Middle East and North Africa Edition
ROTANA SALE Shuaa Partners, the private equity arm of Shuaa Capital, has sold its entire stake in Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to Rotana chairman, Nasser Al Nowais.
Emirates has introduced self service kiosks at a number of Dubai Metro stations, allowing customers to check-in before they reach the airport.
2 PREMIER INN Dohaland and Premier Inn will bring Premier Inn’s limited service hotel brand to Qatar, under a new joint venture.
4 in This issue Market Update Accommodation News Air Travel News International News Agents’ Corner Travel Tips Travel Talk Who’s Moved Rendezvous Events AUGUST 7, 2010
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Shuaa Partners Sells Rotana Stake Shuaa Partners, the private equity arm of Shuaa Capital, has sold its entire stake in Rotana Hotel Management Corporation to chairmanof Rotana, Nasser Al Nowais.
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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huaa Partners invested in Rotana in 2006, in order to fund the hotel company’s rapid expansion. Shuaa has since played an active role in Rotana’s development, participating on its board of directors and retaining Rotana to manage and operate several of Shuaa’s properties in Saudi Arabia. Rotana is also an anchor investor in Shuaa Hospitality Fund I; however, this latest transaction will not impact the relationship of Rotana and Shuaa’s various funds. While details of the sale remain confidential, Jamil Brair, director at Shuaa Partners, said the investment had been profitable. “Our investment in Rotana has generated a very healthy return both in terms of exit price as well as from dividend distributions
over the period of investment,” said Brair. “Shuaa Partners Fund I has had a great track record and remains a top performer. We have now exited three of the five fund investments, all at excellent rates of return.” Nasser Al Nowais praised Rotana’s relationship with Shuaa and flagged future growth for the Rotana brand. “We are very grateful for the support that Shuaa provided us over the last four years, especially with their establishment of two funds that will accelerate the roll-out of Rotana hotels,” said Al Nowais. “Looking ahead, we continue to strive to achieve measured growth and realistic expansion throughout the Middle East, bringing our expertise to future hotels, convention centres, serviced apartments and prime resorts.”
Consistent Tourism Growth in Saudi Will Continue, According to Al Tayyar Travel MENA Exchange Rates Accurate as of 4/8/2010 Currencies shown in red are fixed against the US Dollar COUNTRY UAE (AED) Egypt (EGP) Saudi Arabia (SAR) Lebanon (LBP) Bahrain (BHD) Jordan ( JOD) Syria (SYP) Kuwait (KWD) Qatar (QAR) Oman (OMR) Tunisia (TND) Morocco (MAD) Iran (IRR) Yemen (YER) Algeria (DZD) Libya (LYD)
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CURRENCY Dirham Pound Riyal Pound Dinar Dinar Pound Dinar Riyal Rial Dinar Dirham Riyal Rial Dinar Dinar
1USD= 3.69 5.68 3.75 1501 0.37 0.70 46.6 0.29 3.64 0.38 1.44 8.44 10,003 240.25 73.62 1.26
Saudi Arabia’s travel industry has demonstrated consistent growth in recent years; a trend which a major industry player says will continue. The tourism industry in Saudi Arabia has grown at a rate of 10 percent per year over the past five years, according to Al Tayyar Travel, one of the kingdom’s largest travel and tour operators. Ali Tijani, group vice president of Al Tayyar Travel Group, said the rate of growth had been even higher in the past two years and that tourism was becoming increasingly important to Saudi Arabia’s economy. “Saudi Arabia's inbound tourism has increased 11 percent over the past two years and is expected to reach
SR101.3 billion (USD27.01 billion) in 2020,” he said. ”The travel industry and tourism also contributed by 7.2 percent of the GDP of the kingdom, or about SR102 billion (USD27.19 billion) last year.” According to Al Tayyar, growth has been driven by increases in both corporate travel and religious pilgrimages. Tijani said the industry’s strong performance was expected to continue. “The industry is expected to create between 1.5 and 2.3 million new jobs by 2020, owing to a rise in the popularity of the kingdom the growth rate of corporate travellers and tourists is estimated to increase from five percent to 6.5 percent by 2014,” he said. AUGUST 7, 2010
