Middle East and North Africa Edition
ETIHAD APPROVAL The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given interim approval for the proposed alliance between Etihad Airways and Virgin Blue, despite concerns raised by Australia’s national carrier, Qantas.
Tourism authorities across the UAE are actively targeting Russian tourism, with several new initiatives launched at the recent Leisure Moscow travel trade event. New flights, tourism partnerships and a Moscow tourism office are all on the cards as companies across the emirates rush to secure this lucrative emerging market.
7 INDIA’S ISSUES India’s hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games has gotten off to a rocky start, with reports of inadequate facilities and athletes cancelling their visits.
8 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
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UAE’s RUSSIAN PLAN
RUSSIAN PLAN
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne
Flydubai Nets Aircraft Financing Dubai based low cost airline Flydubai has received aircraft financing of more than USD750 million in deals with General Electric Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) and Babcock and Brown Aircraft Management (BBAM).
Journalist Louis Dillon Savage 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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he financing will secure nine new aircraft purchases, as well as all other financing requirements for the airline until June, 2011. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of Flydubai, said the deals were very significant, adding that confidence in both the airline and Dubai’s economy had improved within the global financial community. “When we went out to the markets this time to seek financing for our aircraft we were overwhelmed by the response,” he said. “At the end of the day, we received offers for far more aircraft than we needed to finance, which is a very nice position for a young and ambitious airline to be in.” Flydubai began commercial flights in June, 2009, and now flies to 22 destinations within a five hour flight radius of Dubai. The airline currently operates a fleet of nine aircraft, with a further four to be delivered by the end of 2010.
Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
(L-R) Steve Zissis, president, BBAM; Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO, Flydubai; and Mick O’Mahony, senior vice president of marketing, GECAS
New Mediterranean Contract
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 22/9/2010
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)
When we went out to the markets this time to seek financing for our aircraft we were overwhelmed by the response
1USD= 3.69 5.70 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.5 0.29 3.64 0.38 1.44 8.37 9866 215.5 75.17 1.26
Eden Yachting has been appointed as the UAE agent for Greek yacht charter operator Kiriacoulis. Philippe Saad, managing director of Eden Yachting, said Kiriacoulis was a key operator for sailing holidays across the Mediterranean. “Sailing is becoming increasingly popular in the region and many people are attracted by the idea of cruising on their own private chartered yacht as a summer vacation,” said Saad. Fanis Kiriacoulis, executive director of Kiriacoulis, said Eden Yachting was the latest edition to his company’s growing
list of agents around the world. “The Arabian Gulf is not an area that has been covered up until now, but obviously there is a developing appetite for sailing in the region and we hope to see many new clients from the UAE and neighbouring countries on our yachts,” said Kiriacoulis.
We hope to see many new clients from the UAE and neighbouring countries SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
UAE Courts Russian Tourists at Moscow Meet Tourism authorities across the UAE are actively targeting the Russian market, with several new announcements made at the recent Leisure Moscow travel trade event.
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bu Dhabi is leading the way with the launch of a permanent on-the-ground presence; Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) said its new Russian office, set to open in October, would be the first overseas destination visitor centre in Moscow. Mubarak Al Muhairi, director general of ADTA, said Abu Dhabi had seen a 21 percent increase in guests from Russia over the first seven months of 2010. “Russia has become an increasingly important market for us, with Etihad bringing Russian tourists within just five hours flight time of Abu Dhabi,” he said. “We are now looking to capitalise on these green shoots of growth and will be mounting an intensive programme of inbound familiarisation trips for Russian travel trade and media. “We are also embracing the Russian language across all of our marketing material and spearheading the recruitment and training of Russian speaking tour guides to work in the emirate.” Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) was also present at Leisure Moscow, with 2010 marking the tenth anniversary of SCTDA’s participation in the event. Mohamed A Al Noman said the Sharjah delegation included a number of senior representatives of tourism companies and government departments from the emirate. “This market is of vital significance to the key players in Sharjah’s tourism industry, and is one of the most critical for us,” he said. “Sharjah has already welcomed more than 192,000 Russian tourists between January and August 2010 – an 11 percent increase over the 173,880 tourists reported during the corresponding period last year.”
