Travel Arabia News Issue No.1 May 2012 by Shaza Sharaffdeen

Now, the future looks even brighter Ras Al Khaimah bags 2 major deals with Real Madrid for US$ 1 billion and Rixos Hotels, to build a state-of-the-art resort Monthly Edition

May 2012

No.01

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His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah Florentino Perez, Real President

Special ATM round-up report on page 14

The Kingdom of Tourism

Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower, set to become the world’s tallest building at one kilometer high, and among Saudi Arabia’s attractions, will be completed midway through 2017, according to Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal, Kingdom Holding’s chairman. The structure, built at an initial cost of US$1.23 billion, is the centrepiece of a US$20-billion development project entitled, “Kingdom City” along the Red Sea.

Saudi Arabia eyes 1.1M local jobs in 3 years

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OUR WORDS Finally. Quick news about the tourism sector from the Middle East and elsewhere around the world. As a key industry player and stakeholder, keeping abreast of the goings-on makes for informed business decisions. Travel Arabia News gives you just what you need—and a little more. Travel Arabia News, TAN, debuts on the 12th edition of Arabian Travel Market, a major platform offering limitless opportunities for all business enterprises connected to the travel world. In this first edition, TAN comes in several sections of varying interests—from major global news to UAE developments and regional updates. It also has information on recent developments on the boards of businesses as well recent appointments in various hotels. Indeed, reading TAN keeps you abreast.

uae Khor Fakkan picks up Sleepy town comes alive with thousands of cruise holiday makers and major events

NUMBERS SPEAK

This ‘hidden jewel’ off the UAE’s east coast, which is fast becoming a popular tourist spot, needs more hotels ATM 2012, happening April 30, 2012 to May 3, 2012 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Center, has participants from approximately 70 countries showcasing over 2200 products.

INDUSTRY QUIZ How high will Jeddah’s Kingdom Tower be? CLUE: The structure, which is planned to be completed in 2012 is set to become the world’s tallest building. Email your answer to dass@kalimatgroup.com and be surprised.

CONTACTS www.travel-arabia.com Publisher-CEO Hekmat el Zein

Address Travel Arabia Head Office Office G4, Building No.1 Phase One, P.O.Box 502408 Dubai Media City, UAE Tel +971 4 391 0410/1/2/3 Fax +971 4 391 6619 E-mail editor@travel-arabia.com Media House KGI

General Manager Shaza Sharaffdeen Editor Jojo Dass dass@kalimatgroup.com Photographer Maher Youssef

Sales & Marketing Executive Crisna De Guzman crisna@kalimatgroup.com Circulation Manager Ihab Abdallah Distributor Jashanmal National Co. LLC

Creative Manager Karen Haroon Designer Najeeb Hamza Sales & Marketing Manager Syed Muhammad Arif arif@kalimatgroup.com

Travel Arabia Lebanon Office Riad el solh 11072070 P.O.Box 11-1197, Beirut, Lebanon Tel +961 3 435 780 Fax +961 7 762 104

Travel Arabia disclaimer All text and layout remains the copyright of KGI unless stated otherwise. Travel Arabia is fully independent, and its views are not those of any company mentioned herein. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. All rights reserved. © 2012 KGI

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Khor Fakkan, a Sharjah town known for its natural deep water port, surrounding mountains and attractive beaches, is where at least two cruise liners dock every week, carrying approximately 6,000 European holiday makers eager to discover this “hidden jewel.” HE Mohamed Ali Al Noman, Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, said this speaks so much about how great the place is. “Cruise liners are very picky in deciding on where to dock,” he said at a recent press conference announcing the H20 Nations Cup Powerboat Championship 2012, a three-day race that drew thousands of enthusiasts to this town March 28 to 31. Officials hope the international event has placed Khor Fakkan on the tourism map. Al Noman lamented that Khor Fakkan, which means “Creek of Two Jaws,” so far only has one hotel and therefore could not accordingly accommodate the influx of visitors from the neighboring emirates and GCC countries coming to the town especially on weekends for a getaway holiday. “We hope that more investments come from the hotel industry,” he said. “Thanks to its rugged landscape and great beaches and mountains, Khor Fakkan and the east coast are extremely popular with both residents and tourists. “The Khor Fakkan port, a

major container terminal, has been hosting major cruise liners and over the past year or so, nearly 50,000 cruise passengers had stopped over. But it’s still like virgin territory and potential and possibilities are infinite,” he said. Al Noman said the Sharjah government is keen on developing Khor Fakkan and boost the economy by hosting events like the powerboat championship, and developing tourist infrastructure. Referring to the arrival of an increasing number of European cruise travellers in Khor Fakkan, he said the renovation of the Oceanic Hotel, the lone hotel, and the Khor Fakkan Luxury Tourist Resort and Spa, which is being developed by Shurooq, would create world-class facilities and infrastructure for international tourists. Al Noman said both the culturally-rich Sharjah and the rugged landscape of the East Coast with its golden beaches and great mountains offer international tourists something they can’t find elsewhere. “But we need to promote it more aggressively. It’s still like unexplored territory. We have to tap its immense potential,” he pointed out. SCTDA said the H20 Nations Cup would be a permanent feature of Sharjah’s calendar of events that includes the Sharjah Water Festival, Sharjah Grand Prix and Sharjah Light Festival.

