Middle East and North Africa Edition
HILTON TUNISIA Hilton is set to re-enter the Tunisian market after a seven year absence, after signing a management contract for a property under development by Société Touristique Tunisie Golfe.
Ice Land Water Park has opened to the public in Ras Al Khaimah. The water park is the first phase of the WOW RAK theme park and resort and features more than 50 water attractions and slides.
6 UP AND AWAY The re-launched RAK Airways will begin two new routes this month, with four weekly flights to Calicut in India and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
10 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events OCTOBER 2, 2010
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Ice Land
in RAK
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UAE Could Boost GDP by Five Percent Over Next Year: ENSHAA Raza Jafar, CEO of UAE real estate developer ENSHAA, delivered an ambitious outline for the GCC’s economy to the annual Forbes Global CEO Conference this week.
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ccording to Jafar, economies among the Gulf states are bouncing back, but more needs to be done to attract investors and encourage international levels of competitiveness. “This is an exciting time full of potential,” he said. “But more initiatives are needed to ensure a productive workforce and more support must be mobilised in order to attract foreign investments back to the region. “In addition, regional success stories are needed to inspire strategic and impact-oriented philanthropy.” With new initiatives and regulations taken into account, Jafar predicted that the UAE could see five percent GDP growth by the end of 2011 – a
goal that he described as both lofty and achievable. “After marginal growth, an outflow of capital during the financial crisis and the downturn in the property markets of the Gulf, we’re seeing some bullish trends on other parts of the economy now, and optimism is back,” said Jafar. He added that Saudi Arabia would witness particularly solid growth, due to government spending on local infrastructure, which allowed small to medium enterprises to grow.
More initiatives are needed to ensure a productive workforce and more support must be mobilised in order to attract foreign investments back to the region
Shares Drop for IFA Hotels and Resorts
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 30/9/2010 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 5.70 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.2 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.41 8.21 1022 214.29 73.71 1.24
Kuwait based IFA Hotels and Resorts has reported a loss of KWD19.5million (USD67.3 million) for the 2010 financial year. Earnings per share decreased to 45.2 fils (USD0.16), with shareholder equity dropping to KWD50.79 million (USD175.2 million). However, the company’s total assets increased by 10 percent to KWD400.85 million (USD1.38 billion). Ibrahim S Al-Therban, chairman of IFA, said the reported losses were largely due to a capital loss on the sale of land. “The land was sold to generate further liquidity for the company to be able to repay financial commitments and finance ongoing projects,” he said. “A revaluation loss has also been taken on our property portfolio in South Africa and provisions have been made in the fourth quarter in order to compensate for current market conditions.” He said despite tough economic conditions, 2010 was the busiest year yet for IFA, in terms of moving projects from construction to completion. The company has created a wholly-owned subsidiary, IFA Hotel Investments, which will provide strategic direction to the company’s operational aspects and will expand its portfolio within the hospitality industry. “Heading into the new financial year, we will continue to focus our efforts on the completion of our existing projects worldwide and as a result, transition the company into its operational stage,” said Al-Therban. OCTOBER 2, 2010
RAK’s Ice Land Water Park Opens to Public After several delays, Ice Land Water Park has opened to the public in Ras Al Khaimah. The water park is the first phase of the WOW RAK theme park and resort and features more than 50 water attractions and slides.
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he second phase of WOW RAK is expected to open in late 2011, offering a shopping mall, 4D theatre, seaside resort and ice skating rink. The final stage, Planet Earth amusement park, is scheduled to open in 2012, featuring signature rides and attractions across five themed zones – Cosmos, Oceanic, Amazon, Mountain and Desert. The new Ice Land Water Park can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors and is equipped with two water recycling plants that will recycle water for horticulture purposes; other in-house facilities include a desalination plant.