Three Middle Eastern Sites Added to UNESCO List Two Sites in Iran and one Saudi Arabia have been added to the UNESCO world heritage list at the 34th session of the World Heritage Committee, held recently in Brazil. At-Turaif District in ad-Dir'iyah, Saudi Arabia has been included for its unique architecture and significance to the current ruling family of the kingdom. At-Turaif was the original seat of the Saud dynasty and is situated northwest of the current capital of Riyadh. The city was founded in the fifteenth century and preserves the Najdi architectural style, which is unique to the central Arabian Peninsula. It was the capital of the house of Saud in the eighteenth century, becoming the epicentre of the Wahhabi reform movement. In Iran, the Sheikh Safi al-din Khānegāh and Shrine Ensemble in Ardabil and the Tabriz Historic Bazaar Complex have both been added to the list. The Arbadil shrine complex was founded in the sixteenth century as a Sufi spiritual retreat. It follows a traditional Iranian style, providing a well preserved example of medieval Islamic architecture. The Tabriz Bazaar was one of the most historically important stops on the Silk Road trading route and has been famous since the thirteenth century. According to UNESCO, it is one of the most complete examples of the traditional commercial and cultural system of Iran. The locations were designated as cultural heritage sites, reflecting their outstanding position in the world cultural landscape. Outside the Middle East, a further 18 additions were made to the list, ranging from convict sites in Australia to prehistoric rock art sites in Portugal. According to UNESCO, world heritage status can play an important role in attracting tourists to a destination. The next meeting of the world heritage committee will be held in Bahrain, in 2011.
New Zealand
UAE Citizens to Get Visas on Arrival in New Zealand Emirati nationals are now able to visit the south pacific nation of New Zealand without a pre-arranged visa. According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visas will still be required, but can be obtained at the airport upon arrival in the country. The new visas will allow Emiratis to visit New Zealand for a period of three months, during which time they will be authorised to work in the country. According to the ministry, the new rules apply to all kinds of UAE passports, including diplomatic, official and ordinary passports.
Tabriz Carpet Bazaar AUGUST 7, 2010
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- Accommodation
Dohaland and Premier inn Launch Joint Venture Dohaland and Premier Inn will bring Premier Inn’s limited service hotel brand to Qatar, under a new joint venture.
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he first project under this partnership will be a 200 room hotel in Doha Education City. Dohaland Hospitality, a company mandated to bring unique hotel brands to Qatar, will administer the joint venture. Abdul Aziz Al-Emadi, CEO of Dohaland Hospitality, was confident of success. “We believe there is current need in the market for quality budget hotels in Doha; our partnership with a globally recognised brand such as Premier Inn will address this segment in the market,” he said. “Our long term strategy at Dohaland Hospitality is to provide a diversified offering and cater to different segments
without compromising the quality of the product or experience. “We expect to be in a position to announce further additions to the ever growing Dohaland Hospitality portfolio in the near future.” Darroch Crawford, managing director of Premier Inn in the Middle East, said the partnership lent further weight to the company’s commitment to the region. “The offering we propose, with the price bracket it includes, allows us to be accessible to a wider and largely unserviced segment of the market,” said Crawford. “We have three hotels already open in Dubai and two more under development in Abu Dhabi.” Premier Inn is a UK owned company with nearly 600 hotels worldwide.
We expect to be in a position to announce further additions to the ever growing Dohaland Hospitality portfolio in the near future
The Education City, Doha
Jumeirah Signs on to Manage First Egyptian Resort Dubai based Jumeirah Group has signed a deal with Egyptian group Palm Hills Developments (PHD) to manage a new five star resort on the Red Sea in Egypt. The 250 room Jumeirah Gamsha Bay
Resort will be located in PHD’s Palm Gamsha mixed use development, which includes more than 20 man-made islands. Hiking, golf, diving, desert safaris and archaeological sites are all expected to be
strong drawcards for tourists to Egypt. The resort will be Jumeirah’s first management agreement in Egypt, bringing the total number of Jumeirah properties in operation or under development to 48 globally.
