmark deal with it by emphasising our extraordinary services, which we offer to all our clients. Jordan has been quite a tourist attraction since Petra was chosen as one of the wonders of the world. It also offers many other historical and religious sites, such as the Jordan River, Mount Nebo and many others.
Travel Trade Weekly: What changes or improvements do you think could be made to help to stimulate greater
tourism in Jordan? Firas Mneimneh: In the near future, I would like to see the opening up of Jordan to many other destinations, such as the eastern European countries. I’d also like to see more flexibility in issuing visas to different countries that have difficulty in obtaining visas; this may be of use to tourism in Jordan as a whole.
Jordan has witnessed quite an extraordinary flow of tourists since the beginning of the year APRIL 17, 2010
ADTA Hires US Internet Guru to Boost Emirate’s Tourism Marketing Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) has enlisted Laszlo Horvath, founder of ActiveMedia, to educate tourism professionals on search engine optimisation.
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orvath will host a workshop in Abu Dhabi for ADTA’s partners, travel industry representatives and marketing professionals from the Travel and Tourism Agencies Council (ATTAC) on May 10. According to Horvath, travellers are relying more heavily on search engines to both research and purchase travel products. “The touch point for new customers is not a company’s website: it is the result pages
of the search engines,” he said. “I hope to show Abu Dhabi’s tourism professionals how to improve their digital footprint and increase their search engine optimisation.” He added that travel companies could use search engines to drive web traffic to their websites; increase sales locally and internationally; and to protect their reputation online. Paul Ram Prakash, industry professional development manager for ADTA, said that securing the course was a coup for both ADTA and the industry.
“To learn from a speaker of Laszlo’s calibre is an opportunity the industry’s marketing, sales and public relations professionals would be remiss to forego,” he said. “We are pushing the boundaries with our breakfast sessions touching on issues which not only improve the industry’s service offering, but its ability to effectively communicate with, and sell to, the end user. “These are briefings with a distinct business ROI.” Travel professionals can register with ADTA to attend the workshop.
ajman Thinks Big in 2010 Ajman, the smallest of the UAE’s seven emirates, may see a boost in tourism business towards the end of 2010, according to Iftikha Hamdani, director of sales and marketing for Ramada Ajman Hotel and Suites. “We foresee that the last quarter of 2010 will be a boom for Ajman due to a lot of corporate activities; demand will increase, especially from the corporate segment,” said Hamdani. He added that activity was increasing in Hamriya Free Zone, stimulating travel in the emirate. However, Hamdani admitted that there was still a long way to go for Ajman. “No doubt Ajman is lesser known than the other emirates, as there is no tourism board to promote it as a destination; but in spite of this, there are attractions for tourists,” he said. He predicted that there would be an additional 929 rooms online in Ajman by the second quarter of 2010. Budget conscious travellers are also looking to Ajman as a cheaper destination than some of its neighbours, said Hamdani. “Being close to emirates such as Sharjah and Dubai, many tourists are staying here due to great value for money packages,” said Hamdani. APRIL 17, 2010
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World travel and tourism Council announces Global Summit details Las Vegas, US, will host the 2010 Global Travel and Tourism Summit, according to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). Jean-Claude Baumgarten, president of WTTC, said that the support from members for Las Vegas was overwhelming. “Our tenth Global Summit takes place next month in Beijing and we fully intend to make the most of the more than 12 months between now and the Las Vegas event to promote the importance of travel and tourism,” said Baumgarten. The event is scheduled for May 15 to 19, 2011. Las Vegas currently attracts more than
36 million visitors annually, both for business and leisure travel; the tourism industry generates USD30 billion for Southern Nevada and employs 235,000 people. The summit will be held at ARIA Resort and Casino, which is part of the recently opened CityCenter urban resort development. CityCenter is a joint venture between MGM Mirage and Infinity World Development Corp – a subsidiary of Dubai World. The Global Travel and Tourism Summit is expected to attract leaders from the travel and tourism industry, public sectors, academia and the international media industry.
las Vegas City Cemter
Events Airport Show 2010 Dubai, UAE, April 25-27 (www.theairportshow.com) Dedicated to airport design, construction, operations, technology and services. Offers networking and business development via discussions, seminars and hosted buyer programme.
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.
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.
HOTEC Middle East Muscat, Oman, May 7-10 (www.mcleaneventsinternational.com/events/HotecMiddl eEast2010) Business to business meetings forum for hotel owners, developers and operators to meet with suppliers.
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.
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Destination Britain and Ireland Dubai, UAE, May 10-13 Business to business event showcasing tourism offerings from the UK and Ireland to buyers from around the world.
APRIL 17, 2010