OCTOBER 2, 2010
Ice Land will be managed by Polo RAK Amusement, which is a joint venture between India’s Polo Amusement Group, RAK Properties PJSC and RAK Investment Authority. Balwant Singh, managing director of Polo RAK Amusement said the park was designed to offer experiences for a wide range of ages, lifestyles and cultural groups. “For instance, we have built the Kids Cove as a dedicated place for toddlers, primarily because children and toddlers are often overlooked in facility planning of other water parks,” he said. “There is certainly something for everybody to enjoy and appreciate and we are sure that families will greatly appreciate
such a unique, complete entertainment experience.” Mohammed Sultan Al Qadi, managing director of RAK Properties, said the water park would reinforce the growing reputation of the emirate’s tourism and leisure industry. “Ice Land Water Park underlines Ras Al Khaimah’s continuing thrust to offer a premium selection of business, leisure and lifestyle amenities and to attract more visitors to the emirate,” he said. In addition to its 50 rides and attractions, Ice Land Water Park will offer a range of food and beverage options for visitors. The park’s car parking facilities can accommodate 2,500 vehicles and 75 buses.
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Sharjah Goes on the Road to Promote Festivals Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has teamed up with Air Arabia and other key tourism representatives from the emirate to promote its upcoming festivals to the GCC market.
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six-stop road show will kick off on October 3, taking in Kuwait, Doha, Bahrain, Muscat, Riyadh and Jeddah. Sharjah Water Festival and Sharjah Lights Festival, both scheduled for the first quarter of 2011, will be a key focus of the road show. Mohamed A Al Noman, director general of SCTDA, said road shows were an effective way to stimulate regional tourism and strengthen co-operation between GCC countries. “Sharjah spares no effort in its quest towards distinction and excellence,”
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he said. “Its tourism season has no end and its activities never stop, and it continues to surprise us with new ideas and events.” He added that the Sharjah Lights Festival, to be held between February 10 and 18, would be the first of its kind in the Middle East. “It is a global event supervised by international experts with vast experience in organising such events in major world capitals and cities, such as the French city of Leon and the German city of Berlin,” said Al Noman. “Light will be used in a unique combination with music to illuminate the
landscape and buildings of the city, conveying messages of the emirate’s charm and the significance of Islamic architecture and heritage.” Preceding the light festival, the fourth annual Sharjah Water Festival will be held between December 2 and 11, 2010. Al Noman said organisers were planning to introduce new initiatives for this year’s event in order to increase the usual 170,000 visitors. In addition to new education and entertainment facilities, an old favourite will return – Sharjah will host the F1 Powerboat World Championships for the eleventh consecutive year.
OCTOBER 2, 2010
Dubai’s Russian Ties Set to Boost Visitor Numbers Further cementing the strong tourism relationship between the UAE and Russia, the annual congress of Russia’s Natalie Tours was held in Dubai on September 28. Held in partnership with local Alpha Tours, the congress was inaugurated by Khalid Bin Sulayem, director general of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM).
Bin Sulayem praised public and private partnerships within the tourism sector and said the success of Natalie Tours’ congress would boost Russian tourism to Dubai. In co-operation with Alpha Tours, Natalie Tours signed an agreement with Flydubai to offer regular flights between Dubai and important Russian cities, such as Samara
and Yekaterinburg. Natalia Vorobieva, CEO of Natalie Tours, said she expected tourists from these areas to visit Dubai in increased numbers over the next tourist season. According to DTCM figures, Russian hotel guests in Dubai rose 17 percent in the first half of 2010, compared to the same period last year.
Countdown to Asian Cup Begins in Qatar A 100 day countdown has commenced in Qatar, ticking off the time remaining before the 2011 Asian Cup football tournament. The cup will be held in Qatar between January 7 and 29, 2011. Qatar Football Association has installed a giant clock on the corniche in Doha and commenced the countdown at a ceremony attended by Mohammed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation. The Asian Cup is the leading football championship for the continent, also drawing participants from west Asia and the Middle East. The Cup will commence with an opening game between Qatar and Uzbekistan and is expected to attract attendances from all 16 participating nations.
OCTOBER 2, 2010
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- Accommodation
Hilton Returns to Carthage after Seven Years Hilton is set to re-enter the Tunisian market following a seven year absence, after signing a management contract for a property under development by Société Touristique Tunisie Golfe.