Now, the future looks even brighter Ras Al Khaimah bags 2 major deals

His Highness Sheikh Saud Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah and Florentino Perez, Real President

Real Madrid, Rixos Hotels sign in for multimillion dollar projects Efforts by the Ras Al Khaimah government to transform the emirate into a booming tourist city appears to be paying off good with recent deals involving big players in the global visitor industry having been reached and more fresh investments consequently coming in. In March this year, Ras Al Khaimah officially received commitment by Real Madrid for a US$1 billion project—a “sportainment” village complete with luxury hotels, a marina, a 10,000seat stadium and a state-of-the-art amusement park. In December last year, the emirate also sealed an agreement with Turkish hospitality giant, Rixos Hotels for the Rixos Bab Al Bahr, a 627-room resort project. At a jam-packed press conference held on March 29, 2012 at the project’s site on Al Marjan Island,

Real President Florentino Perez said RAK was chosen for the pioneering project due to the Emirate’s location, equidistant between Europe and the Far East, home to half the estimated 300 million fans and followers of the club. The first recreational tourism complex to be built under the Real Madrid trademark will be a comprehensive sporting destination complete with luxury hotels, a marina and amusement park featuring the use of latest technologies such as hologram animations. It will also house a 10,000-seat stadium, the first in the world to open directly fronting the sea, as well as sports facilities, a club museum, shopping mall, private beaches and residential areas. Ras Al Khaimah is looking at having 10,000 hotel rooms by 2016 and having 1.2 million visitors by the year 2013. www.travel-arabia.com

Business

TALKS

Royal Jet’s rosy horizons Private jet company posts 15% growth

The positive momentum from Royal Jet’s strong 2011 business performance has carried over into the first quarter of 2012 as the private jet operator recorded a 15-percent increase in revenue over the same period last year – the best Q1 performance in its history. The Abu Dhabi-based international luxury flight services company, chaired by His Excellency Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, attributed its success to increasingly buoyant market conditions across all customer segments, emerging strong growth in Asia and Saudi Arabia as well as continued productivity improve-

Millennium & Copthorne to open 6 hotels Millennium & Copthorne has revealed it will be opening six new Copthorne hotels, bringing the total number of Copthorne Hotels in the Middle East to eight. Accounting for more than 1,000 guest rooms in the coming 12 months, these new hotels are currently under way in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE, adding to the two established popular Copthorne hotels currently operating in Dubai, and Al Jahra, Kuwait, and the recently opened Copthorne Doha. The expansion of the Copthorne brand will start with the twin

launch of Copthorne Al Salam and Copthorne Medina in the second quarter of 2012. Both are located in the heart of Medina, just 500m from the Holy Mosque, and together they offer 389 elegant rooms and suites ideal for pilgrims and business travellers alike. Copthorne is the hotel group’s welcoming 4-star midscale brand, which offers consistent international quality standards and smooth service, combined with an inherent respect for the local culture. Representing tremendous growth for the brand, the sign-

ing of so many new management agreements can be attributed to a demand in each of the markets for reliable quality accommodation and good value. Copthorne Hotel Baranan in Sulaimania, Iraq, will open later this year. Located in the tourist area of Sarchinar, only 15 minutes from the heart of the city, the hotel has three restaurants, one bar, and six meeting rooms. It will offer 78 comfortable guest rooms and panoramic views of the Sarchinar mountains. The Copthorne Hotel & Spa Sulaimaniah, Iraq, will open in 2013 with 120 guest rooms.

54 properties in 31 cities this year— Frasers Frasers Hospitality Pte Ltd will manage 54 properties – a total of 8,732 individual residences – in 31 cities worldwide in 2012, with 13 new properties scheduled for 2013. The company’s global footprint will expand to 72 properties with a total of 12,000 individual residences in 37 global cities by the end of 2016, a company media release stated. In line with this, the hotel company known for luxury apartments and serviced residences, has introduced its exclusive guest

recognition programme, Fraser World, to reward frequent and extended stay residents of its current 46 properties worldwide. Specially designed to offer residents an extensive range of premier privileges that suit all needs, the programme will have four membership tiers that include Crystal, Sapphire, Diamond and Platinum. Rewarding points for every room night stayed, Fraser World’s wide range of benefits also include complimentary upgrades,

preferential rates, and other member-exclusive conveniences to further enhance the quality of their stay such as complimentary dry cleaning and pressing, airport transfers, breakfast, newspapers, welcome amenities and local calls. Guests can apply by first logging on to www.frasershospitality.com to update their profile, and subsequently set their preferences and personalise their account upon receiving their membership card. www.travel-arabia.com

ments. Shane O’Hare, president and CEO said the strongest growth was in the jet charter business driven by the company’s aggressive sales strategy. O’Hare said that forward demand is strong well into the second quarter, further underlying the operator’s confidence in business recovery. “We are optimistic that this level of business performance will continue throughout the year,” he said. Royal Jet recorded a 226-percent net profit increase in 2011 out of total revenues that increased by 31.2 percent over 2010.

Etihad Airways signs MOU with China Airlines

Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong preside over the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding by Etihad Airways Chief Strategy and Planning Officer Kevin Knight and China Eastern Airlines Marketing Director Dong Bo, flanked by cabin crew from both airlines at a ceremony in Shanghai, China.