Moscow
Air ties between the UAE and Russia continue to grow, with Flydubai the latest airline to launch new services to the country. The low cost carrier will begin flying to the Russian city of Yekaterinburg from October 16, with twice weekly flights set to target both business and leisure travellers.
This market is of vital significance
Moscow
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
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- Accommodation
Regional Interest in Tourism Ownership Rises The end of a speculative real estate boom in the Gulf has opened the door for tourism focused private real estate, real estate agent Savills Oman has declared.
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aader Projects Hotels and Resorts has recently completed its Al Bustan Residences project in Muscat, Oman, and has promoted the property as a tourism development for regional buyers looking for holiday homes. Baader has already reported strong
interest from GCC nationals. According to Christoper Steel, managing director of Savills Oman, a local branch of the international Savills real estate agency, the kind of interest received indicates a shift in buyer behaviour towards properties for personal use. “The days of developments being designed and built purely for speculative
buyers is now over, and Al Bustan Residences is proud to be one of the first new developments of this kind to launch in the Sultanate following the fold of the real estate boom in 2008," he said. “Marketed at GCC and Omani residents this gated community will provide a limited number of homes aimed at the GCC's elite in what will soon be one of the most exciting and vibrant locations in town.”
The days of developments being designed and built purely for speculative buyers is now over
Al Bustan Palace, Muscat
Iftar Tent to Become Year-Round Event Venue at Atlantis Atlantis the Palm will transform its Ramadan Asateer tent into a permanent fixture after reporting ongoing interest in the venue. According to Serge Zalof, chief operating officer at Atlantis, the tent was built to service the desire for an upscale venue for Iftar meals, the traditional feast that breaks daily Ramadan fasting. “The concept behind Asateer was to provide our guests with a traditional Ramadan experience in a luxurious setting,” he said. He said the tent’s success had proven its capacity as a venue for large scale events; the role which it will be retained to fulfil. “Throughout Ramadan, over 37,000 guests experienced Asateer and we had over 100 bookings for parties of 20 guests or more, proving to us that Asateer was a perfect venue for holding large scale events with a sea view and beach setting,” he said. 4
Atlantis the Palm
Asateer, which translates from Arabic as myths, covers an area of more than 2,625m2 and took 300 workers eight weeks to erect. It features marble floors, parking for 500 cars, a helipad and water features. According to Atlantis, the tent has already received the forward booking of
a wedding to be held in November.
Asateer [is] a perfect venue for holding large scale events with a sea view and beach setting SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
- Air Travel
Interim Approval for Etihad-Virgin Blue Alliance The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has given interim approval for the proposed alliance between Etihad Airways and Virgin Blue, despite concerns raised by Australia’s national carrier, Qantas.
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nder the interim approval, Etihad and Virgin Blue will begin selling airfares between Australia and Abu Dhabi (plus connections on Etihad’s worldwide network) from October 1. Subject to final approval, the two airlines will move toward a total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia. John Borghett, CEO of Virgin Blue Group, said the interim agreement meant that Virgin Blue could now offer a competitive network to the Middle East, Europe, the UK and other key global destinations. “This is an important milestone as we create a global international network, greater competition on the international landscape and benefit our guests with great value fares, better scheduling and more choice,” said Borghetti. Australian legacy carrier, Qantas, has
Etihad
Virgin Blue
opposed the alliance, citing concerns about price fixing on European and UK airfares. Submissions to the ACCC closed on September 22, but the commission has yet to issue a date for its final decision.
