Middle East and North Africa Edition
Baader Hotels oman With the financial backing of German banking moguls, real estate company Baader Hotels and Resorts has entered the Omani market to stimulate tourism and development in the sultanate.
Tourism in Libya has received a shot in the arm from a new deal with the US. Ryad Sunusi, CEO of Libya Expeditions, said an agreement has been reached that would allow US tourists to visit the North African nation for the first time in years.
2 leBanon Cruising Fady Abboud, Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, has admitted that the country’s lack of suitable marine facilities is hampering tourism and said the government was committed to improving the situation, with new marina developments on the cards.
12 In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Cruising News Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events MAY 29 , 2010
ISSUE 29
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LIBYA
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne Journalist Louis Dillon Savage
Head of Germany’s Baader Bank Backs Oman Development Company Germany’s Baader Hotels and Resorts LLC has entered the Omani market, promising a development announcement in the near future.
Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Jane Davidson Marianna Tsiamas 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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etails of an upscale residential housing development, targeted at Omani and GCC buyers, are expected to be released soon. Baader Hotels and Resorts LLC has the financial backing of Uto Baader, majority owner of Baader Bank. The company is under the joint ownership of Baader; Siegfried Lingel, majority owner of Merkur Bank; and Omani partner Silver Circle Overseas LLC. Baader Hotels and Resorts LLC aims to broaden the range of real estate and integrated tourism projects in Oman. Baader is also vice chairman of Gulf Baader Capital Market
SAOC, part of a listed investment company that operates in Oman. “Our objective is to create a series of unique and distinctive projects that also fit with the development objectives set by Oman’s leadership,” said Baader. “Our company has very strong financial foundations and is backed by the experience and expertise that transformed Baader Bank into one of Europe’s most successful and largest stock broking banks.”
Our company has very strong financial backing
shareholders are last test for accor demerger
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 26/5/2010 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 5.60 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 47.03 0.29 3.64 0.38 1.50 8.94 9986 225.77 74.44 1.32
Bond holders in Accor have approved the company’s planned demerger ahead of a vote by shareholders in June. Accor has also released further details of the strategy it intends to pursue with its hospitality assets following the split, focusing on cutting costs and maximising cash flow. The hospitality segment of the company is preparing to shoulder the bulk of Accor’s debt and its strategy focuses on generating the income to sustain its planned EUR1.2 billion (USD1.48 billion) load. The new business model will focus on maximising asset values and managing costs, with a plan to overhaul purchasing processes expected to generate EUR40 million (USD49.29 million) in savings per year. The company will minimise ownership
in its hotels by selling many of its properties. Of the 1,600 hotels currently owned or operated under fixed leases by Accor, 450 will be sold. Accor expects the sale of hotels to generate EUR450 million (USD554.5 million) over the course of 2010, more than 50 percent of which had already been achieved. However, despite plans to divest itself of many properties, Accor has flagged an aggressive expansion programme based on franchise and management agreements. The group expects to be adding up to 40,000 rooms to its inventory per year by 2012. Other plans include a rebranding of the company’s Suitehotel chain, which is to be brought under the Novotel marquee as Suite Novotel. MAY 29, 2010
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Hilton Signs Dead Sea Property in Jordan Hilton has signed its third property in Jordan, contracting with Emaar’s Dead Sea Resort Company for management of a property on the Dead Sea Coast.
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he hotel, Hilton Dead Sea Resort and Spa, is scheduled to open in 2013 within the Samarah Dead Sea Resort mixed use development. It will be linked to the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre, which is part of the project. Said Darwazah, chairman of Dead Sea Resorts Company, said the hotel would benefit both from health tourism to the Dead Sea and meetings business generated by the convention centre.