Etihad, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Eastern Airlines. The landmark agreement was signed at a meeting in Shanghai between President and Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan and China Eastern Airlines Chairman Liu Shaoyong. The agreement will encompass joint route and schedule coordination, codesharing between the UAE and China and in time on each other’s networks, full frequent flyer reciprocity, reciprocal airport lounge access, joint product development, and technical and cargo cooperation – subject to regulatory approval. Hogan said the MOU with China Eastern Airlines “will allow us to extend our reach into the dynamic Chinese travel market in a commercially viable and mutually beneficial way.” He said it will allow both airlines to offer their customers greater choice in terms of destinations and schedules and practical benefits like reciprocal lounge access and the ability to earn and burn on each other flights. “We will explore further opportunities to expand the cooperation with China Eastern Airlines and would welcome them operating to and beyond our home base in Abu Dhabi,” Hogan said.

Air Seychelles unveils growth plan with Etihad Air Seychelles has unveiled a far reaching two-year business plan to improve the carrier’s fortunes and position it as a premium carrier from the Indian Ocean region. The plan will see Air Seychelles renew its fleet, take advantage of equity partner Etihad Airways’ know how and excellent reputation as a world class airline as well as its extensive global route network, maximise efficiencies, boost

sales opportunities and launch a scholarship training program for Seychellois. The plan was announced subsequent to the first meeting of the new Air Seychelles Board of Directors following the purchase by Etihad Airways of a 40 per cent share in January. Present for the first time at an Air Seychelles Board meeting were three Board members from Etihad Airways.

Emirates Grand to open 2 properties on Sheikh Zayed Road Emirates Grand Hotel plans to open two new properties along Sheikh Zayed Road and have it operating by end of this year, Frank Owens, Group General Manager and Area Director for Business development told TAN. “We are planning in the near future to open a hotel apartment on Sheikh Zayed Road which will be sister company of Emirate Grand Hotel, we will call it Emirate Grand Hotel Apartments. “We have another plan for another hotel, a sister hotel that we don’t have a name yet for,”

Owens said. He said expansion plans outside Dubai would depend on how the two new projects will fare. According to him, the two projects are estimated to cost approximately AED700 million, adding, “we are planning to see them operational end 2012.” The hotel apartment, he said, will have 356 rooms; the hotel, 400. Owens said Dubai tourism is growing thus the expansion projects. Emirates Grand Hotel also operates Sharjah Tulip Inn and the Fakhreldine Restaurant and Café on Sheikh Zayed Road.

Highlights of the plan include: • The introduction of two Airbus A330-200 aircraft • The launch of services to Beijing in early 2013, offering through connections to Johannesburg via the Seychelles • Increased frequencies to key destinations, including Abu Dhabi, Mauritius and Johannesburg • Closer cooperation with Etihad Airways to identify economies of

scale and synergies in staff training, procurement and product development • Extended codeshare operations with Etihad Airways to connect the Seychelles, through Abu Dhabi, with a global network of passenger and cargo destinations Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: “Air Seychelles is a strong business proposition and Etihad

Airways will do everything we can to ensure it achieves sustainable growth while offering passengers best in class service.“When we partnered with Air Seychelles we made a commitment to support Air Seychelles’ quest to emerge as a viable airline offering world class service commensurate with that being offered by Etihad Airways. The business plan we presented is the tangible result of that commitment.”

Viceroy Hotel lands in San Francisco Viceroy Hotel Group has been selected as operator for Pebblebrook Hotel Trust’s newest acquisition in San Francisco, the Hotel Milano. Located in the heart of San Francisco next to the Moscone Convention Center, the full-service hotel has 108 guest rooms that will be completely renovated by Pebblebrook later this year. This new property will then re-launch as part of Viceroy Hotel Group’s Urban Retreat Collection. Viceroy Hotel Group currently manages two other properties for Pebblebrook, the Delfina in Santa Monica and Viceroy Miami. The extensive renovation will involve a substantial upgrade of the entire property, including www.travel-arabia.com

guest rooms, common areas and restaurant. Catering to business and leisure travelers, the hotel is conveniently located in the SoMA

area of San Francisco, just blocks away from the Moscone Convention Center, Union Square and Financial District.

8 Air Arabia increases Dammam flights to triple daily

FLIGHTS

PLUS

Air Arabia, the Middle East and North Africa’s first and largest low cost carrier (LCC) recently announced the launch of additional daily flight to Dammam in Saudi Arabia. With the launch of the additional service, Air Arabia now operates three daily flights to this city. Effective March 28, 2012, the carrier will offer daily services to Dammam, departing Sharjah International Airport at 08:35, 17:40 and 21:45 and arriving at Dammam King Fahad Airport at 08:50, 17:55 and 22:00 respectively. Return flights will depart from Dammam at 09:30, 18:35 and 22:40 and arrive in Sharjah at 11:45, 20:50 and 00:55 respectively. Adel Ali, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Arabia said KSA remains an important market for Air Arabia “and we are proud to see Dammam services increased to three daily frequencies.”

