Middle East and North Africa Edition
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HIGH HOPES A boost in charter sales across the Middle East may foreshadow an upward trend in private jet sales in the near future, according to the UAE based Empire Aviation Group (EAG).
Etihad Airways has launched a destination management company, Hala Abu Dhabi. The new company will operate throughout the UAE, oering travel products and services ranging from airport meet and assists, through to desert safaris, events management and accommodation.
8 SEA CRUISER A former visitor guide at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has launched a new marine tour business, Sea Cruiser, in Abu Dhabi.
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In This Issue Market Update Accommodation News International News Air Travel News Travel Talk Travel Tips Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events MARCH 6, 2010
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Etihad
Branches Out
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TRAVEL TRADE WEEKLY Deputy Editor Laura Warne Journalist Louis Dillon Savage
Etihad Airways Officially Launches New Destination Management Company Hala Abu Dhabi has been launched by Etihad Airways to offer travel products, services and activities throughout the UAE.
Design & Layout Elina Pericleous Sales & Marketing Jane Davidson Marianna Tsiamas Danielle Bragg Tina Georgiou Directors Andreas Constantinides Mary Kammitsi Headquarters P.O. Box 25255 Nicosia 1308 Cyprus Tel: +35722820888 Fax: +35722318958 Website www.traveltradeweekly.travel Emails info@traveltradeweekly.travel editorial@traveltradeweekly.travel sales@traveltradeweekly.travel
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eter Baumgartner, chief commercial officer at Etihad, said the new destination management company was a natural extension of the airline’s current activities. “Etihad Airways already plays a crucial role in bringing visitors to Abu Dhabi, and the introduction of Hala Abu Dhabi will enable us to take that role a step further at what is a very exciting time for tourism in the region,” said Baumgartner. “We look forward to working closely with our destination partners and tourism services in Abu Dhabi and across all seven emirates to provide a one-stop inbound tourism shop delivering integrated travel solutions and unique experiences
of consistently high quality.” Hala Abu Dhabi will offer a range of travel products, including: tours and desert safaris; event management; bespoke experience packages and VIP services; airport meet and assist; ground transportation; accommodation options; and business and meeting venues. Baumgartner added that the company was committed to strong Emirati representation; more than 50 percent of tourism professionals working at Hala Abu Dhabi are UAE nationals. The Hala Abu Dhabi team has been drawn from experienced industry figures, who have recently developed and managed inbound packages for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 and the V8 Supercars, hosted in Abu Dhabi in February.
MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 3/3/2010 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= 3.67 5.47 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46 0.28 3.64 0.38 1.36 8.22 10020 205.5 72.84 1.26
Peter Baumgartner MARCH 6, 2010
QTA Aims For Extra 48 Hours, Boosts UK Connection
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Ahmed Abdallah Al Nuaimi
atar has launched the second phase of its European Road Show, staging meetings between representatives of the UK and Qatari tourism authorities. Ahmed Abdallah Al Nuaimi, chairman of Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), said that the promotion was aimed at a series of European countries and sought to entice business travellers to Qatar to stay longer. Al Nuaimi pointed out that QTA was keen to extend the
stay of businessmen in Qatar for an extra 48 hours, to explore the country and become acquainted with its developing business and tourism attractions. He also flagged increased cooperation with the UK in the fields of leisure, business, sports, entertainment, scientific, health and educational tourism. Khalid Al Mansouri, Qatar’s ambassador to the UK, said Qatar had achieved significant advances in the development of national infrastructure and was now seeking to boost its tourism share.
Tourism to be Taught in Saudi Schools Saudi Arabia is seeking to integrate learning about tourism into the curricula of its schools. Dr Ali Al Ghabban, vice president of antiquities and museums for the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), said his organisation was working on a co-operation agreement with the kingdom’s department of education. He said that the agreement, if realised, would see the addition of tourism and archeological concepts to school syllabi, as part of ongoing educational reform in Saudi Arabia.