“We are delighted to have signed this management agreement with Hilton, the leaders in hospitality,” he said. “As Jordan continues to witness a growth in tourism numbers, with the Dead Sea attracting health, religious and corporate business, this resort is destined for success.” Hilton has also contracted to manage two further hotels in Jordan, both of which are still under construction. The 531 room Hilton Amman Jordan Gate hotel is due in the fourth quarter of this year in Amman, to be followed by the
346 room Hilton Tala Bay Aqaba property at the end of 2011.
Hilton dead sea resort and spa
Holiday inn seeb ready to Build The Holiday Inn Seeb in Muscat, Oman is ready to begin construction, with Al Rawahi International appointed to build the property. The hotel is being developed by Action Hotels Kuwait, as part of the company’s plan to expand its hotel holdings across the Middle East. Initially slated to open in the third quarter of 2010, the property was delayed due to a review of construction costs. According to Al Mubarak Al Sabah, the hotel is now on track to open in the fourth quarter of 2011, though construction has not yet begun. Mubarak said Oman was an important component in Action’s regional expansion. “We are looking to service 4
niche corporate and tourism traffic in gateway locations within cities, specialist zones, and iconic tourist destinations,” he said. “The Holiday Inn Seeb Muscat will deliver all of these elements and more.” Similarly, Kirk Kinsell, president of Europe, Middle East and Africa for InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), said Oman was an important growth market for IHG brands. “Today we have six existing properties and three more hotels under development,” he said. “These figures signify our continued investment in the growth and development of Oman’s tourism sector and its position as a leading leisure destination.” MAY 29, 2010
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Jumeirah Group Partners with Meeting Professionals International Dubai based Jumeirah Group has signed a formal partnership with Meeting Professionals International (MPI) that will span investments in research, education and marketplace opportunities.
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nder the three year agreement, MPI will train event focused employees at Jumeirah towards the goal of obtaining Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) credentials. The two companies plan to advance current research on the future of the meetings industry; to aid this research, Jumeirah has made an investment commitment to the MPI Foundation. In return, Jumeirah will have access to MPI members, who represent buying power of USD16.4 billion. Guy Crawford, CEO of Jumeirah Group, said Jumeirah was actively expanding around the world, focusing more closely on meetings and events. “At Jumeirah Hotels and Resorts, we have access to some of the most imaginative and exhilarating facilities to hold a meeting or a conference, and Jumeirah colleagues have become known for the thoughtful and generous service they provide in a luxurious environment,” said Crawford. “By supporting the MPI Foundation and through our continuous commitment to the development of our colleagues, our goal is to raise the bar to offer even more innovative and successful meetings.”
Jumeirah emirates towers
Jal Hotels launches guest Programme My JALHotels frequent guest programme is the latest initiative of Japanese company, JAL Hotels. The programme will include discounts and complementary add-on services at Nikko Hotels International, JAL Hotels ME and Hotel JAL City. Standard, Silver and Gold memberships will be offered; the programme is free to enroll in. Hotel JAL Fujairah Resort and Spa is the brand’s first hotel in the UAE and Middle East; a property in Dubai is also coming up. Enrolment to the My JALHotels programme is open now and will remain open until December 2011. Customers can enroll or get more information via a weblink on JAL’s official website home page. MAY 29, 2010
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SNTTA Reports Upswing in Bookings SNTTA has reported a 15 percent increase in summer bookings compared to 2009.
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afar Imam, managing director of SNTTA Travel, said the rise indicated was a good sign for both consumer confidence and the outbound travel market in the UAE. “Current trends show a healthy 15 per cent increase in bookings for air tickets and holiday packages, compared to the corresponding period last year,” he said. “This, we believe, is a reflection of an upswing in outbound travel, which is the result of increased consumer confidence this season.” However, he also observed that
changing patterns of travel had affected the figures. “We see a new trend in which expatriate families are combining their annual holidays to their home countries with short-duration holiday packages to other destinations,” he said. “Bookings from Emirati families are also on the rise and most of them are travelling earlier than usual in order to return to the UAE before Ramadan, which begins in mid-August.” Malaysia, Egypt, Turkey, UK and Germany were identified by Imam as the destinations which had proven most popular with travellers from the UAE.