Dubai Maintenance and Charter Boost for ExecuJet Middle East ExecuJet Middle East has added a second hangar to its maintenance capability at Dubai International Airport, committing to an initial three year lease. The company has also boosted its managed fleet, adding a new mid size aircraft to be based in Dubai and available for worldwide charter, including trips to Iraq and Afghanistan. Mike Berry, Middle East managing director for ExecuJet, said the Middle Eastern business aviation market was showing positive recovery signs, with steady business reported. He said the new hangar put ExecuJet in a strong position to take on more maintenance contracts, while the new aircraft was a welcome addition to the company’s growing charter fleet. “We are handling increased charter activity, with flights within the Middle East and to regions such as Africa and Europe being extremely popular,” said Berry. 6
This is an important milestone as we create a global international network
RAK Airways Re-Launch After suspending all services in May, 2009, RAK Airways is set to re-launch operations, with an official announcement expected this week. According to Sheikh Omar Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the airline was forced to cease flying as a direct result of the global economic downturn and tough market conditions. However, he said RAK Airways was ready to make its strategic re-entry into the market, in line with plans to boost tourism to Ras Al Khaimah. Al Qassimi is expected to unveil the airline’s new corporate identity on October 26, as well as details of new service offerings, routes and strategic objectives. The Arabian Gulf, Africa and the Indian subcontinent have all been flagged as possible destinations for the airline. SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
- Air Travel
Gulf Air Targets Tourism in Aden, Yemen Gulf Air launched its inaugural flight from Bahrain to Aden in Yemen on September 23.
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he airline has been flying to Yemen’s capital, Sana’a, since 1976, but Maher Al Musallam, deputy CEO of the airline, said he expected Aden to be an important growth market. “We strongly believe there is huge commercial and tourism potential in Aden, with the presence of the largest port in the country, just four nautical miles from the second largest shipping corridor in the world, a free trade zone, a transshipment point, a modern port and a renovated airport,” said Al Musallam. “In addition, with the historic Hadramaut’s cultural heritage, Socotra
Island’s unique biodiversity and the beautiful seafront city Mukalla situated in between, Yemen’s tourism is bound to grow as another important economic growth sector in the country.” He added that the airline was the first Gulf carrier to connect Aden to the region. “Gulf Air’s new strategy is to identify and connect under-served and niche markets that present business potential to grow and create potentially high yield city pairs by providing direct service to Bahrain and beyond,” said Al Musallam. Following the inaugural flight, Gulf Air will now operate four weekly flights from Bahrain to Aden, via Sana’a.
There is huge commercial and tourism potential in Aden
Air Arabia’s Flight Time Record Airbus has recognised low cost carrier Air Arabia with an award for operational efficiency, after one of its A320 aircraft clocked up a record 30,000 flight hours in six years. Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia, said the airline was committed to optimum utilisation of its resources. In 2009, Airbus named Air Arabia as having the highest level of Airbus A320 utilisation in the world during 2008. The airline plans to further expand its fleet and is currently waiting for delivery of 44 ordered aircraft.
(L-R) Fouad Attar, senior vice president of commercial at Airbus Middle East with Adel Ali, CEO of Air Arabia SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
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- International
Lufthansa Confirms Fleet Upgrade With Plane Order Lufthansa is pursuing a major fleet modernisation initiative, placing an order for 48 new aircraft with a total value of around USD4.67 billion.
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he order includes eight Airbus A330-300; eight Embraer 195; 22 Airbus A320, two Airbus A321; and eight Airbus A319. The aircraft will be divided among Lufthansa Group’s partners and subsidiaries, including Swiss, Lufthansa Regional and Germanwings. According to Wolfgang Wayrhuber, CEO of Lufthansa, the upgrade will increase the efficiency of the group’s flights and lessen environmental impacts. “Investments in new aircraft strengthen the competitiveness of the airlines in the group and a modern fleet increases fuel efficiency and reduces operating costs, noise pollution and CO2 emissions,” he said. “That equally benefits our customers, shareholders and staff, as well as the environment.
Lufthansa A330-300
“This order will allow our airlines to make targeted use of the growth opportunities that are resulting from the growing demand and at the same time, it will allow us to preserve the necessary freedoms to always react to fluctuations in demand and changes in the market with the necessary flexibility.”