Aqaba Named Arab Tourism Capital Aqaba, Jordan, has been selected as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2011 by the Arab Tourism Ministers Council. Maha Khateeb, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities in Jordan, said the title would attract worldwide attention to Aqaba and boost tourism in the region. Criteria cited by the council in making their choice included: the city’s residential capacity; year round moderate climate; ease of access; and cultural and tourism activities. MARCH 6, 2010
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ACCOMMODATION NEWS
Marriott and Arab International Hotels Co Sign Exclusivity Agreement in Jordan Marriott International and Arab International Hotels Co (AIHC) have mutually agreed to a territorial exclusivity arrangement.
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he agreement has been reached following a management contract signed by Arab International Hotels Co affiliate, Beaches for Hotels and Spas, to develop the first JW Marriott property in Jordan. JW Marriott Aqaba is scheduled to open in 2013, at Aqaba on the Red Sea. The exclusivity arrangement provides for the development of future hotels in Jordan in addition to currently operating Marriott properties. Ed Fuller, president of international lodging for Marriott International, said the agreements reflected the long held relationship between AIHC and Marriott. “It is a relationship that has gained momentum in the recent years and continues to grow in a mutually beneficial way,” he said. Frits van Paasschen
“We are thrilled to be working with AIHC on this important addition to the tourism infrastructure of Jordan and are confident that the hotel will be a catalyst for the future growth of the tourism industry in the country.” Nadim Muasher, chairman of the board at AIHC, pointed out that his company had been operating Marriott properties for
(L-R) Mark Satterfield, chief operations officer for Middle East and Africa at Marriott International; Ed Fuller, president of international lodging at Marriott International; Nadim Muasher, chairman of AIHC; and Bassam Maayeh, managing director of AIHC.
Starwood Unrolls Global Development Road Map Starwood International has revealed its development plan for 2010 and beyond, flagging a new focus on developing markets. The company will open between 80 and 100 hotels in 2010, with 30 of these planned for North America, where more than half of Starwood’s current inventory is located. Frits van Paasschen, CEO of Starwood, said the company would focus on developing markets going forward, to ensure a favourable position as the economy stabilised. “In 2010 and beyond, we will continue to focus on opening great hotels, signing high quality new projects and conversions, and taking critical steps to ensure Starwood and our development partners are
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more than 30 years, and reaffirmed his commitment to the brand. “The Amman Marriott was one of the first Marriott hotels to open outside the US,” he said. “Our relationship with Marriott is pivotal to our expansion schemes and we look forward to many years of a successful partnership with Marriott International.”
positioned to own the upswing as we increasingly see the global market turn into positive territory,” he said. Starwood will double its portfolio in China to 100 hotels by 2012 and increase its presence in India by 60 percent in the same period. The Aloft brand will also be introduced to India this year, with three hotels scheduled to launch. The company has declared plans to expand its operations South America, citing the shortage of internationally branded properties as a motivation. Starwood will introduce the Westin brand to Peru with two properties, and open the first Westin in Mexico City this year. MARCH 6, 2010
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
US Establishes First National Tourism Authority
Mega Events Need More Study: UNWTO
The US Senate has passed the Tourism Promotion Act (TPA), with a majority vote of 78 for, to 18 against.
Following the World Travel Organisation’s (UNWTO) inaugural summit on tourism and mega events, the organisation has declared that the impact of mega events remains poorly understood. Taleb Rifai, secretary general of UNWTO said that tourism interests needed to work together to help each other manage large scale events effectively. “There is a clear need to continue working to understand better the impacts of mega events in tourism and share such knowledge in order to help destinations in bidding for and managing mega events more competitively,” he said. Proposals that emerged from the summit included: greening guidelines for mega events; a knowledge repository on the management of mega sporting events; and a rethink of the way the costs and benefits of these events were evaluated.