Current trends show a healthy 15 per cent increase in bookings for air tickets and holiday packages Zafar imam
seawings targets repeat Business With incentive Programme Seaplane tour operator Seawings has launched a customer loyalty and incentive programme, targeted at Dubai’s expatriate market. Guests booking a repeat experience, who have registered on the Seawings website, will receive a 30 percent discount on their seat. The company has also implemented a referral programme, where guests will be rewarded for seats booked by referred passengers. Stuart Wheeler, CEO of Seawings, said repeat business was an important strategy for the company. “We want to encourage those guests that have flown with us and give them incentives to repeat their experience many times,” he said. “Our guests are considered part of the Seawings family and we believe this programme will bring true value to them.”
We want to encourage those guests that have flown with us and give them incentives to repeat their experience many times 6
MAY 29, 2010
air tRAVel neWs
Gulfstream Highlights Market Shift Ahead of AVEX The Middle East and Africa region is ripe with opportunities for aerospace companies, according to business jet manufacturer Gulfstream.
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eff Miller, vice president of communication for Gulfstream, said his company currently supported more than 120 aircraft across the Middle East. “The overall market is shifting from North America to global markets and certainly the Middle East is one of our major markets,” he said. Gulfstream has signed on as a key sponsor for the upcoming AVEX International Airshow, to be held in November at Sharm El Sheikh International Airport, Egypt.
“Our participation at AVEX reflects our growing commitment to international operators,” said Miller. “We will be at the show with at least one long-range jet and one mid-range jet; both types serve the region well, depending on customer mission.” AVEX organisers have highlighted several positive developments within the African aviation industry, with expanded services by several regional and international airlines. AVEX will be held between November 7 and 10.
Jeff miller
air arabia egypt receives government approval Air Arabia’s plans for a third hub in Egypt have moved a step closer to realisation, with the carrier qualifying for its Air Operators Certificate from the Egyptian authorities. According to the airline, the certification clears the way for the launch of Air Arabia Egypt, which will operate from Alexandria International Airport. The Egyptian base will begin operations with two aircraft, servicing various destinations around Europe, the Middle East and Africa. It represents Air Arabia’s third hub, following the launch of the company’s base in Morocco. The venture is being undertaken in co-operation with Egypt’s Travco Group, operators of the Ibertoel, Swiss Inn and Jaz Resorts hospitality brands, as well as a number of tour and cruise offerings in Egypt.
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MAY 29, 2010
air tRAVel neWs Flydubai expands to sri lanka
Thai airways Boosts Connections Between middle east and asia Pacific
Dubai based low cost airline, flydubai, has expanded its network to include the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo. The new route will mark 21 destinations on flydubai’s international map. Flights will begin on June 23. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said the airline would operate four flights per week from Dubai International Airport. “Sri Lanka is a great destination for us to have in our network and once again we are complementing the existing services on the route,” said Al Ghaith. “The more options for passengers the better and we believe our simple, low cost service will be very popular with the 300,000 Sri Lankan expats living in the UAE, as well as tourists looking for an affordable tropical getaway.”
Thai Airways is tailoring its routes and capacities to meet the needs of the Middle Eastern market, the carrier has revealed. Larger aircraft will be utilised throughout the summer season, in anticipation of increased demand. Thai recorded fleet-wide load factors of more than 70 percent in April and is targeting the Middle East to maintain business during its traditional low season of May to June. The carrier is enhancing its connections to between the Middle East, Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand, increasing the number of flights between these destinations from its Bangkok hub.
emirates targets abu dhabi recruits For Cabin Crew Boost Emirates has its eyes on Abu Dhabi as a recruitment market, in its bid to reach a target of 3,000 cabin crew recruits this year. The airline is also seeking to increase the number of crew members with Arabic language skills. A cabin crew open day, on May 29, was designed to give potential recruits a better understanding of the industry, said Rick Helliwell, Emirates vice president of recruitment. “There are very few jobs that enable you to travel the world working in a multicultural team of over 120 nationalities,” he said. Emirates currently employs more than 11,000 cabin crew, all based in Dubai. MAY 29, 2010
To find out more and to make your business booking, please call +971 4 705 4277 or email mice.dubai@rotana.com for hotels in Dubai, Fujairah, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah. For Abu Dhabi and Al Ain hotels, please call +971 2 697 9107 or email mice.abudhabi@rotana.com.