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ilton Tunis Carthage, a 283 room conversion project of an existing property, is scheduled to open in
mid 2011. It will be located in Gammarth on the coast of the Tunis Governorate, a popular beachside destination. Belhassen Trabelsi, president of the Karthago Group and Société Touristique
Tunisie Golfe, said the Hilton brand had been selected due to it being well recognised on the world stage. “We wanted to work with a globally recognised hotel brand that matches our ambition to provide world-class hotel facilities and services,” he said. “Hilton was a natural first choice; we are delighted to be working together.” According to Anna Corcoran, communication spokesperson for Hilton
(L-R) Belhassen Trabelsi with Deepak Seth, vice president of development for Southern Europe and Africa, Hilton Worldwide
Worldwide, Hilton ceased operation in Tunisia seven years ago. The company operated the Hilton Tunis Hotel for approximately 40 years, before a change of ownership led to the property being rebranded as the Sheraton Tunis Hotel and Towers.
We wanted to work with a globally recognised hotel brand
Hilton Tunis Carthage
Middle East Luxury Sector Continues to Diverge from Developed Markets Organisers of the Hotel Show have said that, despite the recession, the Middle Eastern luxury sector has remained strong compared with old world markets. The event has reported ongoing interest from the upper end of the market, and said market indicators showed relative resilience in the region. Furthermore, Frederique Maurell, director of the show, said the regional market was continuing a trend of diverging from investment patterns in established countries. Maurell cited figures from STR Global 6
that showed 940 new luxury or upper upscale hotels were due to open in the MENA region by the end of 2012. By comparison, STR’s research showed only 678 similar hotels due in Europe in the same period. “When you consider that the Euro zone, including the UK, has a population of well over 385 million, the figures for MENA certainly stack up favourably,” said Maurell. Maurell said the Middle East’s differentiation from European markets was accelerating, as downward pressure on investment in key markets like the
UK has driven luxury investments to the Middle East. “The Middle East has proportionally more high net-worth individuals than any other region and a rapidly growing population with a culture of travelling; and for GCC residents, tax free incomes,” he said. “Arabs are prepared to spend on luxury travel, hospitality and leisure activities.”
The figures for MENA certainly stack up favourably OCTOBER 2, 2010
- International
ADAT Commences Test Run of Green Rating System Piloting has begun on Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s (ADTA) green hotel rating scheme, in preparation for a 2011 rollout
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he trial is being run at four properties currently in the early design stage of development and will continue until mid next year. According to Nasser Al Reyami, tourism standards director of ADTA, new build properties have been selected to pilot the programme because of the plan’s basis in established building codes. “This is the first government green hotel design guidelines for new hotels and is based on Abu Dhabi's Estidama Pearl Rating Scheme, which is a green building rating system for all new buildings in the emirate,” he said. However, pending a positive assessment of the results, the plan will be integrated into the emirate’s classification scheme for all hotels. “By the middle of 2011, Abu Dhabi's hotels and hotel apartments will have a green rating included in their star rating,” Reyami said.
He said ADTA was pursuing wide ranging initiatives focused on sustainability, but emphasised the importance of improving environmental efficiency in hotels.
If we want to help reduce the impact of buildings on our environment, it is a good idea to start by focusing on hotels “Hotels use more energy and water and produce more waste than all other buildings,” he said. “So, if we want to help reduce the impact of buildings on our environment, then it is a good idea to start by focusing on hotels.” The scheme has met with some resistance from within the industry, from operators who fear increased overheads brought on by stricter operating requirements. “We have found that many are initially skeptical of environmental programmes because they think they will cost them a lot of money but that's not necessarily the case,” Reyami said. “We have evidence that shows hotels can achieve considerable savings through good operational practice, such as saving energy, water and waste.” ADTA has already developed environmental regulations for hotels, targeting reductions of energy, water and waste usage.
Hotels can achieve considerable savings through good operational practice, such as saving energy, water and waste
Abu Dhabi 8
OCTOBER 2, 2010
- Air Travel
RAK Airways Re-launches with Two New Routes The recently re-launched RAK Airways will begin two new routes this month, with four weekly flights to Calicut in India and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The two inaugural routes have been designed to target religious tourism and the UAE’s large Indian expatriate population.