Roger Dow
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f passed by the US president, the act would institute a multi million dollar public/private partnership to promote the US as a travel destination and better explain travel security policies to foreign travellers. Known as the Corporation for Tourism Promotion (CTP), the body would be funded by contributions from the private sector and a USD10 levy on foreign arrivals from countries included in the US visa waiver programme. Once established, CTP would be modelled on existing regional bodies and the national tourism authorities of other developed nations. The US has previously had no national body for the promotion of its tourism interests, either domestically or internationally. According to figures from the US Travel Association (USTA), the programme could attract 1.6 million additional international visitors and generate more 6
than USD4 billion in revenue from consumer spending annually. The passage of the Act drew praise from a variety of prominent travel industry figures within the US, including JW Marriott, CEO of Marriott International; Roger Dow, CEO of USTA; and representatives of various regional tourism promotional authorities. “Travel has the potential to open minds and hearts to other people and cultures,” Marriott said. “Not only will the Travel Promotion Act stimulate our economy and boost our economic recovery, it will encourage more citizens of the world to come see what we are all about.” Dow said the bill was a boon to many workers in America, where one in eight jobs was travel related. “The United States Congress has sent a clear message that travel is a high priority to our nation and that tangible steps must be taken to increase travel to and within the United States,” he said.
Taleb Rifai MARCH 6, 2010
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AIR TRAVEL & CRUISING NEWS
Flydubai Flies to Muscat and Kuwait in March Flydubai has doubled its GCC network, launching routes to two new destinations within the region.
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he low cost carrier will operate twice daily flights to both Kuwait and Muscat, Oman, from March 28 and 30
respectively. Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said the destinations had been chosen for their strong trade and familial ties to the UAE. “Kuwait and Oman were natural choices to be our next two destinations,” he said. “We have worked closely with the authorities in both countries and we are very appreciative of the help and support they have given us.” Al Ghaith said the Kuwait link was expected to operate primarily as a service for business travellers, although its
tourism industry was growing quickly. “Kuwait is growing in strength – its businesses are thriving and its economy is expanding,” he said. “Infrastructure developments, urbanisation and a new port at Bubiyan Island are all signs of this – and its location on the edge of the more populous northern regions of the wider Middle East will support its future.”
Conversely, he said that Oman was primarily a leisure market, but was increasing in importance as a business centre. “Oman has a special relationship with the UAE as a place to seek relaxation, mountain scenery and unique wildlife,” he said. “[However] from a business perspective, its position on the Indian Ocean makes it an important trading and political nation.”
flydubai aircraft
Increase in Private Jet Charter Sales Follows 40 Percent Crash A boost in charter sales across the Middle East may foreshadow an upward trend in private jet sales in the near future, according to industry figures. EAG’s private fleet
UAE based Empire Aviation Group (EAG) recorded an 11 percent increase in global charter sales for January. The company began to see strong recovery in the last quarter of 2009, after being hit with a 40 percent decrease in charter bookings in the first half of 2009. EAG operates a fleet of 21 business aircraft across the Middle East. According to Paras Dhamecha, executive director of EAG, charter demand was a good indicator of the
overall health of the private aviation sector. “This segment of our business allows us to showcase our aircraft and the benefits of business jet ownership,” said Dhamecha. “Aircraft finance is becoming easier to obtain again and so the buying option is becoming realistic; and with aircraft values still depressed, there is an increasingly attractive opportunity for those seriously considering purchase.”
Emirates Opens First Departure Lounge in India Emirates has opened its first luxury departure lounge in India, at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. Mohammed Mattar, divisional senior vice president of airport services for Emirates attended the launch and said 8
the move evidenced the airline’s commitment to the Indian market. “This lounge is part of our commitment to provide world-class services to our passengers,” he said. “With the exclusive Emirates lounge in
Mumbai, combined with our trademark chauffeur drive service, our first and business class passengers will enjoy greater comfort and convenience when travelling from their doorstep through to their final destination.” MARCH 6, 2010
New Sea Cruiser Tour Company Opens in Abu Dhabi A former visitor guide at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has launched a new marine tour business, Sea Cruiser, in Abu Dhabi.