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international neWs
China Hotel Supply Set to Boom with Top Brands Major international hotel chains, including Four Seasons and Marriott, have announced aggressive and rapid expansion plans within China.
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our Seasons has set a target of increasing its current three Chinese properties to a total of 14 hotels, with two openings this year and nine more on the books. Kathleen Taylor, president of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, said the company was working on a strategic plan that would establish Four Seasons as the premier luxury hospitality brand in China. “More business and leisure travellers are visiting China than ever before and with that comes increased expectations for superior service and product of the highest quality,” said Taylor. “Critically, as the Chinese travel more frequently within the country and around the world, they’ll look for a brand they already know.” In 2010, Four Seasons will open hotels in Hangzhou and Guangzhou.
“The importance of China as both an inbound and outbound market cannot be underestimated and we believe that the current rapid growth in travel, encouraged in part by more accessible travel visas, will continue,” said Taylor. JW Marriott Jr, chairman of Marriott International, echoed this sentiment, announcing that China was arguably the world’s most compelling tourism market today. “Within the next 10 years, China is expected to be the world’s single largest source of international tourism and its number one travel destination,” said Marriott. Accordingly, the company has signed management agreements for seven new hotels in China and aims to double its presence in the country within the next five years. China is already Marriott’s largest market outside of North America; the company expects to have 60 hotels open across six brands by the end of 2010, including eight Ritz-Carlton hotels.
The importance of China as both an inbound and outbound market cannot be underestimated
Four seasons Hotel Hangzhou 10
MAY 29, 2010
international neWs Thai tourism market event shut down by riots The Thai Tourism Market (TTM) trade show has been indefinitely postponed due to recent civil unrest, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT). According to Suraphon Svetasreni, governor of TAT, although the event was not due to be held until early June, the impact of recently ended violence was sufficient to require it be postponed. “After intense consultation and discussion with the private sector in the light of the recent situation in Bangkok, we decided that the TTM would not achieve the set
outcomes as we had anticipated,” he said. According to TAT, life in the country’s capital Bangkok is returning to normal, with a large scale cleanup underway to repair the damage caused by months of explosive social unrest. Svetasreni said encouraging the recovery of tourism would be a crucial part of Thailand’s healing process, emphasising that TTM had been postponed and not cancelled. “It is our duty and responsibility to promote both the international and domestic tourism industries, especially for the benefit
of the private sector, which has been impacted by the political unrest,” he said. “Thus, we felt it appropriate to proceed with TTM, as it is important to ensure that we make an emotional recovery first as part of the effort to regain our strength.” Tourism in Thailand has been disrupted since March, when protesters against the current government entrenched themselves in downtown Bangkok. Violence escalated until a final confrontation with security forces ended the demonstrations in mid May.
Jamaican drug War disrupts Flights, in Kingston Violence in the Jamaican capital of Kingston has disrupted flights into and out of the country. Air Jamaica, the national airline, was
MAY 29, 2010
forced to reschedule flights due to the violence, which was sparked by an attempt to extradite a high level drug dealer to the
United States. Access to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston has been blocked intermittently by the event.
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Lebanon to Act on Marina Shortage Fady Abboud, Lebanon’s Minister of Tourism, has admitted that the country’s lack of suitable marine facilities is hampering tourism.