Qatar Accommodation Sector Sees Cautious Recovery in 2010 Revenues for four and five star hotels in Qatar over the first half of this year have exceeded figures from the same period in 2008 and 2009. In addition, Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) has noted a rise of two points in the occupancy rate of the hotel sector in the country. Occupancy rates reached 61 percent in the first half of 2010; Ahmed Al Nuaimi, chairman of QTA, described the recovery as slow and cautious. He added that the increase in occupancy 4
had not been adversely affected by the introduction of several new hotels into the market and the resulting expansion of hotel capacity. “QTA has developed short term promotional plans to attract tourists targeted in the current circumstances as well as to address changes at the global tourism level,” said Al Nuaimi. “We are focusing on the type of tourist to target for the future, not only by number but also including the length of stay and amount of money they spend.”
Finally, Al Nuaimi said 42 hotel facilities were set to open by the end of 2010, with a capacity of approximately 6731 rooms and 1573 hotel units.
Doha AUGUST 7, 2010
- Air Travel
etihad and Musanada Partnership Deal Signed Etihad Airways has partnered with the Abu Dhabi government’s general services provider, Musanada, which will see the two collaborate on providing travel to government employees.
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usanada already provides both business and leisure travel services to government agents; the new partnership will integrate Etihad’s products into Musanada’s service platform. The arrangement will also see Etihad work with Musanada to create a streamlined government travel policy.
James Hogan, CEO of Etihad, said collaboration was important to maintain effectiveness in the face of rapid growth. “As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, it is more and more important that entities work together to build strategic partnerships that benefit the emirate,” he said. “Through our new partnership with Musanada, Etihad will offer superior travel solutions to government employees,
reinforcing our support of the government of Abu Dhabi, as well as strengthening our position as the national carrier,” he said. Mohamed Al Fahed Al Muhairi, CEO of Musanada, said the collaboration would strengthen Abu Dhabi’s government travel policy, which he called the best in the world. “Musanada’s Travel Service Management’s mission is to provide a world class travel service that optimises the financial and service related benefits for the government of Abu Dhabi,” he said. “This travel service delivers a solution which is fully aligned to the Abu Dhabi 2030 vision and outmatches any other government solution currently available globally.”
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, it is more and more important that entities work together to build strategic partnerships that benefit the emirate
(L-R) James Hogan with Mohamed Al Muhairi
Emirates Launches Check-in Kiosks in Metro Stations Emirates has introduced its self service kiosks into a number of Dubai Metro stations, allowing customers to check-in before they reach the airport. The kiosks have been installed in the Burj Khalifa, Financial City and Mall of the Emirates stations. Passengers can check-in, select seats and print boarding passes at the station; however, the amount of luggage that can be 6
transported on the metro is restricted. Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) regulations state that passengers are allowed to carry up to two luggage pieces each on the metro, provided the first piece does not exceed the size specification of 81cm in width, 58cm in height and 30cm in depth; and the second is not larger than 55cm in width, 38cm in height and 20cm in depth.
Emirates self-service check-in kiosk at Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall metro station AUGUST 7, 2010
- Air Travel
Gulf Air’s expansion Strategy inspires Three new Routes Gulf Air has announced three new destinations to be rolled out as part of its winter schedule, along with its previously announced upcoming services to Colombo and Aden.
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he new routes include Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, which will be launched on December 6; Basra in Iraq from October 31; and Isfahan in Iran from October 31. Samer Majali, CEO of Gulf Air, said the new routes were part of a strategy to identify and serve niche markets, creating city links between these destinations and Gulf Air’s hub city, Bahrain. “While none of the Gulf carriers are serving Aden and Basra at present, cities like Addis Ababa and Isafahan are unexplored markets,” he said.
“By launching these destinations we are not only enabling the people and businesses of these countries to connect to one of the fastest growing economies, but also reinforcing our position as the undisputed leader in connecting the Middle East region. "The new winter schedule reflects one of the main objectives of our new strategy to serve every regional capital with at least
a double-daily service and generate a new market of travellers, who wish to conduct their business in the region and return home the same day.” Gulf Air has launched services to 11 new destinations over the past 13 months; during this time the airline also suspended four routes that were no longer commercially viable.