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mar Jahameh, CEO of RAK Airways, said airfares would start from AED10, but said the airline would not operate to a strict budget carrier model. “Although our fares are extremely competitive, we are focused on providing a value offering that differentiates itself from the low cost carriers,” said Jahameh. He explained that passengers would be allowed 30kg of luggage, plus a normal hand baggage allowance. “They will also get a complimentary full hot meal with beverages served on board,” said Jahameh. However, RAK Airways will offer just one travel class throughout the entire cabin. To capture local business, the airline will run a complimentary shuttle bus service between RAK and its neighbouring emirates of Dubai and Sharjah for each flight that it operates. Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, chairman
of RAK Airways, said the airline’s re-launch would help fuel tourism to the emirate. “Ras Al Khaimah presents a very compelling business opportunity with its healthy economy and stable political environment,” he said.
We are focused on providing a value offering that differentiates itself from the low cost carriers
(L-R) Sheikh Salem Bin Sultan Al Qassimi, deputy chairman of RAK Airways; Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, chairman of RAK Airways; and Omar Jahameh, CEO of RAK Airways
Royal Air Maroc Adds Gulf Destinations with Expanded Codeshare Moroccan national carrier, Royal Air Maroc has gained wider access to GCC markets as the airline expands its long standing codeshare agreement with Etihad Airways. The carriers have been long term collaborators on flights between Abu Dhabi and Casablanca, but the updated agreement will see Royal Air Maroc passengers gain access to Etihad flights from Abu Dhabi, to Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Singapore. Etihad will gain greater route saturation within Morocco, giving customers access 10
to links from Casablanca to Agadir, Marrakech, Fez and Layoune. Connections to Nouakchott in Mauritania and Dakar in Senegal will also become available in the short term. Driss Benhima, CEO of Royal Air Maroc, said strengthened co-operation reflected the confidence both airlines had gained over recent years. “This new agreement confirms the confidence we have in each other’s operations and services, and helps meet our aims of enhancing the travel
experience for our customers and providing them with new destination choices,” she said. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said the extra routes would contribute to Etihad’s overall expansion. “An important part of Etihad’s growth strategy is to offer customers access to as many global destinations as possible, whether this be through opening up new routes of our own or through strategic agreements with other airlines, adding breadth and depth to our network,” he said. OCTOBER 2, 2010
- Air Travel Etihad Commits to Further Indian Services Etihad has announced flights to its eighth destination in India: Bengaluru (Bangalore), in the country’s south. Flights will commence on January 1, 2011, four times per week, with plans to expand to a daily service in March of that year. James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said the route would serve the local market as well as the large Indian diaspora.
“Etihad is committed to serving the Indian market and people, whether it is Indian nationals who are residing in India or in countries across the world,” he said. “Abu Dhabi and Bangalore [Bengaluru] are both growing cities, emerging as major economic hubs and the new service will further enable commercial ties to develop between India and the UAE.” Marcel Hungerbuehler, president of
Bengaluru International Airport, said Etihad’s entry would help build the prominence of Bengaluru as the regional airport of choice. “The new services will take us a step closer to achieving our vision of becoming the international gateway to the South of India, as well as enabling us to offer passengers more travel options and cabin classes to choose from,” he said.
Sohag Airport is Lifeline
for Upper Egypt, According to Egyptair The recently opened Mubarak Airport in Sohag, Egypt represents a lifeline for the surrounding area, Egyptair has said. The eponymous Hosni Mubarak, president of Egypt, opened the facility in May and it received its first domestic services from Egyptair in July. According to the airline, Sohag airport will provide a much needed impetus for development in the area, boosting its attractiveness to both tourists and investors. The airport will provide a direct link for the Sohag governorate in Upper Egypt, in line with the Egyptian state’s plans to stimulate development in the area. Egyptair commenced international flights from the airport on September 30, adding Sohag as a stopover on a twice weekly route between Cairo and Kuwait. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism, Sohag is major centre for Coptic Egyptians in the south of the country. Its primary attractions include the ancient Red Monastery, White Monastery and the nearby town of Akhmin. OCTOBER 2, 2010
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- International
InterContinental Hotel Group’s Continental Expansion InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) signed 18 new European hotels during the summer period, adding a total of 2,375 new rooms to its development pipeline.