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aser Al Hamiri opened the company with financial assistance from the Khalifa Fund, which assists Emirati enterpreneurs to contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification. “Before I started Sea Cruiser I had my own small boats, which I would take out for fishing, and friends would constantly ask me to take them out and show them around the small islands that surround Abu Dhabi city,” said Al Hamiri.
“I couldn’t keep up with the demand, so it was logical for me to take the next step and start up a dedicated business with larger boats.” Sea Cruiser operates two sightseeing boats, each capable of holding 18 passengers and two crew. Tours are now sailing daily from Abu Dhabi, offering a range of packages, including two hour city tours, fishing trips and all day cruises.
Al Hamiri said swimming and snorkelling trips near Saadiyat Island were particularly popular with families. “I’m looking forward to all the new marinas opening up and the possibility of picking guests up from the corniche and taking them for a tour through the city’s waterways to the fine-dining restaurant of their choice – from Reem to Saadiyat and Yas Islands,” he said.
Sea Cruiser
Yaser Al Hamiri
Groundbreaking: Kleindienst Makes Progress on World Piece The first development on Nakheel’s The World Islands project has begun construction, with Kleindienst Group’s commencement of its Heart of Europe project. Josef Kleindienst, CEO of the Kleindienst Group, said the move reflected his faith in The World as a development. “The World project is very real, it is taking shape as we speak and I firmly believe that when complete it will become the most expensive property in the emirate of Dubai,” he said. “By the end of this year you will start to see the first villas on The World, one of which will be my own home.” He said that construction was 10
proceeding on schedule and insisted that the logistics of construction on the islands would not delay the project. “Exactly two months ago we launched
Germany Island with a clear promise to start construction in Q1 of 2010,” he said. “I am very proud to say we are delivering on that promise.”
Nakheel’s The World project MARCH 6, 2010
Yemen and Saudi Detail Tourism Co-operation Plan Saudi Arabia and Yemen have finalised the activation schedule for a tourism co-operation agreement between the two countries.
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he activation agreement, signed on February 27, detailed an executive schedule for mutual projects in the fields of archeology and museums. Other areas of co-operation include the exchange of statistics and tourism studies, as well as research publications
related to ecotourism. According to the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), the agreement also required Yemen to outline its experience in the field of environmental conservation. The agreement provides for co-ordination between the parties in tourism activities, including cultural events and exhibitions
held in both countries, and both parties have committed to increase their participation in conferences and exhibitions held by the other. Yemeni archaeological specialists will also be invited to participate in excavations in Saudi Arabia, as part of the scheme’s emphasis on developing historical and heritage tourism.
Abu Dhabi Releases Visitor Profiles Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) recently concluded a study which indicated that the majority of international arrivals to the emirate were first time visitors. Based on interviews conducted in the last quarter of 2009, the study showed that 60 percent of respondents were visiting Abu Dhabi for the first time and 87 percent would consider a second visit. The survey was undertaken as part of a year-long visitor profiling exercise by ADTA, which also sought to assess which attractions international tourists had visited. Abu Dhabi Corniche was the most common stop (visited by 77 percent of arrivals), followed by shopping malls (73 percent); Emirates Palace Hotel (72 percent) and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (46 percent). Lawrence Franklin, strategy and policy director for ADTA, said feedback had been overwhelmingly positive. “One of the most important results was that 86 percent enjoyed their stay, rating their overall experience as very good or excellent; a massive 92 percent said they would definitely, or probably, recommend Abu Dhabi to others,� he said. MARCH 6, 2010
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Simon Turner
Noel Massoud
President of Global Development, Starwood “When you take a look at India and China combined, you have 40 percent of the world’s population and between them, they are averaging eight percent growth in GDP. By working to further establish relationships with travellers in these critical, high-growth markets today, we are ensuring the success of Starwood tomorrow. China is expected to be one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets by 2020, with a predicted 100 million outbound trips per year. As the Chinese travel, they are going to stay with the brands they know from home, which will have a meaningful effect on our business globally and underscores our focus there.