Bahrain Air now flies 4 times weekly to Trivandum, Kerala

Bahrain Air, the second national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced four flights a week to Trivandrum, capital of the south Indian state of Kerala, with plans to increase to seven flights a week by the summer. A ceremony was held at the Bahrain International Airport to mark the occasion of the inaugural flight and was attended by Captain Ibrahim Abdulla

Al Hamer - Managing Director of Bahrain Air, in the presence of Richard Nuttall - CEO, and other Senior officials and managers from Civil Aviation Affairs (CAA), Bahrain Airport Company (BAC), Bahrain Airport Services (BAS) and Bahrain Air. With the historic milestone of seven flights a week to Trivandrum, Kerala will constitute 80 percent of Bahrain Air India’s capacity, with 17 flights a week

across Cochin, Calicut and Trivandrum. Flights will depart from Bahrain at 9:25 p.m. and arrive early morning in Trivandrum International airport at 4.15 a.m. The return flight will depart Trivandrum at 5:00 a.m. and arrive at Bahrain International Airport at 7:30 a.m. Flights have been scheduled for onward connection to other Gulf and Levant destinations. Speaking on the occasion, Al Hamer said that the Indian subcontinent remains a key focus area for Bahrain Air with Kerala continuing to be a focal destination. According to Al Hamer, there currently are about 350,000 Keralites in Bahrain and another 400,000 in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. “This new route to Trivandrum, once again reiterates our commitment to improve our services and meet the needs of our customers within the region,” he said. www.travel-arabia.com

Etihad Airways increases flights Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, will add new flights to Kuwait, Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, and Cairo, Egypt. Starting April 1, 2012, Etihad Airways will increase frequency to Kuwait from 21 to 25 flights per week, and to Dammam from 13 to 16 flights per week, subject to regulatory approval. Starting June 2012, Etihad Airways will also boost flights to Egypt with four additional services to Cairo, which means the carrier will operate 18 flights to that city henceforth. The additional services will be operated by an Airbus A320 aircraft in a twoclass configuration, and will increase capacity by approximately 20 percent across both routes. The timing of the new services in Kuwait and Dammam will provide greater access for busi-

ness travellers to explore commercial opportunities in the two cities. In particular, guests travelling between Abu Dhabi and Kuwait will be able to take advantage of the new conveniently timed evening departure. The new flights will also significantly improve connectivity through the airline’s Abu Dhabi hub to key destinations in the rest of the Middle East, and across Asia, Europe and North America. Etihad Airways President and Chief Executive Officer James Hogan said: “Kuwait and Dammam are important strategic destinations for us due to the established cultural and commercial ties between the UAE and both Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. “The additional flights will open new horizons for commercial activities in both cities.”

9 Tourism Ireland announces extension of Irish Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme Visiting Ireland has just become easier for GCC nationals. Ireland’s Minister for Justice has announced the extension of the Irish short-stay Visa Waiver Programme for a further period of four years. This initiative, introduced for the first time last year, was welcomed as a very positive step in encouraging visitors to Ireland. The programme had originally been due to last until the end of October this year but on consideration of a review, the government agreed to extend its duration. The Minister also announced the following changes: Bosnia and Herzegovina will be added to the existing list of 16 countries already covered by the Programme; As a further measure to encourage tourism, the fee for visas will

be waived for long-term residents from the countries covered by the Programme who live in the Schengen area. This will be reviewed after six months. For more information on the Short-stay Visa Waiver Programme please visit http://www. discoverireland.com/ae/irelandplan-your-visit/facts/Visa-Passport-and-Embassies/

Qatar Airways Privilege Club members can now redeem Qmiles at QDF Qatar Airways’ Privilege Club members can now use their Qmiles as a convenient means of payment for their duty free shopping at Qatar Duty Free within Doha International Airport. Whether departing, transiting or arriving in Doha, members can avail of the new service allowing them to choose to pay with cash or Qmiles – or a combination of both – on any purchase with Qatar Duty Free.

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With a wide selection of the world’s finest brand and product categories, Privilege Club members will be spoilt for choice from an extensive collection of fragrances, cosmetics and skincare, fashion accessories and jewellery, luxury gifts, electronics and gadgets, souvenirs and much, much more at the award-winning Qatar Duty Free. Passengers can make their purchases at Qatar Duty Free

locations within the Departures, Arrivals and Premium Terminals at Doha International Airport. Members can also purchase raffle tickets for the popular luxury car draws or the One Million Dollar draw with their Qmiles. In addition, as an exclusive benefit, Privilege Club Gold members will enjoy a special discount on the Qmiles required for redemption on duty free purchases.

ON THE

COVER The Kingdom of Tourism Top official cites potentials of a promising industry but stresses need for more private sector participation

iting its huge economic potentials, a top Saudi Arabia tourism official said the country’s visitor industry can create 1.1 million local jobs by 2015. Prince Sultan bin Salman, president of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA), said this can be done provided the private sector works with the government on tourism-related infrastructure projects, especially in light of promoting domestic tourism among the Kingdom’s over eight million expatriates. “We have seen large numbers of citizens leaving for destinations outside our country and spend a lot of money there,” he said on the occasion of the four-day 2012 Saudi Travel and Tourism Investment organized by SCTA and held March 26 – 29, 2012 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center. The prince indicated that this is lamentable considering that Saudi Arabia has vast potentials with its heritage sites, as well as geographical and cultural diversities. Despite these immense resources, Prince Sultan said the only way to attract local tourists is through a comprehensive project handled by the government to develop services and programs and tourist facilities. Prince Sultan stressed that developing the country’s tourism sector requires investment and a system of infrastructure services that cannot be implemented alone by the government. He said the private sector can contribute by providing consultancy for the projects. “Through studies and statistics documented by the commission in partnership with the relevant authorities, tourism is one of the most important economic sectors producing employment opportunities for citizens,” Prince Sultan said.