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he new properties will be spread across the UK, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France, Russia and Turkey. Kirk Kinsell, president for Europe, Middle East and Africa at IHG, said the signings represented the confidence that developers have in IHG’s various hotel brands. “It’s encouraging to see that we’ve been able to maintain momentum with our growth strategy across Europe and around the world,” said Kinsell. “As a business, we have continued to invest in the things that we believe make the biggest difference by strengthening our brands, increasing our scale and working more
closely than ever with our hotel managers. “This puts us in a great position to continue to take advantage of the market upturn and grow market share.” The new signings cover a number of IHG brands, including Hotel Indigo, Staybridge Suites, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express.
We’ve been able to maintain momentum with our growth strategy across Europe and around the world
Kirk Kinsell
Hilton Enters Peruvian Market Hilton Worldwide will introduce the Hilton Hotels and Resorts brand to Peru, under a franchise agreement with real estate developer J G J Proyectistas SAC. Construction has already begun on a 230 room hotel – Hilton Lima Miraflores. Dave Horton, global head of Hilton Hotels and Resorts, said the Miraflores area of Lima was known for shopping areas, beaches and fine dining; the hotel will also be close to MiraCorp Business Corporate Centre. “Now is a period of tremendous global growth for the Hilton brand and this partnership will create an exceptional property in Peru’s capital city,” said Horton. “With a population exceeding nine million people, Lima is a major market for international travel and key to our strong presence in South America.” Hilton Lima Miraflores is scheduled to open in early 2012.
Lima is a major market for international travel and key to our strong presence in South America 12
OCTOBER 2, 2010
- International
Southwest to Acquire AirTran in US US low cost airline, Southwest, has declared its intention to acquire AirTran Airways, based in Orlando.
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he merger has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies, though shareholder approval is still required. The acquisition is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2011 and operational integration is planned to be completed in 2012. Gary C Kelly, CEO of Southwest, said the merger offered significant opportunities for Southwest, despite its much larger size. IATA figures show the carrier as the busiest of all US airlines in terms of passengers carried, and the company employs more than 34,000 people. By comparison, AirTran has 8,000 employees.
The integrated network would grow from 69 cities served by each carrier to a total of 106 and give Southwest access previously un-serviced aviation centres. “The acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to grow Southwest Airlines' presence in key markets we don't yet serve and takes a significant step towards positioning us for future growth,” Kelly said. “It offers customers more low fare destinations as we extend our network and diversify into new markets, including significant opportunities to and from Atlanta, the busiest airport in the US and the largest domestic market we do not serve, as well as Washington, DC.” Southwest estimates concluded that access to Atlanta alone would generate
more than two million new customers. Both carriers will fly under Southwest’s operating license, but retain their brand identities. According to a statement from AirTran, the total cost of the acquisition comes to USD3.42 billion. Southwest is often credited as the seminal low cost airline, inspiring the business models of carriers like Air Arabia and Flydubai.
The acquisition of AirTran represents a unique opportunity to grow Southwest Airlines' presence in key markets
Iberia Waves Right of Refusal: Merger with British Airways to Go Ahead Spanish airline, Iberia, has confirmed its intention to merge with British Airways (BA), a move which will create one of the largest carriers in Europe and supplement a recently approved transatlantic alliance with American Airways. The terms of the merger agreement, cemented in late 2009, allowed Iberia the right to terminate the process if it was found that BA’s pension responsibilities would become a burden to Iberia. The airline recently lodged a statement of its intent to wave that right with Spain’s Security Markets Commission, the body responsible for securities market regulation in that country. The airlines will maintain their distinctive branding after the merger, though a joint board of directors has been set up to oversee the company and manage licenses. Willy Walsh, current CEO of BA, has been named both managing director and CEO of the combined operations. According to Iberia, although a revenue sharing operation with American Airlines was given anti-trust immunity earlier this year, a full blown merger with that airline would be forbidden by both US and European regulations. OCTOBER 2, 2010
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Agent’s Insight Name: Hafez Tawfik Position: General Manager Company: Osoris Travel Location: Egypt
Amadeus Updates e-Travel Amadeus has launched the latest version of its online booking tool for corporations, e-Travel Management. The program is designed to allow business travellers to search and book their travel needs in line with the requirements of their corporation, allowing high levels of automation and integration with corporate policies and processes. The new version adds an upgraded graphical user interface and maps from Microsoft’s Bing Maps platform, while streamlining other processes and incorporating technology from Amadeus’ Hotels Plus program. Jean-Noel Lau Keng Lun, head of product management for corporations at Amadeus said the updates would improve policy control for corporate travel departments. “This latest version of Amadeus e-Travel Management will revolutionise the way business travellers search for and book hotels and will ultimately save them both time and money in the process,” he said. “We believe that version 13.2 will empower corporations to take greater control of their travel policies whilst at the same time ensuring that the utmost care is given to travellers and travel bookers by making it inherently easier for them to search for and book their business hotel accommodation.”