CEO, Jinan Hotels and Resorts “It is easy to shout about a company’s green credentials, but harder to follow words through with actions. By designing our offices according to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) principles, we want to reaffirm our commitment to environmental sustainability. We also want to demonstrate that environmental responsibility is good for business – it saves money, enhances efficiency and demonstrates good citizenship. At the end of the day, minimising the negative impact on the environment and the community is what all companies should strive for.”
China is expected to be one of the world’s largest outbound tourism markets by 2020
Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi Chairman, Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) "The ITB exhibition sets the stage for discussing and exchanging the latest trends and technologies in tourism, opening up numerous opportunities for commercial trade and tourism investments between participating countries. So, we have ensured that this year Sharjah is represented by establishments from both the government and private sectors from the emirate in order to draw the full picture of the tourism industry and investments in the emirate. Sharjah's suite at the exhibition is a great stage to promote the family tourism aspect of Sharjah, which isn’t that well Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qassimi known on the international tourism scene.”
The family tourism aspect of Sharjah isn’t that well known on the international tourism scene SCTDA’s exhibition stand
Noel Massoud
Environmental responsibility is good for 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 12
MARCH 6, 2010
Tips and tricks from industry experts, bringing you the latest in emerging destinations, technology, marketing and travel trends.
Certified Certainty – Why Official Accreditation Pays Off
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range of environmental accreditation programmes are taking off in the Middle East, with companies keen to prove their green claims are backed up by international standards. Abdul-Quddus Sheikh, director of engineering at The Palace – The Old Town in Dubai, is currently spearheading his hotel’s certification process with Green Globe Certification (GGC). He explains why it’s good to be green (officially); “There are three main advantages of attaining certification,” he said. “First of all, it gives us a competitive edge,
MARCH 6, 2010
especially when we are trying to attract environmentally conscious travellers, which is a major travel trend today. “Secondly, after the initial investment, sustainability starts to pay back straightaway, whether it’s the solar panels on the roof, or energy-saving lightbulbs. “Finally and most importantly, it is our duty to save energy and natural resources for the next generation.” Miramar Resort in Fujairah has also signed up for GGC, which is a worldwide sustainability certification for the tourism industry. More than 800 businesses in 50 countries have met the 248 standards set by GGC.
Abdul-Quddus Sheikh
Environmentally conscious travellers are a major travel trend today
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Ko Van den Hil
Ko Van den Hil
Accor Executive Council
Starwood Hotels and Resorts has appointed Ko Van den Hil as the new general manager for Sheraton Miramar Resort in El Gouna, Egypt. Van den Hil has 18 years of experience in the hospitality industry. He joined Starwood in 2001 as financial controller for Sheraton Luxembourg Aerogolf Hotel. He later worked in various roles for several other Starwood properties, before being appointed to his previous position - hotel manager for The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort.
Accor has appointed an executive committee to oversee its hotel interests following the impending demerger from its services wing. Yann Caillére, Michael Isenberg and Michael Flaxman have been named as chief operating officers for Accor’s three regional divisions. Caillére will be handling Europe, the Middle East and Africa, plus Sofitel Worldwide; Isenberg will be responsible for the Asia Pacific region; and Flaxman will be in charge of the Americas. Jean-Luc Chrétien has been named as executive vice president of hotel marketing and distribution. The role of chief financial officer will be held by Olivier Poirot. Patrick Olliver will become executive vice president of global human resources and Sophie GoldblumFlak will operate as executive vice president for business transformation, innovation, technologies, and sustainable development. Pascal Quint will serve as corporate secretary and secretary to the board of directors in charge of legal affairs, insurance and risk management.