While none of the Gulf carriers are serving Aden and Basra at present, cities like Addis Ababa and Isafahan are unexplored markets
Samer Majalis AUGUST 7, 2010
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- International Singapore Passes Tourism Milestone with One Million Visitors in July In July 2010, Singapore recorded one million visitors in a single month for the first time ever; a development which authorities say is a significant milestone. Jason Ong, area director in the Middle East and Africa for Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said recent increases of interest from the Middle East had contributed to the result. “July has traditionally been a peak period to Singapore for travellers from the Middle East and I would like to thank Middle East travellers for contributing to this historic achievement,” he said. Year on year, the number of Middle Eastern visitors to Singapore increased by 23.2 percent in the first six months, compared to 2009; visitor numbers from all segments increased by 22.6 percent. Leong Yue Kheong, assistant chief executive of international groups for STB, said she expected interest to remain strong.
new York City Cracks Down on illegal hotels The state of New York in the US has banned short-term apartment rentals within New York City (NYC), citing concerns for health, security and the depletion of affordable housing. New York
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he new law represents a crackdown on the practice of subletting accommodation zoned for permanent residency to tourists and
other visitors. According to local media, the bill bans the rental of any non-hotel apartment for a period of less than 30 days. Primary targets of the legislation include bed and breakfasts and unlicensed hostels. Of particular concern are those establishments that have occupied single room occupancy housing projects, intended to provide cheap accommodation for poor residents. David A Paterson, Governor of New York, said the changes would not affect visitors, but would prevent the commercial exploitation of affordable housing. “This new law fixes problems caused by illegal hotels and improves quality of life in traditional residential apartment buildings,
while also meeting the needs of visitors,” he said. Michael R Bloomberg, Mayor of New York, said the bill allow the city to take action against illegal hotels. “When housing designated for permanent occupancy is illegally converted into a hotel, unsafe conditions are created, the residential character of city neighbourhoods is harmed and the supply of much needed units of housing is depleted,” he said. “The bill provides a clear definition of what constitutes transient and permanent occupancy, which will allow city agencies to issue summonses and initiate other enforcement actions against illegal hotels.” The bill contains allowances for roommates and houseguests; giving permanent residents, but not owners, the right to accommodate visitors on a short term basis. According to various NYC media outlets, the bill has drawn criticism from workers in and owners of the establishments. Some claim they will lose their jobs if forced to close and that budget travellers will be deterred from visiting the city.
This new law fixes problems caused by illegal hotels and improves quality of life in traditional residential apartment buildings, while also meeting the needs of visitors 8
AUGUST 7, 2010
Jordan Tourism Board Launches Online Academy Jordan Tourism Board has added online training courses to its website, with the goal of educating travel agents selling Jordan as a destination. Called Visit Jordan Training Academy, the system allows travel agents worldwide to log on and receive certification for completing courses on Jordan’s attractions. Petra, Jordan
Agent’s insight Name: A Hamid Aljabri Position: Managing Director Company: Byblos Tourism and Travel Agency Location: Syria Who are your best customers? We are an incoming travel agency primarily and our main market is Turkish travellers, but we do receive people from other countries, whether directly or indirectly. We have a growing UK market and a couple of Dutch tour operators that we deal with, as well as other agencies in eastern Europe. We also have correspondence with people in Russia, but we have not started dealing with this market yet.
What advice would you give to a young travel agent beginning their career?
STA Travel and Kanoo Partner to Target Middle Eastern Youth Travel Kanoo Travel and STA travel have revealed a partnership agreement that will see the two collaborate in Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The agreement will expand STA’s presence in the Middle East by allowing existing Kanoo outlets to offer STA services. According to Kanoo, the youth and student market in the region is growing, driving demand for youth focused travel options. STA is the largest youth and student travel agent in the world, with 400 branches across 60 countries. Mark Moss, general manager, global partners for STA, said Kanoo Travel was selected based on its market position. “Kanoo Travel is the market leader in the Middle East and we are very excited about this new partnership which we are confident will be a great success, delivering new products and travel opportunities to students and young people in the region,” he said.