A modern fleet increases fuel efficiency and reduces operating costs, noise pollution and CO2 emissions
Commonwealth Games in India Struggle with Security Concerns, Facilities India’s hosting of the 2010 Commonwealth Games has gotten off to a rocky start, with reports of inadequate facilities and athletes cancelling their visits emerging in the international media. The Games, which are scheduled to be held in Delhi at the beginning of October, have already been beset by a number of problems. These problems include both security concerns and doubts as to the cleanliness and quality of the athletes’ village. BBC News reported that a footbridge under construction in the area collapsed on September 21, injuring two workers. On September 22, BBC reposrted, part of the ceiling in the weightlifting facility had fallen in. 8
Mike Hooper, CEO of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), criticised the village in the media, describing it as filthy and uninhabitable. Indian Commonwealth Games organisers have acknowledged the need for deep cleaning and have promised to address the problem. Dr Lalit K Bhanot, secretary general of the Games’ organising committee said the facilities would be clean by the time teams arrived. “We are aware of the concern show by some members who are here in connection with the participation in next month’s Commonwealth Games,” he said. The UK’s Daily Mail has reported that New Zealand, Scotland and Canada have
all delayed their arrival at the facility, pending an improvement of the facilities. According to organisers, Australia is still committed to the Games, despite athletes who have begged off due to security concerns. Australian discus thrower Dani Samuels, has withdrawn from the event citing concerns over an attack on a tourist bus in Delhi last week. Militant groups have threatened to disrupt the Games, and two Taiwanese tourists were hurt when motorcycle mounted gunmen opened fire on a tourist bus outside a historic mosque. UK athletes Christine Ohuruogu, Phillips Idowu and Lisa Dobriskey have also announced their withdrawal from the Games. SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Dubai
Agent’s Insight Name: Ranwa Abdel Naby Position: Manager of Outbound Travel Company: Egypt Panorama Tours Location: Egypt
Right now the internet is building a challenge to us Who travels more – expats or locals?
German Agents to Visit Dubai Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) will facilitate a familiarisation trip for German travel agents in December, bringing them to Dubai to stimulate tourism between the two countries. Air Berlin is set to begin direct flights from Germany’s capital city to Dubai from November, making Berlin the fifth German city to connect directly to the emirate. The familiarisation trip is one of a range of joint marketing activities between DTCM and Air Berlin. According to Eyad Abdul Rahman, executive director of media and business development at DTCM, a range of ad campaigns and radio promotions are already in the pipeline. “These promotional events are being organised by DTCM with the aim of increasing the number of tourists from Germany to Dubai, as this European city is one of the main tourism markets globally for the emirate,” said Abdul Rahman. Up to 18,500 German travel agents will be trained and provided with detailed information about Dubai, under a new partnership between DTCM and tourism industry website www.saisoncheck.de.
Actually, our agency specialises in expatriates. The director of our company is North American, so we focus on that market a lot. We get some South Africans, some Europeans, but it is mostly North Americans.
What are your biggest challenges as a travel agent? Right now the internet is building a challenge to us. We don’t sell ready-made packages - instead we tailor for each individual. So we don’t necessarily have the lowest prices, but we offer personalised service.
When is your quietest selling period? That would be July and August. It is the summer when the expats go home to visit their families.
Where do you expect the popular winter destinations to be this year? We specialise in African safaris, and December and January is a good time for our clients to go; they have long vacations at this time.
Why do people travel to your destination? Well, there are the obvious reasons to come to Egypt; the attractions like the pyramids and Karnak. But also, we are a cheaper nation compared with Europe. With the economic crisis, people want to travel but don’t have large budgets, so they look for a cheaper destination and Egypt is one.
People want to travel but don’t have large budgets, so they look for a cheaper destination 10
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Planning for the End Game - Changing Demographics The world’s population is growing , aging , diversifying and urbanising. According to a recently released report from the UNWTO, changing demographics on the macro level are set to have major effects on the travel industry.
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hile changing populations might mean changes for the travel industry, opportunities abound for those who keep up. The good news is that demographic shifts are stretched across a wide timeframe; the UNWTO report projects as far forward as 2030, when the world’s population is expected to reach 8.3 billion. One of the key observations of the report is the way that consumer behaviours in old world markets will shift in line with their aging populations.
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
In the future, younger travellers are expected to work longer and harder than ever, and will be looking to their holiday time for genuine relaxation. In an inverse trend, older tourists will have more time and a more youthful perspective, driving interest in a wider range of more active activities for the post retirement demographic. “Competitiveness will depend on the ability to develop and market tourism products to an aging, multi-ethnic population, structured into multigenerational families,” UNWTO advises. “Population growth and increased life
expectancy, for example, will radically challenge current assumptions of ageing for tourism.”