Etihad Airways Five Emirati graduate managers have commenced training at Etihad Airways’ headquarters in Abu Dhabi. The group will undertake a 21 month graduate management development programme, including a nine month workplace orientation in key Etihad departments, followed by a six month placement with a specific team. Work placements include outstation airport operations, customer service, sales and marketing, reservations, pricing and ticketing, network and schedule planning, finance and human resources. The five group members are Mariam Hasan Al Marzouqi; Mohammed Ahmed Al Nuaimi; Omar Saeed Al Mamari; Shaima Jaffar; and Mohamed Mansoor Mohamed.
(L-R) Mariam Hasan Al Marzouqi; Omar Saeed Al Mamari; and Mohamed Mansoor Mohamed
Benno Geruschkat Benno Geruschkat, general manager of Grand Hyatt Amman, has been appointed area director of Egypt and Jordan. In addition to maintaining his current position, Geruschkat will now oversee three additional Hyatt properties in Egypt – Grand Hyatt Cairo, Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh and Hyatt Regency Taba Heights. Geruschkat joined Hyatt in 1988 in Cologne and has since worked at various Hyatt properties around the world, including Montreux, Casablanca, Macau, Paris and Mainz. He began working at Grand Hyatt Amman in 2007. He graduated from the International School of Hotel Management in Germany and later completed an MBA by distance education. 14
Yann Caillére MARCH 6, 2010
Q&A with Thomas Tapken Thomas Tapken joined City Seasons Group as group general manager in late 2009, just in time to announce a year of major growth for the company. City Seasons has finalised a development pipeline that will double its current offering over the next three years. Thomas Tapken discusses the upcoming properties, as well as the group’s hotel management and acquisition plans. Travel Trade Weekly: Please outline entire portfolio of hotels. City Season’s new developments. Let’s face it – it’s the right time to buy. Thomas Tapken: We have four existing We want to go global and the only way to go properties: two in Dubai, one in Abu Dhabi and one in Al Ain. The next to open will be in Muscat, with 350 rooms in the diplomatic area – a great location. This property will either be a five star or a very up-market four star property – it depends on the municipality requirements. The City Seasons Royal in Abu Dhabi is next on our development list; it will be a five star, 500 room property in a very traditional Arabic style. We also have another Abu Dhabi property, City Season Park, with 155 rooms. This will be a very modern four star hotel and will open in two to three years. Lastly, at this present stage, is a hotel in Bur Dubai, which will be connected to the Burjuman shopping mall. It will also be a very contemporary property and is scheduled to open in three years.
Travel Trade Weekly: You recently announced that the group was interested in creating a management company. Can you expand on that? Thomas Tapken:All our current properties and the upcoming hotels are owned by the Bin Ham Group. We are also looking at properties that we can manage. We are currently in negotiations for the first of these properties and will hopefully have our first agreement signed within the next three months. At the moment, we are looking at properties in Switzerland and Germany that we could acquire; we are talking to a freehold hotel in Switzerland and a German hotel management company where we could potentially take over their MARCH 6, 2010
international is to have a base in Europe. We are very strong in the Middle East and we will be even stronger with our new hotel developments. Now, we would like to go international.
Travel Trade Weekly: What is the main client focus for City Seasons? Thomas Tapken: Our existing properties are city hotels in central locations, which makes them popular with the short term leisure market. There is a very strong leisure market from within the GCC and they favour City Seasons because we have non-alcohol hotels. The Muslim market is very strong – I have less concern operating a dry [alcohol free] hotel during the summer months than I would operating one that sells alcohol, because the majority of our market comes from GCC families. Corporate clients also like our central locations and we are concentrating on corporate services, such as fast check-in systems.