We are very excited about this new partnership which we are confident will be a great success 10
They have to work very, very hard and grow their knowledge about different markets and destinations. Knowledge is the first and most important factor. Also, don’t rush after the penny – the penny will come to you when the time is right. Doing your job properly is the best way to be successful and make money.
When is the best time to visit your destination? Everybody comes to Syria during mid-September to the end of October, or mid-March to the end of May. However, I would advise people to come during other periods of the year, when the rates are lower. Any other month really – June, July and August, or November through to March. Space is easier to find at this time and the weather is often still pleasant for travellers.
Where is your most popular destination (outside of Syria)? We have a lot of sales to the Far East, as well as Lebanon and Dubai. Dubai is a highly demanded destination for both business and leisure. Europe is our high yield destination, because the people who travel to Europe are more likely to choose the more expensive products.
Why is travel important? Firstly, it is a change to your daily routine and a means of learning. It furthers your education while providing leisure. You could learn a lot by travelling, seeing new places, meeting new people and tasting different food. Travel adds to your human experience and your quality of life.
Travel adds to your human experience and your quality of life AUGUST 7, 2010
Be Adventurous: Stay off the Beaten Track Many regions within the Middle East and North Africa are racing to develop themselves as tourism destinations, while struggling with a lack of development.
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owever, in a region rich in both natural and cultural heritage, adventure tourism can provide an opportunity to attract tourists, with minimal investment. A US study of key global source markets has found that adventure tourism offers great opportunities for developing destinations and is a much more significant segment than previously thought. Dr Kristin Lamoureux, director of the International Institute of Tourism Studies at George Washington University, said the study showed that the potential of adventure
tourism had been underestimated. “Instead of being seen as a small, niche market, the study shows that adventure tourism is a sizable market with the potential for significant economic growth opportunities,” she said. The study found that the adventure travel industry was worth more than USD89 billion per year worldwide and comprised around a quarter of all outbound travellers from the US, Europe and South America. Lamoureux said the segment could become a revenue stream for undeveloped destinations, while providing an incentive for conservation. “Adventure tourism often relies heavily on
the natural and cultural resources a destination already has to offer,” she said. “For many developing destinations without the resources to build infrastructure, adventure tourism is a realistic alternative and provides a strong argument for preserving a destination's resources.”
Instead of being seen as a small, niche market, the study shows that adventure tourism is a sizable market with the potential for significant economic growth opportunities
Stay For a Knight in UK Castles Converted palace hotels are a popular feature of Middle Eastern travel, with the soon to be renovated Sofitel Winter Palace in Egypt offering a prime example. The UK has caught onto the trend and is now marketing its own brand of courtly luxury to Middle Eastern visitors. Carol Maddison, manager in the UAE for VisitBritain, said the kingdom’s castles offer an irresistible blend of luxury and history. “Britain is blessed with many castles, often in stunning
locations, all full of history,” she said. She said that the UK was home to castles with options ranging from basic to luxury suites. “Many now offer accommodation; castle hotels, bed and breakfast or self catering where you can rent your own castle and live like a king; the choice is yours.”
You can rent your own castle and live like a king
Amberley Castle AUGUST 7, 2010
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Peter Hill
Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
CEO, Oman Air “As we found when Oman Air introduced in-flight mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity, customers value the chance to stay in touch, be entertained, update their social media and work whilst travelling. Oman Air and an increasing number of other airlines have taken great steps forward within the area of in-flight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) and one of the major challenges for the future will be how we match the pace of technological change. I look forward to discussing with colleagues the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.”
Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA) “Abu Dhabi and ADTA have come relatively late to the international tourism scene yet being late to market does not equate to being behind the market. Indeed, the issue of sustainability gives us a chance to surge ahead and demonstrate that when we talk of economic, social and environmental benefits, we do not view them in isolation, but more of an essential trio that when each is judged alongside another, can bring benefits extending well beyond the industry’s immediate community. Sustainability is an issue to be practised by all, for the benefit of all.”