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peaking at the recent Beirut Boat 2010, he said the government would act on the shortage. “Marine tourism and private boats have become key components of the Lebanese tourism sector,” said Abboud. “With all the touristic Lebanese marinas being packed with private boats, it has become mandatory to develop a new marina with high touristic features to host yachts and boats of all sizes. “Our efforts will be focused on establishing several new marinas in
Lebanon, the first of which will be in the port of Jounieh.” Edward Aoun, board member of Beirut Boat organiser IFP, said the marine sector was crucial to the tourism industry. “Besides the fun side of boating, there’s a high economic value at stake; marinas remain catalysts to bringing high incomes to tourism and hospitality activities,” said Aoun. “We should start taking advantage of our strategic location and our beautiful beaches. “We need proper collaboration and an
action plan between the public sector and the private and civic players in our country, aiming at the sustainability and cleanliness of our Mediterranean seafronts, starting with sewer treatment programmes and beach cleaning. “Now is the time to act.”
It has become mandatory to build a new marina with high touristic features
Zegrahm expeditions returns to Persian gulf with new Cruise US based adventure cruising company Zegrahm Expeditions will resume services to the Gulf in 2011, with a Sands of Time voyage through the Persian Gulf. The voyage will begin in Dubai, taking in local sites and including a traditional dhow cruise, before continuing to Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. It then continues to Bahrain and Qatar, before exploring Oman, Fujairah and the Musandam Peninsula. The cruises will include a high calibre expedition and lecture team, including Professor Ron Wixman – a specialist on the cultures and people of the Midlde East – and author and textile expert Kim Saunders. Other cultural and natural history experts will also accompany the Persian Gulf and Dubai cruises as part of the lecture team. The Sands of Time voyage will be serviced by the 110 passenger luxury Cruise ship, Clipper Odyssey. All cabins have an ocean view, ensuite with shower and bath, and sitting area with sofa. The Sands of Time cruises will be offered between February 17 to March 4, as well as November 25 to December 7, 2011. 12
MAY 29, 2010
Libya Opens to US Tourism Tourism in Libya has received a shot in the arm from a new deal with the US.
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yad Sunusi, CEO of Libya Expeditions, said an agreement has been reached which will allow US tourists to visit the North African nation for the first time in years. “Effective immediately, visas are being approved for US citizens for travel to Libya,” he said. “We are pleased with the new developments and giving the opportunity to US citizens to return to Libya and explore this magical and scenic land.”
According to Travcoa, a tour operator based in California, US, the deal represents only the second time that US tourists have been allowed to visit the country since its 1969 coup d’état. Libya also opened its borders to US travellers for a short time between 2004 and 2005. According to Libya Exhibitions, the major source markets for Libya are Italy, France, Germany, Spain, and the UK. However, interest from the US has picked up and Travcoa has already announced its intentions to return to the country this year. tripoli
Jerre Fuqua, CEO of Travcoa, said the company would benefit from its experience in Libya, having operated tours there up until 1969, and again in 2004 and 2005. “We're enormously pleased that the door to Libya is open to us again,” he said. “The chance for us to offer travel to Libya again this fall after a brief return in 2004 and 2005 means that Travcoa will have more experience than any other US travel company.” According to Libya Expeditions, the Libyan government has announced plans to attract 1.5 million tourists annually by 2012 and visa reform has been a key initiative in that project.
Effective immediately, visas are being approved for US citizens for travel to Libya
Flywell travel launches online travel Portal for egypt MRCO-Egypt and Flywell Travel have partnered to launch a new online portal for tourism in Egypt. The portal has taken 10 months of development, according to MRCO, developer of the site. The site is designed to serve both
consumer facing and business to business applications, enabling travel agents and tourists to book and pay for a variety of services online. Mohammed F Reiad, executive manager of MRCO, said development of the site would continue and that a second phase
expansion of its facilities was underway. Mohsen Abdein, general manager of Flywell Travel, highlighted the importance of the online channel to his business and said Flywell had allocated an open ended budget to web development and marketing. The great Pyramids
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MAY 29, 2010
Prove Your Worth – Why Travel Agents Are Irreplaceable With the rise of consumer independence that comes with online bookings and direct channels, many people are openly questioning the role of traditional travel agents. Here are some tips for proving why travel agents are still important.