Competitiveness will depend on the ability to develop and market tourism products to an aging, multi-ethnic population, structured into multi-generational families
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James Hogan CEO, Etihad Airways “The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) decision to grant interim approval for this strategic alliance is clearly fantastic news for both Etihad and Virgin Blue and one we welcome wholeheartedly. Most significantly, however, it is air travellers around the world who have the most to gain from the partnership. They will have instant access to a new flight network of more than 100 destinations while being able to earn and redeem frequent flyer miles for any Etihad or Virgin Blue flight. We will look to expand the partnership further over time, but there can be no doubt of the positive impact this new alliance will have on the global tourism industry, especially as signs of recovery continue to emerge.”
There can be no doubt of the positive impact this new alliance will have on the global tourism industry
James Hogan
Gregoire Salamin General Manger, InterContinental Jordan “Amman is a very unique destination and we have a responsibility to protect the nature, heritage, people and communities that make this city very particular. Our partnership with National Geographic’s Centre for Sustainable Destinations is all about working together to encourage a deeper appreciation of our location.”
Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) [commenting on HSBC’s sponsorship of Abu Dhabi’s PGA European Tour] “This partnership [between ADTA and HSBC bank] ushers in a new era for the championship and golf in Abu Dhabi. It is in many ways a coming of age for the championship and for Abu Dhabi's ambitions as a credible golfing destination. This is a coming together of two organisations which share considerable synergies. Both have a diverse and inclusive culture and an uncompromising commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices and taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their operations. Both also have an abiding commitment to community engagement. It is a meeting of minds in which we see a world of potential."
It is in many ways a coming of age for Abu Dhabi's ambitions as a credible golfing destination
Staff at InterContinental Jordan
We have a responsibility to protect [Amman’s] nature, heritage, people and communities 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
SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Nasrat Rassem
Judith Crompton
The new Ibis Sharq in Kuwait has appointed Nasrat Rassem as hotel manager. Rassem joined the hospitality industry in 1986 and since 1995 he has held a range of key roles with the Accor group across the Middle East. At Sofitel Hurghada in Egypt, Rassem worked his way up from reservation agent to assistant front office manager, before taking up the position of front office manager at Novotel Cairo. His most recent position was deputy manager at Ibis Salmiya, Kuwait.
Etihad Airways has appointed Judith Crompton as head of global accounts sales, based in London. Crompton has more than 25 years of experience in the airline and travel industry, mostly within Australia and the UK. Prior to joining Etihad, Crompton worked at Qantas Airways, where she held the position of regional general manager for the UK and Ireland. In her new role, she will lead a team of 12 sales specialists across the Etihad network.
Jeremy Garbett The EIBTM CEO Summit has appointed Jeremy Garbett as its chair, as part of the summit’s expansion to become a global meetings industry thought leadership group. Garbett has participated independently in the summit since 2008 and has a strong career background in senior management and board roles. Most recently, he became the founding director of independent communications agency Deeper Blue. In his role as chair of EIBTM CEO Summit, Garbett will liaise with members and Reed Travel Events regarding the development of each summit. Topics for this year’s invitation-only event include the impact of the global economy on the meetings industry, plus strategies to harness social media.
Nasrat Rassem
Christian Nannucci Traders Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, has appointed Christian Nannucci as resident manager. Nannucci was previously posted in a similar position at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang. He has 20 years of experience in the luxury hotel sector across Europe and Asia, specialising in room management.
Judith Crompton
Bana Toukan Grand Hyatt Amman has appointed Bana Toukan as director of sales and marketing. Toukan has a strong history with the hotel – she joined as a sales executive, before being promoted to associate director of sales and now director.