This ... will revolutionise the way business travellers search for and book hotels
Who are your highest spending clients? Families, definitely, whether it is two or three people, or a couple of families that join together to form a larger group. They come to Egypt to see the country’s treasures and these are the people who do not ask for discounts. They prefer to have a holiday to remember.
What are the most popular holiday activities for your clients? For our inbound market, it is mainly Egyptology and the Pharonic sites – they are interested in the history, the culture and the vast knowledge that the ancient Egyptians had. It is all the things that people learn in primary school really. We also arrange a lot of Nile cruises and desert safaris. Then, after they have seen the Pharonic sites, many are interested in the other religions that have shaped Egypt throughout its history.
When did you get involved in the travel industry and how has it changed since then? I started in 1971 and it has changed tremendously. This industry is all based on communication and since 1971 communication technology has boomed. This has facilitated more tailor-made packages for tourists, which has changed the industry.
Where are you most interested in visiting next and why? Having been in the industry since 1971, I have seen it all. Personally, I work a lot, so when I travel I want no noise, no cars and nice weather – at my age I want to do it quietly. However, I will say that the best destination, regardless of money, is Japan. This nation is full of respect.
Why are internet bookings increasing in popularity? People like to customise their travel – they want to imagine where they will go and put their own thoughts into the trip. It is like having a dream – they want it to be an individual experience. Once you understand this, it is obvious that people will want to look for themselves and they will do this online.
The best destination, regardless of money, is Japan 14
OCTOBER 2, 2010
European Study Reveals Opportunities Online Online travel agencies have been taking ever larger bites of the pie in recent times. The global downturn has driven customers online searching for better deals, especially in key feeder markets such as Europe and the UK.
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om Parker, secretary general of European Technology and Travel Services Association (ETTSA), cited a study commissioned by the association, saying the growth of online travel distribution has changed the European market and created opportunities for lower level operators. “Technology unleashed a revolution in travel distribution, spawning innovation in retailing and commercial models and breaking down the barriers to competition,” he said. “The study reveals the scope of that
OCTOBER 2, 2010
transformation in Europe.” He said technology had improved pricing transparency and streamlined the research process for consumers, lubricating the sales process for retailers.
Technology unleashed a revolution in travel distribution, spawning innovation in retailing and commercial models and breaking down the barriers to competition
“Our industry, with the creative use of technology, has delivered dramatic improvements in travel research and shopping for the benefit of travel retailers and consumers,” he said. As the habits of travellers in major source markets gravitate towards online sales, a world of opportunities opens for retailers and service operators looking to sell remotely and directly. Furthermore, as the Middle Eastern market becomes more comfortable with the concept of online platforms, the proven success and recent growth of low cost online distribution in Europe shows the potential of the sector.
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Nasser Al Reyami Tourism Standards Director, ADTA “There are very good cost savings that can be made by managing hotels responsibly. Big companies understand they have to go green if they want to maintain their market and satisfy investors. In Abu Dhabi we believe green hotels are a win, win, win scenario. They benefit the owners and operators, they benefit guests and they benefit our destination. It is the only way ahead.”