In Brief The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector currently employs 950,000 local workers. Officials estimate that by 2015 the industry would be able to create 1.1 million jobs. The Saudi Commission for Tourism and Antiquities (SCTA) has been reviewing and updating a comprehensive national tourism strategy towards this end.

He said there were 950,000 local workers in the tourism sector, even as he emphasized its capability to produce new job opportunities. By Prince Sultan’s estimates, the Kingdom’s visitor industry could create 1.1 million jobs at least by 2015 based on the government’s strategic plan.

The SCTA has updated its comprehensive overall strategy for the development of national tourism and also approved an operational plan for the next three years. The plan aims to expedite projects and track tourist destinations, sites and tourist routes across the country, including architectural www.travel-arabia.com

heritage locations like monuments and new museums. IN the plan is the ongoing construction of the kilometer-high Kingdom Tower in Jeddah. The plan also involves training programs for Saudi nationals in line with the vision to “reconnect” them to the local culture and heritage.

STARWOODS debuts St. Regis Doha hotel’s distinctive architecture, created by Dar Al Handasah, will provide an elegant showcase of contemporary design fused with traditional Arabic touches, an impressive addition to the city’s skyline.

Legendary St. Regis Butler Service

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. continues the dynamic global growth of its ultraluxury St. Regis brand with the recent opening of The St. Regis Doha, Qatar’s first St. Regis hotel. Offering the finest address in Doha, this highly-anticipated luxury hotel is part of the new luxury waterfront Al Gassar Resort development, and is centrally located between the city’s cultural heritage sites and its emerging commercial hub. The St. Regis Doha is owned by Alfardan Group Holdings and will feature 10 distinctive culinary experiences including Gordon Ramsay and Hakkasan restaurants, the region’s first Remède Spa and the first Jazz at Lincoln Center jazz club outside of the United States. The hotel will also offer St. Regis’s legendary butler service, which has been specifically tailored to cater to visitors from within the Middle East. To celebrate its launch, The St. Regis Doha introduces an opening offer valid until June 30, 2012. The rate starts at 1,900 QR per night for a superior room and offers complimentary benefits including a Jazz at Lincoln Center welcome gift, in-room Wi-Fi internet access, a 30-minute spa massage and a St. Regis afternoon tea ritual in Sarab Lounge. “We are delighted to partner with Alfardan Group as we introduce the St. Regis brand to Qatar with the opening of The St. Regis Doha,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa and Middle East. “St. Regis Hotels & Resorts exemplify luxury, elegance and impeccable service. With the opening of this magnificent hotel, Starwood continues to lengthen its lead in luxury hospitality, offering guests

exceptional levels of service in a wide range of destinations around the world.” “As the centrepiece of Al Gassar Resort, the St Regis Doha perfectly complements the development’s unmatched luxury, sophistication and elegance as one of the world’s leading luxury hotels that provides the highest levels of exclusivity and hospitality”, said Mr. Omar Al Fardan, President of Resorts Development Company and Alfardan Group. “This exceptional beach front hotel translates the luxury offerings of what Alfardan Group is known for; from

its impeccable standards, innovation and customized service. We are proud to have St Regis Doha added to our portfolio as a unique masterpiece at Al Gassar Resort as we foresee this development to be the desired destination for any traveller to Qatar and the region.” The St. Regis Doha will feature 336 luxuriously-appointed guest rooms, including 70 elegant suites and two 600-square-metre Presidential suites, all offering breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. Designed by the internationally acclaimed Wilson Associates, the guest rooms and suites will offer a blend of timeless design and elegant Middle Eastern touches. The

Following in the tradition of the St. Regis brand’s legendary New York flagship hotel, The St. Regis Doha will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers will provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Starwood in the Middle East St. Regis Hotels & Resorts continues its dynamic global growth as it nearly triples its portfolio in just five years. The opening of St. Regis Doha marks the second of three

St. Regis hotels slated to debut within a year in the Middle East, including The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi which opened last December and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi hotel which will open this fall on the Corniche. Starwood currently operates nearly fifty hotels in the Middle East and continues to strengthen its long- established position as one of the leading luxury hotel operators in the region. For more information about The St. Regis Doha or to make a reservation, please contact the hotel directly at telephone (974) 4446 0000, via email at reservations.doha@stregis.com or online at www.stregisdoha.com. www.travel-arabia.com

IN THE

MENA

13 Carlson Rezidor upbeat on Qatar ‘The country has certainly become a key hotel investment destination.” Kurt Ritter, President and CEO, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. Banking on Qatar’s aggressive tourism infrastructure spending program over the next years, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group has placed the country on its investments map. Kurt Ritter, President and CEO, the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group indicated the hospitality company is keen on expanding its reach to this country rich in liquefied natural gas with new hotels coming in the pipeline. “The economic conditions are excellent,” said Ritter. “We see Qatar as a crucial addition to our GCC portfolio and look forward to seeing our core brand Radisson Blu making its entry into the market in 2012,” he added. “The country has certainly become a key hotel investment destination.” Flush with cash from multi-