Christian Nannucci
Masami Egami Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea has appointed Masami Egami as hotel manager. Egami has more than 20 years of experience in the industry and has spent six years working at various luxury hotel properties in the GCC. He has also worked throughout Europe and Asia. Egami holds management degrees and certificates from Cornell University, US; Hull University, UK; and Ecole Hotelier de Lausanne, Switzerland. 14
Bana Toukan SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
Q&A with Housni El Yaman As director of sales and marketing at La Cigale Hotel Doha, Housni El Yaman has a handle on the key market trends of the Qatar travel industry. He spoke to Travel Trade Weekly about upcoming events, new tourism initiatives and his predictions for the next year. Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell us a little about your hotel. Housni El Yaman: Ideal for both business and leisure travellers, La Cigale Hotel is located in the heart of the city and only 15 minutes by car from Doha International Airport. The property has 235 luxurious rooms and suites; 11 dining and entertainment outlets offering a selection of cuisine including Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Oriental; a gymnasium with certified instructors; an indoor swimming pool; a deluxe spa with hammam facilities and convention facilities including two ballrooms. Our key markets are countries in the Middle East such as Lebanon and those in the GCC. Other key markets beyond these regions include France, Germany and the United Kingdom. In addition, we are also looking into emerging markets - Australia, Brazil and Spain as travel from these countries is now made easier with Qatar Airways’ direct connectivity from selected cities in these countries.
We are looking into emerging markets Australia, Brazil and Spain Travel Trade Weekly: What is your perspective on the state of the industry in Doha at the moment – the country is undergoing great development, how is this affecting you as a hotelier? Housni El Yaman: We are heartened to see the many infrastructure developments taking place in Doha right now. This has certainly created more interest in Qatar as a destination for business and leisure SEPTEMBER 25, 2010
travellers. Noticeably more and more hotels are also opening up, ranging from ultra luxury to small scale boutique establishments. The increase in the number of hotel rooms has definitely brought about more competition. The increased competition creates a platform for hoteliers to further enhance and improve their products and services. La Cigale Hotel is located within the city centre and a short car drive to Aspire Zone, a large sporting complex in Doha. Given the proximity to the Aspire Zone, the hotel is popular amongst visitors coming to Qatar to attend or participate in events and activities taking place in the Aspire Zone.
The increase in hotel rooms has definitely brought about more competition
Housni El Yaman
provide visitors with another venue to relax and spend time with their family and friends when visiting Doha.
Travel Trade Weekly: What changes do you think could be made to Travel Trade Weekly: What are your improve the industry in Doha? predictions for the country over the next Housni El Yaman: Tourism developments 12 months and what is your personal in Qatar have evolved rapidly in the last few business strategy for that period? years. The Qatar Tourism Authority is Housni El Yaman: Qatar will be the present in regional and international travel shows. The country’s national carrier, Qatar Airways, is constantly adding new destinations, regionally and internationally, to their network. These efforts ultimately play a part in contributing and boosting the visitor arrival figures into Qatar and with continuous efforts, we are certain Qatar will receive more visitors gradually. On the retail scene, within the capital city Doha, visitors can find numerous shopping malls and souqs offering a variety of buying options. In relation to recreation, the soon-to-open water park will
stage for several events taking place in the course of the next year. These events include Asian Cup 2011, Milipol, Motorcycle Grand Prix, Project Qatar and World Innovation Summit for Education. Given the international interest that these events are expected to attract, we are hopeful that the visitor arrival figures into Qatar will be very encouraging. In support of these events, La Cigale Hotel will also be launching tailor-made packages targeting visitors coming to Qatar for these events. 15
Middle East Travel Event Ready for Business Organisers are finalising the programme for next month’s Business Travel Show Middle East (BTSME), to be held between October 25 and 26. Speakers at the event will discuss the challenges the business travel sector has faced over the past 18 months, with sessions allocated for brain-storming and problem solving among participants. In addition to its popular education programme, BTSME will launch its first online meeting service, allowing
exhibitors and visitors to pre-schedule appointments and confirm them throughout the show. Paul Grinnall, event director for BTSME, said the new online service would significantly maximise the value of attending the show for both exhibitors and visitors. “We have long been believers that business is best done face to face, particularly in challenging times, and streamlining the efficiency of this process makes it even
easier to achieve this and really get the best out of the event,” he said. A host of global hospitality and aviation brands have already signed up for the show, including Virgin Atlantic, Air France, Jumeirah Hotels Group, The Address Hotels and Resorts and Premier Inn. Providers Dnata, Alshamel, Travelport, Asuna Travel and Orient Travel are also on board. The event will take place at Madinat Arena, in Dubai.
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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SEPTEMBER 25, 2010