Travel Trade Weekly: How is City Seasons performing in its various markets and how do you plan to promote your hotels throughout the year? Thomas Tapken: Abu Dhabi is an incredibly strong market and rates are staying high. In Dubai, January and February were both good months; we met our budget expectations and attracted a strong GCC market as well as many international corporate guests.
Thomas Tapken
Let’s face it – now is the right time to buy We have restructured our management and sales department in Dubai, which gave us a new wind to perform well in the market. Oman’s short stay and group markets have reduced over the past year, but there is still high demand. The corporate and government market is strong in Oman. We will be running several promotions for the summer months – we’ve signed with Emirates for their children stay free campaign. By April at the latest, everybody will have to put their cards on the table in terms of rates, so that they can sell for the summer. Reputation plays a big part in success – we are strong in the GCC market and we focus on that. But I will also be in Berlin and London, promoting the hotel to an international audience. Until now, we’ve had a very strong local orientation. Over the next 12 to 18 months, we want to bring City Seasons into the international market and I think we can easily compete on a global level. 15
NBTA Announces Dates for European Conference The US based National Business Travel Association (NBTA) has finalised the dates for its inaugural European conference: NBTA Europe. The conference will be held on September 7 and 8, 2010, in Lisbon, Portugal. According to NBTA, the event will be buyer oriented and is aimed at senior
and middle managers with panEuropean responsibility; approximately 250 delegates are expected to participate. The conference will be divided into four content streams, including the stimulus stream, designed to foster the exchange of new thinking between different elements of the business travel industry;
and the European 100 Stream, intended to facilitate the exchange of best practice procedures between buyers from Europe’s top 100 companies. NBTA Europe will also include a miniMBA programme, operated by the Wharton business school, which will run from September 8 to 10, and will be open to 20 delegates.
Events China Outbound Travel and Tourism Market ITB Berlin Beijing, PRC, April 28-30 (www.cottm.com) Berlin, Germany, March 10-14 (www.itb-berlin.com) A combination of trade exhibition, public exhibition and A business to business platform for international destinations and companies to introduce their products to the Chinese professional convention for the travel trade industry. outbound travel industry. Britain and Ireland Marketplace 2010 Arabian Hotel Investment Conference London, UK, March 16 (www.bim.travel) Workshop for tour operators, wholesalers and intermediaries to Dubai, UAE, May 1-3 meet suppliers from the UK and Ireland’s hotels, attractions, (www.arabianconference.com) Interviews with hoteliers, forecasts from economists, panel ground handlers and other tourism services discussions on the latest developments, trends and best Moscow International Travel and Tourism Exhibition practice in the hotel and investment industry. Moscow, Russia, March 17-20 (www.mitt.ru/en) International trade exhibition for trade and consumer visitors, with 157 Arabian Travel Market Dubai, UAE, May 4-7 (www.arabiantravelmarket.com) participating destinations and more than 3,000 companies. Travel and tourism event for inbound and outbound GIBTM tourism professionals, featuring destinations, Abu Dhabi, UAE, March 29-31 (www.gibtm.com) accommodation, tourism attractions and airlines. International event for the business travel and meetings industry HOTEC Middle East in the Gulf and Middle East region. Muscat, Oman, May 7-10 Meeting Luxury (www.mcleaneventsinternational.com/events/HotecMi Lugano, Switzerland, April 8-10 (www.meetingluxury.com/en) ddleEast2010) Exhibition for top end travel products. Business to business meetings forum for hotel owners, World Holiday and Travel Fair developers and operators to meet with suppliers. Johannesburg, South Africa, April 16-18 The Hotel Show (www.worldtravelfair.co.za) Dubai, UAE, May 18-20 Split between a business to business exhibition and public access, (www.thehotelshow.com) with the opportunity for on the spot selling to consumers. Exhibition for hoteliers and suppliers to the hotel industry.
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MARCH 6, 2010