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billion dollar sales of gas, Qatar has embarked on an aggressive infrastructure spending programme as it prepares to host the 2022 World Cup, and for life beyond. The direct contribution of travel and tourism to Qatar’s GDP is expected to reach US$1.1 billion in 2012, compared to US$800 million in 2009, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council. Over the next five years the Gulf state will invest around US$65 billion in new transportation schemes. These include the new US$11 billion Doha International Airport, the US$6 billion Doha port project and a US$25 billion metro and railway. Qatar is investing US$20 billion alone into tourism infrastructure for its World Cup prep-

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arations according to the Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA), with most of this investment going into building new hotels. The Gulf state plans to have 30,000 hotel rooms by 2013, up from 15,500 late last year, and aims to add 5,000 new hotel rooms each year up until 2022, bringing the total number of hotel rooms to 75,000, according to QTA. In this light, top industry executives and officials will head to the annual Arabian Hotel Investment Conference 2012 (AHIC), which takes place in Dubai on 28-30 April 28-30, 2012 at Madinat Jumeirah, to discuss investment opportunities in a region where governments are ploughing billions of dollars into tourism infrastructure.

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Emirates Holidays expands reach Emirates Holidays, the touroperating arm of Emirates Airlines, has come up with its travel brochure for 2012-2013, its biggest so far which includes Argentina, Denmark, Ireland, Zambia and Zimbabwe in what is seen as growing confidence in the hospitality sector on the region’s outbound market. The new additions in this version of the brochure, said Frederic Bardin, senior vice president, were “not necessarily preferred destinations “ as they were included to “create a market.” “We anticipate a big boost in business. We are opening up our client base with new products. We anticipate a bigger response. The market has been very good in March and April. We are very optimistic,” Bardin told TAN in an exclusive phone interview. The brochure, entitled “A World of Choice 2012-2013,” is

the tour operator’s “best and biggest,” Bardin said. Providing holiday makers with a directory of sort of where to go, the brochure will be available in tour agencies from which travel plans may be finalized. Emirates Holidays offers the region’s most comprehensive program of holiday choices, providing travelers with more destinations with a wide selection of hotel, tour and transfer options. Argentina, Denmark, Ireland, Zambia and Zimbabwe all make their first appearances in the brochure, which has grown by 20 per cent – from 500 to 600 pages – since the 2011-2012 edition. Holidays to Dallas and Seattle in the USA, along with Vancouver in Canada, have also been introduced this year to coincide with the launch of new routes to these cities by Emirates airline.

St. Regis to open more MENA properties The St. Regis brand’s aggressive growth in the Middle East and Africa will continue this year with the upcoming debut of The St. Regis Mauritius Resort. Also, St. Regis will debut in Egypt with The St. Regis Cairo in 2014 as well as in Jordan with The St. Regis Amman and The Residences at The St. Regis Amman in 2015. This according to a media statement from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, which has the ultra-luxury hotel under its brands. According to the announcement, St. Regis will show-

Bin Majid Group to open new hotels Bin Majid Group, which operates Bin Majid Beach Hotel, Bin Majid Beach Resort, Acacia, and Mangrove, will open a new hotel in Abu Dhabi this year, and Dubai early next year, according to Dr. Ali Kasapbashi, chairman. He, at the same time said the company, which since it’s establishment in 1978, has grown to become a conglomerate in the hospitality sector, has received “a number of requests from top market leaders…who are interested to enter into partnerships with us.” Among companies under the Group are Bin Majid Tours, Impala Rent A Car, Gulf Hotel Supplies, Bin Majid Beach Hotel, Bin Majid Beach Resort and Mangrove Hotel.

Poland, Spain and Portugal keen on Dubai market Poland, Spain and Portugal are keen on putting up businesses in Dubai citing the emirate’s booming visitor industry and strategic location between the east and west. This according to Moussa El

Hayek, Al Bustan Centre & Residence CEO who said he is looking forward to meeting representatives from these countries during ATM “We hope to gain from this event business from new markets like Poland, Spain and Portugal

which recently started to divert their business to Dubai from other destinations,” he said, adding that Al Bustan Centre & Residence will as well try to “enhance our position in our feeder markets like GCC, CIS and Chinese.” www.travel-arabia.com

Al Bustan Centre & Residence has been operating for the past 15 years. “This,” EL Hayek said, “is a message by itself as every year, our loyal and repeat guests visit our stand to check on any developments.”

case its three iconic properties at the upcoming Arabian Travel Market (ATM)—the St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Doha and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi. Starwood currently operates nearly 50 hotels in the Middle East and continues to strengthen its long-established position in the region. By 2015, the press release stated, the Middle East will become the second region, after North America, to operate all nine of Starwood’s world-class brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W, Westin, Le Méridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, and the recently launched Aloft and Element - further reinforcing the company’s commitment to the region.

15 Fairmont showcases religious tourism Fairmont Raffles Hotels International (FRHI) Makkah, operator of a portfolio of leading Middle East five-star hotels including the Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, Raffles Makkah Palace and soon-to-be-opened Swissôtel Makkah, will be at ATM to showcase religious tourism. Khaled Yamak, Group Director of Communications & Business Development, FRHI Makkah, said: “With our properties affording unrivalled views of, and access to, the Holy Ka’aba and the Masjid al-Haram – the holiest sites in Islam – our central Makkah location is ideal for pilgrims and Umrah performers visiting the city to fulfil their spiritual duties. “In fact, our properties - offering 2,600 rooms and suites – makeup 40% of accommodation options in the central Makkah area. Furthermore, our average occupancies

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel looks to the East for our two operating hotels peaked at 90% in Q1 of 2012 – the highest to date since opening.” The FHRI Makkah hotels represent three internationally-renowned brands – Fairmont, Raffles and Swissôtel – each of which delivers a unique experience, and come together to offer an elegant collection of accommodation options.

Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel in Dubai, managed by Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts, and named after the 14th Century Muslim Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, is looking East where he had also gone to during a lifetime of travels. The themed hotel has launched authentic oriental services which includes traditional Chinese dining and entertainment options. Over 20 Chinesespeaking staff has been employed

to offer value-added services. The hotel expects approximately seven percent of its market share to be from China. Chinese guests staying at the Gate, as the hotel is more popularly known, are presented a social media card, which provides details of the hotel’s ‘Weibo’ page—a popular micro-blog used in China), a qq account (a popular instant messaging service used by the Chinese—and a link to the hotel’s web page explaining

its history of the hotel in Mandarin. The hotel now has two Mahjong tables in the Al Bahou hall and outside the hotel’s Chinese restaurant – Shanghai Chic. Mahjong is the most popular game in China. Ibn Battuta Gate Hotel has 396 rooms. Ibn Battuta landed in China in 1346 and travelled as far inland as Beijing. For inquiries, email: reservations.ibnbattuta@moevenpick. com.

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort posts 90% occupancy

Miramar Al Aqah Beach Resort, an upmarket Moroccan-style property in the heart of Fujairah, posted a 90-percent occupancy for the first quarter of the year, according to Ashraf Helmy, General Manager & Area Business Development Manager. Helmy said he and his team will be networking with key tourism players in this year’s edition of ATM to further promote the property’s excellent facilities, luxurious accommodation and breathtaking views such as the white-sand Al Aqah Beach and the dramatic Al Hajar mountains. It will also unveil its summer packages that are sure to attract more visitors to the property. Iberotel Miramar Al Aqah, a fivestar resort, is approximately 140 km from Dubai International Airport and just 45 km from Fujairah National Airport.

Clover Creek Hotel Apartments Deira does 30% Clover Creek Hotel Apartments Deira, one of Clover Creek Hotels & Resorts’ main properties, posted a 30-percent growth in occupancy in the first quarter of this year compared to the 2011. Samer Homsi, Clover Hotels & Resorts, general manager, said the group is also already witnessing strong interest from GCC, European, Asian, Russian and Chinese travellers coming for on either a business trip or for a holiday. Samer said: “Keeping an eye on the travel trends of Middle East, we have formulated policies that have helped us grow in double digits. Thus we are very optimistic that this year’s ATM will assist us in unlocking the tourism potential within the global inbound and outbound tourism professionals.” FH COUPLE PATH_Cachet 200312.indd 1

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16 Country Club Hotel sees 91% Country Club Hotel, which tops hotels at the heart of Bur Dubai, is looking at a 91-percent occupancy this year, Zafar Khader, general manager, told TAN. “We are targeting the – GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), German and the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) markets,” said Khader. Country Club Hotel is a favorite holiday vacation and business destination. With a tremendous occupancy record last winter, the property is now looking for the summer season with an energized spirit and positive note, according to Khader who have just recently joined the company. Country Club Hotel is a fourstar property with 102 rooms

equipped with the latest features and facilities. The hotel is in close proximity to major shopping malls, tourist attractions and business avenues. With five restaurant outlets, every guest’s food desires can be satisfied.

future for humankind by highlighting the importance of achieving co-prosperity of the sea and humans and provide the vision for building a green economy that keeps the ocean healthy through

clean technologies. Visit the Expo homepage and ticket sales at the following webpage: http://eng.expo2012.kr/ main.html www.visitkorea.or.kr or call 0097143312288/25

Yeosu Expo 2012 Korea Tourism Organization’s Dubai Office has gone full swing and launched various packages for travellers who may want to visit Yeosu Expo 2012, “The Living Ocean and Coast” that will be

held from May 12, 2012 to Aug. 12, 2012. More than one hundred countries will participate with an expected eight million visitors to the Expo which will also feature some

countries from Middle East like KSA and UAE. Expo 2012 Yeosu is an international exposition centred on the theme of ocean and coast. It will contribute to finding a brighter

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17 Qatar Airways to showcase Boeing 787 Dreamliner Qatar Airways will showcase its new Boeing 787 seats with their Middle East debut at the region’s largest travel trade fair taking place in Dubai next week. Following the global unveiling of the airline’s 787 Dreamliner seats in Berlin last month, the company will again come under the spotlight at Arabian Travel Market (ATM). On display at Qatar Airways’ newlook exhibition stand, which also makes a first-time presence in the Middle East, are the airline’s Business and Economy Class 787 seats. ATM runs from April 30 – May 3 at the Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre. The airline is the Middle East launch customer of the 787 with the first of 60 aircraft on order due for delivery this summer. The seat design is revolutionary and the proprietary to Qatar Airways, which worked closely with the manufacturer to have custom-made seats fitted on the aircraft – with space and comfort the biggest features of both cabins. As part of its 2012 expansion programme, Qatar Airways launches flights to a further 11 destinations – Zagreb (Croatia) from May 9; Perth (Australia) from July 3 and other cities during the year, including Mombasa (Kenya), Zanzibar (Tanzania), Helsinki (Finland), Gassim (Saudi Arabia), Belgrade (Serbia), Erbil (Iraq), Baghdad (Iraq), Kilimanjaro (Tanzania) and Yangon (Myanmar). In February, the carrier launched services to the European capital cities of Baku in Azerbaijan, Tbilisi in Georgia and, last month began flights to Kigali, the capital of Rwanda in East Africa. Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 108 aircraft from its Doha hub to 113 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, North America and South America.