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ccording to industry sources, more than ever, clients are actively researching their travel options and comparing prices online, often before demanding their travel agents match the deals they have found. While many agree that greater transparency within the industry can only be a good thing, the fact remains that travel agents provide a service that goes beyond that offered by direct channel bookings and online travel portals.
MAY 29, 2010
Although it may be easy for clients to forget this service, there are times when the help of a knowledgeable and savvy travel agent can be invaluable. Rabih Saab, of Travelport Middle East, pointed out that recent events have proven the worth of traditional travel agents. “An agent can be particularly useful when an individual traveller needs to make changes to their booking or when unforeseen circumstances – such as the recent ash cloud disruption – force a change in travel plans,” said Saab. “In these situations, a travel professional
is better positioned to guide a traveller through all of their options.” Saab added that travel agents could also benefit individual travellers who required assistance in comparison shopping or booking more complex flight itineraries.
A travel professional is better positioned to guide a traveller through all of their options
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mohamed a al noman Director General, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Agency “The tour guide is considered today as the cornerstone of the tourism promotion process. The success or failure of a tour can be mainly attributed to a tour guide. We are well aware of the critical role played by our tour guides in the tourism promotion process. Therefore, we are committed to developing these programmes to cope with the development of the tourism sector all over the world.”
dr suhail Kadhi Chairman, Elaf Group “Through our visionary management and highly motivated, specialised staff, we were able to develop our internal skills and meet the challenge of managing our hotels on our own. We are currently working on establishing and operating additional hotels across the country and obtaining authorisation from more international airlines. We shall continue to provide our individual and group customers at the local and international levels with the best quality services. We look forward to further enhancing the tourism sector and reinforcing its GDP contribution in line with the kingdom’s long-term strategy of minimising its dependence on oil as a revenue source and implementing its economic diversification policy on a broader scale.”
We look forward to further enhancing the tourism sector and reinforcing its GDP contribution
The tour guide is the cornerstone of the tourism promotion process saudi economic and development Company executives inspect elaf headquarters
mohammed al Habbai CEO, Dubailand “Our vision is to remain a key tourism driver for Dubai and our participation in this [Kids Go Free] promotional drive from Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Emirates airline reinforces our ongoing commitment to the development of Dubai as the ultimate family friendly destination of choice. Dubai has effectively demonstrated its value for money at a time when tourists around the world are looking for new family holiday destinations at a highly competitive price. This is a commendable initiative whereby the private and government sector of Dubai have joined forces to provide a seamless and affordable holiday experience for families from around the world.”
mohamed a al noman 16
The private and government sector of Dubai have joined forces MAY 29, 2010
Cozmo Travel Launches UAE Operations with Sharjah Outlet
sheikh abdullah Bin mohammad al Thani, chairman of the sharjah department of Civil aviation, officially opens Cozmo travel
UAE based travel agency Cozmo Travel has officially launched operations.
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he agency provides business, leisure, health and religious travel services across the GCC and wider Middle East and North Africa region. Jamal Abdulnazar, general manager of Cozmo Travel, said the company also offered VIP services and visa processing for UAE nationals and residents. “Cozmo Travel has been launched with a mission to deliver the most memorable travel experiences to regional travellers, backed by our experienced team of professionals and commitment to customer service,” said Abdulnazar. “Our customers can expect an outstanding and consistent level of service and an unbeatable range of innovative products.” Cozmo Travel’s main office is located on Mina Road in Sharjah; the company also has two operational offices in Sharjah.