Being late to market does not equate to being behind the market
Customers value the chance to stay in touch, be entertained, update their social media and work whilst travelling
Abu Dhabi
Nasser Lootah CEO, Al Jawhara Group of Hotels and Lootah Hotel Management "We are very happy to be the first hotel in the world to be given the highest rating of seven by Crescentrating. As a pioneer in Islamic hospitality, we have been setting benchmarking trends in Shariah-compliant service offerings and are committed to strengthening Dubai's position as a leader in the sector through Jawhara's three decades of expertise.”
Peter Hill
As a pioneer in Islamic hospitality, we have been setting benchmarking trends in Shariah-compliant service
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
AUGUST 7, 2010
Karim Naffah
Suzanne Afaneh
The Rocco Forte Collection has appointed Karim Naffah as managing director. Naffah has acted as a consultant to the company since July, 2009, and assisted with the group’s refinancing. The appointment was designed to allow the company’s founder, Sir Rocco Forte, to devote more time to expansion of the business. Naffar has more than 18 years of experience in strategy and finance within the leisure and hospitality industry.
As part of a major cabinet restructure, Jordanian Prime Minister Samir Rifai has appointed Suzanne Afaneh as Minister of Tourism and Antiquities. Afaneh replaces the former minister, Maha Khatib. Afaneh is a former anchor and channel director at Jordan Television and head of the communications department at Zain Telecom Company in Jordan.
Karim Naffah
Thomas Swieca
Peter French
Rezidor Hotel Group has appointed Thomas Swieca as general manager of Radisson Blu Resort, El Quseir. Swieca has more than 25 years in the hospitality industry, joining Rezidor in 2005 as general manager for the opening of Radisson SAS Media Harbour Hotel in Dusseldorf, Germany. He holds a diploma from Hotel School WIFA in Germany.
Raffles Dubai has appointed Peter French as general manager. French has more than 40 years of international hospitality experience. His previous roles have included general manager of The Sukothai in Bangkok, The Carlyle in New York and Grosvenor House in London. Most recently, he led the renovation and repositioning of Mandarin Oriental’s flagship hotel in Hong Kong.
Thomas Swieca
Barry Brown
Barry Brown 14
Etihad has appointed Barry Brown as vice president for Australasia. Brown has more than 23 years of experience in the airline industry. He previously worked as chief commercial officer with Oman Air and has held similar positions with SriLankan Airlines and Hazelton Airlines in Australia. In his new role, Brown will be responsible for Emirates’ commercial operations in Australia and New Zealand. With 70 flights per week between Dubai and Australia, the route is Emirates’ third largest market. Peter French AUGUST 7, 2010
Q&A with Jan Moenkedieck Hilton Abu Dhabi, one of the emirate’s oldest international hotels, is currently undergoing major renovations to bring it up to contemporary standards. General manager Jan Moenkedieck spoke to Travel Trade Weekly about the changing face of tourism in Abu Dhabi and the effect it is having on the hotel industry. Travel Trade Weekly: When was the Hilton Abu Dhabi property opened and what changes has it faced since then? Jan Moenkedieck: Hilton Abu Dhabi was the first international hotel in Abu Dhabi, opened in March 1973 under the patronage of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Hilton Abu Dhabi has doubled in size since the opening; an additional wing was added in 1994. Hilton Abu Dhabi has witnessed the incredible development of Abu Dhabi over the last 40 years.
Travel Trade Weekly: Can you tell us about the recent renovations? Jan Moenkedieck: The rooms, suites and other facilities such as our lobby have been given a boost according to the newest standards. Those main facilities are to deliver a contemporary luxury with a refined Arabian sense of place. The renovation of 50 percent of the rooms and suites in the hotel is to be completed by September 2010 with the intention to upgrade the remaining rooms over the course of 2011. This will be complemented by renovations of some of our restaurants, bars, meeting and conference facilities with exciting and new concepts.
Travel Trade Weekly: How does the hotel compete with the increasing number of properties in Abu Dhabi does it have a particular market niche? Jan Moenkedieck: Hilton Abu Dhabi has been a cornerstone of hospitality in Abu Dhabi for nearly 40 years. AUGUST 7, 2010
Thanks to our strategic location, the hotel mostly withstands the competitive pressure of hotels that are located outside the heart of the city. Our regular clientele, consisting of corporate, leisure and government entities keep us busy the whole year round. Having the largest and most popular beach club in town on the stunning corniche, some of the most vibrant dining and entertainment in the city, make the hotel a destination by itself.