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who’s

who

recent appointments

GENERAL MANAGERS Gilles Longuet--Meliá Dubai Meliá Hotels International of Spain now has a complete slate for its Dubai Executive Team led by veteran hotelier Gilles Longuet who has been appointed general manager of Meliá Dubai. Having joined Accor in 1991, Longuet has held numerous managerial roles in Hanoi, Accra, Sharm El Sheikh, Moscow and Tahiti. His first stint in the Middle East came as Deputy General Manager of the Sofitel City Centre Hotel and Residence, Grand Mercure Doha in Qatar before overseeing the opening of Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach in 2009.

acre mega development by Emaar, described as “The Centre of Now.”

Axel Jarosch -- Six Senses Zighy Bay Six Senses Zighy Bay has announced the appointment of Axel Jarosch as general manager, tasked to oversee the resorts daily operations and guest experiences. Most recently Jarosch was the Operations Director in charge of hotel openings for Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas based in Abu Dhabi. Prior to this he held the position of General Manager at Anantara Al Madina A’Zarqa Oman Resort & Spa during its preopening stage.

Jumeirah has new COO Jumeirah Group, the global luxury hospitality company and a member of Dubai Holding, announced the appointment of Nicholas Clayton as chief operating officer and the retirement of Guy Crawford as chief executive officer. Clayton joins Jumeirah Group from the Viceroy Hotel Group where he was President and later CEO. In that role he led a team of 3,500 colleagues in 15 properties. Previously Clayton spent 14 years with Ritz-Carlton in their businesses in the United States, Australia and finally Singapore where he was Managing Director of the Ritz-Carlton

Millenia. He then joined Mandarin Oriental in 2001 as Senior Vice President Operations based in Hong Kong. He was responsible for the group’s 18 Asian and European properties and a staff of over 9,000 as well as the Food and Beverage and Spa divisions globally Meantime, JG announced Crawford’s planned retirement in June 2012. In his 10 years with the company, Crawford has helped build Jumeirah into one

of the most successful global luxury hospitality brands.

The Chedi Muscat takes in new spa director The Chedi Muscat recently welcomed its newly-appointed Spa Director Rika Rusnaeni, who is responsible for the dayto-day management and operations of the hotel’s award-winning 800-square-meter wellness sanctuary. Rusnaeni has worked in the spa and wellness industry for 10-years and has a strong focus on personalised service of the highest quality standards. She

has gained profound expertise over the years working in various consultancies, and operational and managerial positions at some of the world’s most luxurious resorts in Indonesia, Malaysia and the Maldives. She also played an instrumental role in the opening of The Ananti Kumgang Mountain Golf and Spa Resort in North Korea, operated by General Hotel Management Ltd. (GHM).

Minor Hotel Group appoints Robert Kunkler as SVP Hotel Operations

Gilles Longuet

Axel Jarosch

Philippe Georges Zuber Anders Dimblad

Philippe Georges Zuber --The Address Downtown Dubai

Anders Dimblad -Banyan Tree Hotels

Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure business subsidiary of Emaar Properties PJSC, has appointed Philippe Georges Zuber as general manager of The Address Downtown Dubai, a flagship property of The Address Hotels + Resorts, owned and managed by the Group. Zuber will be mandated with the day-to-day management of the property located in Downtown Dubai, the 500-

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts has appointed Anders Dimblad general manager of its two properties in Ras Al Khaimah—Banyan Tree Al Wadi and Banyan Tree, Ras Al Khaimah Beach. Dimblad has criss-crossed the globe since he began his career at Banyan Tree in 2003, including management roles at Banyan Tree Seychelles, Angsana Ihuru, Angsana Hotel & Suites and Banyan Tree Bangkok.

Minor Hotel Group (MHG), a hotel owner, operator and investor, currently with a portfolio

of 75 properties in operation across 10 countries, has announced the appointment of Robert Kunkler as senior vice president for hotel operations. Kunkler, who is from Freiburg, Germany, will be responsible for the performance of all operating Anantara properties across all geographies, and for the successful opening of those which are already in or join the future openings pipeline. He joins MHG from Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts where he held the position of Regional Vice Presi-

New Media One Hotel operations director is ICHM graduate Media One Hotel has appointed Luke James as Director of Operations. James recently worked in Societe des Bains de Mer Monte Carlo Beach Club, Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi. He graduated from Swiss Hotel Association’s International www.travel-arabia.com

College of Hotel Management (ICHM) with a Bachelor’s Degree to start his career in hospitality. Australian born, James has spent 12 years in international hospitality and is a member of ‘La Chaine De Rotisseurs’.

dent for Operations in Dubai. A veteran of the hospitality industry, Kunkler worked in Germany, the UK, Singapore, the Philippines, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates before joining Jumeirah in 1999 as a member of the pre-opening team for the iconic Burj Al Arab. Since then, he has held the positions of General Manager at three of the group’s hotels, followed by an Area General Manager role prior to being promoted to his most recent position three years ago.

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