Cozmo Travel has a mission to deliver the most memorable travel experiences to regional travellers MAY 29, 2010
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toby Joseph
najib nasser
tarek mourad
InterContinental Hotels Group has appointed Najib Nasser as cluster director of sales and marketing for Jordan. Nasser will be responsible for the following hotels: Crowne Plaza Amman; InterContinental Aqaba Resort; Holiday Inn Resort Dead Sea; Crowne Plaza Petra Resort; and the upcoming Crowne Plaza Resort Dead Sea. Nasser has worked across Jordan, Qatar and the UK. His most recent roles were director of sales and marketing at Le Meridien Amman and director of sales and marketing at London Marriott Hotel Park Lane.
toby Joseph
tarek mourad
Jumeirah Group has appointed Toby Joseph as vice president of sales and marketing for Dubai. Joseph will oversee all sales and marketing matters for Jumeirah’s Dubai properties. He was previously employed as the co-founder and partner of TJ Associates, a consultancy specialising in business restructuring and sales and marketing projects in the service industry. Joseph has also worked for Eos Airlines, TQ3 Travel Solutions, and Carson Wagonlit Travel for Europe, Middle East and Asia.
JAL Hotels UAE has appointed Tarek Mourad as director of finance for the upcoming Hotel JAL Tower Dubai, the second JAL Hotel property to open in the Middle East. Mourad will join the preopening team for the new hotel, planning all financial aspects for the property. He has more than 23 years of experience in the hospitality industry, specialising in financial matters. najib nasser
gordon dewar magdy metwally Hilton Worldwide has appointed Magdy Metwally as general manager of Hilton Sharm Dreams Resort in Egypt. Metwally has spent 20 years with Hilton Worldwide in key managerial positions. Most recently, he was general manager of Hilton Sharm El Sheikh Fayrouz Resort. 18
Bahrain Airport Company has appointed Gordon Dewar as CEO. Dewar is currently managing director of Edinburgh Airport and previously occupied the same position at Glasgow Airport. He has more than 20 years of experience in the transport industry; in particular, he has significant experience in airport expansion and capacity building.
gordon dewar MAY 29, 2010
Q&A with Alain Debare Alain Debare is the general manager of Action Hotels, a company that has been pioneering mid-market hospitality in the luxury saturated Middle East. He took some time with Travel Trade Weekly to shed light on hotel development and the changing regional market. Travel Trade Weekly: Please tell me about Action Hotels – what makes you different from other hotel developers in the region? Alain Debare: We are one of the few organisations working in this segment today; although you have budget and midmarket hotels, they are mostly owned by individuals making a single investment. So, the fact that we are both a private company and an organisation focused on mid-market investments is something that sets us apart. In five years we plan to be the leading midmarket hotel ownership company in the Middle East and I would say we are well on track for that. My pipeline is 3,500 rooms and we will have five hotels open by summer.
Travel Trade Weekly: Your focus on mid-market properties is unusual in a region usually associated with luxury hotels – can you tell me a little about why this focus was chosen? Alain Debare: I think Sheikh Mubarak [chairman of Action Hotels] saw the early potential in of the mid-market hotels, based on a number of factors. The growth of intra Gulf travel, the growth of budget airlines and the growth of local economies all contributed, as well as the great need in the region. In the Middle East, too often the choice is to stay in a five star hotel or in an unbranded local hotel. There is a real need and huge potential for high quality branded accommodation that is more affordable than the five star and luxury offerings.
afield as Australia – how do you choose your destinations? Alain Debare: Our developments in Australia were driven by the fact that our holding company, Action Group, has an office there to oversee certain other investments. They notified us of certain opportunities and we decided to take them, so we currently have an Ibis in Melbourne and are constructing a Novotel in Brisbane. We are very strategic in the way we identify our locations. When we have a feeling that a market might be appropriate, we will then commission a consultant to confirm our opinions. Then, we will go to the cities in a country and explore, looking for good locations; then decide on the best brand for a location and review them with the operator. Sometimes you will have to look at 10 locations before settling on one.