Green hotels are a win, win, win scenario ... It is the only way ahead Cityscape Global Dubai
Saed Arekat CFO, Bloom Properties “Cityscape Global in Dubai is a great platform to communicate with real estate developers and investors that will open doors for great investment opportunities in UAE and the region. We believe the event will offer investors a fresh perspective on the diversity of our project portfolio and encourage them to be part of our unique developments.”
[Cityscape] will offer investors a fresh perspective
Nasser Al Reyami
Raza Jafar CEO, ENSHAA “Triple bottom line is not an award, accreditation or a certification you can achieve - it's an ongoing process that just helps a company keep on track towards running a sustainable business and demonstrates to the community at large they are working not just towards riches, but the greater common good - and that's what consumers are increasingly wanting to see these days”.
Raza Jafar
[The triple bottom line] helps a company keep on track towards running a sustainable business
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 16
OCTOBER 2, 2010
Christian Hoehn and Hany Ahmed
Steve Jones
Hilton Abu Dhabi has appointed Christian Hoehn as director of operations and Hany Ahmed as cluster director of business development. Hoehn began his hospitality career in 1996 and joined Hilton Hotels and Resorts in 2000. In this new role, he will be responsible for overseeing the operations department, including rooms, food and beverage and catering. Hany Ahmed has a range of management experience in five star hotels throughout the Middle East and Africa. His most recent employer was Hilton Sandton in South Africa, which hosted the Dutch football team during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. As cluster director of business development, Ahmed will manage the sales, conferences, events, marketing and revenue departments for Hilton Abu Dhabi, Hilton Corniche and Hilton Baynunah.
Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) has appointed Steve Jones as general manager of Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi. Jones previously spent 10 years with London Oxford Airport, where he oversaw the creation of the Oxfordjet facility. From November, Jones will take over the day to day management and development of Al Bateen Executive Airport.
Elie Milky
Lisa Munro
Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Elie Milky as manager of business development for the Middle East and Africa. Based in Dubai, Milky will provide transaction and owner relations support to potential and existing partners, while supporting the group’s expansion in the region, focusing on the Radisson Blu, Park Inn by Radisson and Hotel Missoni brands. Milky has a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and tourism, as well as an MBA in international hospitality management. He previously worked for HVS International, working out of London, Dubai and Beirut.
Steve Jones
Godfrey Vas
Lisa Munro
Elie Milky 18
Hertz has appointed Lisa Munro as partnership sales manager for the Middle East and Africa. Munro has 11 years of experience in the automotive industry. She was previously business development manager for LeasePlan Emirates, based in Abu Dhabi. In her new role, Munro will be based in Hertz’s Dubai office, reporting to Gina Costa, commercial director for the Middle East and Africa.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, in Oman, has appointed Godfrey Vas as general manager. Vas has been with Six Senses since 2005, when he joined the group as resort manager of Soneva Fushi in the Maldives. He has also worked in Six Senses properties in Thailand and Vietnam. Before joining Six Senses, Vas held various positions at Gulf Hotel, Bahrain and Le Méridien, Port Vila Resort and Casino. Godfrey Vas
OCTOBER 2, 2010
Q&A with John Rogers John Rogers is the general manager of Desert Islands Resort and Spa by Anantara, which is attached to the Desert Islands wildlife park on Sir Bani Yas Island. Rogers chatted with Travel Trade Weekly about how the property has developed since opening in late 2008. Travel Trade Weekly: What has changed since the property opened? John Rogers: A number of things;
international accounting for around seven or eight percent.
everything has really come along since we first opened and we have been working hard to make it more guest friendly. All the landscaping has advanced and things have matured a lot since the early days. We have added extra activities to our offerings for our guests, the mainland and arrival centres have been refurbished and we have regular scheduled flights coming into the airport.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do you expect to benefit from the increased interest that Abu Dhabi has been receiving recently? John Rogers: All hotels in the area are
Travel Trade Weekly: How has business been? John Rogers: Steadily improving year on year as we’ve been getting better known in the marketplace. Weekends are very popular for the leisure market and we have been very popular with the UAE market. At the moment between 70 and 80 percent of our customers come from within the UAE, whether they are expats or locals.
going to benefit from the exposure that ADTA [Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority] has been putting out there. We feel that we are very much part of the Abu Dhabi experience.