The development of the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi has been an overwhelming success both regionally and internationally Travel Trade Weekly: How has the growth of Abu Dhabi as a destination, including new attractions and events, affected the hotel? Jan Moenkedieck: First and foremost the development of the F1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi has been an overwhelming success both regionally and internationally. Major exhibitions and conventions held in Abu Dhabi saw hotels fully booked during key business periods over the last years. Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority’s buzzing cultural calendar has further added a very positive positioning of the emirate that positively affected the business levels of our hotel rooms, leisure, dining and entertainment facilities.
Jan Moenkedieck
Travel Trade Weekly: Are there any challenges that you face currently? Jan Moenkedieck: Abu Dhabi as a destination is going through a change of growth. This brings the usual challenges and positive growing pain when running a complex business that touches so many sectors, people and stakeholders alike.
Travel Trade Weekly: Similarly, are there any developments/initiatives that you think would improve the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi? Jan Moenkedieck: A great example of a development that will boost the tourism industry in Abu Dhabi is the development of Sadiyaat and Yas islands. Those will further profile Abu Dhabi’s leisure markets with its unspoilt beaches, renowned museums and exciting attractions.
Hilton Abu Dhabi was the first international hotel in Abu Dhabi, opened in March 1973 15
EIBTM 2010 Launches New Stand Award Programme for Exhibitors Organisers of the Barcelona based global meetings and events exhibition, EIBTM, have launched a new exhibitor initiative, EIBTM Stand Awards 2010. Categories include: best stand design overall; best stand design – shell scheme; best stand for doing business; best stand personnel; best stand feature/attraction; most innovative stand within technology and event services village; sustainability; and hosted buyer voted best stand. The awards are open to all EIBTM exhibitors and will be judged on November 30 - the opening day of the exhibition. Judging will be undertaken by an
independent panel, chaired by Rob Allen of TRO Group; the sustainability award will be judged by Organise This Ltd. The hosted buyer award will be announced on the final day of EIBTM – hosted buyers will be encouraged to vote for their favourite stand throughout the exhibition. Graeme Barnett, exhibition director for EIBTM, said the awards were expected to become a permanent fixture at future EIBTM events. “These awards have been set up in recognition of the importance stands and stand personnel play in the success of achieving return on investment at
EIBTM,” he said. “Exhibitors who invest substantial time and budgets in our event deserve to receive recognition for their design and marketing efforts.” EIBTM 2010 will be held in Barcelona, Spain, between November 30 and December 2.
Exhibitors who invest substantial time and budgets in our event deserve to receive recognition
events Medical Tourism and Global Healthcare Conference Los Angeles, US, September 22-24 (www.medicaltourismconference.com) Forum for the global medical and wellbeing tourism industry. Outdoor Adventure Dubai Dubai, UAE, October 8-10 (www.outdooradventuredubai.com) Adventure sports, outdoor clubs, equipment specialists and holiday destinations. GITEX Technology Week Dubai, UAE, October 17-21 (www.gitex.com) Technology solutions for hotels, businesses and consumers. Hotex Fair Syria Damascus, Syria, October 19-22 (www.hotexfair.com) Fair for Arabic and foreign companies in tourism and travel, including hotels, restaurants and equipment suppliers.
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World Travel Market London, UK, November 8-11 (www.wtmlondon.com) Global event for the travel industry – four day business to business event promoting a range of destinations and industry sectors to international travel professionals. World Green Tourism Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi, UAE, November 22-24 (www.worldgreentourism.ae) Inaugural eco-tourism exhibition, featuring tourism authorities, urban city planners, hotels and resorts, property developers, airlines, tour operators, green product suppliers, universities, museums and heritage site organisations. Blossom Japan Tokyo, Japan, January 18-21,2011 (www.blossomjapan.com) A new invitation-only luxury travel exhibition focusing on the Japanese market.
AUGUST 7, 2010