In five years we plan to be the leading mid-market hotel ownership company in the Middle East
Alain Debare: It is an important fact about Action hotels that we are spread all around the Middle East; though we are a Kuwait based company, we have offices in Dubai and our properties are in seven countries. Of the Middle Eastern countries we are everywhere except Qatar and Saudi. Saudi is one of our key target markets at the moment and if we see the right opportunities we would definitely invest both there and in Qatar. However the mid-market has certain obstacles in these countries, such as issues of ownership rights, and finding land for the properties at the right price.
Travel Trade Weekly: So the operators are involved from the very beginning? Travel Trade Weekly: Do you have Alain Debare: Oh yes – all of our hotels plans to expand your brand portfolio? are purpose built. We will reach agreements What brands are on your wish list? with our operators before we start on design. Alain Debare: At the moment we have Even our choice of consultant is influenced by the operator we are planning to work with.
Travel Trade Weekly: In your opinion, what is the most important Travel Trade Weekly: Action Hotels emerging market in the Middle East has developments underway as far and North Africa region? MAY 29, 2010
alain debare
two partners: Accor and InterContinental Hotels and we are very happy with them. So, today we are not looking for other partners. I would say we are busy enough! However, we are not locked up in any of our destinations, so never say never. But for now it is not part of our plans. 19
dtCm Partners with dePe for gCC road show In the lead-up to Dubai Summer Surprises festival, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has partnered with Dubai Events and Promotions Establishment (DEPE) to make a joint promotional tour of the GCC. The road show, supported by Emirates, Tamani Hotels and Alpha Tours, will take
in Kuwait (May 31), Qatar ( June 2) and Saudi Arabia ( June 12-16). It will highlight Dubai as a tourist attraction and promote Dubai Summer Surprises – an event that attracted 2.2 million visitors in 2009. This year, the event will run from June 17 to August 7.
A range of Dubai hotels and travel companies will join the road show to promote discounted hotel prices and travel packages. Spa tourism is also high on the agenda for DEPE, with an exclusive campaign featuring promotions from more than 35 international spas in Dubai.
Events International Holiday Festival Tehran, Iran, June 10-12 (www.expokish.com) Festival showcasing local food, traditions, tour organisers, hotels and accommodation providers to extend the range of foreign and domestic travels. International Travel Expo Hong Kong Hong Kong, Jun 10-13 (www.itehk.com) Travel industry event for Chinese region, supported by more than 96 countries. Destinations World Bengaluru, India, June 11-13 A comprehensive exhibition for the travel and tourism industry in the Indian region. Asia Luxury Travel Market Shanghai, China, June 14-17 (www.altm.com.cn) Sister event to ILTM, focusing on senior Asian luxury travel buyers.
Expo World Middle East Abu Dhabi, UAE, June 17-19 (www.adnec.ae) Gathering of exhibitions industry figures from around the world, with a focus on the Middle East. HospitalityWorld Bengaluru, India, June 24-26 (www.hospitalityworld.in) Showcasing south India’s hospitality industry. Beijing International Tourism Expo Beijing, China, June 25-27 (www.bitechina.com.cn) Exhibiting products and destinations for Chinese and International professionals. India International Travel Market Bengaluru, India, July 10-12 (www.iitmindia.com) A showcase for tourism, leisure, hospitality and related industries.
Business Travel Market London, UK, June 16-17 (www.businesstravelmarket.co.uk) Conference and exhibition for meeting corporate travel buyers, suppliers and intermediaries – expected to attract more than 4,000 delegates and 500 of Europe’s top travel buyers.
Cityscape Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 4-7 (www.cityscapeglobal.com) Networking, conference sessions and round table events for the real estate market, including hotels and other tourism developments.
Cityscape Jeddah Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, June 7-9 (www.cityscapejeddah.com) Networking, conference sessions and round table events for the real estate market, including hotels and other tourism developments.
Outdoor Adventure Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 8-10 (www.outdooradventuredubai.com) Adventure sports, outdoor clubs, equipment specialists and holiday destinations.
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