All hotels in the area are going to benefit from the exposure that ADTA [Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority] has been putting out there
Travel Trade Weekly: How do expect to be affected by competition from Travel Trade Weekly: Do you have other wildlife resorts? plans to target the MICE segment, or John Rogers: Well, everybody is unique will you remain as a purely leisure in their own ways. I think that for us, our conference centre and watersports facility property? John Rogers: We definitley have plans will be key.
Travel Trade Weekly: Do more expats or locals visit the hotel? to target the MICE market and next year John Rogers: It is seasonal. In we actually have a conference centre Ramadan, obviously it was mostly expats, but in an average month it will be about a 50/50 split. We also get traffic from the GCC countries and about 15 percent international, which is mostly European.
opening on the island, as well as a watersports facility and two new lodges. One of the new lodges will be on the beach, while the other will be in the wildlife area.
Travel Trade Weekly: So cheetahs Travel Trade Weekly: How has this could wander onto your doorstep? changed since you opened? John Rogers: Maybe not cheetahs; I John Rogers: The share of international don’t think there’s much chance of them travellers has been increasing. In the first year we had nearly 90 percent of our customers coming from the UAE, with OCTOBER 2, 2010
John Rogers
wanting to come that close. But certainly gazelles and other animals will be wandering around.
I feel confident that we can hold our own.
Travel Trade Weekly: How will the conference centre change your business? John Rogers: At the moment our predominant market is leisure, so the weekends are the busy times for us. With the conference centre we will be able to target corporate team building retreats, which we have had a lot of enquiries about but haven’t been able to offer with our current business facilities. This will supplement our existing business, as we will be able to target more business for the mid week. 19
International Civil Aviation Organisation Holds Thirty Seventh Assembly Session The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the United Nations’ specialty body for international civil aviation affairs, is holding the 37th session of its general assembly. The conference will run from September 28 to October 8 and draw participants including government civil aviation regulators, commercial airlines, manufacturers and other industry players. The body provides a forum for
establishing co-operation on international issues relevant to civil aviation, including security practices, technical co-operation and safety standards. Key topics on this year’s agenda are safety, security and environmental protection. A number of Middle Eastern states are seeking election to ICAO’s governing council this year, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Egypt. Council membership is arranged into three categories, based on the significance
of a given country to international aviation as a whole. The first tier represents those countries of chief importance to air transport, with the second tier accounting for those countries not in the first category, but who provide the bulk of international air services. The remainder of member states comprise the third and final section, a policy which ICAO stated was intended to ensure representation for all geographical regions.
Events International Conference on Responsible Tourism in Destinations Muscat, Oman, October 10-12 (www.rtd4.om)
World Travel Market London, UK, November 8-11 (www.wtmlondon.com)
Global event for the travel industry – four day business to business Organised by Oman Ministry of Tourism, UNWTO and event promoting a range of destinations and industry sectors to International Centre for Responsible Tourism, Leeds Metropolitan international travel professionals. University. Conference for government, private sector, academic institutions and decision makers to discuss new directions for the World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi principles and practice of responsible tourism in global destinations. Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24
(www.worldgreentourism.ae) Arab Tourism Bourse Travel and Tourism Fair Damascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.abtfair.com)
Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourism authorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers, airlines, tour Aimed at promoting the Syrian tourism industry, attracting new operators, green product suppliers, universities, museums and heritage visitors and developing tourism in the region. site organisations.
Hotex Fair Syria Damascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.hotexfair.com)
EIBTM Barcelona, Spain, November 30 – December 2 Fair for Arabic and foreign companies in tourism and travel, including (www.eibtm.com) hotels, restaurants and equipment suppliers.
Business Travel Show – Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 25-26 (www.businesstravelshowdubai.com)
Global event for the meetings and events industry, including networking opportunities, professional education seminars and a trade show platform for exhibitors, hosted buyers and trade visitors.
Blossom Japan
Dedicated event for buyers and bookers of corporate travel in the Tokyo, Japan, January 18-21, 2011 (www.blossomjapan.com) Middle East, focusing on small and medium sized organisations that A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on the Japanbook business travel. ese market.
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OCTOBER 2, 2010